The Schneider Electric A9L16690 is a C neutral PV cartridge from the Acti9 range, designed as a replaceable surge protection element for the iPRD-DC SPD base module. It uses gas discharge tube (GDT) technology and is classified as a Type 2 surge arrester per EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-1, meaning it handles induced surge currents from switching or indirect lightning strikes on electrical distribution networks.
Rated operational voltage is 600 V DC, so it's sized for photovoltaic DC strings or DC distribution busbars at that level. Maximum continuous operating voltage (Uc) is 260 V — this is the steady-state AC voltage the cartridge can sit across without degrading; the 600 V DC rating is the application voltage for the DC side of the iPRD-DC system. Maximum discharge current (Imax) is 65 kA, with a nominal discharge current (In) of 20 kA. The 65 kA figure is the single-shot survival limit; the 20 kA nominal is the level it handles repeatedly per the Type 2 test sequence. Voltage protection level (Up) is below 1.4 kV, which is the let-through voltage the protected equipment sees during a surge event. Response time under 25 ns means it clamps fast enough for most sensitive electronics on the DC side. The cartridge plugs into the iPRD-DC SPD module (mounting support: Into SPD module) and occupies 2 pitches of 9 mm on the DIN rail — 18 mm total width. Local flag signalling (white/red) gives a visual indication of end-of-life without needing to pull the cartridge. Front-face protection is IP20, so it's touch-safe inside an enclosure but not rated for wet or dusty environments.
Physical and environmental specs for panel integration
Dimensions: 18 mm wide, 50 mm high, 60 mm deep. Housing is white (RAL 9003) PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). These limits cover most indoor panel environments, including unheated electrical rooms.