The Best Choice for UL924 RIB® Relays

Tech Tuesday The Best Choice for UL924 RIB® Relays

Functional Devices knows that versatility is a big benefit when it comes to products for the engineering, installation and maintenance fields alike. For the engineers writing the specs, having one go-to product for a vast array of applications is a must. As an installer, having the flexibility to change the wiring for a system on the fly is key. For the maintenance men, adjustments to installations is necessary. Let’s take a look at one of our UL924 RIB® Relays, model ESRN, designed with flexibility in mind.

ESRN UL924 RIB® Relay

  • Firstly, the ESRN accepts any voltage between 120V and 277V. What if your normal utility power is 277V but your emergency generator power is 120V? That’s fine, both the normal and emergency power inputs to the ESRN accept 120-277V independently of the other. That’s just the beginning…
  • Secondly, one way to wire up the ESRN is to control your emergency lighting as if it were normal lighting. Using a normal switched sensing wire, you can tell the emergency light to turn on and off like an everyday light. Don’t worry though, if you lose normal power your light will turn on – no matter what.
  • Thirdly, the ESRN can be used to control 0-10V dimming loads. Whether that be as simple as a single dimmer or even using a dimmer with a driver or power pack. You can even use them on whole building systems.
  • Fourthly, fire alarm control panels can send a dry contact signal to the ESRN to turn the emergency lights on in the event of a fire.
  • Fifthly, the ESRN can be used as a standard shunt relay. Around a wall switch or around an occupancy sensor, the ESRN can bypass any type of load control to keep the lights on and people safe.
  • Sixthly, the ESRN can be tested remotely using a Class 2 dry contact. Wire it up to a momentary button (ESRTB, for example) or to a controller and make it easier on your inspector. There is also a helpful local test button on the unit itself for the installer. There is no need to have bulbs in the fixture to test the functionality.
  • Seventhly, test the ESRN every day with the two-second off delay. If you leave the room and turn the lights off, but the emergency lights don’t, wait two seconds before turning off. Replace the unit before your next inspection and save yourself some money and hassle.
  • Eighthly, LED indicators help the installer and troubleshooter see the status of the emergency power, normal power and the load status power.
  • Ninthly, the ESRN can either be panel-mounted of nipple mounted. Need wiring done inside an enclosure? Screw it down. Need wiring done at the fixture itself? Punch a knockout.

Now you know how versatile the ESRN is. I mean, how many times do you see a list long enough to use the word ‘ninthly’?

Now would be a good time to mention our ESRB model. It does everything I mentioned above, but it mounts inside the ballast channel instead of a knockout.

For more information on our full line of UL924 RIB® Relays for Emergency Lighting, feel free to contact us.

David Mackey
David Mackey

David Mackey is an Engineer for Functional Devices. He is a husband of one, a father of three, and a servant of Christ Jesus. David graduated from Purdue University with an Electrical Engineering Technology degree. He enjoys working with his hands on things like woodworking, cars and, of course, electronics. He is 5' 13" and wears glasses, unless he wears contacts. He is also a self-made hundredaire.

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