Power factor controller | 6 or 12 steps | Plug and Play | 144x144 | IP40 | Lifasa | MCE-6 ADV / MCE-12 ADV

Power factor controller | 6 or 12 steps | Plug and Play | 144x144 | IP40 | Lifasa | MCE-6 ADV / MCE-12 ADV

Lifasa MCE ADV is an automatic power factor (cos φ) controller for capacitor banks, available in 6-step (MCE-6 ADV) and 12-step (MCE-12 ADV) versions. It measures the reactive energy demand and switches capacitor steps on or off to maintain the set cos φ.

Key idea:
The main advantage of MCE ADV is simple commissioning. The controller automatically detects the CT ratio and the smallest step power (C/K), the phase sequence and CT polarity, the number of installed steps and their power program. This reduces commissioning errors when the electrician does not have all the cabinet data.

Why choose MCE ADV?
It is a reliable, straightforward controller for a typical automatic capacitor bank: quick to commission, it displays current, voltage and current THD, records maximum values and raises an alarm for under- or over-compensation.

• Plug and Play commissioning – automatically detects C/K, phase sequence, CT polarity and the step program
• Phase correction in the menu – no need to rewire the CT or voltage leads
• Parameter display – current, voltage and current THD % – you can quickly see whether harmonics threaten the cabinet
• Maximum value logging – records the highest current and voltage
• Alarms – under- and over-compensation, overvoltage, overcurrent, CT disconnected, current too low
• Minimum number of switching operations – extends the life of contactors and capacitors

• New automatic capacitor banks with up to 12 steps
• Controller replacement in old cabinets
• Production halls, workshops and warehouses with motors
• Pumping stations, boiler houses, ventilation and refrigeration plants
• Commercial buildings charged for reactive energy
• Agricultural sites with three-phase equipment

If an old 6-step controller in a workshop has failed and there is no cabinet documentation, MCE-6 ADV is fitted into the same 138 × 138 mm cut-out, the CT and voltage are connected, and during commissioning the controller determines the steps and C/K by itself. All the electrician has to do is check the cos φ target and alarms.

• Before any work, disconnect the power supply and make sure the capacitors are discharged
• Never leave the CT secondary circuit open – short-circuit the terminals before disconnecting
• Install the CT at the incoming supply so that it measures both the load and the capacitor current
• Protect the power supply with 0.5–2 A gL fuses and the relay circuit with a 6 A C-curve circuit breaker or a 6 A gL fuse (as per the manufacturer's instructions)
• Check that the supply voltage matches the device label (230 / 400 / 480 V)

Quick selection guide

What is the difference between MCE-6 ADV and MCE-12 ADV?
The number of steps: MCE-6 ADV controls 6 steps, MCE-12 ADV controls 12.

Do I need to know the CT ratio before commissioning?
Not necessarily – the controller can determine the C/K factor automatically.

Can an incorrectly installed CT be corrected?
Yes, the phase and polarity can be changed in the menu without rewiring.

Does MCE ADV have Modbus?
No, for remote communication choose Lifasa MASTER06 or MASTER12.

Does the controller display harmonics?
It displays current THD as a percentage, which helps assess the harmonic level.

What is the mounting cut-out?
138 × 138 mm, with a 144 × 144 mm front.

Disclaimer. This description is based on manufacturer data and is provided for information only. Final selection, connection and commissioning must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with the site design and applicable requirements. UAB „Elektrotechnikos sprendimai“ accepts no liability for selection or connection carried out solely on the basis of this description.

Lifasa MCE ADV – 6 / 12-step cos φ controller with automatic commissioning

Lifasa MCE-6 ADV and MCE-12 ADV automatically control capacitor steps, determine C/K, phases and the step program by themselves, display current, voltage and THD, and raise alarms for compensation faults. Standard 144 × 144 mm, IP40.