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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Finder has announced the introduction of the 7P Series of Surge Protection Devices (SPD), developed specifically to comply with BS-EN62305: Protection Against Lightning, providing protection against lightning strikes, or surges caused by short circuit and contact switching in electrical systems.

The 7P SPD Series employs replaceable varistors, enabling the cost effective replacement of the active element of the SPD when required.  As Type 2 arresters for single-phase and three-phase electrical system, they will appeal to the design and manufacture of systems and electrical equipment for use in buildings, where the safety issues associated with lightning have to be addressed.

There are four versions in the 7P Series, all of which provide visual and remote signalling of varistor status, providing a clear indication to building maintenance personnel when replacement is needed.

The publishing of the BS-EN62305 series fundamentally changed the way the UK addresses the issue of lightning protection for buildings and makes the assessment of the associated risks and their mitigation a statutory requirement.

Virtually all elements of a building’s structure, its electrical services and the electrical equipment within it must be considered for the risk aspects associated with the potential for lightning strikes.

Protection devices such as the Finder SPD range are employed to reduce the risk of hazards to life and physical damage to persons, reduce the risks of damage to structures and services and to minimise failure of electrical and electronic systems and equipment within the structure of a build.

Finder’s 7P series is available in 4 different versions:

Single-phase systems:
7P.21.8.275.1020 Varistor protection (L - N)
7P.22.8.275.1020 Varistor protection (L - N) + spark gap
protection (N - PE)

3-phase systems:
7P.24.8.275.1020 Varistor protection (L1, L2, L3-N) + spark gap protection (N- PE)
7P.25.8.275.1020 Varistor protection (L1, L2, L3 - N) + varistor protection (N-PE)

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Only reliable, continuous monitoring of the three-phase supply can ensure  trouble-free and efficient operation of motors, machines and equipment. ABB now offers a comprehensive range of 22.5 mm, within the CM series, to protect sensitive equipment from adverse three-phase voltages. The product range extends from the full protection
multifunction three-phase monitor, CM-MPS, to single-function devices for monitoring single parameters.

The CM-MPS is a multifunction monitoring relay. It monitors all phase parameters including: phase sequence, phase failure, over- and undervoltage and phase unbalance. It is available with or without monitoring of the neutral conductor. Seven devices with a graded scope of functions complete the CM product range. The new devices for three-phase voltage monitoring, CM-PVS and CM-PSS along with the CM-PAS for monitoring phase unbalance, offer functions adapted to the relevant requirements and facilitate the accurate monitoring of three-phase mains.

The characteristics of the three-phase monitors are:
• Phase failure monitoring
• Phase sequence detection*
• Over- and undervoltage monitoring (fixed or adjustable)*
• Adjustable phase unbalance threshold*
• Adjustable delay time, and selectable ON-delay or OFF-delay function*
• Dual-frequency,  50/60 Hz operation
• Powered by the measuring circuit 
• 1 n/o, 1 or 2 c/o  contacts
• LED for status indication
• Wide operating voltage range

*Depends on device type

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Schurters FUA vertical PCB mount shock-safe fuseholder, offers an enhanced rated power acceptance and rated current. The FUA offers the same specification and drilling diagram as the successful horizontal mounting FUP range, having has a rated power acceptance of 4 W @ 16 A @ 23C which is unique in the market for PCB shock-safe fuseholders.

The new fuseholder is RoHS compliant and is approved by VDE for 500 VAC, 16 A and by UL/CSA for 250 VAC, 30 A. Fuse carriers are available for either 5x20 mm or 6.3x32 mm cartridge fuses, and it is delivered in a cardboard box of 25 pieces.

Via it’s 500 VAC approval at VDE, the fuseholder is suitable for three-phase systems applications utilising 6.3x32 mm fuses. It also suits the market for high current single-phase protection up to 16 A. potential applications in this field include HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, power supplies, frequency converter and medical appliances.

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Schurter has created the latest addition to the existing snap-in front panel mount circuit breaker. The popular fuse holder style, single pole thermal circuit breaker series T9 is now also available with threaded-neck and snap-in versions for rear mounting. The threaded-neck type is available with an IP 65 rated cover, which provides protection against environmental conditions such as dust or jetting water. Its tripping operation is cycling trip-free.

Circuit breakers with the fuse holder style body are ideal substitutes for panel fuses where inrush currents cause nuisance trips, or aging of the fusing element overtime. Resetting the circuit can avoid unnecessary downtime and maintenance costs associated with replacing fuses. Improper replacement with the wrong current rating is also prevented. The circuit breaker button extends to indicate when the circuit is interrupted. The button returns to depressed status when pushed-to-reset.

Typical applications include power supplies, UPS, PDUs, power tools, industrial appliances, medical diagnostic and analysis appliances, lighting, sports and hobby machinery or HVAC. The T9 series meets UL standard 1077 for Supplementary Protection, CSA C22.2 235, IEC 60934 and GB 17701. Current ratings range from 4 - 16 Amps at 240 Volts AC and 48/32 Volts DC.

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Schurter’s TA35 series introduces a new generation of Circuit Breakers for Equipment. The breakers are available in 1-, 2- or 3-pole arrangements and stand out through their compact form and attractive design. The rocker-actuating switch can be supplied either with or without illumination in six different colours with various legends or customer specific symbols. The breakers have been designed for efficient snap-in mounting, fitting panel thicknesses ranging from 1 to 4 mm. Connections are made with 6.3 x 0.8 mm quick connect terminals. 

The TA35 provides both the function of a switch as well as thermal overload protection. It has finely graduated rated currents of 0.05 A to 20 A for the 1- and 2-pole types, or 0.05 A to 12 A for 3-pole versions. An optional protective cover gives a protection class of IP 65, making the unit suitable for applications exposed to dust or splashing water; typical applications are laboratory equipment for chemical and medical applications, wood and masonry processing machines, construction site equipment, power generators, cleaning equipment, food-processing equipment and appliances.

The new circuit breaker series is approved according to IEC 60934, UL 1077 and CSA C22.2 235 and has received or is pending VDE, cURus and CCC approvals.

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ABB has launched a range of miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) aimed at OEMs, panelbuilders and the industrial sector. The System pro M compact® incorporates a number of new features designed to eliminate wiring connection errors.

A key feature is the positioning of the cabling terminal in front of the busbar connection terminal, making both terminals easier to access and see. By placing both terminal ports at the bottom of the MCB, connections can be made secure by using only one screw to fasten both the busbar connection and the electrical cabling into their respective terminals.

ABB has also introduced auxiliary contacts for the pro M compact® range, which can be added to the bottom of an MCB instead of the side. Saving up to 50% space in enclosures, this feature increases the number of auxiliary contacts which can be installed, expanding the number of remote monitoring options. Plug-in connectivity also makes the contacts simple to connect.

The pro M compact® MCBs also offer a reduced height compared to ABB’s previous range, saving around 2cm of space per MCB. This provides additional installation space for when space is at a premium.

ABB’s patented release system enables easy removal without the need for a screwdriver. Release connectors on the back of the devices allow them to be simply disconnected from the busbar after turning power off and disconnecting the wiring.

The pro M compact® range is suitable for use worldwide as the materials used to manufacture them exceed standards for both European regulations for RoHs and UL, the US directive for electrical components. The pro M compact® MCBs can be ordered ready for installation for both Europe and the US. A Europe-only version is also available.

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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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