Why Choose the Finder 7P.23.9.000.0015 Photovoltaic Surge Protection Device?
The Finder 7P.23.9.000.0015 is a high-performance Type 2 DC surge protection device (SPD) designed to protect photovoltaic solar installations and sensitive electrical equipment against transient overvoltages. As part of the reliable Finder 7P surge protection series, this three-module surge arrester provides effective protection against lightning-induced voltage surges and electrical switching transients in photovoltaic power generation systems.
This surge protection device incorporates three replaceable metal oxide varistor (MOV) modules, providing coordinated protection across the positive, negative and protective earth connections of a photovoltaic DC installation. Its modular construction allows individual varistor cartridges to be replaced when required, reducing maintenance costs and avoiding the need to replace the complete surge protection assembly.
With a maximum continuous photovoltaic operating voltage of 1020 V DC and a 15 kA nominal discharge current per module, the Finder 7P.23.9.000.0015 is designed for demanding solar energy applications. Its 40 kA maximum discharge current per module, visual fault indication and compact 35 mm DIN rail mounting make it suitable for photovoltaic combiner boxes, inverter protection panels and renewable energy electrical distribution systems.
Key Advantages
- High-performance Type 2 surge protection device designed for photovoltaic DC systems.
- 1020 V DC maximum continuous operating voltage suitable for compatible solar power installations.
- 15 kA nominal discharge current per varistor module for effective transient overvoltage protection.
- 40 kA maximum discharge current per module for handling high-energy surge events.
- Three-varistor protection configuration for photovoltaic positive, negative and protective earth connections.
- Replaceable surge protection cartridges simplify maintenance and reduce equipment replacement costs.
- Integrated visual status indication allows quick identification of exhausted or damaged varistor modules.
- 25 ns response time provides rapid protection against transient voltage surges.
- 35 mm DIN rail mounting enables straightforward installation inside electrical distribution enclosures.
- Compact IP20-rated construction suitable for protected electrical cabinet installations.
Key Features
- Finder 7P.23.9 Series photovoltaic surge protection device.
- Type 2 (Class II) surge protection classification.
- Three metal oxide varistor (MOV) modules for photovoltaic DC surge protection.
- 1020 V DC maximum continuous operating voltage (UCPV) for the photovoltaic protection system.
- 510 V DC maximum continuous operating voltage per varistor module.
- 15 kA nominal discharge current (In) per module using an 8/20 µs surge waveform.
- 40 kA maximum discharge current (Imax) per module using an 8/20 µs surge waveform.
- 40 kA total discharge current (ITotal) using an 8/20 µs surge waveform.
- 2 kV voltage protection level (Up) per varistor module.
- 4 kV system voltage protection level between positive and negative conductors and between DC conductors and protective earth.
- 25 ns response time for rapid transient suppression.
- 10,000 A photovoltaic short-circuit current withstand capability (ISCPV).
- Mechanical visual indication of varistor condition.
- Replaceable varistor modules for simplified maintenance.
- 35 mm DIN rail mounting in accordance with EN 60715.
- Designed for operation in ambient temperatures from −40 to +80 °C.
- Designed in accordance with EN 61643-31 and IEC 61643-31 photovoltaic surge protection requirements.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Finder
- Series: 7P Surge Protection Devices
- Model: 7P.23.9.000.0015
- Alternative part number: 7P2390000015
- Product type: Photovoltaic DC surge protection device
- SPD classification: Type 2 / Class II
- Protection technology: Metal oxide varistor (MOV)
- Protection configuration: Three varistor modules
- Application: Photovoltaic DC electrical systems
- Maximum continuous operating voltage (UCPV): 1020 V DC
- Maximum continuous operating voltage per module: 510 V DC
- Nominal discharge current per module (In): 15 kA (8/20 µs)
- Maximum discharge current per module (Imax): 40 kA (8/20 µs)
- Total discharge current (ITotal): 40 kA (8/20 µs)
- Voltage protection level per module (Up): 2 kV
- System voltage protection level (+ to −): 4 kV
- System voltage protection level (+/− to PE): 4 kV
- Response time (ta): 25 ns
- Photovoltaic short-circuit current withstand (ISCPV): 10,000 A
- Residual current (DC): <5 µA
- Ambient operating temperature: −40 to +80 °C
- Protection rating: IP20
- Mounting type: 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715)
- Terminal type: Screw terminals
- Solid conductor capacity: 1–35 mm²
- Stranded conductor capacity: 1–25 mm²
- Wire stripping length: 14 mm
- Terminal tightening torque: 3 Nm
- Status indication: Mechanical visual indicator
- Replacement varistor module: Finder 7P.20.9.500.0015
- Remote signalling: Not included with this variant
- Dimensions (H × W × D): 89.6 × 53.8 × 65.9 mm
- Net weight: approx. 319.6 g
- EAN: 8012823398105
- Country of origin: Czechia
- Applicable standards: EN 61643-31 / IEC 61643-31
Reliable Surge Protection for Photovoltaic Energy Systems
Photovoltaic installations can be exposed to transient overvoltages caused by nearby lightning strikes, electromagnetic disturbances and electrical switching events. These voltage surges can damage sensitive components such as solar inverters, monitoring equipment and associated electrical control systems. The Finder 7P.23.9.000.0015 helps reduce these risks by limiting transient overvoltages and diverting surge currents through the protective earthing system.
The device uses three metal oxide varistor modules arranged to provide surge protection between the photovoltaic DC conductors and protective earth. During normal operation, the varistors maintain high electrical resistance. When a transient overvoltage occurs, their resistance decreases rapidly, allowing surge current to be diverted away from protected equipment. The device provides a 4 kV system voltage protection level and a 25 ns response time, helping limit the effects of damaging voltage transients.
The Finder 7P.23.9.000.0015 is intended for Type 2 surge protection at the boundary between lightning protection zones LPZ 1 and LPZ 2. It is suitable for photovoltaic systems where protection against induced lightning surges and switching overvoltages is required. The complete installation should be coordinated with other protective devices where necessary, particularly where direct lightning current protection is required.
One of the principal advantages of the Finder 7P.23.9 Series is its replaceable varistor module design. Each protection cartridge incorporates a visual condition indicator, enabling maintenance personnel to identify a failed or exhausted module. The compatible Finder 7P.20.9.500.0015 replacement cartridge can be used to restore the protection capability of the assembly without replacing the complete DIN rail-mounted device, provided the remaining components are serviceable.
Typical Applications
- Commercial and industrial photovoltaic solar installations.
- Solar inverter DC input surge protection.
- Photovoltaic string combiner boxes and DC distribution panels.
- Solar power generation and renewable energy infrastructure.
- Ground-mounted photovoltaic installations and solar farms.
- Rooftop photovoltaic electrical protection systems.
- Industrial DC electrical distribution equipment.
- Electrical control cabinets associated with photovoltaic generation systems.
- Protection of sensitive solar monitoring and inverter equipment against transient overvoltages.
- Preventative maintenance and upgrading of photovoltaic surge protection systems.
