Data Center

Surge protectors shield signal, data lines from multiple destructive currents

April 24, 2014

Bourns' multi-stage Surge Protective Devices (SPD) feature extremely fast response and low clamping voltages to protect against surge currents in excess of 10,000 amperes on an 8/20 µS waveform.

Matt Vincent

Bourns (Riverside, CA) has introduced a new surge protective device (SPD) optimized for signal and data line applications. Designated Bourns Model 1840, the new device is a heavy-duty, multi-stage protector (MSP) designed to safeguard sensitive electronic circuits and components from damaging surge voltages and currents.

The Bourns Model 1840 supports working voltages of 5, 12 and 24 volts, and may be used directly with RS-232, RS-422, RS-423 and RS-485 standard EIA interfaces as well as with 4-20 mA and 50 mA instrumentation loops. The company says the new model features extremely fast response and low clamping voltages, making it suitable for protecting signal and data lines associated with computer, data communication, instrumentation, broadcasting and industrial controls.

According to Bourns, the new solid-state, third stage protection device works by intercepting the leading edge of a surge within a sub-nanosecond response time. Within micro-seconds thereafter, a primary stage, three-electrode common-chambered Gas Discharge Tube (GDT) activates and crowbars the majority of the surge energy to ground. The new model also utilizes Bourns TBU High-Speed Protector (HSP) technology as a key second stage.

Currents exceeding 300 mA through the protector will cause the TBU HSP to quickly transition into high impedance, isolating any harmful voltages and/or currents from damaging the protected equipment. The GDT protector remains in the crowbar state until the surge has passed and line voltages return to safe levels. After an event, the TBU HSP automatically restores the line to normal operation by automatically resetting to a low impedance state.

“Bourns designed our new surge protective device to shield signal and data lines from multiple destructive surge currents in excess of 10,000 amperes on an 8/20 µS waveform to deliver reliable protection for sensitive electronics,” explains Kurt Wattelet, product line manager at Bourns. “Giving our customers an extra level of protection, Bourns’ new SPD is engineered to provide a low peak clamping voltage even during severe current surges making this new model uniquely robust.”

The Bourns Model 1840 features vibration-resistant screw-type clamp terminals and convenient mounting and grounding is possible to any flat surface or to DIN-1 (TS-32) or DIN-3 (TS-35) rails. The new device also has a flame-resistant epoxy-filled housing and cable shields are passed through and may be grounded or arc-protected to ground. The device is available now through catalog distribution and is priced at $120 each.

For additional product specifications, see: http://www.bourns.com/data/global/pdfs/1840.pdf.

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About the Author

Matt Vincent | Senior Editor

Matt Vincent is a B2B technology journalist, editor and content producer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in the full range of media content production and management, as well as SEO and social media engagement best practices, for both Cabling Installation & Maintenance magazine and its website CablingInstall.com. He currently provides trade show, company, executive and field technology trend coverage for the ICT structured cabling, telecommunications networking, data center, IP physical security, and professional AV vertical market segments. Email: [email protected]