Why Choose the Finder 7P.23.9.500.0015 Type 2 Photovoltaic Surge Protection Device?
The Finder 7P.23.9.500.0015 is a high-voltage DC Type 2 surge protection device (SPD) designed to protect photovoltaic installations and compatible DC electrical systems against transient overvoltages caused by lightning activity and electrical switching disturbances. Part of the Finder 7P Series, this three-pole surge arrester provides coordinated protection for solar PV equipment in a compact DIN rail-mounted assembly.
Specifically intended for photovoltaic DC applications, the Finder 7P.23.9.500.0015 is rated for systems with a maximum DC voltage of 1,500 V. It is suitable for appropriately designed high-voltage solar installations, including commercial and industrial photovoltaic systems where transient overvoltages could damage inverters, DC distribution equipment and other connected components.
The device features a nominal discharge current (In) of 15 kA, measured using the standard 8/20 µs surge current waveform. Its three-pole configuration and replaceable varistor modules provide a practical solution for protecting photovoltaic DC circuits while simplifying inspection and maintenance.
With a 35 mm DIN rail mounting arrangement, IP20 protection rating and an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +80 °C, the Finder 7P.23.9.500.0015 is designed for installation inside suitable electrical enclosures. It is particularly valuable for solar PV combiner boxes, inverter-side DC protection and renewable energy electrical distribution systems.
Key Advantages
- Type 2 surge protection for photovoltaic DC electrical installations.
- 1,500 V DC voltage rating for compatible high-voltage PV systems.
- Three-pole protective arrangement designed for photovoltaic surge protection applications.
- 15 kA nominal discharge current using the 8/20 µs waveform.
- Metal oxide varistor technology helps limit transient overvoltages.
- Replaceable varistor modules simplify maintenance of the surge protection assembly.
- Visual protection status indication supports routine inspection.
- DIN rail mounting allows integration into compatible PV distribution enclosures.
- Compact three-module construction helps conserve electrical panel space.
- IP20 ingress protection for installation inside suitable enclosures.
- -40 °C to +80 °C operating temperature range supports demanding installation environments.
- Suitable for photovoltaic combiner boxes and DC distribution panels.
- Designed for inverter-side surge protection in appropriately coordinated PV installations.
- Finder 7P Series construction provides a manufacturer-engineered solution for renewable energy protection.
Key Features
- Finder 7P Series surge protection device.
- Manufacturer part number: 7P.23.9.500.0015.
- Type 2 SPD classification.
- Designed for photovoltaic applications.
- High-voltage DC protection.
- Rated DC voltage: 1,500 V DC.
- Three-pole construction.
- Nominal discharge current: 15 kA.
- Discharge current waveform: 8/20 µs.
- Voltage-limiting varistor technology.
- Replaceable protective modules.
- Visual status indication.
- 35 mm DIN rail mounting.
- Approximately 53.8 mm overall width.
- Approximately 89.6 mm overall height.
- Approximately 65.9 mm overall depth.
- IP20 ingress protection.
- Operating temperature: -40 °C to +80 °C.
- Suitable for compatible photovoltaic DC distribution equipment.
- EAN / GTIN: 8012823413334.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Finder
- Series: 7P Series
- Manufacturer part number: 7P.23.9.500.0015
- EAN / GTIN: 8012823413334
- Product type: Photovoltaic surge protection device
- SPD classification: Type 2
- Application: Photovoltaic and compatible high-voltage DC systems
- Number of poles: 3
- Rated DC voltage: 1,500 V DC
- Nominal discharge current (In): 15 kA
- Discharge current waveform: 8/20 µs
- Protection technology: Metal oxide varistor
- Replaceable protective modules: Yes
- Protection status indication: Visual
- Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail
- Overall height: Approximately 89.6 mm
- Overall width: Approximately 53.8 mm
- Overall depth: Approximately 65.9 mm
- Modular width: Approximately 3 DIN modules
- Maximum conductor size: 25 mm²
- Ingress protection: IP20
- Operating temperature range: -40 °C to +80 °C
- Net weight: Approximately 364.3 g
- Country of origin: Czechia
- Installation environment: Suitable electrical enclosure or PV distribution cabinet
- Intended protection: Transient overvoltages in photovoltaic DC circuits
High-Voltage DC Surge Protection for Solar Photovoltaic Systems
Solar photovoltaic installations can be exposed to transient overvoltages caused by nearby lightning strikes, switching operations and electromagnetic disturbances. Because PV arrays are frequently installed on rooftops or in exposed outdoor locations, their DC cabling can provide a path for surge energy to reach inverters and associated electrical equipment.
The Finder 7P.23.9.500.0015 is designed to help reduce this risk by providing Type 2 surge protection for compatible photovoltaic DC circuits. Its protective elements respond to transient overvoltages by providing a controlled surge current path, helping limit the voltage experienced by connected equipment.
The device's 1,500 V DC rating makes it suitable for high-voltage photovoltaic installations where the maximum system voltage falls within the manufacturer's specified operating limits. This is particularly relevant to larger commercial and industrial solar PV systems, which may operate at higher DC string voltages than smaller residential installations.
With a 15 kA nominal discharge current, measured using the 8/20 µs waveform, the Finder 7P.23.9.500.0015 is designed to withstand repeated surge current events within its specified performance limits. The protective performance of the complete installation depends on correct SPD selection, wiring layout, earthing and coordination with other surge protection devices.
The three-pole arrangement is designed for photovoltaic DC protection rather than conventional three-phase AC distribution. This distinction is important: although the device contains three protective poles, it is not intended to be selected as an ordinary three-phase 230/400 V AC surge arrester.
The device is suitable for installation at appropriate lightning protection zone boundaries, commonly between LPZ 1 and LPZ 2, where Type 2 protection is required. If the photovoltaic installation is subject to direct lightning current exposure or requires Type 1 protection, the SPD arrangement must be assessed accordingly by a qualified designer.
DIN Rail Installation and Replaceable Protection Modules
The Finder 7P.23.9.500.0015 is designed for installation onto a standard 35 mm DIN rail, allowing it to be incorporated into compatible photovoltaic combiner boxes, DC distribution cabinets and inverter protection enclosures.
Its approximately 53.8 mm width occupies around three DIN rail modules, providing a compact protective assembly for high-voltage photovoltaic circuits. The device must be installed in a suitable enclosure that provides the environmental protection required for the installation location.
Correct installation is essential for effective surge protection. The SPD must be connected according to the manufacturer's specified photovoltaic circuit arrangement, with suitable conductor sizes, appropriate upstream protection where required and effective earthing.
Surge protection conductors should be kept as short and direct as practicable to minimise additional voltage drop during transient events. The location of the SPD should also be considered in relation to the PV array, DC cable runs and inverter equipment.
The replaceable varistor modules allow the protective elements to be serviced when necessary. The visual status indication should be checked during routine maintenance and following known significant surge events. Where a module indicates that replacement is required, the correct manufacturer-specified cartridge should be fitted.
Because photovoltaic circuits can remain energised whenever sufficient light reaches the solar modules, installation and maintenance require particular care. Work must be carried out by a competent electrical professional using appropriate DC isolation procedures and following applicable photovoltaic installation standards.
Typical Applications
- Commercial photovoltaic installations.
- Industrial solar PV systems.
- High-voltage photovoltaic DC strings.
- Solar inverter DC input protection.
- Photovoltaic combiner boxes.
- Solar array DC distribution cabinets.
- Ground-mounted solar installations.
- Large rooftop photovoltaic systems.
- Renewable energy generation facilities.
- Industrial DC distribution systems where manufacturer compatibility is confirmed.
- Photovoltaic installations exposed to induced lightning surges.
- PV electrical systems requiring Type 2 surge protection.
- Solar power equipment maintenance and refurbishment.
- Electrical protection of compatible 1,500 V DC photovoltaic installations.
