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Power Controller Comparison Guides

Power Controller Quick Selection Chart

Amps Power Controller Firing Mode Electric Heating Element Type Features Agency Approvals
18 to 100A DIN-A-MITE® Burst fire, variable time base phase angle-fire3 Nichrome™ wire, other Four models meet power, budget and feature requirements. Same footprint as popular MDRs. Convenient DIN rail mounting. UL® 508 listed, C-UL® up to 100 amps and CE with proper filter
150 to 1000A QPAC Burst fire, variable time base Phase-angle firing Nichrome™ wire, other2 Modular design incorporating plug-in cards for contactor, burst fire, variable time base, or phase angle. Quick delivery. UL® 508 listed and C-UL® up to 300A
10 to 75A SSR VAC or VDC, burst fire contactor input Nichrome™ wire Low cost, requires heatsink. Heatsink and over-temperature protection recommended. Stocked for same day shipment. UL® 873 Recognized, CSA Certified and VDE 0805
18 to 50A CZR Contactor input Nichrome™ wire Compact electrically. Touch safe package. Convenient DIN-rail mounting. UL® 508 listed CSA Certified, VDE, CE
65 to 250A POWER SERIES Burst fire, Variable time base Phase-angle firing3 Nichrome™ wire, other2 Microprocessor-based heater diagnostics. RS-232/485 communications. Heater bakeout feature. UL® 508 listed C-UL®
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(1)  Includes heater replacement and lost production.
(2)  Heating elements that change resistance value over time and temperature, i.e; silicon carbide, tungsten.
(3)  Phase angle firing up to 65 amps. Single pahse only. Not CE approved.

Power Controller Characteristics

Initial Cost 3 Year Cost1 Control Life Heater Life EMI Generation Control Response Rate Options
Electromechanical Relay And Contactor
Low for low current Highest Limited (elec. & mech.) Shortest Yes, coil and contacts Poor Slowest None
E-SAFE RELAY®
Low Medium High Good Minimal Good Fast None
Mercury Displacement Relay (MDR)
Low for low to medium current Medium High Good Yes, coil and contact Fair to good Medium to fast None
Solid State Relay (SSR)
Medium Medium Extended Extended Minimal with burst fire Good Fast None
SCR Solid State Contactor
Medium Low Extended Extended Minimal Good Fast None
SCR Burst Firing
High Low Extended Longest Minimal Excellent Fastest None
SCR Phase-Angle Firing
High Lowest Extended Longest High Excellent Fastest Current limit
Saturable Core Reactor
Highest Low Extended Longest Minimal Very Good Fast Current limit
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