Surge Protection for Public and Commercial DC Charging Infrastructure in Accordance with IEC 61851-23

Garching, 09 December 2025 – Raycap is expanding its product portfolio with the ProTec T2 DCGU 3Y, a pluggable multi-pole surge protection device (SPD) designed for DC charging infrastructure. The new device protects high-power fast-charging applications – the DC converter and the connected electric vehicle against conducted or induced overvoltages. The ProTec T2 DCGU is available in two versions: one for charging applications for electric cars, and one for larger vehicles such as e-buses and e-trucks.

Comprehensive protection in accordance with IEC 61851-23
The condition of the charging point determines availability and safety – and thus the smooth functioning of electromobility. In Combined Charging System (CCS) or Megawatt Charging System (MCS) scenarios, overvoltages can arise from both direct and indirect lightning strikes.

To ensure reliable protection of electric vehicles, the ProTec T2 DCGU 3Y was developed specifically for use at the handover point. It provides the protection level required by IEC 61851-23 (≤ 2.5 kV at the DC output), thereby ensuring maximum operational safety.

Direct protection for the charging infrastructure and vehicle
The ProTec T2 DCGU 3Y protects the DC converter and the connected vehicle, covering typical DC topologies with its protection modes (+)-PE/G, (–)-PE/G, and (+)-(–). Developed in accordance with IEC 61643-41:2025 and UL-certified as a DC SPD under UL 1449, 5th Edition, it addresses the DC-specific requirements of EV charging stations defined in IEC 61851-23, including the higher electrical load from continuous operating voltage and transient overvoltages. This ensures seamless integration into international approval frameworks for EV chargers. Additional Raycap SPDs can also be integrated into the electrical system to protect other sensitive electronics, such as metering/billing systems, card terminals, and displays.

Two Versions for different scenarios
The ProTec T2 DCGU is available in 1000 V and 1500 V versions, covering both CCS scenarios with continuous voltage up to 1000 V and MCS scenarios with continuous voltage up to 1500 V. The operating temperature range is from –40 °C to +85 °C, and the allowable installation altitude depends on the version, supporting up to 2000 m or 3000 m.

Easy installation and integration into charging stations
For charger integration, the ProTec T2 DCGU is designed and tested for high DC short-circuit resistance of up to 100 kA ISCCR. The SPD is leakage-free and optionally available with a remote signalling contact for status monitoring.

The ProTec T2 DCGU 3Y features a pluggable design. It mounts onto a 35-mm DIN rail (EN 60715), requires 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 All the Way to the Vehicle
In typical e-mobility charging applications, this SPD extends the protection concept to the DC side. Raycap solutions protect the entire system – from the AC input and power unit, through DC cabling between rectifier and charging point. Type-1 solutions (such as Strikesorb) are available for exposed locations, enabling consistent and standards-compliant protection of the charging infrastructure from the grid entry point to the vehicle. The product family meets IEC 61643-41 and IEC 61851-23 and is tested in accordance with UL 1449 5th Edition. With its compact form factor and pluggable design, protection at the charging point can be implemented with minimal installation space and service effort. With the ProTec T2 DCGU 3Y, Raycap provides a crucial solution for a safe and standards-compliant charging infrastructure.