Download The ESS20 circuit breaker solves a serious problem affecting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unique Circuit Breaker Design Solves Longstanding Problem Affecting Uptime of
Manufacturing Equipment
New Circuit Breaker System Selectively Protects
Individual Circuits Connected to Power Supply
CHICAGO, December 16, 2002 – E-T-A Circuit Breakers announces the first circuit breaker
system that selectively protects individual components powered by a 24V DC switch-mode
power supply. Switch-selectable to either 3A or 6A rating, the new ESS20 circuit breaker may
be added to a DIN-rail power supply system to provide advanced circuit protection of factory
automation components such as sensors, actuators, field bus couplers and controls.
Unique Design Solves Longstanding Problem
The ESS20 circuit breaker solves a serious problem affecting manufacturing lines and
processes powered by popular 24V DC switched-mode power supplies. An overload in a
single circuit will cause a power supply to shut down the output to all the circuits it supplies,
causing widespread manufacturing disruption. The cost of downtime for an assembly line or
process can reach thousands of dollars per minute.
What's more, as a power supply tries to recover from an overload, it often goes into a "hiccup"
mode, in which it quickly cycles on and off. In this condition, the power supply cannot provide
enough voltage (>18V) for electronic components to operate. Hiccupping or stalled equipment
can cause scrap and pose a danger to workers.
The ESS20 circuit breaker eliminates these problems by enabling engineers to protect
individual circuits connected to the power supply. This limits the scope of disruption and
allows the operator to quickly identify which circuit is at fault. Fault status is clearly
communicated via LED, and the ESS20 can send a signal to a logic controller or factory
software, so that the line or process can be safely shut down in the event of an overload.
Dual Technology Protection
The ESS20 circuit breaker helps to minimize downtime in other ways as well. Its thermal trip
mechanism is controlled by a solid-state switch that actively limits inrush currents to no more
than 1.8 times the set rated current of the circuit breaker. Standard thermal-magnetic circuit
breakers lack this ability, and therefore require a higher-than-ideal current rating in order to
avoid nuisance tripping.
By using active current-limiting technology, E-T-A allows a circuit breaker of lower current
rating to be specified, offering greater equipment protection without nuisance tripping. The
switch also protects against reverse polarity.
For failsafe protection, the ESS20 design also includes a thermal bimetal disc, which will trip
the circuit breaker in cases of electronic failure.
Unlike the circuit protection used in power supplies, the ESS20 provides physical isolation of
the load circuit during an overload disconnection, or when the manual ON/OFF button is
pressed. The use of two technologies -- a mechanical circuit breaker and a sophisticated
electronic switch -- allows the ESS20 to aggressively protect manufacturing system
components while preserving factory uptime.
Easy, Flexible Installation
With a width of only 12.5 mm, the slim ESS20 circuit breaker snap-mounts in the company's
Module 17plus power distribution system. Each Module 17plus unit accommodates two
ESS20’s. Any number of modules may be placed side-by-side on a DIN-rail and connected via
bus bar to create a custom system.
Because the ESS20 circuit breaker snaps easily into the module, wiring time is significantly
reduced. 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 circuit breaker and Module17plus power distribution system are available
immediately from stock. Pricing on the ESS20 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 Breakers is the world’s leading manufacturer of circuit breakers for OEM
equipment and is the only resource for all circuit protection technologies: thermal, thermalmagnetic, magnetic and high performance. 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 endusers.
Caption: E-T-A Circuit Breakers
ESS20 Circuit Breaker
847-827-7600
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Media Contacts:
Julie Levy, Marketing Manager
E-T-A Circuit Breakers
Phone: 847-827-7600
Email: [email protected]
Mark Johnson, Account Manager
Goldstein Group Communications
Phone: 216-573-2300
Email: [email protected]