Phoenix Contact ESSENTIAL edition: quality where it counts, without paying for what you won't use

Most control cabinets do the same core jobs. They power the controls, protect them from surges, connect the field wiring and switch the loads.

Those jobs call for components that work reliably, panel after panel, for years.

Phoenix Contact’s ESSENTIAL edition is built for that work. Switches Plus Components is an authorised distribution partner for the range.

👉 Download the ESSENTIAL edition brochure

A familiar choice for switchboard builders and OEMs

When a switchboard or machine only needs the core functions, there are usually two ways to go.

The first is a premium range. You get the quality, but you can also pay for features the job won’t use. On one panel, that’s minor. Across every panel on every job, it adds up.

The second is a cheaper, lesser-known brand. The saving is upfront, and so is the risk. A component that fails in service means downtime for the end user and time spent tracking down the fault. It’s your switchboard or machine they’ll remember.

The ESSENTIAL edition gives you a third option.

Phoenix Contact quality, focused on the core functions

The ESSENTIAL edition is Phoenix Contact’s range for applications that need the core functions, at a sharp price.

The range spans eight product groups, from power supplies and surge protection to terminal blocks, relays and safety relays. That’s enough to fit out most of a standard control cabinet.

What it means for you

•         Peace of mind on every panel. You’re installing a brand with published test results and independent certification, so there’s less risk of a failure coming back to you.

•         Specified to suit the job. You get the functions the application calls for, which keeps the cost of each panel in check.

•         Fewer suppliers to manage. With most of the cabinet coming from one range, you deal with one brand and one supplier for the job.

•         Proven connection technology. Most of the range uses screw connection, which delivers high contact force in a compact space.

•         Ready for export. International approval packages on the power supplies, redundancy modules and safety relays make them easier to specify for machines heading overseas.

The range at a glance

Power supplies. 12, 24 and 48 V DC models from 60 W up to 960 W, in single-phase and three-phase. They ride through voltage dips (SEMI-F47), handle vibration up to 2.3g and shock up to 15g, and clip straight onto the DIN rail with a preinstalled adapter. Their transformers meet IEC 61558-2-16, so there’s no need for a separate safety transformer.

Redundancy modules. If one power supply fails, the second keeps the system running. A status LED and switching contact on each channel tell you which supply has dropped out.

Surge protection. Protection at every level of the installation, from the incoming supply (Type 1+2) to sub-boards and control cabinets (Type 2) to the device itself (Type 3). It’s designed to pair with the ESSENTIAL power supplies.

Terminal blocks. The biggest part of the range, covering 2.5 mm² through to 240 mm² conductors. Phoenix Contact tests them for pull-out strength, voltage drop, corrosion, salt spray, vibration and flame. Pull-out results come in up to 100% above the IEC minimum, and voltage drop up to 60% below the limit.

Industrial communication. Wireless modules that replace serial cable runs over distances of up to 5 km, on the licence-free 2.4 GHz band. Gateways connect Modbus RTU, ASCII and TCP devices.

Signal conditioners. Galvanic isolation for analogue signals in a 6.2 mm module, configured on the device without a laptop.

Safety relays. One PSR-ME20 handles emergency stops, safety doors and light grids. All are TÜV-certified, up to PL d for machinery and up to SIL 3 in process plants.

Relays, timers and monitoring relays. A modular relay system with one to four changeover contacts. Three timer relay models cover most time-delay jobs, and the MR-ES relays flag supply voltage and phase problems early.

The brochure has the full product list, part numbers and key technical data.

Not sure if ESSENTIAL suits the job?

Tell us about the application and our technical team will help you work out whether the ESSENTIAL edition fits.

If the application calls for more than the core functions, we can recommend the right product for the job. Either way, we’ll get a quote back to you quickly.

Get the ESSENTIAL edition from Switches Plus

Phoenix Contact supplies the ESSENTIAL edition through a limited number of partners.

Switches Plus Components is an authorised distribution partner for the range. We’re one of a select few partners based in eastern Australia, and we ship Australia-wide.

👉 Download the ESSENTIAL edition brochure

To discuss your next project or request a quote, call us on 1300 785 911 or email sales@switchesplus.com.au.