Insulation Coordination Design for Information Technology Equipment with Higher Overvoltage Category

This paper explores the design schemes and the technical feasibility for safety compliance when information technology equipment is not to be installed in the general overvoltage category II environments but with the higher transient overvoltage category (overvoltage category III or IV). Herein, a comprehensive review of the different types of overvoltage is presented, including a comparative analysis between temporary and transient overvoltage. Additionally, several pertinent international and industry standards for mitigating the overvoltage category of information technology equipment via supplemental surge protection devices are introduced, supporting the proposed design scheme from both theoretical and regulatory compliance perspectives. Finally, the relevant design considerations were discussed, including critical components selection, minimum clearances requirement, and electric strength requirement. These discussions aim to render the proposal to reduce the overvoltage category more comprehensible, offering practical and economic guidance.