The Schneider Electric A9L16684 is a Type 2 surge arrester cartridge from the Acti9 iPRD range, designated C40-460. It plugs into the iPRD base module to protect electrical distribution networks against transient overvoltages. Rated for a nominal discharge current of 15 kA and a maximum discharge current of 40 kA, it handles the surge energy from a direct or nearby lightning strike on the 230 V AC mains. The MOV (metal oxide varistor) technology inside clamps the voltage to under 2 kV (Up) on a Type 2 event — that is the protection level the downstream equipment sees.
The 40 kA maximum discharge current (Imax) is the single-strike survival rating — the cartridge can safely divert one 40 kA 8/20 µs surge without failing. The 15 kA nominal discharge current (In) is the rating for repeated events over the service life; it is the figure used for coordination studies. The 460 V maximum continuous operating voltage (Uc) means this cartridge is designed for 230/400 V TN or IT systems where the line-to-neutral voltage stays below 460 V AC — the IT earthing system is explicitly listed as compatible. Response time under 25 ns means the MOV starts conducting within that window, which is fast enough to protect sensitive electronics fed from the same distribution board.
Physical integration into the iPRD base
This is a plug-in cartridge, not a standalone SPD. It snaps into the Acti9 iPRD base module (sold separately) which occupies two 9 mm pitches on the DIN rail. The cartridge itself measures 60 mm deep by 18 mm wide by 50 mm high, in a white (RAL 9003) PBT housing. The local flag indicator shows white when the MOV is healthy and red when the cartridge has reached end of life and needs replacement — no test equipment required to check status. Operating temperature range is -25 to 60 °C, storage -40 to 85 °C, with relative humidity 5 to 90 %.