Electronic Circuit Breakers (ECBs)
WAGO’s space-saving ECBs come into play when the focus is on both safety and a superior price-performance ratio.
ECBs from the EPSITRON® family have a lot to offer:
- They offer reliable protection against overload and short circuit.
- They also enable activation of high-capacity loads of 50,000 microfarads and higher – without the need to increase the nominal current setting.
- One-, two-, four- and eight-channel models with 0.5 to 12 A current ratings offer you the flexibility you need for setting the nominal current to suit your individual application.
- With a maximum width of 45 mm (1.772 inches), these ECBs feature high channel density to save space in the control cabinet.
- Some devices are also available with active current limitation, preventing the power supply unit from overloading during a short circuit.
Single-Channel Electronic Circuit Breakers (ECBs)
The new modules are just 6 mm (0.236 inch) wide, making them the slimmest ECBs currently available. They are approximately 66 % smaller than miniature circuit breakers, saving even more space, particularly when used in control cabinets. These ECBs enable high-capacity loads greater than 50,000 microfarads to be switched on – helping you reduce false tripping due to inrush currents.
Advantages:
- 24 VDC, six versions available for rated currents of 1 to 8 A
- With devices color coded according to nominal current
- An extremely slimline design
- Switch-on capacity: >50,000 µF
- Wide surrounding air temperature range: −25 … +70°C (−13 … +158°F)
- Resetting, on/off switching directly on the module or remotely via digital input signal
- Triggered signal output can also be combined as a group signal for up to 30 devices
- Approvals: CE, UL 61010, UL 2367
2-, 4- and 8-Channel ECBs
WAGO’s space-saving ECBs provide reliable protection with a superior price/performance ratio. They offer both outstanding features and reliable protection against overload and short circuits. With a maximum width of 45 mm (1.772 inches), these ECBs feature high channel density to save space in the control cabinet.
Advantages:
- Two-, four- and eight-channel protective switch with currents adjustable from 0.5 to 12 A
- High switch-on capacity: > 50,000 µF
- Communication capability: remote monitoring and reset
- Optional active current limitation
- Approvals: CE, UL 60950, UL 2367, GL
The Benefits of WAGO’s ECBs for You
Compactness without Compromises:
Width of just 6 mm (0.23 inch) maximizes panel space
Marking:
Device identification via WMB Markers or TOPJOB® S Marking Strips
Intuitive Status Display: Each output channel has backlit buttons for operating status indication, switching on/off and acknowledgment
Trip Characteristics:
Reliable, rapid and precise disconnection in case of overcurrent or short circuit
Models Differentiated Visually: Devices color coded according to rated current
Simple Wiring: Bridgeable signal output and total reset for up to 30 devices
Many Configuration Options:
Optional nominal current setting of 1 to 8 A and seven different configuration options for the digital measurement output
Rotary Switch: Nominal current can be adjusted in six steps for each channel individually; transparent, sealable and markable cover
Communication: Fast and reliable communication via IO-Link protocol, signal contact, potential-free signal or Manchester protocol
Save Space in the Control Cabinet:
Up to eight channels in just a 42 mm (1.653 inch) wide module
Why Secondary-Side Fuse Protection?
On the secondary side, switched-mode power supplies provide DC voltage to control circuit loads (e.g., controllers, operating panels, displays and auxiliary relays). These control circuits also call for wiring protection and if the load has no protective unit of its own, device protection as well. Furthermore, Machinery Directive EN 60204 requires detecting hazardous ground faults in control circuits and switching them off within five seconds.
The overcurrent protection in primary switched-mode power supplies reacts very quickly to overcurrents on the output side. Selective protection of individual current paths in the secondary circuit via fuses or conventional circuit breakers is often ineffective if the power supply cannot deliver a brief overcurrent.
What Types of Fuse Protection Are There?
Thermal
Possible applications:
- Low-voltage, high-power and DP fuses
- High overcurrents required for fast tripping
Explanation:
- In the example: ten-fold overcurrent (related to fuse nominal current): Tripping within a range of 30 ms (best case) or 200 ms (worst case)
- Only two-fold overcurrent: tripping within a range of 2 s (best case) or >100 s (worst case).
Thermal and Magnetic
Possible applications:
- Found in circuit breakers or motor protection switches
- High overcurrents required for fast tripping
Explanation:
- In the example: three- to five-fold overcurrent for B-characteristic and AC operation, additional safety factor: 1.2 or 1.5
- Thus, in the worst case scenario, a tripping current of 7.5 times the nominal current is necessary.
Electronic
Possible applications:
- Precision setting options
- Reaction within a short time – even with low overcurrents
- Protection of long cable runs and small cross sections possible
Explanation:
ECBs ensure reliable protection, even at low overcurrents and with long cable lengths.
How Does an ECB Function?
The ECB checks whether the output current is greater than the nominal current. As soon as the output current exceeds the nominal current, the output is electronically switched off by a semiconductor switch. Trip time depends on the magnitude of the overcurrent. The measurement of the output current, the processing and calculation of the tripping time and the actuation of the semiconductor switch are performed by a microprocessor that monitors one or more output channels. The corresponding tripping times can be found in the graph on the right.
ECB Advantages
- Switch off secondary-side overcurrents and short circuits – even with long cable runs and small conductor cross sections – with precision, speed and repeatability
- Selectivity, especially with ECBs with active current limitation
- Remote operation via digital input and output
- Fast and reliable communication via IO-Link protocol, signal contact, potential-free signal or Manchester protocol
- Advantageous installation size and width, for example, eight output channels in just 42 mm (1.653 inch), which saves more than 70 % of installation space compared to miniature circuit breakers
- Nominal current assignable for each channel
- Satisfy EN 60204-1 requirements for dependably switching off ground faults after five seconds
