Introducing the AMCIV40 Series: Over Voltage Category IV Power Supplies for Smart City and Smart Meter Applications
Conventional AC-DC power converters are typically designed for Over Voltage Category (OVC) II environments—used downstream of consumer units and connected via standard wall outlets. However, today’s infrastructure demands smarter, more resilient power solutions capable of operating at the grid edge. The newly developed AMCIV40 series meets these demands by supporting OVC IV installations, making them ideal for smart city systems, metering equipment, and other grid-connected or permanently installed devices.
Designed with a reinforced front-end (primary) circuit architecture, the AMCIV40 units can withstand the high impulse voltages and surges characteristic of OVC IV environments as defined by EN/IEC/UL 62368-1 with 5700VAC isolation.
These power supplies are suitable for direct connection to the public power distribution network—upstream of the consumer unit—without the need for additional isolation or protective transformers.
Understanding Over Voltage Categories
- OVC I: Protected circuits (e.g. inside electronic devices) with low transient exposure, often using internal suppression components (MOVs, TVS, fuses).
- OVC II: Equipment connected to standard fixed installations, such as plug-in appliances and tools. Impulse voltage test: 1500V.
- OVC III: Permanently installed equipment wired directly to distribution panels, exposed to higher transients. Impulse voltage test: 2500V.
- OVC IV: Equipment connected to the public mains or utility grid, with the highest transient levels. Impulse voltage test: 4000V.
To meet OVC IV standards, the AMCIV40 design includes increased creepage and clearance distances, especially important at elevations above 2000 meters where air insulation degrades. These enhancements ensure long-duration dielectric withstand testing, which evaluates safety integrity—not just short-term transient immunity.
Traditionally, connecting to OVC IV networks required safety isolation transformers, which increase size, weight, cost, and complexity. By integrating OVC IV compliance directly into the power supply, the AMCIV40 eliminates the need for these components—reducing BOM size, improving reliability, and simplifying layout.
Key Features of the AMCIV40 Series
- True universal input voltage: 90–330Vac, covering nominal 100, 115, 230, and 277Vac single-phase supplies. No derating between 100 and 330Vac.
- Output options: 5 isolated voltages from 5V to 48V, up to 89% efficiency
- Wide operating temperature: -40°C to +70°C
- EMC compliance: Integrated filtering meets EN55032 Class B emissions and EN55024 immunity without external components
- Safety: Fully compliant with EN/IEC/UL 62368-1
- Class II isolation for enhanced protection in field-deployed applications
With their compact design, broad input range, and robust OVC IV compliance, AMCIV40 power supplies are the perfect solution for demanding smart infrastructure applications—delivering safety, performance, and simplicity right where it's needed most.
As usual 3D models are available to download from our website to guarantee integration to your design. If you have an application that the new AMCIV40 AC-DC range sounds suitable for and would like to evaluate an engineering samples (for customers of Great Britain), please get in touch with your Fidus Account Manager or call us on 01183 420730.