Siemens Introduces One of the World’s Most Innovative Circuit Protection Devices

Siemens has developed one of the world’s most innovative circuit protection devices with cutting-edge electronic switching technology. SENTRON ECPD (Electronic Circuit Protection Device) electronically switches off circuit faults if errors occur and, if necessary, trips the mechanical isolating contact downstream. Up to now, disconnection was handled purely through electro-mechanical elements.

“This innovation offers a variety of benefits and has the potential to revolutionize today’s circuit protection world,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

SENTRON ECPD (Electronic Circuit Protection Device)

SENTRON ECPD enables completely new approaches in electrical planning, maximizing safety, flexibility and delivering enormous space and energy savings compared to conventional solutions. “For the first time in the history of circuit protection, it is possible to benefit from several functionalities in one product and to activate them as required by the individual application or adapt them if needed. All of this combined with the solid-state switching technology enables up to a thousand times faster, wear-free switching,” added Matthé. 

Ultra-fast
Circuit protection devices are central components of every electrical installation. If certain load current limits are exceeded, these devices disconnect the individual loads to protect people and systems from damage. In the event of a short circuit, for example, this type of disconnection occurs in commercially available circuit breakers in two to three milliseconds. 

In comparison, SENTRON ECPD disconnects up to a thousand times faster, minimizing the occurring short-circuit energy. This ensures maximum safety for people, systems, and electrical equipment. SENTRON ECPD also offers wear-free switching, which increases the service life of systems and reduces maintenance and repair costs. In addition, the integrated cyclical self-test (including the integrated RCD function) raises safety to an entirely new level not covered by current concepts. 

Multifunctional and parametrizable
The smart SENTRON ECPD offers more functionalities in one compact design, saving space and costs. The range of functions can be customized as required. New functions can be easily activated on the SENTRON ECPD without having to purchase a new device and functionally adapt it into the circuit. The SENTRON powerconfig app makes this task easy and convenient. 

SENTRON ECPD can be adjusted as required and adapts perfectly to the requirements of the application, for example with regard to rated current, tripping limits or behavior. These properties offer major planning and cost advantages. For example, circuits can simply be designed based on the rated current of the loads instead of the significantly higher inrush current peaks that occur briefly with certain load types, such as LED lights. This reduces complexity as well as planning and installation efforts and saves on materials such as copper. 

Reducing operating costs and downtime
SENTRON ECPD offers full transparency on energy consumption in the final circuit through radio-based communication with the SENTRON Powercenter 1000 and 3000 gateways. This enables measures to optimize systems and processes, for example as part of energy management in accordance with ISO 50001, which in turn allows for efficient reductions in energy and operating costs. 

For the first time, it is possible to perform detailed condition monitoring of the applications at the final circuit level. This substantially increases availability and operational reliability. The large volume of measurement data enables the detection of irregularities and deviations and creates a reliable planning basis for preventive maintenance. SENTRON ECPD can be easily integrated into higher-level systems by using the open Modbus TCP standard.

SENTRON ECPD makes it possible to carry out remote diagnostics and remote switching during normal operation as well as in the event of a fault. This offers significant benefits, especially for remote applications without direct on-site support. In addition, it is easier to localize and identify faults by differentiating the cause of the fault. 

Sustainable
SENTRON ECPD combines multiple product functions in one device. Depending on the application, this allows savings of up to 80 percent on electronics, 90 percent on metals and 90 percent on plastics. Overall, SENTRON ECPD is approximately 90 percent lighter than the devices otherwise required. Compared to solutions based on today’s conventional technology, SENTRON ECPD also requires up to 80 percent less space in the distribution board, eliminating the need for costly structural measures.