The Fireye MBCE-230UV-3 is a single-channel UV flame sensor module designed to provide clear, reliable flame-presence signaling for industrial combustion equipment. In practical terms, it sits between a compatible Fireye UV scanner and your control system, then converts “what the scanner sees” into outputs that are easy for operators and PLC/DCS systems to consume: a flame relay (ON/OFF) plus a 4–20 mA analog signal that represents flame signal strength.
Fireye positions the MBCE UV module as a cost-effective method of monitoring flames using UV sensing, with a set of features that make it especially useful for packaged burners, process burners, and retrofit panels where you want dependable flame feedback without rebuilding your entire control architecture. Core operational characteristics called out in the product documentation include CE certification, UV scanner compatibility, a Flame ON/OFF LED indicator, 4–20 mA output for direct reading of flame signal strength, an 11-pin relay base, panel/DIN-rail mounting, and flame pull-in threshold adjustment.
What the “230UV-3” in the model name implies
The MBCE family includes multiple variants differentiated mainly by supply voltage and flame-failure response timing. The MBCE-230UV-3 specifically is listed as a 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz module intended for use with a UV scanner, with a 3-second flame failure response time (FFRT).
You’ll also see it referenced for use with a stand-alone wiring base (Fireye 60-2886).
Intended applications and operating philosophy
UV flame detection is popular because many flames (especially in gas and light oil applications) emit strong ultraviolet energy that can be detected with high sensitivity. Fireye notes the MBCE-UV is ideally suited for natural gas applications, and can also be used for propane and light fuel oil flame detection.
One important nuance: the MBCE-UV is described as intended for non-permanent operation, meaning the burner must be recycled at least once every 24 hours.
And because this module is a flame sensor interface (not a complete safeguard controller), Fireye explicitly states that additional means must be furnished to provide functions commonly handled by full flame safeguard control systems (safe start check, valve closure, interlocks, safety timings, and so on) to meet local regulations.
In EN 298 contexts, the documentation also indicates the MBCE-UV should be powered continuously from a separate source (not the burner control supply).
If you’re integrating this into a burner management system (BMS) or combustion control system (CCS), the practical takeaway is: the MBCE-230UV-3 is excellent as a flame proving / flame strength interface, but it does not replace the broader safety logic and interlocks required by standards and local codes.
Key benefits in real installations
1) Dual outputs: discrete flame relay + analog flame strength
Many flame detectors only provide a yes/no contact. The MBCE adds a 4–20 mA output that “speaks PLC” and allows trending, alarming, and diagnostics. The manual indicates a 4 mA level for standby/no flame, a 5.5 mA minimum flame signal, and 20 mA at maximum.
That’s extremely useful for commissioning (aiming the scanner, verifying flame stability) and for predictive maintenance (e.g., gradual signal drop due to dirty sight tubes, misalignment, or aging scanner components).
2) Operator visibility and commissioning friendliness
The module includes Flame ON/OFF LED indication and a flame pull-in threshold adjustment for tuning to the burner’s flame characteristics and the optical geometry of the scanner installation.
3) Practical packaging for panels and retrofits
Fireye notes compatibility with a CE certified 11-pin relay base, supporting panel surface mounting or DIN-rail mounting, which is exactly what control panel builders want: repeatable wiring, fast replacement, and clean documentation.
Compatibility notes (UV scanners and wiring base)
Ordering information in the manual lists common compatible UV scanners such as UV90L-1, UV5-1, UV1AL-3, and UV1AL-6.
It also specifies the 60-2886 plug-in wiring base (DIN rail or panel surface mount) used with MBCE modules.
A distributor listing for the MBCE-230UV-3 also states it is for use with UV90L and UV1AL scanners, and calls out CE approval and the 3-second FFRT.
Technical specifications (summary)
| Item | MBCE-230UV-3 Specification / Notes |
|---|---|
| Function | UV flame sensor module providing visual indication and electrical outputs for flame presence |
| Supply voltage | 230 VAC (+10%, -15%), 50/60 Hz |
| Power consumption (typical) | 0.01 A consumption listed for MBCE-230UV |
| Channel count | Single channel |
| Flame failure response time (FFRT) | 3 seconds for “-3” part number variants |
| Relay output | SPDT, 1 A resistive @ 230 VAC; 1 A @ 30 VDC |
| Analog output | 4–20 mA flame strength output |
| 4–20 mA reference points | 4 mA standby/no flame; 5.5 mA min flame; 20 mA max |
| Operating temperature | -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 65°C) |
| Storage temperature | -58°F to 185°F (-50°C to 85°C) |
| Humidity | 85% RH max, non-condensing |
| Agency approvals | MBCE-230UV noted as CE / EN298:2012 |
| IP rating | IP20 |
| Shipping weight | 1 lb (0.5 kg) |
| Wiring base | 60-2886 plug-in wiring base (DIN rail or surface mount) |
Integration and wiring considerations (important, but not “step-by-step”)
The manual emphasizes special handling of the 4–20 mA interface:
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The 4–20 mA return path is a local return and must not be tied to earth ground.
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Only one 4–20 mA loop device/PLC should be connected to the 4–20 mA interface, and you should avoid connecting simultaneously through multiple interface points.
The wiring base pinout section also shows the presence of terminals for 4–20 mA output/common, supply (L1/L2), earth, and the relay contacts (NO/COM/NC), and indicates electrical limits for those connections.
Because these systems are typically installed in safety-relevant combustion environments, installation should be performed by qualified personnel and aligned with the applicable standards and your burner management philosophy.
Why choose MBCE-230UV-3 in a modern control panel?
If you are building or upgrading combustion equipment and you want a flame detection layer that is both operator-friendly and control-system-friendly, the MBCE-230UV-3 hits a pragmatic sweet spot:
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It provides the discrete flame relay signal that traditional burner logic expects, while also delivering a 4–20 mA flame strength signal suitable for PLC scaling, trending, and alarms.
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It supports common Fireye UV scanners and is designed around a standardized wiring base for clean panel construction.
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It is positioned by Fireye as a flame sensing module used independently or as part of a broader burner management system, with the key reminder that a complete safeguard architecture still requires additional protective functions.
In short: the MBCE-230UV-3 is a solid choice when you want robust UV flame proving plus usable analog diagnostics, while keeping the overall system architecture modular and serviceable.
