Woodward 8440-2085 – Load Share and Breaker Management Controller for Generator/Grid Synchronization

The Woodward 8440-2085 is widely recognized in the 8440-series as a controller for managing generator-to-grid and generator-to-generator tie operations—often associated with LS-5 family applications. From my experience, it’s the piece you use when you want reliable synch-check logic, clean breaker control, and fast load transfer without overengineering the system. You might notice that it integrates neatly with easYgen-series controllers, which typically keeps wiring simple and commissioning time short.

Company’s Order Placement Process and Guarantees

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

Key Features

• Synch-check and breaker control – Coordinates close commands only when voltage, frequency, and phase conditions meet set limits.
• Grid and bus tie management – Typically used for mains coupling/decoupling and tie-breaker logic in genset plants and microgrids.
• Protective functions – Over/under voltage and frequency; many installations also use ROCOF/df-dt where supported by the variant.
• Flexible I/O – Digital inputs for status/permission signals and relay outputs for breaker commands and alarms (commonly configurable).
• Wide-range DC supply – Usually supports 12/24 VDC systems for straightforward retrofit work.
• Communications for system integration – In many cases: CAN with easYgen, Modbus TCP/RTU for SCADA or BMS tie-in.
• Event records and parameter sets – Useful during commissioning and later troubleshooting; helps standardize multiple switchboards.
• Compact form factor – Fits comfortably in standard switchgear compartments, reducing panel depth pressure.

Technical Specifications

Application Fields

• Genset-to-mains synchronization with automatic transfer (open or closed transition, per settings).
• Bus-tie management between generator buses or utility feeders in power plants and CHP facilities.
• Microgrid and island mode transitions, including mains decoupling logic.
• Data centers and hospitals requiring controlled re-transfer after utility return.
• Industrial campuses coordinating multiple generators with a common bus.

One thing I appreciate is how it behaves during edge cases—brownouts or drifting frequency on the utility side. It typically holds the breaker open and waits for a clean window, which is exactly what maintenance teams want to see at 2 a.m. A site supervisor at a food processing plant told us they cut their commissioning time in half by leveraging the built-in sync-check with Modbus monitoring to the SCADA.

Advantages & Value

• Reliability you can standardize on – Woodward’s 8440-series is proven in continuous-duty plants; fewer nuisance trips from what we’ve seen.
• Compatibility – Works smoothly with easYgen-2000/3000 controllers and most common switchgear philosophies.
• Lower integration cost – Built-in synch-check and comms usually mean less third-party hardware and less panel wiring.
• Lifecycle support – Firmware tools, clear parameter sets, and broad installer familiarity reduce long-term maintenance headaches.

Installation & Maintenance

• Panel environment – Mount in a sealed, ventilated cabinet (IEC 61439/NEMA equivalent). Keep ambient within specified temperature range and avoid conductive dust.
• Wiring practices – Use shielded twisted pairs for comms and sensing; segregate power from signal. Terminate CAN/RS‑485 as per topology.
• Voltage sensing – For sync-check, route VT secondary (appropriately fused) to the controller; verify phase rotation and scaling.
• Breaker I/O – Map close/open commands and feedbacks; confirm permissives (dead bus, sync, interlocks) before energizing.
• Safety – Lockout/tagout before wiring changes; confirm insulation ratings and creepage/clearance inside the panel.
• Routine maintenance – Periodic parameter backup, event log review, terminal re-torque, and, where applicable, firmware updates during planned outages.

Supporting Components (Typical Pairings)

• Woodward easYgen-3000 series – Primary genset controllers; the 8440-2085 commonly acts as a tie/mains module alongside them.
• Woodward SPM-D synchronizers – For sites that prefer a dedicated synchronizer per breaker, with the 8440-2085 handling logic and I/O.
• Woodward LS-series – In multi-feeder systems, additional LS modules can coordinate several breakers with shared logic.

Quality & Certifications

• CE compliant; UL/cUL and marine approvals may be available depending on the specific 8440‑2085 variant.
• RoHS alignment for lead/halogen restrictions, where applicable.
• Manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems at the OEM level.
• Supplied with a 365-day warranty from us.

If you’re matching an existing site standard, share your breaker scheme (open/closed transition), utility voltage class, and comms preference. We’ll verify the 8440‑2085 variant and parameter set so it drops into your panel with minimal rework.