ABB’s expertise in electronics and LATI’s expertise in the world of special thermoplastics have given rise to a new product for the protection from transient voltage surges and lightning: PM EP 15 15-275 RES is a pre-wired protective device (SPD or surge protection device) featuring modern design and small dimensions.
Designed for use in control housings and compact power supplies, the new SPD is ideal for use in the new LED systems, especially those dedicated to public spaces, such as parking lots and parks, road signage and lighting, decorative lighting etc.
In fact, these are the light sources that are mostly affected by power grid disturbances, specially industrial or natural (lightning) surges that are captured and amplified by the long electrical connections with power supplies.
Voltage peaks may easily cause failures in LED units if not stopped, thus resulting in service disruption and often expensive and complex maintenance requests.
So here is the perfect ABB solution to be combined with residual current circuit breakers and fuses to preserve the integrity of the systems to be protected.
Both the envelope and terminal blocks of PM EP 15 15-275 RES are made by injection molding of LATAMID 66 H2 G/25-V0HF1, a PA66-based thermoplastic compound formulated by LATI to be self-extinguishing and structural thanks to a 25% glass fiber reinforcement.
The performance of the V0HF1 grade is appropriate from both the structural and flame safety point of view as confirmed by UL and VDE certifications attesting the excellent self-extinguishing properties, as well as the resistance to incandescent wire with GWFI = 960°C at 1 mm.
ABB’s choice fell on the LATI compound not only for its technical performance and the versatility of the material, but also for its total safety and respect for the environment, backed by a RoHS compliant formulation completely free from halogenated flame retardant additives.