Industrial Electronics

Functionally safe measurement of high voltages in industrial applications

09 October 2025

Whether electromobility or energy storage — being able to measure high direct current voltages in a functionally safe manner and connect to safety-oriented controllers are in demand. Knick has developed the P45000 high voltage transducer for this purpose. This can be used in numerous industrial applications, such as in test bench setups for battery storage systems and electric vehicle systems, as well as in processes for hydrogen production. The transducer provides 4 mA to 20 mA on the output side for the connection to industrial control systems.

Created for tough application conditions and functional safety Source: Knick Elektronische Messgeräte GmbH & Co. KGSource: Knick Elektronische Messgeräte GmbH & Co. KG

The compact and robust P45000 can withstand high application temperatures and vibrations, making it ideal for harsh operating environments. As a functionally safe high voltage transducer, it is certified for use in SIL 2 systems, and redundantly in SIL 3 systems. This makes it possible to detect dangerously high voltages and ensures the functionally safe shutdown of systems in case of a fault.

The P45000 is designed for measurements of high direct current voltages up to 3,900 V DC and AC voltages up to 4,500 V ACpeak with a type test voltage of up to 20 kV AC. The transducer offers protection up to a rated insulation voltage of 4,800 V AC/DC.

Space-saving horizontal, vertical and stacked mounting

Thanks to its enclosure concept, the P45000 series can be installed to save space horizontally, vertically stacked or arranged on 35 mm DIN rails. Optional partitions between the transducers extend the clearances between adjacent connections and prevent errors when assembling the ring cable lugs. If space is especially limited, Knick offers the P45000 with permanently factory-encapsulated cables at the high-voltage input, so that the need for clearances and creepage distances is eliminated.

The precise specification and documentation typical of Knick makes it easy for developers and planners to check the suitability for the respective application in advance and to integrate the signal conditioners. Thanks to its high level of vertical integration, Knick also offers a reliable delivery capability of the P45000 at cost-effective conditions.

The compact P45000 high voltage transducer is designed for measurements of high DC voltages up to 3,900 V DC and AC voltages up to 4,500 V ACpeak, and is therefore ideally suited for industrial applications, such as in test bench setup and the hydrogen industry.

To contact the author of this article, email GlobalSpecEditors@globalspec.com


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