IEC 61643-22:2015

Overview

IEC 61643-22:2015 is an international standard that defines selection and application principles for low-voltage surge protective devices (SPDs) used in telecommunications and signalling networks. It focuses on SPDs designed for systems with nominal voltages up to 1,000 V r.m.s. AC and 1,500 V DC. This edition updates and replaces the 2004 version, introducing technical revisions to address evolving technologies such as multiservice SPDs, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. The standard provides essential guidance for ensuring reliable SPD integration, protection, and maintenance in complex telecommunication infrastructures.

Key Topics

• Scope and System Voltage Limits
  Applicable to SPDs connected in telecommunication and signalling networks with nominal voltages up to 1,000 V AC and 1,500 V DC.

• SPD Technologies Overview
  Detailed descriptions of voltage-limiting and current-limiting components including metal oxide varistors (MOV), gas discharge tubes (GDT), silicon semiconductors, thyristor surge suppressors, and switching components.

• Selection Parameters and Testing
  Guidance on selecting SPDs based on environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude), normal and abnormal service conditions, and electrical parameters as per IEC 61643-21.

• Risk Management Procedures
  Comprehensive strategies for assessing and mitigating risks related to lightning discharges and power line faults within telecommunication and signalling networks.

• Application and Coordination
  Principles for proper SPD application, installation considerations, selection criteria, and coordination between multiple devices to ensure system-wide protection.

• Multiservice SPDs
  Explanation on devices incorporating protection for both signalling and power lines within the same enclosure, with updated use cases and application guidelines.

• Power over Ethernet (PoE) Protection
  Special considerations for new transmission technologies such as PoE, including withstand capabilities and SPD coordination to handle surge conversion modes.

• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
  Annex providing EMC requirements to minimize electromagnetic interference caused by SPDs, ensuring compliance with immunity and emission standards.

• Maintenance and Inspection
  Recommendations for maintenance cycles, periodic visual inspections, complete examinations, and responsibility allocation to ensure SPD operational integrity over time.

Applications

IEC 61643-22:2015 is critical for engineers, system designers, and technicians involved in:

• Designing resilient telecommunication and signalling networks requiring surge protection.
• Selecting SPDs for low-voltage environments with both AC and DC power sources.
• Integrating multiservice surge protective devices to protect combined power and signal lines.
• Protecting Ethernet and PoE systems against transient overvoltages while maintaining data integrity.
• Managing risks from lightning strikes and power line faults through proper SPD implementation.
• Coordinating multiple SPDs within complex installations to avoid protection conflicts and maintain system uptime.
• Ensuring ongoing system reliability via structured SPD maintenance programs consistent with international best practices.
• Complying with global electrical and electronic standards to enhance safety and minimize downtime.

Related Standards

• IEC 61643-11: Low-voltage surge protective devices - General requirements and tests for SPDs in power distribution systems.
• IEC 61643-21: Surge protective devices connected to telecommunications and signalling networks - Performance requirements and testing.
• IEC 62305-2: Protection against lightning - Risk management guidelines essential for SPD risk assessments.
• ITU-T K.44: Recommendations on internal port definitions relevant to telecommunications equipment.

By harmonizing IEC 61643-22 with these related standards, organizations can implement comprehensive surge protection strategies that optimize safety, equipment longevity, and service continuity in telecommunication and signalling infrastructure.

Keywords: IEC 61643-22, surge protective devices, SPDs, telecommunications networks, low-voltage protection, multiservice SPDs, Power over Ethernet, PoE surge protection, electromagnetic compatibility, SPD maintenance, telecommunication surge protection, signalling network safety, IEC standards.