Square D and C-Bus

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by sharath, Mar 3, 2022.

  1. sharath

    sharath

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    What exactly the difference between square D and C-Bus?
     
    sharath, Mar 3, 2022
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  2. sharath

    Trevor

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    i had some square D dimmers/relays they plugged straight into c-bus no problem, read serials, control lights etc
     
    Trevor, Mar 4, 2022
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  3. sharath

    Ashley

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    SquareD was the USA distributor for Cbus until they gave up around 2015.

    They sold both 120V and 240V Cbus units.

    From memory they just printed a capital D in front of the Clipsal name.
     
    Ashley, Mar 4, 2022
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  4. sharath

    Conformist

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    C-Bus was sold in the US by Square D (A Schneider Company). The product was branded Square D Clipsal. There was no use of the the name C-Bus as it was believed it could/would be confused with the old CE Bus product that was around in the late 90's/early 2000's. So, most North Americans said they had a Clipsal system (as opposed to a C-Bus system). You might find some references on these forums to that from those in the US. There might also be the odd Square D product floating around in Australia that could be a product that was meant to go to the US but was in the cupboard of a Schneider employee who may have give it to someone locally.
     
    Conformist, Mar 5, 2022
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  5. sharath

    ashleigh Moderator

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    Just to add a bit to "what is the difference".

    Actually in many cases, quite a lot.

    There was a dedicated US-adaption team for a number of years, who dealt with changes to allow 120V operation. Those products running on US 240V also needed checks and in some cases changes for 60Hz.

    There were many many changes and separate US user guides, approvals through UL, and separate US builds were done.

    In most cases (BUT NOT ALL) the Australian and European regulations are tougher than US regulations. There are however notable differences related to plastic materials and mains voltages, where the US is tougher (well, UL is tougher) - hence there were probably some materials changes in the composition of metal parts and/or plastic parts.

    All that covered, products designed for Australian 240V/50Hz are highly likely to work fine with US 240V/60Hz. Your mileage may vary when it comes to operation of the mains powered units from 120V/60Hz.

    When it comes to DIMMERS and RELAYS, take extra care:

    - Dimmers may work, it depends on if they were compensated or adjusted to handle 60 Hz (it's all so long ago I don't remember). The ratings will also be lower due to the lower voltage - for example if you have a dimmer rated at (say) 500W load on 240V ac, then its generally only suitable for 250W load at 120V ac.

    - Relays have special and complex treatment in the US, although they are generally rated by current rather than watts, so check current ratings carefully. In generally, try not to load relays right up to the rating. It is common in the US to have circuits with considerably higher currents than in Australia (for example 30A circuits are common, usually for Dryers, Cookers, and so on, and usually 240V). NEVERTHELESS - if using an Australia-market relay, check the ratings and actually currents carefully and be sure not to overload. One other thing - Australian ratings for motors are generally around current, whereas US ratings are around horsepower. Use Mr Google to help translate.

    The US does not care very much if you use a product that does not have UL or ETL, basically, its a free-for-all BUT.... your home insurance cover may be affected if not using UL products. Even then, this does seem to often be FUD. In practice the UL mark is a sign of assurance and comfort that a product is fairly well designed.

    If using Australian products in the US - they are well designed but they won't have UL or ETL. That may cause a little more thought (check your insurance) but otherwise, if it works, it should not be a big deal.

    You may find the Australian switch formats to be physically compatible and also more stylish :)

    FINALLY: This is not technical, legal, or electrical advice. If using anything written here then good luck, hope it works for you, and its all entirely at your own risk. You mileage may vary. I'm not a lawyer.
     
    ashleigh, Mar 26, 2022
    #5
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