IF YOU ARE SEEKING A REPLACEMENT FOR THE SPRECHER + SCHUH CS1 RELAY, WHICH HAS BEEN OBSOLETE SINCE 2009, AMRA DELIVERS THE IDEAL SOLUTION.
To guarantee operational continuity in critical applications, the POKS range represents the definitive technical chioice. The efficacy of this solution has already been extensively field-proven by the recent, successful retrofitting of CS1 units with AMRA TRIPOKS relays across various functions and facilities within the Power Production and Transmission sectors. Notably, a high-volume deployment was successfully executed as a Load Shedding System across three substations of a major oil refinery.
The CS1 Relay: A Legacy of Robustness and Modularity
For years, the CS1 industrial relay served as the backbone of many control systems, thanks to its plug-in modular architecture. Engineered to withstand harsh operating conditions, the CS1 offered distinct technical features that designers still value today:
- Configuration Versatiliy: Allowed the integration of 2A and 10A contact elements into a single device of up to six poles.
- Mechanical Reliability: Rated and tested for 25 million mechanical operations.
- Simplified Maintenance: The two-part design (relay body and terminal socket base) enabled rapid hot-swapping via retaining clips without disturbing the base wiring.
The AMRA Alternative: The POKS Range as a Technological Evolution
First introduced in 1972, the AMRA POKS range (derived from "Petite OK") was engineered as a high-performance, compact relay series designed for high-responsibility, mission-critical switching roles. Specifically, the TRIPOKS model, featuring 6 changeover (CO) contacts, serves as the ideal drop-in alternative for the 6-pole CS1 configurations typically deployed in Load Shedding systems.
The series is structured into the following models to accommodate all footprint constraints and contact configurations:
- POKS: 2 changeover concacts.
- BIPOKS: 4 changeover contacts.
- TRIPOKS: 6 changeover contacts.
- QUADRIPOK: 8 changeover contacts.
- ESAPOK: 12 changeover contacts.
Why the POKS range is ideally suited to replace the CS1:
- Standard Magnetic Blowout: Ensures exceptional DC breaking capacity and arc-extintion efficiency, which is vital for substation protection schemes.
- Self-Cleaning Contacts: The wiping action of the contacts guarantess continuous surface cleaning, effectively preventing any increase in contact resistance.
- No Return Springs: The mechanism is entirely metallic, eliminating the risk of thermal aging and degradation typical of plastic components - delivering maximum reliability.
- Advanced Customization: Available with P4GEO treatment (gold-plated contacts) and P2 treatment (tropicalized / varnished coil) for operation in corrosive atmospheres or geothermal sites.
Proven Success and International Track Record
The transition from legacy CS1 relays to AMRA technology is backed by a multi-year track record of outstanding field reliability. The aforementioned retrofitting project across three refinery substations for a Load Shedding system is a proven case history that confirms the TRIPOKS' performance in severe operating environments.
AMRA relays are specified globally for their high shock and vibration resistance in safety-critical sectors:
- Petrochemical & Heavy Industry: Where resistance to corrosive gases and extreme temperatures is a mandatory requirement.
- Power Infrastructure: Intensive deplyoment across power generation plants, transmission networks, and distribution grids.
- Railway Sector: Full compliance with the most stringent international standards for rolling stock and fixed installations.
Opting for the POKS range means not only replacing an obsolete component but also safeguarding the long-term reliability and longevity standards of the entire plant.
Engineering Support
While the POK range represents the premier solution for replacing CS1 relays, it is important to note that the technical specifications of the two components do not match identically across all parameters. For instance, profiles regarding mechanical and electrical life cycles, as well as maximum allowable switching frequencies, differ and require a careful comparative analysis.
AMRA is fully available to evaluate the most suitable technical solution through a joint engineering review of your specific use case. Our application specialists are ready to analyze your operational requirements to determine if the TRIPOKS relay is the ideal candidate or if, based on system stress factors, a model with extended mechanical and electrical duty cycles should be selected. Our ultimate goal is to ensure maximum uptime, operational continuity, and safety through dedicated technical consultancy.
Inquire about the TRIPOK relay by contacting AMRA staff via the dedicated webform
Click here and browse the complete TRIPOK datasheet.