If you have experience in the industrial sector, ABB is probably a name that needs almost no introduction. In just a few short decades, it’s become one of the most prestigious names in global industrial engineering and manufacturing, recognised as a global leader in a wide range of devices. 

One of its latest products has only served to further cement that reputation. The CM-UFD.M33 is a grid-feeding monitoring relay, and one that’s perfectly suited to any mid-to-large scale business looking to cut its carbon footprint and energy costs by investing in renewable energy. As one of ABB’s trusted UK distributors here at LED Controls, we’ve recently seen an increase in demand for relays like this – so let’s take a quick overview of it.

What is the CM-UFD.M33?

Like most industrial relays, it doesn’t exactly have the catchiest name – but its utility is undeniable. Essentially, the CM-UFD.M33 is designed to be installed between a renewable energy system and the public grid, guaranteeing grid stability and preventing business-critical risks like blackouts.

Responsiveness is without question its overarching key quality – if the voltage or frequency magnitudes of the public grid are outside of the permitted range (so as to become unsafe), the device will automatically send a signal to the decoupling unit to disconnect itself from the public grid. That prevents damage to your assets and operations, so that you can avoid expensive downtime – or even having to replace some of your equipment entirely. 

Its core functions include:

  • Over- and undervoltage monitoring
  • Interrupted neutral monitoring
  • Over- and underfrequency monitoring

That’s just a brief summary of its functions and capabilities – you can find more detailed information on its product page on our website. 

Why is it so popular for businesses across the UK?

In recent years, there’s been an increasing drive for UK businesses to look more closely at renewables. One influential factor is social change – due to criteria like ESG and CSR, customers and investors are now increasingly expecting businesses to provide more concrete demonstrations of their commitment to cutting down their carbon footprint. Organisations which can prove they’re doing this will often gain a key advantage over the competition. 

However, it’s not just about outside pressure – in many cases, turning to renewables also allows businesses to cut their energy costs. The ability to pivot to green forms of energy (in some cases generated on-site) can protect a business from suffering the worst effects of sudden shocks to the market – such as those that were keenly felt in February of last year, when Russia invaded Ukraine. 

Those are just a couple of the main drivers – ultimately, business owners may have all sorts of reasons to choose renewable energy. And devices like the CM-UFD.M33 are perfect for helping to bridge that gap.

If it’s a goal you’re striving for with your own business, don’t hesitate to give one of our team a call on 01706 242050 for advice on any further devices or systems we supply. We’ll always be able to provide some answers pointing you in the right direction, so that you can make your operations leaner, greener, and more efficient.