Fireproofing the Grid: New Safety Standards Hold at 900°C for 33 Minutes
Published on 07/25/2026 at 23:51 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Germany's push toward renewable energy is forcing a rethink of electrical safety standards, with manufacturers unveiling products this week that target fire resistance, maintenance-free operation, and regulatory compliance.
Hager overhauls fuse switch disconnector line
On July 24, Hager introduced a new series of NH fuse switch disconnectors. The fv+ range, designed for 185-mm busbar systems, replaces the company’s existing portfolio and covers sizes NH00 through NH3.
Safety drove the redesign. Contactless fuse removal and a stop mechanism for the switching cover aim to prevent injuries. A parallel switching mechanism reduces arc energy during operation. From size NH00 upward, the housing contains at least 11 percent recycled plastic.
Industrial automation gets new components
Schurter launched DMSD series DIP switches with a 2.54-mm pitch, rated for up to 2,000 switching cycles. The components target device configuration in industrial and building automation.
ONCCY released the EATS3 automatic phase sequence switch, handling currents up to 100 amperes. The DIN-rail-mounted unit offers adjustable overvoltage and undervoltage thresholds, plus selectable priorities for switching between two inputs.
33 minutes at 900 degrees: a fire-safety benchmark
Maintaining system function during a fire remains a priority. Dehn SE and Celsion Brandschutzsysteme developed a certified E30 solution for surge protection.
Real-fire tests at MPA Stuttgart subjected the combination of surge arresters and a special fireproof enclosure to temperatures exceeding 900 degrees Celsius for over 33 minutes. The target: safety-critical systems such as fire alarms and voice-evacuation systems must remain operational for at least 30 minutes.
Maintenance-free UPS using supercapacitors
Bicker Elektronik introduced a DC uninterruptible power supply that uses electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs). These allow up to 500,000 charge cycles, effectively making the system maintenance-free.
The unit operates across a temperature range of -20 to +65 degrees Celsius and includes interfaces for real-time monitoring.
New certifications for PV components
TÜV Rheinland and Sungrow defined quantitative standards for photovoltaic components. Guidelines 2 PfG 3325 and 2 PfG 3328 Part 2 assess the lifespan of IGBT components and complete inverters under realistic conditions.
Initial certifications have been issued for specific string inverters and storage systems. The data comes from PV plants worldwide.
Separately, the EEBUS Initiative launched a certification process for devices meeting § 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). The regulation governs the controllable integration of consumption equipment into the power grid.
Electric cars as mobile batteries: safety gaps found
Using electric vehicles as mobile power storage (vehicle-to-load, or V2L) is drawing attention. The ADAC tested models from BMW, BYD, Kia, MG, Renault, and XPeng.
Short-circuit protection performed well across the board. But the tests revealed weaknesses in the mechanical locking of adapters and in operation during rain. Sustained power output from the tested models typically reached 3.7 kilowatts.
In high-voltage systems, HVIL connectors (High Voltage Interlock Loop) are gaining importance. Experts stress the need for low contact resistance, high insulation values, and mechanical robustness — especially against vibration and shock in demanding environments.
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