Supplement: Distribution
but meaningful step toward ensuring long- term reliability.
“Just that one plug and socket solve five potential problems,” Rob says. “From speed of install to disconnection security.” While FMC4 tackles the micro-connections, the Solar Guardian addresses macro-level safety - particularly in emergencies. Known in the industry as a “firefighter safety switch,” Solar Guardian solves a critical hazard: live DC cables during a fire.
“Imagine a fire. The AC power gets turned off at ground level. But the DC lines coming from the roof? Still live. That’s a serious risk to firefighters,” says Rob.
Solar Guardian monitors the AC line, and the moment it shuts off, the device automatically isolates the DC circuit - at the rooftop level. No manual intervention required. This automatic shut-off not only protects first responders but can also limit further damage to the property. “It’s not the only product on the market doing this,” Rob says. “But ours is European- designed, and we’ve integrated the FMC4 connectors right into it - so even the connection points are protected.” It’s all part of Europa’s philosophy: smart safety, built in.
The FMC4-style connector
As solar installations become more common and complex, Rob believes the future lies in integration.
“We don’t want to sell disconnected products. We want a unified ecosystem - what I call a tasting menu. Each course complements the others. You don’t have to order every item, but the more you use, the better the result. The more products you take, the safer it is.”
That vision is already taking shape with Europa Plus, a smart platform currently expanding into solar. While details are under wraps, Rob teases developments that will add intelligence, monitoring, and connectivity to the existing product line.
“There’s something clever coming with Solar Guardian soon,” he says. “We’re working with Intertek for compliance, and when it’s ready, it’ll be another big leap forward.”
One of the most encouraging signs, Rob
says, is how well the market has responded to Europa’s safety-first message. Installers, wholesalers and regulators are increasingly aware of the “dirty secret” that is solar fire risk - and they’re keen to clean it up. “Every time I present this, people get it straight away,” he says. “They know the risks. They just need the right products to deal with them.”
With products like FMC4 and Solar Guardian, Europa is delivering those tools. And as the UK pushes toward its net-zero goals, that level of proactive innovation couldn’t come at a better time. “There’s been a lot of interest in the products, especially the connector,” Rob says.
“The Solar Guardian, which we would argue strongly is better than anything else on the market, is improving all the time,” For those wondering whether these
additional safety components will blow the budget, Rob is quick to reassure. “Let’s say your solar roof costs £20,000. Spending a few hundred pounds extra on safety gear that could prevent a fire? It’s a no-brainer.”
Indeed, the cost of not investing in reliable components can be catastrophic. With Europa leading the charge in smart, safe integration, the solar industry may just get the confidence boost it needs to grow even faster - and safer. Rob has walked in the shoes of the installers and engineers who now rely on Europa’s products. From oil rigs to robotics and residential systems, his background gives him a unique view of where component design can make or break a project.
“I’ve come from that industry - I’ve been on the other side of the fence,” he says. “I know what people need. And if you’re not giving people what they need, you can be as good as you like - you’re going to fail.”
And the future of the solar industry? There’s only one direction, he adds.
“It can only grow. There’s no chance we’re going back to coal and oil. There’ll always be the naysayers, but solar is the future.”
https://www.europa-plc.com/ Watlow Mini8 Loop Controller is a compact powerhouse designed
to elevate process automation and data acquisition needs This versatile controller offers the high-performance control typically found in Eurotherm by Watlow panel mount PID controllers, but in a more economical and space-saving package.
Modular design
This enables the input/output (I/O) and feature sets to be tailored to a wide range of applications, from simple to complex. This flexibility makes the Mini8 an ideal partner for programmable logic controllers (PLCs). By offloading analogue measurement and loop control tasks to the Mini8, you can significantly reduce the hardware costs of your PLC, often allowing for a less powerful processor to be utilized.
Remarkable accuracy
One of the standout features of the Mini8 controller is its enhanced Thermocouple input board (ET8), which boasts a remarkable +/-0.25°C Cold Junction Compensation (CJC) accuracy. This ensures improved input precision and allows the controller to handle more loops within a single unit. It is also equipped with more processing power, additional function blocks, and faster communication capabilities, ensuring
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your processes are managed efficiently and accurately.
Flexible communications The Mini8 device supports a wide array of communication protocols, including serial, fieldbus, and Ethernet. This makes integration with existing systems seamless and provides robust data acquisition capabilities, delivering unparalleled local and network access to your processes. Furthermore, with its built-in support for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and cybersecurity best practices, the Mini8 helps fortify your infrastructure against potential cyber threats while enhancing your automation strategies.
High-performance PID control In terms of control, the Mini8 shines with precision PID control, graphical wiring, and setpoint programming functions. It incorporates advanced math, logic, and timing function blocks, providing comprehensive
control over your processes. Whether you’re looking to implement cascade control, load diagnostics, or utilize user-defined wiring, the Mini8 has you covered.
Versatility and robustness: I/O Channels: up to 32 Input / Outputs Operating voltage: 24V DC IP Rating: IP20
Unmatched accessibility When used in conjunction with 6000 Series paperless graphic recorder products, the Mini8 offers exceptional data acquisition installation capabilities, providing unmatched
local and remote process accessibility. For those seeking a reliable, cost-effective solution for process automation and data acquisition, the Eurotherm by Watlow Mini8 Loop Controller is the perfect choice, combining high performance with unmatched flexibility and ease of integration.
Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfAyILkz-rs Find out more:
https://www.eurotherm.com/en/products/temperature-controllers-en/multi- loop-temperature-controllers-en/mini8-loop-controller/ Download the brochure:
https://www.eurotherm.com/?wpdmdl=149984 Configure and price:
https://www.watlow.com/Products/Controllers/Eurotherm/Mini8-Loop- Controller?econfig=123
Components in Electronics September 2025 31
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