Low-cost AC inrush current limiter

According to Powersolve’s Managing Director Peter Clark, it is designed to provide high reliability and maintenance-free operation. “Very nasty conditions can occur on AC lines in the event of a break in the supply” Says Peter Clark. “When power returns, high current peaks can often cause havoc and will trip circuit breakers. In decentralised areas, this will often lead to increased maintenance costs as the breakers require re-setting. This current limiter prevents this happening.” He adds.

Not to be confused with a simple NTC (thermistor) solution, the ESB-101 is a true current limiter and cuts off all peak currents when starting loads under practically every AC condition. It is fitted with an internal temperature fuse to prevent overheating should the bypass circuit fail.

The ESB- 101 has an inrush limiting time as low as 300ms, a capacitance range of 1500µF to 4000µF and an operating temperature range of -40 to +70ºC, it can be wall or DIN Rail mounted, accepts 26 to 10 AWG wire with screw terminals and is housed in an IP20 rated housing.

The limiter is designed to be integrated into capacitive loads such as AC-DC power supplies running in parallel operation. When started, these can cause peak currents in the region of several hundred amps which will trip breakers or disrupt network installations. The ESB-101 is a cost-effective way to prevent this. Many other models available with higher current ratings.