The Schneider Electric A9L16683 is a Type 2 surge arrester cartridge from the Acti9 range, designated C40-600 PV, designed for DC photovoltaic electrical distribution networks. It plugs into an iPRD-DC base module and uses MOV technology to clamp transients. Rated for 600 V DC continuous operation (Ue) with a maximum continuous operating voltage (Uc) of 340 V, it handles a nominal discharge current (In) of 15 kA and a maximum discharge current (Imax) of 40 kA. The voltage protection level (Up) stays below 1.4 kV at Type 2 test currents, and the response time is under 25 ns. The cartridge measures 18 mm wide, 50 mm high, and 60 mm deep — a single-pole width that fits the Acti9 DIN-rail footprint. The white (RAL 9003) PBT housing carries a local flag indicator (white/red) for visual status, and the front face is rated IP20. Compliant with EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-1, it operates between -25 °C and 60 °C ambient and can be stored from -40 °C to 85 °C. Operating altitude is 0–2000 m, and relative humidity range is 5–90 %.
Integration Notes
The cartridge plugs into the iPRD-DC base module (sold separately). The 18 mm width occupies one DIN-rail position in the Acti9 panel layout. The local flag provides a quick visual check without opening the panel — white indicates healthy, red signals the MOV has degraded and the cartridge needs replacement. At 600 V DC, this is sized for photovoltaic combiner boxes or DC distribution panels where Type 2 surge protection is specified. The < 25 ns response time means it clamps fast enough to protect downstream electronics from induced lightning surges or switching transients on the DC bus.