MTL MA15 and MA15E Surge Protectors

The MTL MA15 and MA15E surge protectors safeguard electronic equipment and computer networks against the effects of ‘noise pollution' induced in power supplies. MA15 units clean up the effects of industrial noise and surges caused by lightning, switching devices, thyristor controls, transmission system overloads and power-factor correction circuits.

Industrial control systems utilizing programmable logic controllers (PLC) and industrial computers are particularly vulnerable due to the aggressive electrical environments for which they are intended, such as process plants, factories and water treatment sites. Although industrial computers and PLCs are designed to be rugged, the extra protection provided by the DIN rail mounting MA15 and MA15E units is critical. Both ranges provide surge and RFI protected power. The MA15 is ideally suited for protecting panel-mounted equipment and typically used in the controls section of a motor control center, and the MA15E range protects equipment mounted in hazardous location Zone 2 applications.

With a unique three-stage combination of protection elements, these units suppress conducted RFI and voltage surges. The circuit elements are first, surge clipping components to absorb transient surges that may otherwise damage equipment, second a filter to suppress noise in the system and third, ‘ring' suppression. The third of these prevents surges causing the filter to ‘ring' (oscillate) under low load conditions, an effect that actually accentuates interference in most commercially available filters.

Suitable for AC or DC applications, the units reduce both electromagnetic emissions and the susceptibility of the associated equipment to emissions from other sources. The devices also offer ultimate installation flexibility. To protect circuits rated 15A or less, the devices should be installed in series. To protect higher current circuits, simply install them in parallel.

The MA15 and MA15E units have an LED status indication facility that displays both ‘power on' and that protection is present. Thermal fusing is also incorporated into each 12kA- or 20kA-rated device as an additional safety feature, and the units offer short circuit protection.

MA15 and MA15E devices are UL 1449 recognized components (certified by UL for both US and Canadian requirements) and exceed the requirements of IEC 61000-4-5. MA15E devices are ATEX and IECEx certified for hazardous areas in Zone 2 applications with increased safety as per IEC60079-7:2015. As MA15 and MA15E units suppress conducted RFI and voltage surges, they enable associated equipment to comply with this aspect of European ‘CE' mark standards.