Surge Arresters for

Transportation Systems

Power Transmission and Distribution

 Surge Arresters from Siemens –
Quality and reliability for all applications

This catalogue features the complete range of Siemens surge

arresters for railway applications. Detailed information about
our outstanding 3EB and 3EC product lines can be found here.
Further information about our standard product lines 3EQ, 3EP
and 3EL (especially for your electrification needs) can be ob-
tained directly from us.

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Generator Transformer Neutral point Arrester for Substation
protection -F1 protection -F2 arrester -F3 rolling stock protection
3EE2 3EP 3EP -F9, -F10 3EL
3EL 3EL 3EB1 (-F9) 3EQ
3EQ 3EQ 3EC3 (-F10) 3EP
3ES 3ES

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 Surge arresters from Siemens form a
vital part of the reliability of today’s
power transmission and distribution
systems on all voltage levels. Generators
(-F1), substations (-F2), transformer
neutral (-F3), transmission lines
(-F4). Arrester for medium voltage
systems -F5: Our comprehensive know-
how in high voltage applications also led
to the development of specialised surge
arresters for transportation systems,
such that we offer optimum overvoltage
protection for all of these.

DC surge arresters (-F7 and F8) and surge

arresters designed for highest security
demands (-F9) to protect the rolling stock
against overvoltage. Limiters for the
protection of converters are also part of
our product range.

This catalogue concentrates on the

description of surge arresters for trans-
portation systems (-F7 to -F10).

Transmission Arrester for medium Arrester for Arrester for

line arrester -F4 voltage systems -F5 DC systems -F7, -F8 AC systems -F6
3EL 3EK7 3EB1, 3EB1
3EC3 (-F7) 3EK7
3EB2 (-F8) 3EL

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More than 75 years of experience
Experience is most essential, when it comes to
reliability in medium and high voltage applications.
Since 1929 Siemens has been manufacturing high
voltage surge arresters – for standard and special-
ized applications.
Our permanent research and development and the
concerted know how in our factories give our surge
arresters a leading edge in over voltage protection.
Our products unite cost-effectiveness and uncondi-
tional quality ensures the long service life and
reliability of each application. The Siemens surge
arrester portfolio protects the complete range of
equipment in Power Transmission and Distribution.
In general, our arresters are used to protect the
complete range of equipment in Power Transmission
and Distribution.

Standardized and customized solutions

An uncountable worldwide number of generators,
transformers, switchgear, transmission lines and
cables as well as complex gasinsulated substations
are reliably protected by Siemens surge arresters
now for many decades.
However, apart from the area of standard applica-
tions, Siemens offers customized surge arresters for
virtually any application from 600 V up to 800 kV AC
and DC. Furthermore, our surge arresters have been
designed to meet the requirements of a wide range
of common installation environments, from arctic
cold climate to the heat of the desert and the
dampness of tropical climates.
The protection of electrified railway systems has
been part of our portfolio since the early ages of
that business area. Siemens surge arresters protect
every part of the system beginning at the generators
or the substations, along the transmission lines or
cables finally via the overhead contact lines to light,
heavy and high speed railway vehicles.

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 Reliable overvoltage protection
for traction systems and rolling stock

With more than 50 years experience in the development and

manufacture of surge arresters for transportation systems our
products are the leading edge in overvoltage protection in this
specialised field. Excellent reliability has always been the
predominant feature of all our products. Based on our vast
experience we have designed three types of surge arresters:
The 3EC3, a porcelain housed surge arrester for DC
applications up to 3 kV for rolling stock and fixed installation.
The 3EB1 with a glass fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) tube with
silicone rubber sheds for DC and AC applications
up to 3 kV DC and 25 kV AC for rolling stock.
The 3EB2 with silicone housing for DC applications
up to 1.5 kV for fixed installation.

While this catalogue lists a great number of standard arresters

for use in the power supply of transportation systems, inner-
cone plug-on arresters for direct attachment to transformers
or switchgear, and arresters for transportation system power
distribution networks are likewise available. In addition, we can
offer surge arresters for special requirements (e. g. greater
creepage distances, methods of connections) upon request.

Supply voltages of traction systems

Supply voltages of traction systems are defined in IEC 60850.
The following terms and definitions are used there among other
things:
Nominal voltage Un
Designated value for a system
Highest permanent voltage Umax1
Maximum value of the voltage likely to be present indefinitely
Highest non-permanent voltage Umax2
Maximum value of the voltage likely to be present for a
maximum of 5 min
Highest long-term overvoltage Umax3
R.m.s. value of a power-frequency voltage as a maximum value of
the long-term overvoltage for T = 20 ms
Long-term overvoltage
Transient rise of voltage, lasting typically more than 20 ms, due
to low impedance phenomena (e. g. a rise in substation primary
voltage). The following voltages for traction systems are
defined.

Voltage
Nominal
750 V 1 500 V 3 000 V 15 000 V 25 000 V 3 000
Voltage
Umax Arrester
Umax1 (V) 900 1 800 3 600 17 250 27 500 Umax System
2 500 Un = 1 500 V
Umax2 (V) 1 000 1 950 3 900 18 000 29 000
Umax3 (V) 1 270 2 540 5 075 25 300 38 750
2 000

The top curve shows the surge arrester operating voltage. The
1 500
second curve represents the Umax system voltage according to
IEC 60850 and the curve at the bottom is the nominal voltage Un.
1 000
These curves show an example for Un = 1 500 V DC. The surge arrester 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1 000
can support all voltages that can appear in normal operation. t [s]

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Surge arresters 3EB1 –
for utmost protection of personnel

Optimum performance of a surge arrester is not

limited to offering the respective electrical protec-
tion level. During installation, close contact of per-
sonnel with the electric equipment cannot be avoided.
In the most unlikely event of a nearby lightning
strike or voltage transfer parts of the housing or
metal oxide resistors may fall down (as described in
the related standards). The 3EB1 surge arrester with
it’s sturdy, composite housing has been specially
designed to offer optimum protection for personnel
even in this unlikely event.

Depending on the application of the surge arrester,

we recommend the following types:
Surge arresters in substations or at the railway
line in non-restricted areas, for fixed installation
only:
3EB2 (DC), 3EC3 (DC),
3EB1 (AC and DC), 3EK7 (AC),
3EL (AC)
Surge arresters near railway stations, for rolling
stock in local mass transit: 3EC3 (DC), 3EB1
Surge arresters in restricted areas (e. g.: in railway
stations) for main lines and high speed railway:
3EB1

The 3EB1 arrester was developed for extreme appli-

cation conditions as occur on mainlines and high
speed railway lines. In these applications arresters are
exposed to extreme climatic conditions, mechanical
vibration and constant pollution. Therefore, very
high demands in terms of thermal, mechanical and
electrical stability have to be met.

Preferred application
Arrester Type
Fixed installation Rolling stock
3EB1 X X
3EB2 X
3EC3 X (x)*
3EK7 X
3EL x

* in local city transport

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 Overview of Surge Arresters
for Railway Applications

100
97 40
147 28 M12

27

200 160 196

95

13
55
20 135
130 85
200
3EB1 3EB2 3EC3

Surge Arresters for AC Applications

For 15 kV and 25 kV, the following two different types of the 3EB1 surge arrester are appropriate.

Arrester data

Nominal Type Maximum conti- Energy capability Maximum values of the residual voltages at discharge currents of the following impulses
system nouos operating
voltage voltage

30/60 µs 0.5 kA 30/60 µs 1 kA 8/20 µs 1 kA 8/20 µs 5 kA 8/20 µs 10 kA 1/2 µs 10 kA

kV kV kJ kV kV kV kV kV kV
15 3EB1230-5AL2… 18 97 46 48 49 56 60 64
15 3EB1230-6AL2… 18 180 44 45 46 52 55 58
25 3EB1370-5AX2… 30 155 74 77 79 89 96 102
25 3EB1370-6AX2… 30 290 71 73 75 84 89 94

Housing size Height Flash over Creepage Sheds Short circuit Housing insulation withstand level Top load Max. arrester
distance distance quantity capability weight

Lightning impulse Power-frequency withstand voltage static dynamic

withstand voltage 50 Hz, 1 min

1.2/50 µs dry wet

mm mm mm kA kV kV kV kN kN kg
3EB1 230-_AL2_ _ _ 296 195 460 4 40 110 55 45 3.5 9 8.2
3EB1 370-_AX2_ _ _ 425 297 800 7 40 170 85 70 2.5 6 11.6

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Surge Arresters for DC Applications
3EB1 or 3EC3 surge arresters can be used in standard DC applications.
For application according to VDV 525 recommendation,
we suggest the 3EB2 surge arrester as described below.

Electrical data
Arrester data
Nominal sys- Type Maximum continouos Energy Maximum values of the residual voltages
tem voltage operating Voltage capability at discharge currents of the following impulses

30/60 µs 30/60 µs 8/20 µs 8/20 µs 8/20 µs 1/2 µs

0,5 kA 1 kA 1 kA 5 kA 10 kA 10 kA
kV kV kJ kV kV kV kV kV kV
- 3EB2 003-7D 0.3 3 0.58 0.61 0.68 0.72 0.76
750 V 3EC3 010 and 3EB1 010-7D… and 3EB2010-7D 1 10 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.3 2.4 2.5
1 500 V 3EC3 020 and 3EB1 020-7D… and 3EB2020-7D 2 20 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.5 4.8 5.1
3 000 V 3EC3 040 and 3EB1 040-7D… 4 40 7.8 8.0 8.2 9.0 9.6 10.2

Surge arresters for rolling stock are specially designed to meet the higher mechanical
and electrical loads of this application.

Housing size Hight Flash over Creepage Sheds Short circuit Housing insulation Top load Max. arrester
distance distance quantity capability withstand level weight

Lightning impulse Power-frequency withstand static dynamic

withstand voltage voltage 50 Hz, 1 min

1,2/50 µs dry wet

mm mm mm kA kV kV kV kN kN kg
3EB1 0_0-7DS2_ - _ _ 191 100 125 1 40 55 28 23 5.5 13.5 5.2
3EB1 0_0-7DM2_ - _ _ 226 130 230 2 40 70 37 30 4.5 11.5 5.6
3EB2 _ _ _ - 7D 200 127 133 1 40 25 13 10 0.16 0.4 1.4
3EC3 _ _ _ 223 135 165 1 40 65 45 25 0.24 0.6 6.8

A1 – A2 surge arrester conception according to Additional A1 surge arresters are recommended if

VDV 525 Recommendation for applications in
DC systems
Recommendations for effective overvoltage protec-
tion in case of lightning strikes can be found in the
publication no. 525 issued by the “Verband deut-
scher Verkehrsunternehmen“ (VDV). The earthing of
current systems is most important when planning
lightning protection concepts. If rails of DC traction
systems are isolated from earth for reduction of stray
current corrosion (as required for new rails), they
cannot be used as earth terminations. In this case,
low resistance tower footings, driven piles, rein-
forcements of steel concrete location lines or sepa-
rate earth rods must be used as earth terminations.
However, rails laid without any measures for isola-
tion generally show only a low leakage resistance
and can be used as earth terminal. Though the
current then will be discharged via the rails endan-
gering electrical or electronic equipment located
near or within the rails. Effective remedies against
overvoltages caused by this process are additional
surge arresters within this equipment.
To get a complete protection of overhead contact
system outdoor surge arresters “A1” according to
VDV 525 should be installed at each supply point,
at the end of supply sections and dead-end feeders,
at coupling points as well as at current taps.
sections are hit by lightning strikes very often, e. g.
on bridges or on long distances. Connecting supply A1 – A2
and return lines in substation with surge arresters is surge arrester
an essential element of an overvoltage protection conception
concept in traction systems.
Surge arresters that are dimensioned in two differ-
ent ways are used for that purpose. Surge arresters
of type A1 are mounted between section circuit
breakers resp. cable terminals and return line.
Unavoidable potential rise of a return line as a result
of a lightning impulse current is limited by a surge
arrester of type A2 mounted between return line and
structure earth. Although metal oxide surge arrest-
ers are devices of extremely high reliability with
failure rates of less than 1 % per year, a failure may
occur under unfavourable circumstances, which
thereafter will lead to a permanent conductivity of
the surge arrester of type A1.
If the rails show a small leakage per unit length, the
ground electrode in this case may take an inadmissi-
ble high fault voltage for a longer time. However, if
an additional surge arrester of type A2 with a low
continuous operating voltage (120 V ≤ Uc ≤ 300 V)
is mounted between ground electrode and return
line this surge arrester will fail intentional as well.
In this way the fault voltage will be limited and the
section circuit breaker will be released by feeding
from the overhead traction system.

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Siemens AG Please contact us at: Order No. E50001-U113-A325-V1-7600
Power Transmission and Distribution Phone: +49 (30) 3 86-33 222 Printed in Germany
Dispo 30000
High Voltage Division (PTD H51) E-mail: arrester@siemens.de
TH 263-060797 102037 DS 10060.5
Nonnendammallee 104
13629 Berlin
Germany

www.siemens.com/arrester-download

The information in this document contains general descriptions of the technical options available, which do not always have to be present in individual cases.
The required features should therefore be specified in each individual case at the time of closing the contract.