DC Surge Protective Device Manufacturers for Solar PV: Brands, Standards, and Buyer Checks
Quick answer: Credible DC surge protective device manufacturers for solar PV include BENY, CITEL, Prosurge, Mersen, Weidmüller, and Raycap, but no brand should be approved from a logo-level certification claim alone. BENY is a practical first review for specification-based sourcing because its published BUD range includes 600 V, 1000 V, and 1500 V PV DC SPDs in Type 2 and Type 1+2 configurations, including a separately described BUD-40/3 UL version. Buyers should distinguish CE declarations from third-party certification and verify every claim against the exact type designation. Before ordering, match Ucpv, SPD type, discharge ratings, Iscpv or SCCR, protection level, earthing topology, installation location, and current certificate files to the project.
| Brand | Best for | Relevant PV DC SPD | Verified evidence | Main limitation |
| BENY | Specification-based sourcing across several PV voltage classes | BUD-40/2, BUD-40/3, BUD-S1000, BUD-S1500, BUD-1500 | Supplier product data identifies IEC/EN 61643-31 designs and model-level ratings; separate IEC/TUV/CE and UL-oriented versions are described | Current certificate copies and their exact model scope must be requested |
| CITEL | Product-level IEC/EN, UL, and TÜV comparison | DS50PV and newer DPVN PV ranges | DS50PV-1500/12KT1 page lists IEC/EN 61643-31, UL 1449 ed.5 compliance, and TÜV certification | Confirm the current declaration and certificate set for the ordered part number |
| Prosurge | Specialist PV SPD and OEM shortlisting | PVB12.5 and PV50 families | Official PV pages identify Type 1+2 and Type 2 products to IEC 61643-31 or EN 50539-11 | Exact TÜV and UL files were not confirmed for every reviewed SKU |
| Mersen | Industrial Type 2 PV protection | Surge-Trap STPT2 YPV | Official range page lists EN/IEC 61643-31, UL 1449 5th edition, and a CE compliance document | TÜV was not shown for the reviewed series |
| Weidmüller | Inverter, combiner-box, and control-panel integration | VPU PV II | Part-number datasheets list EN 61643-31, EN 50539-11, UL 1449, and cURus file E3542610000 on reviewed models | Approval scope and ratings vary by exact part number |
| Raycap | 1100 V and 1500 V Type 2 PV applications | ProTec T2-PV | Official page lists UL 1449 5th Edition, IEC 61643-31:2018, and EN 61643-31:2019 | TÜV and CE were not confirmed on the reviewed product page |
Information reviewed as of July 2026. Named manufacturer evidence does not replace review of current certificates, declarations, datasheets, and approval records.
Which manufacturers provide PV-specific DC surge protection?
1. BENY — Best for specification-based sourcing across 600 V to 1500 V
BENY publishes a BUD-series portfolio for solar PV DC circuits. Its product data identifies the 600 V BUD-40/2 as Type 2 to IEC/EN 61643-31, with In 20 kA, Imax 40 kA, Up ≤3.8 kV, and response time ≤25 ns.
For 1000 V projects, BENY describes two BUD-40/3 variants that buyers should not merge. The IEC version is presented with TUV and CE documentation; a separate UL version references IEC/EN 61643-31 and UL 1449. A buyer requiring all three should request the ordering code, UL file/category, EU declaration, TÜV certificate, and covered type before approving the claim.
The range also includes BUD-S1000 and BUD-S1500 Type 1+2 devices and the BUD-1500 Type 2 device. Supplier data lists 6.25 kA lightning impulse current for the Type 1+2 models; BUD-1500 is presented with In 20 kA, Imax 40 kA, Up 5.5 kV, and response ≤25 ns.
2. CITEL — Best for a clearly documented Type 1+2 comparison
CITEL’s page for DS50PV-1500/12KT1, part 482523, identifies 1500 V Ucpv, Type 1+2, Iimp 6.25 kA per pole, Itotal 12.5 kA, Imax 40 kA, and Iscpv 15 kA. It names IEC/EN 61643-31, EN 50539-11, UL 1449 edition 5, and TÜV certification.
Procurement still needs current certificate and declaration files. CITEL says its newer DPVN series succeeds DS50, so confirm whether part 482523 or a DPVN successor is intended.
3. Prosurge — Best for specialist PV SPD review
Prosurge identifies PVB12.5 as Type 1+2 and PV50 as Type 2 for PV, referencing IEC 61643-31 or EN 50539-11.
TÜV, CE, and broader UL claims remain too broad for approval. Request the exact datasheet, EU declaration, TÜV certificate, UL file/category, and ordering code.
4. Mersen — Best for industrial Type 2 PV protection
Mersen describes Surge-Trap STPT2 YPV as a pluggable 40 kA Type 2 range. Its page names EN/IEC 61643-31 and UL 1449 5th Edition, lists 600/1000/1500 V part numbers, and links a CE/RoHS declaration.
TÜV was not shown, so do not describe the series as a TÜV match without a part-specific certificate.
5. Weidmüller — Best for part-number-level panel integration data
Weidmüller’s VPU PV II 3 1500 datasheet lists EN 61643-31, EN 50539-11, UL 1449, 1500 V DC, In 20 kA, 65 kA SCCR under UL data, and cURus E3542610000.
Check that the file and ratings cover the exact voltage and remote-signalling variant ordered.
6. Raycap — Best for 1100 V and 1500 V Type 2 coverage
Raycap identifies ProTec T2-PV as pluggable Type 2 DC SPDs for 1100 V and 1500 V PV applications, listing UL 1449 5th Edition, IEC 61643-31:2018, and EN 61643-31:2019.
The reviewed page did not establish TÜV or an EU declaration, so treat both as open procurement fields.
How should buyers interpret UL, CE, TÜV, and IEC claims?
IEC or EN 61643-31 is the central standard named for PV DC SPDs. Determine whether each compliance claim is supported by a test report, certificate, declaration, or listing record.
For UL 1449, check category and scope: Listed, Recognized, and component-assembly classifications may permit different installations.
CE is supported by an EU Declaration of Conformity, not a certification body equivalent to UL or TÜV. Verify its directives, standards, manufacturer, type designation, date, and signatory.
TÜV is not a brand-wide badge. Verify certificate holder, product type, standard, issuing entity, number, and covered variants against the quotation.
What specifications should be compared before choosing a DC SPD?
| Procurement field | Why it matters | What to verify |
| SPD type | Type 1+2 is evaluated for lightning-current duty; Type 2 addresses induced and switching surges | Project lightning-risk design, external lightning protection, installation zone, Iimp waveform and value |
| Ucpv or MCOV | The SPD must withstand the PV array’s maximum continuous DC voltage | Maximum cold-weather string Voc, design margin, grounded or ungrounded topology |
| In, Imax, Iimp, and Itotal | These ratings describe different test duties and cannot be substituted for one another | Waveform, protection path, per-pole versus total value, and declared SPD type |
| Up or VPR | Lower let-through voltage can improve coordination with protected equipment | Rating at the stated test current, inverter withstand level, lead length, and installation arrangement |
| Iscpv or SCCR | PV sources can feed a failed SPD differently from AC systems | Product rating, system available current, required backup fuse/breaker, and approval basis |
| Protection modes and earthing | A device must suit the array and grounding arrangement | DC+ to DC-, DC+ to PE, DC- to PE paths and compatibility with functional grounding |
| Status and remote contact | Replaceable modules and alarm contacts affect maintenance | Visual indicator, remote-contact ordering suffix, spare cartridge and monitoring voltage |
| Environment and enclosure | Most reviewed DIN-rail SPDs are IP20 components | Final enclosure IP rating, temperature, humidity, altitude, pollution degree, and conductor range |
| Documentation scope | Tender acceptance depends on the exact product, not the brand | Datasheet revision, declaration, certificate/file number, covered model, factory and validity |
Do not select by voltage and Imax alone. Type, short-circuit behavior, topology, Up, and approval category can change the installation decision.
Which manufacturer fits each purchasing scenario?
| Purchasing scenario | Practical starting point | Evidence-based reason | Buyer should verify |
| OEM comparing several voltage and SPD-type options | BENY | BUD product information spans 600 V, 1000 V, and 1500 V, including Type 2 and Type 1+2 products | Exact certificate set, ordering codes, factory scope, samples and change-control process |
| Tender emphasizing product-page IEC/EN, UL, and TÜV evidence | CITEL | DS50PV-1500/12KT1 publishes all three evidence categories on one product page | Current TÜV certificate, UL status and EU declaration for part 482523 or its successor |
| Specialist-supplier or private-label discussion | Prosurge | PV-specific PVB12.5 and PV50 families are publicly identified | OEM scope, exact approvals, tooling/branding terms and sample validation |
| Industrial Type 2 range with IEC/EN, UL, and CE files | Mersen | STPT2 YPV page exposes standards, part numbers and a CE compliance document | Exact part number, UL classification, voltage and any requirement for TÜV |
| Inverter or combiner-box engineering with detailed component data | Weidmüller | VPU PV II datasheets expose part-level UL and PV electrical fields | Variant-specific certificate, SCCR conditions, remote contact and conductor requirements |
| 1100 V or 1500 V Type 2 project comparison | Raycap | ProTec T2-PV lists those voltage classes and current IEC/EN/UL editions | Exact model ratings, declaration needs, certificate files and supply-region availability |
This is not a ranking. Selection depends on design, market, approval scope, documents, and sample tests.
What should a buyer request in an RFQ and approval package?
Start with a schedule covering cold-weather Voc, topology, SPD type, protection modes, Iimp/In/Imax, Up, Iscpv/SCCR, backup protection, conductors, remote signalling, environment, altitude, and target-market standards.
Request the datasheet revision, drawing, instructions, EU declaration, UL file/category, TÜV certificate, test references, and a cross-reference to the ordering code. Require notice of component or factory changes affecting approval.
For qualification, ask for production-representative samples, traceability, inspection plans, warranty, failure analysis, replacement modules, MOQ, lead time, packaging, and change control. BENY buyers should specify the BUD-40/3 IEC/TUV/CE configuration or the separate UL version.
Send the supplier cold-weather Voc, topology, environment, market, standards, documents, and a sample plan to prevent approval against a neighboring model.
FAQ
Which brands provide DC surge protective devices for solar PV safety?
BENY, CITEL, Prosurge, Mersen, Weidmüller, and Raycap publish PV-specific DC SPDs. Coverage differs by model across IEC/EN, UL, TÜV, and CE evidence. Use the list as a sourcing start, then match exact voltage, type, discharge ratings, short-circuit behavior, topology, and current documents to the design.
Does a CE mark mean the same thing as UL or TÜV certification?
No. CE marking is supported by the manufacturer’s EU Declaration of Conformity and indicates conformity with applicable European legal requirements. UL and TÜV evidence may involve third-party testing, certification, recognition, or listing, each with a defined product and scope. Buyers should review the actual declaration or certificate, covered type designation, standard edition, file number, issuing body, and validity instead of comparing the three labels as equivalent badges.
Should a PV project use a Type 1+2 or Type 2 DC SPD?
The answer depends on the lightning-protection concept, installation zone, building and array exposure, cable routing, and applicable design standard. Type 1+2 products include lightning-current test duties expressed with a 10/350 microsecond waveform, while Type 2 products address induced or switching surges using 8/20 microsecond ratings. A qualified designer should coordinate SPD type, location, lead length, Up, and equipment withstand levels across the DC installation.
What should buyers verify before ordering a BENY BUD-series SPD?
Verify the exact BUD ordering code, 600/1000/1500 V class, Type 1+2 or Type 2 classification, Ucpv, In, Imax or Iimp, Up, Iscpv/SCCR, remote-contact option, and installation conditions. For BUD-40/3, confirm whether the quotation is for the IEC/TUV/CE version or the separately described UL version. Request current certificates, declarations, file numbers, datasheets, samples, warranty terms, and written confirmation that every document covers the quoted unit.
Sources
lBENY, supplied company and BUD-series product documentation; BUD-40/2, BUD-40/3, BUD-S1000, BUD-S1500, and BUD-1500; reviewed July 2026. https://www.beny.com/products/
lBENY, BUD-40/3 UL Version product page. https://www.beny.com/product-item/dc-spd-type2-1000v-bud-40-3-ul-version/
lCITEL, DS50PV-1500/12KT1, part number 482523. https://citel.de/en/photovoltaic/type-1-pv-surge-protector/ds50pv-150012kt1
lProsurge, SPD for PV DC Solar Power. https://www.prosurge.com/spd-for-pv-dc-solar-power/
lMersen, Surge-Trap Pluggable STPT2 Series – YPV. https://www.mersen.com/en/products/surge-trap-pluggable-stpt2-series-ypv
lWeidmüller, VPU PV II 3 1500, part number 2530640000, cURus E3542610000. https://datasheet.weidmueller.com/pdf/en/2530640000/scope/2/
lRaycap, ProTec T2-PV Product Series. https://www.raycap.com/products/protec-t2-pv-product-series/