Just 17.5mm wide for single pole versions and 52.5mm wide for triple-pole types, Moeller Electric’s new Xpole FAZ miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) have a breaking capacity of 15kA, in line with IEC/EN6094. This makes them an attractive and cost-effective choice for use in industrial applications where space is always at a premium, and high prospective fault currents are often encountered.

In addition to the standard B, C and D trip characteristics, Moeller is offering Xpole FAZ MCBs with the new Z, K and S characteristics, which are of particular interest to OEMs and designers of automation systems.

Specifically designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment, the Z characteristic has a short-circuit response current of 2 to 3 In, combined with quick-reaction overload protection. The K characteristic has a short-circuit response current of 8 to 12 In, which prevents nuisance tripping with three-phase loads such as motors, while the S characteristic with its exceptionally high 13 to 17 In short-circuit response provides a complete solution to the problem of protecting control transformers and other loads with very high inrush currents.

Moeller Electric's new Xpole FAZ MCBs are available with ratings from 0.5A to 63A, and are offered in single-, double-, three- and four-pole versions. All types comply with a broad range of national and international standards, including UL and CSA, there is even a special series of devices which fully comply with UL489.

A range of accessories, which includes auxiliary signalling contacts and shunt-trip mechanisms, provides additional functionality. To ensure fast and easy assembly, most accessories simply snap into place without the need to use tools. The breakers themselves are designed for convenient mounting on standard DIN rail.

The new compact Xpole FAZ MCBs are complemented by an extensive family of RCCBs, combined RCD/MCBs (RCBOs) and control devices. The PKNM combined RCD/MCBs offer triple protection in a single device, namely overload, short-circuit and residual current protection in the space of only two MCB widths. Catering for either B or C characteristics, they are available from 6A to 40A with rated fault currents of 30mA or 300mA.

Xpole type AZ MCBs are also available for use in applications where current ratings up to 125A and a switching capacity greater than 15kA is needed.

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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 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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Finder introduces the 72.31 three-phase monitoring relay, which is used for detecting a loss of phase or incorrect phase rotation when using three-phase supplies. This compact relay is ideally suited for the protection of motors in plant and machinery, and helps to satisfy the mandatory requirement of ensuring the correct rotation of motors in transportable equipment.

The 72.31 allows OEMs, panel builders and installers of control systems to ensure that motors do not become permanently damaged due to phase loss, and also to avoid potential hazards or damage due to incorrect rotation of the motors. The relay features positive safety logic, which triggers the contact to open if an error is detected so that the system will fail to a safe condition. The wide supply voltage specification allows a single unit to be used across the full three-phase supply voltage range of 208V to 480V AC.

The relay provides reliable monitoring of phase loss, even under conditions where the lost phase may be “regenerated” by the action of the rotating motor. This phenomenon is not uncommon, and many monitoring relay units that are currently available may falsely detect this phase regeneration and thus fail to disconnect the supply, which can cause damage to the motor. The 72.31 can discriminate phase regeneration up to 80% of the line voltage.

Featuring a SPDT output contact rated at 6A (maximum peak 15A), the 72.31 monitoring relay is enclosed in a compact housing measuring 84mm high x 56.5mm deep x 17.5mm wide. The narrow profile offers considerable saving in panel space.

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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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ABB Limited has launched a new microprocessor-based relay device offering comprehensive protection for utility, industrial and marine feeder applications. Featuring a wide range of protection functions, the REF610 feeder protection relay offers a versatile device for protection of incoming and outgoing feeders as well as back-up for motors, generators and transformers.

The REF610 provides complete protection against overcurrent and earth faults. In addition to single, two and three-stage overcurrent and earth fault protection functions, the REF610 also features thermal overload protection, phase discontinuity protection, trip-circuit supervision and multi-shot auto-reclosing for automatic clearing of line faults.

Where an electrical disturbance or fault does occur, its details are recorded by the REF610's in-built disturbance recorder, triggered by a start or a trip signal or by a digital input signal. Utilising microprocessor technology, the recorder collects instantaneous values or RMS values of measured signals via four analogue channels or up to eight selectable digital channels.

Based on a withdrawable 'plug and play' cassette design, the REF610 can be easily fitted and removed, greatly reducing the amount of downtime required for installation, testing and maintenance. Based on two separate units, this design automatically closes off the current transformer when the unit is removed, enabling work to be carried out safely without shutting off the supply.

Added reliability is ensured by the inclusion of a self-supervision system that continuously monitors the operation of both the relay electronics and software and ensures that users are alerted of any faults. This, combined with a long mean time between failure (MTBF), enables the REF610 to offer high availability.

A key strength of the REF610 is its user-friendliness. Parameters are displayed in plain text on an LCD screen. These parameters can be programmed using the push buttons on the front of the unit, via serial communication using a computer connected to the communication port or remotely through a control or monitoring system connected through the unit's serial communication bus.

The REF610 features a range of communication options, including SPA-bus slave, MODBUS, IEC 60870-5-103 and DNP 3.0. It can also communicate wirelessly with a laptop computer if required.

The REF610's compact size and small mounting depth makes it ideal for retrofits and confined space installations. Optional mounting kits for 19" racks, as well as for semi-flush mounting with raising and 45° tilted raising frames also offers a choice of installation arrangements.

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new remotely controllable electronic circuit breaker for protecting and monitoring systems in the telecommunications industry. It can be used for the negative switching of loads on –48V DC power supply systems.  Major application areas include power distribution systems, exchange and transmission technology, and mobile telephone base stations.

The new E-T-A ESS60T Electronic Circuit Breaker is available in a range of current ratings, from 5A up to 60A, to provide circuit protection and remote switching/resetting. Designed for installation in 19" rack systems, it features an integral ON/OFF button, allowing manual reset, and an LED status indicator. The overcurrent protection capability reliably prevents destruction of electronic components or load lines during switch-on of capacitive loads or through an overload or short circuit. In the event of a short circuit, it is also designed to eliminate short-term high currents which could cause an undesired voltage dip in the power supply or in the power distribution system, thus avoiding consequent system crashes.

The ESS60T features an integral RS232 serial interface to allow re-programming of set overcurrent and undervoltage parameters to match changing circuit conditions. By this means the overcurrent threshold can be adjusted, and the undervoltage threshold can be adjusted between –36V DC and –48V DC to facilitate a priority-based load shedding capability in the event of failure of the mains power. The serial interface also enables ON/OFF switching from a remote location, as well as the ability to remotely reset the load circuit. The ESS60T meets the requirements of the European EMC directive.

E-T-A offers a wide range of power distribution systems, racks and circuit protection solutions for the telecommunications industry, as well as offering racks or sub-assemblies, wired and pre-fitted with circuit breakers, electronic power controllers and other components customised to meet specific requirements.

These products are highlighted in a new 20-page brochure ‘E-T-A Communication’, available free from E-T-A at http://www.e-t-a.com/uk_literature1.html. This covers products used in exchange and transmission technology as well as mobile telephone base stations. It emphasises the complete system solutions and explains the advantages of E-T-A circuit breakers, including their space saving, the ability to ‘hot swap’, and the local/remote re-set capability. Along with descriptions of 20 products it also lists their typical applications.

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Ideal unit for E-T-A 8345 hot-swappable CBEs in telecomms and other industrial applications

E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new, compact, modular power distribution system suitable for rack mounting to handle currents up to 125A per channel. When populated with E-T-A circuit breakers, it facilitates rapid start-up and re-configuration of complex systems without downtime.

The E-T-A X8345-D01 Power Distribution System is a 2U-height rail system designed for fitting into 19"/23" or ETSI racks. Its modular design allows customer-specific and economic configurations in telecommunications and transport industries, for power supplies, switchgear, instrumentation and process control applications. It accepts the plug-in E-T-A type 8345 circuit breakers which can be specified to handle from 0.05A up to 125A each and which offer group signalisation. A complete X8345-D01 module will handle 600A in total. Systems can be extended or re-configured without powering down as X8345 circuit breakers are hot-swappable. Live parts in the plug-in area of the load terminals are protected against brush contact to IP20. 

In combination with the toggle switch, hydraulic-magnetic type X8345 circuit breakers, the X8345-D01 rack is ideal for telecommunications control cabinets. They provide a comprehensive power distribution system to protect wireless or wireline equipment, whether for switching technology, transfer mode systems, network access technology or mobile radio systems.

The E-T-A 8345 magnetic circuit breaker for equipment (CBE) is a fully approved circuit breaker for telecommunications equipment, plant control systems, the rail industry and other applications where reliable protection in a compact package is essential. The 125A maximum rating is 25A higher than the industry norm, allowing designers to increase power output without consuming valuable rack space. The product is fully approved to UL489, UL1077 and EN 60934, requiring the circuit breaker to be fit for purpose after interrupting a short circuit at its maximum specified fault rating. Thus, an extra measure of protection for expensive electrical equipment is assured, reducing costly downtime caused by power interruption.

E-T-A offers a wide range of power distribution systems, racks and circuit protection solutions for the telecommunications industry, as well as offering racks or sub-assemblies, wired and pre-fitted with circuit breakers, electronic power controllers and other components customised to meet specific requirements.

These products are highlighted in a new 20-page brochure ‘E-T-A Communication’, available free from E-T-A at http://www.e-t-a.com/uk_literature1.html.  This covers products used in exchange and transmission technology as well as mobile telephone base stations. It emphasises the complete system solutions and explains the advantages of E-T-A circuit breakers, including their space saving, the ability to ‘hot swap’, and the local/remote re-set capability. Along with descriptions of 20 products it also lists their typical applications.

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Achilles Link-Up Scheme enables supply and overhaul of electrical components, general enclosures and electrical/electronic equipment (including modules).

E-T-A Circuit Breakers, designer and manufacturer of a broad range of electro-mechanical and electronic products for circuit protection, switching and control, is pleased to announce its recent inclusion in the Achilles Link-Up Qualification Scheme. Link-up is the UK rail industry supplier qualification scheme, providing a single common registration, qualification and audit process for suppliers.

E-T-A Circuit Breakers has met all the demanding criteria required by the Achilles Link-Up Qualification Scheme in order to be included to supply and overhaul electrical components, general enclosures and electrical/electronic equipment, including modules. The qualification scheme supported by Network Rail and over 80 other Rail companies in the UK is an initiative implemented to comply with the EU Utilities Directive, Group Standards (including GM/RT2450) and the EU Utilities Directive (where this is applicable), and to support the Supplier Development Policies of Rail Companies who subscribe to the scheme. More information can be found at www.achilles.com/uk/transport/ 

E-T-A manufactures a range of products suitable for the rail industry for refurbishment projects and for new applications in surface and underground rolling stock. These include the versatile 3120-F7 rocker switches with integral, precision circuit breakers. These attractive, ergonomically-styled products are ideal for passenger use, for example for the frequent on-off switching of lights and heaters, at the same time providing accurate overcurrent protection. The fully approved E-T-A 8345-DC110V circuit breaker is believed to be the only product of its kind which is backed up with full test data for 110V DC usage with the highest fume classification. It can be used in F0 locations in passenger carriages. The product is backed by full test data to international standards to withstand vibration, shock, corrosion, humidity and 5000A rupture capacity at 110V DC.

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