ACI A/MCS Mini Fixed Trip Point Current Switch
A fixed trip point current switch answers one question: is the equipment drawing current or not. The A/MCS trips at 0.20 A or less, which is set at the factory and is not field-adjustable. That makes it the right choice for go / no-go status where the only requirement is a reliable dry contact and no commissioning adjustment is wanted.
The solid-core aperture requires the monitored conductor to be disconnected and threaded through the sensor, which suits new construction and OEM panel builds where the wiring is not yet terminated. Solid-core units are generally the lower-cost option and offer lower trip points than the equivalent split-core model.
The miniature housing is substantially smaller than the A/CS2 and A/SCS2 style switches, which matters in crowded panels and equipment enclosures. The unit secures to the monitored cable using a cable tie through the integrated anchor, and an attachable mounting foot allows Tek screw or 35 mm DIN rail mounting in any orientation.
Specifications on this page are taken from the ACI Mini Fixed Status data sheet (MCS & MSCS Series) and Installation & Operation Instructions I0000557 Rev. 8.0.
Best For
- Motor, pump, fan and compressor run status feedback to a BMS, PLC or DDC controller
- Proof-of-operation and run-status interlocks on air handlers and hydronic equipment
- Runtime accumulation and basic load trending from dry-contact closures
- Lighting circuit status and usage logging
- Local alarm triggering with strobes and audible devices
Warranty
Key Features
Factory-Set Trip Point
Trips at 0.20 A or less. The trip point is set at the factory and is not field-adjustable, so there is no commissioning step to perform.
Self-Powered by Induction
Power is induced from the monitored conductor. There is no 24 V supply to run, no transformer to size and no separate power wiring to install.
Solid-Core Aperture
Threaded aperture for new construction and OEM panel builds, with lower trip points and lower cost than the equivalent split-core model.
Normally-Open (N/O) Dry Contact
Rated 0.5 A continuous @ 36 VAC/VDC, wired to a 2-position screw terminal block that is not polarity sensitive. Contact resistance is under 0.5 Ohms tripped and over 1 Meg Ohm open.
Compact Housing
At 2.510 in (63.82 mm) on the long axis, the miniature enclosure fits panels where a full-size A/CS2 style switch will not.
Cable Tie Anchor and Mounting Foot
Secures to the monitored cable with a cable tie through the integrated anchor, or mounts with the attachable foot using one Tek screw.
Technical Specifications
| ACI Item Number | 117852 |
| Core Style | Solid-Core |
| Trip Point Style | Fixed Trip Point |
| Trip Point | 0.20 A or less |
| Amperage Range | 0 to 150 A |
| Contact Type | Normally-Open (N/O) |
| Contact Rating | 0.5 A continuous @ 36 VAC/VDC |
| Response Time | < 50 mS typical |
| Monitored Current Type | AC Current |
| Maximum AC Voltage | 600 VAC |
| Operating Frequency Range | 50/60 Hz |
| Sensor Power | Induced from the monitored conductor (insulated conductors only) |
| Isolation Voltage | 2200 VAC |
| Contact On Resistance | Off Resistance | < 0.5 Ohms (tripped) | > 1 Meg Ohm (open) |
| Aperture Size (Diameter) | 0.53 in (13.46 mm) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -22 to 140 °F (-30 to 60 °C) |
| Operating Humidity Range | 0 to 95% RH, non-condensing |
| Recommended Storage Temperature | RH | 41 to 95 °F (5 to 35 °C) | 40 to 85% RH, non-condensing |
| Enclosure Material | Flammability Rating | PC/ABS (polycarbonate / ABS blend) | UL94-V0 |
| Wiring Connections | 2-position screw terminal block (not polarity sensitive) |
| Wire Size | 16 to 22 AWG (1.31 mm2 to 0.33 mm2), copper wires only |
| Terminal Block Torque Rating | 4.43 to 5.31 in-lbs (0.5 to 0.6 Nm) |
| Minimum Mounting Distance | 1 in (2.6 cm) from relays, contactors and transformers |
| Agency Approvals | UL/CUL US Listed (UL 916) Energy Management Equipment, File # E334792, CE, RoHS2, WEEE |
| CE Wiring Note | Maximum wire length must not exceed 98.4 ft (30 m) to meet CE requirements |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 2.510 in (63.82 mm) x 0.940 in (23.94 mm) x 2.000 in (50.80 mm) |
| Product Weight | 0.15 lbs (0.068 kg) |
| Warranty | Five (5) Year Limited Warranty |
Not intended for use in life / safety applications or in hazardous / classified locations.
Documentation
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trip point of the ACI A/MCS?
The A/MCS trip point is 0.20 A or less. It is factory set and cannot be adjusted.
Does the ACI A/MCS need external power?
No. Power is induced from the conductor being monitored, so no 24 VAC or 24 VDC supply, transformer or power wiring is required. The two terminals carry the dry contact output only.
Is the ACI A/MCS solid-core or split-core?
The A/MCS is solid-core. Solid-core units require the conductor to be threaded through the aperture, so they suit new installations and OEM panel builds.
What is the contact rating of the ACI A/MCS?
The status contact is Normally-Open (N/O) rated 0.5 A continuous @ 36 VAC/VDC. Contact resistance is under 0.5 Ohms when tripped and over 1 Meg Ohm when open.
What amperage range does the ACI A/MCS monitor?
The A/MCS monitors 0 to 150 A with a maximum conductor voltage of 600 VAC and 2200 VAC isolation.
ACI Five (5) Year Limited Warranty. This product is covered by Automation Components, Inc.’s Five (5) Year Limited Warranty, published in the front of the ACI Sensors & Transmitters catalog and on the ACI website. Warranty terms are set by the manufacturer and are subject to change without notice.
- Mounting Type:
- Solid-Core
- Setpoint:
- Fixed Trip
- Contact Type:
- Normally Open
- Amp Range:
- 0-150A
- Trip Point:
- 0.20A
- Contact Rating:
- 0.5 A @ 36 VAC/VDC
- Contact Termination:
- Terminal Strip
- Sensor Power:
- Self-Powered
- Warranty:
- 5-Year Limited