ABB’s Low Voltage Products division has introduced the F200 Ground Fault Equipment Protector (GFEP), designed to protect equipment against damaging line-to-ground currents by disconnecting all ungrounded conductors of the faulted circuit.
A ground fault is caused by an insulation loss between a live conductor and an exposed conductive part that creates a flow of current to the ground. Most short circuits initially manifest as ground faults, which, if undetected, can cause serious, costly damage to electrical systems and equipment. A GFEP added to an electrical system trips when the system leaks a significant current to ground, immediately preventing the potential short circuit before such damage can occur.
The ABB F200 GFEP line consists of the 2-pole F202 for single phase networks (shown here), and the 4-pole F204 for split phases, Delta and Wye networks. All variations are compliant to the UL 1053 standard for ground fault sensing and relaying equipment, and in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 for use in ordinary locations. The F200 GFEP immediately detects ground faults by continuously measures the current balance between live conductors and the neutral using a toroidal current transformer.
F200 GFEP devices can be applied to most electrical networks up to 480VAC, and can be installed in distribution panels and on critical equipment. They are suitable for a variety of industrial and commercial applications including: oil and gas, water and wastewater treatment, water pumps for fountains and irrigation, pharmaceutical manufacturing, semiconductor facilities, outdoor installations, and heating equipment. The use of GFEPs is mandatory for outdoor electric de-icing and snow-melting equipment, and OEM machinery equipped with the devices will be protected against potentially costly repairs and downtime. Other features include:
- Bi-directional cylindrical terminals for safe and easy connections.
- Two terminals on each devise, one for cables up to 10 mm2 and one for cables up to 25 mm2, allowing the connection of two independent cables in the same device.
- DIN rail mountable functionality.
- The ability to use the devices in ambient conditions with surrounding atmosphere temperature ranges from -13°F to +131°F.
Using the F200 GFEP in series with ABB’s UL 489 S200 U and S200 UP miniature circuit breakers will ensure complete protection of the circuit from overload, short circuit and ground fault.
