Surge Protection for NEMA TS1 Cabinets

Traffic Signal Light

Overview of NEMA TS1 Cabinet

NEMA TS1 cabinet, first released in 1975 are still widely presently to control our intersections accross the country. These traffic cabinet host many components needed to operate local intersections, control signs and ramp meters. Reliability is necessary to ensure safety of drivers as well as pedestrians.

Replaced by NEMA TS2 standard released in 1989, NEMA TS 1 are not deployed anymore but are mainly retrofitted with upgraded equipment when possible to save cost to DOTs and munucipalities.

Threat to NEMA TS1 Cabinet

A "dark" intersection is the worst case scenerio for traffic signal cabinet. The interruption of power can be caused by transients which affect sensitive components within the cabinet. As a result of the disruption of power or proper fnctionning of the internal sensitive electronics, drivers and pedestrians are placed at hiugh safety risk. Although traffic cabinets may use an SPD to protect the system, the majority of the surge solutions presenly deployed in the TS 1 traffic cabinets creates a disprution of that power supply continuity to the cabinet are are safety concern.

NEMA TS1_Internal
NEMA TS1 Cabinet

The solution for NEMA TS1 Cabinets

CITEL recommends the use of parallel installed SPDs, to ensure that power is being supplied to the traffic equipment in all conditions. This reduces the risk of the "dark" intersection, without any signalization, main cause for accident. Surge protection plays a vital role in preserving the integrity of equipment and, more importantly, protecting the lives of personnel.

The installation of Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) within the traffic controller cabinets is a measure that will not only extend the life of the circuit components but also increase the reliability of the system as a whole.

Selecting an SPD for NEMA TS1 Cabinets

NEC/NFPA 70 require that Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) shall be UL1449 Listed . This means selecting a surge protector is easier than it has ever been. There are only a few choices available for SPDs that are UL Listed for any of the most commonly used surge standards including UL1449 5th Edition, UL497B, and UL497E, in addition, only UL Listed Surge Protectors are acceptable for facilities that will install a Lightning Protection System (LPS) certified to either NFPA 780 or the UL96A Master Label.

Recommended SPD for Main Service Panel

LocationEquipmentSystemSurge Protector Model#Link
Main Service Pedestal120/240Vac M50-120T-A M50-A

Recommended SPD for TS1 Cabinet

LocationEquipmentSystemSurge Protector Model#Link
Power Panel120Vac DS72US-120S/G-F-ASSM

Cabinet Power Supply120Vac
Power Input
DS72US-120S/G DS72US-120S/G

Cabinet Power Supply24Vdc
Cabinet Power Supply Output
DS220S-24DC DS220S-24DC

Cabinet Power Supply12Vdc
Cabinet Power Supply Output
DS220S-12DC DS220S-24DC

Vehicle Detection CameraPOE+ MJ8-POE-C6A MJ8-C6A

Bus Interface Unit (BIU)RS485 DD25-24V

Contact us to develop a surge mitigation solution for your application

Where to purchase Citel SPD's

References

#Title
1ANSI C62.41, Low-Voltage AC Power Circuits
2UL1449 4th Edition, Surge Protective Devices
3UL1449 5th Edition, Surge Protective Devices
4UL497B, Surge Protectors for Data Lines and Fire-Alarm Circuits
5UL497E, Antenna Lead-in Conductors
6IEC 61643-11, Low-Voltage Surge Protective Devices - Part 11: Surge Protective Devices Connected To Low-Voltage Power Systems - Requirements And Test Methods
7IEC 61643-21, Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices - Part 21: Surge Protective Devices Connected To Telecommunications And Signalling Networks - Performance Requirements And Testing Methods
8IEC 61000-45, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-5: Testing And Measurement Techniques - Surge Immunity Test
9CSA 22.2
10NOM-001-SCFI, Standard for Electronic Equipment
11NOM-003-SCFI, Electrical Products - Safety Requirements