New PV String Monitoring Cards for Combiner Box Applications

NEWBURYPORT, MA (November 1, 2013) — Mersen (formerly Ferraz Shawmut) is pleased to announce the addition of PV String Monitoring Cards to its dedicated offering of photovoltaic products.

In order to guarantee long term power performance in mid- and large-scale photovoltaic (PV) installations, it is mandatory to properly monitor the production of the installation over time, at the string level. String level monitoring is guaranteed to maximize energy production, optimize facility management, and decrease operations and maintenance costs. Mersen, a worldwide leader in electrical protection solutions, has created a complete and dedicated product offering for photovoltaic applications, the HelioProtection® program. The latest innovation into this program is a line of string monitoring products that can be customized to the target installation.

Product Highlights:

*Built-in Power Supply – Take power directly from the PV string. Eliminates the need to purchase and install a separate power supply to power the device

*Accuracy – 0.5% precision compared to 5% from competitors

*Voltage and Current Measurement – Additional voltage measurement provides a greater level of detail and is required by some integrators

*Flexible 6-String Device – Allows for greater flexibility (can be configured for 6, 12, 18, 24, or 30 string boxes)

*Integrated Bus Bar – Combines strings into 1 or 2 outputs based on ampere rating. Eliminates the need for separate comb bus bar.

*Higher Amp Rating – Designed for string inputs up to 25A. Compare to competitor products with 15A or 20A inputs per string.

*Increased Functionality – Option to connect up to 8 external sensors (anemometer, thermometer, sun sensor, etc.)

For complete details about this product including technical data, ratings, accessories, and more visit ep-us.mersen.com.

About Mersen

Mersen, formerly Ferraz Shawmut, is a worldwide expert in high-performance materials for extreme environments and in the reliability and safety of electrical installations. Drawing on a century of experience—and an ongoing commitment to critical research in electrical safety— it provides industrial, commercial, and OEM customers with innovative products and unsurpassed technical support. The electrical and circuit protection division provides a comprehensive line of current-limiting fuses (low voltage, general purpose, medium voltage, semiconductor, miniature and glass, and special purpose) and accessories, fuse blocks and holders, power distribution blocks, low voltage disconnect switches, surge protection, high power switches, heatsinks, and more. Amp-Trap® High-Speed Class J (HSJ) fuses, TPMOV® Technology, and the SmartSpot® open-fuse indicator are a few of the company's latest innovations. For more information, call (978) 462-6662 or visit http://ep-us.mersen.com.