Phoenix VAL-MS Series Surge Protection Device (SPD) Selection Guide: Precise Matching of Part Number, Model, and Application

Opening: Reliable Overvoltage Protection for Industrial Systems – One-Stop Part Number & Model Reference

In industrial power systems, photovoltaic (PV) installations, and building electrical networks, surge voltages (caused by lightning, grid fluctuations, or equipment switching) pose severe threats to sensitive electronics and critical equipment. As a core product line of Phoenix’s surge protection portfolio, the VAL-MS series offers multi-level protection, wide voltage compatibility, and industry-specific customization (AC/DC PV scenarios). This guide integrates part number-model correspondence, core protection features, and scenario adaptation to provide clear guidance for technical selection and procurement, helping to quickly lock in suitable surge protection solutions for different power systems.

I. Core Advantages: Why Choose the Phoenix VAL-MS Series?

• Comprehensive protection levels: Covers Type 2 (T2) secondary protection and Type 1+2 (T1/T2) combined protection, adapting to different surge risk levels.
• Dual-system compatibility: Separated product lines for AC (VAL-MS-EE) and DC PV (VAL-MS-CN) systems, matching voltage ranges from 320V to 1000DC.
• Flexible pole configurations: Supports 3+1 (3-phase + PE), 3+0 (3-phase no PE), 1+1 (1-phase + PE), 1+0 (1-phase no PE), and 2+V (PV bipolar + ground) pole designs, fitting various system topologies.
• Industrial-grade reliability: Operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, IP20 protection class, corrosion-resistant materials, suitable for harsh outdoor/indoor environments.
• Compliant with global certifications: FM certification (FM suffix models) for North American markets, IEC 61643-12 compliance for PV applications, meeting international safety standards.

II. Complete Product Series Selection Table (Part Number + Model + Core Information)

1. VAL-MS-EE Series: AC Surge Protection Devices

Designed for AC power systems (industrial plants, data centers, building electrical networks), supporting single-phase/three-phase configurations.

2. VAL-MS-CN Series: DC PV-Specific Surge Protection Devices

Customized for photovoltaic systems (PV arrays, inverters), supporting high DC voltage (1000DC) and bipolar protection.

III. 3-Step Quick Selection Technique (Easy for Beginners)

Step 1: Determine System Type & Voltage

• AC system: Select VAL-MS-EE series; confirm rated voltage (320V/335V/385V AC) ≥ system voltage (e.g., 380V AC system → 385V AC models).
• DC PV system: Select VAL-MS-CN series; must match PV system DC voltage (1000DC for mainstream high-voltage PV arrays).
• Special DC systems: For 330V DC (e.g., battery storage), select VAL-MS-EE-T2-2+0-330DC-FM.

Step 2: Select Protection Level & Pole Configuration

• Protection level:
  • High surge risk (outdoor, lightning-prone areas) → Type 1+2 (T1/T2) combined protection (e.g., 2910551).
  • General risk (indoor, grid fluctuations) → Type 2 (T2) secondary protection (e.g., 2910559).
• Pole configuration:
  • 3-phase AC system → 3+1 (with PE) or 3+0 (without PE) (e.g., 3-phase power distribution → 2910559).
  • 1-phase AC system → 1+1 (with PE) or 1+0 (without PE) (e.g., commercial buildings → 2910562).
  • PV DC system → 2+V (bipolar + ground) (e.g., PV arrays → 2801310).

Step 3: Confirm Certification & Installation Requirements

• Regional certification: North American market → FM-certified models (with "FM" suffix, e.g., 2910558).
• Installation type: Need easy replacement → Pluggable models (with "P" suffix, e.g., 2910569).
• Terminal type: Standard terminals (ST) for PV systems → 2801309.

IV. Recommended Industry-Scenario Combinations (Ready-to-Use)

V. Selection Pitfall Avoidance Guide (Common Mistakes to Note)

1. Voltage mismatch: Rated voltage of SPD must be ≥ system voltage (e.g., 380V AC system cannot use 320V AC models), otherwise protection fails.
2. Incorrect pole configuration: 3-phase systems missing PE → Use 3+1 pole models (not 3+0) to ensure surge discharge to ground.
3. Underestimating protection level: Outdoor or lightning-prone areas must use T1/T2 combined protection (not T2 alone) to block direct lightning surges.
4. Ignoring PV bipolar protection: PV DC systems require 2+V pole models (not single-pole) to protect both positive and negative terminals.
5. Missing regional certification: North American market installations must use FM-certified models (with "FM" suffix) to meet local safety standards.
6. Overlooking installation type: Hard-to-maintain areas (e.g., high-altitude PV arrays) should select pluggable models (with "P" suffix) for easy replacement.

Conclusion: Select the Right SPD for Comprehensive System Protection

The Phoenix VAL-MS series provides targeted surge protection solutions for AC industrial systems and DC PV installations with its multi-level protection, flexible configurations, and global certification compliance.