July 16, 2012 - Rated from 100-360 A, Two-Pole Disconnect Switches achieve 1,000 Vdc per UL 98B. Bi-polarity operation breaks both positive and negative lines simultaneously or utilizes pre-configured versions with 2 poles wired in series to break just positive or negative line. Pre-configured versions with 2 poles wired in series utilize custom-designed jumper with integrated heat sink. With visible contacts, switches provide safe quick-make, quick-break operation.

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ABB Drive, Inc.
16250 W. Glendale Dr.
New Berlin, WI, 53151, USA

The breakthrough technology delivers optimal performance, substantial energy savings, and reduced wiring costs in an efficient, compact design

NEW BERLIN, Wisc. - The ABB Low Voltage Products division has introduced a new line of switches from 100 to 360 Amperes specifically designed for photovoltaic (solar) applications, the first two pole disconnect switches in the industry to achieve a 1000 VDC rating per UL 98B. This breakthrough in arc suppression technology delivers optimal performance with a new measure of simplicity and safety, occupying up to 50% less space while providing substantial energy savings and reduced wiring costs compared to switches currently available for solar applications. Previously, switches for photovoltaic applications required up to six poles wired in series in order to break 1000 VDC. Achieving the 1000 VDC rating with a compact, two pole configuration provides the ideal switch for the solar industry, designed for use in combiner-boxes for disconnecting individual arrays, and at the inverter input for disconnecting the inverter from the DC side. UL 98B covers enclosed and dead-front switches rated up to 1000 VDC, intended for use in DC photovoltaic (PV) systems.

The additional features of the new 1000 VDC switch family include:

· Bi-Polarity Operation: break both the positive and negative lines at the same time or utilize pre-configured versions with two poles wired in series to break just the positive or negative line.

· Integrated Heat Sink: pre-configured versions with two poles wired in series utilize a custom-designed jumper with integrated heat sink, resulting in cooler operation and longer switch life.

· Modular Design: for the flexibility to use in diverse applications the new switch is available with the mechanism mounted between the poles or to either side of the poles. A special four pole version is available for double circuit applications, allowing the breaking of two separate PV strings with a single switch.

· Visible Blade Technology: one of the only switches on the market with visible contacts, providing safe and reliable quick-make, quick-break operation.

"The solar industry has been demanding a high performance, two pole disconnect switch at the 1000 VDC rating for several years," said Allen Austin, ABB renewable energy industry manager, North America. "We challenged our team to develop such a product per UL 98B guidelines and we are pleased to be the first electrical component manufacturer to do so."

ABB will be featuring the new 1000 VDC switches and a broad range of products for the solar power market at Intersolar 2012, booth #8041, July 10 -12 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

About ABB

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 130,000 people.

About ABB Low Voltage Products

The ABB Low Voltage Products division (www.abb.us/lowvoltage) manufactures low-voltage circuit breakers, switches, control products, wiring accessories, enclosures and cable systems to protect people, installations and electronic equipment from electrical overload.

Alex Miller

Media Relations

262- 236-3710

alex.x.miller@us.abb.com

Jennifer Romagna

Product Manager - Disconnect Switches

ABB Inc., Low Voltage Products

262-309-0316

ennifer.romagna@us.abb.com

www.abb.us/lowvoltage

Contacts: View detailed contact information.