There are some power supply brands that provide the basics and get the job done. Then, there are manufacturers like MEAN WELL that consistently push the boundaries of power supply to address tangible customer pain points and drive innovation for the industry.

The latest series we want to highlight is the HEP series, designed to perform reliably and efficiently in even the harshest environments. These rugged PSUs are built to withstand high humidity, dust, heat, vibration, and altitude. 

Ranging from 100W all the way up to 2300W, there’s a model for every application in these series - whether you’re looking to boost reliability in PV solar systems or need a dependable solution for security systems, need a charger for your drone, or anything in between.

So, learn more about how the MEAN WELL HEP Series can elevate your operation below. Or, better yet, get in touch with the experts at Bravo Electro today for a one-on-one overview of what these industrial switching power supplies can do for you!

What is the MEAN WELL HEP Series?

These rugged, highly reliable power supplies are engineered to work well in even the harshest environments where standard PSUs would falter fast. They’re designed to withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, vibration, and corrosive conditions.

This is all thanks to the sealed, fanless enclosures with IP65 to IP68 ratings. You can rest assured you’re investing in a solution that will stand the test of time whether it’s used in outdoor, indoor industrial, or transportation applications.

Each model in the HEP Series has an ultra-high PSU efficiency rating up to 96% and wide operating temperature ranges (-55°C to +70°C), with global safety standards keeping your company compliant worldwide.

They work great for solar power systems, telecom infrastructure, automated machinery, and mission-critical security equipment. Certain models can even charge batteries, while others support PMBus/CANBus communication.

So not only are these power supplies dependable, they’re flexible. Let’s take a closer look at the key features and protections that set them apart from the rest. 

Key Features and Protections These Switching Power Supplies Offer

These state-of-the-art power supplies are equipped with so many great features for efficiency, longevity, and reliability. They’re also easy to control and to some degree, customizable for your unique application. Here’s why we’re so excited about the HEP Series by MEAN WELL. 

Rugged Build for Harsh Environments 

This is the key takeaway - you can trust the HEP series to hold its own in the harshest industrial environments. The PSUs are encased in corrosion-resistant aluminum and sealed with IP65 to IP68 protection to keep dust, moisture, and contaminants away from internal components.

But, they’re also fully potted to help reinforce the IP rating, provide protection against vibration, and enhance heat dispersion. The entire HEP family can be used without the need for additional heat sinks or means of cooling. 

They can operate in temperatures as low as -55°C and as high as +70°C, so no matter where you need consistent, dependable power delivery you can count on the HEP series. 

Built-in Protection Against Short Circuits, Overload, and More

There are quite a few fail safes in place to keep these models working around the clock while preventing damage. Some of these protections include:

  • Short circuit protection (SCP) automatically shuts down output in case of a fault.
  • Overload and overcurrent protection (OCP) prevent excessive current draw and the component damage it causes.
  • Overvoltage protection (OVP) safeguards sensitive electronics from voltage spikes.
  • Overtemperature protection (OTP) enables thermal shutdown if internal temperatures exceed safe limits, preventing overheating in enclosed or high-heat environments.

Versatile Control Options 

You have more control at your fingertips than ever before with these power supplies. Advanced models (HEP-1000 and HEP-2300) support PMBus and CANBus communication, for instance.

This enables remote voltage and current adjustments, real-time diagnostics, and integration into smart energy management systems. While this feature is particularly compelling for solar applications, any sort of industrial automation or remote power distribution use cases will love it.

High Working Efficiency

These units will save you money by lowering operating costs over the course of the power supply lifespan. Efficiency ratings as high as 96% mean they generate less heat, reduce cooling costs, and improve longevity.

Part of this goes back to the fully encapsulated design. It allows for operation without additional heatsinking or fans, further reducing installation and application costs.

Some Models Offer Charger Function

The HEP-1000 has an integrating charging function so it can serve multiple purposes in your operation. These units support various battery chemistries and adaptive charging profiles, great for backup power systems, energy storage applications, and hybrid power solutions.

Diverse Installation and Mounting Methods

Install the HEP Series however you see fit. Popular mounting configurations include chassis mount, DIN rail, and wall mounting. Some models employ cable gland connectors while others utilize terminal block connections.

In this sense, you can tailor installation to your unique space constraints and application requirements. There’s a seamless, smart installation method for you!

Global Safety Compliance

Every HEP model meets stringent international safety and performance standards. You don’t need to stress about compliance with global industrial, medical, and commercial regulations:

  • UL, IEC, and EN 62368-1 for information and communication technology equipment.
  • IEC 61558-1/-2 for industrial control systems and transformers.
  • EN 55032 Class B / EN 55035 for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), minimizing interference in sensitive applications.
  • IEC 61000-4 (various levels) for surge protection, ensuring resilience in unstable power environments.

Unique Industries, Applications, and Success Stories

The MEAN WELL HEP series aligns with the needs of countless industries and applications, with so many success stories already showing why they’re worth the investment. Let’s take a look at some of the most unique and powerful uses for these PSUs. 

Outdoor Telecommunication Equipment

Cell towers, relay stations, and remote networking hubs all depend on stable power in extreme environments. The protections against humidity, dust, and temperature extremes allow the HEP Series to work reliably around the clock.

Meanwhile, the PMBus/CANBus remote monitoring you gain access to through the HEP-1000 and HEP-2300 models means you can track power status and adjust output without on-site intervention.

Electronic Signage and Billboards

Outdoor digital signage, LED billboards, and traffic control displays need weatherproof, efficient power supplies to keep them running smoothly. Since many of these are on 24/7, efficiency and uptime are the two most important priorities. The HEP Series ticks both boxes.

Its 96% efficiency rating keeps the costs of running these signs/billboards as low as possible, while wide operating temperature ranges prevent shutdowns in extreme heat or cold. These models are an excellent choice for roadside, commercial, and municipal signage.

Petroleum Plant or Mine Shaft Facility

Oil refineries, gas plants, and underground mining operations expose power equipment to combustible dust, corrosive gases, and mechanical vibrations. 

Most power supplies would degrade rapidly and require constant replacement. Save money by using the HEP series instead. The rugged aluminum casing and fanless design is resilient to these challenging conditions, eliminating points of failure.

Plus, ATEX-compliant enclosures can be used in hazardous locations with volatile gases as there is a reduced risk of ignition or explosion.

Industrial Automation Machinery

CNC machines, robotic arms, and factory automation systems call for power supplies that can overcome electromagnetic interference (EMI) and fluctuating voltage loads. 

Since the HEP units meet IEC 61000-4 EMC immunity standards and prevent signal interference with sensitive automation controls, it’s a perfect match. Overvoltage and overcurrent protection prevent motor burnout or controller damage to avoid downtime.

Robotic Lawn Mowers, AMRs, and AGVs

Autonomous machines need compact, efficient, and vibration-resistant power supplies to work reliably in outdoor and industrial settings. That includes mowers, Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs), and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).

The HEP-1000’s charger function supports onboard battery management systems (BMS) for seamless transition between direct power and battery operation. It’s an excellent choice.

Industrial Control Systems

Facilities using SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and remote monitoring sensors are constantly looking for durable, low-noise power supplies to uphold signal integrity and prevent system failures.

The low EMI ratings (EN 55032 Class B) the HEP series boasts mean you can rest assured you’re getting clear, stable data transmission. The HEP-320/HEP-600 models specifically have high surge immunity to shield against transient voltage spikes in high-power industrial grids.

Equipment or Instruments With a Back-up Battery

We’ve touched on how the HEP-1000 series can support back-up power delivery, and this is a powerful feature for medical, security, or emergency response equipment where dependability is non-negotiable.

Even when the grid power fails you, trust that the HEP power supplies with integrated battery charging will continue powering life-support equipment, emergency lighting systems, and mission-critical backup power units.  

DC Centralized Busses

Data centers, telecom networks, and large-scale industrial operations use DC bus systems for efficient power distribution. The HEP-2300-HV model supports up to 380VDC output, perfect for these use cases. 

What makes it really great for this application is the high power factor correction (PFC) of >0.95, which minimizes strain on the power grid while optimizing overall system efficiency.

Laser Related Machines

Industrial laser cutters, engraving machines, and medical laser systems struggle with ripple and electrical noise - but the HEP Series' built-in overvoltage and surge protection safeguards against sudden fluctuations for consistent beam quality and performance.

PV Solar Systems

Photovoltaic solar tracking systems, off-grid power stations, and hybrid energy storage setups need power supplies that handle fluctuating solar input voltages without compromising on output stability.

The HEP Series' wide AC/DC input range (90–305VAC) supports direct connection to solar inverters to keep systems simple and stress-free. Plus, the IP68-rated waterproofing and extreme temperature tolerance aligns perfectly with the needs of remote solar farms. 

The Different Models Within the HEP Series

All of the diverse use cases for the MEAN WELL HEP Series can be attributed to the many models that fall under this umbrella. But which unit is right for you? Really, it comes down to wattage, protections, and the level of control you need.

The 100W to 600W models (HEP-100 → HEP-600) are great for automation systems, telecom equipment, and industrial controls. They’re IP65 rated with the ability to upgrade to IP68 for protection against dust and water spray.

The 1000W to 2300W Models (HEP-1000 → HEP-2300-HV) are designed for high-power industrial, renewable energy, and transportation applications. They’re IP67-rated for full dustproof and waterproof protection.

The HEP-100 → HEP-600 models are great for simple, reliable, and efficient power delivery with a fixed output. However, the HEP-320, HEP-480, HEP-1000, and HEP-2300 models support adjustable voltage and current for specialized applications.

If your application calls for smart power and battery charging, the HEP-1000 and HEP-2300 models support direct power output or battery management.

But with world-class customer service just a click or call away ready to help you find the perfect model for your operation, what are you waiting for?

See How These Switching Power Supplies Can Enhance Your Operation at Bravo Electro!

The best way to determine the optimal HEP Series power supply for your unique application is to connect with our team of experts at Bravo Electro. We’re a leading MEAN WELL distributor with extensive knowledge of these models, and we’re eager to help you maximize their benefits.

When you shop with us you also gain access to competitive pricing on MEAN WELL PSUs so you can stretch your budget further. Plus, we may be able to help customize the unit to fit your exact requirements. 

Our blog has additional resources on linear vs switching power supply, signs of faulty power supply, and other types of power supply MEAN WELL has released:

 

 

But whether you want to learn more about the HEP series or are looking for modular power supplies, din rail mount power supplies, or anything in between, the customer success team at Bravo Electro is a click or call away ready to help. Get in touch today to take the next step!