Product description

Destratification controller | 2×PT500 inputs | 0-10VDC/4-20mA/PWM | relay 2A | Modbus RTU | 85-264VAC | IP54 | Sentera Controls | DSCA8-DM

DSCA8-DM – a Sentera Controls destratification controller for ceiling fans. Using two PT500 temperature sensors (near the floor and under the ceiling) it calculates the temperature difference ΔT and, via the analog output (0-10 VDC by default), increases the speed of EC or AC fans when warm air accumulates under the ceiling. The relay output serves as a thermostat function for an auxiliary heater. Supply 85–264 VAC.

Key idea:
In tall rooms warm air rises under the ceiling while people feel cold at floor level. The controller brings heat back down only when it has really accumulated at the top – less heat loss through the roof, and in summer the same fans create a cooling air movement.

Inputs
2 × PT500 (floor / ceiling)

Fan output
0-10 / 2-10 / 0-5 VDC, 0-20 / 4-20 mA, PWM

Relay
2 A, auxiliary heater

Supply / protection
85–264 VAC, IP54

Operating principle

The controller is wall-mounted and powered with 85–264 VAC (L, N, PE). Two PT500 sensors are connected (TEMP1 – at floor level, TEMP2 – under the ceiling), the fan control signal (AO1, GND), a relay for an additional heater (NO, COM) and, if required, Modbus RTU (A, B); the 24 VDC / 500 mA output can power an external device.

In Delta mode, the fans start at minimum speed when the difference between ceiling and floor temperatures exceeds the setting by more than a 1 °C hysteresis; the speed increases by 1 % every 10 s and decreases by 1 % every 30 s. In Summer mode (via the button or when the floor temperature exceeds the limit) the fans run at a fixed speed, in Override mode the speed is set over Modbus RTU, and the relay switches on an additional heater when the floor is 2.5 °C colder than the setpoint and the fans have already run at maximum speed for the set time. The output type (0-10, 2-10, 0-5 VDC, 0-20, 4-20 mA or PWM) is selected over Modbus.

Result – warm air from the ceiling is returned to the occupied zone, and the heater is switched on only when destratification is no longer sufficient. In the event of a fault the output drops to 0 % and the relay is switched off; after recovery there is a 20 s delay, and more than 10 alarms lock the unit until the power is cycled; the status is visible on an RGB LED.

Benefits DSCA8-DM?
A ready destratification algorithm, heater thermostat and Modbus RTU in one IP54 housing – no need to program a PLC or tune separate thermostats.

Technical specifications

Product type	Destratification controller
Manufacturer / code	Sentera Controls / DSCA8-DM
Purpose	Control of ceiling fans based on the difference between ceiling and floor temperatures
Temperature inputs	2 × PT500: TEMP1 – floor, TEMP2 – ceiling (sensors ordered separately)
Analog output AO1	0-10 VDC (default), 2-10, 0-5 VDC (RL ≥ 1 kΩ); 0-20, 4-20 mA (RL ≤ 500 Ω); PWM 1 kHz push-pull 12 VDC or open collector (≤ 12 VDC)
Relay output	NO / COM, 2 A (resistive load); auxiliary heater
Power output	24 VDC, 500 mA for an external device
Supply voltage	85–264 VAC, 50–60 Hz (L, N, PE)
Modes	Delta (default), Summer, Override
Local control	Summer mode button, RGB status LED
Communication	Modbus RTU (RS485), A, B; Cat5 / EIB cable; SenteraWeb via the Sentera internet gateway
Housing	ABS plastic, grey (RAL 7035)
Protection class	IP54
Operating conditions	-10…+60 °C, 15–90 % rH non-condensing
Storage conditions	0…+20 °C, 15–80 % rH
Weight	0.38 kg (net)
Compliance	LVD 2014/35/EU, EMC 2014/30/EU, WEEE 2012/19/EU, RoHS (EU) 2015/863

Manufacturer documentation

✔ Recommended by Elektrotechnikos sprendimai

Original manufacturer documentation – technical data, wiring diagrams and installation instructions.

Main functions

Delta control – fan speed increases as the ceiling-to-floor temperature difference grows.
Summer mode – fixed speed for cooling air movement; switched on with a button or automatically according to floor temperature.
Heater thermostat – the relay switches on additional heating when the floor is too cold and the fans are already running at maximum.
Universal analog output – suitable for EC motors and AC fan speed controllers with an analog input.
Override via Modbus – the speed can be set from the BMS independently of the automatic logic.
Alarm management – on a fault the outputs are switched off, on repeated faults – lockout.
24 VDC output – up to 500 mA to power an external device.
SenteraWeb – via a Sentera internet gateway – remote monitoring and settings.

Where is it used?

Warehouses and logistics centres
Production workshops, hangars
Gyms, exhibition halls
Shopping centres with high ceilings
Churches and other tall rooms
Car service centers and workshops with high ceilings
Agricultural and farm buildings with ceiling fans

On-demand operation

For warehouse and logistics centre energy managers.
Delta mode returns the heat accumulated under the ceiling to the floor zone and reduces heating costs in high rooms.

For heating system installers.
The switch turns on the additional heater by itself only when the fans are already running at maximum speed, so no separate thermostat is needed.

For sports and exhibition hall administrators.
Summer mode switches the ceiling fans to a fixed cooling speed with a button, no computer needed.

Practical application

If in a 10 m high warehouse the air under the ceiling is much warmer than near the floor, then the DSCA8-DM, based on the TEMP2–TEMP1 difference, gradually (by 1 % every 10 s) increases the speed of the ceiling EC fans, and when the floor is 2.5 °C below the setpoint, the relay switches on an additional heater.

Application guide: how it is used in practice

The DSCA8-DM adapts to different sites – only what is connected to its outputs changes:

Site	What is connected	Result	Installer's note
Warehouse with EC ceiling fans	AO1 0-10 VDC → EC fan control inputs; PT500 – floor and ceiling	Heat is returned downwards only when it accumulates under the ceiling	Route sensor cables separately from power cables
Workshop with AC fans	AO1 → analog input of an electronic or transformer speed controller	AC fan speed according to ΔT	Select the signal type via Modbus HR11
Room with an auxiliary heater	Relay NO / COM → heater control circuit	The heater is switched on only when destratification is not enough	Relay – 2 A resistive load; for a higher load – via a contactor
Gym in summer	Button → summer mode	Fans at a fixed speed create a cooling air movement	Speed is set via HR81
Building with BMS	Modbus RTU → A, B	Status, alarms and Override from the BMS	Cat5 / EIB cable

How to choose a controller

Task	Recommended model
Returning warm air from the ceiling downwards (high rooms, warehouses, workshops)	DSCA8-DM (destratification controller) ← this model
Cooling the room with cooler outdoor air without air conditioning	FCCA8-DM (free cooling controller)

Rule: choose the controller according to the task: heat recovery from the ceiling – DSCA8-DM, cooling with outdoor air – FCCA8-DM. Both require two PT500 sensors (ordered separately) and a fan with an analog control input (EC motor or AC speed controller).

When to choose another solution: PT500 sensors – e.g. Sentera FLTSN-P500 series probes (4 / 8 / 16 m cable) or the ROTSN-P500 room sensor; for AC fans – electronic or transformer speed controllers with an analog input; for free cooling – FCCA8-DM.

Pros

A ready control algorithm with no PLC programming
Universal analog output, including 4-20 mA and PWM
Relay for an auxiliary heater
24 VDC / 500 mA output for an external device
Modbus RTU and SenteraWeb option
IP54 enclosure, supply 85–264 VAC

Cons / limitations

PT500 sensors are not included – order them separately
One analog output – all fans are controlled by the same signal
Relay 2 A – an intermediate contactor is required for a higher load
Many settings (limits, times) can be changed only via Modbus RTU

Safety and installation notes

Installation and connection are to be carried out by a qualified electrician / automation specialist with the power disconnected.
Supply voltage 85–264 VAC: hazardous voltage on terminals L, N, PE; protective earthing is required.
Relay contact load – no more than 2 A resistive load.
Route PT500 sensor cables separately from power cables, avoid loops and unnecessary connections.
Resetting the Modbus communication parameters – with a jumper on PROG pins 1 and 2 for at least 5 s.

Quick selection guide

2 × PT500

0-10 VDC / 4-20 mA / PWM

Relay 2 A

Modbus RTU

85–264 VAC

IP54

Suitable when you need:

to control ceiling fans according to the ceiling-to-floor temperature difference;
to reduce heat losses in high-ceilinged spaces;
in summer, to use fans for a cooling air movement.

Check before use:

whether the fan has an analog control input (EC) or an AC speed controller is used;
whether two PT500 sensors have been ordered;
the relay load (up to 2 A).

Important reminder: The DSCA8-DM is a controller: it generates a control signal but is not a fan power regulator; the PT500 sensors are ordered separately.

FAQ

Are the sensors included in the kit?
No, two PT500 sensors are required, ordered separately.

Which fans can be controlled?
EC motors with an analog input and AC fans via a speed controller with an analog input.

How do I change the output signal type?
Via Modbus RTU (0-10 VDC by default).

Is a computer needed for commissioning?
No, main operation is with factory settings; the status is shown by the RGB LED, with a button on the unit.

What happens in case of a fault?
The analog output drops to 0 % and the relay switches off; after more than 10 alarms – lockout until the power supply is cycled.

How do I connect to the internet?
Via the Sentera internet gateway to the SenteraWeb cloud.

Destratification controller | 2×PT500 inputs | 0-10VDC/4-20mA/PWM | relay 2A | Modbus RTU | 85-264VAC | IP54 | Sentera Controls | DSCA8-DM

Sentera DSCA8-DM – destratification controller with two PT500 inputs, 0-10 VDC / 4-20 mA / PWM analog output, 2 A relay and Modbus RTU, 85–264 VAC supply, IP54. Reduces heat losses in high-ceilinged spaces.

Illustrative image may have been created using AI. The appearance of the product may differ slightly from the image shown. Please refer to the technical specification.

Attributes

Manufacturer

Sentera controls

CE certificate – a guarantee of safety, quality, and compliance

This product is marked with the CE label, which confirms that it complies with all applicable European Union directives and regulations. CE marking is not just a formality – it is an important indicator of quality and safety, ensuring that the product has been properly assessed, tested, and can be safely used throughout the EU market.

CE certification means that the product has been evaluated according to the main criteria:

Safety requirements – ensures that the product does not pose a risk to the user or the environment
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – the device does not interfere with other equipment and is resistant to external disturbances
Environmental standards – complies with current ecological and material usage requirements
Operational reliability – the product is suitable for long-term use according to its intended purpose

CE marking allows this product to:

be legally supplied and used in all European Union countries
ensure a high level of quality and safety
be used in residential, commercial, and industrial environments

The CE mark is a declaration of the manufacturer’s responsibility, confirming that the product complies with all applicable standards and has been assessed according to EU legislation.

What does this mean for you as a buyer?

Safe use in everyday activities
Reliable performance and reduced risk of failure
Compliance with EU standards and requirements
Suitability for professional solutions

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Product Catalog

Destratification controller | 2×PT500 inputs | 0-10VDC/4-20mA/PWM | relay 2A | Modbus RTU | 85-264VAC | IP54 | Sentera Controls | DSCA8-DM

Destratification controller | 2×PT500 inputs | 0-10VDC/4-20mA/PWM | relay 2A | Modbus RTU | 85-264VAC | IP54 | Sentera Controls | DSCA8-DM

Operating principle

Technical specifications

Manufacturer documentation

Main functions

Where is it used?

On-demand operation

Practical application

Application guide: how it is used in practice

How to choose a controller

Pros

Cons / limitations

Safety and installation notes

Quick selection guide

FAQ

Destratification controller | 2×PT500 inputs | 0-10VDC/4-20mA/PWM | relay 2A | Modbus RTU | 85-264VAC | IP54 | Sentera Controls | DSCA8-DM

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