Low Voltage Standards

IEEE C62.31-2006 (R2011)
Title: Standard Test Methods for Low-Voltage Gas-Tube Surge-Protective Device Components
Scope: This standard applies to gas-tube surge-protective device components for application on systems with  voltages less than or equal to 1000 V rms or 1200 V dc. These protective devices are designed to limit voltage surges on balanced or unbalanced communication circuits and on power circuits operating from direct current (dc) to 420 Hz. This standard contains a series of standard test criteria for determining the electrical characteristics of gas-tube surge-protective devices.  The tests in this standard are intended as design tests as defined in The Authoritative Dictionary of IEEE Standard Terms and provide a means of comparison among various gas-tube surge-protective device components.  Gas-tube devices are used to provide over-voltage protection in electrical circuits.
When the breakdown voltage of the gas tube is exceeded, the normal high-impedance state of the tube changes to a low impedance state to allow the gas tube to conduct the surge discharge current. After the tube conducts the surge discharge current, it interrupts the flow of power follow current and returns to its high-impedance  state.  This standard's test criteria and definitions provide a common engineering language that is beneficial to the user and manufacturer of gas-tube surge-protective devices.
 
IEEE C62.33-1982 (R2000)
Title: IEEE Standard Test Specifications for Varistor Surge-Protective Devices
Scope: This standard applies to varistors for surge protective applications on systems with dc to 420 Hz frequency and voltages equal to or less than 1000 V rms, or 1200 V dc. This standard contains definitions, service conditions and a series of test criteria for determining the electrical characteristics of these varistors. If the characteristics differ with the direction of conduction, then the tests determine characteristics for both polarities. Arresters covered by ANSI/IEEE C62.1-1984.

IEEE C62.34-1996
Title: IEEE Standard for Performance of Low-Voltage Surge-Protective Devices (Secondary Arresters)
Scope: This standard applies to surge-protective devices designed for application on the low-voltage ac supply mains (1000 V rms and less, frequency between 48 Hz and 62 Hz). Low-voltage surge-protective devices (secondary arresters) are intended to be connected at locations between, and including, the secondary terminals of the distribution transformer and the main service entrance panel. Surge-protective devices limit transient overvoltages by diverting surge current and subsequently automatically interrupting the passage of follow current.

IEEE C62.35-2010
Title: IEEE Standard Test Methods for Avalanche Junction Semiconductor Surge-Protective Device Components
Scope: This standard applies to two terminal or multiple terminal silicon avalanche breakdown diodes (ABD), which are one type of surge protective device component (SPDC). In this document, these devices will be called ABDs. ABDs limit (clamp) transient voltages and divert transient currents. This standard contains  terms, symbols and definitions, and provides test methods for verifying ratings and measuring device characteristics. Service conditions and failure mode are also provided. This standard may also apply to other silicon surge protective device components with similar V-I characteristics.

IEEE C62.36-2000 (R2006)
Title: IEEE Standard Test Methods for Surge Protectors Used in Low-Voltage Data, Communications, and Signaling Circuits
Scope: This standard applies to surge protectors for application on multiconductor balanced or unbalanced data, communications, and signaling circuits with voltages equal to or less than 1000 V rms, or 1200 V dc. These surge protectors are designed to limit voltage surges, current surges, or both.
This standard describes the methods of testing and criteria for determining the end of life of electrical surge protectors used in low-voltage data, communications, and signaling circuits. The surge protectors covered are multiple-component series or parallel combinations of linear or nonlinear elements, packaged for the purpose of limiting voltage, current, or both.
This standard is not intended to cover packaged single gas tube, air gap, varistor, or avalanche junction surge-protective devices, which are included in IEEE Std C62.31-1987, IEEE Std C62.32-1981, IEEE Std C62.33-1982, and IEEE Std C62.35-1987, respectively. Specifically excluded from this standard are test methods for low-voltage power circuit applications. For protection of wire-line communication facilities under the specialized conditions found at power stations, consult IEEE Std 487-1992. The tests in this standard are intended as design tests, as defined in the IEEE Dictionary and provide a means of comparison among various multiple-component surge protectors. The test criteria and definitions of this standard provide a common engineering language beneficial to users and manufacturers of multiple-component surge protectors.

IEEE C62.37-1996 (R2010)
Title: IEEE Standard Test Specification for Thyristor Diode Surge Protective Devices
Scope: This standard applies to two or three terminal, four or five layer, thyristor surge protection devices (SPDs) for application on systems with voltages equal to or less than 1000 V rms or 1200 V dc. These protective devices are designed to limit voltage surges on communication circuits and on power circuits operating from direct current (dc) to 420 Hz. The thyristor SPD can be manufactured with unidirectional or bidirectional, symmetrical, or asymmetrical V-I characteristics. This standard contains definitions, service conditions, and a series of test criteria for determining the characteristics of a thyristor SPD. If the characteristics differ with the direction of conduction, each polarity shall be separately specified.
 
IEEE C62.62-2010
Title: IEEE Standard Test Specifications for Surge-Protective Devices (SPDs) for Use on the Load Side of the Service Equipment in Low Voltage (1000 V and less) AC Power Circuits
Scope: This standard applies to Surge-protective Devices (SPDs) intended to be installed on the load side of the service equipment connected to 50 Hz or 60 Hz AC power circuits rated at 1000 V (rms) or less. Performance characteristics and standard methods for testing and rating are established for these devices, which may be composed of any combination of components. The tests in this standard are aimed at providing comparisons among the variety of surge-protective devices available.

IEEE C62.64-2009
Title: IEEE Standard Specifications for Surge Protectors Used in Low-Voltage Data, Communications,and Signaling Circuits
Scope: This standard applies to surge protectors for application on multi-conductor and coaxial, balanced or unbalanced, data, communications, and signaling circuits with voltages less than or equal to 1000 V rms, or 1200 V dc. These surge protectors are intended to limit voltage surges, current surges, or both.
This standard is not intended to cover individual device components. Installation of all surge protectors SPDs) must be in conformance with the requirements of applicable local and national electrical codes. Specifically excluded from this standard are protectors for low-voltage power circuit applications. The surge protectors covered by this standard are to be tested by means of the connections or terminations that are used when the surge protector is installed in the field. For surge protectors that are intended to be used with a base or connector, that base or connector shall be part of the tests. The tables of typical performance values of this standard provide a means of comparison among various surge protectors. They also provide a common engineering language beneficial to the user and manufacturer of surge protectors used in low-voltage data, communications, and signaling circuits.