SIDACtor
Data Book
Primary Protection
Teccor Electronics
(972) 580-7777
3 - 27
R
Overview
Primary telecommunications protectors are required to be deployed at points where
exposed twisted pairs enter an office building or residence. This requirement is
mandated in North America by the National Electric Code (NEC) and is done so to
protect end users from the hazards associated with lightning and power cross
conditions.
Provided by the local exchange carrier, primary protection can be segregated into
three distinct categories:
1. Station protection - typically associated with a single twisted pair.
2. Building entrance protection - typically associated with multiple (25 or more)
twisted pair.
3. Central office protection - typically associated with numerous twisted pair feeding
into a switch.
Station protectors provide primary protection for a single dwelling residence or office.
The station protector is located at the network interface unit (NIU) which acts as the
point of demarcation, separating the operating companies lines from the customer
’
s.
Building entrance protection is accomplished by installing a multi-line distribution panel
that has integrated over-voltage protection. These panels are normally located where
multiple twisted pairs enter a building.
Central and remote office protection is accomplished using a 5-pin protection module
which is plugged into a main distribution frame (MDF). Like station and building
entrance protection, the MDF is located where exposed cables enter the switching
office.
Protection Requirements
Station protectors should be able to withstand over-voltages that exceed 5000V and
surge currents up to 250A. Building entrance and 5-pin module protectors should be
able to withstand over-voltages that exceed 2500V and surge currents of up to 100A.
The SIDACtors shown in Figures 3-29 & 3-30 meet these requirements.
Applicable Regulatory requirements
UL 497
GR 974-CORE
ITU K.28
Primary Protection Reference Circuit
Figures 3-29 & 3-30 show different configurations used in primary protection. It should
be noted that the peak off-state voltage (V
DRM
) of any device intended to be used in
primary protection applications should be greater than the potential of a Type B ringer
superimposed on a POTS (plain old telephone service) battery.
150V
RMS
√
2 + 56.6Vpk = 268.8Vpk