IEC 61643-311 Testing

Components for low-voltage surge protective devices – Part 311: Performance requirements and test circuits for gas discharge tubes (GDT)

IEC 61643-311 Scope:

IEC 61643 311 and EN 61643 311 testing is applicable to gas discharge tubes (GDT) used for overvoltage protection in telecommunications, signaling and low-voltage power distribution networks with nominal system voltages up to 1000 V (r.m.s.) A.C. and 1500 V D.C.. They are defined as a gap, or several gaps with two or three metal electrodes hermetically sealed so that gas mixture and pressure are under control. They are designed to protect apparatus or personnel, or both, from high transient voltages.

IEC 61643-311 testing contains a series of test criteria, test methods and test circuits for determining the electrical characteristics of GDTs having two or three electrodes. EN 61643-311 does not specify requirements applicable to complete surge protective devices, nor does it specify total requirements for GDTs employed within electronic devices, where precise coordination between GDT performance and surge protective device withstand capability is highly critical.

IEC 61643-311 testing:

• Does not deal with mountings and their effect on GDT characteristics. Characteristics given apply solely to GDTs mounted in the ways described for the tests;
• Does not deal with mechanical dimensions;
• Does not deal with quality assurance requirements;
• May not be sufficient for GDTs used on high-frequency (>30 MHz);
• Does not deal with electrostatic voltages;
• Does not deal with hybrid overvoltage protection components or composite GDT devices.

Keystone Compliance assists manufacturers with IEC 61643-311 and EN 61643-311 test compliance. Please contact us for more information on how Keystone Compliance can assist you with identifying and fulfilling your IEC 61643-311 test lab needs.

Related Standards:

IEC 61643-11 Surge protective devices connected to low-voltage power systems – Requirements and test methods

IEC 61643-12 Surge protective devices connected to low-voltage power distribution systems – Selection and application principles

IEC 61643-21 Surge protective devices connected to telecommunications and signaling networks – Performance requirements and testing methods

IEC 61643-22 Surge protective devices connected to telecommunications and signaling networks – Selection and application principles

IEC 61643-312 Selection and application principles for gas discharge tubes

IEC 61643-321 Specifications for avalanche breakdown diode (ABD)

IEC 61643-331 Specification for metal oxide varistors (MOV)

IEC 61643-341 Specification for thyristor surge suppressors (TSS)