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LIGHTNING PROTECTION UNIT

(

LPU

)

Photovoltaic Lightning Protection Device

Installation and Operation Manual

SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.

8954 Mason Ave.

Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA

MODELS COVERED: LPU-50, LPU-150, LPU-200 Copyright 6/1996 Specialty Concepts, Inc.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Specialty Concepts Lightning Protection Unit (LPU) provides primary (gas discharge arrester) and

secondary (MOVs) protection against induced transients generated from lightning strikes. The primary

protection device is a three electrode gas filled surge protector tube. These devices simultaneously

ground both sides of a pair when a surge appears on either line of the pair. The tube then restores when

the surge dissipates. The secondary protection feature grounds any high voltage peak (spike) which

might be passed by the primary protector. A high power inductor placed between the primary and

secondary protectors exhibits a high impedance for most lightning induced voltage transients. This high

impedance insures that the primary protector will operate first and the secondary protector will not be

exposed to the full surge. The LPU is designed to be installed in series between the PV array and a

Specialty Concepts designed PV system control electronics. Specialty Concepts designed electronics

have additional lightning protection features in the form of MOVs that compliment the action of the LPU.

Terminals are provided for connection to "ARRAY IN" and "ARRAY OUT" plus and minus for each

sub-array for each sub-array. Each sub-array channel is rated for 50 amps and is suitable for use in DC

systems up to 48 volts DC nominal. Provisions are made for earth ground for each channel and for a

chassis ground. The standard LPU is provided with a steel, wall mount, gasketed enclosure.

Note: The standard LPU is designed for negative ground systems. DO NOT wire the array with a common

positive ground connection to the battery as this will reduce the effectiveness of the LPU.

FEATURES

SYSTEM LIGHTNING PROTECTION

• 50 amp, up to 48 volt nominal capacity per

channel

• Two stage protection

- High capacity gas discharge tube

- Fast response MOV

DESIGN FEATURES

• 4 gauge terminal block connection

• Earth and chassis ground connections

• Higher capacity available by paralleling

channels

• Negative ground

• Positive ground available (optional)

• Wall mount indoor enclosure

• Outdoor enclosure available (optional)

Summary of content (6 pages)

PAGE 1
LIGHTNING PROTECTION UNIT (LPU) Photovoltaic Lightning Protection Device Installation and Operation Manual SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC. 8954 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA MODELS COVERED: LPU-50, LPU-150, LPU-200 Copyright 6/1996 Specialty Concepts, Inc. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Specialty Concepts Lightning Protection Unit (LPU) provides primary (gas discharge arrester) and secondary (MOVs) protection against induced transients generated from lightning strikes.
PAGE 2
SPECIFICATIONS PARAMETERS UNITS VALUE Nominal Voltage Array Voc., Max. Array Current, Continuous / Channel Array Current, Max / Channel (60 seconds) (Volts) (Volts) (Amps) (Amps) 12-48 95 50 65 Primary Stage Single Impulse Discharge Current, 8/20 µ sec waveform, Max. (Amps) 20,000 (Surges) (Surges) 400 600 (Volts) 150-300 Impulse Breakdown Voltage Line to Ground @ 100 V / µ sec, Typ. Max. @ 10 KV / µ sec, Typ. Max. (Volts) (Volts) (Volts) (Volts) 500 750 750 1000 DC Holdover @ 200mA, Min.
PAGE 3
RELATED SYSTEM EQUIPMENT The SC2 is an integral part of a solar electric power system that includes a solar panel, a battery and a load. These items should be installed according to the instructions provided by the equipment supplier, and this manual assumes that the rest of the equipment installation has been properly completed.
PAGE 4
INSTALLATION WARNINGS / CAUTIONS: WARNING: Electricity, even low voltage electricity, can be dangerous. Installation should be performed by a licensed electrical contractor or other qualified personnel only. It is recommended that the requirements of the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) be followed. Relevant sections of the 1984 NEC include articles 250 and 690. CAUTION: DO NOT drill or punch holes in the enclosure while the panel is still mounted in it. Refer to "MOUNTING AND WIRING" section.
PAGE 5
Figure 1 - LPU Installation LPU-50 SOLAR ARRAY + Inductor Gas Tube MOV MOV Ground + In + Out - In - Out GND CHARGE CONTROLLER ARRAY (+) ARRAY (-) BATT (-) GROUND BATT (+) + BATTERY
PAGE 6
LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC. 1. Specialty Concepts, Inc. warrants all its products for a period of five (5) years from the date of shipment from its factory. This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship for the five (5) year warranty period. It is not valid against defects resulting from, but not limited to: A. Misuse and/or abuse, neglect or accident. B. Exceeding the unit's design limits. C.