Engineers and designers often trust the quality of surge arresters from well-known industry leaders. However, not everyone is aware that a Polish company manufactures these devices to a higher standard than many global competitors. Design offices and project managers, in particular, should take note. Discover the key advantages of PROXAR arresters that make them exceptional in the market.
Understanding Surge Arresters and Their Role
Surge arresters are vital electrical devices designed to protect equipment from voltage surges, which can result from lightning strikes or power grid fluctuations. These overvoltages can cause significant damage if not properly managed. While commonly used in home and telecommunications installations, surge arresters are essential in industrial and power sectors for safeguarding critical infrastructure and high-value equipment. Only the top manufacturers produce surge arresters capable of providing such high-level protection.
Evolution and Benefits of Arrester Design
The earliest surge protection devices were spark arresters, designed to protect against atmospheric surges. Technological advancements led to the development of more sophisticated solutions using spark gaps and semiconductor elements like silicon carbide (SiC). These lightning arresters effectively mitigated various surges but had limitations. The introduction of varistors, semiconductor elements with highly non-linear voltage-current characteristics, marked a significant improvement. Modern surge arresters, especially those using high-quality ZnO varistors, offer superior overvoltage dissipation without adverse effects such as spark re-ignition.
Table 1 Comparison of parameters of PROXAR arresters with counterparts manufactured by competing companies.
| Manufacturer | Type | Qrs [C] according to EN 60099-4:2014-01 | Wth [kJ] according to EN 60099-4:2014-01 | IEC 60099-4:2014 class | IEC 60099-4:2009 class | ||
| Protektel | PROXAR-IIN AC | 1,6 | ≥ 1,0 | 7,0 | ≥ 4 | SL | 2 |
| Manufacturer A | surge arrester 1 | 1,2 | 5,0 | ||||
| Manufacturer B | surge arrester 2 | 1,6 | 6,0 | ||||
| Manufacturer C | surge arrester 3 | 1,2 | 5,0 | ||||
| Manufacturer D | surge arrester 4 | 1,4 / 1,6 | 4,5 / 6,7 | ||||
| Protektel | PROXAR-IIIN AC | 2,4 | ≥ 1,6 | 11,0 | ≥ 7 | SM | 3 |
| Manufacturer A | surge arrester 5 | 2 | 8,0 | ||||
| Manufacturer B | surge arrester 6 | 2,4 | 9,0 | ||||
| Manufacturer C | surge arrester 7 | 2,4 | 8,0 | ||||
| Manufacturer D | surge arrester 8 | 2,2 | 7,8 | ||||
Protektel: The Polish Manufacturer Behind PROXAR Arresters
Protektel, a company with roots in the 1990s ZWAR company, formally began operations in 2002. After years of development, they launched the PROXAR brand of surge arresters. Manufactured entirely in Przasnysz, Poland, PROXAR arresters feature components like varistors imported to ensure consistent quality. Their innovative internal construction enhances mechanical strength, setting them apart from competitors.
Unique Production Process of PROXAR Arresters
The manufacturing process for PROXAR arresters includes several stages, notably the patented polyamide fiber braiding technique that provides exceptional mechanical strength. This robust braid allows PROXAR arresters to be installed in various locations, including non-standard ones, and ensures reliable operation for decades.
What Sets PROXAR Arresters Apart?
Protektel’s innovations, such as the unique polyamide braiding, start from within the arrester. Mechanical strength is crucial for many applications, and PROXAR arresters excel in this aspect. Compared to industry leaders, PROXAR arresters boast superior parameters, particularly in energy withstand capability, translating to longer life and more reliable performance.
Customization to Meet Your Needs
Protektel offers extensive customization options for PROXAR surge arresters to match specific customer requirements. Adjustments can be made to:
Additionally, modifications can be made to accessories such as terminals, mounting bases, and adapters. Technical documentation is also customized, including guaranteed data sheets with drawings in PDF and DWG formats.
More Than Just a Surge Arrester
Choosing PROXAR means gaining more than a high-quality surge arrester. It includes professional advice, comprehensive after-sales support, and reliability critical for long-term investments. With over 750 clients in the energy sector, both in Poland and internationally, and more than 130,000 units produced by July 2023, PROXAR has earned the trust of designers and investors alike.
PROXAR®. Unlimited Trust.
For projects requiring reliable and effective surge protection, PROXAR surge arresters offer unmatched quality and performance. Trust PROXAR for your critical infrastructure needs.