E-T-A Circuit Breakers, quality designer and manufacturer of a broad range of electro-mechanical and electronic  products for circuit protection, has introduced a new, simplified, low-cost, decentralised  electrical  power  distribution system, each module offering up to 10 outputs rated up to 8A/10A per channel. E-T-A  PowerPlex  Compact provides localised monitoring, control and reliable protection of safety-critical electrical circuits, at the same time offering reduced cabling costs and build time. Communication with the PowerPlex modules is via CAN-bus using SAE J1939 based protocols. Each localised module will handle up to 60A, providing programmable control based on up to 12 digital and 3 analogue inputs as well as programmable overload protection.

Currently available as a 12V DC version, E-T-A PowerPlex Compact is straightforward to install and can be used for  applications such as battery monitoring of split charging circuits, undervoltage monitoring and control, remote operations based on level and flow sensors, responding to limit switches in tail lifts, dimming of lights and for timed controls. It will switch loads and protect them and the electrical harness against overcurrent and short circuits. Featuring high-end power semiconductors with integral protective elements for switching and protection, there are no mechanical components such as relays which may be subject to wear, vibration and shock.

One or more PowerPlex modules are positioned as required around a vehicle to facilitate the local connection of  loads, switches and sensors. Each module can collect sensor data from level and temperature sensors, for example.  E-T-A  PowerPlex is an open system featuring two CAN-bus communication channels which enable control via an E-T-
A  touch  panel or  keypad(s), if required, to enable load switching, and monitoring and display of data from analogue and digital sensors.

The  initial programming of each module via a cable linked PC is straightforward, using configuration software  supplied with the product. It enables, for example, the linking of inputs and outputs, programming of timer  functions and activation of dimmers. The current ratings for overcurrent protection of the load circuits and time characteristics can also be programmed.

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Switch in Accordance with Latest ADR 2011 Regulations

E-T-A Circuit Breakers, quality designer and manufacturer of a broad range of electro-mechanical and electronic products for circuit protection, offers the BMS01 Battery Master Switch designed for hazardous goods carrying road vehicles that comply with the European International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) regulations. The environmental protection and intrinsically safe control circuitry of the BMS01 are in accordance with ADR 2011. The battery master switch also satisfies the additional requirements of UK operators. The BMS01 will serve as an emergency shut down switch as well as disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle’s electrical system when loading and unloading.

The double pole E-T-A BMS01 Battery Master Switch is installed close to the vehicle’s battery, between it and the electrical system: it can also be connected to act as a single pole device. The battery master switch can then be operated by means of a control switch in the cab, with optional additional control switches sited around the vehicle as required. Upon disconnection of a control switch, the main contacts of the BMS01 will open after a preset delay to allow for the controlled shutdown of computerised engine management systems. A choice of two delay times is offered, with auxiliary contacts providing output for an audible alarm during the delay period. Additional auxiliary contacts are provided for disconnection of the ignition circuit and de-energising of the alternator field winding. There is also a permanently energised protected output for the tachograph supply.

A choice of low voltage monitoring is available if required: it offers automatic disconnection of the battery after one minute, or signalisation, if undervoltage is detected while the vehicle is idle. This offers protection of the battery from the effects of deep discharge and ensures there is sufficient battery capacity for re-starting the engine.

12v and 24V versions of the BMS01 are available. An integral ATEX-approved safety barrier permits siting of the unit in hazardous areas. The master switch features a housing protected to IP65 with rubber caps on the terminals offering protection to IP54. A bi-colour LED on the body of the master switch provides clear status signalisation of the battery isolation switch and low voltage detection.

E-T-A can supply suitable control switches for the BMS01, protected against inadvertent operation. An externally mounted switch assembly is also available incorporating the green “ON” status indicators mandatory in the UK.

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Blade-type fuse replacements distinguish genuine overloads

E-T-A Circuit Breakers, quality designer and manufacturer of a broad range of electro-mechanical and electronic products for circuit protection, has introduced a new low cost E-T-A 1626 miniaturised circuit breaker designed as a direct replacement for blade-type fuses. It provides superior protection to fuses through its ability to distinguish between temporary surges and genuine overloads. As well as protecting electrical circuits in cars, trucks and buses, it can also be used in watercraft and other 12/24V DC wiring applications, such as heavy-duty and off-road vehicles.

The new blade-type E-T-A 1626 Mini-CBE is available in three versions – with automatic reset, with a reset button, or with both a manual release and a reset button. The colour coded E-T-A 1626s are available in all the standard current ratings offered by blade fuses from 5A up to 30A. Depending on the version, when the 1626 has tripped it resets automatically when the load is removed or the re-set button pops up showing clearly which circuit has a fault.

The colour coding provides quick and easy identification to ensure correct plug-in placement in standard ISO 8820-3 Type F automotive blade-type fuse blocks, or the E-T-A 1626 can be fitted to purpose-designed E-T-A modular mounting bases. At the same time, the electrical performance characteristics of the E-T-A 1626 enable it to distinguish between temporary surges and genuine overloads, providing superior protection to fuses. This is especially important for motors, lamp loads and other circuits where discrimination is necessary between in-rush currents and normal operating conditions. Also, E-T-A circuit breaker performance is stable over time: fuses can age, causing their blow characteristics to change, which may lead to nuisance blowing of fuses with consequent problems while the vehicle is in use.

Overall dimensions of the body of the overcurrent circuit breaker are just 25mm in height above the blade x 13.3mm wide x 7mm thick. The operating temperature range is -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C.

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers, quality designer and manufacturer of a broad range of electro-mechanical and electronic products for circuit protection, has introduced a new variant of its extremely versatile and reliable 3120 Series of rocker-actuated, combined switch / circuit breakers. The optional integral LED illumination in a range of colours that is now available on the Type 3120 offers power saving and improved endurance compared to earlier versions with filament bulbs. The well-proven 3120 is used widely for applications which include electrical machinery, power tools, household appliances and garden machinery, as well as for marine control panels, medical equipment and communications systems.

The versatile S-type E-T-A 3120 thermal circuit breaker range is designed for frequent ON/OFF switching under normal load conditions, at the same time providing accurate overcurrent protection with a trip-free mechanism. The illumination is offered in a choice of red, yellow, green and blue. The 3120 is suitable for switching applications up to 50V DC or 240/415V AC with a choice of current ratings from 0.1A up to 20A for single or double-pole applications. Designed for snap-in frame mounting, it can be specified with a water splash protection cover for rugged environments, and an actuator guard that protects against inadvertent resets.

The new LED versions require less than 2mA in operation, compared to earlier versions with filament bulbs which required between 20mA and 60mA. Improved illumination endurance, as well as reduced susceptibility to shock, vibration and low temperatures, also means lower maintenance requirements.

The E-T-A 3120 range carries EN 60934 Circuit Breaker for Equipment approval as well as approvals from respected authorities such as UL and CSA. The 3120 provides proven reliability for many demanding applications, including recreational and workboats as it is suitable for even the harshest conditions experienced at sea.

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new version of its compact ESX10 electronic overcurrent protection product for automation applications. Designed to reduce costly downtime and danger to personnel on production lines, the new ESX10-T is ready for direct rail mounting, singly or in groups. Single or group signalisation is quickly attainable.

The type ESX10 Electronic Circuit Breaker provides electronic overcurrent protection according to UL2367 for 24V DC control circuits and load currents from 1A to 12A: in the event of overload or a short circuit, the faulty load will be disconnected electronically by means of a mosfet in the output circuit of the protector. It ensures selective disconnection of 24V DC switch-mode power supply (SMPS) loads while optimally matching the application requirements.

The E-T-A ESX10 provides active current limitation to 1.8 or 1.5 times its rated current. This allows capacitive loads of up to 20,000μF or lamp loads to be switched on without affecting other loads on the power supply. At the same time, this electronic active current limitation responds much faster to overload or short circuit conditions than switch-mode power supplies: the ESX10 will shutdown electronically a single faulty output, while allowing all other load circuits connected to the same SMPS to continue working as normal.

The E-T-A ESX10-T is just 12.5mm wide and can be mounted directly on a DIN/EN rail. All electrical connections are then made by means of convenient screwless terminals. Status indication is provided by a multicolour LED plus an integral short-circuit proof status output or potential-free signal contact. In the event of an overload or short circuit, the load circuit may be re-activated electronically via a re-set input, or by a manual ON/OFF button. The ON/OFF button also allows manual disconnection when starting up a system or during maintenance.

For processes powered by 24V DC switch-mode power supplies without circuits protected by a device such as the ESX10, an overload in a single circuit will cause the power supply to shut down the output to all the circuits it supplies. On recovery it may go into ‘hiccup’ mode. Costly downtime, scrap and even danger to personnel may result. Traditional protection solutions do not provide the answer. Circuit breakers with fast operating characteristics would be likely to cause nuisance trips during current peaks and switching on of capacitive loads. On the other hand MCBs are too slow, and neither delayed operation nor high performance circuit breakers will respond adequately in this situation to overcurrents. The power supply will therefore switch off completely, bringing all connected loads, i.e. the entire system, to a standstill.

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Many of you will have been aware that the JCB DIESELMAX car became the world’s fastest diesel-powered automobile in August when Wing Commander Andy Green drove it to a new record of 350.092mph (563.418kph) after two passes in opposite directions, within one hour, on Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. But how many of you knew that the electrical circuits were protected by E-T-A circuit breakers?!

Sir Anthony Bamford, Chairman of privately owned JCB, was very clear why he wanted to build a JCB record-breaker when the project was started: “I am passionate about the importance of engineering excellence to Britain and I see using the JCB engine for this record attempt as a fantastic way of showcasing what British engineers can do. The JCB444 has been acknowledged as a remarkable piece of engineering, and this programme to build the world’s fastest diesel-powered automobile is precisely the sort of technical challenge that we should rise to.”

Powering the stunning, nine metre long JCB DIESELMAX car were two JCB444 diesel engines, developed with the help of Ricardo engineers to produce 750bhp each, five times the power needed to drive a JCB backhoe loader, and now the world’s most powerful diesel engine per litre. The JCB444-LSR engine displaces 5-litres, weighs 382 kg (dry), and produces 750bhp at 3,800 rpm on a relatively low 10.5:1 compression ratio and in excess of 1500 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm.

The distribution panel was designed and built by R&D Vehicle Systems, based in Banbury. Rob Millar,director of RDVS, explained: “R&D Vehicle Systems is a specialist designer and supplier of electrical systems for military and niche vehicle manufacturers. We were delighted to be involved in the JCB DIESELMAX project. The superior technology and reliability of E-T-A’s circuit breakers are well known to us. It was very important for this project that we could build a system using circuit breakers that were very resilient to shock and capable of resisting damaging ingress of salt and oil.  For this reason we chose E-T-A type 483s, which we know are highly ‘spec’ed’ and well proven in motor sport and the aerospace industry, and we fitted them with standard dust covers.

The E-T-A 483 Circuit Breaker for Equipment (CBE) is a single pole temperature compensated thermal circuit breaker. Believed to be the smallest package on the market offering protection up to 35A, the range extends from 1A up to 35A. It features a push/pull on/off actuator with a tease-free, trip-free snap action mechanism. A high tolerance to sudden current surges is in-built, reducing the risk of nuisance operation, and enabling close matching of cable size to CBE. This avoids the common practice of overspecifying the cable size and using a higher rated fuse.

“Although the distribution panel was located behind a closed panel,” Millar continued, “it, nevertheless, was subject to inevitable exposure from fine salt particles and oil spray. We never had a single issue with the circuit breakers. One tripped just the once during the Bonneville runs, and that meant that that section of electrical harness was safely protected against the overcurrent that caused the trip.”

Andy Green, the fastest man on Earth, set the first-ever supersonic world land speed record at 763.035 mph in ThrustSSC on the Black Rock Desert on 15 October 1997. As he was feted by his jubilant crew on 23 August, Green said: “I am so pleased that we have got the car to 350mph which was always our ultimate goal and that was with a slow start to the second run. Today’s record proves the potential we have always believed JCB DIESELMAX to possess. This is another great result for a wonderful team and a testament to British engineering.”

"350mph is a fantastic speed for a diesel-powered car. To have built the world's fastest diesel in such a short timescale is a wonderful achievement for the JCB DIESELMAX team,” added Dr Tim Leverton, JCB’s Group Engineering Director and Project Director for the land speed record project. “What is even more impressive is to set three records – 317.021mph, 328.767mph (526.027 kph) and 350.092mph (563.418kph) in only six days.”

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a cost-optimised version of its cubic-version Smart Power Relay, called the E-T-A E-1048-8D, or DICE variant. It combines the capability of a remotely controllable electronic load disconnecting relay with self-limiting characteristics, and optimised overcurrent protection similar to that of a high quality circuit breaker. Fitting standard automotive power relay sockets, the all-in-one solid-state power controller module replaces both an electromechanical relay, with inherent contact deterioration, and a blade fuse. It is suitable for wide ranging 12/24V DC applications where solenoids, motors or lamp loads have to be switched, protected or monitored, including use in vehicles, on land and sea, in telecommunications, and in the process industry.

"A remotely controllable electronic switching relay offering circuit breaker protection"

The new E-T-A E-1048-8D Smart Power Relay is packaged in a 30mm x 30mm x 30mm housing for direct plug-in mounting to standard relay sockets. It is offered in nine different current ratings from 1A to 25A, for use in ambient temperatures from –40C up to +85C without the need for de-rating. The ENTRY version offers a short-circuit proof switching output in addition to the electronic relay function: the ENTRY-Protect version provides additional rapid electronic disconnection in the event of an overload. The tripping characteristic is similar to that of a quality circuit breaker, thus providing added protection and avoiding nuisance tripping.

Compared to a traditional electro-mechanical relay, the use of power electronics for internal switching means the Smart Power Relay is effectively ‘wear-free’ and insensitive to shock and vibration. It also uses far less power than an electro-mechanical relay. For switching and monitoring higher loads than 25A, several units can be wired in parallel. The new DICE versions are different from the CUBIC models as they do not offer features such as diagnostic LEDs and electronic status signals.

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new electronic flow monitor, the E-T-A FS30. Rugged, cost-effective and easy to install, it is ideal for water conserving irrigation systems for agriculture, golf courses and sports grounds, as well as for water management in industrial systems, residential buildings and passenger trains. Solid-state electronic circuitry and no moving parts ensure precision, long-term reliability and repeatability.

The new E-T-A FS30 Electronic Flow Monitor incorporates a robust, membrane-type sensor which will monitor flow rates from 0.25m/s to 3m/s. As soon as the flow rate falls below an adjustable, pre-set MIN value, the FS30 provides a 500mA transistor output signal which is both short-circuit and overload proof. This signal may be used for further processing via a controller, or can be used as a command signal for indirect switching of a pump or similar equipment. Visual status indication is provided by two front-mounted LEDs.

The FS30 features an IP67 stainless steel housing and requires a 12V DC supply voltage, making it ideal for outdoor, solar-powered applications. Electrical connectivity for power and signalling is via a standard M12 plug-in connector. With a standard threaded fixing, it is easy to install in the field to existing infrastructure. Other liquids, with similar thermal conductivities to water, may also be monitored. The liquid temperature can be between +1°C and +70°C, while ambient temperatures can be in the range of -15°C to +55°C.

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers has published new 2006/07 editions of its separate CBE (Circuit Breaker for Equipment) and Control Products catalogues, which can be requested free by telephone, email or from the company web site. Providing comprehensive technical details, the catalogues have been expanded to include all the latest product developments.

The latest 2006/07 edition of E-T-A’s Circuit Breakers and Control Products / CBE Catalogue now runs to over 500 pages.  The 100 page increase reflects, in particular, the expansion of products offering electronic overcurrent protection for selective protection of components in industrial plants, as well as solid state remote power controllers and power distribution systems.  The catalogue provides a complete specification of each E-T-A product and is broken down into 10 clearly thumb-tabbed sections. These sections also include four different classifications of CBEs and explanations of their characteristics and how to choose between them for a given application.

The 2006/07 edition of E-T-A’s Electronic Process Sensors – Electronic Switching and Control / Control Products Catalogue contains 410 pages with 9 thumb-tabbed sections, again including all the latest products. Sections include flow meters and monitors, level and velocity sensors, digital panel instruments, and current and voltage monitors.  All sections are clearly indexed with summary overviews and contain descriptive details of every product. Photographs and fully dimensioned drawings are included, together with technical data, CBE switching characteristics and product ordering information.

Copies of the two catalogues can be requested from E. Preston (Electrical) Ltd (0161 339 5177), e-mail  sales@epreston.co.uk or via the web site at https://www.epreston.co.uk/, which also offers further information on the E. Preston Electrical range of products.

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"Matching 3-position switch version available for 2-speed fans, wipers, etc."

E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new combined switch and circuit breaker for push-fit mounting in switch panels. Its attractive, contoured, ‘soft’ feel rocker actuator with dual illumination and choice of both colour and ‘marine’ legends make it a first-line choice for builders of power-boats and yachts. A 3-position switch version of matching design enables all combinations of switching and circuit protection to be provided in one stylish control panel grouping.

The new E-T-A 3131 combined switch and thermal overcurrent circuit breaker provides snap-in, panel-mounted, single pole protection against both limited short circuits and low level, but potentially very harmful, overload currents. The integral overload protection negates the need for fuse holders or additional circuit breakers, thus offering great advantages for boat users and simplifying the wiring circuits. Models are offered in current ratings from 0.1A to 20A at up to 50V DC/240V AC for single pole applications. The complementary E-T-A 3131 three-position switch with matching actuator design offers the additional switching required for units such as 2-speed fans and wipers.

The ergonomically styled rocker actuator on both versions of the E-T-A 3131 is soft to the touch and offers two illumination options with a number of different permutations possible.   Splash water protection is assured even in the toughest nautical conditions with its IP66 rating. The 3131 CBE is one of the smallest and lightest products of this type on the market, making it ideal for the protection of circuits and equipment including vital navigation and communication equipment.

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