Parafoudre AC Citel - Type 2 - 2P - 40kA - 230/400V - Réf. DS240S-230

Citel DS240S-230 Type 2 2P 40kA AC Surge Protector - Protection for photovoltaic installations

The Citel DS240S-230 modular surge protector is an essential protection device for securing your photovoltaic installations and AC electrical networks against atmospheric surges (lightning) and switching surges (electrical network). Designed and manufactured in France by Citel, the European leader in lightning protection, this Type 2 class II arrester offers high-performance protection with a maximum discharge current (Imax) of 40kA per phase.

Why install a lightning arrester on your photovoltaic installation?

Photovoltaic installations are particularly exposed to the risk of power surges:

• Exposure to height: rooftop solar panels = risk of direct or indirect lightning strike
• Long cable lines: between panels, inverter and switchboard = antennae that pick up surges
• Sensitive electronics: inverters, batteries, monitoring systems = very vulnerable to voltage peaks
• Cost of equipment: inverter 2000-5000€, batteries 5000-15000€ = investment that absolutely must be protected

💡 Normative obligation: According to standard NF C 15-100 (section 443) and the Belgian RGIE (article 4.4.4), the installation of lightning arresters is mandatory in certain cases:

• Buildings equipped with lightning conductors
• Overhead power supplies in lightning risk zones (AQ2, AQ3, AQ4)
• Structures open to the public
• Photovoltaic installations (recommended by guide UTE C 15-712-1)

Typical applications for the Citel DS240S-230 lightning arrester

• Residential and tertiary photovoltaic installations: protection on the AC side between inverter and main switchboard
• AC protection cabinets: integration in single-phase or three-phase cabinets
• Distribution boards: protection at the head of the main or sub-distribution board
• Heat pumps: protection for exposed outdoor equipment
• EV charging stations: securing outdoor wallboxes
• Commercial buildings: protection of sensitive electrical networks

Technical specifications

Why choose the Citel DS240S-230 surge protector?

1. Type 2: high-performance intermediate protection

The Type 2 surge protector (formerly Class II) is the mandatory level of protection at the head of the switchboard according to NF C 15-100. It protects against :

• ✅ Indirect lightning strikes: surges induced by lightning falling nearby (radius 500m-1km)
• ✅ Manoeuvring overvoltages: mains switching, external short-circuit, sudden load variations
• ✅ Propagated overvoltages: surges rising from the distribution network

2. 40kA discharge capacity: safe sizing

With an Imax of 40kA (8/20µs) and an In of 20kA, this arrester offers:

• Comfortable safety margin: capable of absorbing significant overvoltages without degradation
• Extended service life: withstands several successive events before replacement
• Standards compliance: exceeds minimum NF C 15-100 requirements (In ≥ 5kA for Type 2)

3. 2P configuration: single-phase and two-phase versatility

The 2-pole model protects :

• Single-phase installations: protection L-N (phase-neutral) + PE earthing
• 400V two-phase installations: L1-L2 protection (2 phases) + PE earthing
• Specific circuits: protection of a dedicated circuit (e.g. PV inverter, VE terminal)

⚠️ Important note: For three-phase installations (3P+N), use the Citel DS240S-400 4-pole model (3P+N).

4. Integrated thermal disconnector: maximum safety

In the event of varistor ageing or failure, the automatic thermal disconnector:

• ✅ Isolates the faulty arrester: avoids any risk of overheating or fire
• ✅ Maintains continuity of service: the installation remains powered (but unprotected → immediate replacement required)
• ✅ Visual signalling: red LED + dry contact option for remote alarm.

5. Protection level Up ≤ 1.5 kV: electronic safety

The protection level (Up) represents the maximum residual voltage allowed to pass through the arrester. With Up ≤ 1.5 kV:

• ✅ Effective protection of PV inverters: typical withstand range 2-4 kV → comfortable safety margin.
• ✅ Lithium battery safety: BMS (Battery Management System) protected against voltage peaks.
• ✅ S ensitive electronic equipment: monitoring systems, smart meters, home automation boxes

6. Response time < 25 ns: ultra-fast protection

MOV varistor technology enables a response in less than 25 nanoseconds:

• Instant interception: the surge is clipped before it reaches sensitive equipment
• Complete protection: no time window for exposure

7. Citel French manufacturing: quality and expertise

Citel (Servalec group) has been the French leader in lightning protection since 1986:

• French manufacturing: design, production and quality control in France
• Recognised expertise: over 35 years' experience in lightning protection
• NF certifications: compliance with the most demanding French standards
• Technical support: full documentation, technical assistance available

Installation and sizing

Installation rules in accordance with NF C 15-100

⚠️ Crucial rule: wiring length

The total length of conductors between the arrester and the connection point must be ≤ 0.5 metres (outward + return). Why must this be the case?

• Each metre of cable adds ~1 µH of inductance
• Inductance = rise in residual voltage during rapid discharge (high dU/dt)
• Cable too long = degraded level of protection (Up increases)

💡 Tip: prefer "V" or "T" connections rather than straight lines to minimise lengths.

Sizing according to type of installation

Checking and maintenance

• Monthly visual check: green light on (lightning arrester operational)
• Annual test: check PE continuity, tighten terminals (torque 2.5 N.m)
• After a violent storm: visual check + electrical test (measure insulation resistance)
• Immediate replacement if: red light, disconnector tripped, traces of overheating

📅 Lifespan: A well-installed lightning arrester that is subjected to little stress can last 15-20 years. In areas with high thunderstorm activity (>25 days/year), lifespan is reduced to 8-12 years.

Integration into the Wattuneed ecosystem

The Citel DS240S-230 surge protector integrates perfectly into Wattuneed's photovoltaic and protection solutions:

• Wattuneed AC protection cabinets: pre-equipped installation with integrated surge arrester
• Solar inverters: essential protection for Deye, Huawei, Solis, Growatt inverters, etc.
• Storage batteries: securing BMS and management electronics (Pylontech, BYD, Dyness)
• Monitoring systems: protection of communication modules (Wi-Fi, 4G, Ethernet).

🎯 In summary: your advantages with the Citel DS240S-230 surge protector

• ✅ High-performance protection: Type 2, 40kA Imax, Up ≤ 1.5 kV
• ✅ 2 P configuration: single-phase (L-N) or two-phase (L1-L2) 230/400V
• ✅ Maximum safety: thermal disconnector + visual signalling
• ✅ Ultra-fast response: < 25 ns, instant protection
• ✅ Citel French manufacturing: quality, expertise, NF certifications
• ✅ S tandards compliance: NF EN 61643-11, NF C 15-100, RGIE
• ✅ Durability: 15-20 year service life, manufacturer's warranty
• ✅ S imple installation: 35mm DIN rail, 2 modules (18mm), quick wiring

Don't let lightning destroy your photovoltaic investment. Protect your inverters, batteries and electronic equipment with the Citel DS240S-230 lightning arrester, the French benchmark for lightning protection. ⚡🛡️

Wattuneed, your partner for secure, long-lasting photovoltaic installations. 🌞⚡