24 V and 48 V power distribution via profile cables and passive distributors – flexible, cost-effective, resource-saving

Why should you choose us for your voltage supply?

Bihl+Wiedemann offers efficient solutions for 24 V and 48 V DC power distribution: our smart energy concept enables you to flexibly position local outlets for your peripherals. What's more, our solution simplifies planning and installation. Because thanks to our compact passive distributors, which represent a corresponding “complete set” for power distribution, you do not need any pre-assembled cables with A- or L-coded sockets or tee connectors for connection. Unlike conventional Ethernet solutions, there is also no need for power to be looped through. Another advantage: if required, your application can be supplied with up to 20 A from 24 V or 48 V. Different variants of our passive distributors are available for this purpose. These are optionally available as secured and unsecured junctions with optional LED display for local status messages. And above all, they significantly reduce costs.

Advantages of energy distribution with Bihl+Wiedemann

Take advantage of our solution for power distribution with flat, reverse polarity protected profile cables and passive distributors that include line protection.

Simplified planning
& installation

You can flexibly position secured and unsecured local junctions for your peripherals on site without any limitations. Our passive distributors can be installed quickly and easily using piercing technology. Therefore, you do not need any pre-assembled cables with A- or L-coded sockets or tee connectors for the connection. Moreover, you can choose the topology without any restrictions.

 

Efficient
line protection

Line protection is automatically ensured for our passive distributors with built-in fuse. If the passive distributor develops a fault or short-circuit, the tap is protected by tripping the fuse, causing the voltage supply to be interrupted only selectively for this tap. The power supply in the line and for further junctions remains functional. This facilitates troubleshooting and reduces downtimes. For applications with their own fuse in the upstream circuit, we also offer passive distributors without a built-in fuse.

Smart
energy distribution

For round cable solutions, the respective cable socket indirectly determines the “current limit” for individual modules and for the total current of all modules connected in series to a supply line. With our broad portfolio of modules with round cable connections, you can supply your application with up to 20 A from 24 V or from 48 V. Power dissipation is also reduced because there is no need to loop power from module to module.

Reduced
hardware costs

Our passive distributors with 1 or 2 cable sockets are a cost-effective “all-inclusive package.” You do not need any additional tee distributors or pre-configured cables for power distribution. No additional cables are required to connect the peripherals either. Compared to alternative Ethernet power supply concepts, you save over 56 percent from just three modules when you choose our solution. Click here to view our cost comparison.

What does our voltage supply solution consist of?

Our solution for 24 V and 48 V power distribution comprises the black, reverse polarity protected profile cable and the passive distributors, which also include a cable for connecting the peripherals.

Our smart power supply only needs the profile cable and the passive distributors (image on left). Ethernet connections, on the other hand, require expensive tee connectors and pre-assembled cables (image on right).

Advantages compared to Ethernet-based power supply

  • You can use the bus of your choice in the usual way (e.g., PROFINET)
  • No looping of energy from module to module is necessary, therefore less power dissipation occurs
  • No connector to install, protruding on the junction module, thus saving space and time during installation
  • No additional cables are required to connect the peripherals, eliminating the planning and installation effort for the required cable lengths
  • Via the passive distributor, a wide variety of peripheral participants can be supplied with energy and flexibly connected to the profile cable.

Our passive distributors and cables for power distribution

For 24 V and 48 V power distribution, we offer passive distributors with one or two cable sockets using A-, T- or L-coding. Upon request, we can also supply you with passive distributors that have up to four cable sockets. Power can be distributed either via the black profile cable at 24 V or via the gray profile cable at 48 V. If required, your application can be supplied with up to 20 A over the 24 V or 48 V line.

Which passive distributor is the right choice?

Our passive distributors are available in different variants for each application. The most common applications are covered by the following two variants:

  1. Passive distributors with integrated fuse and A-coded cable sockets

  2. Passive distributors without integrated fuse and L-coded  cable sockets

Differentiation of the supply cases:

  • L-coded cable sockets are suitable for high energy requirements with limited current feed into the supply line (e.g., drives). They are installed with passive distributors that have no fuse to guarantee a PNO-compliant power supply for power-intensive peripherals (at max. 16 A).

  • A-coded cable sockets are suitable for low power requirements with limited current output (e.g., valves). An internal fuse is installed to limit the current output of the passive distributors, providing a cost-effective and secured power distribution of up to 4 A.

     

Differentiating the behavior in the event of a short circuit in the supply chain:

  • With passive distributors that have no internal fuse and L-coded connectors, the entire supply line is switched off.

  • In the case of passive distributors with internal fuse and A-coded connectors, only the respective peripheral fails selectively for the module in the event of a fault.

Which cable is the right choice – for 24 V or 48 V?

Depending on your energy requirements, you can choose between two variants of our flat cables:

  1.  Black cable: Power distribution from 4–20 A at 24 V
  2.  Gray cable: Power distribution up to 20 A at 48 V

Thanks to the piercing technology, the passive distributors and other modules can be installed quickly and easily on the flat cable.

Different cable materials are available for the black and gray cable to suit different applications: TPR, EPDM, and rubber.

Do you have questions about our power distribution solutions?

We would be happy to assist you.

ASi – A resource-saving technology

Thanks to the greatly reduced wiring effort with AS-Interface, you save assembly and material costs. This saves valuable resources.

 

More information!