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Operating instructions

© Siemens AG • 02/2016
Alle Rechte vorbehalten..
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Surge Arrester Type 3EL2

Order-No.: 928 00047 176 h

Contents
Contents _________________________________________________________________________2
Technical data 4
Description 5
Design 5
Mode of operation 5
Transportation and storage 6
Screwed joints 7

Installation _______________________________________________________________________8
Accessories 8
Place of installation 8
Mounting the components 8
Installing of the arrester 9
Grounding 12
Terminal 12

Exploded view ___________________________________________________________________14

Maintenance _____________________________________________________________________16
Disposal arrester and arrester accessories 16

2 © Siemens AG • 02/2016
 The manufacturer of this surge arrester

Siemens AG
Energy Management · High Voltage Products
Surge Arresters

has introduced and applies a quality system in accordance with

DIN ISO 9001 / EN 29 001

Quality systems: Model for quality assurance. This system was first demonstrated in 1989 to the
DQS (German Association for the Certification of Quality Systems).
The electrical testing laboratories and the materials technology laboratories of the manufacturer
have been certified since 1992 by the German Accreditation Body in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.

If you require further copies of the operating instructions, please order them from the appropriate Siemens office,
indicating the title and order number shown on the title page.

Published by: In case of request:

Siemens AG Telephone switchboard +49 / 30 / 386 1

EM HP AIS Sales department: +49 / 30 / 386 33222
D-13623 Berlin Fax: +49 / 30 / 386 26721
e-mail: mailto:Arrester@Siemens.de

Subject to change.

Note
The equipment covered by these instructions should be installed and serviced only by
competent personnel familiar with good safety practices. This instruction is written for
such personnel and is not intended as a substitute for adequate training and experience
in safe procedures.

This information is intended for the correct installation of this product. Siemens has no control over the condition
of the network, which can be greatly affected by the installation of a product. It is the responsibility of the user to
chose the appropriate method of installation. Under no circumstance is Siemens liable for any direct or indirect
damage caused by the use or misuse of this product.

© Siemens AG • 02/2016 3
The 3EL2 surge arrester serves to protect the insulation of a system (or of one of its components)
from undue stresses resulting from overvoltages.

Technical data
The standard model is suitable for an installation altitude of up to 1000 m above sea-level and for a
rated frequency between 48 Hz and 62 Hz.

Fig. 1 Surge arrester type 3EL2 (H = height of unit(s))

The surge arrester meets the following standards:

Standard Classification
VDE 0675-4 10 kA

IEC 60099-4 10 kA, Heavy duty

IEEE Std C62.11 Station valve arrester

The rating plate [Fig. 2] will be found on the lowest flange (in some cases this has a special design in
accordance with customer requirements).

1 Order number 6 Pressure relief class

2 Rated voltage 7 Year of manufacture
3 Continuous voltage 8 Works serial no.
4 Rated discharge current 9 Unit no. of upper arrester unit
5 Line discharge class 10 Unit no. of lower arrester unit
Fig. 2 Rating plate

In the case of arresters in several sections, each module will also be provided with a unit plate [Fig. 3]:

4 © Siemens AG • 02/2016
1 Unit number 3 Year of manufacture
2 Rated voltage 4 Warehouse number
Fig. 3 Module plate

Description
Design
The active components of the arrester are metal oxide resistors. They are arranged in a stack and
hermetically protected against environmental influences by means of a directly mounted silicon enclo-
sure. The mechanical strength is attained by glass-fibre-reinforced polymer rods which tightly enclose
and compress the resistor stack. Thanks to its hydrophobic properties, the silicon enclosure minimises
electrical discharges on the enclosure surface and thus ensures particularly good operating character-
istics, even under conditions of heavy pollution.
The flanges are made of a lightweight metal alloy suitable for use outdoors and directly connected with
the silicon enclosure.
The metal-oxide (MO) resistors are tightly enclosed by the fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) rods (as if in a
cage). In the event of resistor overload – an extremely unlikely case, but which cannot entirely be
ruled out – the resultant arc produces no overpressure, since the resistors are not enclosed by a
sealed, mechanically rigid casing. The arc escapes immediately through the silicon enclosure, without
any abrupt rupturing of the mechanical load bearing enclosing structure. At the same time the MO
resistors are held largely in place by a considerable number of FRP rods. The risk of parts flying off is
therefore minimised.
The arresters are, where necessary, equipped with control fittings and / or shields.
Mode of operation
Metal oxide resistors are markedly non-linear - in other words, they have a strongly curved current-
voltage characteristic, which means that with the continuous voltage under normal circumstances only
the so-called leakage current of just a few milliamps will flow.
In the case of overvoltages due to lightning or to switching operations, the resistors become conduc-
tive (ohm range) thereby allowing a discharge current to flow to ground and the overvoltage to be re-
duced to the value of the voltage drop at the arrester (“discharge voltage”). Here the discharge cur-
rents may range up to 2 kA in the case of switching surges and 1 - 10 - 20 kA in the case of lightning
surges.

© Siemens AG • 02/2016 5
1 Polymeric composite housing
2 Non-linear metal-oxide resistor
3 Insulating rods
4 Flange
Fig. 4 Sectional view of a modular unit

Transportation and storage

The surge arresters or surge arrester units are packed in boxes or crates in the factory. The packing is
done taking into account the stresses and climatic conditions which the surge arresters will encounter
during shipping. Additionally, the packing of the arresters complies with the customer requirements.
The packaging will have the appropriate transportation and storage labelling as well as instructions on
proper handling.
The consignment should be inspected immediately after receipt for signs of damage. If damage is
found the carrier should be informed without delay. Loose parts packed with the consignment should
be checked against the dispatch note to make sure none is missing. This means that all shipping con-
tainers will need to be opened.
If the items are to be stored for extended periods, we recommend to leave the units and accessories
in their shipping containers.
All screws, terminals and supplementary equipment (tell-tale spark gap, surge counter) required for
assembly and installation are supplied in an accessory pack.

Note:
To avoid damaging of insulators, do not remove the assembly and shipping protector until
assembly and installation has been completed.

6 © Siemens AG • 02/2016
1 Polymeric composite housing
2 Protective packing for installation/transport
Fig. 5 Protective packing for installation/transport

Screwed joints
For mounting the arrester use only the bolts supplied.
Grease the bolt threads with Molykote Longterm 2 plus.

Attention
Unchecked tightening can result in damage or loosing of bolt
joints

Use torque wrench for assembly.

Necessary torque for screwed joints:

M 8: 18 ± 2 Nm
M 10: 35 ± 5 Nm
M 12: 60 ± 5 Nm
M 16: 90 ± 10 Nm
M 20: 105 ± 10 Nm

© Siemens AG • 02/2016 7
Installation
Important note: Note the following before installing:

Warning
Before any work starts:
 switch off and isolate
 secure against reclosing
 verify that equipment is dead
 earth and short circuit the equipment
 cover or fence off nearby live parts
Death, severe injury and considerable damage to
property and environmental damage may result if
the safety instructions are not followed.
 Confirm that these safety measures have been carried out.

Accessories
With the standard model, the following accessories are included in the scope of supply:
 Grading ring and struts (as applicable)
Possibilities for isolated installing:
 3-hole mounting insulated Ø200 … 276 mm [Fig. 10]
 4-hole mounting insulated 200 × 200 mm² with screws M16 x 130 [Fig. 11]
 4-hole mounting insulated 310 × 310 mm² with screws M20 x 140 [Fig. 12].
Possibilities for the terminals:
 terminal bolt, corrosion-resistant steel [Fig. 14],
 flat terminal, DIN, all hot-galvanised steel, [Fig. 15],
 flat terminal, NEMA, all hot-galvanised steel, [Fig. 16].

Place of installation
The range of protection offered by the arresters is restricted, which is why the surge arrester should be
installed as close as possible to that part of the system being protected. The distance between
grounded or live components and adjacent arresters or their control components should be selected
on the basis of the relevant regulations.

Note
The arresters must be installed or suspended vertically. If they need to be installed in a
non-vertical position, you should first contact the manufacturer.

Mounting the components

The individual components for mounting are shown in the drawing in [=> Fig. 17].

8 © Siemens AG • 02/2016
Installing of the arrester

Attention
Danger of damage to the interior of the arrester
 Do not lean a ladder against the surge arrester.

The contact faces of the flanges of the arresters must be cleaned with a steel brush, if necessary.
With arresters consisting of several units the units must be placed one on top of the other in the se-
quence of their numbers marked on the rating plate [Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 6].

Attention
Danger of damage to the interior of the arrester
The contact faces [4/Fig. 6] shall be cleaned before installation.

1 lower unit
2 upper unit
3 Rating plate for unit
4 contact faces
Fig. 6 Surge arrester units

Attention
Shim plates between the individual arrester units are not allowed.

Before the top unit is located in place, it is advisable to fit the outer grading ring struts [3/Fig. 17],
[4/Fig. 17] and the terminal plate [10/Fig. 17] to the upper flange.

© Siemens AG • 02/2016 9
Fig. 7 Lifting gear

Fig. 8 Drilling plan / direct mounting

standing installation
The arrester must be placed and mounted with four rag bolts M10 on a concrete foundation or with
four bolts M10 on the support [Fig. 9] by means of appropriate lifting gear (crane, tackle) comprising
slings and lifting lugs [Fig. 7].

Fig. 9 unisolated 4-hole mounting

Basic plate for isolated installation, 3 hole mounting ø200 … ø 276 mm 3× M12 (standing installation)

Attention
Do not remove the insulating tube from the bolts M12 × 140.

Put according to the drilling plan the three lower insulating sockets [Fig. 10] to the holes of the support.
The base plate and the upper insulating sockets can be mounted with three bolts M12 × 140 on the
lower insulating sockets. The arrester must be placed and mounted with four bolts M10 × 50 on the

10 © Siemens AG • 02/2016
base plate by means of appropriate lifting gear (crane, tackle) comprising slings and lifting lugs [Fig.
7].

Fig. 10 Basic plate for isolated installation, 3 hole mounting Ø 200 … 276 mm 3× M12

Basic plate for isolated installation, 4 hole mounting 200 × 200 mm² 4× M16

Attention
Do not remove the insulating tube from the bolts M 16 x 130.

Put according to the drilling plan the four lower insulating sockets [2/Fig. 11] to the holes of the support
[1]. The base plate [3] and the upper insulating [4] sockets can be mounted with four bolts M16 × 130
on the lower insulating sockets. The arrester [5] must be placed and mounted with four bolts M10 × 50
on the base plate by means of appropriate lifting gear (crane, tackle) comprising slings and lifting lugs
[Fig. 7].

1 Support
2 Lower insulating socket
3 Base plate
4 upper insulating socket
5 Arrester
Fig. 11 Basic plate for isolated installation, 4-hole mounting M16, 200×200 mm²

Basic plate for isolated installation, 4 hole mounting 310 × 310 mm² 4× M20 (standing installation)

Attention
Do not remove the insulating tube from the bolts M 20 x 110.

Put according to the drilling plan the four lower insulating sockets [2 [2/Fig. 12] to the holes of the sup-
port [1]. The base plate [3] and the upper insulating [4] sockets can be mounted with four bolts
M20 × 110 on the lower insulating sockets. The arrester [5] must be placed and mounted with four
bolts M10 × 50 on the base plate by means of appropriate lifting gear (crane, tackle) comprising slings
and lifting lugs [Fig. 7].

© Siemens AG • 02/2016 11
1 Support
2 Lower insulating socket
3 Base plate
4 upper insulating socket
5 Arrester
Fig. 12 Basic plate for isolated installation, 4-hole mounting 310 × 310 mm² 4× M20

suspended installation
The top and bottom plates may have to be exchanged together with their associated bolts and insulat-
ing parts to make it into a hanging version [Fig. 1], [Fig. 17]. In other respects, the arrester must be
installed at site in accordance with local conditions.
Grounding
The protective effect of surge arresters will be negatively affected with increasing length of the ground
wire, since a voltage drop occurs along the ground wire during a surge event. Thus, the ground wire
should connect the ground terminal of the arrester to the substation grounding system using the short-
est and most direct path. The length of the ground wire, if possible, should not exceed 1 m for medium
voltage surge arresters and 2 m for high voltage surge arresters. Because of the low currents in op-
eration (mA range) or the short duration of the currents (ms range) in a surge event, we recommend a
cross section of 35 mm² , but at least 16 mm² for the ground wire.
Even if the arrester is monitored by devices connected in series with the ground wire, e.g. by control
spark gap 3EX6 040, surge counter 3EX5 030/050 or other control systems, the ground wire should
be as short as possible and loops should be avoided. If monitoring devices are to be installed at a
larger distance from the arrester, it is recommended to use devices with separate sensors and display
units, such as the surge monitor with sensor unit 3EX5 060 and display unit 3EX5 062. If monitoring
devices are connected to the ground wire, the conductor between the earth terminal of the monitoring
device and the grounding system of the substation must be protected against contact.
For installation of ground wire and monitoring devices the requirements of the corresponding national
or international standards are to be applied.
The scope of delivery of the arresters and monitoring devices contains no ground wire.

Standing or suspended installation:

Bolt the ground wire to one of the four M10 base flanges in accordance with [13a. Fig. 17].
Isolated installation
Bolt the ground wire to the M12 ground bolt in accordance with [14, Fig. 17].
Terminal

Attention!
High-voltage connections with tube conductors should be flexible in
order to prevent exertion of any inadmissible mechanical forces on
the surge arrester.

Pay attention to the electro-chemical compatibility of the materials utilised.

Terminal with cable eye
The terminal must be mounted with a cable eye according to [Fig. 13].

12 © Siemens AG • 02/2016
Fig. 13 Terminal with cable eye

Bolt terminal, DIN-flat terminal or NEMA-flat terminal

If the terminal is mounted by means of a bolt terminal [Fig. 14] or a flat terminal [Fig. 15], [Fig. 16], the
necessary accessories are already installed by the manufacturer.

Fig. 14 Bolt terminal

Fig. 15 Flat terminal DIN Fig. 16 Flat terminal NEMA

© Siemens AG • 02/2016 13
Exploded view
Item Qty Designation
1a, 4 Screw M10 × 35
1b 8 Washer 10,5
4 Nut M10
1c 4 Screw M10 × 35
7 Washer 10,5
3 Nut M10
3 0/4 Strut
4 0/1 Grading ring
5 0/4 Screw M10 × 25
0/4 Washer 10,5
0/4 Nut M10
6 1/2 Polymeric composite housing
7 0/4 Screw M10 × 50
0/8 Washer 10,5
0/4 Nut M10
8 1 Rating plate
9 0/2 Rating plate for unit
10a 1 Plate
10b 1 Flat terminal DIN / NEMA
10c 1 Bolt terminal with plate
11a 1 Plate
11b 1 Basic plate for isolated installation 3× ø200…276 mm
11c 1 Basic plate for isolated installation 4× 200 × 200 mm
11d 1 Basic plate for isolated installation 4× 310 × 310 mm
12b 4 Screw M10 × 50
4 Washer 10,5
4 Nut M10
12c, 4 Screw M10 × 45
12d 8 Washer 10,5
4 Nut M10
13a 4 Screw M10 × 55
8 Washer 10,5
4 Spring washer B10
4 Nut M10
13b 3 Screw M12 × 140
6 Washer 15
3 Insulating tube B12 × 0,8
6 Insulating socket
3 Spring washer B12
3 Nut M12
13c 4 Screw M16 × 130
8 Washer 17
4 Insulating tube B16 × 1
8 Insulating socket
4 Spring washer B16
4 Nut M16
13d 4 Screw M20 × 110
8 Washer 21
4 Insulating tube B20 × 1,2
8 Insulating socket
4 Spring washer B20
4 Nut M20
14b 1 Screw M12 × 30
1 Spring washer B12
1 Washer 13
1 Nut M12
14c, 1 Screw M12 × 30
14d 1 Spring washer B12
1 Washer 13

14 © Siemens AG • 02/2016
Fig. 17 Surge arrester 3EL2

© Siemens AG • 02/2016 15
Maintenance

Warning
Before any work starts:
 switch off and isolate
 secure against reclosing
 verify that equipment is dead
 earth and short circuit the equipment
 cover or fence off nearby live parts
Death, severe injury and considerable damage to
property and environmental damage may result if
the safety instructions are not followed.
 Confirm that these safety measures have been carried out.

For technical reasons the silicone sheds do not need cleaning. Should they nonetheless be cleaned,
only use clear or soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge.

Important
Do not use solvents or abrasive or scratching materials.

Regular maintenance of the arresters is not necessary.

The only monitoring required is to:
– Read the operations counter, if installed.
– Check the tell-tale spark gap, if installed.
– The arc effects due to overloading cause a controlled cracking or tearing open of the silicone
housing (blackening traces). In such a case you will need to replace the arrester. You may also
need to replace any monitoring accessories.

Disposal arrester and arrester accessories

Surge arresters and the accessories are an environmentally compatible product. Environmentally ac-
ceptable disposal of the surge arresters and the accessories is possible in line with current legislation.
The following materials have been used to make up the device: Steel, aluminium, glass-fibre-
reinforced plastics, electronic components and silicone rubber (VMQ), ceramics (metal oxide).
According to current waste disposal techniques, arresters type 3EL2 cannot be used for neither mate-
rial nor thermal purposes.
Seeing as the arresters do not contain any dangerous substances, they can be disposed of along with
household waste.
In as-supplied-by-Siemens state, the device incorporates no hazardous substances in the sense of the
pertinent regulations in Germany. If the device is to be operated outside Germany, the locally applica-
ble laws and regulations must be followed.
Local customer support offices will be able to answer any questions concerning disposal.

16 © Siemens AG • 02/2016