10.June
PROXAR® Surge Arresters: Meeting IEEE C62.11-2020 Standards
PROXAR® surge arresters, produced in Poland, are designed to meet the European IEC 60099-4:2014 standard but also comply with the IEEE C62.11-2020 standard. This article highlights the differences between these standards and how they apply to Protektel’s surge arresters.
Our PROXAR® surge arresters are exported to countries like Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. This global reach is possible because our devices meet the stringent IEEE C62.11-2020 standard, often exceeding its requirements. Learn more about how these standards compare.
Differences Between IEC 60099-4:2014 and IEEE C62.11-2020
The IEC 60099-4:2014 and IEEE C62.11-2020 standards are about 80% harmonized. The remaining 20% of the differences are mainly in terminology and environmental conditions for surge arrester applications. The table below illustrates these differences:
Table 1: Differences Between IEC 60099-4:2014 and IEEE C62.11-2020
| Aspect | IEC 60099-4:2014 | IEEE Std C62.11-2020 |
| Standard Organization | International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) |
| Scope | General guidance and test procedures for surge arresters in AC systems, including both station-type and line-type | Specific requirements and testing procedures for metal-oxide surge arresters used in power systems |
| Application | Surge arresters for various applications, including station and line protection in AC systems | Surge arresters used in power systems, with a focus on metal-oxide surge arresters |
| Types of Surge Arresters Covered | Station-type and line-type surge arresters | Metal-oxide surge arresters |
| Design Criteria | Provides design criteria and test procedures for surge arresters without specifying the technology used | Focuses specifically on metal-oxide surge arresters, providing detailed design and testing requirements for this technology |
| Voltage Ratings | Guides surge arresters with various voltage ratings | Focuses on metal-oxide surge arresters used in medium-voltage and high-voltage applications |
| Testing Procedures | Specifies testing procedures for both station and line surge arresters, covering aspects like energy handling capacity, residual voltage, and more | Concentrates on testing procedures specific to metal-oxide surge arresters, including electrical, mechanical, and environmental tests |
| Energy Handling Capacity | Provides tests and criteria for energy capability and energy stress tests | Provides specific testing procedures to evaluate the energy handling capacity of metal-oxide surge arresters |
| Residual Voltage Testing | Includes testing for residual voltage after discharge events | Contains testing for residual voltage and protective margin of metal-oxide surge arresters |
| Temporary Overvoltage Tests | Testing procedures may vary based on surge arrester type | This may include testing for temporary overvoltage withstand capability |
| Pressure Relief Testing | This may include pressure relief testing, especially for station-type surge arresters | This may include testing related to pressure relief for metal-oxide surge arresters |
| Contamination Tests | This may include tests for contamination withstand | This may include testing for contamination in specific environments |
| International vs. American Standard | An international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission | Developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and follows American standards |
| Latest Version (as of September 2021) | IEC 60099-4:2014 | IEEE Std C62.11-2020 |
Why Do IEC and IEEE Standards Differ?
The main differences between IEC 60099-4:2014 and IEEE C62.11-2020 standards stem from their varied approaches to surge arrester installation conditions, influenced by power system characteristics and environmental factors.
In Europe, surge arresters are primarily designed for protecting substations and power line facilities, requiring robust mechanical structures and solid fixings, which add to their weight and cost.
In contrast, in the Americas, surge arresters mainly protect transmission line insulators and compact lines, necessitating different installation methods that do not require as robust a design. This results in devices with lower mechanical strength, reducing their cost. However, Jacek Turkowski, Director of Marketing and Sales at Protektel, highlights an important point:
“While our PROXAR® surge arresters meet both IEC 60099-4:2014 and IEEE C62.11-2020 standards and are used for substation and power line protection, strictly line arresters (TLA) often have mechanical strength suitable for mounting on supporting structures in substation applications or other system areas.”
PROXAR® Surge Arresters and IEEE C62.11-2020 Compliance
The primary components of PROXAR® surge arresters exceed the IEEE C62.11-2020 standard requirements, thanks to the use of high-quality varistors in their design. This compliance is verified by tests conducted according to the latest EN 60099-4 standard.
Protektel’s surge arresters are suitable for in-line protection, a common practice in the Americas, and their robust design makes them ideal for substation protection.
In Europe, we stand by the motto “PROXAR® Unlimited Trust.” Partnering with us ensures not only high-quality surge arresters but also expert advice and knowledge from our specialists.