Transient Surge Protector PSM3-40/600 PV 3 Plug-in Modules

The Cirprotec PSM3-40/600 PV surge protection device, reference 77707850, is a Type 2 surge protective device specifically developed for photovoltaic DC installations. It features a YPV configuration with L+, L- and PE connection, maximum continuous operating voltage Ucpv of 660 V DC and a high discharge capacity of up to 40 kA, providing protection for equipment connected on the DC side of the solar installation.

Its pluggable 3-module DIN rail design allows the protection cartridges to be replaced individually when they reach the end of their service life, without needing to replace the entire base. It includes a visual status indicator, dynamic thermal disconnection and a reversible base to facilitate cable entry from the top or bottom of the panel.

Type 2 surge protector for photovoltaic installations

The Cirprotec PSM3-40/600 PV is classified as a PV Type 2 surge protective device according to EN and Class II according to IEC. It is specifically designed for photovoltaic DC circuits and complies with IEC/EN 61643-31.

Its function is to limit transient voltage surges that may appear in DC conductors due to indirect lightning effects or switching operations and electrical disturbances, reducing the voltage reaching inverters and other connected equipment.

Ucpv of 660 V DC

Although the commercial designation of the model is PSM3-40/600 PV, the maximum continuous operating voltage Ucpv specified by Cirprotec according to IEC is 660 V DC.

This value must be taken into account when sizing the protection of the photovoltaic installation. The maximum voltage of the solar generator must be compatible with the Ucpv of the protector under all expected operating conditions, including open-circuit voltage at low temperature.

Imax of 40 kA and In of 20 kA

The protector offers a maximum discharge current Imax of 40 kA with 8/20 µs waveform and a nominal discharge current In of 20 kA, also with 8/20 µs waveform.

• Maximum discharge current Imax: 40 kA, 8/20 µs waveform.
• Nominal discharge current In: 20 kA, 8/20 µs waveform.
• Protection type: PV Type 2 / Class II.

These characteristics allow the PSM3-40/600 PV to withstand and divert successive transient impulses within the conditions established by the standard and by Cirprotec.

Protection level Up ≤2.6 kV

The voltage protection level Up declared by Cirprotec is ≤2.6 kV at the nominal discharge current, both between L+ and L- and between line and earth.

The Up value represents the residual voltage present during the operation of the protector under test conditions. Proper coordination with the withstand voltage of inverters and other equipment is essential to achieve effective protection.

3-pole YPV configuration

The PSM3-40/600 PV has an internal +, -, PE configuration and uses three protection elements. The protected modes are:

• L+ / PE.
• L- / PE.
• L+ / L-.

This YPV configuration is specifically designed for the protection of photovoltaic DC lines.

Short-circuit withstand Iscpv of 10 kA

Cirprotec specifies a short-circuit withstand Iscpv of 10 kA. For the PSM YPV range, the manufacturer indicates that no additional upstream fuse is required in the photovoltaic circuit within the specified conditions for the device.

Final coordination must be carried out taking into account the available short-circuit current, string or generator protection, the inverter and the specific conditions of the installation.

Dynamic thermal disconnection

The protector incorporates a dynamic thermal disconnection system optimized for DC voltages. When the protection element reaches an end-of-life condition or abnormal operation, the system disconnects it, leaving the protection circuit open.

This function is designed to increase the safety of the protector during its service life and facilitate identification of the need to replace the cartridge.

Visual status indicator

Reference 77707850 includes visual indication to quickly check the status of the cartridges:

• Green: protector operational.
• Not green: cartridge at end of service life and needs replacement.

This standard reference does not include remote signaling contact. For that function, Cirprotec offers the PSM3-40/600 PV IR variant, reference 77707851.

Pluggable format with replaceable cartridges

The pluggable design allows the protection cartridges to be removed and replaced without replacing the complete base installed on the DIN rail. This feature simplifies maintenance tasks and reduces intervention time in photovoltaic panels.

The cartridges are mechanically coded to help prevent the installation of an incorrect replacement. For the 600 V variant, Cirprotec identifies the line cartridge PSM-40/600 PV with reference 77707656.

Reversible base

The protector base has a reversible chassis that allows cable entry to be adapted from the top or bottom. This feature provides flexibility during installation and facilitates cable management inside the electrical panel.

Response time ≤25 ns

The response time specified by Cirprotec is ≤25 ns, allowing the device to react to extremely fast surge impulses characteristic of transient disturbances.

3 modules for DIN rail

The PSM3-40/600 PV is designed for DIN rail mounting and occupies 3 modules. Its approximate dimensions are 54 mm wide, 90 mm high and 70 mm deep.

The modular format makes it easy to install in DC protection panels for photovoltaic systems alongside disconnectors, fuses and other protection devices.

Terminals up to 35 mm²

The protector terminals accept the following conductor sizes:

• Rigid conductor: 6-35 mm².
• Flexible conductor: 6-25 mm².
• Tightening torque: 3 Nm.

The effective conductor size must be determined according to the installation design and the manufacturer's mounting instructions.

IP20 protection

The device has an IP20 protection rating and is intended for installation inside electrical panels or suitable enclosures that provide the required degree of protection for the location.

Wide temperature range

The PSM3-40/600 PV is specified to operate in a temperature range of -40 to +85 °C and with relative humidity between 5 and 95%.

The insulating material used is PA66 CT1 and has UL94 V-0 flammability classification.

Compact weight

The PSM3-40/600 PV version has an approximate net weight of 0.291 kg, making it easy to install in distribution and photovoltaic protection panels.

Applications of the Cirprotec PSM3-40/600 PV

• Solar photovoltaic installations.
• DC protection panels.
• Protection of the DC side of photovoltaic inverters.
• Self-consumption installations.
• Commercial and industrial solar rooftops.
• Photovoltaic plants compatible with its Ucpv voltage.
• Systems requiring a 40 kA Type 2 PV surge protector.

Technical features of the Cirprotec 77707850

• Brand: Cirprotec.
• Reference: 77707850.
• Model: PSM3-40/600 PV.
• Family: PSM YPV.
• Application: DC photovoltaic installations.
• Type: transient surge protector.
• IEC classification: Class II.
• EN classification: PV Type 2.
• Network configuration: YPV.
• Internal configuration: +, -, PE.
• Protection modes: L+/PE, L-/PE and L+/L-.
• Maximum continuous operating voltage Ucpv: 660 V DC.
• Nominal discharge current In: 20 kA, 8/20 µs waveform.
• Maximum discharge current Imax: 40 kA, 8/20 µs waveform.
• Protection level Up L+/L-: ≤2.6 kV.
• Protection level Up line/PE: ≤2.6 kV.
• Short-circuit withstand Iscpv: 10 kA.
• Response time: ≤25 ns.
• Dynamic thermal disconnection: yes.
• Thermal disconnection mode: open circuit.
• Format: pluggable.
• Replaceable cartridges: yes.
• Status indicator: visual.
• Indication: green OK / not green replace.
• Remote indication: not on this reference.
• Reversible base: yes.
• Number of DIN modules: 3.
• Mounting: DIN rail.
• Width: approximately 54 mm.
• Height: approximately 90 mm.
• Depth: approximately 70 mm.
• Protection rating: IP20.
• Insulating material: PA66 CT1.
• Flammability: UL94 V-0.
• Rigid conductor: 6-35 mm².
• Flexible conductor: 6-25 mm².
• Tightening torque: 3 Nm.
• Operating temperature: -40 to +85 °C.
• Relative humidity: 5-95%.
• Net weight: 0.291 kg.
• Replacement cartridge for the 600 version: PSM-40/600 PV, reference 77707656.
• Standard: IEC/EN 61643-31.
• Additional certification: UL 1449 5th edition.

High-performance Type 2 protection for photovoltaic systems

The Cirprotec PSM3-40/600 PV combines a Ucpv of 660 V DC with a maximum discharge capacity of 40 kA, In of 20 kA and a protection level Up ≤2.6 kV. These features are specifically aimed at protecting the DC side of photovoltaic installations against transient overvoltages.

Its pluggable design, replaceable and coded cartridges, visual status indicator and reversible base simplify both initial installation and subsequent maintenance tasks. All of this is integrated into a compact 3-module DIN format.

Important: reference 77707850 includes visual indication, but does not incorporate remote signaling contact. The equivalent version with remote indication is 77707851. The selection of the Ucpv must be made considering the maximum open-circuit voltage of the photovoltaic generator under the most unfavorable operating conditions.