Abstract: A photovoltaic apparatus includes: a concentrator photovoltaic panel; a driving device configured to change an attitude of the photovoltaic panel; a current detection unit configured to detect an output current of the photovoltaic panel; and a control unit configured to cause the driving device to perform a sun-tracking shift operation when it is determined based on a detection result of the current detection unit that the photovoltaic panel is generating no power during tracking of the sun.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker includes: at least one external conductor section of an external conductor power terminal of the low-voltage circuit breaker connected to an external conductor load terminal of the low-voltage circuit breaker; and a neutral conductor section of a neutral conductor connection of the low-voltage circuit breaker connected to a neutral conductor load terminal of the low-voltage circuit breaker. A mechanical bypass switch is arranged in the at least one external conductor section. A semiconductor circuit arrangement of the low-voltage circuit breaker is switched parallel to the bypass switch. A first current measuring arrangement is arranged in the at least one external conductor section, which is connected to an electronic control unit of the low-voltage circuit breaker. The electronic control unit is configured to actuate the bypass switch and the semiconductor circuit arrangement when a prespecifiable overcurrent is detected by the current measuring arrangement.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a relay with a relay contact, switching as an opening operation or a closing operation at the relay is temporally captured with respect to accurate opening or closing of the relay contact in comparison with a switching voltage zero crossing of a switching voltage to be switched. An actual switching time is determined and is corrected by means of further capturing of switching operations. A microcontroller is used for this purpose, and the signals can be digitally captured, that is to say at an A/D input.

Abstract: The invention is related to a monitoring and protection device of power distribution transformers on the low voltage side. Said device monitors in a permanent manner the functioning of the transformer and provides a record of all the information in case of a fault. Additionally, the invention device provides the protection of the transformer in case of a fault, allowing a partial impact on the service and preventing peak currents that may reduce the useful life of the transformer. The device has a remote communication module that allows the transmission of the recorded data, a control module that may be activated remotely and a visual alert module that reduces the risk in the handling of the device.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit breaker device includes: at least one line conductor path from a line conductor supply connection of the low-voltage circuit breaker device to a line conductor load connection of the low-voltage circuit breaker device; a neutral conductor path from a neutral conductor connection of the low-voltage circuit breaker device to a neutral conductor load connection of the low-voltage circuit breaker device; a mechanical bypass switch arranged in the line conductor path; a first semiconductor circuit assembly of the low-voltage circuit breaker device being connected in parallel with the mechanical bypass switch; an electronic control unit for actuating the mechanical bypass switch and the first semiconductor circuit assembly; an ammeter assembly arranged in the line conductor path, which ammeter assembly is connected to the electronic control unit; and a second semiconductor circuit assembly arranged in the line conductor path.

Abstract: A low-voltage circuit protection device includes: at least one outer conductor section from an outer conductor supply terminal of the low-voltage circuit protection device to an outer conductor load terminal of the low-voltage circuit protection device; a neutral conductor section from a neutral terminal of the low-voltage circuit protection device to a neutral load terminal of the low-voltage circuit protection device; an electrical measuring arrangement; at least one semiconductor circuit arrangement; and an electronic control unit which is connected to the electrical measuring arrangement and the semiconductor circuit arrangement. The measuring arrangement and/or the electronic control unit detects a predetermined combination of at least two electrical faults selected from the group including: overvoltage, undervoltage and overcurrent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for suppressing arc formation in branch breakers provide a load center that can monitor a branch breaker for indications of arc formation. The load center may include a main breaker that can immediately cut current to the upon receiving an indication of an arc forming in the branch breaker. The indication may be provided by a sensor circuit that sends a trigger signal to the main breaker when arc formation is detected within the branch breaker. The main breaker checks that the trigger signal indicates arc formation, then cuts current to suppress the arc. The main breaker then waits a short period for the branch breaker to clear before restoring current. The wait period is sufficiently short such that devices receiving power from the load center are not adversely affected. To improve cutoff and restoration response times, the main breaker employs a solid-state trip switch.

Abstract: A circuit assembly includes a first signal branch connecting a signal connection to an electrical load via a semiconductor switch and a second signal branch connecting the signal connection to the electrical load via a relay. When a sensor detects a polarity change in an electrical signal within a test time interval, a controller may close the semiconductor switch at a first signal time such that electrical energy is supplied to the electrical load, actuate the relay at a second signal time after the semiconductor switch has been closed, and open the semiconductor switch after the relay has been closed such that electrical energy is supplied to the electrical load solely via the second signal branch.

Abstract: Provided is an arc suppression device including one or more current-limiting circuits provided in parallel with a circuit breaker that switches between feeding and shutoff of power from a power supply. The current-limiting circuit shuts off a current from the power supply when the power from the power supply is fed to a load through a circuit breaker. The current from the power supply is shut off when a voltage generated by a potential difference between contacts of the circuit breaker becomes a predetermined voltage or higher in a case where feeding of the power from the power supply to the load is shut off by the circuit breaker. The potential difference is generated upon shutoff.

Abstract: A system for connecting first and second high voltage direct current (HVDC) sources in parallel to a bus includes one or more contactors connecting the first HVDC source to the bus. The system also includes a bus coupling circuit located between the second HVDC source and the bus that utilizes inductors to couple, in operation, couples the second HVDC source to the bus such that first and second HVDC sources are in parallel with the second positive output is connected to the positive rail and the second negative output connected to the negative rail. The inductors are first connected to the bus though auxiliary contactors and, after a predetermined time, main contactors are closed that provide a path around the inductors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soft starter (10) for connecting at least one main circuit (12, 14, 16), each of which includes a bypass circuit (20) having a semiconductor switch (22). Said soft starter (10) comprises a control unit (40) for actuating the bypass circuit (20), and the control unit (40) is equipped with a control signal input (44). According to the invention, the control unit (40) has a separate safety signal input (42).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hazardous voltage interlock loop, HVIL, system (10), comprising a first HVIL circuit (12) being associated with a first high voltage bus (52) and a second HVIL circuit (14) being associated with a second high voltage bus (54), wherein the first and second high voltage buses (52, 54) are separated and not electrically connected to each other. The system further comprises a galvanically isolated relay (16) connected to the first and second HVIL circuits, wherein the galvanically isolated relay is configured to open the first HVIL circuit when no electrical current is flowing in at least a portion of the second HVIL circuit comprising the galvanically isolated relay. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a system. The present invention also relates to a method of operating a hazardous voltage interlock loop system.

Abstract: A power distribution node and method of associating a permanent identity includes a node communication input port and a node communication output port, a first power controller having a first switchable element and a first controller module configured to operate the first switchable element, the first controller module having a first communication input port connected with the node communication input port and a first communication output port, and a second power controller having a second switchable element.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply circuit includes; a plurality of switch circuits which are connected in parallel to each other and connected to a power supply at positive electrode side to be switched to an open or short circuit separately; a relay circuit including an excitation coil and a switch unit which is connected to the power supply at positive electrode side and is switched from an open circuit to a short circuit since a current flows from the power supply to the excitation coil; and a resistor disposed in parallel with the excitation coil and connected in series to the plurality of switch circuits.

Abstract: An electric closer comprising a first connection lug, a second connection lug electrically insulated from the first connection lug, the first and second connection lugs each having at least one recess in a contact region disposed within a guide housing, an actuator for driving a contact element, the contact element being disposed in a guide housing between the actuator and the contact region of the connection lugs, and by the actuator from an open position, in which the connecting lugs are insulated from one another into a closed position, in which the connecting lugs are electrically connected to one another via the contact element, is displaceable, wherein in the closed position the contact element is accommodated in the recesses of the connecting lugs and wherein the contact element is guided in the displacement direction simultaneously in the respective recesses of the two connecting lugs during the displacement of the two connecting lugs.

Abstract: A lighting circuit drives a light source including N (N represents an integer of 2 or more) multiple light-emitting elements coupled in series. A bypass switch circuit includes N multiple bypass switches, each coupled in parallel to a corresponding light-emitting element. A constant current driving circuit supplies a driving current stabilized to a target current to the light source. A light distribution controller controls the bypass switch circuit. For a given light distribution pattern, the duty ratio Di(%) is determined for each of the N multiple light-emitting elements. Multiple light-emitting elements are formed as control units having a sum total of duty ratios that is less than 100%. The light distribution controller controls the multiple bypass switches such that the multiple light-emitting elements included in the same control unit are not turned on at the same time.

Abstract: A circuit-breaker device, comprising a main branch and an auxiliary branch electrically in parallel with the main branch, wherein the main branch comprises at least one mechanical switch-disconnector in series with a breaker cell constituted of at least one semiconductor switch, and a snubber circuit in parallel with the at least one breaker cell, the snubber circuit including an energy storage element, wherein the mechanical switch-disconnector is switchable to selectively allow current to flow in the main branch in a first mode of operation or commutate current from the main branch to the auxiliary branch in a second mode of operation, characterized in that the snubber circuit further comprises a bleeder resistor arranged to create a counter current in the main branch when current is commutated from the main branch to the auxiliary branch by discharging the energy storage element.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a switching device in which it is possible to suppress an occurrence of an arc while preventing a contact welding of a switch. [Solution] Provided is the switching device including: a first circuit breaker mechanism provided in a path of current output from a direct current power supply; a second circuit breaker mechanism that is provided in parallel with the first circuit breaker mechanism in the path of current output from the direct current power supply, and is connected and disconnected with a time lag from the first circuit breaker mechanism; a capacitor provided between the direct current power supply and the second circuit breaker mechanism; and a discharging unit that is connected in parallel with the capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a semiconductor switch configured to interrupt a current between a power source and a load, an inductor coupled in series with the semiconductor switch, and a capacitor coupled to a node between the inductor and the load. The apparatus further includes a current sensor configured to sense a current provided to the load and a control circuit coupled to the current sensor and configured to control the semiconductor switch responsive to the sensed current.

Abstract: A gas discharge tube assembly includes a multi-cell gas discharge tube (GDT). The multi-cell GDT includes a housing defining a GDT chamber, a plurality of inner electrodes located in the GDT chamber, a trigger resistor located in the GDT chamber, and a gas contained in the GDT chamber. The inner electrodes are serially disposed in the chamber in spaced apart relation to define a series of cells and spark gaps. The trigger resistor includes an interface surface exposed to at least one of the cells. The trigger resistor is responsive to an electrical surge through the trigger resistor to generate a spark along the interface surface and thereby promote an electrical arc in the at least one cell.

Abstract: A method for detecting arcs in a DC circuit, having a detection conductor, which is routed at least along a conductor of the DC circuit, which carries an electric voltage and is to be monitored. In this connection, a voltage signal that refers to a potential of the DC circuit is coupled into the detection conductor at an incoupling point via a series resistor, the voltage signal is coupled out again at an outcoupling point of the detection conductor, the voltage signal before the series resistor is compared to the voltage signal at the outcoupling point, and a conclusion is drawn that an arc has occurred when the voltage signal at the outcoupling point deviates from the voltage signal before the series resistor by more than a predetermined amount. This invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method. The method and the device permit a quick, reliable detection of an arc in a DC circuit.

Abstract: An isolation disconnect assembly for an insulated gate bipolar transistor assembly is provided. The isolation disconnect assembly includes a conductor assembly and a clinch joint magnetic actuator.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to an arc fault detection unit for an electrical low-voltage circuit including, connected to an evaluation unit, a voltage sensor assigned to the circuit, for periodically determining electrical voltage values of the circuit; and a current sensor assigned to the circuit, for periodically determining electrical current values. They are embodied such that pairs of a voltage and a current value are determined continuously at a point in time. In each case, a first value pair of a voltage and of a current value is present at a first point in time, a second value pair is present at a second point in time, and a third value pair is present at a third point in time. An arc voltage, which is compared to a threshold value, is calculated from the three value pairs. If the threshold value is exceeded, an arc fault detection signal is output.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for detection of transients in electric power systems. In one embodiment, a system may detect and remediate a potentially destabilizing transient condition. An angle monitoring subsystem may determine an angle between a first and a second rotating machine based on a plurality of measurements. A system parameter may be determined based on the angle. A stability threshold subsystem may determine a dynamic stability threshold to detect the potentially destabilizing transient condition based on the at least one system parameter. An event detection subsystem may compare at least one metric of instability to the dynamic stability threshold and to detect a first potentially destabilizing transient condition based on the comparison of the at least one metric of instability to the dynamic stability threshold. A remedial action subsystem may implement a first remedial action based on the metric of instability.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved hybrid motor starter that extends the expected life of the main motor contacts of a standard contactor by reducing arcing during opening and closing of the main motor contacts and permits the use of physically smaller solid state switching devices and secondary contacts that have electrical ratings significantly lower than the standard contactor. The use of smaller solid state switching device and secondary contacts that have lower electrical ratings is permitted by minimizing the time at which these devices are exposed to full motor currents.

Abstract: A modular power distribution system comprises a chassis; and a backplane including a power input, and a plurality of module connection locations. A plurality of modules are mounted in the chassis, each module mounted to one of the module connection locations. Each module includes: (i) an OR-ing diode; (ii) a circuit protection device; (iii) a microprocessor controlling the circuit protection device; and (iv) a power output connection location. A circuit option switch is located on each module for setting the current limits for each module. A control module is provided connected to the backplane.

Abstract: A hybrid air-gap/solid-state device protection device (PD) for use in an electrical power distribution system includes an air-gap disconnect unit connected in series with a solid-state device, a sense and drive circuit, and a microcontroller. Upon the sense and drive circuit detecting an impending fault or exceedingly high and unacceptable overvoltage condition in the PD's load circuit, the sense and drive circuit generates a gating signal that quickly switches the solid-state device OFF. Meanwhile, the microcontroller generates a disconnect pulse for the air-gap disconnect unit, which responds by forming an air gap in the load circuit. Together, the switched-OFF solid-state device and air gap protect the load and associated load circuit from being damaged. They also serve to electrically and physically isolate the source of the fault or overload condition from the remainder of the electrical power distribution system.

Abstract: A selective circuit breaker, in operation connectable between a main supply line and a downstream circuit breaker, has a bypass switch in a supply line, and a controlled semiconductor switch connected in parallel to the bypass switch. A bypass switch off detection circuitry and a short circuit detection circuitry are provided for controlling the bypass switch and the semiconductor switch in accordance with a switching characteristic. The switching characteristic of the selective circuit breaker is programmable, and a short circuit current rating of the selective circuit breaker is substantially equal to a short circuit current rating of the downstream circuit breaker.

Abstract: A breaker device for interrupting current flowing on a transmission line, the device comprising three electrical branches (B1, B2, B3) connected in parallel, including a main branch (B1) in which the current to be interrupted flows and an auxiliary branch (B2), the main branch comprising at least one semi-conductor breaker cell (CEL1) connected in series with at least one mechanical interrupter/disconnector (Sm), the auxiliary branch (B2) comprising at least one thyristor, the breaker device further comprising a control circuit (CM) suitable for interrupting a current that flows in the main branch. Once the current is interrupted in the semi-conductor element of the breaker cell of the main branch, the control circuit acts to command the thyristor of the auxiliary branch (B2) to be put into a conductive state whenever a current flowing in the voltage limiter(s) reaches the value of the current that is flowing in the transmission line.

Abstract: An electrical utility meter includes metering circuitry configured for connection to at least one utility power line and a service disconnect member. The metering circuitry is configured to receive an electrical signal corresponding to a line voltage on the at least one utility power line. The service disconnect member is configured for connection to the at least one utility power line. A control circuit is configured to deliver a control signal to the service disconnect member synchronously with a zero crossing of the electrical signal corresponding to the line voltage on the at least one utility power line.

Abstract: Disclosed is a switching device comprising a vacuum tube and an adjustable drive for opening and closing the contacts of the switching device. The switching device also comprises a sensor for detecting physical properties of the operating site of the switching device. The detected physical property adapts the adjustable drive for opening and closing the contacts to the operating site.

Abstract: An electrical enclosure includes a plurality of walls. The electrical enclosure also includes at least one compartment defined, at least in part, by the plurality of walls, and at least one ventilation opening formed in one of the plurality of walls. The at least one ventilation opening provides a flow path from the at least one compartment. At least one closure is provided on the one of the plurality of walls at the at least one ventilation opening. The at least one closure is responsive to a pressure wave to selectively close the at least one ventilation opening and re-open the at least one ventilation opening after the pressure wave has passed from the electrical enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tapping apparatus for transmitting electrical energy from a, preferably spatially fixed, busbar to a tapping device which can be moved along the busbar or is also spatially fixed, comprising at least one connection housing, the busbar being mechanically connected or connectable to the tapping device by means of the connection housing, and a current tapping apparatus which comprises sliding contact elements for collecting electrical energy from the busbar, the current tapping apparatus being mechanically rigidly connected to the connection housing, and furthermore the connection housing comprising at least one base support, on which at least two control circuit boards are mounted, or said two control circuit boards themselves forming the base support.

Abstract: A circuit breaker panel includes a control unit structured to generate a control signal and a number of circuit breakers. At least one of the circuit breakers includes a number of sets of separable contacts and is structured to open or close one set of separable contacts based on the control signal. At least one of the circuit breakers is structured to electrically connect between a line and load and includes a power supply structured to convert power from the line and to use the converted power to open or close the set of separable contacts.

Abstract: A circuit breaker includes first and second terminals structured to electrically connect to a line and a load, respectively, at least one set of separable contacts movable between a closed position and an open position, a first operating mechanism structured to open one set of separable contacts in response to a detected fault condition on the protected circuit, a second operating mechanism structured to open or close one set of separable contacts in response to an external control signal, a remote operation circuit structured to receive the external control signal and to control the second operating mechanism to open or close based on said external control signal, the remote operation circuit including a power supply structured to convert power from the line and to provide the converted power to the second operating mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the recuperation of hydraulic energy in a working machine with at least one differential cylinder and to a corresponding working machine.

Abstract: An arc treatment device includes an arc detector operable to detect whether an arc is present in a plasma chamber, an arc energy determiner operable to determine an arc energy value based on an energy supplied to the plasma chamber while the arc is present in the plasma chamber, and a break time determiner operable to determine a break time based on the determined arc energy value.

Abstract: A device (1) for starting a motor (4) for alternating current, in particular for a compressor (5), wherein the motor (4) has at least one feed line (3) for the electrical power supply. The device comprises an actuator element (10) for limiting the current in the feed line (3), a switching element (16) for bypassing the actuator element (10), a current-monitoring element (15) for monitoring the current in the feed line (3), and a controller (18) for controlling the switching element (16). The actuator element (10) comprises at least a first start-up element (11) and a second start-up element (12) as well as a switch-over element (14) for switching over between the at least first and second start-up elements (11, 12).

Abstract: An apparatus for switching in a DC voltage mains has a switching device for interrupting the flow of current in at least one line of the DC voltage grid. The switching device is connected into the line of the DC voltage grid by way of a first and a second connection. An attenuation member absorbs energy from the applied terminal voltage. The attenuation member has a first and a second node that are electrically connected via an attenuation element, an electrical connection from the first node to the first connection via a first controlled or uncontrolled switching element, and an electrical connection from the first node to the second connection via a second controlled or uncontrolled switching element.

Abstract: A two terminal arc suppressor for protecting switch, relay or contactor contacts and the like comprises a two terminal module adapted to be attached in parallel with the contacts to be protected and including a circuit for deriving an operating voltage upon the transitioning of the switch, relay or contactor contacts from a closed to an open disposition, the power being rectified and the resulting DC signal used to trigger a power triac switch via an optoisolator circuit whereby arc suppression pulses are generated for short predetermined intervals only at a transition of the mechanical switch, relay or contactor contacts from an closed to an open transition and, again, at an open to a close transition during contact bounce conditions.

Abstract: The invention concerns a switchyard for interconnecting direct current power networks and a direct current power transmission system comprising such a switchyard. The switchyard comprises a number of interconnected entities comprising at least two main circuit breakers and a number of transfer switches, where each network has two connections to the switchyard, at least one via a transfer switch, each main circuit breaker has four connections in the switchyard, two at each end of the main circuit breaker and at least one via a transfer switch, and each network is joined with every other network via a corresponding path through at least one main circuit breaker as well as via a corresponding path bypassing all main circuit breakers.

Abstract: A system and method to detect arc faults in branch wiring. The system includes a line conductor and a neutral conductor. A circuit breaker is connected to an alternating current source via the line and neutral conductors. Electrical outlet devices are coupled to the circuit breaker via the line and neutral conductors. Each of the electrical outlet devices has a neutral shorting switching element coupled between the line and neutral conductors, and a load control switching element in the line conductor. The electrical outlet devices also each include an outlet controller to control the switching elements. The outlet controllers close the neutral shorting switching elements and the master controller determines if high impedance is present to detect a series arc fault. The outlet controllers open the load control switching elements and the master controller determines if any current is flowing on the line conductor to detect a parallel arc fault.

Abstract: An electrical storage system includes an electrical storage device, a load, a positive electrode line, a negative electrode line, a first relay, a second relay, a third relay, a drive circuit and a controller. The drive circuit includes a coil, a first power line, a second power line, and a sensor. The first power line includes a first switch element and a second switch element connected in series with each other. The second power line includes a second resistive element and a third switch element connected in series with each other. The drive circuit is configured to cause both the second and third relays and the first relay to operate at different timings. The controller is configured to control operation of the drive circuit. The controller is configured to output a control signal for setting each switch element to the non-energized state, and determine whether any one of the switch elements has a failure in the energized state on the basis of the output signal of the sensor.

Abstract: A fault current limiter may include a current limiting leg to transmit a first current and a control leg in parallel with the current limiting leg, the control leg to transmit a second current. The control leg may include a plurality of solid state switches arranged in electrical series with one another; a plurality of current monitors arranged in electrical series with the plurality of solid state switches; and at least one triggering circuit, wherein the plurality of current monitors are electrically coupled to the at least one triggering circuit, and wherein the at least one triggering circuit is optically coupled to the plurality of solid state switches.

Abstract: Method for detecting an electric arc in a photovoltaic installation, which includes measurement (E6) of voltage values at at least one site of the electrical circuit of the photovoltaic installation; digitization (E8) of the measured voltage values so as to form voltage data; formation (E11) of a window of n recent digitized voltage data; computation (E12) of a test value associated with the said window of the n voltage data; analysis (E13) of a test vector comprising m test values associated with m recent windows generating a quantity arising from this analysis representative of a risk of electric arc; comparison (E15) of this quantity arising with at least one threshold so as to deduce therefrom the presence or otherwise of an electric arc within the photovoltaic installation.

Abstract: A motor control circuit comprising a speed control circuit configured to output speed command information relating to the rotational speed of a motor based on target information relating to a target rotational speed and rotational speed detection information of the rotational speed of the motor, a drive stop control circuit configured to output a first drive stop control signal for performing braking control of the motor or a second drive stop control signal for performing free-run stop control of the motor based on the rotational speed detection information and the speed command information when input of the target information is stopped, and a drive signal generation circuit configured to generate a drive control signal for driving the motor based on the first drive stop control signal or the second drive stop control signal when the first drive stop control signal or the second drive stop control signal is output.

Abstract: A relay system is provided which is designed to avoid flow of inrush current through a capacitor in a pre-charge mode wherein the capacitor is pre-charged. The relay system includes a pair of power lines, a capacitor, a series-connected assembly, a control circuit, and a relay module. The relay module includes two main switches, a main coil, and a sub-coil. In the pre-charge mode, the control circuit energizes both the main and sub-coils to turn on only one of the main switches. Before entering the pre-charge mode, the control circuit diagnoses the sub-coil. When the sub-coil is determined as being malfunctioning, the control circuit inhibits the pre-charge mode from being entered.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a power distribution device including a power outlet comprising a receptacle including an internal conductor configured to be coupled to a power source and to an external conductor inserted into the receptacle, a switch configured to provide an indication of whether the external conductor has been sufficiently inserted within the receptacle, a relay configured to form a first connection between the external conductor and the power source, a transistor configured to be coupled in parallel with the relay, to form a second connection between the external conductor and the power source, and a controller configured to determine, based on the switch, that the external conductor is being removed, in response to the external conductor being removed, control the relay to sever the first connection, and in response to opening the relay, control the transistor to sever the second connection after a predetermined delay.

Abstract: A multi-channel power controller includes a main controller communicatively coupled to a plurality of standard power control circuit boards. Each of the standard power controller circuit boards includes a nexus having a plurality of virtual channels and a plurality of solid state power controllers. Each of the solid state power controllers is controlled by one of the virtual channels. A plurality of physical control channels operable to control power to at least one load. Each physical control channel of the plurality of physical control channels is controlled by a corresponding solid state power controller of the plurality of solid state power controllers. At least one of the virtual channels controls more than one of the physical control channels in the plurality of physical control channels.

Abstract: A device for connecting to a power network includes a circuit board, a first input-side connection point, to which a first phase of the power network can be connected, a second input-side connection point, to which a second phase of the power network can be connected, and a first and second electrical conductor. The first conductor is connected to the first input-side connection point and the second conductor is connected to the second input-side connection point inside the device. The first conductor is routed as a conductor trace in an interior layer of the circuit board and includes a constriction. The second conductor is routed past the constriction such that electrical insulation existing between the constriction of the first conductor and the second conductor is destroyed in the case of a short-circuit current, to provide an electrically conductive connection between the first and second conductor exists.