Medium-voltage arresters for distribution networks

Siemens Energy 3EK8 silicone rubber surge arresters with wrap design effectively protect medium-voltage distribution networks from overvoltage.

Siemens Energy 3EK8 wrap design surge arresters are ideally suited to provide reliable protection for:

• Transformers
• Circuit breakers
• Medium-voltage switchgear
• Medium-voltage distribution networks

The silicone rubber housing is directly molded onto the metal oxide (MO) blocks. This creates a reliable seal that prevents moisture ingress and partial discharges.

In the extremely rare event of an overload, arcing cannot result in a buildup of critical internal pressure, since the MO resistors are not enclosed in a sealed rigid mechanical shell. The arc can escape directly through the fiberglass wrap and the soft silicone housing without damaging the mechanical structure. No internal parts are ejected in the process.

High-temperature vulcanized (HTV) silicone rubber is highly hydrophobic. This keeps any conductive moisture from forming on the surface, and dirt deposits are rendered harmless as a result of the hydrophobic transfer. Silicone is highly fire-retardant and self-extinguishing in the event of fire. These properties ensure the reliable, maintenance-free operation of 3EK8 surge arresters.

3EK8 surge arresters can be delivered with the same accessories like 3EK7 surge arresters.

Siemens Energy 3EK7 silicone rubber surge arresters with cage design effectively protect medium-voltage distribution networks from overvoltage.

They are ideally suited to provide reliable protection for:

•    Transformers 
•     Circuit breakers
•     Medium-voltage switchgear   
•     Medium-voltage distribution networks

The cage, made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) rods, provides a rigid, reinforced structure ensuring high mechanical strength.

The silicone rubber housing is directly molded onto the metal oxide (MO) blocks and the surrounding cage made of FRP rods. This creates a reliable seal that prevents moisture ingress and partial discharges.

The MO resistors are not surrounded by a rigid mechanical coating, which is why no critical increases in pressure can occur in the surge arrester in the extremely rare event of an overload. The arc can escape directly through the soft silicone housing without damaging the mechanical structure. No internal parts are ejected in the process. The innovative Siemens cage design is very secure.

The silicone rubber is highly hydrophobic. This keeps any conductive moisture from forming on the surface, and dirt deposits are rendered harmless as a result of the hydrophobic transfer. Silicone is highly fire-retardant and self-extinguishing in the event of fire. These properties ensure the reliable, maintenance-free operation of 3EK surge arresters.

Siemens Energy offers 3EK7 surge arresters for use in distribution networks for rated voltages up to 60 kV with very high mechanical strength.

The proven type 3EK7 surge arrester is also available for indoor use. The 3EK7 surge arrester for indoor use is a cage design surge arrester that offers the same features as the version for outdoor use.

Siemens Energy 3EJ silicone surge arresters with cage design are ideally suited for reliable protection against overvoltages in medium-voltage distribution networks.

Siemens Energy 3EJ cage design surge arresters are ideally suited to provide reliable protection for:

• Generators
• Motors
• Arc furnaces
• Dry-type transformers
• Airfield lighting systems
• Cable sheathing
• Capacitors and capacitor banks
• Converters for drives

The 3EH4 medium-voltage plug-in surge arrester optimally protects your transformers and switchgear against overvoltages and lightning. Thanks to the alignment of the arrester's protection performance with the impulse withstand voltage of encapsulated switchgear and transformers, overvoltages generated by the reflection of traveling waves and switching operations are also limited.

Rugged design for high power and a long life
The plug-and-socket connection is available in connector sizes 2 and 3 and is dimensioned to EN 50180 / EN50181 for the inner cone system. The 3EH4 medium-voltage surge arrester corresponds to arrester class DH and is suitable for operating voltages up to 52.5 kV. Low residual voltages guarantee superior insulation coordination and protection.

We offer the 3EQ0 for rated voltages of up to 45 kV for applications in which a surge arrester in silicone housing is required in combination with directional pressure relief.

The surge arrester with the composite hollow core design uses silicone and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) as housing materials. The direct molding of the silicone onto the FRP hollow core ensures reliability, while an excellent special sealing of the flanges at both ends of the surge arrester effectively prevents partial discharges and moisture ingress. This guarantees decades of trouble-free operation.

The combination of silicone rubber and the fiberglass-reinforced hollow core also allows for outstanding mechanical stability.

The surge arrester with the composite hollow core design provides a very high degree of safety: In the event of an overload or the extremely rare case of an arrester short circuit, the arc escapes directly through directional pressure relief devices.

The surge arrester can be oriented to minimize the risk of damage to facilities and injuries to people nearby. Internal parts are not ejected, and the housing does not break.

Siemens Energy 3EQ surge arresters with silicone housing and a composite hollow core design are ideally suited for the reliable protection of:

• Generators
• Motors
• Arc furnaces
• Dry-type transformers
• Airfield lighting systems
• Cable sheathing
• Capacitors and capacitor banks
• Converters for drives

In addition to providing maximum protection against overvoltages, Siemens Energy 3EP porcelain surge arresters feature a specially developed directional pressure relief system. In the event of an overload, the arc can escape directly through the directional pressure relief device. Strong, high-quality porcelain prevents pressure from building inside and internal parts from being rejected. This reduces, even minimizes the risk of damage to facilities or injuries to people in nearby.

Siemens Energy offers the 3EP-G porcelain surge arrester, which has a short circuit current of up to 300 kA. It is ideal for overvoltage protection for generators and motors that require a very high short circuit current.

The excellent sealing system on the 3EP-G surge arrester effectively prevents moisture ingress and partial discharges, guaranteeing decades of trouble-free operation. The use of non-porous sulfur cement instead of corrosive Portland cement protects the metal oxide blocks and prevents the effects of aging.

The metal oxide blocks in the 3EP-G surge arrester are enclosed in a rigid, reinforced structure made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) rods.

Siemens Energy type 3EP-G porcelain surge arresters are ideally suited for the reliable protection of:

• Generators
• Motors
•  Arc furnaces
• Dry-type transformers
• Airfield lighting systems
• Cable sheathing
• Capacitors and capacitor banks
• Converters for drives