Peak current capability

The unit can deliver peak currents (up to several milliseconds) which are higher than the specified short-term currents.

This helps to start current demanding loads. Solenoids, contactors, and pneumatic modules often have a steady state coil and a pick-up coil. The inrush current demand of the pick-up coil is several times higher than the steady-state current and usually exceeds the nominal output current. The same situation applies when starting a capacitive load.

The peak current capability also ensures the safe operation of subsequent circuit breakers of load circuits. The load branches are often individually protected with circuit breakers or fuses. In case of a short or an overload in one branch circuit, the fuse or circuit breaker need a certain amount of over-current to open in a timely manner. This avoids voltage loss in adjacent circuits.

The extra current (peak current) is supplied by the power converter and the built-in large sized output capacitors of the power supply. The capacitors get discharged during such an event, which causes a voltage dip on the output. The following two examples show typical voltage dips: