Application Scenarios:

During a severe thunderstorm, a direct lightning strike hits the external lightning protection system (LPS) of a large water treatment plant. While the air termination and down-conductors safely route the majority of the current to earth, a massive, potentially destructive portion of the surge energy is induced into the main power lines entering the plant’s primary low-voltage switchboard. Without proper protection, this surge would travel unimpeded, destroying the sensitive PLCs, variable speed drives, and instrumentation controlling the filtration and chemical dosing processes, leading to weeks of downtime and costly repairs. The ABB PHARPS32000000. installed at the service entrance, is the first line of defense. As a Type 1+2 device, it is specifically tested to safely conduct the extremely high partial lightning current (Iimp) from such a direct or nearby strike, clamping the voltage to a safe level before it propagates into the internal electrical distribution system. Its robust 20kA per phase (8/20 µs) discharge capacity ensures reliable operation even under severe stress, protecting the heart of the plant’s electrical infrastructure and preventing catastrophic equipment failure.

 

Technical Principles and Innovative Values:

The ABB PHARPS32000000​ operates on advanced surge suppression technology, offering a multi-layered defense strategy in one unit.

Innovation Point 1: Hybrid (Type 1+2) Protection in a Single Module.​ Traditionally, achieving full coordinated surge protection required two separate devices: a bulky Type 1 arrester at the service entrance and a Type 2 device downstream. The ABB PHARPS32000000​ innovates by combining these functions. It incorporates robust spark-gap technology (effective for high-energy lightning currents, Iimp) seamlessly coordinated with varistor-based technology (excellent for fast, lower-energy switching surges). This hybrid design simplifies installation, saves panel space, and provides comprehensive protection from both direct/indirect lightning effects and internal switching surges.

Innovation Point 2: Thermal Dynamic Control (TDC) Technology.​ A key risk in SPDs is thermal runaway, where a degraded varistor can overheat and pose a fire hazard. ABB’s integrated TDC technology is a fail-safe mechanism. If the varistor element becomes thermally unstable due to prolonged overvoltage or end-of-life, the TDC system safely and permanently disconnects the module from the electrical circuit, preventing any risk of fire and ensuring safe failure mode. This built-in safety feature is critical for unattended electrical rooms.

Innovation Point 3: High Follow Current Interrupting Rating (Ifi).​ As a Type 1 device, it is designed to withstand and safely interrupt the “follow current” from the AC power line that can flow through a spark gap after it conducts a surge. The ABB PHARPS32000000​ has a high Ifi rating, ensuring it can clear this follow current reliably on 50/60Hz networks without self-destruction, guaranteeing a stable and safe interruption after a major surge event.

Application Cases and Industry Value:

Case Study: Protecting a Telecommunications Data Center

A tier-3 data center, housing critical servers for financial transactions, experienced repeated, unexplained failures of its Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units and power distribution units (PDUs) following electrical storms. Although the building had lightning protection, surges were entering via the main medium-voltage to low-voltage transformer secondary.

The solution was to retrofit the main low-voltage incomer panels with ABB PHARPS32000000​ SPDs on each incoming phase. Their Type 1 capability was essential to handle the induced surges from lightning strikes on nearby power lines or the building’s own LPS. Post-installation, during the next major storm, the SPDs activated multiple times. The remote alarm contacts (available on some variants) signaled the maintenance team, but more importantly, not a single piece of critical IT power infrastructure failed. The facility manager reported, “The ABB OVR devices (PHARPS32000000)​ provided the robust entrance protection we were missing. They have eliminated surge-related equipment damage, which has directly improved our uptime statistics and reduced our operational risk.” The investment in robust primary surge protection delivered a clear ROI by preventing six-figure equipment replacement costs and potential data/availability loss.

Related Product Combination Solutions:

A complete surge protection strategy often involves a coordinated cascade of devices. The ABB PHARPS32000000​ is typically the primary protector, with these related products forming a full solution:

ABB OVR T1 (e.g., PHARPS… Type 1 only):​ For installations requiring even higher Iimp values for direct lightning protection, used in parallel with Type 2 devices.

ABB OVR T2 (e.g., PHARPS32000000’s core variant):​ The standard Type 2 device for sub-distribution board protection downstream of the main PHARPS32000000.

ABB OVR T3 (Plug-in SPDs):​ Point-of-use protectors for sensitive equipment (e.g., server racks, medical devices), offering fine protection after the primary and secondary stages.

ABB SDP Signal Data Protectors:​ For protecting data lines (Ethernet, telephone, control signals) that also carry surge energy into equipment, complementing the power line protection of the PHARPS32000000.

ABB SDL Surge Protection & Monitoring Device:​ A connected device that monitors the status of connected OVR SPDs, providing remote alerts for “protection active,” “failed,” or “warning” states, enhancing maintainability.

ABB System Pro M compact S200/S280 MCBs:​ The recommended miniature circuit breakers for providing short-circuit and overload protection for the PHARPS32000000​ branch circuit.

ABB CM-ETH.1 Communication Module:​ Enables remote monitoring of the SPD’s status via a building management system (BMS), when used with a compatible OVR model with a communication slot.

Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support:

Installation of the ABB PHARPS32000000​ should be performed by a qualified electrician. It mounts on a standard 35mm top-hat DIN rail in the main low-voltage switchboard (LVSD), as close as possible to the service entrance or the distribution transformer. It must be connected with short, heavy-gauge wires to minimize inductive voltage drops, following the manufacturer’s “V” connection layout for optimal performance. A dedicated, appropriately rated backup fuse or circuit breaker (e.g., 125A gG) is mandatory on the line side for safety and compliance.

Maintenance is straightforward but critical. The device features a clear color-coded status window (typically green for OK, red for fault). A monthly visual inspection is recommended. Many models also have a remote alarm contact (dry changeover contact) that can be wired to a building alarm panel for immediate notification of failure. The device has a finite lifespan that decreases with each surge it absorbs. After a major surge event or if the status indicates failure, the module must be replaced. Replacement is simple: de-energize the circuit, disconnect the wiring, unclip the old module, and clip in the new one.

We provide full-cycle support for the ABB PHARPS32000000. from system design assistance—ensuring correct selection according to local lightning protection level (LPL) and wiring rules—to supply of genuine ABB products. We can also provide guidance on creating a coordinated surge protection plan (Types 1. 2. 3) for your entire facility. Our technical support is available to assist with installation best practices and troubleshooting, helping you ensure the long-term protection and reliability of your electrical assets.

Looking to secure your main electrical installation against lightning and surges?​ Contact us today for expert advice on specifying and sourcing the genuine ABB PHARPS32000000​ surge protective device for your critical infrastructure.