Why Choose the Finder 7P.23.9.500.1015 Type 2 Photovoltaic Surge Protection Device with Remote Signalling?
The Finder 7P.23.9.500.1015 is a high-performance Type 2 photovoltaic surge protection device (SPD) designed to protect high-voltage solar PV installations against transient overvoltages caused by lightning activity and electrical switching disturbances. Part of the Finder 7P Series, this three-pole surge arrester combines metal oxide varistor technology, replaceable protective modules, visual status indication and remote signalling contacts in a compact DIN rail-mounted assembly.
Specifically developed for 1,500 V DC photovoltaic systems, the Finder 7P.23.9.500.1015 is suitable for appropriately designed commercial, industrial and utility-scale solar installations. Its maximum continuous operating voltage (UCPV) of 1,500 V DC allows it to be incorporated into compatible high-voltage PV protection arrangements, helping protect solar inverters, DC distribution equipment and associated electrical components.
The device provides a nominal discharge current (In) of 15 kA, measured using the standard 8/20 µs surge current waveform. Its three-varistor protective arrangement helps divert transient surge currents through the intended protective paths, reducing the voltage exposure of connected photovoltaic equipment when the SPD is correctly installed and coordinated.
A key advantage of the Finder 7P.23.9.500.1015 is its integrated remote status signalling. In addition to local visual indication of the varistor condition, the device incorporates an auxiliary changeover contact that can be connected to compatible monitoring systems. This allows maintenance personnel to receive information about SPD status without relying exclusively on physical inspection of the electrical enclosure.
With replaceable varistor cartridges, 35 mm DIN rail mounting and a compact three-module housing, this Finder surge protector is designed for professional photovoltaic installations where protection performance, maintainability and remote monitoring are important considerations.
Key Advantages
- Type 2 photovoltaic surge protection: Designed to protect compatible solar PV DC systems against induced lightning surges and switching transients.
- 1,500 V DC maximum continuous operating voltage: Suitable for high-voltage photovoltaic installations within the manufacturer's specified limits.
- Three-varistor protective arrangement: Provides coordinated surge protection for photovoltaic DC circuits.
- 15 kA nominal discharge current: Rated using the standard 8/20 µs surge current waveform.
- Remote signalling contact: Enables the protective status to be monitored by compatible external systems.
- SPDT auxiliary contact: Provides a changeover contact arrangement for remote status indication.
- Visual status indication: Allows maintenance engineers to inspect the condition of the protective modules locally.
- Replaceable varistor modules: Simplifies maintenance without automatically requiring replacement of the complete SPD assembly.
- DIN rail mounting: Supports convenient installation inside compatible PV distribution enclosures.
- Compact three-module housing: Helps conserve space in solar combiner boxes and electrical cabinets.
- IP20 protection rating: Suitable for installation within appropriately rated electrical enclosures.
- Wide operating temperature range: Designed for operation between -40 °C and +80 °C.
- Photovoltaic-specific design: Intended for high-voltage DC protection rather than conventional three-phase AC mains applications.
- Improved maintenance visibility: Combines local and remote protection status monitoring.
- Finder 7P Series construction: Provides a specialist surge protection solution for renewable energy installations.
Key Features
- Finder 7P Series surge protection device.
- Manufacturer part number: 7P.23.9.500.1015.
- Type 2 SPD classification.
- Designed specifically for photovoltaic DC applications.
- Maximum continuous operating voltage (UCPV): 1,500 V DC.
- Three-pole protective construction.
- Three metal oxide varistor protection elements.
- Nominal discharge current (In): 15 kA.
- Discharge current waveform: 8/20 µs.
- Visual varistor status indication.
- Remote status signalling.
- SPDT auxiliary contact arrangement.
- Replaceable varistor cartridges.
- 35 mm DIN rail mounting according to EN 60715.
- 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.
- Maximum conductor size: 25 mm².
- Suitable for installation at appropriate lightning protection zone boundaries.
- EAN / GTIN: 8012823413327.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Finder
- Series: 7P Series
- Manufacturer part number: 7P.23.9.500.1015
- Alternative part number: 7P2395001015
- EAN / GTIN: 8012823413327
- Product type: Photovoltaic surge protection device
- SPD classification: Type 2 / Class II
- Application: High-voltage photovoltaic DC systems
- Number of poles: 3
- Protection technology: Metal oxide varistor
- Number of protective varistor elements: 3
- Maximum continuous operating voltage (UCPV): 1,500 V DC
- Nominal discharge current (In): 15 kA
- Nominal discharge current waveform: 8/20 µs
- Remote signalling: Yes
- Auxiliary contact configuration: SPDT / changeover contact
- Visual protection status indication: Yes
- Replaceable protective modules: Yes
- Mounting method: DIN rail
- DIN rail standard: EN 60715
- DIN rail size: 35 mm
- Overall height: 89.6 mm
- Overall width: 53.8 mm
- Overall depth: 65.9 mm
- Approximate modular width: 3 DIN modules
- Maximum conductor size: 25 mm²
- Ingress protection: IP20
- Operating temperature range: -40 °C to +80 °C
- Net weight: Approximately 378.2 g
- Country of origin: Czechia
- Recommended installation location: Suitable photovoltaic electrical enclosure or DC distribution cabinet
- Typical lightning protection zone boundary: LPZ 1 to LPZ 2
High-Voltage DC Surge Protection for Photovoltaic Installations
Photovoltaic installations are particularly vulnerable to transient overvoltages because solar arrays are often mounted on rooftops, exposed structures or open ground. Lightning activity near a PV installation can induce voltage surges in long DC cable runs, potentially affecting inverters, monitoring equipment and other electrical components.
The Finder 7P.23.9.500.1015 is designed to help reduce these risks by providing Type 2 surge protection for compatible high-voltage photovoltaic DC circuits. Its metal oxide varistor elements respond to transient overvoltages by changing their electrical resistance and providing a controlled discharge path for surge current.
Under normal operating conditions, the varistors present high resistance. During a suitable transient event, their resistance decreases rapidly, allowing surge energy to be diverted through the intended protective paths. This voltage-limiting action helps reduce the transient stress experienced by connected electrical equipment.
The 1,500 V DC UCPV rating is especially important in larger photovoltaic systems where DC string voltages may be considerably higher than those found in smaller residential installations. Correct selection must account for the maximum possible PV array voltage, including the effect of low ambient temperatures on solar module open-circuit voltage.
With a 15 kA nominal discharge current, measured using the 8/20 µs waveform, the device provides a defined surge current capability for Type 2 protection applications. Its suitability must be assessed as part of the complete installation, including earthing, cable routing, upstream protection and coordination with other SPDs.
The three-pole construction is specifically intended for photovoltaic DC surge protection. It should not be confused with a conventional three-phase AC surge protection device, despite the similar number of protective poles.
Integrated Remote Signalling for Improved System Monitoring
A distinguishing feature of the Finder 7P.23.9.500.1015 is its remote signalling contact, which provides an additional method of monitoring the condition of the surge protection device.
In many photovoltaic installations, DC protection equipment is located inside combiner boxes, distribution cabinets or electrical enclosures that are not continuously attended. Without remote indication, a failed protective module may remain unnoticed until the next scheduled inspection.
The integrated SPDT changeover contact can be connected to compatible monitoring equipment to provide information about the SPD's protective status. Depending on the system design, this information may be incorporated into a building management system, industrial monitoring system or photovoltaic installation alarm circuit.
The remote contact is intended for status signalling, not for switching the main photovoltaic power circuit. The electrical ratings and wiring arrangement of the auxiliary contact must be checked against Finder's installation documentation before connection.
The device also includes visual varistor status indication, allowing maintenance personnel to inspect the protective elements directly during routine electrical inspections.
This combination of local and remote indication makes the Finder 7P.23.9.500.1015 particularly useful in commercial and industrial solar installations where rapid identification of a protection fault can support more effective maintenance planning.
DIN Rail Installation and Replaceable Varistor Modules
The Finder 7P.23.9.500.1015 is designed for mounting on a standard 35 mm DIN rail according to EN 60715. Its approximately 53.8 mm width occupies around three modular positions, allowing installation within compatible photovoltaic DC distribution enclosures.
The SPD must be connected according to Finder's specified photovoltaic wiring arrangement. Correct selection and installation are essential because high-voltage DC circuits have different electrical characteristics from conventional AC systems.
Surge protection conductors should be kept as short and direct as practicable to minimise additional voltage drop during transient events. The installation should also incorporate suitable earthing and any required protective devices, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable electrical standards.
The replaceable varistor modules simplify maintenance by allowing the protective elements to be replaced when required. The correct replacement cartridges must be selected for the installed SPD assembly.
Routine maintenance should include checking the visual status indicators, verifying the remote signalling function where connected and inspecting the surrounding electrical enclosure for signs of damage or deterioration.
Photovoltaic DC circuits can remain energised whenever sufficient light reaches the solar modules. Installation, inspection and replacement must therefore be carried out by a competent electrical professional using suitable DC isolation and safe working procedures.
Typical Applications
- Commercial photovoltaic installations.
- Industrial solar PV systems.
- Utility-scale solar power installations.
- High-voltage 1,500 V DC photovoltaic systems.
- Solar inverter DC input protection.
- Photovoltaic combiner boxes.
- Solar array DC distribution cabinets.
- Ground-mounted solar farms.
- Large commercial rooftop solar installations.
- Renewable energy generation facilities.
- Photovoltaic installations requiring remote SPD status indication.
- Solar monitoring and alarm systems.
- PV electrical systems exposed to induced lightning surges.
- High-voltage DC installations requiring Type 2 surge protection where manufacturer compatibility is confirmed.
- Solar power equipment maintenance and refurbishment.
