Littelfuse: Industrial Shock Block SB5000
March 28, 2022
Littelfuse, Inc. recently launched its SB5000 Industrial Shock Block Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to help protect workers from electrical shock by detecting leakage current, and interrupting the circuit for loads up to 60 A. In addition, the SB5000’s advanced ground check protection functionality monitors the ground wire for continuity, from the Shock Block to the load, to interrupt power or prevent energization of equipment if compromised.
The SB5000 Shock Block is suitable for many industries such as food and beverage, commercial kitchens, construction, mining, general manufacturing as well as in places where electrical equipment is being used outdoors or in wet environments.
“More than 90 percent of electrical fatalities among US workers are due to electrical shock, and even minor shock injuries can result in life-altering and debilitating symptoms,” stated Mark Pollock, global product manager, Littelfuse Industrial Business Unit. “To help prevent these events, systems should be designed to eliminate the hazards with engineering controls like the Littelfuse SB5000 Shock Block which helps reduce system downtime, lower costs, and most importantly prevent personnel injuries and fatalities.”
In addition to the standard functions such as a 6 mA trip level for Class A and 20 mA for Class C and D devices, the Littelfuse SB5000 Shock Block:
- – reduces unnecessary tripping by implementing the inverse time curve defined by UL 943 as well as a DFT filtering algorithm;
- – includes NEMA 4X and IP69K enclosure ratings for all food preparation environments; and
- – has advanced ground-check functionality with a two-stage Zener termination option meeting CSA M421 which can identify a crushed cable before the equipment is energized.
The UL Listed SB5000 Shock Block series is available in various models. The Special-Purpose Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (SPGFCI) is designed to meet the requirements for special-purpose GFCIs as defined by UL 943C for industrial applications. It includes Class C for three-phase systems with 480 V or less and Class D for 600 V systems. The Class A Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is for non-dwelling units using plug and cord equipment to meet NEC 210.8(B) for three-phase loads up to 60 A. The Equipment Ground-Fault Protective Device (EGFPD) model is available with adjustable protection set points from 6 mA–100 mA for added flexibility.
