LifeCheck monitors surge arresters

A Dehn product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Oct 31, 2005

Dehn has developed LifeCheck which uses RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology to monitor and control the operational status of lightning and surge arresters.

Dehn has developed a new device known as LifeCheck which uses RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology to monitor and control the operational status of lightning and surge arresters equipped with the appropriate additional circuitry.

LifeCheck combines the functionality of controlling the arrester circuit and communicating via contactless RFID technology with a reader (DEHNrecord LC) about the arrester's status.

The RFID transponders used in the system are maintenance-free, and do not need a current power supply.

The key parameters of thermal load and electrical load are monitored by LifeCheck, which uses an antenna integrated into the arrester module to detect any extreme surge pulses flowing in the arrester.

If the permitted maximum surge current is exceeded, an overload signal is transmitted to the reader.

This system allows early detection of overloads because the overload detection signal is activated before any fault can occur in the protection circuit.

LifeCheck does not replace the existing fail-safe system in the surge arrester, but adds an additional level of 'early warning' protection.

The communication process is very straightforward, providing just an 'OK' or 'defect' indication.

If it is possible to communicate with the arrester, everything is working correctly.

If communication is not possible, the arrester is defective.

Initially, LifeCheck will be available for Dehn's BLITZDUCTOR CT BE Series of surge arresters, followed by the BCT BD and BCT BDHF Series.