ABB released the next generation of bypass technology in motors drives, which are used throughout the HVAC (Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning) industry. Calling it “a bypass with brains,” the new ABB E-Clipse Bypass is the next paradigm shift in electronic bypass design-- ideal for wall mounting and/or fitting into air-handling units and pumping packages on all types of OEM equipment used in the HVAC industry.

The new ABB E-Clipse Bypass is the first design to communicate, like ABB’s drives, directly with Building Automation Systems. Available in a UL Type 1, UL Type 12 or NEMA 3R enclosure – and integrated with ABB’s ACH DriveIT Low Voltage 550 adjustable-speed AC drives -- the two-contactor bypass features both a service switch that disconnects the drive for service, and a main disconnect switch or circuit breaker. The dual switch eliminates downtime, since the motor/load never needs to go offline; this back-up feature – ensuring uninterrupted operation – continues to make bypass drives the preferred choice among more than half of all commercial applications, according to ABB.

The ABB E-Clipse Bypass includes the more common HVAC protocols as standard features. Included in every bypass shipped are Modbus RTU, Johnson Controls N2, Siemens FLN, and BACnet communications protocols. Other protocols, such as LonWorks, Profibus-DP, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, DeviceNet and CANopen, are available as plug-in option cards. According to the company’s press release, the new ABB E-Clipse Bypass option for the ACH550 Drive for HVAC applications is the first, and presently only, VFD bypass to be BTL (BACnet Testing Laboratories) approved and listed.