FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
E-T-A’s Programmable Electronic Circuit Breaker Improves
Protection and Control of Telecom Equipment
Chicago, June 25, 2004 – E-T-A Circuit Breakers announced the ESS60-T, a programmable
electronic circuit breaker that enables users to program the current rating, program the lowvoltage threshold, control circuits remotely, and prioritize loads during battery backup. No
conventional circuit breaker offers this degree of circuit protection and control for
telecommunications equipment.
The new solid state circuit breaker is designed for switching DC loads common in
telecommunications equipment functioning in wireless infrastructure, switching stations, and
routing stations. In particular it is ideal for 48V battery backup applications, because its
programmable design gives users unsurpassed control over loads. It may also be used to
protect circuits in any 48V system, such as factory automation.
As part of an emerging class of “smart” circuit protection devices, the ESS60-T represents an
innovation in the telecommunications equipment industry. Telecommunications equipment
manufacturers traditionally utilize standard magnetic circuit protection devices. This evolution
to electronic circuit protection controls and monitors equipment, as well as protects the circuits.
Multi-function devices reduce the number of components needed within the piece of
equipment, which saves space, installation time, and reduces costs.
Software Programmable
This unique circuit breaker comes with Windows®-based configuration software. Using the
software it is easy to customize a number of settings in the circuit breaker. The software
enables the user to program the breaker’s thresholds for overcurrent and short circuits, overvoltage, and low-voltage. These settings can be changed remotely anytime, using the included
software. The user may also access the software to view zero voltage alarms, remotely open
or reset breakers, monitor actual current and nominal current, and monitor trip status.
Each ESS60-T circuit breaker has a serial RS-232 communications port for communication
with the PC software.
Prioritize Loads
The ESS60-T is typically installed in rack-mounted power distribution units. It is possible to
configure different low-voltage thresholds for each breaker. Using this strategy, the user can
program low-priority circuits to disconnect when a system switches to battery backup power.
This exclusive feature enables telecom service providers to conserve battery power and give
priority to selected loads, such as those serving 911 calls. This degree of power management
is not possible with a traditional circuit breaker.
Programmable Rating
E-T-A’s new breaker is available in a choice of current ratings from 5 to 60A. As the ESS60-T
is based on purely electronic components, the user may easily adjust a 60A rated device to
modified conditions. The disconnection current of the breaker may be scaled down to 20A,
10A, or other optional values with only a few steps.
Current Limitation
Although traditional breakers open very quickly during a short circuit, high current can
momentarily pass through the circuit, damaging sensitive telecom equipment. In contrast, the
ESS60-T solid-state circuit breaker provides advanced current limiting protection. During a
short circuit, the ESS60-T electronically limits the maximum current that can flow through the
device to 0.5-7A over nominal current, depending on user preferences.
Likewise, the ESS60-T circuit breaker limits harmful voltage drops that may occur briefly during
disconnection or when power is switched to battery backup. If voltage falls below the pre-set
limit, the ESS60-T automatically opens the circuit. The undervoltage threshold is
programmable from -36 to -48V.
Reduces Downtime and Service Calls
Remote resettability eliminates the need for circuit-breaker related service calls to cellular sites
or stations. This benefit is particularly useful in remote locations where it is costly and time
consuming to send a repair team to the site. The ESS60-T reduces downtime, which can cost
up to thousands of dollars per minute in a telecom application.
High Reliability
The ESS60-T circuit breaker is highly reliable, meeting the needs of the telecommunications
industry, where hard-to-access equipment may be operating continuously for long periods of
time. The breaker is compliant with standards used in the telecom industry, including
EN60950 and UL 60950. It also meets the requirements of UL1077 and carries a CE mark.
Mechanical Specifications
The ESS60-T is only 20mm wide, and can be mounted in parallel up to 22 poles. The circuit
breaker has a manual ON/OFF actuator and indicates status via LED.
Price and Availability
E-T-A’s ESS60-T Series circuit breaker is available starting November 9, 2004, 3 weeks ARO.
Available ratings are 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60A. Consult factory for pricing. For more
information about the ESS60-T or other E-T-A products, call (847) 827-7600 or
visit www.e-t-a.com.
About E-T-A
E-T-A Circuit Breakers is the leading manufacturer of circuit breakers for equipment and is the
only resource for all circuit protection technologies: thermal, thermal-magnetic, 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 end-users.
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Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft. All other trademarks and tradenames are the
property of their respective owners.
Media Contacts:
Julie Levy, Marketing Manager
E-T-A Circuit Breakers
Phone: 847-827-7600
Email: julie.levy@e-t-a.com
Mark Johnson, CBC
Account Manager
Goldstein Group Communications
mjohnson@ggcomm.com
216-573-2300