For intelligent control of current draws of up to 15 amps, the VCM product line has you covered. For bigger loads up to 70 amps we have the HDVCM family. Still need to switch larger loads? InPower’s rugged and time-tested Solid-State-Contactor (SSC) line is ideal.
InPower’s SSC product line has 3 different options to suit your needs. Our SSC21 family can handle loads from 100 to 200 amps, our new cutting edge SSC3 modules are built to handle capacities of 200 or 300 amps, while our SSC42 series handles specialized installations such as ambulances, where multiple logical and timer controls are needed.
High-current loads have unique challenges not found in lower power circuits. One of the most common challenges is high-inrush currents, where a load might require a very high initial current spike to start up before settling down to a much lower steady-draw. These inrush spikes can have other knock-on effects depending on whether the loads are resistive in nature (typical of heaters and lighting circuits), capacitive in nature (such as with inverters), or inductive (as found in many circuits with motors). Many high-current circuits can even have combinations of all three.
Then there is the problem of load-flyback, where energy stored in a circuit while running has to dissipate somewhere when the circuit is turned off. As with inrush energy, this stored energy can take different forms depending on whether it is inductive, capacitive, or resistive in nature.
High Inrush and flyback (or disconnect) currents are one of the most common causes of failure in electro-mechanical solenoids and high-current contactors, as the high current – though short in duration (often only milliseconds) can cause arcing between the mechanical contact points. This arcing over time can break down the contact materials causing them to either gain resistance (meaning they run hotter and lose power) before eventually wearing out, or in extreme cases to weld the contact shut, making it difficult to shut off the load.
InPower’s SSC products, being solid-state, have no mechanical contacts fail, giving them very long lives when properly installed and used. Their intelligent controls can compensate for many types of high inrush current demands, and their circuits are protected from flyback. The SSC contactors will also protect themselves against over-voltage, under-voltage, over-current, and over-temperature situations.
And like our VCM and HDVCM products, InPower’s SSC contactors can be programmed for specialized situations and applications.
If you are trying to tame your high-current demands and need intelligent and reliable controls, consider InPower’s SSC21, SSC3, or SSC42 DC Power Contactors. They have the same innovative flexibility as other products in the InPower Family Tree, and are built to last. Contact InPower today to discuss your application, and let us see how we can help.
