Build-a-RIB Workshop Part 2: “X”traordinary Current Sensors
Yes, you read the title correctly. This is a “Part 2” blog, which means you should go back and read the original one here. Or don’t, because reading is for nerds and it’s a free country and all that. The choice is yours. This time I will talk about the naming convention on our current sensors so you can pick out the exact part you need! Unlike our standard RIB® relays where you simply add your coil voltage and relay type after the “RIB” prefix (Build-a-RIB Part 1), current sensors are a lot more complicated in their naming and feel like something you need to decode with a decoder ring you got in the mail after drinking a lot of Ovaltine.
Breaking Down RIBXGHTA
Let’s start with an example. The RIBXGHTA is a split core current sensor with an adjustable sensing threshold that can switch 120VAC through its contacts. It also has terminals instead of wires. Confused? Don’t worry, it’ll all make sense soon. Hopefully…
Let’s break it down from the beginning. The main component in a name of a current sensor is the letter “X”. To be honest, I have no idea why we use “X” for a current sensor. Maybe it was Sesame Street’s letter of the day when we decided on it.
I like to think it’s because our current sensors are X-traordinary. Anyway, the main point you need to get from this is if you see “RIBX” in any part number, then it is, or has, a current sensor. From here, the next letter usually determines the core type of the current sensor. If you are wanting a solid core, then the letter “K” will be next (Maybe it was Sesame Street again?). If you don’t have time to thread a wire through a solid core and want a split core, then choose the letter “G” next.
The next two letters are completely optional to include. By default, our current sensors can usually switch 0-30Vac/dc through their contacts and come with a pair of wires. If you’re a thrill seeker and want to live life on the edge, then the letter “H” can be inserted for 120VAC switching voltage, or a “T” for terminals instead of wires. Lastly, an “F” or an “A” determines if your sensing threshold is either fixed or adjustable respectively.
Color-Coded Current Sensor Chart
Feel free to print this table out and place it somewhere useful for a quick reference. Once again, as with all naming conventions there are exceptions to the rules and special case that I didn’t mention in this. If you still can’t find the current sensor you need from this, you can always call us at tech support and we will do our best to find the right one for you!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s Tech Tuesday! That’s about all I got for now I guess. I never know how to end these things, but I guess since there’s a possible Build-a-RIB Workshop Part 3 coming, I’ll just end with this:
TO BE CONTINUED…..
MAYBE…..
