Product category:
Batteries, chargers and circuit protection
News Release from: E-T-A Circuit Breakers | Subject: Powerbus at METS
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 17 October 2005
Marine power management capabilities go
on show
E-T-A Circuit Breakers will exhibit its state-of-the-art distributed electrical power management systems for marine applications at the Marine Equipment Trade Show in Amsterdam.
E-T-A Circuit Breakers will be showing Powerbus, its state-of-the-art distributed electrical power management systems for marine applications at the Marine Equipment Trade Show in Amsterdam from 15th to 17th November 2005 E-T-A will also be showing circuit breakers for the protection of low voltage DC and AC marine electrical systems
Versions from 6mA to 500A are available to meet differing performance, styling and budget requirements.
The E-T-A Powerbus system designs are based on consultations with leading boat builders.
Electrical installations on board marine craft are becoming ever more complex, with high values of current needing to be conducted to a whole host of equipment.
This is putting an enormous strain on conventional power distribution systems, as well as making large demands on space as electrical wiring looms continue to expand in size and weight.
Powerbus comprises power nodes distributed around the boat to reduce long runs of heavy current wiring.
The circuits are switched electronically, from the central console, via small signal cables which communicate with each node.
The circuits fed from each node are protected by well-proven E-T-A technology.
Solid-state E-T-A power controllers switch the circuits on and off, while also providing overcurrent protection.
Operation of Powerbus is by means either of advanced touch screen displays or conventional switch panels, or a combination of the two according to customer preference.
The touchscreen panel offers displays which can be scrolled for different functions such as navigation, engine management, navigational lights etc.
The system is CANbus controlled, a recognised industry standard protocol, and can therefore be interfaced with any other CANbus sensor or component, to provide a whole range of new capabilities.
Powerbus is software driven, being intuitively configurable from a laptop.
For other applications, E-T-A circuit breakers include the 1110 and 2-5700 models with push-button on/off operation, and the 3120 and 3130 with ergonomically styled rocker switch actuators in a range of colours with and without illumination, and the 413 and 452 high-performance types.
The E-T-A 447 provides ideal protection for the high power motors used for bow thrusters.
The circuit breaker is designed to disregard the initial startup surge currents which typically can blow fuses, while providing protection against overloads such as those caused by the ingress of plastic bags, rope, and similar floating waste.
It is re-set by a simple press of a button.
The 437 has an optional feature enabling it to be switched off, and/or reset from a remote switching location on a control panel.
Single- and double-pole 921/922 battery isolation switches provide the safety and convenience of full remote control, and E-T-A also offers electronic point level sensors for oil and water applications, including waste water and sewage.
Since first introducing products to the marine industry some 30 years ago, E-T-A has been a pioneer in the protection and control of electrical installations of recreational craft and workboats.
E-T-A specialises in products tailor-made for marine use and designed to survive the rigours of shock, vibration, humidity, sea-fog, and the other harmful influences they will encounter.
E-T-A products have established themselves worldwide as the preferred choice of many builders, not only for the improved electrical protection they provide but also due to their compact size and the attractive styling of models intended for front panel mounting.
The company is involved with some of the standards work which supports the Recreational Craft Directive and is therefore well placed to offer comments and advice on the implementation of new requirements. Request a free brochure from E-T-A Circuit Breakers ...
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