Comprehensive Comparison of MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 and ABB CP-E 24/2.5 Power Supplies

In industrial automation and control systems, selecting the right power supply is crucial for ensuring reliable and efficient operation. Two popular DIN rail-mounted power supplies in the 24V/2.5A, 60W class are the MEAN WELL AC-DC Din Rail power supply MDR-60-24 and the ABB swithing mode power supply CP-E range CP-E 24/2.5.

Both of them are designed to deliver stable DC power for industrial control panels, building automation, and machinery. This article provides an in-depth comparison of these two models, covering technical specifications, design features, performance, and application suitability to help engineers and system integrators make an informed choice.

1. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 vs ABB CP-E 24/2.5: Overview of the Two Models from Different Brand

MEAN WELL Din Rail Power Supply MDR-60-24

The MDR-60-24 is part of MEAN WELL’s MDR-60 series, a range of compact, single-output industrial power supplies designed for DIN rail mounting. It delivers 24V DC output at 2.5A with a total power of 60W. The unit supports a wide input voltage range of 85 to 264 VAC / 120 to 370 VDC, making it suitable for diverse power environments. It features protections against short circuit, overload, and overvoltage, and uses free air convection cooling without a fan. The device includes an LED indicator for power status and a DC OK relay contact for system monitoring.

ABB CP-E 24/2.5

The ABB swithing power supply CP-E 24/2.5 is a compact power supply from ABB’s CP-E range, designed specifically for industrial automation and control applications. It provides a 24V DC output at 2.5A with a rated power of 60W. Like the MDR-60-24, it supports a wide input voltage range (85–264 VAC / 90–375 VDC) and features protections against overload, short circuit, and open circuit conditions. The CP-E 24/2.5 boasts a slim design with a width of at 43.5 mm, making it ideal for space-constrained control panels. It also includes a transistor output signaling “DC OK” status for system diagnostics and supports parallel operation for redundancy.

2. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 vs ABB CP-E 24/2.5: Technical Specifications Comparison

Feature	MEAN WELL MDR-60-24	ABB CP-E 24/2.5
Output Voltage	24 V DC (adjustable 24–30 V)	24 V DC (adjustable 24–28 V)
Output Current	2.5 A	2.5 A
Output Power	60 W	60 W
Input Voltage Range	85–264 VAC / 120–370 VDC	85–264 VAC / 90–375 VDC
Input Frequency	47–63 Hz	47–63 Hz
Efficiency (Typical)	Approximately 88%	Approximately 89%
Ripple & Noise (max.)	150 mVp-p	Approximately 200 mVp-p
Protection Features	Short circuit, overload, overvoltage	Short circuit, overload, open circuit
Cooling Method	Free air convection (fanless)	Free air convection (fanless)
Mounting	DIN rail TS35/7.5 or 15	DIN rail EN 50022
Dimensions (W×H×D)	40 × 90 × 100 mm	43.5 × 88.5 × 115 mm
Weight	Approx. 0.33 kg	Approx. 0.36 kg
Operating Temperature	-20°C to +70°C	-10°C to +70°C
Indicators & Signaling	LED power indicator, DC OK relay contact	LED power indicator, transistor DC OK output
Certifications	UL, CE, RoHS	CE, UL 508, UL 1310, UL 60950, CSA, GOST, CCC
Warranty	3 years	Typically 1–3 years (varies by region)

3. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 vs ABB CP-E 24/2.5: Design and Build Quality

MEAN WELL AC-DC Power Supply MDR-60-24

The MDR-60-24 features a robust plastic enclosure designed for industrial environments. Its compact size and DIN rail mounting make it easy to install in control cabinets. With a width of 40 mm, which is significantly narrower than the AC-DC power supply ABB CP-E 24/2.5. This space-saving design is advantageous in densely packed control panels.

The plastic housing ensures electrical insulation and reduces weight, while the fanless design minimizes maintenance and noise. The unit includes an LED indicator for power-on status and a DC OK relay contact for remote monitoring. The build quality is consistent with MEAN WELL’s reputation for reliable industrial power supplies.

ABB Din Rail Power Supply CP-E 24/2.5

ABB’s CP-E 24/2.5 is known for its slim profile, with a width of 43.5 mm. This space-saving design is advantageous in densely packed control panels. The enclosure is also plastic, providing IP20 protection against dust and accidental contact. The unit includes a green LED indicator for output voltage OK and a transistor output for signaling system status. ABB emphasizes quality and durability, backed by extensive certifications and rigorous testing.

4. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 vs ABB CP-E 24/2.5: Performance and Efficiency

Efficiency is a critical factor in power supply selection, as higher efficiency reduces energy loss and heat generation, improving system reliability.

• The ABB CP-E 24/2.5 achieves a typical efficiency of around 89%, which is slightly higher than the MDR-60-24’s typical efficiency of 88%. This difference can lead to lower operating temperatures and potentially longer service life for ABB’s unit.

• Ripple and noise levels are important for sensitive industrial electronics. The SMPS MDR-60-24 specifies a maximum ripple of 150 mVp-p, while the power supply ABB CP-E 24/2.5 typically has ripple around 200 mVp-p. Both are within acceptable ranges for industrial control equipment, though the MDR-60-24 may offer marginally cleaner output.

• Both power supplies feature protections against short circuits, overloads, and overvoltage, ensuring safe operation in demanding environments.

5. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 vs ABB CP-E 24/2.5: Installation and Application

Installation

Both SMPS models are designed for DIN rail mounting, the industrial standard for power supplies in control panels. The MDR-60-24 fits on TS35/7.5 or TS35/15 rails, which is part of EN 50022 standards, and the ABB CP-E 24/2.5 complies with EN 50022 standards. Installation is straightforward with tool-free mounting clips.

Applications

• The ABB CP-E 24/2.5 is widely used in industrial automation, building automation, HVAC systems, and machinery requiring reliable 24V DC power. Its slim design is particularly suited for space-constrained panels.

• The MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 is suitable for similar applications, including industrial control, building automation, and household appliance control. Its slightly wider input voltage range and lower ripple make it versatile for various power environments.

6. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 vs ABB CP-E 24/2.5: Additional Features and Support

Signaling and Monitoring

• ABB’s switching power supply CP-E 24/2.5 includes a transistor output signaling “DC OK,” which allows system integrators to monitor power supply status remotely and implement redundancy schemes.
• MEAN WELL’s Din Rail power supply MDR-60-24 offers a DC OK relay contact for similar monitoring purposes.

Redundancy

The ABB CP-E series supports parallel operation with external redundancy units, enabling uninterrupted power supply in critical systems.

Warranty and Reliability

MEAN WELL offers a 3-year warranty on the MDR-60-24, reflecting confidence in product reliability. ABB’s warranty typically ranges from 1 to 3 years depending on region and distributor policies, supported by ABB’s global service network.

7. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 vs ABB CP-E 24/2.5: Price and Availability

Pricing varies by region and distributor. Generally, MEAN WELL products like the MDR-60-24 are competitively priced and widely available through industrial electronics suppliers. ABB products may carry a premium due to brand reputation and additional certifications but are also broadly accessible.

8. MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 vs ABB CP-E 24/2.5: Summary and Recommendation

Aspect	MEAN WELL MDR-60-24	ABB CP-E 24/2.5
Efficiency	Good (approx. 88%)	Higher (approx. 89%)
Size	40mm width	43.5 mm width
Input Voltage	85–264 VAC / 120–370 VDC	85–264 VAC / 90–375 VDC
Ripple Noise	Lower ripple (150 mVp-p max)	Slightly higher ripple (~200 mVp-p)
Protection	Standard protections	Standard protections
Signaling	DC OK relay contact	Transistor DC OK output
Warranty	3 years	1–3 years (region-dependent)
Price	Competitive	Slightly premium
Brand Reputation	Well-known reliable manufacturer	Globally recognized industrial leader

Choosing between the two:

• If panel space is limited and efficiency is a priority, the ABB CP-E 24/2.5 is an excellent choice due to its slim design and slightly higher efficiency.
• If cost-effectiveness and slightly lower ripple noise are key, the MEAN WELL MDR-60-24 is a solid, reliable option with a longer warranty.

Both power supplies are robust, industrial-grade units suitable for a wide range of automation and control applications. Your choice should consider installation space, budget, efficiency requirements, and brand preference.

9. Conclusion

Selecting the right power supply is foundational to the reliability and performance of industrial control systems. Both the MEAN WELL AC-DC Din Rail power supply MDR-60-24 and ABB AC-DC Din Rail power supply CP-E 24/2.5 offer dependable 24V DC power at 2.5A with comprehensive protections and industrial certifications. While ABB’s unit shines with a slim profile and slightly higher efficiency, MEAN WELL’s offering provides competitive pricing and excellent reliability.

Understanding the nuances of each will help engineers optimize their system designs for performance, space, and cost.

For more technical details and purchasing options, visit MEAN WELL’s official site and ABB’s product pages or contact your local authorized distributors.

This article provides a thorough and balanced comparison to assist professionals in making an informed decision between these two popular industrial power supplies.

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