Garching, 17 June 2026 – With the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, requirements for operational safety, availability, and the protection of power electronic systems are increasing. In particular, for high-power fast-charging applications for passenger electric vehicles, as well as charging solutions for electric buses and electric trucks, transient overvoltages caused by direct or indirect lightning strikes must already be considered at the system level.
At the Smarter E Europe 2026 (June 23–25, Munich, Hall B4, Booth 580), Raycap will present the ProTec T2 DCGU series – pluggable multi-pole surge protective devices (SPDs) for DC charging infrastructure in accordance with IEC 61851-23.
DC surge protection in accordance with IEC 61851-23 and prEN IEC 61851-23-3
In charging scenarios based on the Combined Charging System (CCS) and Megawatt Charging System (MCS), overvoltages can occur on both the AC side and the DC side of the charging infrastructure, potentially affecting sensitive power electronics as well as the vehicle. The ProTec T2 DCGU 3Y is designed for use at the DC output, providing the protection level required by IEC 61851-23 (≤ 2.5 kV). This supports the operational safety of DC fast-charging systems.
Protection of charger and vehicle
The arrester protects the DC converter as well as the vehicle side, covering typical DC topologies via the protection paths (+)-PE, (–)-PE, and (+)-(–). The device is developed in accordance with IEC 61643-41:2025 and is UL certified as a DC SPD under UL 1449, 5th Edition. It therefore meets the requirements of modern EV charging infrastructure with regard to continuous operating voltage and transient overvoltage stress. In addition, further Raycap SPDs can be integrated into the system to protect sensitive components such as metering and billing systems, payment terminals, and displays.
Two voltage variants for CCS and MCS
The ProTec T2 DCGU series is available in two versions:
- Up to 1000 V DC for CCS applications
- Up to 1500 V DC for MCS applications
The permissible operating temperature range is –40 °C to +85 °C, and the allowable installation altitude supports up to 3000 m.
Integration into DC charging systems
The ProTec T2 DCGU 3Y is designed and tested for DC short-circuit withstand capability up to 100 kA ISCCR, is leakage-free, and is optionally available with a remote signalling contact for status monitoring. The device features a pluggable design. It mounts onto a 35-mm DIN rail (EN 60715), requires only 3 TE of space, and is built as an IP20 device made of flame-retardant thermoplastic. Pluggable spare modules are available for service cases.
Protection from the grid to the vehicle
In modern charging infrastructures, Raycap extends the protection concept from the AC supply, through the power unit, to the DC charging output. For exposed installation locations, Type 1 solutions from the Strikesorb series are available. This enables a consistent protection concept for EV charging infrastructure that complies with both IEC 61643-41 and IEC 61851-23 and is tested according to UL 1449 5th Edition. The compact design enables easy installation and efficient servicing, reducing downtime in charging infrastructures.
Raycap at The Smarter E Europe 2026
Raycap will be exhibiting at The Smarter E Europe 2026 in Hall B4, Booth 580, presenting its portfolio for surge protection in power distribution, photovoltaic systems, and e-mobility with a focus on DC applications and charging infrastructure.