Protective earth conductor monitoring PECON+


Protective earth conductor monitoring for single-phase and three-phase networks

Underlying standards: DIN EN 50178 / VDE 0160:1998-04

  • The PECON + is used to safely monitor the availability of the protective earth conductor in 3-phase and single phase networks.
  • The PECON + determined by measuring the availability of the protective earth conductor and operated with existing protective earth conductor an internal relay (Workingpostion = PE ok).
  • In case of interruption of the protective earth conductor, the relay trips.
  • Furthermore, the fault is displayed by a red LED in the front cover.
  • A green LED in the front cover indicates operational readiness of PECON +.
  • By means of a test button on the front cover, the functioning of PECON + can be reviewed at all times.

3.5 mA-limit in accordance with DIN EN 50178 / VDE 0160 on mobile devices

Finally a new opportunity for frequency inverters and SERVO drives

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Manufacturer of machinery and equipment with plug connection are familiar with the dilemma:

On one hand, frequency inverters and SERVo drives would significantly increase the value of their products. On the other hand,  the DIN EN 50178 / VDE 0160 allows only leakage currents to the maximum of 3.5 mA.

In most cases you are forced to use extremely low leakage filter to meet the EMC standards with parts of the modern drive technology. A very complicated process that often fails because of the costs and sometimes because of the technology.

The author knows what he is talking about. He himself as a EMC service provider and manufacturer of EMC filters for special requirements is often addressed by companies whose ideas often fail because of this provision

Because: If the 3.5mA limit can not be observed, the standard is forcing a fixed connection. The concern of the standard for protection is reasonable and understandable, it still retains the woman / the man on the machine against the risk of an electric shock when the device is disconnected from the protective earth conductor system of the power supply due to a defective connection cable or plug.

Exept: The standard allows higher leakage currents explicitly when the availability of the protective earth conductor system is permanently monitored by means of an appropriate protective earth conductor monitoring.

Here exactly is where EPA’s PECON+ gets in. The PECON+ is a monitoring device that is installed directly at the entry point of the machine. The power supply of the machine can only be released when the permanent protective earth conductor monitoring actuates a safety contact and switches the main contactor of the machine.

The only 45 mm wide device must be installed in the control cabinet on DIN rail and reliably monitors all voltage configurations of single-phase 100 VAC three-phase up to 500 VAC with or without neutral.

Wiring example:

Technical details:

Testable networks L/N/PE – L1/L2/L3/PE – L1/L2/L3/N/PE
Testable voltages
1x 100 VAC – 3x 500 VAC, 50/60 Hz (Depending on version – see below)
Signal contact
Contact rating 230VAC 5A, 30VDC 2A potential-free
Mounting On DIN rail DIN EN 50022
Dimensions hxwxd 75 x 45 x 125 mm
Protection IP 20
Ambience temperature
Operation -15°C … +55°C (Storage -25°C … 70°C)
Humidity 98%, no condensation

Variations:

  • PECON+
    for networks with neutral conductor (TN network), operating voltage 230V 50/60 Hz
  • PECON+ IT
    for networks without neutral conductor or IT networks, operating voltage 400V 50/60 Hz
  • PECON+ S1 / PECON+ S2
    for networks with neutral conductor (TN network), operating voltage 230V 50/60 Hz
  • PECON+ S3 / PECON+ S4
    for networks with neutral conductor (TN network), operating voltage 115V 50/60 Hz

Downloads

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EPA_PECON+_Protective_Earth_Monitor_Brochure.pdf1.06 M