ᐅ Is it mandatory to install surge protection according to DIN VDE 0100-443/543?

Hello everyone,

My home builder informed me that there is a new standard requiring surge protection for buildings planned from October 1, 2016 onwards. Since our planning was completed before this date, we are not required to install it. So, it is optional for us. The cost is 810€ including VAT.

Since it’s not mandatory for us, I wanted to ask what you think about it. The primary purpose of surge protection is to prevent electrical devices from being damaged by power surges. See also the information sheet attached.

I guess it’s one of those cases where you pay for some safety and maybe sleep better during a thunderstorm. Many people never have a lightning strike causing damage, but there are certainly some who do experience damage.

Personally, I am leaning towards not having it installed.

What do you think?

Regards,
mading

Hello,

we have had this discussion here a few times already. I tend to be in the group that would generally install it. I always prefer to technically minimize the risk of damage rather than rely on insurance. However, I think the quoted price is quite high.

What matters, I believe, is how high the risk of a surge damage is. Do you have a solar system, and is your main power connection via overhead line?

Hi,

we will have a photovoltaic system. The house connection will be via underground cable.

I will still find out more details (from the builder and the product manufacturer) about exactly what the surge protection covers.

Lightning rods are usually installed only on exposed and/or older as well as public buildings. I wonder how and through what a surge can occur.

Thanks in advance for your answer!

Regards

mading

mading schrieb:
We are not subject to this requirement since our planning was completed beforehand. So we have the option to include it or not. Cost is €810 including VAT.

Frankly and freely claimed from the gut, but still incorrect.

Property developers and shell construction companies are notorious for not even being familiar with the foundation earthing standard DIN 18014:2007-09 and continuing to install grounding systems non-compliantly without documentation through an electrical installation certificate (EFK) in the old way. Therefore, knowledge of DIN VDE 0100-443 and 0100-534 is remarkable.

The decisive factor for the compliance of a construction project with standards is solely the date of completion or, in the contractual relationship between buyer and developer, the date of handover.

Dipol schrieb:
Documentation by an EFK

What does such documentation look like? Would it need to be presented during the final house inspection?

mading schrieb:
Lightning rods are typically only installed on exposed and/or old as well as public buildings. I am wondering how or through what a surge can occur.

Lightning protection systems—or lightning protection installations, which are the correct technical terms—are only legally required for certain buildings under building regulations.

When installing lightning protection systems, surge protection for all supply systems was already required before October 1, 2017, according to DIN EN 62305 (VDE 0855-305). In contrast, according to current standards, surge protection for low-voltage electrical supply is mandatory regardless of official requirements.