Phoenix Contact QUINT-PS 24 V 10 A vs QUINT4-PS 24 V 10 A: Key Differences & Upgrade Guide

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1. The Crucial Transition: Shifting from First Generation Reliability to Fourth Generation Intelligence

For many industrial control panel engineers, the PHOENIX CONTACT QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 (Part Number: 2866763) has been the cornerstone of reliable 24 V DC power for years. Its robust design and early adoption of the POWER BOOST function established a benchmark for system uptime in the first generation of QUINT POWER supplies. However, as control systems evolve toward predictive maintenance and real-time asset management, reliance on older units, which are often reaching end-of-life or requiring complex troubleshooting, introduces unnecessary risk.

The decision to upgrade to the latest PHOENIX CONTACT QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP (Part Number: 2904601) is driven by more than just replacing a failing component; it is a strategic investment in system availability and diagnostic intelligence. The fourth generation not only refines the core functionalities but fundamentally changes the relationship between the power supply and the control system by integrating EtherNet/IP communication and advanced monitoring capabilities. This comparison guides control engineers through the critical technical differences and the tangible operational benefits of this essential upgrade.

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2. Understanding the Evolution of Core Technology: SFB and Power Reserve

The primary function of a high-performance power supply in industrial automation is not just to provide stable voltage, but to ensure uninterrupted operation, especially during fault conditions. The evolution of PHOENIX CONTACT's proprietary Selective Fuse Breaking (SFB) technology and power reserve features between the two generations is a key differentiator.

2.1. Selective Fuse Breaking (SFB) Capability

SFB Technology is designed to guarantee selective tripping of secondary-side circuit breakers. This is crucial because standard power supplies often struggle to provide the high inrush current required to trip a breaker quickly, leading to a voltage dip that can shut down healthy loads connected in parallel.

• QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 (First Generation): This unit introduced SFB, capable of delivering 6 times the nominal current (60 A for the 10 A unit) for 12 milliseconds. This was a significant advancement, effectively isolating faulty current paths and keeping the rest of the system running. It primarily relies on high-speed current delivery.
• QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP (Fourth Generation): The SFB technology is enhanced, providing 6 times the nominal current (60 A) for 15 milliseconds. While the current surge remains the same, the slightly extended duration, coupled with improved control circuitry, optimizes tripping performance for modern miniature circuit breakers (MCBs). The crucial distinction lies in the QUINT4’s ability to coordinate this feature via communication, allowing for advanced analysis of the tripping event within the PLC environment.

2.2. Power Reserve Strategies (Boost Functions)

Industrial loads often require short bursts of high current for startup (capacitive loads) or for brief periods of increased demand. Both units address this with power reserves, but with differing levels of flexibility and duration.

• QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 (Legacy): Offers a fixed POWER BOOST of 1.5 times the nominal current (15 A), which is available permanently up to 40°C. This is a reliable, static power reserve for consistently demanding loads.
• QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP (Modern): Separates the boost into two categories for optimized load management:
  • Static Boost: 1.25 times the nominal current (12.5 A), available permanently. This reserve can simplify system design by compensating for minor, sustained overloads.
  • Dynamic Boost: 2 times the nominal current (20 A), available for a duration of 5 seconds. This is ideal for handling high inrush currents from demanding motors or actuators upon startup, offering a more powerful, time-limited surge than the legacy model.

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3. The Paradigm Shift: Communication and Preventive Function Monitoring

The single most compelling reason for migrating to the QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP is its communicative capability via EtherNet/IP. This feature elevates the power supply from a passive component to an active, intelligent asset, directly enabling predictive maintenance strategies.

3.1. Embedded Diagnostics via EtherNet/IP

The 'EIP' suffix signifies the unit’s ability to communicate over the EtherNet/IP industrial network, making its operating status transparent to the higher-level controller (PLC).

• QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 (Legacy): Relies on basic, hard-wired relay contacts (DC OK floating, POWER BOOST active, DC OK active). These signals are binary: the system is either ‘OK’ or not. Troubleshooting requires physical inspection and multimeter measurements.
• QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP (Modern): Provides comprehensive real-time data to the PLC over the network, including:
  • Output Voltage and Current (Analog/Digital values): Allows for trending of load consumption.
  • Lifetime Status (Remaining Life): Predictive function monitoring based on internal temperature and load factors.
  • Configurable Alarm Thresholds: Engineers can set alarms in the PLC when current consumption or temperature approaches critical limits, enabling proactive intervention.
  • Configuration via NFC: The modern unit can be quickly configured on-site via Near Field Communication (NFC) using a mobile device, eliminating the need for potentiometers and simplifying replacement procedures.

3.2. Preventive Function Monitoring

While the legacy unit only signals a boost or an undervoltage condition, the QUINT4 focuses on alerting the engineer before a failure occurs.

• Conditional Warning: If the unit's capacitance degrades, its internal temperature rises consistently above a set threshold, or the input voltage sags frequently, the QUINT4 can generate a specific warning message via EtherNet/IP, signaling a likely impending failure due to stress. This allows the maintenance team to schedule a replacement during a planned shutdown, completely eliminating unexpected downtime caused by power supply failure.
• Engineering Decision Flow: If the system relies on maximum uptime and fault diagnosis must be rapid and remote, then the upgrade to the communicative QUINT4 is mandatory. However, if the application is a small, non-critical, standalone machine in a benign environment, then the legacy unit's hard-wired DC OK signal might suffice, though replacement with a modern non-communicative QUINT4 is still recommended for improved efficiency and SFB performance.

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4. Real-World Deployment Scenario

The differences between the two power supplies become starkly clear when considering their roles in a large-scale automated manufacturing environment, such as a high-speed packaging line.

Legacy Deployment Scenario: QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10

• Application: Used in a machine's main I/O panel powering a bank of remote I/O blocks, sensors, and safety relays.
• Operation: The unit functions reliably for years. When a sensor cable short circuits, the SFB triggers the downstream MCB, successfully isolating the fault.
• The Problem: The DC OK relay contact drops out and triggers a basic fault light on the HMI. The technician arrives, sees the fault, but has no historical data. They measure the output voltage (it's fine, as the breaker tripped), reset the breaker, and the machine starts. A week later, another short occurs, and this time the power supply itself fails due to thermal fatigue accumulated over years of such events. The system is down for hours awaiting a replacement and full troubleshooting because the only data point was a simple 'Failure' signal.

Modern Deployment Scenario: QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP

• Application: Used in the same high-speed packaging line I/O panel.
• Operation: A cable short circuits. The enhanced SFB technology selectively trips the MCB.
• The Advantage: The QUINT4 immediately sends a detailed EtherNet/IP message to the PLC: "SFB EVENT OCCURRED: Output current exceeded 6x nominal current. Remaining lifespan reduced by 0.05%." Furthermore, the power supply's continuous self-monitoring shows the output current trending upward over the past six months, indicating component wear or increasing load demand.
• Predictive Maintenance: The maintenance system logs the elevated current and a low Remaining Lifetime percentage (e.g., 15%). The engineer receives an alert saying, "Power supply replacement recommended within 90 days." The engineer schedules the replacement during the next planned production holiday, eliminating the risk of a catastrophic, unscheduled shutdown. If the priority is avoiding unscheduled downtime, then the real-time health data from the QUINT4 is an invaluable tool for asset management.

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5. Technical Specifications: A Head-to-Head Comparison

While visually similar, the internal architecture and performance metrics of the two power supplies reveal the generational leap, particularly in efficiency and transient response.

Feature / Model	QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 (Legacy)	QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP (Modern)
Part Number	2866763	2904601
Dimensions (W x H x D)	60 mm x 130 mm x 125 mm	50 mm x 130 mm x 125 mm
Output Current (Nominal)	10 A	10 A
POWER BOOST / Static Boost	15 A (Permanent, up to 40°C)	12.5 A (Permanent)
Dynamic Boost	N/A	20 A (for 5 seconds)
SFB Technology (Inrush)	60 A (for 12 ms)	60 A (for 15 ms)
Efficiency (typ. @ 230 V AC)	> 92.5 %	typ. 93.4 %
Mains Buffering Time (typ. @ 230 V AC)	> 36 ms	typ. 44 ms
Signaling Method	Hard-wired Relay Contacts, LED	EtherNet/IP, Relay, Digital/Analog Outputs, LED, NFC
Preventive Monitoring	Limited (DC OK/BOOST status)	Comprehensive (Lifetime, Voltage/Current Trend, Temperature)

The most noticeable difference, often overlooked by non-engineers, is the width reduction from 60 mm to 50 mm in the modern unit. If the control cabinet space is extremely constrained, then the 10 mm width reduction per unit (16.7% smaller) offers a tangible physical benefit, allowing for additional components or improved airflow.

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6. Installation and Maintenance Notes

Upgrading a core component like a power supply requires careful consideration of mechanical, electrical, and programming integration. The transition from the first generation to the communicative fourth generation has specific implications for field engineers.

6.1. Mechanical and Electrical Retrofitting

• Size Difference: The QUINT4 (50 mm wide) is smaller than the QUINT-PS (60 mm wide). This leaves an extra 10 mm of space on the DIN rail. Engineers should ensure the mounting of adjacent components remains secure after removal of the wider legacy unit.
• Wiring: Both units utilize pluggable screw connection terminals. The terminal block layout is generally consistent but not identical. If the goal is minimal wiring changes, then the engineer must carefully verify the connection points for Input (L, N, PE) and Output (+, -) when swapping the units.
• Signaling Connection: The most critical change is the signaling. The old unit's hard-wired 'DC OK' signal often connects to a dedicated PLC input card. The QUINT4's primary diagnostic data is now communicated via the EtherNet/IP port (RJ45). If the application still requires a basic hard-wired signal, the QUINT4 provides configurable digital and relay outputs, which must be connected to the existing I/O card, often simplifying the wiring by requiring fewer physical connections overall due to the configurability.

6.2. Firmware and System Integration

• No Firmware Updates (Legacy): The QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 is a fixed device with no user-updatable firmware. Its feature set is static.
• PLC Integration (Modern): For the QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP, the field engineer must:
  • Assign an IP Address: Via NFC or the network configuration tool.
  • Import the EDS File: The Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) file for the EtherNet/IP functionality must be imported into the PLC programming software (e.g., Rockwell Studio 5000) to define the communication tags.
  • Implement Ladder Logic: The PLC code must be updated to read the new diagnostic data (e.g., Output Current, Remaining Lifetime) and integrate it into the HMI or SCADA system.
  • NFC Configuration: The engineer can use a smartphone application to fine-tune the output characteristic (e.g., U/I Advanced, Smart HICCUP, FUSE MODE) and set custom signaling thresholds before even powering up the unit. If field configuration flexibility is required to address unusual load characteristics, then the NFC capability of the QUINT4 is a significant time-saver.

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7. Power Factor Correction and Mains Buffering Performance

Beyond the core output features, the performance of the power supply on the input side significantly impacts the overall cabinet's efficiency and resilience to grid instability.

7.1. Power Factor Correction (PFC)

The Power Factor (PF) indicates how efficiently a power supply utilizes the incoming AC power. A higher PF reduces current drawn from the mains, minimizing harmonic distortion and reducing energy costs.

• QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 (Legacy): Typical Power Factor of 0.85. This is a reasonable value for an older switching power supply.
• QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP (Modern): Typical Power Factor of 0.94. This is a considerable improvement, indicating better power quality management and lower reflected harmonics back onto the grid. If the installation adheres to strict power quality standards (e.g., EN 61000-3-2) or is part of a large plant with many devices, then the improved PFC of the QUINT4 provides a measurable operational advantage.

7.2. Mains Buffering Time (Power Failure Bypass)

The Mains Buffering Time is the duration the power supply can maintain the output voltage after the input voltage drops to zero (i.e., a brief power outage).

• QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 (Legacy): Provides a robust buffering time of > 36 ms at nominal load (230 V AC).
• QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP (Modern): Further extends the buffering time to typ. 44 ms at nominal load (230 V AC). This extra margin of time is crucial for sensitive control equipment, providing additional milliseconds for a PLC to execute emergency routines or for downstream DC/DC converters to maintain their output during brief line disturbances.

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8. Conclusion: Strategic Upgrade for Future-Proof Operation

The PHOENIX CONTACT QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/10 was an exceptional product of its time, delivering high reliability and pioneering features like SFB. However, in the current landscape of industrial control, its primary function is now limited to basic power delivery.

The QUINT4-PS/1AC/24DC/10/EIP represents the necessary leap into intelligent power management. The refined SFB, superior power quality (PFC), and physical space savings are substantial benefits, but the EtherNet/IP communication and preventive function monitoring are transformative. These features turn power supply maintenance from a reactive, crisis-driven task into a proactive, scheduled, and data-driven process. For any engineer prioritizing maximum system availability and striving to implement a modern predictive maintenance regime, the migration from the first-generation QUINT to the communicative fourth-generation QUINT4 is a strategic necessity that guarantees enhanced operational insight and minimized downtime.

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Note to Readers: This guide provides technical analysis for industrial replacement planning. Always consult the official manufacturer's documentation and local safety codes before performing installation or modification work.

The author assumes no liability for any loss, damage, or malfunction resulting from the use or application of this information. Use is strictly at the reader's own risk.