Circuit breakers are an essential safeguard to electrical systems, but they can be vulnerable to mechanical damage. When a circuit breaker trips to open the circuit, the arm that carries the contact can move violently due to magnetic repulsion forces. The moveable contact can over-travel or bounce back, causing damage. Circuit breaker builders typically incorporate shock absorber elements into their designs to address the problem. Here’s how one manufacturer uses an ACE Controls miniature shock absorber in a circuit breaker design to dampen the impacts:

The circuit breaker — which will open in various emergency situations — operates in a medium voltage range between 7.2 and 38 kilovolts, and the lever’s impact speed is 4.25 feet per second. In this particular unit, the shock absorber is used to reduce forces over a wide and low temperature range.

The manufacturer chose an ACE Controls SC300-3 miniature shock absorber, part of the SC190 to SC925 product family. The “SC” stands for “soft contact,” which is made possible by the damper’s 0.75-inch long strokes. It features an energy capacity of 300 inch-pounds per cycle, and it can handle impact velocities from 0.5 to 12 feet per second. These self-compensating shock absorbers react to changing energy conditions without adjustment. SC190 to SC925 product family features and specifications include:

• Overlapping effective weight ranges, covering loads of 3 to 4,400 pounds.
• Units can be set up with a linear or a progressive braking curve.
• Impact angles up to 25 degrees using a side load adapter.
• Integrated positive stop.
• Maintenance-free and ready to install.

Using the SC300-3 miniature shock absorber, the circuit breaker manufacturer was able to achieve smooth arcing and bounceback at the end of an opening operation whenever fault conditions occur. And thanks to the shock absorber’s wide operating temperature range of 32 to 150°F, the shock absorber functions reliably in harsh temperatures.

Ensure a Safe, Functional Electronic System

Because circuit breakers are critical to keeping electronic systems safe and functional, people and personnel must have confidence in their reliability. A damaged circuit breaker due to over-travel and bounce-back issues is unacceptable. The ACE Controls SC190 to SC925 shock absorber family exhibits low reaction forces and provides smooth deceleration to ensure circuit breakers operate reliably over a long lifetime.

For more information about the ACE Controls SC190 to SC925 family of soft-contact miniature shock absorbers, visit the product page.

Learn More

The post Miniature Shock Absorbers Prevent Circuit Breaker Damage appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

Let’s take a look at some of the common ones you’ll see, as well as examples of their typical uses:

Push-type gas springs to lift and lower loads. These gas springs suit devices that lift or lower loads with easy control and minimal exertion. They support covers and lids in many industries, including automation and machine building, medical technology, electronics—and more.

Pull-type gas springs to fit constrained spaces. These compact springs can mount in any orientation and position. Unlike push-type springs, the gas pressure in the cylinder retracts the piston rod. Pull-type gas springs are used in various industrial applications, as well as medical devices, electronics and furniture.

Locking gas springs to hold a position. Many chair-type applications, such as mobility systems, need to maintain a certain position to support the end user. For example, when a person triggers a chair into motion by pressing a button or lever, a piston valve opens—extending the spring and moving the seat into position. When the user triggers the seat again, the valve closes, locking the piston rod—and chair—into position.

Rust-inhibiting gas springs to protect against corrosion. Many gas spring vendors offer rust-inhibiting versions of their standard models to protect against corrosion in food or hygienically sensitive areas. ACE Controls, for example, offers standard gas springs with an advanced UV coating or stainless steel outer bodies that can also be filled with food-grade oil—conforming to FDA standards.

To learn more about gas spring design and customization, download our latest white paper.

Download the White Paper

The post Your Guide to Gas Spring Design and Customization: Part II appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..

The original VibroChecker app from Ace Controls uses the acceleration sensors, gyroscopes and microphones integrated in the iPhone and iPad to measure vibrations on machines and components within a frequency range of up to 50 Hz. Upgrading to the new ‘PRO’ version of the app increases the range up to 8,000Hz. The user simply has to connect an external USB sensor (available from a 3rd party) to the iOS device via the lightning port and an adaptor.

Measurement results can be saved or emailed directly to Ace Controls.

Download the new app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vibrochecker-pro/id1076108553?mt=8&ign- mpt=uo=2

The post New App Turns Apple iOS Devices Into Professional Vibration Measurement Tools appeared first on ACE Controls Inc..