ABB RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

ABB RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A

Product Introduction

The RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A is a robust medium-voltage surge arrester from ABB, engineered to protect 36 kV electrical distribution systems against transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes, switching operations, and system faults. As a critical protective component, it diverts excessive surge currents to ground while clamping overvoltages to safe levels, safeguarding expensive equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and cables from insulation damage.

Featuring a silicone rubber housing, this arrester is designed for long-term reliability in harsh outdoor environments, including coastal areas, industrial zones, and utility substations. Its compact design and wide temperature tolerance (-40°C to +80°C) make it suitable for both indoor switchgear and outdoor pole-mounted installations. Whether deployed as a standalone protector or in conjunction with RXPPK 4 arresters for layered protection, the RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A ensures uninterrupted power supply and reduces maintenance costs in critical 36 kV networks.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Silicone rubber housing
The arrester’s silicone rubber housing offers superior hydrophobicity, meaning it repels water and minimizes the risk of tracking or arcing even in humid or polluted environments. In a coastal 36 kV substation, this property prevents salt deposits from causing surface conduction, extending the arrester’s service life to over 30 years—significantly longer than porcelain alternatives in such conditions. The housing also provides excellent flexibility, resisting cracking from thermal cycling or mechanical stress.

Optimized protection level
With a voltage protection level (Up) of ≤95 kV at 10 kA, the RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A is precisely matched to the insulation levels of 36 kV equipment (typically 170 kV BIL). In a rural 36 kV distribution network, it clamps lightning-induced overvoltages well below the equipment’s withstand capability, preventing insulation breakdown in transformers and switchgear during severe storms.

Wide environmental adaptability
Operating from -40°C to +80°C and rated IP67, the arrester thrives in extreme conditions. In a desert 36 kV substation, it withstands daytime temperatures exceeding 50°C without performance degradation, while in a northern utility network, it remains effective during winter cold snaps down to -40°C. Its IP67 rating also makes it suitable for flood-prone areas, as it can withstand temporary submersion (up to 1 m) without damage.

Typical Application Scenarios

In a 36 kV industrial distribution system for a metal smelting plant:

RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A arresters are installed at the incoming supply point to protect the main transformer and switchgear from external lightning surges.

Additional units are mounted on feeder circuits supplying critical loads such as arc furnaces and rolling mills, which generate internal switching surges.

The silicone housing resists chemical fumes from the smelting process, preventing degradation that could compromise protection.

Paired with RXPPK 4 arresters on 10 kV secondary circuits, it forms a coordinated protection scheme that limits overvoltages at every system level.

In a 36 kV renewable energy (wind farm) collection system:

RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A arresters protect the 36 kV cables connecting wind turbines to the substation, which are exposed to frequent lightning strikes.

Their lightweight design (≈4 kg) simplifies installation on turbine nacelles and substation busbars.

The arrester’s fast response time (≤25 ns) ensures it diverts surge currents before they reach sensitive turbine inverters, reducing downtime and repair costs.

UV resistance of the silicone housing prevents degradation from constant exposure to sunlight on turbine towers.

ABB RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A

Related Model Recommendations

RXDS 2 1MRK000343-A: 18 kV variant of RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A for lower-voltage distribution systems.

RXPPK 4: 36 kV surge arrester with higher discharge current capacity (40 kA), ideal for cascaded protection with RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A.

OTL 36D: ABB 36 kV switchgear compatible with RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A for integrated protection.

1MRK000219-BA: Surge arrester monitoring unit that tracks leakage current and surge counts for RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A.

T3S 36: 36 kV transformer optimized for use with RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A to maximize protection margins.

CR36: 36 kV current transformer that pairs with RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A in protection and metering circuits.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation
Ensure the 36 kV system is de-energized and grounded before installing RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A. Mount the arrester vertically using M12 bolts (torque to 35 Nm) on a flat, rigid surface (e.g., switchgear busbar support or pole bracket). Connect the high-voltage terminal to the phase conductor using a 36 kV-rated connector (≥1000 A). Connect the ground terminal to a low-impedance ground grid (≤5 Ω) using 120 mm² copper cable to ensure effective current dissipation. Maintain a minimum clearance of 600 mm from other live components to prevent flashover.

Maintenance suggestions
Inspect RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A annually for physical damage (e.g., cracks in the housing), loose connections, or signs of tracking. Clean the housing with a soft cloth and deionized water if contaminated with dirt or pollutants—avoid abrasive cleaners that could damage the silicone surface. Measure leakage current every 3 years using a specialized tester—values exceeding 1 mA at 1.05×Uc indicate degradation and require replacement. Record surge counter readings (if equipped) to track the number of significant events. Replace the arrester immediately if the housing is damaged, after a surge exceeding 20 kA, or if leakage current exceeds limits. Use only ABB-approved replacements to maintain protection levels.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

The RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A is backed by a 10-year warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal operating conditions. ABB’s power systems engineers provide on-site support for installation verification and surge protection coordination studies, ensuring optimal integration with 36 kV network components.

Customers receive access to detailed application guides, including voltage selection criteria and mounting diagrams specific to RXDS 4 1MRK000344-A. ABB offers training programs on arrester maintenance and testing, helping utilities and industrial users maximize equipment lifespan. With global distribution centers, replacement units are available for rapid delivery, minimizing unprotected downtime in critical power systems.