Efficient Power for Automation

Oct 17, 2025
RECOM power supplies in industrial automation system with robotic arm
A reliable power supply is the foundation of every automation solution. Industrial production faces increasing demands: more compact control cabinets, higher ambient temperatures, shorter maintenance cycles, and intelligent systems that set narrow limits for conventional power supply units. As a result, planners and users increasingly view the power supply as an integral part of the overall automation system – including its additional functions, service life, and ease of handling.

Table of Contents

Selection Criteria for Power Supply Units in Factory Automation

The choice of a suitable power supply unit has a significant impact on the efficiency, availability, and safety of an automation system. In modern manufacturing environments, numerous technical and economic factors therefore must be considered to ensure trouble-free operation:
Fig. 1: The RACPRO1 series received the Red Dot Award for Product Design in 2025 – proof of the successful combination of technical innovation and appealing design
  • Stability and reliability: A constant output voltage even in the event of fluctuating loads or harsh environmental conditions.
  • Protection functions: Overload, overvoltage, and short-circuit protection secure both the power supply unit and end devices.
  • High efficiency: Efficiencies of over 90% reduce energy losses and lower the heat generation.
  • Modularity and scalability: DIN rail designs allow for flexible expansion and easy maintenance.
  • Certifications: Standards such as UL, CE and RoHS are a prerequisite for global use.
  • Remote monitoring: Remote monitoring and diagnostic functions increase system availability.
  • Power reserve: In addition to the total sum of all consumers, a reserve of at least 25% should be included.
  • Peak load capacity: Power supply units must be able to absorb short-term load peaks, e.g., from motors or actuators.
  • Ambient conditions: Temperature, humidity, vibration and dust exposure must be factored in the design.
  • Assembly and maintenance: Compact designs, tool-free assembly, and simple diagnostics shorten installation and service times.
  • Service life: High-quality components and MTBF values of > 80,000 hours ensure economical operation.

It is clear that modern power supply units take on far more tasks than merely supplying power – they must combine high efficiency, protection, flexibility, and diagnostic capability in a single system.

RACPRO1 Series: Compact, Powerful and Equipped for Peak Loads

The RACPRO1 series from RECOM was specially developed for these requirements. It combines the highest levels of efficiency with a slim design and easy handling. Push-in connections at a 25° angle allow for tool-free mounting on the DIN rail. The compact design (from a width of 43mm) saves space in the control cabinet, while the optimized housing, with integrated chimney effect, ensures efficient convection cooling – even at ambient temperatures of up to 60°C, with no additional cooling required.
Overview of the RACPRO1 family from RECOM
Fig. 2: The RACPRO1 family offers DIN rail power supply solutions for automation solutions
The power reserves are equally impressive: at an ambient temperature of 45°C, the devices deliver 120% of their nominal power continuously, while at 60°C, a power boost of 150% is available for up to five seconds. This makes them well suited for applications with pulse-like load changes. In addition, 4-channel electronic fuses (e-fuses) are available, enabling targeted monitoring and shutdown of individual consumers in the event of a fault – ensuring that critical systems such as controllers remain in operation.

Diode circuits with MOSFET technology enable low-loss parallel connection of multiple power supplies, either for redundancy or increased output power. Active inrush current limitation protects the contacts of upstream fuses and helps extend their service life.

The RACPRO1 Models in Comparison

The series includes three models that differ in size, efficiency and performance data:

Model Width Efficiency Functional features Weight
RACPRO1-T240 43mm Up to 94.1% Active inrush current limitation; 2-phase AC operation 2 x 350V to 2 x 575V 500g
RACPRO1-T480 52mm Up to 95.3% PFC >0.9, active inrush current limitation; passive load sharing in parallel operation, LED load indicator 770g
RACPRO1-T960 80mm Up to 97.1% PFC >0.9, active inrush current limitation; passive load sharing in parallel operation, LED load indicator 1140g

Conclusion and Outlook

In factory automation, power supply units are no longer just passive energy sources; they are integral system components. They must combine energy efficiency, operational reliability, and diagnostic capability in a compact, maintenance-friendly design. With the RACPRO1 series, RECOM offers solutions that meet these requirements – modular, scalable, and suitable for both centralized and decentralized applications. When combined with e-fuses, redundancy diodes, and UPS systems, this results in a continuous power supply system that is fully compatible with DIN rails.
Applications
  Series
1 AC/DC, 4 Channels Output, DIN-Rail RACPRO1-4SP Series
Focus New
  • Push-in connectors for tool-less wiring
  • Start-Up delay adjustable by switch
  • NEC Class 2 limit switchable (for 5A module)
  • Adjustable power limit & load indication by LED
2 AC/DC, 240 W, Single Output, DIN-Rail RACPRO1-T240 Series
Focus New
  • Slim Design (43mm) with 25° Push-In connectors
  • Fast tool-less mounting and demounting
  • Active Inrush Current Limitation
  • 2-phase AC operation 2x350V to 2x575V
3 AC/DC, 480 W, Single Output, DIN-Rail RACPRO1-T480 Series
Focus New
  • Slim Design (52mm) with 25° Push-In connectors
  • Fast tool-less mounting and demounting
  • PFC >0.9 and Active Inrush Current Limitation
  • DC-Input Range 430V to 815V/850V 10s
4 AC/DC, 960 W, Single Output, DIN-Rail RACPRO1-T960 Series
Focus New
  • Slim Design (80mm) with 25° Push-In connectors
  • Fast tool-less mounting and demounting
  • PFC >0.9 and Active Inrush Current Limitation
  • DC-Input Range 430V to 815V/850V 10s