Capacitor Bank Switch Controls
The capacitor switch controls shown in the VES Co. catalog are different from other controls commonly used to operate Joslyn™ switches. First, they have extremely low power demands. Second, the control is very precise in timing switch contact opening and closing. Third, the controls are connected to the switches with a cable, having connectors on both ends to speed installation.
The power demand is low because both the single and multiple switch controls are powered by switching power supplies with 10 and 25 watts ratings respectively. At these low power levels the peak current demand is easily under three amperes and the maintenance charging current is a trickle. Since the power demand is so low, voltage drops in long runs of wire to the control, as to not cause operating problems. The controls can accept 12VDC, 48VDC, 120VAC, 125VDC, or 220VAC inputs.
These controls are very precise in controlling switch timing because the basic electronic circuitry used in all the controls was designed for closing switches at zero voltage. The precision is achieved both by electronic switching and also having a closely regulated voltage on the stored energy capacitors. The zero voltage switching feature is optional, but even if this option is not elected the precision is retained by the electronics.
The controls are easy to diagnose and repair. They are a modular assembly of circuit boards, wiring harnesses, and cables all of which can be quickly unplugged and replaced. This enables a person who is not familiar with the details of the circuitry and operation of the control to quickly isolate and determine what components are not working properly by substituting whole assemblies.