Description
Product Introduction
The Autronica AK-6 is a rugged short-circuit protector module engineered for demanding marine and industrial automation environments. Positioned in power distribution, motor control, or field actuator control panels, the AK-6 acts as a fast-acting isolation relay that interrupts power lines when an overcurrent or direct short circuit is detected.
Built with adjustable current thresholds (4 A to 16 A) and selectable trip delays (0.1 s to 1.0 s), the AK-6 allows engineers to fine-tune protection parameters to accommodate inrush currents while preventing secondary damage to upstream controllers. Replacing a degraded or tripped AK-6 unit restores reliable circuit protection, prevents nuisance trips, and shields sensitive control buses across vessel networks and processing machinery.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value / Description |
| Manufacturer | Autronica Fire and Security / Marine |
| Model Code | AK-6 (Revision 2 available) |
| Device Type | Short-Circuit Protection / Overcurrent Relay Module |
| Current Setting Range | 4 A to 16 A (Trimpot Adjustable) |
| Trip Delay Range | 0.1 s to 1.0 s (Time Delay Adjustable) |
| Application Scope | Marine Power Distribution, Actuator Protection, PLC/DCS I/O Bus Protection |
| Housing / Mount | Panel Backplate or Rack Enclosure Mount |
| Marine Classification | Designed to DNV, ABS, and Lloyd’s Register Standards |
| Operating Temperature | -15°C to +70°C (5°F to 158°F) |
Application Scenarios & The “Trench” Experience
It is 2:30 AM aboard a vessel underway. A localized wiring fault on an automated valve actuator causes a sudden dead short on a 24V DC control rail. Without fast isolation, the overload would trip the main control cabinet circuit breaker, taking down multiple automation sub-systems simultaneously.
- Marine Engine Room Automation – Actuator & Valve Power Safeguard – Protects heavy solenoid and actuator supply lines from cascading system shutdowns.
- Industrial Control Cabinets – Overcurrent Isolation – Limits short-circuit energy to protect upstream PLC output modules and power supplies.
- Retrofits & Life Extension – Direct Hardware Swap – Replaces original aging AK-6 modules in legacy Autronica panels without modifying backplane wiring.
Field Case Study
During sea trials, a cargo vessel’s deck machinery control system suffered recurring trip faults on a hydraulic solenoid manifold. Troubleshooting revealed that motor start-up inrush current was triggering a standard breaker, while an incorrectly adjusted protection card was failing to clear true micro-shorts. Installing a calibrated Autronica AK-6 module allowed technicians to set a 0.3 s delay to bypass the initial motor inrush while maintaining tight 8 A short-circuit cutoff—resolving the fault completely.
AK-6
AK-6
Transparency SOP: Quality Assurance & Testing
We do not just ship boxes; we test them on actual equipment-compatible test benches before they ship to your job site. Our 5-step bench verification process includes:
- Inbound Visual & Mechanical Inspection: Detailed audit of terminal blocks, potentiometers, housing integrity, and PCB solder joints for signs of thermal strain or arc pitting.
- Conformal Coating Audit: Verification that protective PCB coatings remain intact to withstand humid and oily marine operating environments.
- Static Resistance Checks: Resistance measurements across internal sensing shunts and control contacts to verify zero open/short internal circuit paths.
- Live Overcurrent Simulation: Bench test using a calibrated current injection set to verify precise trip points across the 4 A – 16 A range and accurate time-delay response from 0.1 s to 1.0 s.
- ESD-Safe Sealed Packaging: Deep cleaned, labeled with revision codes, and vacuum-sealed inside anti-static ESD bags with custom foam protective boxing.
The Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide (Crucial Value-Add)
- ⚠️ Match Current & Delay Settings Prior to Installation: Before energizing the replacement AK-6, record the physical dial positions (4-16 A current and 0.1-1 s delay) on the failed unit and set the new module identically.
- ❗ Verify Line Load Capacity: Confirm that downstream field loads do not exceed the 16 A continuous thermal limit of the AK-6 module to avoid premature degradation of internal switching elements.
- ⚠️ Isolate Upstream Power Before Extraction: Always disconnect control panel mains and auxiliary DC supplies before removing or installing the AK-6 card to prevent terminal arcing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ for Conversion)
Q: Is the Autronica AK-6 adjustable for different circuit loads?
A: Yes. The AK-6 features onboard trimpots that allow technicians to dial in the trip current between 4 A and 16 A, as well as adjust the trip delay from 0.1 s to 1.0 s.
Q: How do I confirm AK-6 is the exact part needed for my cabinet?
A: Check the front faceplate or PCB silkscreen. The model text will clearly state AK-6 (or AK-6 Rev 2) along with current range details (4-16 A).
Q: Are these modules compliant with marine classification rules?
A: Yes. Autronica components are built to meet international marine safety and class survey requirements (DNV, ABS, Lloyd’s Register).
Q: What warranty coverage comes with this replacement module?
A: All marine automation replacement parts are backed by a comprehensive 12-month full replacement warranty. If the AK-6 module exhibits any defect within one year, we replace it or issue a full refund.
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