Why Choose the Finder 7P.23.9.000.1015 Photovoltaic Surge Protection Device?
The Finder 7P.23.9.000.1015 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 Finder 7P surge protection series, this three-module surge arrester provides dependable 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 surge protection between the positive and negative DC conductors and protective earth. Its modular construction enables individual varistor cartridges to be replaced when required, reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unnecessary replacement of the complete surge protection assembly.
With a maximum continuous photovoltaic operating voltage of 1020 V DC, a 15 kA nominal discharge current and a 40 kA maximum discharge current, the Finder 7P.23.9.000.1015 is designed for demanding photovoltaic applications. Unlike the 7P.23.9.000.0015 variant, this model includes remote status signalling, allowing surge protection condition monitoring through compatible alarm circuits and automation systems. Its compact 35 mm DIN rail-mounted design makes 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 installations.
- 1020 V DC maximum continuous operating voltage for compatible solar power systems.
- 15 kA nominal discharge current for effective protection against transient overvoltages.
- 40 kA maximum discharge current for handling high-energy surge events.
- Three-varistor protection configuration provides protection across photovoltaic DC conductors and protective earth.
- Integrated remote signalling contact enables monitoring of surge protection status.
- Visual status indicators allow quick identification of exhausted or damaged varistor modules.
- Replaceable varistor cartridges simplify maintenance and reduce equipment replacement costs.
- 35 mm DIN rail mounting enables straightforward installation inside electrical distribution enclosures.
- IP20-rated construction suitable for installation within protected electrical cabinets.
- Remote monitoring capability supports preventative maintenance and improved photovoltaic system availability.
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 protection.
- 1020 V DC maximum continuous operating voltage (UCPV).
- 510 V DC maximum continuous operating voltage per varistor module.
- 15 kA nominal discharge current (In) using an 8/20 µs surge waveform.
- 40 kA maximum discharge current (Imax) using an 8/20 µs surge waveform.
- 4 kV system voltage protection level (Up).
- 25 ns response time for rapid transient suppression.
- Remote signalling contact for external fault monitoring and alarm integration.
- Changeover contact (1 CO / SPDT) for remote status signalling.
- Visual varistor status indication for local inspection.
- Replaceable surge protection modules for simplified maintenance.
- 35 mm DIN rail mounting in accordance with EN 60715.
- IP20 protection rating for installation in suitable electrical enclosures.
- Designed for operation in ambient temperatures from −40 to +80 °C.
- Suitable for photovoltaic DC surge protection applications requiring remote condition monitoring.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Finder
- Series: 7P Surge Protection Devices
- Model: 7P.23.9.000.1015
- Alternative part number: 7P2390001015
- Product type: Photovoltaic DC surge protection device
- SPD classification: Type 2 / Class II
- Protection technology: Metal oxide varistor (MOV)
- Protection configuration: Three replaceable 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 (In): 15 kA (8/20 µs)
- Maximum discharge current (Imax): 40 kA (8/20 µs)
- System voltage protection level (Up): 4 kV
- Voltage protection level (+ to −): 4 kV
- Voltage protection level (+/− to PE): 4 kV
- Response time (ta): 25 ns
- Ambient operating temperature: −40 to +80 °C
- Protection rating: IP20
- Mounting type: 35 mm DIN rail (EN 60715)
- Construction width: 3 modular spacing units
- Terminal type: Screw terminals
- Maximum solid conductor cross-section: 35 mm²
- Maximum flexible conductor cross-section: 25 mm²
- Status indication: Mechanical visual indicator
- Remote signalling: Included
- Remote contact configuration: 1 CO (SPDT)
- Remote contact rated current: 0.5 A AC / 0.1 A DC
- Remote contact rated voltage: 250 V AC / 30 V DC
- Replacement varistor module: Finder 7P.20.9.500.0015
- Approximate width: 53.8 mm
- EAN: 8012823368498
- Applicable standard: EN 50539-11 (photovoltaic SPD series specification)
Reliable Surge Protection with Remote Monitoring for Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaic installations are exposed to transient overvoltages caused by nearby lightning activity, electromagnetic disturbances and electrical switching events. These surges can damage sensitive equipment, including solar inverters, monitoring systems and DC electrical distribution components. The Finder 7P.23.9.000.1015 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 in a photovoltaic surge protection configuration. 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 connected equipment. The device provides a 4 kV system voltage protection level, helping reduce the effects of potentially damaging voltage transients.
A major advantage of the 7P.23.9.000.1015 is its integrated remote status signalling contact. In addition to the local visual indicators, this feature enables the condition of the surge protection device to be monitored remotely. The changeover contact can be connected to a suitable alarm circuit, monitoring relay, PLC input or building management system, allowing maintenance personnel to identify a protection failure without requiring immediate physical inspection of the electrical cabinet.
The Finder 7P.23.9 Series also features replaceable varistor cartridges. When a module reaches the end of its service life, the compatible Finder 7P.20.9.500.0015 replacement module can be fitted while retaining the serviceable DIN rail-mounted base assembly. This helps simplify maintenance, minimise unnecessary component replacement and maintain effective protection of valuable photovoltaic equipment.
As a Type 2 surge protection device, the Finder 7P.23.9.000.1015 is intended primarily for protection against induced lightning surges and switching overvoltages. Where an installation requires protection against direct lightning currents, appropriate Type 1 or coordinated Type 1+2 surge protection must also be considered in accordance with the electrical installation design.
Typical Applications
- Commercial and industrial photovoltaic solar installations.
- Solar inverter DC input surge protection.
- Photovoltaic string combiner boxes and DC distribution panels.
- Solar farms and large-scale renewable energy installations.
- Rooftop photovoltaic systems requiring surge protection monitoring.
- Industrial DC electrical distribution equipment.
- Electrical control cabinets associated with solar power generation systems.
- Photovoltaic installations with PLC-based monitoring and alarm systems.
- Remote monitoring of surge protection status in renewable energy infrastructure.
- Protection of sensitive solar inverter and monitoring equipment against transient overvoltages.
- Preventative maintenance and condition monitoring of photovoltaic electrical protection systems.
