Выбор между УЗИП постоянного тока 2P и 3P для солнечных фотоэлектрических систем часто вызывает путаницу. Один из самых распространенных вопросов:

Следует ли использовать УЗИП постоянного тока 2P или 3P?

На первый взгляд ответ кажется простым. Фотоэлектрическая цепочка имеет положительный и отрицательный проводники постоянного тока, поэтому двухполюсного УЗИП может показаться достаточно. Тогда почему во многих устройствах защиты от перенапряжений для фотоэлектрических систем используются три защитных модуля или трехполюсная конфигурация?

Причина заключается в том, что Обозначения 2P и 3P не всегда описывают одну и ту же внутреннюю схему защиты у разных производителей..

Правильный выбор зависит от:

• Схема заземления фотоэлектрической системы
• является ли сторона постоянного тока изолированной или заземленной
• требуемые режимы защиты
• внутренняя схемотехника УЗИП
• максимальное напряжение фотоэлектрической системы
• топология инвертора
• требования производителя к монтажу

В данном руководстве объясняется разница между 2P и 3P УЗИП постоянного тока, приводятся реальные примеры от производителей и предлагается практический метод выбора для солнечных фотоэлектрических систем.

Быстрый ответ

A 2P DC УЗИП не подходит автоматически только потому, что в цепи фотоэлектрической системы есть два активных проводника, и 3P DC УЗИП не является автоматически лучшим выбором только из-за наличия дополнительного модуля.

Правильный УЗИП должен быть выбран в соответствии с электрической топологией и одобренной производителем схемой подключения.

Самое безопасное правило:

Не выбирайте УЗИП для фотоэлектрических систем, основываясь только на количестве модулей. Изучите принципиальную схему производителя и убедитесь, что УЗИП одобрено для топологии вашей фотоэлектрической системы.

Что означают “2P” или “3P” на УЗИП постоянного тока?

В повседневной электротехнической терминологии “P” обычно означает полюс.

Однако терминология УЗИП для фотоэлектрических систем менее однозначна, чем терминология автоматических выключателей.

В зависимости от производителя, в описании продукта могут упоминаться:

• количество полюсов
• количество модулей
• количество защитных элементов
• количество защищаемых проводников
• базовые позиции
• пути защиты

Эти термины взаимосвязаны, но они являются не всегда взаимозаменяемы.

Например, один производитель может описывать устройство как 2-полюсный УЗИП для фотоэлектрических систем, в то время как другое изделие, защищающее те же проводники DC+ и DC−, может физически содержать три сменных защитных элемента.

Это одна из главных причин, по которой покупателям не следует сравнивать УЗИП для фотоэлектрических систем только по внешнему виду.

Количество полюсов против защищаемых проводников против режимов защиты

Эти три понятия следует разделять.

Это означает:

Два защищаемых проводника постоянного тока не обязательно требуют использования только двух физических картриджей УЗИП.

Тот же принцип применим и к стороне переменного тока: количество модулей само по себе не определяет внутреннюю схему, как объясняется в нашем Сравнение УЗИП 3+1 и 4+0.

Почему конструкция УЗИП для солнечных фотоэлектрических систем постоянного тока отличается от конструкции УЗИП переменного тока

Солнечные фотоэлектрические массивы создают ряд особых условий, которые отсутствуют в обычном распределительном щите 230/400 В переменного тока.

УЗИП для фотоэлектрических систем должен работать в условиях:

• постоянно находящегося под напряжением постоянного тока
• потенциально высокого напряжения стринга
• воздействие атмосферных разрядов вне помещений
• длинные линии кабелей постоянного тока
• возможные повреждения изоляции
• различные конфигурации заземления
• системы контроля изоляции инверторов
• высокая энергия повреждения в цепях постоянного тока

В отличие от переменного тока, постоянный ток не проходит через нулевое значение каждый полупериод.

По этой причине отключение при неисправностях и внутренняя конструкция УЗИП особенно важны на стороне постоянного тока.

IEC 61643-31 специально охватывает УЗИП, предназначенные для стороны постоянного тока фотоэлектрических установок напряжением до 1500 В ПОСТОЯННОГО ТОКА.

Типовые режимы защиты в фотоэлектрической системе постоянного тока

Фотоэлектрическому УЗИП может потребоваться ограничение напряжения между несколькими точками.

Типовые режимы защиты включают:

A correctly designed PV SPD can provide several of these protection paths through its internal network.

This is why looking only at the number of visible modules can be misleading.

For example, Phoenix Contact publishes PV SPDs using a Y configuration that provide protection modes between:

• L+ and L−
• L+ and PE
• L− and PE

even though the manufacturer’s naming may refer to a “2+V” arrangement. Phoenix Contact lists these modes explicitly for its 1000 V PV devices.

What Is a Y-Circuit PV SPD?

A Y-circuit is a common protective arrangement used in photovoltaic surge protection.

Instead of simply placing one MOV from positive to earth and another MOV from negative to earth, the SPD uses a coordinated internal network.

Conceptually:

DC+
↓
Protection element
↓
Common protection point
↓
Protection element
↓
PE

and another path connects the DC− conductor into the protective network.

The exact circuit varies by manufacturer.

The important point is that the internal network can provide protection for both:

• common-mode surges toward earth
• voltage stress between DC conductors

while also addressing PV-specific fault conditions.

OBO, for example, describes its 1000 V PV surge protection solution as using an error-resistant Y circuit.

2P vs 3P DC SPD: Main Differences

The following table provides a useful engineering comparison, but the manufacturer’s wiring diagram always takes priority.

The key difference is therefore not simply “two modules versus three modules.”

The real difference is the approved protection circuit behind those modules.

Real Manufacturer Example 1: OBO 2-Pole 1000 V PV SPD

OBO publishes a V20 1000 V DC photovoltaic surge protective device described as:

V20-C 2-PH-1000

The manufacturer identifies it as:

2-pole for earthed PV systems.

Published specifications include approximately:

This is a good example of why the phrase “2P DC SPD” requires context.

OBO specifically associates this configuration with earthed photovoltaic systems rather than presenting it as a universal solution for every PV system.

Real Manufacturer Example 2: OBO 3-Pole 1000 V PV SPD

OBO also offers:

OBO V20-C 3-PH-1000

This product is described as:

3-pole for PV systems.

Its published data includes:

OBO also describes this product family as using an error-resistant Y circuit for PV applications.

Notice something important:

The 2-pole and 3-pole products can have very similar headline ratings:

• 1000 V
• 20 kA In
• 40 кА Imax
• approximately 4 kV Up

Yet their intended system configurations are different.

This demonstrates why voltage and kA values alone are not enough to select an SPD.

Real Manufacturer Example 3: Phoenix Contact 1000 V PV SPD

Phoenix Contact’s VAL-MS 1000DC-PV/2+V-FM provides another useful example.

Its VALVETRAB PV devices use a Y configuration and provide protection modes including:

• L+ to L−
• L+ to PE
• L− to PE

One published Type 2 model for a 1000 V DC PV system has:

Phoenix Contact describes this product as being suitable for a two-position isolated 1000 V DC system, yet the internal circuit still provides three protection relationships.

Again, this proves that:

Number of active PV conductors ≠ number of internal surge protection elements.

Real Manufacturer Example 4: ABB — Two Protected Lines, Multiple Modules

ABB provides perhaps the clearest example of why terminology can confuse buyers.

ABB’s OVR PV Type 2 series specifies:

Protected lines: 2

but the protection modes include:

• DC+ to DC−
• DC+ to ground
• DC− to ground

ABB lists PV models for both:

• 1000 В ПОСТОЯННОГО ТОКА
• 1500 В ПОСТОЯННОГО ТОКА

For its 1000 V Type 2 product, published characteristics include:

For its 1500 V version:

ABB’s data demonstrates an important distinction:

“Protected lines: 2” does not mean the SPD only provides two possible surge paths.

Real Manufacturer Example 5: DEHN 2-Pole PV SPD

DEHN also publishes a 1000 V photovoltaic Type 2 SPD described as a:

two-pole surge arrester

for protecting one MPP input.

One DEHNcube YPV SCI 1000 model has published characteristics including:

DEHN also emphasizes a PV-specific Y circuit and its DC disconnection technology.

The lesson is again the same:

“2-pole” alone does not tell you whether the device matches your PV architecture.

Manufacturer Comparison: Why the Label Alone Is Not Enough

This is why professional SPD selection should be based on the manufacturer’s protection circuit, not only a marketplace listing that says “2P” or “3P.”

Does PE Count as a Pole?

This is one of the most common questions.

Короткий ответ:

Не обязательно.

PE means protective earth.

In a PV SPD, PE may be connected to one or more internal surge protection components, but the PE terminal is not always counted as an additional “pole” in the product name.

Manufacturer terminology varies.

Например:

• one manufacturer may call a device 2P
• another may call a similar physical layout 2+V
• another may call the assembly a three-module PV SPD
• another may simply say two protected lines

Поэтому:

Never assume that a “3P SPD” means “DC+, DC− and PE are three equivalent poles.”

They are not equivalent conductors.

Does a 3P DC SPD Provide Better Protection Than a 2P SPD?

Not automatically.

A three-module product can be highly suitable for one PV topology and incorrect for another.

Likewise, a two-pole product specifically designed for a particular grounded system may be exactly what the manufacturer requires.

A better comparison is:

The internal circuit matters more than the number printed after “P.”

Grounded vs Floating PV Systems

Before choosing between different SPD arrangements, determine how the PV DC side is referenced to earth.

Two broad situations may occur.

Floating or Isolated DC Side

Neither DC+ nor DC− is intentionally bonded directly to PE under normal operating conditions.

This arrangement is common in many modern PV inverter systems.

The SPD must be suitable for the insulation and monitoring concept of the inverter and PV generator.

Grounded DC Side

One part of the DC system is intentionally referenced to earth according to the system design.

A manufacturer may provide a specific SPD arrangement for this configuration.

For example, OBO explicitly markets its 2-pole 1000 V model for earthed PV systems.

This is why installers should never convert between configurations simply to reduce the number of SPD modules.

2P vs 3P Does Not Determine SPD Type

Another common misunderstanding is mixing up:

pole configuration

with:

Type 1, Type 1+2 or Type 2.

They describe different characteristics.

A 3P Type 2 SPD and a 3P Type 1+2 SPD are therefore not the same device.

Likewise, a 2P Type 2 cannot be replaced with a 3P Type 1+2 simply because the second product appears “bigger.”

Does PV Voltage Determine Whether You Need 2P or 3P?

Нет.

The PV voltage does affect SPD selection, but it does not by itself determine pole arrangement.

For example, PV SPDs are available for:

• 600 В ПОСТОЯННОГО ТОКА
• 1000 В ПОСТОЯННОГО ТОКА
• 1200 V DC
• 1500 В ПОСТОЯННОГО ТОКА
• other manufacturer-specific ratings

The key voltage parameter is normally Ucpv, the maximum continuous operating voltage of the PV SPD.

For a detailed method of selecting 600V, 1000V, or 1500V protection, see our DC SPD voltage selection guide for solar PV systems.

Ucpv must be suitable for the maximum voltage that can appear in the PV array.

Why Cold-Weather Voc Matters

PV module open-circuit voltage rises when cell temperature falls.

Therefore, the system’s maximum possible string voltage may be higher than the simple STC Voc calculation.

A simplified selection process is:

Maximum string voltage ≈ number of modules in series × module Voc × low-temperature correction factor

The exact correction should follow:

• module manufacturer data
• project design conditions
• applicable electrical standards

The selected SPD must have a Ucpv rating appropriate for the resulting maximum PV voltage.

Example: 1000 V PV System

Consider a commercial PV installation with:

• 18 modules in series
• module Voc = 49 V
• calculated cold-weather correction factor = 1.12

Approximate maximum string voltage:

18 × 49 × 1.12 = 987.8 V

A 600 V SPD would clearly be unsuitable.

The designer would need a PV SPD whose Ucpv safely accommodates the calculated voltage according to the manufacturer’s selection rules.

But after establishing the voltage requirement, the designer must still determine:

• grounded or floating PV topology
• Type 1+2 or Type 2
• protection modes
• Iscpv
• Вверх
• installation point

Only then should pole configuration be selected.

Example: Why “1000 V 40 kA” Is Not Enough

Imagine two products listed online:

Product A

• 1000 В ПОСТОЯННОГО ТОКА
• 40 кА
• 2P

Product B

• 1000 В ПОСТОЯННОГО ТОКА
• 40 кА
• 3P

At first glance, Product B may appear “better.”

But that conclusion is impossible without knowing:

If these values are missing, the pole count provides very little useful information.

Which Ratings Should Be Checked Before Pole Count?

For PV SPD procurement, we recommend checking parameters in approximately this order:

If you are not familiar with these ratings, our guide to DC SPD specifications such as Ucpv, In, Imax, Up and Iscpv explains what each value means and how they differ.

This order avoids one of the most common purchasing mistakes: choosing an SPD by voltage, kA and pole count while ignoring the internal circuit.

2P vs 3P DC SPD in a PV Combiner Box

The PV combiner box is one of the most common locations for a DC SPD.

A typical combiner box may include:

• PV string inputs
• Предохранители постоянного тока
• DC MCB or isolator
• DC SPD
• busbars
• output terminals
• PE bar

The correct SPD configuration depends on the electrical design rather than simply the number of incoming strings.

Например:

Six PV strings entering one combiner box does not mean you need six SPDs.

Similarly:

Two output conductors do not automatically mean the SPD must be 2P.

The SPD protects the electrical node according to its approved circuit arrangement.

Multiple MPPT Inputs: Does Each MPPT Need Its Own SPD?

Sometimes yes.

If an inverter contains multiple independent MPPT inputs, the surge protection arrangement should be evaluated for each input group.

Factors include:

• whether the MPPT inputs are electrically independent
• cable routing
• separation distance
• whether a common SPD can protect multiple circuits
• manufacturer’s inverter instructions
• SPD manufacturer’s wiring limitations

OBO, for example, publishes PV generator connection boxes designed for one, two and three MPPT configurations, showing that MPPT architecture can directly affect surge-protection layout.

Can a 2P DC SPD Replace a 3P DC SPD?

Do not assume so.

Replacement is appropriate only when all of the following are verified:

• same PV system topology
• compatible protection modes
• suitable Ucpv
• suitable Up
• suitable surge-current ratings
• suitable Iscpv
• suitable SPD type
• compatible backup protection
• manufacturer-approved wiring arrangement
• applicable certification and standard compliance

If the original product uses a Y circuit and the replacement uses a different internal topology, matching the voltage and kA ratings alone is not enough.

Can a 3P SPD Replace a 2P SPD?

The same rule applies.

More modules do not automatically make a product compatible.

A different internal circuit may:

• change PE leakage behavior
• change protection paths
• affect insulation monitoring
• affect failure mode
• change voltage stress across components

Therefore, substitutions should be based on the electrical specification, not physical appearance.

Common 2P vs 3P DC SPD Selection Mistakes

Mistake 1: Counting Wires

“The PV string has DC+ and DC−, therefore I need a 2P SPD.”

This is too simplistic.

Check the manufacturer’s approved circuit.

Mistake 2: Assuming PE Is the Third Pole

PE is not simply another current-carrying pole.

The manufacturer’s internal SPD architecture determines how it is used.

Mistake 3: Assuming More Modules Means Better Protection

A three-module device is not automatically safer or stronger.

Mistake 4: Matching Only Voltage

Two 1000 V SPDs may have completely different:

• protection circuits
• Up values
• Iscpv ratings
• SPD types
• grounding requirements

Mistake 5: Looking Only at Imax

A large Imax number makes an attractive product label, but it is only one parameter.

Always evaluate In, Up, Iscpv, Ucpv and circuit topology together.

Mistake 6: Ignoring the PV-Specific Standard

For photovoltaic generator DC-side SPDs, IEC 61643-31 is the key product standard.

IEC 61643-32 addresses selection and application principles for SPDs connected to the DC side of PV systems.

Practical 2P vs 3P DC SPD Selection Process

A practical 2P vs 3P DC SPD selection should start with the PV system topology rather than the number of modules.

Step 1: Confirm the Circuit Is PV DC

Do not substitute an AC SPD simply because its voltage looks similar. If you are comparing AC and DC protection devices, read Can an AC SPD Be Used on a DC System? before making a substitution.

Step 2: Calculate Maximum PV Voltage

Determine maximum cold-weather string Voc.

Then select an SPD with a suitable Ucpv rating.

Step 3: Check the PV Earthing Arrangement

Determine whether:

• neither polarity is intentionally grounded
• DC+ is referenced to earth
• DC− is referenced to earth
• another special topology is used

Check the inverter manual.

Step 4: Determine Required Protection Modes

Typical requirements may include:

• DC+ to PE
• DC− to PE
• DC+ to DC−

Verify these in the SPD datasheet.

Step 5: Determine Type 1+2 or Type 2

This depends on the lightning protection concept and installation architecture.

Do not use pole count as a substitute for SPD type.

Step 6: Check Ucpv, Up, In, Imax/Iimp and Iscpv

Never evaluate these values individually.

Step 7: Check the Manufacturer’s Wiring Diagram

This is the point where the real answer to 2P vs 3P normally becomes clear.

Step 8: Confirm Backup Protection

Check whether the SPD requires:

• a backup fuse
• a circuit breaker
• no additional backup device under specified fault conditions

Follow the SPD manufacturer’s data.

For a more detailed explanation, see our guide to SPD backup fuse and circuit breaker selection.

Step 9: Check Installation Distance

Keep SPD connecting conductors short.

The distance between the PV array, SPD, and inverter can also affect the overall protection concept. See our detailed guide to SPD distance from the inverter in solar PV systems.

Step 10: Confirm Documentation Before Purchase

For commercial projects, request:

• datasheet
• электрическая схема
• IEC test information
• Ucpv
• Вверх
• На сайте
• Imax
• Iimp if applicable
• Iscpv
• backup fuse requirement
• remote contact diagram if required

Procurement Checklist

Before ordering a 2P or 3P PV SPD, send the supplier this information:

A professional supplier should then confirm the suitable circuit rather than simply responding with “2P” or “3P.”

2P vs 3P DC SPD Decision Table

Use this table only as a preliminary guide.

Часто задаваемые вопросы

The following 2P vs 3P DC SPD FAQs address several common questions from PV installers, system designers, and buyers.

Is a 2P DC SPD enough for solar PV?

It can be, provided the SPD is specifically designed and approved for that PV topology.

The number “2P” alone is not enough information to make the decision.

Why does a solar SPD have three modules when there are only two DC wires?

Because the SPD may use multiple internal protective elements to provide coordinated protection between DC+, DC− and PE.

The physical module count does not necessarily equal the number of active conductors.

Is PE considered the third pole?

Not universally.

Manufacturers use different terminology.

Always check the internal wiring diagram.

Is a 3P DC SPD safer than a 2P SPD?

Not automatically.

Safety depends on correct circuit design, voltage rating, fault-current capability, disconnection system and correct installation.

Can I connect only two terminals of a 3P SPD?

Do not do this unless the manufacturer’s instructions explicitly show that connection method.

Unused or incorrectly connected protection elements can change the intended surge protection circuit.

Can I use a 2P 1000 V SPD in a 1500 V PV system?

No, unless the manufacturer explicitly rates the product for the actual maximum continuous PV voltage.

A 1000 V Ucpv device is not suitable for a PV system that can exceed its approved continuous voltage.

Is 40 kA better than 20 kA?

Не обязательно.

First determine whether the numbers refer to:

• На сайте
• Imax
• Iimp
• total discharge current

Then compare Up, Ucpv, Iscpv and the complete protection circuit.

Does every solar inverter need an external DC SPD?

Не обязательно.

Some inverters contain integrated SPDs.

Whether additional external protection is required depends on:

• inverter design
• cable distance
• lightning exposure
• system architecture
• installation standard
• manufacturer instructions

If your inverter already includes surge protection, see Does a Solar Inverter With a Built-In SPD Still Need an External SPD? for a detailed explanation of when additional protection may still be required.

What standard should a PV DC SPD comply with?

IEC 61643-31 covers SPDs intended for the DC side of photovoltaic installations up to 1500 V DC.

IEC 61643-32 provides selection and application principles for PV surge protective devices.

Final Takeaway

The most important point in a 2P vs 3P DC SPD comparison is that the difference is not simply the number of modules.

A photovoltaic SPD must be selected as part of an electrical protection system.

Before choosing a 2P or 3P configuration, confirm:

1. PV maximum voltage
2. earthing arrangement
3. protection modes
4. Тип УЗИП
5. Ucpv
6. На сайте
7. Imax or Iimp
8. Вверх
9. Iscpv
10. manufacturer’s approved wiring diagram

Real products from OBO, Phoenix Contact, ABB and DEHN show that manufacturers use different terms such as 2-pole, 3-pole, 2+V, two protected lines and Y configuration for PV surge protection.

That is why professional selection should start with the circuit diagram and datasheet—not the number of visible cartridges.

For solar PV projects, the correct question is therefore not:

“Is 2P or 3P better?”

А в том:

“Which SPD circuit is designed for my PV system topology?”

Technical References

• IEC 61643-31 — Low-voltage surge protective devices: requirements and test methods for SPDs for photovoltaic installations.
• IEC 61643-32 — Surge protective devices connected to the DC side of photovoltaic installations: selection and application principles.
• OBO Bettermann — V20 photovoltaic surge protection product documentation.
• Phoenix Contact — VALVETRAB photovoltaic surge protection technical documentation.
• ABB — OVR PV surge protective device technical documentation.
• DEHN — PV Type 2 surge arrester technical documentation.

Always follow the latest product datasheet, inverter manufacturer instructions and applicable local electrical regulations when designing or installing surge protection.