GS device protection fuses

Properly protected in the smart grid and in industry

Optimally integrating renewable energy

Smart grids – the key to the energy transition and new demands on protection technology

The European energy transition and the target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 pose enormous challenges for the electricity grid: rising demand for electricity, volatile power feed-in from renewable energy sources and new consumers such as electric vehicles and heat pumps. In addition to massive expansion of the grid, we need the smart grid to intelligently modernize the network. 

Expertise at a glance

  • Many years of experience and specialization in equipment protection – put your trust in our proven expertise.
  • Comprehensive range for smart metering – response characteristics ranging from very fast-acting to slow-blow for every application. 
  • Personalized consultancy and engineering – customized solutions for every network architecture.
  • High electrical reserves – breaking capacity of >50kA for maximum protection.
  • Relevant standards and approvals – IEC, VDE and UL for international projects.

The role of the smart grid in grid expansion

A smart grid is a digitalized electricity network that collects and processes information in real time. Measurement, control and communication technology enables a dynamic balance between generation, consumption and storage. This allows renewable energy sources to be integrated effectively, storage facilities to be utilized and conventional reserves to be added as needed, thereby avoiding bottlenecks. 

  •  Integration of renewable energy
    Smart grids balance out fluctuations and ensure the efficient feed-in of wind and solar power.
  •  Load management
    Flexible consumers are controlled to reduce peak loads and prevent grid overloads.
  •  Transparency and automation
    Real-time data enhances security of supply and facilitates fault diagnosis.

Why fuse-links remain essential in the smart grid

Even in a digitalized network, standard protective devices such as high- and low-voltage fuse-links remain essential. However, their role is changing: With the proliferation of digital components, the need for device protection solutions is also expanding.

Industries & applications

Generation & storage

  • Photovoltaics
  • Wind power
  • Battery storage (ESS)
  • Turbine / marine engineering

Energy distribution & infrastructure

  • Building services engineering
  • Rail / traction
  • UPS & data centers
  • Electrical equipment / OEM

Industry & manufacturing

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Automation / robotics
  • Mining

Mobility

  • Automotive / E-mobility

Smart grid use cases

  • Smart meter gateways with WAN., HAN- and LMN-communication
  • PL-communication modules (broadband powerline)
  • Modern meter cabinet systems with pre-counter infrastructure
  • Modular retrofit-solutions for cable distribution cabinets
  • Auxiliary power supplies for smart metering systems (iMSys)

Working with you as a partner

SIBA supports equipment manufacturers, energy suppliers, electrical contractors and industrial companies in the selection, design and documentation of protection solutions. Our aim remains the same: to provide the best possible technical, sustainable and cost-effective protection for your electrical systems and your entire measurement infrastructure.

In focus

Smart grids are the control hub of the energy transition

They transform a standard electricity grid into a flexible, transparent and resilient system. Fuse-links remain the indispensable ‘first line of defense’ – to be supplemented by digital functions in the future. When used in conjunction, smart grids and modern protection technology enable safe, efficient and, as far as possible, carbon-neutral grid operation.

Device protection solutions

Miniature solutions

  • Basic high-voltage, low-voltage and ULTRA rapid® protection remains the foundation of grid stability
  • The integration of miniature fuse-links into smart metering devices and gateways protects end devices from overcurrent, short circuit and thermal overload.
  • Selectivity in the smart grid: Thanks to intelligent control, only the affected section of the grid is disconnected – thereby minimizing power cuts.

Why use GS miniature fuse-links?

Smart grids are the control hub of the energy transition: They connect decentralized participants – both generators and consumers – to form a smart distribution network for electrical energy. For this system to work, digital components such as gateways and smart meters are indispensable. They provide generators with accurate, real-time data on current consumption and the forecast load. At the same time, the network informs consumers about the current energy supply and its costs. This creates a dynamic balance between supply and demand, which makes optimal use of available renewable resources and helps to keep costs down across the entire market.

Improving grid stability – reducing the costs of outages

In this complex environment, standard protection mechanisms remain essential – and miniature fuse-links form the first line of defense for such digital components. They prevent damage from overcurrent, short circuits or thermal overload and protect the data communication that is critical for grid control. With intelligent control and selective coordination, only the affected section of the grid is shut down, not the entire system. This improves grid stability, reduces the costs of outages and supports the goals of the energy transition: safer, more efficient and climate-neutral grid operation.

Insights & inspiration

How do I secure smart meters, communication gateways and their installation environment, as well as the users?

These installations are often located in the pre-meter area where high short circuit currents are possible.

High short circuit currents can occur in the connection points of building installations, and in this context, breaking capacities of 25kA and above are often required. Protective devices must therefore meet the relevant test criteria. SIBA-miniature fuse-links enable consistently safe disconnections through the use of robust, high-quality components. In addition, SIBA offers a range of cylindrical fuse-links and THT solutions with test voltages of up to 500V and breaking capacity of up to 80kA for use in pre-metering applications.

The result:
Effective protection of metering and communication technology, stable networks and reduced consequential damage.

Smart meter gateways and BPL modules contain sensitive, highly integrated electronics that can be damaged even by low overcurrent surges. This is particularly critical when communication modules are installed in the pre-metering area, as there is often no additional circuit-specific protection in place there. To ensure safe and stable operation, these components must therefore be reliably protected against overcurrent and, at the same time, be robust enough to withstand typical switching operations without failure. For users, this means maximum operational reliability, reduced risk of downtime and long-term, trouble-free operation of the smart grid infrastructure.

Space is at a premium in meter panels. Miniature fuse-links are available in compact designs (e.g. 6.3×32mm, 5×22.7mm, SMD block 4.5×16mm) and can be integrated using holders and clips in a way that allows them to be sealed and operated by non-specialists. For retrofit projects, there are modular solutions for cable distribution cabinets, whose compact enclosures are ideal for housing miniature fuse-links.

The result:
Easy integration, lower capital expenditure, quick retrofitting without the need for complete replacement.

Space is at a premium in meter panels. Miniature fuse-links are available in compact designs (e.g. 6.3×32mm, 5×22.7mm, SMD block 4.5×16mm) and can be integrated using holders and clips in a way that allows them to be sealed and operated by non-specialists. For retrofit projects, there are modular solutions for cable distribution cabinets, whose compact enclosures are ideal for housing miniature fuse-links.

The result: 
Easy integration, lower capital expenditure, quick retrofitting without the need for complete replacement.

Tip from the experts

Miniature fuse-links for pre-metering applications

In the pre-metering section of a smart grid, short circuit currents of up to 25kA can occur – a huge challenge for any protective component. SIBA miniature fuse-links are designed to meet these requirements and feature:

Product spotlight

GZ fuse link

  • Rated voltage: 400V AC
  • Rated current: 1.6A
  • Breaking capacity: 50kA
  • Characteristic: Fast-acting (F)
  • Form factor: 6,3x32mm
  • Standards: IEC 60127, VDE-approved

High electrical reserves

Breaking capacity >50kA, tested by accredited institutes.

Wide range of rated currents

Enables the selective disconnection of individual end devices to ensure maximum availability.

Common types

Facilitate sealing and installation by non-specialists in accordance with VDE-AR-N 4100.

Compliance with standards and approvals

In accordance with international standards such as IEC 60127, national standards, and specific safety and compliance requirements.

Fuses

Comprehensive protection with SIBA fuse-links.

Quality and reliability

We ensure that every fuse-link meets the highest standards.

Wide selection

Fuses for a wide range of applications.

Certifications

Compliance with all relevant national and international standards.

Sustainability

Minimizing the use of environmental resources.

Recycling initiative

SIBA is a founding member of the German initiative for the recycling of fuse-links.

Fuses

The right choice makes all the difference

In complex metering systems, an intelligently thought-out protection strategy is paramount to ensuring availability and safety. Correctly determining the rated current based on the performance data of our miniature fuse-links prevents unnecessary downtime and ensures maintenance-friendly solutions.

The right fuse-link – we’re here to help

Our application specialists can advise you on product selection, specification and compliance with standards.

189020

189020  Fuse-Link

Size
 
Dimensions
6.3x32
Rated current
0.16A - 25A
Rated voltage
AC 440 V
Characteristic
F
Rated breaking capacity
1500A AC 440V
189021

189021  Fuse-Link

Size
 
Dimensions
6.3x32
Rated current
1.6A
Rated voltage
400 V
Characteristic
F
Rated breaking capacity
50kA AC 400V
160016

160016  Fuse-Link

Size
 
Dimensions
4.5x16
Rated current
0.05A - 20A
Rated voltage
AC/DC 125 V
Characteristic
T
Rated breaking capacity
1kA AC125V/1.5kA DC125V
Fuse-Link

7006563  Fuse-Link

Size
 
Dimensions
6.3x32
Rated current
0.5A - 25A
Rated voltage
440 V
Characteristic
F
Rated breaking capacity
1500A AC 440V

Contact

Are you planning a smart metering or smart grid project?

We support you with custom solutions tailored precisely to your specific challenge – quickly, professionally and in full compliance with standards, thanks to the expertise of our experienced development department.

As well as expert advice from our developers, our technical support team comprising experienced application engineers is also on hand to help. They will be happy to help you select the best solution from our existing range, efficiently integrating it into your project.

Your SIBA experts for smart grids

Johannes Rottmann

Technical Support

Andreas Grünig

Global New Business Developer

Carsten Wienker

Dipl.-Ing. Product Manager Miniature Fuses

Contact

Simply contact us

Do you have any questions, suggestions or a specific enquiry? Simply get in touch using the form – we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Please enable marketing cookies to load this form. Manage cookies

Further applications & solutions