OBO vs Leikexing Surge Protective Devices: 2025 Industrial Comparison

I still remember the moment a 40 kA surge burned through one of our control cabinets last year. That failure pushed us to run a full, side-by-side evaluation of OBO and Leikexing SPDs under controlled surge conditions.

In 2025, OBO remains the benchmark for heavy-duty industrial sites, while Leikexing delivers roughly 90% of the protection at around 60% of the cost. I manage a 2,000 m² facility in Wenzhou and supply both brands, so the data below comes from real installations—not marketing brochures.

If you're an engineering buyer who needs precise performance, TCO, surge curves, and long-term reliability data before signing a PO, this article gives you exactly that.

 Why OBO SPDs Rank High in Industrial Power Systems

A few years ago, a 50 kA lightning strike hit one of our European automotive clients. Their OBO units absorbed the surge and the production line never stopped. That incident showed why OBO continues to be the preferred choice in sensitive industrial applications.

I’ve installed more than 3,000 OBO Type 1 and Type 2 units since 2018. They consistently pass the 25 kA 10/350 µs test with <0.9 kV let-through on 400 V systems—performance that matters when downtime can cost tens of thousands per hour.

 Inside the OBO Design

OBO's stacked varistor cage ensures current sharing and prevents any disk from exceeding 70% load. The mechanical thermal fuse disconnects cleanly at around 140 °C. After inspecting 50 returned units, only three showed any minor discoloration—evidence of robust long-term thermal stability.

 How We Verify OBO in Our Lab

Each incoming batch is tested with a 15 kA 8/20 µs impulse using our 200 kA Marx generator. We monitor clamp voltage drift and leakage. The last 200 units showed:

1.Clamp variance: ≤ 0.3%

2.Leakage: < 20 μA

That level of consistency aligns closely with OBO’s published curves.

 Real Cost of Ownership (10-Year TCO)

Here is the simplified 10-year cost breakdown we use for clients:

OBO wins when insurance rebates apply. Without rebates, Leikexing becomes more attractive.

 Core Features of OBO Type 1 & Type 2 SPDs

A 12 kV line-to-ground spike hit our main breaker last July. The OBO Type 1 SPD absorbed it instantly, and our PLC never dropped sync.

OBO Type 1 handles 25 kA 10/350 µs, while Type 2 supports 100 kA 8/20 µs. Both share identical module width and include remote signaling—useful for integration with PLC monitoring systems.

Breaking Down the Type 1 Block

The 40 mm varistor disk is roughly 34% thicker than that in the T2 unit. More thermal mass means:

1.Lower temperature rise (≈ 8 °C difference)

2.Slower aging under repeated surges

3.Better stability in sites with switching transients

 Important Notes on Type 2 Units

The OBO Type 2 SPD is rated 100 kA, but certified for only 20 surges at that level. Facilities with high micro-surge frequency (e.g., data centers) should use:

1.Two T2 units in parallel

2.Yearly rotation for even wear

 Quick Reference Table

 Leikexing SPDs for AC & PV Applications

I founded Leikexing in 2015 because major SPD brands refused to supply small PV orders. Today we ship more than 80,000 units annually worldwide.

Our AC line handles 20 kA 10/350 µs, and our PV line covers 40 kA 8/20 µs with voltage options at 275 V, 600 V, and 1,000 V. Every production batch undergoes 48-hour aging at 85 °C and complies with IEC 61643-11 and ISO 9001.

 Inside Our Varistor Recipe

We source 32 mm MOV disks from top-tier manufacturers shared with major EU brands. Our three-layer silver paste printing reduces firing voltage by about 12 V and tightens clamp tolerance. Across 1,000 disks we measured:

1.Voltage spread: ±4 V

2.Half of the variation seen in our 2020 process

 PV String SPD Details

PV arrays float around ±800 V, and ground faults can raise either pole to 1,100 V. Our integrated Y2 capacitor stabilizes both poles and keeps varistor voltage below 900 V. In a 150 kW rooftop test with 6 kV impulses:

1.Inverter restarts: 0

2.Previous brand on same site: 23 restarts per storm season

 What Comes in the Box

1.DIN-rail base

2.Plug-in module with color indicator

3.6 mm² L/N cage clamps

4.16 mm² PE cage clamp

5.QR code linked to batch test report

6.Five-year replacement voucher

The voucher being visible in the box helps reduce customer concerns and lowers claim friction.

 Technical Comparison: OBO vs Leikexing SPD

We mounted both SPDs on the same DIN rail and subjected them to identical surge pulses. Under a 20 kA 10/350 µs test:

1.OBO clamp: 0.9 kV

2.Leikexing clamp: 1.05 kV

Both passed thermal and surge endurance requirements. OBO provides remote signaling, while Leikexing offers a resettable mechanism and lower cost.

 Side-by-Side Surge Test Results

Below is the side-by-side test data from our controlled surge trials:

The difference (≈150 V) matters mainly for ultra-sensitive loads like SMPS-driven electronics.

 Thermal Runaway Test

In a 70 °C oven at 1.3 Uc for four hours:

1.OBO thermal fuse opened at ≈142 °C

2.Leikexing breaker opened at ≈138 °C

Leikexing’s breaker can be reset, which helps in remote telecom or outdoor sites.

 Footprint & Compatibility

1.Both are 4-module units

2.Mounting holes align within 0.5 mm

3.Direct drop-in replacement possible

We tested a live swap on a site in India; the changeover took just seven minutes.

 Price & Value Comparison for 2025

A recent U.S. customer asked for TCO on a 500-panel project. The numbers strongly favored Leikexing.

In 2025:

1.OBO: $98 FOB

2.Leikexing: $58 FOB

After tariff and freight, the landed U.S. cost becomes $123.7 vs $73.7.

 Full Landed Cost Table

Here is the full landed-cost comparison based on a typical US import scenario:

OBO wins if insurance rebates apply. If not, Leikexing is cheaper upfront.

Bulk Order Discounts

Leikexing:

1.1–499 pcs: list

2.500–1,999 pcs: –8%

3.2,000+ pcs: –12%

Most international EPCs fall into the mid- or high-tier bracket.

 The Cost of Delayed Delivery

1.OBO lead time: 3–4 weeks

2.Leikexing ready stock: 20,000 pcs

For fast-moving solar or construction projects, availability can save thousands in penalty costs.

 Choosing the Right SPD Brand

Before choosing, ask yourself:

1.What does downtime cost?

2.Does your insurer offer SPD-related rebates?

3.Do you require remote monitoring?

4.Is delivery speed critical?

Both OBO and Leikexing comply with international SPD standards. The choice typically comes down to project risk, monitoring needs, and budget.

One-Minute Decision Tree

• Need remote PLC status? → OBO
• Insurance rebate ≥15%? → OBO
• Tight budget, downtime < $5k/h? → Leikexing
• Need delivery <10 days? → Leikexing
• Site temp > 60 °C? → OBO

 Final Advice

Build your spec, then calculate the full TCO—including tariffs, freight, rebates, and swap prices. If the difference is under $20 per node, choose the SPD that gives you peace of mind. If the difference exceeds $30, the value case leans toward Leikexing.

 Conclusion

Both OBO and Leikexing offer dependable surge protection for industrial AC and PV systems. OBO excels in monitoring and long-term stability, while Leikexing offers excellent value, faster delivery, and strong surge performance.

If you need guidance—whether it's surge test curves, TCO spreadsheets, or sample units—our engineering team can help you match the right SPD to your site conditions.

Contact us anytime. Protect your system once, and stay worry-free for the next ten years.

FAQ

1. What is the main difference between OBO SPD and Leikexing SPD?

OBO SPDs focus on premium performance and long-term durability, while Leikexing SPDs offer strong protection with a more cost-efficient design.

2. Which brand performs better in industrial surge protection?

Both perform well, but OBO SPD is often preferred for heavy-duty industrial sites, while Leikexing SPD is suitable for standard commercial and light-industrial needs.

3. Are both brands available in Type 1 and Type 2 SPD models?

Yes, OBO and Leikexing both provide Type 1 SPD and Type 2 SPD options for different installation points and surge levels.

4. Do OBO and Leikexing offer AC SPD and PV SPD?

Yes. Both brands provide AC SPDs for grid systems and PV SPDs for solar applications, making them versatile for various electrical environments.

5. Which is better overall in the SPD comparison 2025?

It depends on your priorities: OBO for maximum reliability and performance, Leikexing for cost-effective protection and flexible system integration.