The Schneider Electric A9L15581 is a Type 2 surge arrester from the Acti9 iPF range, designed for 3-pole (3P) TN-C earthing systems in small commercial distribution boards. It uses MOV (metal-oxide varistor) technology to clamp overvoltages on the electrical distribution network, with a rated operational voltage of 400 V AC (+/- 10 %) at 50/60 Hz. Its headline ratings: a nominal discharge current (In) of 20 kA per mode (L/PE and N/PE) and a maximum discharge current (Imax) of 65 kA in common mode (L/PE). The total discharge current (Itotal) across all poles reaches 195 kA. The voltage protection level (Up) is clamped below 1.5 kV in common mode, and the maximum continuous operating voltage (Uc) is 340 V L/PE and N/PE. The 65 kA Imax means this arrester can safely divert a single high-energy surge without failing open or short — critical for protecting downstream equipment in a TN-C panel where the neutral and protective earth are combined. The 20 kA In rating tells you it handles repeated moderate surges over its life, not just one big event.
No official manufacturer successor order code is listed, so any replacement requires a parametric cross-check against the panel's voltage, discharge current, and form-factor requirements.
The arrester complies with EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11, the core standards for low-voltage surge protective devices (SPDs). It carries quality labels NF, OVE, and KEMA-KEUR, indicating third-party certification for European and Dutch markets. The IK degree of protection is IK03 per IEC 62262, meaning it withstands a 0.35 J impact — adequate for enclosed panel mounting but not for exposed locations.
Physical integration
Clip-on (DIN rail) mounting, 3-pole width at 9 mm pitches (8 pitches total, so 72 mm wide). Height is 81.4 mm, depth 69 mm. Tunnel-type terminals accept 2.5 to 35 mm² conductors on both the line and load sides; tightening torque is 2.5 N.m. The white (RAL 9003) housing blends into standard distribution board aesthetics.