Circuit Breaker can be reset remotely.
Press Release Summary:
Electronic ESS20-1 provides selective circuit protection of DIN-rail factory automation equipment connected to switch-mode power supplies. It can also communicate with logic controller or factory control software to identify fault condition. Product limits max amount of current drawn from power supply to no more than 1.8x rated current of breaker, allowing breaker to trip without causing power supply to shut down. Current rating is selectable from 1-6 A.
Original Press Release:
E-T-A's Remotely Resettable Electronic Circuit Breaker Minimizes Factory Downtime
Circuit Breaker Selectively Protects Individual Components Powered by Power Supply
CHICAGO, October 5, 2004 - E-T-A Circuit Protection and Control announced a remotely resettable version of the ESS20, the first electronic circuit breaker system to protect individual circuits connected to a power supply. The new ESS20-1 circuit breaker provides selective circuit protection of DIN-rail factory automation equipment connected to switch-mode power supplies, components such as sensors, actuators, field bus couplers and controls. Because the ESS20-1 is remotely resettable, production can restart with minimum downtime.
Remote Reset Minimizes Costly Downtime
In the event of an overload, the ESS20-1 electronically shuts down the circuit. After the source of the fault is cleared, the circuit breaker remotely resets, and production resumes. Compared to a traditional solution, the ESS20-1 eliminates the need for a plant electrician or technician to open a control panel and push the manual reset button to resume protection. Considering the cost of downtime for an assembly line or process can reach thousands of dollars per minute, this feature benefits many areas of the organization, not just the plant.
In addition, the fault condition can be quickly identified because the ESS20-1 can communicate with a logic controller or factory control software.
However, the unit is equipped with a manual push-button, which when activated, turns off the unit by means of physical isolation. This is useful when shutting down machinery or for measurement purposes. A version is available without remote resettability, where physical isolation will occur each time there is an overload or short circuit.
Current Limiting Electronics Limit Disruption
The ESS20-1 circuit breaker prevents an overload in a single circuit from shutting down its 24V DC switch-mode power supply, which may interrupt power to multiple circuits and factory components. The ESS20-1 electronically limits the maximum amount of current drawn from the power supply to no more than 1.8 times the set rated current of the breaker, allowing the breaker to trip without causing the power supply to shut down.
Standard thermal-magnetic circuit breakers lack this ability, and therefore require a higher-than-ideal current rating in order to open the circuit before the power supply shuts down.
The current rating is selectable from 1A to 6A. Fault status is communicated via LED and a signal sent to a logic controller or factory software, so that the production line or process can be safely shut down in the event of an overload.
Easy, Flexible Installation
With a width of only 12.5 mm, the slim ESS20-1 circuit breaker snap-mounts in E-T-A's Module 17plus DIN rail mounting power distribution system. Each Module 17plus unit accommodates two ESS20-1s. Any number of modules may be placed side-by-side on a standard DIN-rail and connected via bus bar to create a custom system.
Because the ESS20-1 circuit breaker snaps easily into the module, wiring time is significantly reduced compared to alternative solutions. All electrical connections -- such as supply feed, load outputs, and signals -- are made by means of user-friendly spring-loaded terminals.
Price and Availability
The ESS20-1 circuit breaker and Module17plus power distribution system are available immediately from stock. Pricing on the ESS20-1 ranges from $30 to $50, depending on volume. For detailed information, visit the E-T-A web site, www.e-t-a.com .
About E-T-A
E-T-A Circuit Protection and Control is the world's leading manufacturer of circuit breakers for OEM equipment and is the only resource for all circuit protection technologies: thermal, thermal-magnetic, magnetic, high performance and electronic circuit breakers. E-T-A circuit breakers are available in more than 150 models and 350,000 different configurations. E-T-A is also a world-leading manufacturer of control and monitoring products, and solid-state remote power controllers (SSRPCs). With the North American headquarters in Chicago, the company serves industrial OEMs and end-users.
