IEEE Std C62.72-2016 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE C62.72-2016 — IEEE Guide for the Application of Surge‑Protective Devices for Use on the Load Side of Service Equipment in Low‑Voltage (1000 V or Less, 50 Hz or 60 Hz) AC Power Circuits. The guide provides practical application guidance to specifiers, users, installers and manufacturers on selection, application, installation and coordination of surge‑protective devices (SPDs) installed on the load side of service equipment in low‑voltage AC power distribution systems.

Abstract

This guide describes surge origins and effects, PDS (power distribution system) configurations and location categories, grounding and bonding considerations, SPD specifications and ratings, SPD characteristics and lifetime, interactions between SPDs and the power distribution system, and coordination of multiple SPDs in a circuit. It is intended for SPDs connected on the load side of the service equipment (and main overcurrent protective device) for 50 Hz or 60 Hz AC power circuits rated 1000 V rms or less.

General information

• Status: Active standard (IEEE Standards Association).
• Publication date: Published June 10, 2016 (Board approval March 3, 2016; ANSI approval July 28, 2017).
• Publisher: IEEE (IEEE Power & Energy Society / IEEE Standards Association).
• ICS / categories: Low‑voltage surge protection / overcurrent protection class (commonly cataloged under ICS around 29.120.50).
• Edition / version: 2016 edition (supersedes IEEE C62.72‑2007). An amendment C62.72a‑2020 exists addressing SPD disconnector application and coordination.
• Number of pages: Approximately 107–110 pages (publisher formats vary by edition).

Scope

The guide covers application considerations for surge‑protective devices intended to be connected on the load side of the service equipment (and the main overcurrent protective device) of AC power circuits rated 1000 V rms or less at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Topics include surge sources and magnitudes, location categories, system configurations, grounding and bonding, SPD ratings and characteristics, expected SPD lifetime, interactions with the power distribution system, and coordination among multiple SPDs on a distribution system. It is application guidance rather than a mandatory test specification.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of application location categories and recommended SPD locations (service entrance, distribution panels, point‑of‑use).
• Discussion of surge origins (external lightning, internal switching) and expected event magnitudes and frequencies.
• Guidance on grounding and bonding practices to minimize SPD performance degradation and avoid dangerous side effects.
• SPD selection criteria: voltage protection level (VPR), nominal discharge current (In), impulse ratings, thermal/short‑circuit protection, and remote status indication.
• Coordination strategies for multi‑stage protection (Type/Category coordination, physical separation, and interaction with overcurrent devices).
• Considerations for SPD lifetime, replacement indicators, and maintenance practices.
• Advice on installer practices, wiring lengths and connection impedance to preserve SPD effectiveness.

Typical use and users

Engineers, electrical specifiers, facility managers, installers, manufacturers and testing/inspection professionals use this guide when designing or specifying surge protection for commercial, industrial and critical‑facility low‑voltage power distribution systems. It is used to inform SPD selection, placement and coordination with distribution equipment and with compliance/inspection practices.

Related standards

Closely related documents include IEEE test and performance standards for SPDs (for example IEEE C62.62 series), the amendment C62.72a‑2020 (SPD disconnector application considerations), international SPD standards such as IEC 61643‑11 (requirements and test methods for low‑voltage SPDs), and regional product/listing standards such as ANSI/UL 1449 (North American SPD safety and performance listing). These documents cover testing, product ratings, and regional listing requirements that complement the application guidance in C62.72‑2016.

Keywords

surge protective device, SPD, surge protection, low‑voltage, service equipment, load side, grounding, bonding, coordination, VPR, nominal discharge current, IEEE C62.72, SPD selection, SPD lifetime, surge origins.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE C62.72‑2016 is a guidance (guide) document from IEEE that provides application‑level recommendations for installing and specifying surge‑protective devices on the load side of service equipment for AC circuits up to 1000 V rms.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers surge sources and effects, location categories for SPDs, power distribution system configurations, grounding and bonding considerations, SPD specifications and ratings, expected SPD lifetime and interactions with the PDS, and coordination of multiple SPDs. It is not primarily a test specification — testing and ratings are covered in companion standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Electrical engineers, specifiers, manufacturers, installers, facilities managers and code officials use the guide to inform SPD selection, placement and maintenance practices in commercial, industrial and critical facilities.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2016 edition superseded the 2007 edition and remains an active IEEE guide. An amendment (C62.72a‑2020) adds application considerations for SPD disconnectors. IEEE activity to maintain or revise the guide (project PC62.72) has been active, so users should check for the latest revisions or project status when specifying to ensure they reference the most current guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEEE surge‑protection family of documents. Related IEEE standards include the C62.62 test specifications for SPDs and other C62 series documents; international and listing standards (IEC 61643‑11, ANSI/UL 1449) are commonly used alongside C62.72 for test, performance and regional listing requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: SPD, surge protective device, surge protection, service entrance, load side, VPR, In (nominal discharge current), grounding, bonding, coordination, IEEE C62.72.