WG 3 - TC 37/SC 37A/WG 3

IEC 61643-12:2020 describes the principles for the selection, operation, location and coordination of SPDs to be connected to 50/60 Hz AC power circuits, and equipment rated up to 1 000 V RMS. These devices contain at least one non-linear component and are intended to limit surge voltages and divert surge currents.
NOTE 1 Additional requirements for special applications are also applicable, If required.
NOTE 2 IEC 60364 and IEC 62305-4 are also applicable.
NOTE 3 This standard deal only with SPDs and not with surge protection components (SPC) integrated inside equipment.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition published in 2008. This edition constitutes a technical revision.
NOTE The following differing practice of a less permanent nature exists in the USA: In the USA, SPDs tested to Class I tests are not required. This exception applies to the entire document. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) Scope: Deleted reference to 1 500 V dc
b) Added or revised some definitions
c) Added new clause 4 on Need for protection
d) Added new information on disconnecting devices
e) Revised Characteristics of SPD
f) Revised List of parameters for SPD selection
g) Added new information on Measured Limiting Voltage
e) Added or revised some Annexes

IEC 61643-32:2017 describes the principles for selection, installation and coordination of SPDs intended for use in Photovoltaic (PV) systems up to 1 500 V DC and for the AC side of the PV system rated up to 1 000 V rms 50/60 Hz. The photovoltaic installation extends from a PV array or a set of interconnected PV-modules to include the associated cabling and protective devices and the inverter up to the connection point in the distribution board or the utility supply point. This part of IEC 61643 considers SPDs used in different locations and in different kinds of PV systems:PV systems located on the top of a building. PV systems located on the ground like free field power plants characterized by multiple earthing and a meshed earthing system. The term PV installation is used to refer to both kinds of PV systems. The term PV power plant is only used for extended free-field multi-earthed power systems located on the ground. For PV installations including batteries additional requirements may be necessary.
The contents of the corrigendum of June 2019 have been included in this copy.

IEC 61643-12:2008 describes the principles for selection, operation, location and coordination of SPDs to be connected to 50 Hz to 60 Hz a.c. and to d.c. power circuits and equipment rated up to 1 000 V r.m.s. or 1 500 V d.c. Specific change with respect to the previous edition is the incorporation of Amendment 1, which was not published separately due to the number of changes and pages.

Applies to surge protective devices (SPD's) used to protect, under specific conditions, electrical systems and equipment against various overvoltage and impulse curents (e.g. lightning, switching surges).Information is provided on equipment to be protected, system characteristics, insulation levels, overvoltages, methods of installation,location,co-ordination and failure modes of SPD's, as well as equipment failure consequences.