EXCOUNT-A
Surge Counter EXCOUNT-A
For gapless surge arresters, surge coun-
ters are used only to obtain information
regarding surge activities in the corre-
sponding surge arrester and its location.
Surge counter, EXCOUNT-A is designed
therefore, to withstand the same severe
conditions as the arresters without failure.
Design features
EXCOUNT-A comprises basically of an
impulse current transformer with a single-
turn primary in the form of an insulated
stranded-copper cable to be connected in
the earth circuit of an arrester. The cable is
provided at both ends with tinned-copper
cable shoes.
The secondary circuit consists of a rec-
tifier, capacitor and an electronic switch
connected to a mechanical counting relay
and is totally moulded in plastic which
makes it ideal for exposed installation. The
complete assembly is then housed in an
elegant vented aluminium casing. A suita-
ble-angled window permits easy reading
of the 6-digit cyclometer-typ counter.
S-1 Edition 5, 2004-10
Accessories
Highest personnel safety
• Explosion-proof for short-circuit currents
up to 80 kA.
• Same safe performance as arresters.
Negligible residual voltage
• Does not reduce protection margins.
• Reduces risk against accidental contact
during surges.
Long life
• Moulded components, non-sensitive to
humidity or temperature variations.
• Verified by tests per IEC 60068.
Universal application
• All makes and types of surge arresters.
• All weather and temperature conditions.
The principle of operation is shown in
figure 1 on next page.
Performance
The design of the secondary circuit ensu-
res that the counting relay is not energised
for low lightning current impulses which
are insignificant to the arrester capability
and life. The stepping criteria are given in
figure 2 on next side. The current trans-
former secondary output is sufficient for
driving the counter and external supply
source is not needed.
The single-turn primary ensures that the
voltage drop across the counter, even at
the highest impulse currents encountered
in service, is negligible, leading to added
personnel safety and no increase in the
protection level of the arrester.
Since no gaps or series impedance
are used, there is no risk of internal
arcing and consequent explosive faillure
in the event of a short-circuit following
an arrester failure.
ABB Surge Arresters — Buyer’s Guide
Accessories EXCOUNT-A

Type tests Routine tests

EXCOUNT-A has been subjected to severe
electrical, mechanical and climate tests:
Shock test, 15 g IEC 60068-2-27
All surge counters are routine-tested
with a sufficient number of impulses in a
pass/no pass test prior to despatch from
the factory.

Vibration test IEC 60068-2-6 Packing, installation and

maintenance
Temperature test IEC 60068-2-14 Counters are packed in cases together
(-55°C/+70°C) with arresters. For separate supply, they
are packed in cartons.
Humidity test IEC 60068-2-30 Detailed instructions are enclosed with
each counter. However, the following may
Salt fog test DIN 50021 be noted.
(500h, +35°C, The counter must be placed at a suit
95%RH, 5% salt) able height for easy reading. The electri-
Impulse tests IEC 60099-4 cal lead between the earth terminal and
the counter should be insulated and its
Short-circuit test IEC 60099-4 length kept to a minimum. If the length is
(full asymmetry of 2.6) too long, the counter may not register for
very steep impulses when the inductive
voltage between the earth terminal and
At 65 kA, there were no damages at all. the counter exceeds the lightning impulse
At 80 kA, the insulation of the primary withstand level of the insulating base.
conductor was burnt. The counters are maintenance-free.
However, the counter function was not Refer to assembly instructions for
impaired and no pieces were ejected. more details.

Fig. 1 Schematic diagram

Fig. 2 Stepping criteria Fig. 3 Dimensions

ABB Surge Arresters — Buyer’s Guide Edition 5, 2003-10 S-2