Control panel switches.

A range of 22mm control panel switches from IDEC with secure screw-less push-in terminations which greatly reduce assembly time has been intrioduced by Foremost Electronics.

Commonly used in control panel and machine building applications the Push-In termination technology option is available on the industry standard YW and HW series and the CW series (flush mounting) switches. Each of these three series of switches are for 22mm mounting and available as a push button (with and without illumination), selector switch, key selector switch and pilot light/indicators.

In recent years wire termination technology has slowly migrated away from the traditional screw connector and moved towards “screw-less” terminations. This was first seen on the simple DIN rail terminal and then on to other hardware such as PLCs, relay sockets and more. Initially this change to screw-less was done with a “spring clamp”, however this still required a screwdriver to open the spring to allow the cable to be inserted. More recently, the spring clamp has taken a step sideways and the “push-in termination” has taken the lead. This simple, safe and smart connectivity is now referred to by IDEC as the S3 termination.

With the PUSH-IN connection technology, the force on the conductor is generated by a pressure spring made of high-quality stainless steel. The spring sits in a cage and is automatically opened upon connection and only released when a release tool is used.

Alan Vincent, Sales Director of Foremost, comments, “It’s often said that time is money. The IDEC S3 push-in principle now greatly reduces the amount of time required to wire a control panel. A recent study demonstrated a time saving of up to 55% when compared to more traditional methods, while still providing a high conductor retention force and a complete way of handling multiple conductor types.”

The three IDEC switch series with push-in connectivity are: The cost-effective YW series (22 mm industrial switch family) which delivers all the key features required by the industrial automation market including push button, illuminated push button, key and selector switch.

Where the style of a product is important and must be matched by high performance the CW series (22 mm flush design industrial switch) is a popular solution. This product range commonly is used in medical appliances, consumer applications and the food industry, where aesthetics and reliability are the key to success.

The HW series (22mm industrial switch) is IDEC’s largest portfolio of switches and actuators for the industrial automation market and includes rotary switches, selector switches, combined rotary and push-button, 4 or 5 position selectors and many more options.

@4MostElectronic @IDECUSA @proactivefleet #PAuto 

EMC line filters.

Schaffner has released a complete range of their popular FN3280H 4-Line filter series featuring higher insulation resistances. This is a compact and lightweight filter design with a “cubic“ shape requiring minimum mounting space, simplifying the power entry design of enclosures and control panels for machine builders.

The new line-up of FN3280H filters, with the so-called R69 option, will not cause the overall insulation resistance of machinery or equipment when under test to drop below 1MΩ, ensuring systems fitted with the new EMC filter will  comply with European and International safety standards.  The filters also increase EMC immunity if connected directly to the mains input.

As a mains input filter for equipment requiring 3-phase power with a neutral line, the FN 3280 provides enough performance to ensure EMC compliance of machinery in mixed (Class A) or even domestic (Class B) environments while also increasing the immunity of the entire installation significantly. The new filter series is now available with power ratings up to 600A and the line-ground discharge time (after power disconnection) is increased so that standard models may be more suitable for non-machinery applications.

The FN3280 series provides the attenuation performance needed to meet the requirements of various machine tools with up to 12 driving axes and ~10 to 20m of motor cable each. To simplify selection for an application, the filter current ratings are aligned with common fuse values. The attenuation performance is identical to standard models making them interchangeable depending on end product application.

Providing simple and time-saving installation with good accessibility for automatic and hand tools FN3280H filters have solid, touch-safe terminal blocks (8 to 200 A types) offering sufficient contacting cross section according to the EN 60204-1 installation standard, commonly required for industrial applications.

Key specifications include maximum continuous operating voltage 3 x 520/300 Vac, operating frequency DC – 60Hz, rated currents 8 – 600A, operational temperature range -25⁰C to 100⁰C.

Typical applications include industrial equipment, machinery, machine tools and diverse process automation systems requiring 3-phase and neutral electricity supply. Due to the outstanding attenuation performance, FN3280 is also the first choice for noisy power supplies, renewable energy applications, high power office equipment etc. Because of the relatively low leakage current, FN3280 may even be used for some medical devices.

@proactivefleet #Schaffner #PAuto #Electrical 

Handles for enclosures and panels.

Foremost Electronics is a major supplier of standard and custom cabinets and enclosures and continues to add to its range of panel building accessories.

A wide range of high-quality handles from MENTOR, the world’s premier manufacturer, are now available from Foremost. The very diverse range of industrial, enclosure and equipment handles offer designers elegant and functional solutions to suit any application. It includes hundreds of plastic (including two-component and heat-resistant versions), anodised aluminium, chrome, steel and stainless-steel variants, all with multiple size options. MENTOR handles offer high quality, elegant, ergonomic and comfortable styles which and can be configured to meet any dimensional requirement.

Alan Vincent, Sales Director of Foremost, comments, “Our enclosure and cabinet business is growing very rapidly, and our customers need high quality accessories to enhance the appearance and performance of their systems. MENTOR offer one of the most extensive ranges of handles available, making them an ideal partner for us to be able to offer a one stop shop for all of our customer’s panel and enclosure requirements.”

MENTOR’s plastic handles are cost-effective, versatile and easy to install. The range offers many bow section designs using single-plastic or two-plastic construction including handles for various load capacities and temperature requirements. Versions made with highly durable heat resistant black Duroplastic type FS 31 offer a maximum operating temperature of 100°C.

Aluminium is an ideal material for many handle applications offering lightness, strength and a high-quality surface finish. MENTOR's wide range of standard aluminium handles includes equipment handles, bow-type handles, fingertip handles, handle systems and folding handles. Colour-anodised versions are available with gloss or brushed finishes.

MENTOR's chrome handles are made from steel and are ideal for high load bearing and suitable for pulling, pushing and lifting actions in equipment and machinery applications while still being elegantly designed. Many types of chrome handles are available, including both straight and angled bow-types, as well as collapsible handles. Several styles are also available with plastic coating on the grip bar. The thin-coating, UL224 Polyolefine flame retardant, hand grips meeting E196690 approvals are available in black, red, white, blue, yellow, green, grey, orange and brown and have an operational temperature range of -55°C to +125°C

Stainless steel handles are the ideal solution for medical and catering applications and other product designs requiring elegance combined with strength. The standard range offers handles made of round or flat oval stainless steel, folding/collapsible handles and an easy to assemble modular handle system. The handles can be finished in matt, polished or uncoated stainless steel with several similar designs made in robust chrome-plated steel.

#PAuto @4MostElectronic @proactivefleet

Panels and systems.

Moore Industries Instrument Panels and Systems engineering and design group is offering turnkey solutions for your process, automation or Safety Instrumented System (SIS) monitoring and control needs. Moore Industries is expert in designing and building compact and modular solutions used to monitor temperature, pressure, level, flow and safety related processes with high performance instrumentation and components.

They can supply and assemble ready-to-install instrument sub-systems for your control and monitoring needs with instrumentation, cabinets, wiring, tubing, relays, and power supplies. Custom instrument panels, enclosures and systems offered by Moore Industries eliminate the need to specify, procure, and assemble multi-vendor instrumentation and hardware. Moore Industries also offers pneumatic interface panels. The pneumatic systems feature Moore Industries’ industry standard rugged DIN-style I/P and P/I converters, solenoid valves, and pressure alarms.

Expert assembly is combined with the highest quality fittings, tubing, wiring, and gauges to ensure maximum performance with a long service life. All this comes with complete documentation, expert technical assistance, and the assurance that complete and thorough testing has been performed on all custom instrument panels and cabinets. Moore Industries has over 50 years of business expertise in designing and building compact, modular solutions to solve any customer requirement.

#PAuto #Systems @MII_Worldwide

Fire-resistant shelters for chemical plant.

Novel outdoor equipment shelters from Intertec Instrumentation have been chosen to help a leading European chemical manufacturer to upgrade its distributed plant control system.

Constructed using unique composite GRP (glass fibre reinforced polyester) materials, four Intertec shelters will provide advanced fire resistance properties. This attribute will simplify the housing and protection of electronic control and instrumentation equipment at optimised satellite locations within the processing plant.

Additionally, the GRP-based fabrication materials significantly reduces the weight of the shelters compared with traditional metal- or concrete-based constructions. In this application, this weight reduction will allow the plant operator to further optimise the positioning of the control system by mounting three of the shelters at height on steelwork frames.

The shelters offer F60-rated passive fire resistance, providing a barrier to fire spread for 60 minutes. This is achieved by means of a unique composite material that combines GRP sheets with embedded layers of mineral wool.

The shelters provide large interior floor areas up to 55 m2 (5 x 11 m). To help speed this plant upgrade project, Intertec is providing the plant buildings fitted with lighting, a raised floor to accommodate cabling, and ducting for the cooling air with a sophisticated downflow cooling system to protect the electronics equipment.

#Intertec #PAuto @Wordsun_Ltd

Protecting I/O connectors from surges.

Modern highly automated production plants rely on industrial connectors for the supply of energy, the communication of data and, above all else, the reliable and efficient transmission of signals from measuring, control and regulation technology. Here, transmission quality depends on the performance of both the key interconnection devices for inputs and outputs in the central electrical control cabinet and the protective devices applied within signal circuits.

Catastrophic damage to electronic circuitry
as a result of voltage transient effects

Minimal downtimes for machines and plants are a decisive factor in maximising productivity and as a result directly affect a company’s operating profitability level. In particular, unpredictable failures such as those caused by voltage transients in control circuits can have a critical negative impact on plant operation. Even relatively small voltage peaks (i.e. anything higher than the maximum continuous operating voltage of the protected device) can cause catastrophic damage to some of the most up-to-date electronic components.

In order to avoid plant stoppages and the associated production disruption that could arise in such failure conditions, electrical control cabinet designers and builders normally integrate separate DIN-rail mounted surge arrester devices to offer in-line protection to the most sensitive circuits. These typically consist of multiple I/O sensors and switches which are generally installed in the control cabinet, each taking up around 6-12 mm of DIN rail mounting space. More significantly, they require time and wiring effort, and involve noteworthy extra cost.

To address this challenge, Harting has developed an interesting new approach that saves important internal control cabinet space and enables a potentially more cost-efficient higher density cabinet design. This solution moves the in-line surge protection circuitry out of the cabinet and integrates it directly into the I/O interlinked connector. This is achieved through an innovative new surge-protection module that has been added to the well-known Han-Modular® range of connector inserts. As a result, potential overvoltage transients are effectively stopped at the cabinet wall.

The Harting Han® Surge Protection module is available in two different versions to allow protection for both digital and analogue binary I/O sensor circuits: a “common mode” E-Type asymmetrical voltage type, for binary signals with common ground-like digital circuits and a “differential mode” symmetrical voltage version, for closed signals like analogue circuits. Both versions have integrated protective circuit designs, as developed by surge protection specialist partner Dehn + Soehne to ensure total fail-safe operation, independent of the cause of failure within the surge protection module.

The transients, which can interrupt signal circuits and destroy electronic devices, are discharged to ground within the connector via an innovative spring element that makes conductive contact with the Han-Modular® hinged frame, which holds the modules in position. For the correct discharging of the signals, it is essential that the frame is connected with the ground.

Typical applications for the “common mode” type include protecting digital I/O sensors such as inductive or ultrasonic proximity switches, often used in general factory automation production environments. The “differential mode” type is often used in industrial manufacturing sectors including chemical, pharmaceutical and food & beverage processing, as well as wind energy.

In conclusion, by integrating Harting Han® Surge Protection modules into panel mounted I/O connectors, it becomes possible to effect significant improvements in the cost-effective design flexibility of electrical control cabinets. Not only are potentially damaging transient voltage surges prevented in signal circuits, but if very high voltage transients such as lightning strikes occur, any possible EMI/RFI interference is prevented from being transmitted over internal cabinet wiring. This prevents the interference reaching the DIN rail-mounted surge arresters and possibly affecting sensitive internal electronic control circuits. The Harting Han® Surge Protection module is the first such smart module that can be integrated into a panel-mounted sensor circuit I/O connector, with its modular connector design also allowing for easy replacement at end-of-life.

 @HARTING  #PAuto 

LED panel mounted indication.

The MARL 671 Series of High Voltage LED panel mounted indicator suitable for fixed and portable equipment and is internally potted making it suitable for high vibration applications is now available through Foremost Electronics.

Alan Vincent, Sales Director of Foremost, comments, “MARL 671 Series of High Voltage LED panel mounted indicators provide a high visibility status indicator for a very wide range of indoor and outdoor equipment with the outstanding reliability required in safety critical systems."

Key features include high optical performance, outstanding reliability and sealing specifications in excess of IP67. The indicator features Bi-Polar circuitry making it suitable for AC or DC operation and is supplied complete with full mounting hardware.

These vandal resistant high brightness LED lamps are available in 5 colours (red, yellow, green, blue and white) and are suitable for installing in industrial equipment, defence platforms and naval systems, fairground and leisure equipment, heavy plant and industrial vehicles, power stations and steel foundries and coal mines. RIA 12 approved versions are available for rail (rolling stock and plant) applications.

The MARL 671 LED series of professional LED Panel Indicators feature a high intensity LED element with a raised, coloured diffused lens assembly to provide excellent wide angle viewing. The internal circuitry is designed to operate over a wide range of voltages. Termination is achieved by standard screw terminals, which accept ring crimps and meet safety “creep and clearance” requirements. The precision turned housing is manufactured from aluminium with a high quality, black anodised finish and fits into a standard industrial 25.4mm mounting hole.

Operating voltages available include, 24-28Vdc, 110Vac, 125Vac, 230Vac, 277Vac and 440Vac, for 3 Phase Applications.

#4mostElectronics #Pauto

Feed-Through data connectors for panels.

Cliff Electronics now offers its system integrator and panel building customers increased flexibility of control panel design with the introduction of Matt Black Metal versions to its wide range of rugged nickel plated diecast aluminium fascia XLR Feed-Through Data connectors. Cliff’s Metal Feed-Through connectors diecast mounting fascias reinforce the high quality, performance and prestige image of this new product range.

Also available in a plastic housing, their growing range of feed-through connectors  are packaged in the widely used 24mm diameter XLR connector format and provide Digital and Optical Feed-Through connectivity in formats including USB3 to USB3 in all gender changing configurations - A-A, A-B and B-A.

Other models in the range cover all popular data and Ethernet connectors including USB 2.0 and 3.0, LC and SC fibre (Duplex & Simplex), UTP and FTP RJ45s in both Cat6 and Cat5e (shielded and unshielded), USB “gender” changers, Toslink, RCA Phono and HDMI and blanking plates. Further options will continue to be introduced throughout 2016 and custom design enquiries are welcomed.

All versions, metal and plastic, share the same features and dimensions and offer a complete range of very cost effective audio, data, and fibre connectors, all of which can both front or rear mounted into industry standard 24mm XLR connector mounting holes. The new FT Series are simple to mount into any panel designed to accept XLR connectors including instrumentation, control and rack panels, wall-plates, etc. For ease of assembly the Cliff FT Series are available with standard or countersunk mounting holes. Bezels are available in 7 colours to identify the function of FT connectors when fitted to a control panel

The FT Series offers true feed-through connection, allowing standard cabling to be used to connect at both front and rear, eliminating the need to solder or terminate the connections and simplifying and speeding up assembly.

Cliff’s FT series has already found widespread use in a multitude of system integration applications for custom I/O solutions. Typical applications include broadcast, AV installations, systems integration, home theatre, automation, solar power and a growing range of industrial applications including instrumentation, industrial control and data acquisition

John Hall, General Manager of Cliff Electronics, comments; “We continue to find new opportunities to grow our Feed-Through connector range and as we respond to new customer enquiries we continue to find new and unexpected applications. We have been supplying connectors to the music and pro-audio markets since 1964 and we are very pleased to find our market leading range of cost effective Feed-Through connectors continue to find new industrial and professional markets.”

Design software for control panels!

Rittal have launched a major upgrade to their RPE design software, complemented by the IEC 61439 guide book, which covers aspects of the standard that effect all control panels.

The new version 6.2 provides the ability to design motor control centres, electrical switchgear, control panels and generate bill of material, costs and designs that comply with the latest IEC 61439 switchgear standards.

Key features for users of Rittal’s RPE software include generation of copper connection drawings; production of design verification documentation and the ability to generate users own documentation; internal enclosure temperature calculation; application examples; excel configurator for temperature rise calculations up to 630A and up to 1600A according to IEC 61439 section 10.10.4.2 and new partial doors and front panels.

For a copy of the guide book and latest RPE software please contact Rittal. Alternatively, an upgrade from version 6.1 to 6.2 can be achieved automatically via the Internet.

New IEC 61439 standards are fast approaching!

Rittal has produced a guide book, Standard-compliant Switchgear and Control Protection, which offers an insight into the new IEC 61439 standards and to assist Rittal customers and give guidance on how to comply with the standards.

Relating to building of control panels and electrical distribution systems, the new IEC 61439 standards will be in force from November 2014 and impact upon the design of the panel, selection of components and the testing methodology.

Basically, the panel will become a system, which means the designer/panel builder must consider: the enclosure, the effects of heat upon the components, cooling equipment, busbar system, mechanical properties and the generation of test documentation, which is a requi-rement.

Secure access control panels

As the need for secure, controlled and monitored access to offices, factories and public buildings continues to increase so does the requirement for flexible and “intelligent” human-machine-interfaces (HMI).

Stadium IGT can now provide access and security system manufacturers with bespoke control panel solutions offering a number of innovative features. In their basic form the panel can be simply a cover-plate for an RF sensor with stop/go indication. Enhanced panels can include integration for ID card reading, the addition of a display for user information and high impact product or corporate branding

A unique feature of access panels from Stadium IGT is the use of their market leading “Thin-Film” LED backlighting technology. This offers uniform light intensity of the display, low profile (2.00mm or less), rugged construction utilising hard coat acrylics (up to 5.0mm) and the option of construction with glass for ‘high-end’ architectural applications. The advanced backlighting technology offers illuminated logos and icons, colour changing signs and ‘secret till lit’ legends for user information.

The bespoke design service offered by Stadium IGT allows complete customisation and panels can be specified with advanced capacitive switching, with or without illumination, and integrated with other technologies and components including card readers and LCD displays.

Terry Moss, Sales Director of Stadium IGT, comments, “Stadium IGT is a leading manufacturer of bespoke control and status panels for many diverse applications including; professional audio and broadcast equipment, industrial systems, safety and alarm panels, marine monitoring equipment, defence, agriculture and building services and automation. Our bespoke control panels are ideally suited to the building access and security market and offer system designers complete flexibility of functionality and aesthetics.”

Glass touch screen is IP65 protected

ETV 0552 with a Glass Touch Screen and IP65 Protected - Small but Powerful: Control Panels with EDGE Technology in 5.7" Format
 
The powerful, all-in-one ETV control panel series from SIGMATEK was expanded by two new panels with a 5.7" touch display. The ETV 0551 is equipped with an analog resistive TFT color touch screen (IP 54). The ETV 0552, which is equipped with a glass touch screen and frontal IP65 protection against dust and water, is even more robust. Because there is no offset edge between the glass touch screen and the frame, the panel can be easily cleaned. The ETV 0552 is therefore ideal for use in raw industrial environments as well as in food processing, packaging and medical technology.

The powerful 5.7" ETV control panel with EDGE-Technology from SIGMATEK

The fanless control panels are based on the innovative EDGE-Technology, which offers high performance with low power loss. Both ETVs are equipped with 1-Gbyte Flash and 64-Mbyte DDR RAM. For remnant data, 512 kbytes of memory is provided. A micro SD memory card is used as the storage medium for the operating system, the application and user-specific data. As an additional plus, eight digital in- and outputs are already "on board".

The numerous standard interfaces such as VARAN bus, CAN bus, Ethernet, USB and USB Type Mini, are located on the bottom and allow the simple integration of the ETV 0551 and 0552 into the machine structure. All interfaces can be freely programmed by the application. With LASAL, a universal and fully integrated engineering tool for programming and visualizing functions is provided. The integration idea from SIGMATEK has thereby once again paid off: PLC, HMI, Motion Control and Safety are unified in an integrated platform.