ABB 5SHX 08F4502 + 3BHB003387R0101 – 4.5 kV IGCT device with matched gate unit for medium-voltage converters and drives

The ABB 5SHX 08F4502 is an IGCT (Integrated Gate-Commutated Thyristor) in the 4.5 kV class, typically rated around 800 A, paired here with the ABB gate unit 3BHB003387R0101 for fast, reliable turn-off performance. From my experience, this combo is commonly used in medium-voltage drives, STATCOM/FACTS converters, and high-power rectifiers where low conduction loss and robust surge capability matter more than headline switching frequency. You might notice that maintenance teams appreciate the press-pack form factor—it’s predictable under thermal cycling and straightforward to clamp correctly when the surfaces are clean and the force is set right.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

• Warranty: 365 days
• Lead time: typically 1 week if in stock; no more than 1 month at the latest
• Payment: 50% advance payment; full payment before delivery
• Express options: FedEx, UPS, DHL

Key Features

• 4.5 kV IGCT platform – The 5SHX 08F4502 sits in ABB’s 4.5 kV class, suitable for medium-voltage converter stacks.
• High on-state robustness – Press-pack IGCT structure typically delivers low conduction loss and solid surge handling.
• Matched gate unit – 3BHB003387R0101 gate unit provides controlled turn-on/turn-off and protection functions (typical undervoltage and interlock behavior).
• Press-pack mounting – Consistent clamping pressure gives repeatable thermal contact and long-term reliability under cycling.
• Fiber-optic control (typical) – Gate unit input is usually fiber-optic in MV drives, improving noise immunity and isolation.
• Service-friendly – Replaceable device and gate unit; no encapsulated solder layers in the current path as with some module types.
• Proven in MV drives and grid converters – Seen in upgrade and maintenance programs where long lifecycle and predictable behavior are priorities.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

This set is geared toward medium-voltage and high-power conversion:

• Medium-Voltage Drives for metals, mining, cement, oil & gas compressors, and large pumps/fans
• STATCOM/FACTS and grid converters where stability and low loss are essential
• High-power rectifiers and DC links in industrial power supplies
• Large wind turbine converters and test benches (where IGCT reliability is favored)
• Traction and rolling stock power electronics refurbishments (case-by-case)

A maintenance lead at a steel mill told us they swapped a tired GTO stack for an IGCT string with this device class and saw cooler heat-sink temps at the same output, plus fewer nuisance trips during load transients. That seems to be a recurring story in retrofit projects.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability under stress – Press-pack IGCTs typically handle thermal cycling and fault currents more gracefully than many plastic modules.
• Compatibility – The 3BHB003387R0101 gate unit is designed to work with the 5SHX 08F4502 class, reducing integration risk.
• Lower lifecycle cost – High efficiency plus long service intervals can trim downtime and spare consumption.
• Technical support – We assist with selection, mounting practice (clamping force, surface prep), and start-up checks.

Installation & Maintenance

• Cabinet & environment – Use a clean, dry, well-ventilated cabinet. Maintain airflow around heat sinks. Keep fibers and low-level signals away from high dI/dt busbars.
• Clamping – Follow ABB clamping force guidance for the 5SHX 08F4502. Ensure parallel, clean, flat electrodes and correct torque on the clamp assembly.
• Thermal interface – Use the recommended interface material between device and heat sink. Avoid particles; re-clean before every re-clamp.
• Wiring – Keep gate-cathode connection short and low-inductance. Verify correct fiber polarity (Tx/Rx). Provide a stable 24 VDC supply to the gate unit.
• Safety – Discharge DC link capacitors, respect lockout/tagout, and observe ESD precautions when handling the gate unit.
• Routine checks – Inspect clamp force periodically, clean cooling channels/fins, verify gate unit status/alarm outputs, and update gate unit firmware if provided by ABB.

Quality & Certifications

• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems (ABB)
• RoHS compliant components (typical for this series)
• CE conformity typically applies at the system level; the discrete device itself is not CE-marked
• Warranty from us: 365 days

If you’re replacing an existing stack, share the converter details and your available clamping hardware—we’ll verify fit, gate unit compatibility, and suggest any supporting parts (press-pack clamps, heat sinks, fiber-optic links, snubber assemblies).