Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. has announced  its entry into a new market with the release of the SEL-2431 Voltage Regulator Control. The SEL-2431 is compatible with all North American 32-step, single-phase voltage regulators. SEL designed the control to fit into existing control enclosures, eliminating the costly expense of removing the voltage regulator from service to upgrade the control. Intended for both substation and pole-mount voltage regulators, the SEL-2431 supports fiber-optic, EIA-232, and EIA-485 serial interfaces using DNP3 or SEL ASCII protocols, making it easy to incorporate into existing protection and automation systems.

Electric utilities can now get a single-phase voltage regulator control designed to the protective relaying standards necessary to achieve a 300-year MTBF (mean time between failures). The SEL-2431 incorporates a highly reliable, single-board design and carries a no-hassle warranty.

Based on its experience with SEL’s industry-leading technical service, a large, investor-owned utility in the southeastern United States strongly encouraged SEL’s development of the SEL-2431. The utility participated actively in the development specification and testing of early prototype units, and placed the first order for more than 50 controls for delivery in early July.

Interest in the SEL-2431 is high at other utilities. Customer feedback from early promotion at several utility conferences and tradeshows supported the industry’s need for a safe, reliable alternative to existing products. Sales engineers with Power Connections, Inc. commented, "Interest in the SEL-2431 has been so strong that we cannot make customer visits fast enough to discuss details of the new control."