Camtec ESB201 Series Inrush Current Limiter
Protecting high-density LED installations from inrush current damage is a wiring design challenge — especially where multiple switch-mode LED drivers share a single 16A circuit. The Camtec ESB201 Series solves it without adding bulk. A 2nd-generation peak and RMS inrush current limiter, the ESB201 actively limits inrush for 300ms on power-on, th...
Read MoreProtecting high-density LED installations from inrush current damage is a
wiring design challenge — especially where multiple switch-mode LED drivers share
a single 16A circuit. The Camtec ESB201 Series solves it without adding bulk.
A 2nd-generation peak and RMS inrush current limiter, the ESB201 actively limits
inrush for 300ms on power-on, then bypasses via an integrated relay so the full
load current passes through unimpeded. No NTC thermistor workarounds — limiting
is precise to ±6% every time, regardless of prior inrush history.
At just 35mm high, the ESB201 is engineered to sit inside LED downlight
channels and luminaire housings where space is at a premium. It is fully
self-powering — no external supply required — and supports both 115Vac and
230Vac networks across 16⅓ Hz to 440Hz, making it equally suited to standard
mains, generator-fed, and marine/rail power environments.
Two models are available: the ESB201.LED.230VAC handles up to 6,000µF
capacitive load at 48A peak (33.9A RMS), and the ESB201.LED.115VAC handles up
to 10,000µF at 43A peak (30.4A RMS). Both support up to 16A continuous load
current. In practical terms, this means a single 16A MCB circuit can safely
carry far more LED drivers than would otherwise be possible — reducing circuit
breaker count, cabling cross-section, and installation cost without compromising
protection.
The ESB201 is designed for capacitive loads only and is not suitable for use
with transformers, AC motors, heaters, or DC voltage applications. Rated to
IEC/EN62368-1, IEC/EN61010-1, and EN55032 Class B. IP40 UL94V-0 ABS-PA765
housing with spring-type terminals up to 6mm² / 10AWG. Operating temperature
-40°C to +45°C continuous, +55°C short time.
Features
- Prevents MCB tripping — precise ±6% inrush limiting, every cycle
- Fits inside LED downlight and luminaire channels (35mm low-profile)
- Supports 115Vac and 230Vac networks, 16⅓Hz – 440Hz
- 16A continuous — handles up to 6,000µF (230Vac) or 10,000µF (115Vac)
- Fully self-powering — no external supply required
- Integrated bypass relay — full load current after 300ms limiting period
- Integrated thermal fuse protection
- EN62368-1, EN61010-1, EN55032 Class B
- Operating: -40°C to +45°C continuous, +55°C short time
Specifications
| Parameter | ESB201.LED.230VAC | ESB201.LED.115VAC |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Current Limiting ±6% | 48A | 43A |
| R.M.S Current Limiting ±6% | 33.9A | 30.4A |
| Maximum Allowed Capacitive Load | 6,000uF | 10,000uF |
| Limiting Time (Ton Power On) | 300ms (±50ms) | |
| Release Time (Toff Low Voltage) | 550ms (±50ms) | |
| Limiting Interval (Tinterval for AC cont.) | ≥ 900ms | |
| Quickest advisable Circuit breaker at 30°C | B13A | A16A B13A Z16A |
| AC Input Range | 184-264Vac | 90-132Vac |
| AC Continuous Input Range | 230Vac | 115Vac |
| Line Frequency | 16⅓ Hz – 440Hz | |
| Switch-On Voltage | 144Vac | 79Vac |
| AC Lower Margin | 52Vac (AC dump / drop out voltage) | 28Vac (AC dump / drop out voltage) |
| AC Current | 16A continuous load current | |
| Power Supply | No external power supply required, item is self-powering | |
| Power consumption | 2.2W @ 115Vac / 1.1W @ 230Vac | |
| Limiting Cycles | Between each limiting action shall be a break of 20 sec., to let the device cool down until the next limiting starts | |
| Internal Protection | Thermal fuse protects from overheat & fire | |
| Cooling | Natural convection | |
| Operation Temp. | Ambient temperature -40°C ... +45°C continuous, +55°C short time | |
| Storage Temp. | -40°C ... +85°C for 2 years | |
| EMI | EN55032 class B, EN61000-6-3 | |
| EMS | EN61000-6-2 | |
| Safety Norms | EN61010-1, EN61010-2-201, EN62368-1, EN60950-1 | |
| Safety Class | Class II | |
| RoHS conformity | ROHS Directive 2011/65/EU | |
| REACH conformity | REACH Directive 1907/2006 | |
| MTBF Calculation | 300,000h (IEC/EN61709, Siemens SN29500) | |
| MTTF Calculation | 384,000h (+30°C) (IEC/EN61709, Siemens SN29500) | |
| Humidity | 95% (+25°C) not condensing | |
| Pollution Degree | 2 (IEC/EN50178) | |
| Environmental | Thermal environment 3K3, mechanics 3M4 (IEC/EN60721) | |
| Altitude max. | 4000m (13123 ft.) above sea level | |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 260x35.4x23.5mm | |
| Housing | UL94V-0 IP40 ABS (PA765) plastic housing; IP40 must use the equipped grommets | |
| Weight | 0.2kg / 0.44lbs | |
| Connections | Spring-type terminal solid max. 0.18...6mm² 26…10AWG according with IEC/EN60664-1, IEC/EN61984 Use copper conductors only. Wire stripping length 7mm. Tightening torque per terminal block is 0.5 - 0.6 Nm / 4.5 - 5.3 lbf-in |
|
| Cable Strain Relief | 6…10mm integrated into the clamp covers | |
Technical Drawings
Warranty & Returns
Warranty periods vary by product. Please refer to the Powerbox Warranty Policy for the applicable coverage period against manufacturing defects from date of purchase. For returns and RMA requests, please visit our RMA support page or contact our support team directly.