CITEL Surge Protection Devices
Leveltec is the exclusive CITEL distributor for Australia & New Zealand
Since 1937, CITEL has been protecting electrical and electronic systems around the world from transient overvoltages caused by lightning strikes, switching events, and electromagnetic disturbances. With decades of global experience and a strong focus on research and development, CITEL designs and manufactures millions of surge protection devices (SPDs) every year. Many of the core protection components used in CITEL devices are developed and manufactured in-house, ensuring performance, reliability, and full compliance with international standards.
CITEL’s surge protection range is designed for today’s sensitive electronics and interconnected systems. As industrial networks, infrastructure, and control systems become more reliant on low-voltage, high-frequency digital processes, the risk posed by transient overvoltages is greater than ever. These brief but powerful electrical disturbances can result in system downtime, data loss, equipment failure, or fire, and are most commonly caused by lightning, grid switching, or inductive loads.
CITEL’s SPDs are the first and most important line of defence. Installed correctly, they limit overvoltage to levels that downstream devices can safely handle, ensuring network continuity, system integrity, and asset protection.
Why surge protection matters
- Transient overvoltages often exceed several kilovolts in microseconds
- AC, DC, telecom, data, and RF networks are all vulnerable
- Equipment damage can occur even without direct lightning strikes
- Systems without SPDs are at significantly higher risk of failure.
CITEL SPDs are designed to:
- Limit residual voltage to protect connected devices
- Provide discharge capacity appropriate to the site and exposure risk
- Avoid interference with normal system operation.
Easy to install, compact, and compliant with global electrical standards, CITEL’s surge protectors are suitable for all network types:
- AC power (main switchboards, sub-panels)
- DC power (solar PV, battery storage, DC drives)
- Telecom (PSTN, ISDN, VDSL, ADSL)
- Data (Ethernet, RS485, Modbus, PoE++ networks)
- RF/coaxial (CATV, CCTV, antennas, security and broadcast infrastructure).
Whether you are designing a new installation, upgrading protection in the field, or replacing failed components, CITEL provides a complete portfolio of surge protection solutions, backed by engineering support and a commitment to safety, performance, and long-term value.
Applications
AC Power Line Protection
Surge protection for low-voltage AC power networks is essential in industrial, commercial, and utility environments, where switching events or lightning strikes can cause damaging transients.
CITEL’s AC SPDs are designed for main switchboards, sub-distribution boards, control panels, and machinery inputs. These devices are well-suited to Australian sectors like mining, processing plants, water treatment, and transport infrastructure, where equipment uptime is mission-critical. Modular and pluggable designs make them easy to integrate into new or existing systems.
Photovoltaic System Protection
With Australia’s significant solar power footprint, protecting photovoltaic (PV) installations from surges is non-negotiable. CITEL’s PV surge protectors are engineered to secure DC circuits, inverter inputs, and combiner boxes in commercial rooftops, utility-scale solar farms, and battery storage systems.
These SPDs are available in a variety of voltage ratings (500 Vdc to 1500 Vdc), offering compliance with IEC 61643-31 and robust thermal and electrical protection. The VG and CTC technologies enhance reliability under continuous exposure to high-energy conditions.
LED Lighting Protection
Outdoor LED lighting is increasingly common in cities, infrastructure corridors, industrial sites, and regional councils. These systems are vulnerable to surges, particularly in exposed areas or near overhead distribution lines. CITEL offers SPDs specifically designed for lighting pole bases, cabinet controls, and smart city applications. Compact form factors, IP-rated enclosures, and AC/data combined protection make these devices ideal for tunnel lighting, airport runways, and roadside infrastructure where consistent illumination is essential for safety and operation.
High-Frequency Coaxial Line Protection
Coaxial and RF systems are common in communications, surveillance, and broadcast infrastructure. These systems can be degraded or destroyed by transient voltages. CITEL’s coaxial SPDs use technologies like sparkover gas tubes, diodes, or quarter-wave stubs to ensure low insertion loss and precise surge handling.
Applications include RF receivers, GPS antennas, CATV systems, and base stations. Designed for networks requiring high-frequency signal integrity, these SPDs are critical in transport, defence, and telecom deployments across Australia.
Telecom & Dataline Protection
Sensitive data and communication lines are frequently exposed to transient voltages, particularly in sprawling industrial or outdoor installations. CITEL’s telecom and dataline SPDs provide tailored protection for PSTN, ISDN, Ethernet (Cat 5E to 6A), PoE++, RS485, and SCADA interfaces.
Products are available for DIN rail, wall-mount, and RJ configurations, supporting both analog and high-speed digital protocols. These solutions help protect communication backbones in industrial automation, energy distribution, rail networks, and remote monitoring systems across regional Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
CITEL is a global leader in surge protection, designing and manufacturing high-performance SPDs (Surge Protection Devices) since 1937. With over a billion lines protected and teams in 200+ countries, CITEL has earned a reputation for quality, safety, and innovation.
Leveltec is the exclusive distributor for CITEL surge protection across Australia and New Zealand, supplying:
- AC Power Line Protection
- Photovoltaic System Protection
- LED Lighting Protection
- High-Frequency Coaxial Line Protection
- Telecom & Dataline Protection
Transient overvoltages from lightning strikes or switching events can damage sensitive equipment and disrupt operations. SPDs are the only effective way to safeguard systems, limiting voltage spikes and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Certified to international standards (IEC/EN 61643)
- VG & MOV technologies for superior discharge capacity
- DIN-rail mounting, compact form factors
- Pluggable modules and remote signalling options
- Full coverage across all network types (AC, DC, RF, data, telecom).
Yes. Leveltec offers technical support and project collaboration, including on-site visits with CITEL application engineers when needed. Whether you’re planning new installs or upgrading existing infrastructure, we can support specification, installation, and commissioning.
Absolutely. We offer competitive pricing for volume orders, with stock availability and lead times optimised for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Yes. Our team works directly with clients to assess needs and recommend the most appropriate protection devices based on the application, risk level, and network type.
Across key industries in Australia including:
- Mining & Resources
- Utilities & Energy
- Telecommunications
- Rail & Transport
- Infrastructure & Government
- Industrial Automation
- Renewable Energy.
Yes. Leveltec has full technical access and stock distribution rights. We’re here to ensure continuity of service and supply for any existing or future CITEL needs.
Get in touch via [email protected] or call us on +61 2 6558 9264. Share your project requirements, or let’s set up a time to discuss how we can support your surge protection strategy.