Why Choose the Finder 7P.23.9.750.1020 Type 2 Photovoltaic Surge Protection Device?
The Finder 7P.23.9.750.1020 is a high-performance Type 2 photovoltaic DC surge protection device (SPD) designed to protect solar power installations against transient overvoltages caused by lightning-induced disturbances and electrical switching events. Part of the Finder 7P Series, this three-pole surge arrester incorporates three metal oxide varistor protection elements in a Y-connected arrangement and is specifically engineered for photovoltaic systems with a maximum continuous operating voltage of 750 V DC.
Featuring a 20 kA nominal discharge current (In) and a 40 kA maximum discharge current (Imax), the Finder 7P.23.9.750.1020 provides substantial surge-handling capability for photovoltaic DC circuits. Its Type 2 classification makes it suitable for protecting solar inverter DC inputs, photovoltaic string connections and DC distribution equipment against induced lightning surges and switching transients.
This version includes an integrated remote signalling changeover contact (SPDT), allowing the condition of the protective elements to be monitored through compatible alarm, PLC and supervisory systems. The device also features three replaceable varistor cartridges, local optical status indication and compact DIN rail construction. With IP20 protection, an operating temperature range of −40 to +80 °C and compatibility with standard 35 mm mounting rails, it provides a practical protection solution for commercial, industrial and renewable energy installations.
Key Advantages
- Dedicated photovoltaic protection: Specifically designed for DC solar power installations.
- 750 V DC maximum continuous operating voltage: Supports appropriately designed photovoltaic string and inverter circuits.
- Type 2 surge protection: Helps protect electrical equipment against induced lightning surges and switching overvoltages.
- 20 kA nominal discharge current: Provides dependable surge current handling using the standard 8/20 µs waveform.
- 40 kA maximum discharge current: Offers substantial protection capability against high-amplitude transient surges.
- Three-varistor Y-connected arrangement: Provides coordinated protection paths for photovoltaic DC conductors and protective earth.
- Integrated remote signalling: Enables monitoring of surge protection status from compatible external equipment.
- SPDT changeover contact: Supports integration with alarm circuits, PLC inputs and building management systems.
- Finder 07P.01 connector included: Simplifies connection of the remote status signalling circuit.
- Visual status indication: Allows immediate local inspection of the protective elements.
- Replaceable varistor cartridges: Supports efficient maintenance without automatically replacing the complete SPD assembly.
- Compact three-module construction: Conserves installation space in photovoltaic distribution cabinets.
- 35 mm DIN rail mounting: Enables straightforward integration into standard electrical enclosures.
- Wide operating temperature range: Suitable for demanding renewable energy installation environments.
- IEC/EN 61643-31 design: Developed for surge protection applications in photovoltaic DC installations.
Key Features
- Finder 7P Series photovoltaic surge protection device.
- 7P.23 product family.
- Type 2 DC surge arrester.
- Designed for photovoltaic installations.
- Maximum continuous photovoltaic operating voltage (UCPV): 750 V DC.
- Three-pole protection configuration.
- Three metal oxide varistor protection elements.
- Y-connected surge protection arrangement.
- Nominal discharge current (In): 20 kA, 8/20 µs.
- Maximum discharge current (Imax): 40 kA, 8/20 µs.
- Integrated remote signalling contact.
- One changeover contact (SPDT) for protection status monitoring.
- Finder 07P.01 remote signalling connector included.
- Local optical indication of varistor condition.
- Replaceable protective cartridges.
- Three-module DIN rail construction.
- Standard 35 mm DIN rail mounting.
- Housing width of approximately 53.8 mm.
- IP20 ingress protection.
- Operating temperature range of −40 to +80 °C.
- Designed for installation in suitably protected photovoltaic electrical enclosures.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Finder
- Series: 7P Series
- Product family: 7P.23
- Model: 7P.23.9.750.1020
- Manufacturer part number: 7P.23.9.750.1020
- Product type: Photovoltaic DC surge protection device
- SPD classification: Type 2
- Application: Photovoltaic DC installations
- Maximum continuous PV operating voltage (UCPV): 750 V DC
- Number of poles: 3
- Protection configuration: Three-varistor Y connection
- Protection technology: Metal oxide varistor
- Nominal discharge current (In, 8/20 µs): 20 kA
- Maximum discharge current (Imax, 8/20 µs): 40 kA
- Remote signalling: Yes
- Remote signalling contact: 1 changeover contact (SPDT)
- Remote contact rating: 0.5 A AC / 0.1 A DC
- Remote contact reference voltages: 250 V AC / 30 V DC
- Remote signalling connector: Finder 07P.01, included
- Local status indication: Optical Healthy/Replace indicator
- Protective elements: Three replaceable varistor modules
- Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail, EN 60715
- Modular width: 3 modules
- Housing width: 53.8 mm
- Housing height: 89.6 mm
- Housing depth: 65.9 mm
- Net weight: Approximately 316.6 g
- Ingress protection: IP20
- Operating temperature: −40 to +80 °C
- Maximum stated conductor cross-section: 25 mm²
- Applicable standards: IEC/EN 61643-31
- EAN: 8012823376820
- Country of origin: Czech Republic
Reliable Type 2 Surge Protection with Remote Monitoring for Solar Installations
Photovoltaic installations are particularly vulnerable to transient electrical disturbances because solar panels and their associated DC cabling are frequently installed on rooftops, open ground and other exposed locations. Nearby lightning strikes can induce significant overvoltages in photovoltaic circuits, potentially damaging solar inverters, monitoring equipment and other connected components. The Finder 7P.23.9.750.1020 is designed to help manage these disturbances through its three-varistor Type 2 surge protection arrangement.
Its 750 V DC UCPV rating supports suitably designed photovoltaic installations, while the Y-connected protection configuration provides coordinated surge discharge paths between the relevant DC conductors and protective earth. The 20 kA nominal discharge current describes the device's performance under standardised 8/20 µs surge testing, while its 40 kA maximum discharge current provides additional surge-handling capability for high-amplitude transient events.
The integrated remote signalling changeover contact provides a significant maintenance advantage in installations where photovoltaic protection equipment is located in rooftop cabinets, inverter stations or remote distribution enclosures. By connecting the status output to a compatible PLC, alarm system or supervisory controller, maintenance personnel can receive information about the condition of the protective elements without relying solely on manual inspection. The local Healthy/Replace indicator provides an additional method for identifying when a varistor cartridge requires attention.
The replaceable varistor modules help simplify maintenance and reduce the need to replace complete surge protection assemblies. Correct installation remains essential: the photovoltaic array's maximum possible open-circuit voltage, including increases caused by low ambient temperatures, must remain within the manufacturer's specified limits. The SPD must also be coordinated with the installation's earthing arrangement, prospective short-circuit current, protective devices and conductor routing.
Typical Applications
- Commercial photovoltaic installations: Surge protection for appropriately rated solar DC circuits.
- Industrial solar power systems: Protection of photovoltaic string connections and inverter inputs.
- Residential solar installations: Type 2 surge protection where the system design requires it.
- Solar inverter DC inputs: Helping reduce exposure to lightning-induced transient overvoltages.
- Photovoltaic combiner boxes: Integration into suitable DC protection assemblies.
- Rooftop solar arrays: Protection of exposed photovoltaic cabling and connected equipment.
- Ground-mounted solar installations: Secondary-stage surge protection for suitable DC string arrangements.
- Renewable energy distribution cabinets: DIN rail-mounted photovoltaic surge protection.
- Remotely monitored solar installations: SPD condition reporting through the integrated changeover contact.
- PLC-monitored photovoltaic systems: Integration of surge protection status into supervisory control equipment.
- Solar plant maintenance programmes: Visual and remote indication of protective element condition.
- Coordinated photovoltaic surge protection systems: Type 2 protection where required by the installation design.
