Saturday, August 05, 2006

Universal screw terminal block cuts assembly time

Screw terminal blocks, with a spring-loaded, snap-on PE foot and a standardized plug-in bridge, save time and money when assembling terminal strips.

Phoenix Electronics Distribution has added to their range of products the new UT range of screw terminal blocks from Phoenix Contact. This product is characterized by two innovative features: a spring-loaded, snap-on PE foot that automatically contacts the mounting rail when attached, and a standardized plug-in bridge. Both of these features save time and money when assembling terminal strips.

The double bridge shaft is designed to fit all terminal blocks in line.

This way, all potential distributing tasks can be carried out quickly with maximum flexibility, from chain bridging to center supply of large conductor cross sections.

The screw terminal block range consists of feed-through terminal blocks with the same PE contour for cross sections from 2.5 to 10mm, and a number of functional terminal blocks.

These include disconnect terminal blocks as well as equally contoured base terminals for holding standardized function plugs.

Equally contoured, compact lever-type fuse terminal blocks and lever-type disconnect terminal blocks are also available.

The pluggable UT Combi feed- through terminal block completes the product range.

All terminal blocks of the UT range were designed as part of Phoenix Contact's Clipline Complete modular terminal block system with the specific purpose of integrating cross-system accessories.

As well as featuring the same bridge system, the complete range of labeling and testing accessories matches the Quickon spring cage, spiral spring and quick connection system.

This allows all terminal blocks of the four different connection methods to be combined, and therby minimise the stock of accessories.

Combined module integrates hard metric connectors

Har-bus HM combined module integrates different HM female connectors in a single unit, and allows any combination of HM types to be assembled up to 6U.

The latest addition to Harting's HM range of hard metric connectors in accordance with the IEC 61076-4-101 standard is the har-bus HM combined module. This new product integrates different HM female connectors in a single unit, and allows any combination of HM types A, B, AB and C to be assembled up to a maximum length of 6U. The combined module is particularly suited to use on boards such as the CompactPCI 6U Eurocard, where it replaces five separate connectors on the daughtercard or three connectors on the rear I/O board.

As a result, it will greatly speed manufacturing operations by reducing the number of press-in operations from five to one.

In addition to the resulting benefits in terms of reduction in manufacturing costs, it also offers additional process optimisation in the logistics area because only one part number is involved.

The connector consists of five signal contact rows and provides a maximum of 535 contacts.

It is available in both shielded and unshielded versions and is fitted with press-in contacts.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Connectors need no soldering or screw termination

Phoenix Electronics Distribution now has available the new range of Harting M12 industrial connectors for panel feed-through applications.

Phoenix Electronics Distribution now has available the new range of Harting M12 industrial connectors for panel feed-through applications. The new product has a major advantage in that no soldering or screw termination is required giving time and cost saving coupled with ease of termination, said Phoenix. The new devices are available in Ethernet female D-coded and standard M12 male A-coded configurations both with 50cm conductors.

Full data and specifications are available from Phoenix Electronics as is information on all of the Harting product range.

Wireless lighting controls easily programmed

The latest in wireless lighting control from Schneider Electric is the Ulti range of electrical wiring accessories from Clipsal, a Schneider brand.

The latest in wireless lighting control from Schneider Electric is the Ulti range of electrical wiring accessories from Clipsal, a Schneider brand. The company commented that preset lighting schemes can be easily programmed and selected, allowing the user wide flexibility in creating the desired ambience. The wireless technology used in Ulti not only brings consumer benefits but because there is no control cabling it is also quick and easy to install, making Ulti suitable for new build and refurbishment projects.

The switches come in a range of finishes to suit existing or new decors and include glass, pearl or gold finishes.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Phoenix power connector's contact reliability

Phoenix Electronics has added a 600V UL, 32 Amp 7.62mm pitch power connector to its Combicon connector range.
Phoenix Electronics has added a 600V UL, 32 Amp 7.62mm pitch power connector to its Combicon connector range. The PC 5 plug connector system, based on the PC 4 system, has a compact pitch of 7.62mm, a nominal voltage of 600V (UL approved) with a permitted current of 32A. An integrated steel upper spring provides additional contact reliability, especially during extreme changes in power or temperature, said Phoenix.

The system has been designed for two 12 pin layouts.

The screw connection, for flexible conductors up to 6 squre millimetres, uses the tension sleeve principle.

A screw flange for securing the connection between the plug component and the base housing is supplied with the plug connector.

The plug's shield contact is claimed to provide a high-quality connection to the shielding screen to prevent electrical interference.

The screw integrated in the connector flange ensures that the shroud is securely connected to the metal front.

If the housing or front plate is made of a non-conducting material, shielding can be connected directly to the PCB.

ISA revives conferences and education programmes

ISA has launched a communications campaign after market research showed that it plays a role in delivering industry standards, professional certification programmes, education and training.
ISA has launched a communications campaign after what it described as extensive market research showed that the company plays a role in delivering industry standards, professional certification programmes, education and training, publications, and conferences. The research involved quantitative surveys, interviews with leaders in the automation community and focus group sessions, added ISA. The research also pointed out that ISA could enhance those programmes and better focus its activities.

According to ISA president Don Zee: 'ISA is committed to providing both relevant content and a sense of community to professionals working in discrete, process, and batch communities.

Our organisation prides itself on inclusiveness in affording professionals access to the most credible and unbiased content, as well as opportunities to network with colleagues in a variety of ways.' And ISA executive director Rob Renner added: 'We have a legacy of delivering useful tools and programmes that serve as a strong foundation for the new ventures that the Society is currently pursuing.

We are excited about the prospects of strengthening our flagship magazine, reinvigorating our conference programmes, enhancing our education programmes, investing in our standards activities and expanding awareness for our professional certification activities, including the new Certified Automation Professional.'

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Further 21 electrical product ranges added

As a result of the strong take-up of its S-elect offer, which benefits electrical contractors, Schneider Electric has launched a supplementary catalogue with 21 new product ranges.
As a result of the strong take-up of its new S-elect offer, which benefits both electrical wholesalers and contractors, Schneider Electric has launched a supplementary catalogue with 21 new product ranges to further boost its original offering. The spring/summer 2005 supplement catalogue will allow electrical wholesalers to offer and stock even more of Schneider Electric's high quality and cost-effective products. As with products ordered from the existing S-elect catalogue, Schneider Electric pledges a simplified order process and 24-hour turnaround on goods ordered and free delivery for orders over GBP 75.00.

Included in the 21 new ranges added to the S-elect offer, is wall-mounted fusegear up to 250A and ready to install consumer unit packages from the Square D brand.

There is also a range of stylish, remote control lighting dimming products from Clipsal, Schneider Electric's wiring accessories brand.

Other products available through the supplement come from the Merlin Gerin, Mita and Sarel brands of Schneider Electric.

This unique stocking and distribution initiative, which is available to all electrical wholesalers, will generate increased business opportunities.

The S-elect offer is open to all and interested stockists can place initial orders as low as GBP 500 to immediately gain access to a credit limit of GBP 6,000.00.

Customers of the S-elect wholesalers gain reassurance from the knowledge that all the products comply with the latest legislative Directives and Recommendations.

Cable glands satisfy ATEX requirements

ATEX approved cable glands to complement Kopex conduit systems feature an outer seal and cable grip for use with non-armoured cable and can be easily disassembled for inspection.
Kopex International has announced a new range of EExe ATEX approved cable glands to complement its world class conduit systems. The Elkay-branded nylon glands feature an outer seal and cable grip for use with non-armoured cable. They are suitable for use in hazardous areas as defined by the ATEX directive and can be easily disassembled for inspection of the flameproof material inside the conduit.

Available in sizes from M16, in packs of 20 through to M50, sold singly, all glands in the range are in stock for immediate despatch.

The glands comprise a body, clamping ring, sealing ring and capnut and full instructions are included in each pack.

The ATEX approved glands are made from Polyamide 6, a self-extinguishing material that is flame retardant.

The sealing ring is halogen-free Santoprene.

Sira approval ATEX1072X applies to all models.

The design and manufacture of all glands reflects the Kopex approach to quality and application support, with full specifications and user guides available on the company's Web site,

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Extend the capabilities of distributed I/O

New adapters for the Phoenix Contact System cabling range extend the capability of a distributed I/O system whilst saving space and wiring time.
New adapters for the Phoenix Contact System cabling range extend the capability of a distributed I/O system whilst saving space and wiring time. The adapters are plugged in to 8, 16 or 32 channel digital modules of the Inline Automation system and are connected to active and passive Interface blocks using pre-assembled cables that complete the wiring in minutes, instead of hours. The active interfaces with relays and opto-couplers allow inputs to be connected at any standard voltage and outputs to switch any voltage and current up to 250V AC at 10A.

This results in space savings of up to 30% as well as lowering costs.

The passive interface terminal blocks can include fuses and disconnects and are available for 1, 2 or 3 conductor configurations.

The cables are factory tested and come in lengths from 0.5 to 10m and by using the interface blocks no additional field terminals are required.

Phoenix Contact is one of the world leaders in developing and manufacturing connectivity solutions and automation components.

Its principal product ranges include: printed circuit board connectors; modular terminal blocks; fieldbus components; surge voltage protection systems; industrial plug and socket connectors and interface units.

Precision power analyser functions enhanced

Precision power analyser now has 30Mbyte of internal memory and a standard auto-print function, while USB and Ethernet options provide enhanced communications with PCs.
A number of new features are now available to boost the measurement and communications functions of the Yokogawa WT3000 precision power analyser. The instrument now comes equipped with 30 Mbyte of internal memory and an auto-print function as standard, while USB and Ethernet options provide enhanced communications with external PCs, peripherals and networks. A USB port for connection to PC (Option /C12) uses a type B connector on the rear panel of the WT3000.

Instruments with this option installed can be used in conjunction with the communication functions of Yokogawa's WTViewer software for data acquisition via the USB.

A USB port for peripherals with type A connectors can also be added (Option /C5).

This allows data stored in the main unit to be saved in binary or ASCII format on a peripheral such as a USB storage device.

It also allows a keyboard to be connected for easy input of user-defined mathematical expressions.

The Ethernet communications function (Option /C7) conforms to 100BASE-TX and 10BASE-T and provides for data exchange with PCs or networks.

The option supports file transfers via an FTP server, as well as FTP client (network drives), LPR client (network printers), and e-mail (SMTP client) functions.

The WT3000 does not have a built-in hard disk, and the FTP server function is available when a PC card or USB storage device is inserted or connected to the PC.

The expanded internal storage capability (30Mbyte) allows data on measured parameters such as voltage, current and power to be saved in binary or ASCII format on a PC card or USB storage device.

Each measured item can be stored for every data update interval (max 50ms), and the user can specify to store only the desired measured items, thus saving memory.

Files saved in ASCII format can be opened in general-purpose applications such as Excel, allowing display of data in graphs.

The auto-print function allows the user to set a time interval at which measured values are automatically printed on the built-in printer (Option /B5).

A 'start' and 'stop' time can also be set to allow data to be recorded over a desired time period.

The user can also choose to print only the desired measured items.

Yokogawa has also released an upgraded version of its WTViewer software (model 760122, sold separately) with support for the WT3000.

WTViewer allows users to load numerical and waveform data measured by the power analyser onto a PC via GP-IB, serial (RS-232), Ethernet or USB communications for display, analysis and storage.

Up to four WT3000 instruments can be networked together using the Ethernet interface as well as GP-IB and USB links.

Current users of WTViewer will be able to download the new version upgrade from web site.

The Yokogawa WT3000 power analyser provides 'best in class' precision and stability with a basic power accuracy of (0.02% of reading, DC and 0.1Hz-1MHz measurement bandwidths, and up to four input elements.

* About Yokogawa Test and Measurement - Yokogawa Test and Measurement Division, which trades in Europe under the name of Yokogawa Measurement Technologies, is a major worldwide force in the test and measurement market, with products that include portable test instruments, recorders and data-acquisition systems, semiconductor-related test systems, oscilloscopes, power meters, and wireless and optical communications test equipment.

Yokogawa Measurement Technologies is the new identity that has been created for the electronic test and measurement activities of Yokogawa within Europe.

Yokogawa has recently restructured its measurement business following the acquisition of Ando Electric Co, ., which has created a major world force in the test and measurement market.

Monday, July 31, 2006

Panel monitor set up by pushbuttons

A panel mount monitor that accepts two analog inputs and offers up to 30 point linearisation on each channel and set-up and configuration is by push-buttons.
Amalgamated Instrument Co Pty has released a panel mount monitor that accepts two analog inputs and offers up to 30 point linearisation on each.channel. Each channel can be individually configured for input and scaling. The new panel meter (Model PM4-LN2) accepts 4-20mA, 0-1VDC, 0-10VDC or 0-100VDC.

The input is set by user accessible jumpers and software functions.

Set-up and configuration (apart from the input jumpers) are achieved with pushbuttons on the front of the instrument and no special tools or test equipment is required.

The PM4-LN2 can operate in scanning mode - that is the display will toggle between the two channels - or in arithmetic mode - where the default display is the result of arithmetic operations on the two inputs.

Arithmetic functions that can be applied are: ADD channel 1 plus channel 2 SUB channel 1 minus channel 2 PROD channel 1 times channel 2 DIV channel 1 divided by channel 2 HIGH highest of channel 1 or 2 LO lowest of channel 1 or 2 SINE channel 1 times the sine of the angle displayed at channel 2 COS channel 1 times the cosine of the angle displayed at channel 2 The PM4-LN2 is available with different displays to suit many applications.

The displays include 5 and 6 digit numerical displays, a combined 20 segment bargraph with 5 digit display and a combined 16 segment circular bargraph with 5 digit display.

The PM4-LN2 is a very flexible, easily visible indicator that will find a very wide range of applications across a wide range of fields.

Customised switches delivered in six days

U k solenoid are offering to assemble, build or modify a selected range of switches and deliver finished products to customers within six days of the order being placed.
U k solenoid, the leading UK based supplier of Kraus and Naimer Blue Line low voltage switchgear products has introduced a new service that offers a fast turn-round of customised switches. The Blue Line range already offers a 'virtually limitless' choice of switches to meet any application. Now u k solenoid are offering to assemble, build or modify a selected range of switches to create a tailor made solution on-site at Newbury and deliver finished products to customers within six days of the order being placed.

Standard 'off the shelf' products are already available via a next day delivery service.

u k solenoid can in fact offer a three day service to meet urgent requests, although a small priority build charge is normally made for this service.

Commenting on this development, Sales Manager, Norman Allan said: 'We have an enviable reputation for providing a first-class service in producing customised switches to meet a customer's specific requirements'.

'Introducing this new local build facility means more flexibility and an ever faster delivery for our customers.'