Eaton Connects to the Power of the Sun with Its Switched Combiner for Solar Photovoltaic Installations

Uniting Eaton's 600 voltage direct current (vDC) solar disconnect and source-combiner box in one convenient enclosure, the Switched Combiner is the latest addition to the growing range of innovative solar energy solutions from Eaton.

PITTSBURGH … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today announced the release of the Eaton Switched Combiner (ESC). Uniting Eaton's 600 voltage direct current (vDC) solar disconnect and source-combiner box in one convenient enclosure, the Switched Combiner is the latest addition to the growing range of innovative solar energy solutions from Eaton.


The ESC, an Underwriters Laboratories® (UL) 1741 listed device, provides a single point to combine incoming photovoltaic (PV) strings and disconnect direct current (DC) power close to the PV modules. It also saves installation time and costs by incorporating a traditional, side-operated UL 98 design quick-make, quick-break heavy duty safety switch main disconnect. Consistent with Eaton's line of solar disconnect switches, fusible versions have one set of fuse clips mounted on the center pole, allowing complete isolation of the fuse when the switch is in the "off" position, reducing costs by requiring only one fuse per main disconnect switch.

"The Eaton Switched Combiner offers an ideal way to meet the intent of the 2011 National Electric Code® (NEC), which includes a variety of requirements related to solar PV systems," said Brendan Foley, product line manager, Eaton. "Our switched combiners illustrate Eaton's further expansion into the solar marketplace and our commitment to provide quality products designed with the installer in mind."

The ESC input fuse holders are hard bussed to the main disconnect. It has ample enclosure space to allow for easier wiring of the main disconnect, input fuse holders and optional current monitoring. Enclosures have been designed to allow mounting in either vertical or horizontal orientations. The standard offering includes input fuse holders, return block, ground bar, and main disconnect in a choice of National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) enclosure ratings.

Eaton also offers a choice of options for the ESC, including surge protection, current monitoring and wireless communication. The UL listed monitors measure DC current per channel, as well as total and average DC current, allowing users to measure system performance and identify maintenance requirements quickly.

Eaton provides national support and service infrastructure for installation, start-up and commissioning of solar PV systems. Additionally, system design and project management contracts are available for turnkey project requirements. For more information, visit www.eaton.com/solar.

Eaton's electrical business is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and automation, power monitoring and energy management products and services. Eaton is positioned, through its Cutler-Hammer®, Moeller®, Powerware®, Holec®, MEM®, and Santak® global electrical product series, to answer today's most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2010 sales of $13.7 billion. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2011, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 73,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

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