Why use WAGO Electronic Circuit Breakers?

Why

Wago ECB's within the WAGO EPSITRON® Power Supply Lineup

 

Learn how Wago ECB's within the WAGO EPSITRON® Power Supply lineup provide greater system safety and compare protection systems.

 

Switched-mode power supplies provide DC voltage to control circuit loads such as PLCs, Operator Panels/ HMI, Network switches, Industrial PCs, Vision Inspecting Systems, High-End sensors etc. These control circuits also need wiring protection and if the load has no protective unit of its own, device protection as well. Furthermore, Machinery Directive EN 60204 requires detecting hazardous ground faults in control circuits and switching them off within five seconds. The overcurrent protection in primary switched-mode power supplies reacts very quickly to overcurrents on the output side. Selective protection of individual current paths in the secondary circuit via fuses or conventional circuit breakers is often ineffective if the power supply cannot deliver a brief overcurrent.

 

 

KOLIBRI Plastic Standard Chain

 

 

Wago Electronic Circuit Breakers (ECBs)

A high switch-on capacity is combined with an electronic relay. WAGO’s space-saving ECBs come into play when the focus is on both safety and a superior price-performance ratio. ECBs from the EPSITRON® family have a lot to offer:

  • They offer reliable protection against overload and short circuit.
  • They also enable activation of high-capacity loads of 50,000 microfarad and higher – without having to increase the nominal current setting.
  • One, two-, four- and eight-channel models with 0.5 to 12 A current ratings offer you the flexibility you need for setting the nominal current to suit your individual applications.
  • With a maximum width of 45 mm (1.772 inches), these ECBs feature high channel density to save space in the control cabinet.
  • Some devices are also available with active current limitation, preventing the power supply unit from overloading during a short circuit.

 

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Discover Wago Electronic Circuit Breakers

 

 

2-, 4- and 8-Channel ECBs

WAGO’s space-saving ECBs provide reliable protection with a superior price/performance ratio.

They offer both outstanding features and reliable protection against overload and short circuits. With a maximum width of 45 mm (1.772 inches), these ECBs feature high channel density to save space in the control cabinet.

 

Your benefits:

  • Two-, four- and eight-channel protective switch with currents adjustable from 0.5 to 12 A
  • High switch-on capacity: >50,000 µF
  • Communication capability: remote monitoring and reset
  • Optional active current limitation
  • Approvals: CE, UL 60950, UL 2367, GL
 

Single-Channel ECBs

With a width of only 6 mm (0.236 inch), these new circuit breakers are the narrowest ECBs currently on the market.

They are approximately 66% smaller than miniature circuit breakers to save even more space, particularly when used in control cabinets. These ECBs enable high-capacity loads greater than 50,000 microfarads to be switched on, without requiring further action or changing the nominal current, helping reduce false tripping due to inrush currents.

 

Your benefits:

  • 24 VDC / in six versions for rated currents of 1 to 8 A
  • With devices color coded according to nominal current
  • An extremely slimline version
  • Switch-on capacity: >50,000 µF
  • Wide operating temperature range: −25 … +70°C (−13 … +158°F)
  • Resetting, on/off switching directly on the module or remotely via digital input signal
  • Triggered signal output can also be combined as a group signal for up to 30 devices
  • Approvals: CE, UL 61010, UL 2367

 

 

 

What Types of Fuse Protection Are There?

 

Thermal

 

Possible applications:

  • Low-voltage, high-power and DP fuses
  • High overcurrents required for fast tripping

Explanation:

  • In the example: ten-fold overcurrent (related to fuse nominal current): tripping within the range 30 ms (best case) or 200 ms (worst case)
  • Only two-fold overcurrent: tripping within the range 2 s (best case) or >100 s (worst case)

 


 

Thermal and Magnetic

 

Possible applications:

  • Found in circuit breakers or motor protection switches
  • High overcurrents required for fast tripping

Explanation:

  • In the example: three- to five-fold overcurrent for B-characteristic and AC operation, additional safety factor 1.2 or 1.5
  • Thus, in the worst case scenario, a tripping current of 7.5 times the nominal current is necessary.

 


 

Electronic

 

Possible applications:

  • Ensure precision settings
  • Reaction within a short time – even at low overcurrents
  • Protection of long cable runs and small cross sections

Explanation:

ECBs ensure reliable protection, even at low overcurrents and with long cable lengths.

 


 

 

Smarter Protection Starts Here

WAGO Electronic Circuit Breakers offer pinpoint fault detection, selective shutdown, and rapid reset – all in a DIN-rail-ready package. Designed for demanding industrial environments, they’re your next step towards safer, smarter power distribution.

EXPLORE WAGO ECB's

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