Our Siba-Hill Tech crew from RE+ 2024! Hill Tech salesman, Andy Hill, pictured in blue on the far-left side.
Hill Technical Sales is heading back to RE+ 2025, happening September 8-11! Join us at The Venetian Convention & Expo Center and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, NV. We’ll be there with Siba Fuses at the Venetian Level 2 at Booth V7337.
Siba Fuses
Siba Fuses offers protective solutions for photovoltaic systems with voltage ratings between 600 and 1500 VDC, using their class gPV and gFP fuses. For electric vehicle charging infrastructure and inverters, SIBA provides compact, ultra-rapid AC and pure DC fuses. If your application requires medium voltage solutions, SIBA also has a comprehensive range of MV fuses. Renowned worldwide for their quality fuses and fuse accessories, SIBA is committed to delivering reliable protection for a variety of applications.
Be sure to ask about their reliable and innovative URDC-ES fuses. These fuses are designed for voltages of up to 2500 VDC and are specifically tailored to handle the high kA and L/R time constants of 3ms or less in class aR, gR, and gRL (gS). This is essential for safeguarding batteries and energy storage systems.
Siba’s team is here to provide valuable insight and guidance for your project! Don’t miss talking with them at the convention!
Contact Us!
Talk to us at the RE+ 2025, but also check out how you can connect with us online! Visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!
Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:
Field issues are rare, and when they happen it seems like they come out of nowhere. You look into the matter and find out the problem was with something as simple as a mounting bolt. We at Hill Tech have been examining these issues and providing solutions to keep assemblies and configurations running smoothly without easily avoidable hiccups. Today, we’re examining commonly looked over installation issues with toroidal transformer set ups.
Types of Toroidal Transformer Failures
We recently had a situation that involved toroidal transformer failures, and at first it seemed as if the malfunction was happening at random. When we looked closer, we found that the problem was linked to excessive torque being applied to the center bolt during its assembly.
When using disc-style mounting hardware to install toroidal transformers, it is essential to apply the correct amount of torque. We’ve seen issues arise whenever the installer unintentionally over-tightens the center bolt, especially in designs where the primary winding is made from a thinner gauge wire than the secondary one. With this added pressure, the internal windings can become too compressed. This leads to installation breakdown and, ultimately, a short in the primary.
What makes this especially difficult is that these issues are hard to find. They can start and build up in ways that are easy to miss. The problems might only reveal themselves when the unit is in operation. And these invisible difficulties can create catastrophic problems: if the primary fuse isn’t fast enough to blow, the insulation could completely melt down, creating a massive disaster.
Let Us Help
We at Hill Tech want to avoid invisible issues that build up like this. That’s why we aim to do more than just supply components- we want to inform about best practices, too.
To prevent toroidal transformer failure, we provide them pre-marked with the recommended torque specifications. We can even label the mounting plate with a clearly visible “Do Not Exceed” torque rating. Simple preventative measures can make a massive long-term difference.
If you’re assembling toroidal transformers and want to make sure you’re maintaining precision and care, let us help! We’ll get you set up with the right components and supply options for your design and assembly process.
Contact Us!
Let’s get you set up with the reliable system you need! Contact us today! Visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!
Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:
Some circuits need to carry on higher load circuits, and this might call for multiple fuse links in parallel as to evenly distribute the electrical load. To do this, you must have identical rated currents for all fuse links, minimal resistance variation between fuses, and proper synchronization of load splitting. And of course, safety is an absolute must. When a parallel fuse is set up with a lot of planning and care, it can allow for a higher current capacity while maintaining system protection.
Let’s break down how to calculate the required rating for using our SIBA HV fuses in parallel applications, along with other key considerations.
How to Calculate the Required Rating for Parallel Medium Voltage Fuses
When fuses are connected in parallel, the current rating total is actually greater than the sum of the rated currents of the individual fuses. When considering safety and reliability, this value needs to be adjusted.
Key Formula:
Total Current Rating= (Fuse 1 rated current+Fuse 2 rated current+…+Fuse N rated current) ×Safety Factor
Example Calculation:
If you have two 50A MV fuses in parallel and apply a safety factor of 1.2*:
(50A+50A) ×1.2=120A
This ensures the system operates within safe limits while accounting for potential variations in load and current sharing.
Key Considerations for Parallel Fuse Applications
1. Fuse Type and Compatibility
Always use identical fuses that have the same voltage rating to ensure an even current distribution.
These parallel fuses must be designed for high-voltage applications to effectively handle short-circuits.
2. Current Sharing & Load Balancing
In an ideal situation, a current should divide equally between fuses in a parallel setup. However, minor variations in manufacturing tolerances can lead to an uneven distribution.
In order to minimize variations in internal resistance, fuses must be used from the same production batch.
3. Safety Factor
To account for potential load fluctuations, apply a safety factor (typically 1.1 to 1.25). This also provides protection from other various conditions.
4. Manufacturer Guidelines
Make sure you refer to SIBA’s technical datasheets to gain information on specific recommendations for parallel fuse applications, such as the best way to install them and rated current values.
Why Choose SIBA HV Fuses?
SIBA HV fuses thrive in medium voltage applications, and have many features and advantages:
✅ Reliable Sealing to protect against humidity, dust, and corrosion
✅ Long service life with limited age degradation
✅ Low power losses to ensure energy efficiency and protection from overheating
✅ High breaking capacity that prevents damage by using fast current limitation
✅ Low switching voltage to enhance overall system stability
✅ Decades of proven real-world reliability
You can also use SIBA HV Fuses for a number of various applications, including:
Distribution transformers
Motor circuits
Capacitor banks
Voltage transformers
Cable feeders
SIBA’s Fast Current Limitation Advantages
While SIBA’s HV fuses offer a myriad of features, benefits, and applications, one aspect that shines the most is its ability to quickly limit short-circuit currents, protecting your equipment and switchgear from thermal and dynamic damage. This is essential for high-current applications where you need a fast response to avoid any catastrophic failures.
Get Yours Today!
Using parallel MV fuses lets you have high system reliability while also allowing for increased current capacity. If you follow these essential calculation methods, consider load balancing factors, and use SIBA HV fuses, you can guarantee optimal performance and protection for your project.
Have questions or need assistance selecting the right fuses for your system? Contact us today! If you would like to check out a variety of products that we handle that will suit your needs, please visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!
Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:
Engineers crave speed and precision in high-performance power systems, especially when these systems are delivering surge energy. If you need faster and more efficient energy transfers, along with minimal losses, you need to check out laminated bus bar structures.
Why the Laminated Bus Bar is a Game-Changer
Laminated bus bars might not look all too impressive at first—you might see them and ask yourself, “Is it just a stack of copper plates?” In reality, these are actually engineering marvels that can drastically reduce inductance to prevent the problems inductance causes: slowed down surge energy and unwanted heat.
So, how do these little marvels work their magic? How can something so small and seemingly simple cause so much efficiency?
Planar Laminated Bus Bar with Sealed Edge
🔁 Mutual Inductance Cancellation: The Secret Weapon
If you stack multiple conductive layers that have current flowing through them in opposite directions, you will find something incredible happens: their magnetic fields cancel each other out. This is known as “mutual inductance cancellation”, and it slashes stray inductance to allow for fast and clean energy to flow directly to the load, right where it’s most needed.
🧠 Smarter Geometry = Better Performance
Laminated bus structures are geometrically optimized because they are made up of flat and tightly packed conductors. The loop area is reduced with the close spacing and parallel alignment—this all works together to reduce inductance. Simple, right? But with powerful results.
You could use a typical wire harness, but these are bulky, irregular, and full of loops that actually increase inductance. Why go backwards? Laminated bus bars are compact, predictable, and specifically engineered for precision.
Pinched Sealed Laminated Bus Bar
🔥 Less Heat, More Stability
Stray inductance not only slows you down, but it can also cause energy spikes, excess heat, and interference with sensitive electronics. Laminated busbars eliminate these issues. Between the conductive layers is a thin insulating layer (usually just 5-10 mil), which uses the opposing electromagnetic fields to cancel out stray fields and boost system stability.
⚡ Where They Shine
So, where do you use laminated bus bars? They are phenomenal for power electronics, EV systems, capacitor banks, and high frequency converters. And really, they are great for any system where fast and stable energy delivery is critical.
Laminar Laminated Bus Bar Structure
🚀 Ready to Optimize?
Reduce inductance and gain speed, efficiency, and reliability with laminated bus structures. Whether you’re building high-power switching systems or refining your capacitor discharge path, they are here to help and make your project operations sail smoothly.
Ready to get started? Contact us at Hill Technical Sales. We can take even a simple sketch of your setup and get you started on designing a solution that supercharges your surge delivery!
If you would like to check out a variety of products that we handle that will suit your needs, please visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!
Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:
In the previous post we covered the basics of rheostat vs. potentiometer. Now, let’s delve deeper into a specific, high-performance type: the Torostat. These aren’t your average variable resistors; they’re robust, versatile components designed for demanding applications. Let’s explore what makes rheostats vs. potentiometers special.
Rheostat vs. Potentiometer: A Quick Recap
Before we dive into the Torostats, let’s briefly revisit the core differences between rheostats and potentiometers:
Potentiometer: A three-terminal device primarily used for voltage control. It acts as a voltage divider, providing a variable output voltage proportional to the wiper position. Think volume control on your stereo.
Rheostat: A two-terminal device used for current control. It varies resistance to control current flow. Imagine a dimmer switch for a light.
Torostats
Introducing Torostats: The Heavy Hitters
Torostats are a unique breed of variable resistors, combining the functionality of both potentiometers and rheostats. Their robust design and extensive features make them ideal for industrial and scientific applications where reliability and precision are paramount.
Key Features and Advantages:
High Power Handling: These torostats boast high wattage ratings (from 25W to 500W), making them suitable for high-current applications where standard potentiometers would fail. The data sheet details specific wattage ratings for different models (PR25, PR50, PR100, etc.).
Versatile Applications: These are used for a wide range of applications, including generator field control, lamp dimming, motor speed control, and more. Their adaptability makes them a valuable asset in various industrial settings.
Durable Construction: The toroidal winding is embedded in a vitreous enamel, providing excellent heat dissipation and preventing “hot spots.” The use of high-grade resistance alloy wire or tape ensures longevity and reliability even under heavy use.
Customizable Options: Torostats offer numerous customization options. You can choose from single or multi-gang configurations, open or enclosed designs, and various knob and dial styles. Special features like graded windings for improved linearity and automatic switches are also available.
Precise Control: The specifications in the data sheet clearly detail the angular rotation, tolerance, and operating torque of different models. This level of precision is crucial for applications where exact control is paramount.
Torostats
Types and Specifications:
See the product data sheet for detailed dimensions, ratings, and temperature curves for various models. These specifications allow engineers to select the most appropriate torostat for their specific application based on power requirements, operating temperature, and size constraints. Consult is for specific details on the PR25, PR50, PR100, PR150, PR225, PR300, and PR500 models.
Choosing the Right Torostat:
Selecting the correct Torostat involves considering several factors:
Power Requirements: Determine the maximum wattage and current needed for your application.
Operating Temperature: Account for ambient temperature and the device’s temperature rise. De-rating may be necessary in higher-temperature environments.
Size and Mounting: Choose a size and mounting style (open, enclosed, front-of-board, etc.) that suits your project.
Why Hill Technical Sales?
Hill Technical Sales offers a comprehensive selection of Torostats and other high-quality electronic components. Our expertise and commitment to customer service make us a reliable partner for all your electronics needs. Whether you’re working on a large-scale industrial project or a more specialized application, we can help you find the perfect solution.
Conclusion
Torostats represent a significant advancement in variable resistor technology. Their robust construction, versatile features, and high-power handling capabilities make them a valuable asset for countless industrial and scientific applications. Understanding their unique features is key to leveraging their potential in your projects. Contact Hill Technical Sales today to learn more!
Contact Us!
To check out a variety of other products that we handle that could suit your needs, please visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, or contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!
Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:
