Power entry module
A power entry module (PEM) is an electromechanical component used in electrical appliances, integrating the appliance inlet with other components such as:
a switch, possibly including integrated or remote bowden cable actuation;
a circuit breaker, possibly including overload, overcurrent, or undercurrent protection, as well as remote triggering;
an appliance fuse holder;
a voltage selector;
an electromagnetic interference line filter;
an appliance outlet.
Advantages of a power entry module over individual components:
compact dimensions;
unitized, standardized product with pre-assembled individual components;
efficient mounting;
alternative designs with similar dimensions may be substituted without major re-engineering;
protected, pre-wired, tested, and certified power components.
Power entry modules are used to save labor in manufacturing electrical and electronic equipment powered by an external source, such as the AC powerline. They are also quite compact, taking up a small amount of space on the equipment’s chassis, or printed circuit board.
