What ETA Elektrotechnische Apparate does

E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH is a privately held, family-owned German industrial electronics manufacturer founded in 1948 (per firmographic records) / 1951 (per company history), headquartered in Altdorf bei Nürnberg, Germany. The company designs and manufactures circuit breakers, electronic overcurrent protection devices, intelligent power distribution systems, relays, and switch-mode power supplies for DC and AC industrial applications. Its core technology stack rests on Power MOSFET-based electronic circuit protection with broad fieldbus connectivity (IO-Link, PROFIBUS-DP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/RTU, Ethernet/IP), centered on proprietary platforms including the REX electronic overcurrent protection family (REX12-T, REX12D-T, REX22D-T), the ControlPlex® intelligent power distribution platform (Rack, DINrail, Board variants), the PowerPlex® on-board management system for recreational vehicles and marine, the all-in-one E-BOX for caravans, and SCR® technology for commercial vehicle battery management. The company also maintains an in-house test laboratory covering electrical, mechanical, environmental, lifetime, and calibration testing.

E-T-A generates revenue primarily through B2B hardware sales of protection and power distribution components and systems, with quote-based pricing for both standard and custom solutions. It serves four primary verticals — Mobility & Transport (commercial vehicles, RVs, marine, rail, aerospace), Industry & Production (machine building, automotive production, intralogistics, process industry), Telecommunications & Data Centers, and Medical & Device Technology — with named customers spanning Nokia, Horsch, Dethleffs, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen, Meyn, Dividella/Körber, and Simrad. Go-to-market combines wholly-owned regional subsidiaries across 13 markets with an authorized distributor network spanning more than 60 countries, supported by trade-show presence (SPS Nuremberg, IAA Transportation, Caravan Salon Düsseldorf) and a content-led digital marketing program targeting design-in engineers. The company holds the #1 Weltmarktführer Champion position in device protection circuit breakers for eight consecutive years and maintains a broad international certification portfolio (UL, NEC Class 2, ATEX, CE, EN 60204-1).

Name

ETA Elektrotechnische Apparate

Legal name

E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH

Website

https://e-t-a.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH is a family-owned German industrial electronics manufacturer producing circuit breakers, electronic overcurrent protection, intelligent power distribution, and relays for machinery, vehicles, telecom, and medical-device OEMs across 60+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Circuit Protection Devices

NAICS

Switchgear and Switchboard Apparatus Manufacturing (335313), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314)

SIC

Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600), Electrical Industrial Apparatus (3620)

akta.pro primary industry

Circuit Breakers, Disconnectors, Earthing Switches & Switchgear Components (EUADACAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Automotive Power Electronics & Inverters/Converters Manufacturing (IMACAJAE), Power Quality, Metering & Monitoring (HDACAJAG), Powersports Electrical & Electronics Manufacturing (ECUs/BMS/Sensors/Wiring/Lighting) (IMACAEAL)

Keywords

• Electronic overcurrent protection
• Intelligent power distribution
• Industrial circuit breakers
• DC 24V power systems
• Solid state relays

Headquarters

HQ city

Altdorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Electronic Overcurrent Protection Devices: Electronic circuit breakers for DC and AC applications, including REX, ESX, ESS series. Sold as complete systems with communication capabilities.
2. Circuit Breakers and Safety Switches: Thermal, thermal-magnetic, magnetic, and hydraulically-magnetic circuit breakers for equipment protection.
3. Relays: Power relays, solid-state relays, time relays, high-voltage relays, and electronic protection switching relays.
4. Power Distribution Systems: Intelligent (ControlPlex®), conventional, and customer-specific power distribution systems including modules and complete solutions.
5. Switching Power Supplies: 1-phase and 3-phase switching power supplies for automation technology, including PFA10-T family.
6. Custom/All-in-One Solutions: Custom power distribution solutions and all-in-one products like E-BOX for recreational vehicles.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate GmbH manufactures electronic circuit breakers, electronic overcurrent protection devices, and intelligent DC 24V power distribution systems for industrial, automotive, telecommunications, and recreational vehicle applications. The company's portfolio spans thermal, thermal-magnetic, magnetic, and hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers, solid-state and power relays, switch-mode power supplies, and fieldbus-connected power management systems with IO-Link, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherCAT, and Modbus connectivity.

Product overview

E-T-A Elektrotechnische Apparate offers the world's largest product portfolio in overcurrent protection, power distribution, circuit breakers, power/solid-state relays, and intelligent complete systems. The product portfolio centers around several interconnected platform families: the ControlPlex® platform (comprising Rack, DINrail, and Board variants) provides intelligent DC 24V power distribution with communication capabilities via IO-Link, PROFINET, PROFIBUS-DP, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus protocols; the REX series (REX12-T, REX12D-T, REX22D-T) provides electronic circuit breakers with selective overcurrent protection; the ESX10 series offers pluggable electronic circuit breakers; the E-1048 relay series provides solid-state switching amplifiers with integrated protection; the SVS16 and Modul 17plus systems enable conventional power distribution; PowerPlex® addresses recreational vehicle and marine markets; and the E-BOX provides all-in-one power distribution for caravans. The company also offers mechanical circuit breakers (Types 2210-S, 3120-N, 3600, 3900), switch-mode power supplies (PFA10-T family), and associated supply modules (EM12-T), potential distribution modules (PM12-T), and bus controllers (CPC12, CPC20) as supporting components.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ControlPlex®: Intelligent power distribution systems with communication capabilities for DC 24V applications, supporting fieldbus interfaces including PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, and IO-Link.
• PowerPlex®
• ControlPlex® Rack
• ControlPlex® DINrail

Products and services

• ControlPlex® Rack Intelligent power distribution system for DC 24V with integrated overcurrent protection, load circuit switching, and communication capabilities designed for telecommunications and data center applications.
• ControlPlex® DINrail Modular intelligent power distribution system for DIN rail mounting, combining reliable DC 24V overcurrent protection with communication via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/RTU, and IO-Link.
• ControlPlex® Board Bus-capable power distribution system for fieldbus integration providing selective overcurrent protection, load circuit distribution, switching and reset capabilities, and integrated diagnostics.
• PowerPlex® Intelligent power management system for recreational vehicles, yachts, and commercial vehicles, controlling lighting, battery charging, tank levels, climate systems, and multimedia via onboard management system with gateway integration.
• REX12-T Electronic Circuit Breaker Electronic circuit breaker providing selective overcurrent protection for DC 24V applications. Features push-in tool-free wiring, modular 1- or 2-channel design, rated currents from 1A to 10A, UL508 listed and NEC Class 2 certified.
• REX12D-T Electronic Circuit Breaker Two-channel electronic circuit breaker with IO-Link or Modbus-RTU communication for DC 24V applications, enabling remote monitoring, diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 integration.
• REX22D-T Electronic Circuit Breaker Electronic circuit breaker with ATEX certification for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Features two channels and communication capabilities for industrial applications requiring explosion protection.
• ESX10 Electronic Circuit Breaker Series Electronic circuit breaker protecting each load circuit from overload and short circuit. Available in pluggable versions with fixed current ratings for DC 24V applications.
• ESX10-S Electronic Circuit Breaker Series Electronic circuit breaker with variable current ratings for DC 24V, pluggable design for easy installation and replacement in industrial applications.
• E-1048-S7 Transistor Switching Amplifier Transistor switching amplifier for PLC outputs with integrated short-circuit and overload protection plus line break monitoring, reducing the need for separate fuses and relays.
• E-1048-8I Smart Power Relay Smart Power Relay combining electronic relay, overcurrent protection, and status/diagnostic functions in one device. Remote-controllable with selectable rated current from 1A to 10A for DC 12V/DC 24V loads.
• E-1048-S6xx Optocoupler-Decoupled Transistor Switch Optocoupler-decoupled transistor switch with protection and signaling functions for safe switching and protection of resistive, inductive, or lamp loads in DC voltage networks.
• E-1072 Electronic Switching Amplifier Two-pole electronic switching amplifier for solenoid valves, magnetic brakes, and magnetic clutches with integrated circuit breaker function and diagnostic capabilities for ungrounded DC 24V supply networks (IT systems) per EN 60204-1.
• SVS16 Power Distribution System Bus-capable power distribution system with selective overcurrent protection, load circuit distribution, and switching/reset of outputs. Features PROFIBUS-DP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, or Ethernet IP interfaces with 8 or 16 slots for electronic circuit breakers.
• Modul 17plus Modular mounting and power distribution system for circuit breakers and overcurrent protection devices on DIN rail. Features spring-force terminals and integrated signaling for selective circuit protection.
• E-BOX All-in-One Power Distributor All-in-one power distributor with charging and booster function for caravans and recreational vehicles, providing central control for onboard electrical systems with text messages and intuitive operation.
• PFA10-T Switch-Mode Power Supply Family Latest generation of switch-mode power supplies for automation technology, available in 1-phase and 3-phase configurations, offering configurable power output for industrial applications.
• 2210-S Thermomagnetic Circuit Breaker Series Single and multi-pole thermomagnetic circuit breakers with rocker lever actuation, available with signal contacts for panel and base mounting.
• Type 3120-N Thermal Combo Circuit Breaker Thermal combo circuit breaker providing combined thermal protection for electrical equipment and devices.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% space savings with 12.5mm narrow modules
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• WebastocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026E-T-A collaborates with Webasto on heating system integration. Webasto's new air heater for recreational vehicles and campervans can be controlled via the E-BOX, E-T-A's all-in-one power distributor with charging function, enabling comfortable multi-system control through one display.
• RittalcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026E-T-A is part of Rittal's technology partner ecosystem for the RiLineX power distribution platform. Rittal initiated an ecosystem of 'Technology Partners' to support switchgear cabinet manufacturers in quickly establishing power distribution and control technology.
• CharINstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025E-T-A became a member of CharIN (Charging Interface Initiative), supporting the development of charging standards for electric vehicles.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• ABB: Global electrification and automation major with extensive low-voltage products, switchgear, and power distribution solutions. Competes with E-T-A in industrial circuit protection and increasingly in DC industrial networks, with much broader portfolio depth.
• Schneider Electric: Global energy management and automation major with circuit protection offerings (TeSys, MasterPact) and EcoStruxure power monitoring platform. Overlaps with E-T-A in industrial power distribution and data center applications but at a much larger scale.
• Eaton: Global power management major with a comprehensive circuit protection portfolio (including the Bussmann and Moeller brands) serving industrial, automotive, and data center customers. Competes with E-T-A in overcurrent protection and power distribution but as part of a much broader power management portfolio.
• Siemens: German industrial automation leader with SIRIUS circuit protection, SITOP power supplies, and SIMATIC energy management products. Direct overlap with E-T-A in industrial control cabinet applications and Industry 4.0 power monitoring.

Direct peers

• Weidmüller: German industrial connectivity, power supply, and circuit protection provider serving the same machine building, process industry, and energy customers as E-T-A. Both companies focus on DIN-rail-mountable solutions for industrial automation cabinets.
• Phoenix Contact: German family-owned industrial electrical connectivity, power distribution, and surge protection manufacturer. Closely comparable to E-T-A in DC 24V control cabinet applications, circuit protection, and fieldbus-integrated power distribution, and is a likely direct competitor in the same German Mittelstand customer base.
• Wieland Electric: German manufacturer of industrial electrical interconnect, power distribution, and safety products. Competes with E-T-A in machine safety, circuit protection, and intelligent power distribution for industrial automation.
• Schurter: Swiss specialist in circuit protection, EMC filters, and power entry modules for industrial and medical applications. Comparable to E-T-A in device protection circuit breakers and power quality components, with similar Mittelstand positioning.
• WAGO: German family-owned manufacturer of interconnection, automation, and interface electronics, with growing presence in power supply systems and circuit protection. Comparable to E-T-A in industrial cabinet solutions and fieldbus-based power distribution.
• Murrelektronik: German specialist in decentralized power distribution, I/O systems, and circuit protection for industrial automation. Directly comparable to E-T-A's ControlPlex and SVS16 product families for fieldbus-integrated power distribution in machine building.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCbYSvIumBY4PAxJthu3TB6Q
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• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/e-t-a-germany
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Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ETA Elektrotechnische Apparate