Low-voltage AC surge protective device assessment regarding nuclear plants

This paper presents a methodology for low-voltage AC surge protective device (SPD) coordination. As motivation, the required nuclear plant reliability and safety criteria, in which the surge protection coordination can assume an important role, are emphasized. Due to the characteristics of the protection system, and the surge phenomena, an iterative methodology is applied. The SPD selection and specifications are based on the equipment immunity level, insulation and on SPD characteristics, like absorbed energy. Some results are presented and discussed, showing the suitability of the proposed methodology.