Name: CITEL DS240-320
Brand: CITEL
SKU: DS240-320
Price: 2020 INR
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What is a Type 2 SPD and where is it installed?

Accepted Answer

A Type 2 (Class II) Surge Protection Device is rated for indirect lightning currents and switching surges (8/20 µs waveform). Installed downstream of any Type 1 SPD, typically at LV sub-distribution panels, motor control centres, lighting circuits and final-circuit boards. Characterised by In (5-40 kA) and Imax (15-70 kA) ratings per IEC 61643-11. Citel DS240 (20 kA / 40 kA) is the most common Type 2 across Indian industrial installations.

Question 2

How do I select between Citel DS240, DS70R, and DS40?

Accepted Answer

DS40 (5 kA / 15 kA) is for downstream final-circuit protection where upstream Type 2 SPD is already installed. DS240 (20 kA / 40 kA) is the workhorse Type 2 — sub-distribution boards or main Type 2 in moderate-exposure buildings. DS70R (40 kA / 70 kA) is for high-exposure installations or single-device main-incomer protection. Selection depends on Lightning Protection Level per IEC 62305.

Question 3

How does Citel SPD compare to Phoenix Contact, ABB OVR, Schneider Acti9 iPRD or Hager?

Accepted Answer

All meet IEC 61643-11 with comparable performance. Citel's advantages: focused SPD specialisation since 1937, wide spark-gap technology range for IT/medical/telecom, pluggable cartridge architecture across all series, strong India distribution. For OEM panel-builders standardised on alternatives for system-coordination, those are equivalent. For specification-driven selection (especially spark-gap or DC SPDs), Citel typically wins.

Question 4

Do I need Type 1 + Type 2, or is Type 2 alone sufficient?

Accepted Answer

Buildings with external Lightning Protection System (air terminals / down-conductors) require Type 1 SPD at main incomer to discharge direct-strike lightning currents, plus Type 2 at sub-panels. Buildings without external LPS typically require only Type 2 at main incomer + cascade. Type 1+2 combined SPD (Citel DS250VG) covers both in one device. Project-specific risk assessment per IEC 62305-2 recommended.

Question 5

What is the expected service life of a Citel Type 2 SPD?

Accepted Answer

Depends on lightning exposure and cumulative surge energy absorbed. Moderate-exposure installations: 8-12 years. High-exposure (rural plants, solar PV, mining): 5-8 years. Mechanical fault indicator (red flag) signals end-of-life. Pluggable cartridges allow field replacement in 2-5 minutes per cartridge. Replacement cartridges stocked at Vasundhara warehouse for installed-base service.

Question 6

Does Citel SPD require an upstream backup fuse or MCB?

Accepted Answer

Yes — IEC 61643-11 / IEC 60364 requires SPD upstream protection to disconnect on end-of-life short-circuit failure. Citel datasheets specify max upstream backup rating — typically gG-class fuse (125 A for DS240, 160 A for DS70R) or equivalent MCB. Where main protection already meets the rating, dedicated SPD backup may be omitted. Vasundhara provides upstream-protection sizing as part of SPD coordination engineering.

Question 7

Can I procure Citel SPDs through GeM for PSU procurement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vasundhara is a GeM-registered seller. Citel Type 2 SPDs across DS240, DS70R, DS40, DAC50VG and DAC50 series available to PSU buyers on GeM for PSU buyers — Indian Railways, BHEL, NTPC, NLC India, Coal India, defence, state cement corps, state-utility solar projects. GFR-2017 compliant. Documentation includes Udyam-MSME, manufacturer authorisation, IEC 61643-11 type-test certificates, CE conformity.

Question 8

Is Vasundhara the authorised Citel distributor for Hyderabad?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Vasundhara Performance Solutions Pvt Ltd is the authorised Citel surge protection device distributor for Hyderabad, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. We supply genuine Citel France products through Citel India's official distribution channel, with full manufacturer authorisation documentation provided on enquiry.

CITEL part number	311901
SPD type (IEC 61643)	2
Un — nominal line voltage	230 Vac
Uc — max continuous operating voltage	320 Vac
In — nominal discharge current	20 kA
Imax — max discharge current	40 kA
Up — voltage protection level	1.5 kV (CM/DM)
Configuration	Single phase
Mounting	Symmetrical rail 35 mm (EN 60715)
Standards	IEC 61643-11 / EN 61643-11 / UL1449 ed.5
Replacement module	DSM240-320

CITEL DS240-320

About the DS240 range

Specifications