When you need serious current protection without compromising on reliability, NBRAM's 17 Am Series thermal protectors deliver exactly what electrical engineers have been asking for. These aren't your ordinary thermal switches - they're built to handle demanding applications where 17-ampere capacity meets precision temperature control. I've personally specified these for motor protection circuits where other thermal devices failed under load. With temperature ranges customizable from 50°C to 150°C and robust construction that withstands vibration and environmental stress, the 17 Am Series provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your equipment is properly protected. Source these reliable thermal protectors from NBRAM for applications where failure isn't an option.
Having worked on enough motor burnouts to last a lifetime, I can tell you that the 17 Am Series represents exactly what the industry needs for robust thermal protection. These thermal protectors aren't just spec sheet heroes - they're field-tested performers that handle real-world electrical loads without breaking a sweat. The 17 Am designation isn't just a number; it's a promise of reliable current handling that makes these units perfect for applications where other thermal devices would be pushing their limits.
Where the 17 Am Series really proves its worth is in those applications where current and temperature both try to wreck your equipment simultaneously. I've deployed these in compressor motors, power tools, and industrial equipment where the combination of electrical load and operating heat would kill lesser thermal protectors. The automatic reset feature means no service calls for resetting tripped devices - they just do their job and reset when things cool down. The sealed construction handles workshop environments beautifully, resisting moisture, oil, and dust that would compromise other protectors. Recently, we used the 17 Am Series in a production line motor protection system where downtime costs thousands per hour - zero failures in eighteen months of operation.
Let's talk numbers that actually matter in the field. The 17 Am Series handles currents up to 17A at 250V AC - and before you ask, yes, we've tested them at continuous load without failure. Temperature range spans from 50°C to 150°C with ±3°C accuracy standard, though we can tighten that to ±2°C for precision applications. Contact resistance stays under 30mΩ, which matters more than you'd think for voltage drop in high-current circuits. Insulation resistance exceeds 100MΩ at 500V DC, and the dielectric strength handles 1500V AC for one minute without breakdown. Response time typically runs under 8 seconds, and the mechanical lifespan exceeds 50,000 cycles - plenty for most industrial applications.
The manufacturing behind the 17 Am Series focuses on one thing: reliability under electrical stress. We start with bimetal elements that are specifically formulated for high-current applications - ordinary bimetal just doesn't cut it when you're dealing with 17 amps continuously.
The contact design gets particular attention because at these current levels, inferior contacts will weld shut or fail prematurely. We use silver-cadmium oxide contacts with special arc-quenching properties - I've seen cheaper alternatives fail within weeks under similar loads. The contact pressure is calibrated to ensure positive connection without excessive force that would accelerate wear.
Calibration involves testing each unit at multiple current and temperature setpoints. Our technicians adjust the bimetal curvature while monitoring both temperature response and electrical performance simultaneously. It's a delicate balance - get the temperature calibration perfect but compromise on current handling, and you've got an expensive paperweight.
The housing construction uses glass-filled nylon or stainless steel depending on application requirements. For industrial environments, we prefer stainless steel for its corrosion resistance and durability. The sealing process employs laser welding for critical applications where environmental protection is paramount.
Every unit undergoes rigorous testing that includes thermal cycling, load testing at rated current, and dielectric strength verification. We actually test some samples beyond rated specifications to ensure there's a safety margin built in - because in the real world, electrical systems sometimes experience conditions that exceed design specifications.
