Appendix
A.3 Lightning and surge voltage protection
S7-300, CPU 31xC and CPU 31x: Installation
Operating Instructions, Edition 08/2004, A5E00105492-05
A-29
Circuit for coils operated with DC voltage
The figure below shows DC-operated coils equipped with diode or Zener diode circuit.
with diode
with Zener diode
+
-
+
-
Diode/Zener diode circuits have the following characteristics:
•
Opening surge voltage can be totally avoided.
The Zener diode has a higher switch-off voltage capacity.
•
High switch-off delay (6 to 9 times higher than without protective circuit).
The Zener diode switches off faster than a diode circuit.
Circuit for coils operated with AC voltage
The figure shows coils operated with AC voltage and varistor or RC circuit.
with varistor circuit
with RC circuit
~
~
~
~
The characteristics of varistor circuits are:
•
The amplitude of the opening surge is limited rather than attenuated.
•
The surge rise-ratio remains the same.
•
Short off-delay.
The characteristics of RC circuits are:
•
Amplitude and steepness of the opening surge are reduced.
•
Short off-delay.