KEMO Power Controller M028N 110–240 V AC 4000 VA

The KEMO Power Controller (MPN: M028N) is a module for stepless control of resistive and inductive AC loads in the voltage range from 110 to 240 V AC. With a power handling capacity of up to 4000 VA at 240 V AC, it is suitable, for example, for heating systems, universal motors, or other loads compatible with phase-angle control. Control is achieved via an external potentiometer, allowing for easy adjustment of the output power.

Power Control for High-Power AC Loads

• Power control for 110–240 V AC
• Up to 2,000 VA at 110 V AC or 4,000 VA at 240 V AC
• Suitable for resistive and inductive loads, provided they can be controlled via phase-angle modulation
• Control via an external 470-kΩ linear potentiometer
• Optional fine-tuning with a second potentiometer is possible
• Expandable with the KEMO M150 DC and pulse converter for control via control voltage or TTL signal
• Compact design for installation in devices or control cabinets

Operating Principle

The M028N operates using the phase-angle control method. In this process, the turn-on timing is varied within each half-cycle of the mains supply, allowing the power delivered to the load to be continuously regulated. This method is suitable for loads that are specifically designed for phase-angle control, such as many heating loads or certain electric motors. Operation is controlled as standard via a linear 470-kΩ potentiometer. For applications requiring coarse and fine adjustment, a 100-kΩ potentiometer can also be used for fine control.

Suitable Applications

• Electric heaters
• General-purpose motors
• Drills and similar power tools
• Fans or other load devices suitable for phase-angle control
• Laboratory, workshop, and industrial applications

The module is not suitable for loads with built-in control electronics, energy-saving lamps, fluorescent lamps, or certain motor types such as shaded-pole motors or motors with starting capacitors. While these motor types may function in some cases, the manufacturer expressly does not guarantee this.

Installation and Cooling

Since heat is generated during operation, the power controller must be mounted according to the connected load. The aluminum base plate also serves as a cooling surface and, at higher power levels, must be mounted flush against a sufficiently large metal surface or a suitable heat sink. The manufacturer expressly notes that the base plate must not warp during installation, as this can cause damage to the internal SMD components. It is secured with four screws to a flat cooling surface.

Expansion Options

In combination with the optionally available KEMO M150 DC and pulse converter, the power controller can also be controlled externally. The following control voltages are supported:

• 1–5 V/DC
• 3–12 V DC
• 6–24 V DC
• TTL pulses

This makes the module suitable for automation or control applications where direct operation via a potentiometer is not required.

Important Safety Instructions

The power controller operates directly on line voltage. Installation, wiring, and commissioning must be performed strictly in accordance with applicable safety regulations. Live parts must not be touched during operation. The module must be protected from moisture, high humidity, and ambient temperatures exceeding 50 °C, and must be installed in a well-ventilated enclosure. Appropriate fusing of the connected load is required.

Technical Specifications

• Operating voltage: 110–240 V AC
• Power handling capacity: max. 2000 VA at 110 V AC
• Power handling capacity: max. 4000 VA at 240 V AC
• Maximum load current: 18 A when mounted on a suitable heat sink
• Without an additional heat sink: max. 6 A (peak current up to 25 A for 10 seconds)
• Control method: Phase-angle control
• Suitable loads: resistive and inductive loads (suitable for phase-angle control)
• Control: external 470-kΩ linear potentiometer
• Optional: Coarse/fine control with 470 kΩ + 100 kΩ potentiometers
• Expandable with KEMO M150 DC and pulse converters
• Dimensions: 87 × 60 × 33 mm (including mounting base)

Scope of Delivery

1x KEMO M028N power controller

Important Installation Note

Depending on the load, the module may heat up to a greater or lesser extent. The heat is generated at the aluminum plate on the bottom of the module and, under certain circumstances, must be dissipated by mounting the module onto a cooling surface in accordance with the installation instructions. It is important that the module be mounted flush onto a flat, cooling metal plate using 4 M3 screws or 2.9 mm sheet metal screws. This can also be the back panel of a metal enclosure. It is important that the aluminum underside of the module does not warp during installation! Therefore, you must not use larger screws or enlarge the holes in the module. The screw heads must rest on the module’s metal plate and not on the plastic edge of the module! During installation, the module must not warp (if the surface it’s mounted on is not flat). The reason: The electronic SMD components are soldered directly onto the inner side of the module’s aluminum base plate over a thin insulating layer, and if the aluminum base plate warps, the solder joints will come loose and the module will fail. Please also make sure not to exceed the maximum base plate temperature specified in the description! Otherwise, a larger heat sink must be screwed on!