How to protect against line transients?

Question

I am designing a circuit that can detect if a cable is connected to mains voltage (e.g. via an external relay or switch). The device will be installed in electric cabinets.

The circuit is tested and works, but I want add further protection. I read about the differences between TVS Diodes, MOVs, etc. and decided to use TVS Thyristors because they seem to be the safest option.

But I could not find out how to properly select a TVS Thyristor. As I said I want to protect 230V AC mains voltage.

At Digi-Key the most important stats are "Voltage - Breakover" and "Voltage - Off State" I assume. I suppose this is supposed to be the peak voltage (i.e. \$230V * \sqrt 2 \approx 325V\$) multiplied by some safety margin factor and not the effective voltage (i.e 230V). I don't really want to prevent "small" transients, because my circuit can handle probably at least 400V peak voltage.

Does that mean I have to select as TVS thyristor with a "Voltage - Breakover" of 400V? And what does the "Voltage - Off State" mean which would be between 300V and 320V in that case?

Is this the correct approach anyway or would other protection devices be better suited?

Edit: Added schemtic upon request. The exact ciruit does not really matter, because the question is mainly about the nature of TVS Thyristors in general and not just this specific case.

schematic

^{simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab}

We need more info. Post your schematic or hand drawn circuit. — Whiskeyjack, May 21 '19 at 15:52
@Whiskeyjack Hand drawn circuits are rarely readable, we encourage people to use the tool — Voltage Spike, May 21 '19 at 16:17
@SunnyskyguyEE75 I think you have the wrong question... this one isn't about CAN lines — Voltage Spike, May 21 '19 at 19:44

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered May 21 '19 at 19:56

In any shunt overvoltage protection (OVP) design, there must be a way to limit series current if a low impedance clamp is used. This requires knowledge of expected local , norms for peak voltage swings that can be tolerated by your equipment specs and levels of voltage and duration that might be expected. this includes Lightning surges and power interruption surges.

If the energy is excessive then a PTC fuse or thermal fuse is added.
a good way to attenuate kV peak spikes is with a line filter.
Only you can determine if your grid is within 10% above expected nominal voltage which depends on location.
Bear in mind RMS to peak conversion and use bipolar clamps.

The best design starts with the correct specifications of OVP and impulse to be protected in your application and location.

How to protect against line transients?

1 Answers1