What is the Fault Managed Power System (FMPS)

The Panduit Fault Managed Power System (FMPS) is a Class 4 remote power delivery system that transmits high-voltage DC power safely over standard multi-conductor copper cable to remote equipment. In 2023, the National Electrical Code added Class 4 Power for the first time in 45 years under NEC Article 726, built on the UL 1400-1 and UL 1400-2 standards co-developed with Panduit. The FMPS is the first system in the market certified to these standards.

It combines the best of both worlds: no power limit like a Class 1 circuit, with the simple, non-stringent installation requirements of a Class 2 circuit. The result is a safe, reliable, and easy-to-install power delivery system that provides substantial time and cost savings compared to traditional power methods.

How does FMPS work?

The FMPS uses a patent-protected Pulse Current waveform to deliver power. Each pulse cycle is 3 milliseconds: 2ms of power ON and 1ms of power OFF. During the OFF period, the system checks for faults. If any fault is detected, power shuts off within 2 milliseconds automatically.

Step 1 — AC Power In
The Transmitter Chassis accepts standard 110/220V AC (or 208V from a rack PDU). Up to three hot-swappable Power Supply Units feed the chassis for up to 4.8kW total output.

Step 2 — Convert to High-Voltage DC
Each Power Supply Unit converts AC to 360VDC at over 92% peak efficiency. The Transmitter Module transforms this into a ±180V Pulse Current waveform for distribution.

Step 3 — Class 4 Cable Distribution
The Pulse Current waveform travels over 14–18 AWG multi-conductor copper cable with no conduit required. Fiber and copper can be run simultaneously in the same pathways.

Step 4 — Receiver Converts to Usable DC
Wall-mountable Receivers accept up to 3 Transmitter Module inputs and convert Pulse Current to ±48VDC or ±56VDC, powering an unlimited number of end devices.

Step 5 — Continuous Fault Monitoring
The system checks for all UL 1400-1 fault conditions every pulse cycle: short circuits, line-to-line faults, ground faults, series arcs, overcurrents, and more. Any fault triggers automatic shutdown in under 2 milliseconds.