In an ideal world, electrical systems should be constantly available. At the same time, both in South Africa and overseas, we are seeing ongoing transitions around power supplies. DEHN’s new Advanced Circuit Interruption (ACI) technology, however, is well-equipped to deal with the issues being brought about by future energy mix possibilities, as well as the existing ongoing local supply uncertainty regarding the national grid.

This is according to Hano Oelofse, managing director at DEHN Africa, who says, “ACI technology is brand new - a first in the market and a product of DEHN exclusively. The new DEHNguard surge arrestor with ACI technology allows the user to save space, time and costs. DEHNguard is a pre-wired, complete unit that consists of a base part and plug-in protection modules.”

Oelofse says that ACI technology presents a technical solution to dimensioning issues, which eliminates the need to select the right back-up fuse or conductor cross-section, which increases the safety of the electrical installation and saves space.

“This technology also removes the occurrence of leakage current, preventing ageing of the protective device and saving both time and expense in replacing arrestors ahead of schedule. In addition, DEHNguard ACI prevents the accidental tripping of the insulation monitoring, contributing to operational safety.”

DEHNguard with ACI technology has recently become available in South Africa through DEHN Africa. Its benefits include:

• Safe dimensioning and the elimination of mistakes: With ACI arrestors, users are able to avoid making certain configuration errors, which can occur when selecting and dimensioning a suitable backup fuse. This increases the availability of the system. The new switch/spark gap combination is integrated directly into, and ideally adjusted to, the arrestor. The user does not need to spend time and effort selecting the correct fuse size and tripping characteristics.

• Withstanding of temporary over-voltages (TOV) to increase system availability: Temporary overvoltages (for example, caused by loss of neutral) can destroy conventional surge protective devices.  The new ACI arrestors have a much better TOV withstand, which increases the availability of your system and avoids wasting time and money on repairs.

• Zero leakage current to increase the service lifetime of arrestors: The technology in an ACI makes sure that there are no leakage currents. This prevents premature ageing and saves the time and expense of replacing arrestors ahead of schedule. ACI arrestors also avert the accidental tripping of the insulation monitoring and contribute towards operational safety.

• Connection cross-section of just 6mm² makes for easier installation: A conductor cross-section of just 6mm² is sufficient, allowing the installer to save on the valuable time that otherwise needs to be spent dimensioning the cross-section. This size also makes installation easier because the radiuses are smaller and the wing shorter.

• Fulfils future requirements in the energy sector as renewable power generation creates new grid parameters: The global power supply is in a period of transition, and isolated grids and storage systems are changing the short-circuiting conditions. The DEHN ACI technology equips users for these future requirements.

“Renewable power generation is creating new grid parameters, and isolated grids and storage systems are changing the short-circuiting conditions. With DEHN’s ACI technology, you are able to future-proof your grid parameter requirements, while at the same time adapting to the legacy issues of today,” concludes Oelofse.