SURGE ARRESTER CAN BUS SYSTEMS

FOR ALL CAN BUS SYSTEMS SUCH AS LOXONE LINK AND LOXONE TREE

Newly designed protection element for overvoltages and overcurrents with THREE protection levels. The protection cascade combines a high discharge capacity with an extremely short response time and ultra-fast current limitation, resulting in an outstanding protection effect.

NEW! Surge arrester and overcurrent protection in one module, certified for 5,000 amps (pulse class C2, tested at 10,000 V).
NEW! clamping voltage only 10 V on the device side (after 1 µs)
NEW! combination of three stages with a total of 12 protection and flashover paths
NEW! PE connection with very low contact resistance for uncut and low-impedance connection with 2.5 mm²
NEW! Including two sets of terminals green, grey and orange for three-pole connection of D+, D- and GND
NEW! now also available as a SparPack or SuperSparPack with addition (one piece for five pieces or two pieces for 10 pieces)

This lightning protection module is designed for all CAN-based bus systems such as Lox Link, Loxone Tree, CAN Bus (car, mobile homes).

YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM

• Very low protective voltage: Three-stage module for a protective voltage of only 10 V on the device side after 1 µs
• Overcurrent protection included: Module also contains overcurrent protection (limited to 200 mA)
• Optimum protection of servers: Particularly suitable for protecting RS-232 interfaces on servers, extensions and devices
• Solid protective earth connection: PE connection with low impedance as well as uncut routing
• Overall protection: Due to the combination of short response time, low protection level and nimble current limiting, this protective element minimises the load on the protected devices of the RS-232 connection as well as all insulations, especially on the device side, to practically zero

AREAS OF APPLICATION

Lightning and surge protection system certified according to DIN / IEC 61643, tested for use with CAN interfaces

• CAN interfaces: Three-stage protection for all CAN-based interfaces (e.g. also in motorhomes)
• Timberwolf Server: Three-stage protection of the CAN interface
• Loxone Server: Three-level protection of the Loxone LINK and TREE interfaces
• Loxone Extensions: Three-level protection of the Loxone LINK interfaces
• Loxone TREE Ex tensions: Three-level protection of the Loxone TREE interfaces
  
  

ESSENTIAL FEATURES

• Range of application: Module for protecting serial CAN interfaces and lines against overvoltage and, opposite the device side, also against overcurrent
• Protection levels: Innovative three-stage overvoltage arrester including overcurrent protection, low dynamic resistance due to parallel-acting protective paths
• Protection gaps: 12 protection gaps, consisting of six bidirectional flashover gaps plus three protection gaps via diodes plus three protection gaps via current limiters
• Response time: Short response time of the entire module of less than 40 ps
• PE connection: Low-impedance PE connection for uncut connection to lightning equipotential bonding with 2.5 mm².
• Protection level bus side D+ against GND: < 620 V (with pulse class C2, 10,000 V (1.2/50 µs) / 5,000 A (8/20 µs)
• Protection level bus side D- against G ND: < 606 V (for pulse class C2, 10,000 V (1.2/50 µs) / 5,000 A (8/20 µs))
• Protection level unit side D+ against GND: < 10 V after 1 µs (for pulse class C2, 10,000 V (1.2/50 µs) / 5,000 A (8/20 µs))
• Protection level unit side D- against GND: < 10 V after 1 µs (for pulse class C2, 10,000 V (1.2/50 µs) / 5,000 A (8/20 µs)
• Overall protection: Due to the combination of short response time, low protection level and fast current limiting, this protective element minimises the load on the protected 1-Wire bus masters, devices and insulation, especially on the device side, to practically zero.
• Certification: This surge arrester for information technology systems has been certified according to IEC 61643-21-2001 + A1:2009 test C2 for "fast rising edge" and corresponds to arrester type 2.
• Made in Germany

RECOMMENDATION FOR SIZING

• Note connection side: Due to the different protective character of the two module connections (bus side vs. device side), we recommend connecting the longer part of the serial connection on the bus side and the short part - especially to protect servers, extension and valuable devices - on the device side of the module.
• Additional modules on the same bus: The CAN bus (also TREE & LINK) can be protected with several such modules. In this case, only the bus side is to be connected and the CAN bus is thus to be routed past the module. Branches at TREE are explicitly possible, thus branches can be made on the device side.
• Long lines: For long buses, we recommend one such module every 50 to 100 metres.

COMPATIBILITY

• CAN: This module is compatible with CAN-based bus systems.
• Loxone Lox Link:This module is optimised and tested for the protection of the Loxone Lox Link bus (which is a CAN based bus system)
• Loxone Tree: This module is optimised for the protection of the Loxone Tree bus (which is a CAN based bus system).

Note: Loxone, Lox Link, Loxone Tree etc. are registered trademarks of Loxone Electronics GmbH, Kollerschlag, Austria.

The capacitive loading of the data lines of the CAN bus by this surge arrester is approx. 75 picofarads, which corresponds to the capacitive loading of less than 10 m of bus line.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

• What is the function of the BlitzART CAN surge arrester?
  The BlitzART CAN surge arrester reduces the consequences of a near and far lightning strike by fast equalisation between all connected wires with the lightning current potential equalisation and an almost complete interruption of the current flow between the bus and the device side of the module. This equalisation and blocking significantly reduces voltages and thus protects components and insulation of the devices connected to the CAN-based bus and the bus lines.
  
• Reduced means "not complete"?
  No system in the world can provide 100% safety. However, depending on the design, it is possible to significantly reduce the probabilities of damage caused by lightning. This BlitzART CAN surge arrester, with its extremely short response time and low protection level, is able to provide the best available level of protection for CAN based bus systems. Especially when these arresters are installed at several points in the system. On the device side of the module, the overvoltage is virtually eliminated. Even with a massive overvoltage of 10,000 V and 5,000 A (8/20 µs) on the bus side, the protective voltage on the device side is only 10 V at a few mA after 1 µs. This eliminates any damage to the components on the device side.
  For maximum effectiveness of the arresters, we recommend supplementing the low-voltage part of the system with arresters for power systems type 1 and type 2 (or combination arresters type 1/2). Consult a specialist company for this.
  
• What are the planning and installation recommendations for the best protection?
  Please plan one or more modules per CAN-based bus system, depending on the scope of the bus system.
  
  Install the first module in direct spatial proximity to the server with the connection for the CAN based bus system (e.g. Lox Link or Loxone Tree). Loop the connections of the CAN based bus system directly over the device side of the module to the CAN based bus (the longer part of the bus that you connect to the bus side).
  
  If the bus is longer (more than 50 m), we recommend installing another module in the middle of the bus. In this case, only connect the CAN-based bus system to the bus side of this module. You can either connect a branch with CAN-based devices to the device side or leave this connection unused.
  
  For very long CAN-based bus systems, install an additional module every 50 m.

The most important recommended additional measure is to have internal lightning protection (type 1 and type 2 arresters) for power networks installed on the low-voltage side.

• CAN bus systems are often galvanically isolated from everything else as a SELV system and the lines are shielded. How can an overvoltage, a lightning strike destroy this?
  Nothing is perfect, not even foil shields. Therefore, capacitive and inductive coupling of the lightning energy is possible. In addition, although the insulations are designed for 4,000 V, lightning generates voltages of up to several hundred thousand volts. Therefore, all insulations are at risk, especially in the case of close proximity / contact with PE, neutral and all external conductors. We recommend separate, separate cable routing of all lines of information technology systems, as well as signal and bus lines of power supply lines. Separate metallic and closed cable racks or ducts for cable routing would be optimal.
  
  There is a danger in the case of applied shielding. In the case of a nearby lightning strike, the lightning voltage is conducted through the foundation earth electrode into the house and thus to the PE of the entire building. This stresses the insulations within the bus lines. This surge arrester for the CAN-based bus system has a low-impedance PE connection and compensates for potential differences. Please connect the PE connection of the protective modules to the same PE terminal block to which the shielding is applied. From this terminal block, a length of at least 2 m to the PAS should be maintained (so that purely in terms of time, a type 2 arrester can switch through first).
  
• What endangers the insulation?
  Ein Blitzschlag bedeutet eine Entladung zwischen Wolke und Erde über eine Luftstrecke, die kurzzeitig leitfähig ist. Ausgehend von dem Blitzkanal als stromdurchflossener Leiter wird ein elektrisches und ein magnetisches Feld um diesen herum erzeugt. Diese Felder koppeln kapazitiv und induktiv in Leitungen und Leiterschleifen ein und ändern die Potentiale in allen metallischen Leitern im gesamten Gebäude. Die nahe Erde kann nur einen Teil der Blitzenergie aufnehmen. Etwa die Hälfte der Energie wird durch den Fundamenterder über PE in das Gebäude geleitet. Damit steht bei einem nahen Blitzschlag die Potentialausgleichsschiene und damit der gesamte PE über den Fundamenterder unter einem sehr hohen Spannungspotential von mehreren zehntausend Volt. Diese Potentialunterschiede wollen sich untereinander und zur fernen Erde in der über den Netzanschluss erreichbaren Trafostation (und je nach Netzform auch zur Erde der benachbarten Gebäude) hin ausgleichen. Um diesen Weg nehmen zu können, versucht die Blitz
  
• How does this BlitzART surge arrester protect?
  The different potentials that form in metallic conductors when lightning strikes close by want to equalise. The equalisation takes the path of least resistance. The BlitzART CAN surge arrester offers the overvoltage a simple path by creating a massive short-circuit almost immediately in the event of a sudden voltage increase, via which the potentials can equalise. The BlitzART CAN surge arrester involves the three connected D+, D-, GND and PE and creates a short-circuit between all four connections. This offers the overvoltage an immediate and low-impedance equalisation, so that potential differences are considerably reduced and insulation and components are thus protected.
  Such an overvoltage event is completed in this area of the cabling after only twenty millionths of a second. During this short time, the components convert several thousand W of heat. A lightning bolt has an average energy of 280 kWh, about one tenth of which is converted on the ground and in the installations. When the event is completed, the components of the BlitzART protection module automatically switch back to the non-activated state.
  
• Why are there 12 switching, protection and flashover paths built into this BlitzART CAN surge arrester?
  Each component for surge protection has its own characteristics with regard to reaction time, voltage limitation, tripping voltage, maximum voltage, discharge capacity, heat absorption, leakage current, capacitance and polarity. There is no component that is the leader in each of these characteristics; often one of the parameters is very pronounced, while others are less intensive. So that we did not have to make a compromise with this BlitzART surge arrester, we combined several components with a total of 12 protection and overvoltage paths in a three-stage cascade in such a way that components with the shortest possible reaction time complement each other with components with a high discharge capacity. In this way, we achieve a previously impossible level of protection.
  
• I have removed the assembly from the module. On the underside of the board I see nine component pins that are not soldered. Has something been forgotten here?
  No, these nine pins belong to the high-current PE connection. Over the four edges of each of the nine pins, the component is homogeneously cold-welded to the through-platings of the board by means of a press fit in the factory at 36 connection points. This connection technology is mechanically very stable (pull-out force 900 N), at the same time very low-impedance (less than 200 µOhm), permanently gas-tight and can carry high currents (500 amperes permanently). With this - and in conjunction with the crimped cable lug for uncut PE connection with high cross-section - we achieve a particularly low-impedance PE connection.
  
• Are there any tips for the connection to PE?

1. Same PE terminal blocks: If a surge arrester protects devices that themselves have a mains voltage connection with a protective earth conductor (for example, a power supply unit for supplying devices, servers and gateways), then the PE connection of the surge arrester should be routed to the equipotential bonding with the same or lower impedance than the connection of the protective earth conductor of the device that is also to be protected to its equipotential bonding. We therefore recommend routing the PE connection of the surge arrester along the shortest path to the same PE terminal block to which the protective earth conductor of the power supply unit to be protected is connected (if it is such a power supply unit).
   The same applies if the shield of the bus cabling has been connected to PE. In this case, the PE of the surge arrester should be led to the same PE terminal block to which the shield has been connected. Such shield connections should be connected over the entire shield circumference with special clamps; the often braided braids are electrically unfavourable for discharging transient overvoltages.
   
2. Ordentliche Arbeitsweise: Führen Sie den PE-Anschluss bitte mit größter Sorgfalt aus. Verquetschen Sie ausschließlich diejenigen Leiterklassen im richtigen Querschnitt, die für den verwendeten Quetschkabelschuh jeweils zugelassen sind und verwenden Sie hierfür nur die korrekte Quetschzange (wenn Sie den mitgelieferten Quetschkabelschuh verwenden. lesen Sie bitte in den technischen Daten nach). Schrauben Sie die Mutter am Anschluss gut fest (Anzugsmomente in den technischen Daten beachten). Verlegen Sie die Leitung auf dem kürzesten Weg zum PE-Klemmenblock und schrauben Sie die Leitung auch dort ordentlich fest (Angaben des Klemmenherstellers beachten, insbesondere zum Gebrauch von Adernendhülsen und zu den für diese Klemme erlaubten Querschnitte). Vermeiden Sie es unbedingt, im Gebäude eine räumliche Schleife zu bilden (um Induktion bei Blitzschlag zu vermeiden) und wickeln Sie keinesfalls die PE Leitung um etwas herum (keine Spule bauen). Es ist wichtig, dass diese Anschlüsse mechanisch fest, dau

• I have external lightning protection, do I need this BlitzART surge arrester at all?
  Yes, absolutely. If there is an external lightning protection ("lightning conductor"), an additional internal lightning protection is always required (according to the corresponding standards). After all, the lightning is conducted from the lightning conductor directly via the foundation earth electrode into the building onto the equipotential bonding rail. From there, the overvoltage tries to pass through to all neighbouring metallic conductors with a lower potential. Only an internal lightning protection prevents this by short-circuiting all metallic conductors with each other. This BlitzART surge arrester is an important component of such an internal lightning protection on level C2 / Type 2 and takes over this task for the CAN-based bus and its bus master and its server. This is a supplement to the coarse and medium protection according to Type 1 and Type 2, which must also be installed and which must absolutely be installed by a specialist for lightning protection systems.
  
• Isn't surge protection built into the devices of my CAN-based bus system?
  Not always or not sufficiently. Many devices have built-in protective diodes, but these are not capable of carrying lightning currents and are not equipped with a connection to PE, so they can only compensate for transverse voltages, but not for longitudinal voltages. This means that internal components are protected, but not the insulation of the CAN bus lines. This BlitzART surge arrester can discharge about fifty times what the small protective diodes in devices can achieve (if present) - plus PE.
  
• When does the BlitzART CAN surge arrester trip?
  The fine stage starts to conduct from about 15 V, the gas voltage arresters ignite from about 150 V and a rate of voltage rise that is typical for overvoltage events with a correspondingly steep rising edge. The overcurrent limiters are effective from 200 mA (depending on the conductor).
  
• Is a BlitzART surge arrester destroyed by lightning?
  No, usually not, this module is capable of carrying lightning currents up to 5,000 amps. If this should ever happen, please let us know, we will certainly find an accommodating compensation.