Need help?Do you have a question about the Current Technology CurrentGuard CG-120/240-2G Series and is the answer not in the manual?
This document serves as the Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual for the CurrentGuard™ and CurrentGuard™ Plus series of Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) from Current Technology. It provides comprehensive guidelines for the proper installation, operation, and troubleshooting of these devices, emphasizing the importance of correct procedures to ensure optimal performance and warranty validity.
The CurrentGuard™ series SPDs are designed to protect electrical systems from surges. These devices are intended for facility-wide surge protection, offering reliable service when installed according to the provided instructions. The manual highlights that proper product selection and adherence to installation guidelines are crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of the suppression system. It strongly recommends consulting a master electrician or other qualified electrical professional if there are any uncertainties regarding the facility's electrical configuration or installation-related questions.
A key aspect of the manual is its emphasis on safety and proper installation. It includes several warnings regarding hazardous voltages and the potential for serious personal injury or damage to electrical systems if installation instructions are not followed. Installers are explicitly instructed to remove all power to the electrical panel before installing or servicing the SPD. All work must be performed by licensed and qualified personnel, and the electrical system must be properly grounded in accordance with the U.S. National Electrical Code, state, and local codes. The manual also specifies that the device is suitable for installation where the available short circuit current is 200,000 rms symmetrical amperes up to 600VAC or less. A critical warning is provided regarding the necessity of a proper bond between neutral and ground at the upstream transformer for all 3-phase WYE, 3-phase high-leg DELTA, or split-phase CurrentGuard devices, as the lack of such a bond will damage the unit and void the warranty.
Before installation, users are guided to verify the system configuration. This involves confirming that the voltage(s) and service configuration shown on the CurrentGuard product label are consistent with the facility's electrical setup. An example of an SPD model number and a table detailing various configurations (Split-Phase, 3-wire; Three-Phase, 4-wire WYE; Three-Phase, 3-wire DELTA; and Three-Phase, 4-wire high-leg DELTA) are provided to assist in this verification. Additionally, environmental conditions must be checked to ensure they fall within the specified ranges: ambient temperatures between -40° and +158°F, relative humidity between 5% and 95% non-condensing, and altitude less than 13,000 feet.
The manual includes detailed wiring connection diagrams for the four basic service configurations, illustrating the electrical relationship between the CurrentGuard unit and the facility's system. These diagrams are crucial for ensuring correct wiring. Conductor routing is another important consideration, with the manual cautioning that the SPD's performance will be severely limited if conductors are too long, of too small a wire gauge, have too many bends, or have sharp bends. It advises selecting a mounting location that allows for the shortest possible conductor runs and a direct route with a minimum of sweeping bends, avoiding sharp 90° bends. Binding or twisting conductors together using tie-wraps or electrical tape is recommended to increase protection performance.
Regarding upstream over-current protection, all CurrentGuard series units are designed for parallel connection to the electrical system and have built-in over-current fusing rated at 200,000 rms symmetrical amperes up to 600VAC or less. They can be connected directly to the electrical distribution system bus without an upstream over-current protection device (OCPD), though the use of an external OCPD is recommended. If an external OCPD is used, a 60A breaker (30A minimum, 200A maximum) is recommended, allowing the SPD to be de-energized for service without disrupting the facility's electrical service.
Conductor sizing recommendations are provided to ensure maximum protection. The manual suggests using the shortest possible conductor length for phase, ground, and neutral connections, and using a larger conductor where space and bending radii permit, without exceeding the maximum allowed per model.
Mounting instructions guide users to secure the CurrentGuard to the building structure using appropriate construction methods and hardware. Conduit openings should be punched only in designated areas, with a caution to ensure the path is clear of internal components to prevent damage. Electrical connections must follow all applicable National Electrical Code standards, as well as state and local codes. For high-leg delta systems, the high-leg (208V L-N) must be connected to Phase B of the SPD, which is color-coded orange according to NEC.
A standard feature of all CurrentGuard units is a set of Form "C" dry relay contacts for remote monitoring of the SPD's status. These contacts are rated 150VDC/125VAC with a maximum switching power of 30WDC/60VA AC. The manual explains how to connect these contacts to a user-provided remote alarm and monitoring circuit. When input power is present on all phases, terminals "NO" and "COM" are an open circuit, and "NC" and "COM" are a closed circuit. The contacts change state upon failure of one or more phases. Installers must provide appropriate raceway and wiring for the monitoring circuit, routing wires to allow the door to open and close properly.
Verification and power-up procedures are detailed for both CurrentGuard and CurrentGuard Plus units. For CurrentGuard units, users must verify that all "Phase Protection Status" indicating lights are illuminated. The "Service Required" light illuminates only upon phase failure, indicating an alarm condition. An audible alarm should not operate under normal conditions and can be muted by pressing the "ALARM SILENCE" button. For CurrentGuard Plus units, the number of surges detected is displayed on an eight-digit LCD counter, which is battery-backed to retain data during power loss. A button on the counter allows for resetting the surge count. A warning is included that the unit's cover and associated cabling should be installed before applying power, as the monitoring harness contains line voltage when power is energized.
The troubleshooting section explains that the CurrentGuard system does not require scheduled maintenance and contains no serviceable parts. If phase protection status lights are off, the "service required" light is on, or form C alarm contacts have changed state, users are instructed to verify input power with a voltage tester and contact the factory for assistance if power is present.
Technical assistance is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EST). The manual also outlines the returns and warranty procedures. CurrentGuard units are warranted for 10 years from the date of purchase, while CurrentGuard Plus units have a 15-year warranty. In case of module or subassembly failure during the warranty period, users should contact Technical Support to obtain a Return Material Authorization number. A replacement will be shipped, and the defective parts must be returned within 30 days to avoid billing. Information such as model number, serial number, date of purchase, sales order number, description of failure, and desired action (e.g., replace) should be ready when contacting Current Technology.
The warranty statement clarifies that Current Technology warrants its SPDs to meet applicable industry standards and specifications and to be free from defects in materials and/or workmanship. The company's liability is limited to repair or replacement of defective parts, and it is not liable for problems caused by misuse, alteration, accidents, or improper installation, application, operation, or repair. The warranty is not transferable and applies only to the sole purchaser, with claims to be submitted within thirty days of discovery of a product defect.
General| Voltage | 120/240V |
|---|---|
| Protection Modes | L-N, L-G, N-G |
| Response Time | Less than 1 nanosecond |
| Number of Protected Lines | 2 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Standards Compliance | UL 1449 |
| Wiring Configuration | Single-phase, 3-wire |
To Next Page