Schneider Electric A9L15687 Acti9 iPF K 40 kA Surge Arrester

A9L15687 iPF K surge arrester, single-phase plus neutral (1P + N)

The A9L15687 is Schneider Electric’s iPF K from the Acti9 line: a Type 2 distribution surge arrester with a nominal discharge current of 15 kA and a maximum discharge current of 40 kA. It is a 1P + N device for 230 V AC (± 10 %) at 50/60 Hz networks, without a remote-signalling contact, and it is built for the TT, TN-S earthing arrangements named in its datasheet. Seven Star LLC supplies the A9L15687 in Oman and the GCC as an independent supplier based in Muscat.

This page reads the official datasheet of the A9L15687 and turns it into selection notes: what the ratings mean for a distribution board, which upstream protection the maker pairs with it, how it differs from the neighbouring models in the range, and what to send us when you ask for a quotation. It is a fixed-ratings component, so every number on this page is taken from the datasheet and nothing is inferred beyond it.

A9L15687 technical specifications

What the A9L15687 ratings mean in practice

The ratings of the A9L15687 are expressed in the usual Type 2 terms: a nominal discharge current of 15 kA in every mode that applies (Common mode: 15 kA (L/PE); Common mode: 15 kA (N/PE); Differential mode: 15 kA (L/N)) and a maximum of 40 kA (Common mode: 40 kA L/PE; Common mode: 40 kA N/PE; Differential mode: 40 kA L/N). The voltage protection level is Common mode 1.5 kV type 2 N/PE; Differential mode 1.5 kV type 2 L/N, and the continuous operating voltages are Common mode: 260 V N/PE; Differential mode: 340 V L/N.

The datasheet adds temporary-overvoltage figures (337 V L/N 5 s withstand; 442 V L/PE 5 s withstand; 1200 V N/PE 200 ms withstand; 1453 V L/PE 200 ms withstand). They tell a designer how the arrester behaves when a fault on the medium-voltage side or a lost neutral pushes the supply voltage up for seconds rather than microseconds, and they are the reason Uc is chosen with margin above the 230 V AC nominal.

Backup protection paired with the A9L15687

A surge arrester needs short-circuit protection in series so that a failed cartridge or element is isolated from the network. The datasheet of this unit names the associated devices below. The ampere figure shown is the rating of that breaker or fuse, and Icu is the breaking capacity quoted for it.

• Associated circuit breaker iK60N 40 A curve C – Icu 6 kA
• Associated fuse gG 63 A – Icu 25 kA

Poles, earthing and wiring of the A9L15687

One phase conductor and the neutral are brought to the arrester, plus the protective-earth connection on the earth terminal. It is the right shape for a single-phase supply, or for a single-phase sub-circuit tapped from a three-phase board.

The earthing arrangement named on the datasheet is TT and TN-S. Terminals are Tunnel type terminal (top or bottom) 25 mm² rigid; Tunnel type terminal (top or bottom) 16 mm² flexible; Tunnel type terminal (top or bottom) 16 mm² flexible with ferrule, tightened to 3.5 N.m. The wire-stripping length is 11 mm. Keep the earth conductor between the arrester and the main earth bar as short and straight as the board layout allows, because inductance in the lead adds directly to the let-through voltage.

A9L15687 against the other models in the range

The table compares this unit with related Acti9 surge arresters, using the figures printed in each datasheet. Pole count, remote contact and maximum discharge current are the three differences that drive most selections.

Selection checklist for the A9L15687

• Confirm the system: 230 V AC (± 10 %) at 50/60 Hz, earthing TT and TN-S.
• Confirm pole count (1P + N) against the board: single-phase, three-phase with neutral, or four-pole.
• Decide whether a remote contact is needed (this version has none).
• Check the class: Type 2; match it to the position in the installation and to the lightning exposure.
• Check the voltage protection level (Common mode 1.5 kV type 2 N/PE; Differential mode 1.5 kV type 2 L/N) against the withstand level of the loads downstream.
• Choose the backup breaker or fuse from the list on this page and confirm it fits the board’s short-circuit level.

Installation and maintenance of the A9L15687

• Fit the arrester with its associated breaker or fuse on the same DIN rail (clip-on (din rail)), using the 4 module positions the unit occupies.
• Observe the operating window of -25–60 °C; a board in direct sun or with little ventilation can exceed it.
• Tighten to 3.5 N.m and re-torque after the first thermal cycles of commissioning.
• This version has no remote contact, so schedule a visual check of the cartridge status indicator at each board inspection.

After a major lightning event or a supply fault, inspect surge protection even when no alarm has been raised. Keep a spare cartridge or a complete spare A9L15687 for plants where downtime is expensive; send us the part number and we will confirm what can be supplied.

Where the A9L15687 is used in Oman and the GCC

This Type 2 unit fits main and sub-distribution boards in commercial buildings, workshops, telecom shelters and light industrial sites across Oman and the GCC, where switching surges from compressors, pumps and chillers are the most common source of damage. Lightning activity in the mountains, long overhead feeders to remote sites and hot, dusty switchrooms make surge protection and good board ventilation worth planning together. Check the ambient range on the datasheet against the real temperature inside the cabinet, not the room.

Documents and quotation

The official Schneider Electric datasheet of this unit is attached on this page for download, so the ratings above can be checked against the source.

To request a quotation, send us the part number A9L15687 with the quantity and delivery location through the RFQ form. Seven Star LLC replies with availability and lead time.