An SCR power controller is a silicon controlled rectifier; think controllable diode with support electronics, heat management, and safety packaging. SCRs can be used in a variety of application to control the power, current and voltage to your load. See our list of applications: https://ccipower.com/industries Please feel free to contact us if you do not see your application on this list.

How does an SCR power controller work?

Phase angle controllers work like a light dimmer. The load voltage is varied by varying the time within each electrical half-cycle during which voltage is applied to the load.

Zero-cross is analogous to a very fast contactor that "makes" only at the beginning of each electrical half-cycle and always "breaks" at the end of the electrical half-cycle.

Read further about control modes.

Anchor

When should phase angle be used and when should zero-cross be used?

Phase angle can be used to control all loads. Phase angle must be used to power transformer coupled loads and fast heating loads like lamps.

Zero-cross has the advantages of being lower in price, slightly more reliable and generates substantially less harmonics than phase angle controllers.

What are the advantages of SCR controllers verses mechanical contactors?

Infinite resolution
No inherent wear out modes
Often less expensive
Voltage compensation, current limiting, and over current trip are available in the SCR controller design.

How much heat does a SCR controller generate?

Approximately 1.2 watts per amp switched per power line controlled by an SCR.

What command signals will the SCR controllers operate on?

All of the commonly available command signals of the various temperature controllers and PLC outputs such as; analog signals 4-20mA, 0-5Vdc, 0-10Vdc, Potentiometer and on/off 3-32Vdc, 0-24Vdc, 0-120Vac or 0-240Vac.

Other command signals can be ordered to match with older control signals like 2-12mA, 12-20mA, 1.2-6Vdc.

The following fieldbus interfaces are also available on our digital controllers:

DeviceNet (ODVA-certified DeviceNet)
Modbus RTU (RS-485)
Modbus TCP (Ethernet)
ProfiNet (Ethernet)
EtherNet/IP (Ethernet)

Do controllers generate harmonics on the electrical lines?

Yes, they do generate harmonics on power lines.

Anchor A zero cross controller generates most of its harmonics below 50/60 cycles.

Phase angle controllers generate harmonics above 50/60 cycles with the largest distortions at 3rd, 5th, and 7th harmonics for single phase controllers. For three phase phase angle controllers, the third, and multiples of the third, are not created.

What are the effects of harmonics and should I be concerned?

Harmonics can cause overheating of inductive equipment, such as transformers, motors, etc. However, actual occurrences of this problem from harmonics are essentially non-existent.

About Our Power Controllers

How do I select the correct SCR power controller?

Please call 1-800-765-2799, Live Chat, or email [email protected] and we will be glad to help.

To better assist you, please have the following information available:

Voltage, single-phase or three-phase, load current, load type, command signal, and any other features you are interested in.

Are the controllers listed or recognized by a national testing lab?

Most controllers manufactured by Control Concepts have been tested by Underwriters Labs to UL and CSA standards and carry the UL and CUL marking. Some controllers have received CE certification from TUV America.

What are the differences between MicroFUSION models? (SX-S, SX-L, HX-L, HX-P)

Please refer to pages 6 & 7 of the MicroFUSION datasheet for a table explaining which features are available. We recommend using the HX model if digital communications are needed.

How do I change the analog input type on MicroFUSION?

This setting is defaulted to 4/20mA, but you can change to another signal such as 0/5Vdc or 0/10Vdc with Control Panel software. There is a setting change in the ‘Quick Setup’, and can also be changed in the Analog Inputs tab of software. You can also adjust the scaling in the Analog inputs tab.

What is a “Low Output Warning Alarm”?

This alarm indicates the SCR cannot achieve the output that the SCR is being commanded to go to. Example of this is the full scale voltage is set to 480VAC, but the line supply is only 460VAC. If the SCR is commanded to go to 100% output, it physically cannot achieve 480VAC on a 460VAC supply. The Low Output Alarm will activate. Once the SCR is able to reach a setpoint, the alarm will go away. This alarm can be disabled, or the full scale settings can be adjusted to eliminate this alarm.

Quotes and Orders

Where do I request a quote?

You can email your request to [email protected]. You can also check for a Representative in your area here: https://ccipower.com/find-distributor

Where do I send my Purchase Order (PO)?

Send your PO to [email protected]

Where do I find tracking information?

Once an order ships, tracking number is automatically sent via email to the buyer listed on the purchase order (PO).

How do I submit an RMA request?

Please submit your request here: https://ccipower.com/request-rma

You can also call our office for additional support 1-800-765-2799

Do you sell fuses?

Yes. We stock a variety of touch-safe branch rated fuses. We recommend you fuse your load at 125% of either the full load current or the SCR’s frame rating. See our Engineering Checklist for more info: https://ccipower.com/node/41/scr-design-engineering-checklist

Fuses also help certify our products as UL, CE & 100KA SCCR rated. More on SCCR ratings can be found here: https://ccipower.com/support/resources/technical-reference/short-circuit-current-rating-sccr

Product Documentation and Software

Where can I find the manuals?

Manuals can be downloaded when you create a free login on our website: https://ccipower.com/user/login

Where can I find the CAD files?

CAD files can be downloaded when you create a free login on our website: https://ccipower.com/user/login

Where do I find firmware?

Firmware is not available to download from our website. Please contact our Sales Application Engineers to determine if a firmware upgrade is right for you: [email protected]

Where can I find Control Panel Software?

You can download our free Control Panel Software here: https://ccipower.com/products/accessories/control-panel-software

Do I need to register Control Panel Software?

Yes, there is a 10 day trial, and after the trial expires, you will need to register with basic user information. Registering and use of the software is free.

I didn’t get a confirmation code when I registered Control Panel Software. How do I find it?

Please check your junk email folder. If you still need assistance, please contact our support team: 1-800-765-2799, Live Chat or email [email protected]

My SCR cannot connect to software, what should I do?

Some Micro USB cables do not have high enough quality to transmit data. We suggest trying a different USB cable. USB 2.0 is known to be successful in connecting.

How do I find more information on Digital Communications

Please download the Communication Card Manual and Parameter List: https://ccipower.com/customer-support/manuals-and-cad-blocks

Do you have EDS, GSDML, or ESI files available to download?

Yes, the digital interface files can be downloaded here: https://ccipower.com/products/digital-interfaces

Do you have fuse kit CAD files?

Fusing CAD files can be downloaded directly from the Littelfuse website: https://www.littelfuse.com/products/fuses-overcurrent-protection/fuse-holders-fuse-blocks-accessories/fuse-blocks/industrial-fuse-blocks/lft

Wiring and Installation

Are contactors required?

As SCR controllers are not safety disconnects, some sort of safety disconnect is usually required. Please consult your local electrical codes. See our Engineering Checklist for more info: https://ccipower.com/node/41/scr-design-engineering-checklist

Does MicroFUSION require +24VDC, and where is it connected?

Yes +24VDC is required for all MicroFUSION units. +24VDC is connected on Pins 1(-) & 2(+) Please make sure the 24VDC LED is green. If red, the polarity is reversed. See page 9 of the datasheet for power consumption.

How should a controller be fused?

Control Concepts recommends that a class "T" fuse be used to protect the SCR. Control Concepts has found that the class T fuse is an excellent compromise between protection and premature fuse failure.

Can I put parallel loads on one controller?

In most cases yes, as long as the total load current is not more than the SCR controller is rated to handle.

What size of fuse should I use on a 30-amp single-phase load?

Size the fuses to be 25% over the full load current. In this case, fuse the SCR controller at 40 Amps with a very fast fuse, "Type T" or faster.

How do I derate Control Concepts, Inc. SCR Power Controllers?

While derating is necessary with most manufacturers’ controllers, starting at as little as 25 degrees C (room temperature), our controllers are rated at 55 degrees C (130 degrees F). In most cases, no derating is required. Consider the cost savings: with many controllers, in order to control 120 amps at 55 degree C, you would need to order a 200 amp controller (because of their derating curve). With our controllers, you can order a 120 amp controller and actually control 120 amps without overheating or failing prematurely.