PCB-pluggable high-current connector system uses a 16mm2 conductor, so offers a current carrying capacity of 76A with a maximum voltage of 600V.

PCB-pluggable connector takes high current PCB-pluggable high-current connector system uses a 16mm2 conductor, so offers a current carrying capacity of 76A with a maximum voltage of 600V. With the new connector family Power Combicon PC 16, Phoenix Contact is leading the market with PCB-pluggable high-current connectors. Using a 16mm2 conductor, the PC 16 connector system offers a current carrying capacity of 76A with a maximum voltage of 600V (UL), with a pitch size of only 10.16mm.

The DFK-PC 16 feed-through version completes the product family and together with the inverted version, offers the same connection possibilities as the PC16 standard connector.

The advantage of this connector is that it makes it easy to connect a PCB through the unit housing.

Secure fastening within the housing is achieved using either screws or the time saving snap-in mounting that does not require any extra tools.

The same performance data is valid for the inverted version IPC 16, which uses screw-type connectors on the plug side and solderable sockets in the header.

Used together, the connectors provide a range of practical connection solutions including, touch-safe PCB outputs, flying connections between plugs with shield connections, for EMC applications, or pluggable connections between individual PCBs.

* About Phoenix Contact - 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.

Harting has introduced a ratchet crimp tool to speed the installation of the company's Han C, D and E industrial connectors, without having to use separate locators for each type.

Crimp tool speeds industrial connector installation Harting has introduced a ratchet crimp tool to speed the installation of the company's Han C, D and E industrial connectors, without having to use separate locators for each type. A ratchet-based crimp tool has been introduced by Harting to speed the installation of the company's Han range of industrial connectors. An important feature of the new tool is that it incorporates a locator that can be used with Han C, D and E connectors, eliminating the need for the user to have separate locators for each type.

The ratchet mechanism ensures constant crimp quality by preventing the tool from closing before the crimping jaws are fully opened or opening before the crimp cycle is fully completed.

The tool can be used with wire sizes from 0.14 to 4.0 mm2 cross-sectional area.

Push/pull power interface for high-current industrial use requiring IP65/67 protection is based on the innovative push/pull locking mechanism.

The new Harting Push/Pull Power interface has been specifically designed for high-current industrial, transport or telecommunications applications where IP65/67 protection is required in a small connector format. The new device is based on the innovative push/pull locking mechanism which has already been used for the Harting RJ Industrial Interface family. The connector is assembled with four newly designed power contacts and can carry up to 16A current simultaneously on all four contacts, yet measures only 21 x 33mm on the device side.

The high protection level of IP65/67 is coupled with increased creepage and clearance distances for pollution degree 3.

Additional product features like coding options, 750 mating cycles and finger protection on the plug and device side expand the range of applications for this connector.

The connector is available in a 48V version with four contacts or as a 250V version with three contacts plus PE.

On the device side, the customer can choose between crimp contacts, solder contacts or a panel feedthrough with cage clamps.

'Smart' resistance panel meter gives a referenced readout of 'Resistance at 25 deg C' using a precisely calibrated sample of the winding wire as a local reference.

London Electronics are well known for their wide range of digital panel meters, and are often approached to give help and advice to engineers with unusual special applications. In this case, they were contacted by a well known manufacturer of large electric motors, to produce a special portable digital panel meter they could give to their service teams worldwide. Part of their quality test involves the measurement of winding resistance.

However, because the winding is made of copper, which has a sensitive thermal coefficient of resistance, they cannot simply state that a windings resistance should be 5 Ohms.

A measurement of the winding resistance on a winters day in the UK may show 4.000 Ohms, but in sunshine in the summer that same winding may read over 6.000 Ohms.

That's around a 20% change in resistance, and a normal resistance meter would suggest that the winding has an excessive resistance.

London came up with a novel plan for a 'smart' resistance panel meter, which would give a referenced readout of 'Resistance at 25C'.

It uses a precisely calibrated sample of the winding wire as a local reference.

With this system, the reading for a good winding is constant at 5.000, regardless of the actual temperature.

The meter reads the same value whether the winding is in Siberia in the middle of winter, at 3.9 Ohms or at the equator in direct sunlight, at 6.2 Ohms.

The motor manufacturers can now issue clear guidelines to their teams, with well defined pass and fail readings.

This digital panel meter uses other techniques to further increase reliability and repeatability of measurements.

A four wire connection means that the test lead resistance is excluded automatically from the reading, and the meter is designed to work with reliably highly inductive loads.

Other applications include the measurement of incandescent bulb filament resistance, transformer winding resistance, speaker coil winding resistance and so on.

The new meter is known as the INT-R-COMP and is now available from stock.

Customised EExe junction box or control units - machined to the requirements of the user, but to the extent that hazardous area regulations allow - is a service offered by MGB.

Being able to source a standard EExe junction box or control unit is seen by many as a simple task with these items being available off the shelf. But what if you need extra terminals, an extra tapped hole or even a non standard cut-out, then the task becomes much more time consuming and of course requires an engineered solution. Now this too can be a simple task thanks to the services available from MGB Electrical.

And do not worry if you do not know anything about EExe equipment; MGB Electrical will hold your hand through the ordering and specification process.

Peter Dickson, Engineering Manager of MGB Electrical recognised the growing requirement for hazardous area equipment and the resulting need for EExe box customisation and invested in the Gillardon CNC 3-axis co-ordinated drilling and tapping machine.

This is in addition to the 3 vertical machining centres already at MGB Electrical.

Peter comments: 'We can be as flexible as you need us to be, within the constraints of the ATEX licence.' When the Gillardon is used in conjunction with a Combi-tap a very accurate core diameter and thread forming is achieved.

This also ensures accurate pitch control and squareness of thread.

In addition to drilling and tapping, the machine has full 'G' code CNC control, enabling any cut out to be made anywhere on the box.

Of course the EExe junction box customisation and assembly can only be carried out under licence by the EExe box manufacturer, these licenses have been granted to MGB by their respective partners Bartec and Crouse Hinds.

Crouse Hind have developed a new EExe junction box called Ex-cell.

The Ex-Cell range encompasses all the technical benefits of the existing and well-respected TB range but offers an enhanced and much more modern design as well as being extremely competitive.

This box is ideal for many emerging markets for Hazardous Area markets, such as food, pharmaceutical, distillery and automotive applications.

Exclusively available through MGB Electrical.

Delivery time is often critical for such projects, so in order to meet the requirements of the customer MGB Electrical stock a comprehensive range of polyester and stainless steel junction boxes (Bartec and Crouse Hinds) together with a range of ATEX approved terminals (Weidmuller, Wieland) and glands (Capri, Raxton, Wiska and Hawke) at their premises, based in Tring, Hertfordshire, UK.

With the in-house engineering resource and capability together with the available stock of enclosures, ATEX terminals and glands MGB can always provide the shortest lead time possible.

* About MGB - MGB Electrical is a privately owned company which prides itself on a friendly and knowledgeable approach to its customers.

MGB operate in three specialist sectors; sourcing, distribution and supply of industrial electrical control products; Where we work together with our suppliers and speak with one voice, with a product profile including; enclosures, isolators, terminals, contactors, relays, PLCs, circuit breakers, power supplies, transformers, trunking and DIN rail.

Engineering Services; the company employs qualified electrical and mechanical engineers ensuring the engineering services division of the business is managed with a high level of expertise.

We can offer machining of all types of enclosures also providing additional specialist services such as silk screen printing, EMC coating of enclosures, engraving to particular customer requirements.

Hazardous area equipment; to meet the growing requirements for hazardous area equipment, MGB Electrical are now offering a range of 'ATEX approved' enclosures in stainless steel and polyester together with 'ATEX approved accessories' such as glands and terminals.

Moulded case circuit breaker panel boards provide a flexible solution to a wide range of distribution requirements up to 800A and have been tested by ASTA to BS EN 60439-1.

Moeller Electric has launched its next generation of moulded case circuit breaker (MCCB) Panel Boards, completing the automation and distribution manufacturer's new range of installer-friendly distribution equipment. The 400A, 630A and 800A panel boards, which are available in 6-way and 12-way versions, have been specially designed, developed and manufactured by Moeller in the UK, for the UK market. Wall mounted and with Form 2 separation as standard, or Form 3b with additional shrouding, they provide a flexible solution to a wide range of distribution requirements up to 800A.

Moeller's versatile range of distribution panels have been independently tested by ASTA to BS EN 60439-1, the european standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies.

The panel busbar has been designed and tested to withstand a short circuit current of 35kA for 1 second, making the range suitable for the most demanding of applications.

The panels can accommodate incoming MCCB's from 250A to 800A, and outgoing ways from 20A to 250A.

The range has been fabricated to ensure final installation and cabling is as simple as possible.

Removable top, bottom and side gland plates make access easy, while split neutral and earth bars ensure neater cabling.

The MCCB's fasten directly into the board without the need for a kit.

Gavin Stoppel, Product Manager with Moeller Electric, comments: 'The distribution equipment market is an important growth area for Moeller, so the introduction of this panel board is particularly significant as it completes our range of installation-friendly distribution panels'.

'Whatever the application, from small apartments through to major industrial units and shopping centres, installers and specifiers can be confident that there is now a Moeller solution that will meet their requirements.' The panel boards can be supplied as loose items or fully assembled in a high quality steel-plate enclosure with an ingress protection rating of IP40.

Designed to meet the strictest standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), electrical conduit provide protection from stray interference for food processing.

Kopex International's comprehensive range of electrical conduits are designed to offer optimum performance in a wide variety of demanding applications in food manufacturing and processing plants. The company's Superscreen Conduit System has been specifically designed to meet the strictest standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and provide protection from stray interference for food processing and other essential machinery. Kopex offers a choice of three, pliable conduits for use in conjunction with a C18 (male or female) connector.

Constructed from leaded steel and kraft paper, the conduits are able to screen to 106dB at 1MHz.

Different jacket types are available each offering specific qualities.

Type T provides limited fire hazard whilst Type H offers high temperature and chemical resistance.

Conduits are extremely pliable and once bent into shape will retain their position.

Ingress protection is to IP66 and 67 and temperature rating from -25 deg C to +90 deg C (-50 deg C to +130 deg C for Type H).

* About Kopex - Kopex International has been manufacturing and supplying highly engineered solutions for the protection of electrical cables since 1947.

The company has become a recognised authority in all aspects of conduit system specification, design and manufacture.

The company prides itself on providing quality and performance, problem solving and full approvals for high specification specialist solutions.

Their rigorous quality standards and a dedicated development programme ensure not only the highest specification and reliability, but also the most cost effective solutions.

Isolated strips and blocks are designed to enable connection of additional wires without cutting the main conductor and allow spur connections to be made quickly and easily.

Camden Electronics has launched a new range of isolated strips and blocks designed to enable connection of additional wires without cutting the main conductor. Allowing spur connections to be made quickly and easily, CISB series connectors are available in nine sizes offering cable capacities from 2 x 2.5mm2 minimum to 2 x 6mm2 maximum in the smallest blocks up to 2 x 95mm2 minimum to 2 x 150mm2 maximum in the largest size. The four smallest sizes (up to 35mm2) are supplied in 12 pole strips that are easily divided.

The five largest sizes (from 50mm2) are supplied as singles that can easily be joined together to form strips as required.

Moulded from natural UL94V2 PA6, the strips feature nickel plated brass inserts with zinc plated brass screws.

All types are supplied with raised screws for convenience while the five largest sizes are also available with Allen screws as an option.

VDE approved, the new CISB connection strips and blocks are 250V rated for currents from 41A for the smallest types up to 309A for the largest sizes.

* About Camden - Camden Electronics, based at St.

Albans, Hertfordshire, UK, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of PCB terminal blocks, fuses and fuseholders, sealed lead acid batteries, LEDs, miniature switches, interface modules, enclosures, IC and PLCC sockets and relay bases for the electronics, telecommunications, lighting, and electrical industries.

The company has ISO 9002 accreditation and exports a significant proportion of its production to Europe and the Far East.

Catalogue describes and illustrates the range of switch-disconnectors, load switches and control stations, which are available in insulated, mild and stainless steel enclosures.

u k solenoid has just published their latest catalogue presenting their wide range of Kraus and Naimer Enclosed Switchgear products. This new 18 page publication describes and illustrates the range of switch-disconnectors, load switches and control stations, which are available in insulated, mild and stainless steel enclosures. Stainless steel enclosures are particularly suited for applications such as food processing where non-corrosion is important.

A feature of the catalogue is the inclusion of short part numbers making it very easy to identify and select a specific product.

New developments and new enclosed products recently launched by Kraus and Naimer are also featured.

The extensive range of Kraus and Naimer switchgear including rotary switches, contactors and motor starters is marketed in the UK through u k solenoid.

Updated nsulation and continuity testers conform fully to IEC 61010 for use in Category IV 300V applications, as well as the existing CATIII 600V, and meet IEE Wiring Regulations.

Megger has upgraded its MIT300 range of insulation and continuity testers. Now rated to CATIV 300V in addition to the existing CATIII 600V, the new rating is a guide to the instrument's suitability for engineers working outside the premise, either on overhead or underground low voltage supplies. The new rating demonstrates the ability of the insruments to withstand spikes or surges experienced on electrical supplies.

The updated instruments conform fully to IEC 61010 for use in Category IV 300V applications, as well as the existing CATIII 600V, and provides all of the facilities needed to meet insulation testing requirements relating to the current edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations.

'Most electricians' testers will be rated to CATII or to CATIII.

These instruments are not designed to be used on higher energy CATIV circuits'.

'However, in reality this does occur, especially where voltage measurement ranges are included in the instrument functionality,' explains Mark Hadley of Megger.

'Using a correctly rated instrument is just one of the considerations when implimenting safe working practice on electrical supplies, and one that is often overlooked, or rejected on the grounds that there are no suitable commercially available instruments'.

'By upgrading the MIT300 series the engineer can be sure of the suitability of the instrument on their particular application.' The MIT300 series of insultation and continuity testers, are not only durable and easy to use, but also incorporate a comprehensive set of features designed to ensure operator safety, even under conditions of accidental misuse.

The range includes five models, ensuring an exact match for the needs of every user, all of which offer automatic discharge of the circuit after testing, audible and visual warning if the test probes are applied to a live circuit, and a test inhibit feature which operates automatically under live circuit conditions.

Company specialising in human machine interfaces has introduced a range of low profile and highly aesthetic illuminated pushbuttons and indicators with raised as well as flush mount lenses.

EAO's Series 84 range of low profile and highly aesthetic illuminated pushbuttons and indicators is now available with raised as well as flush mount lenses. EAO, the expert partner for Human Machine Interfaces, has developed a new lens holder raised by 2.0mm. Suitable for applications with restricted space, Series 84 features a minimum low back panel depth of 18mm, with the flush mount version being just 2.0mm high at the front of the panel.

Series 84 raised lens pushbuttons are ideally suited to applications including stop request switches, ticket vending machines and lift panels for disabled persons.

Lenses are available in transparent, clear, blue, yellow, green, orange and red, as well as opaque grey and black.

EAO's Series 84 is a modular pushbutton system of lenses, actuator elements and switching elements.

A double-blade, slow make switching system ensures pleasing tactile operation and guarantees reliable switching, even of extremely light loads.

Series 84 can be connected by either 300mm ribbon cable or plug-in terminals.

Constructed in either aluminum or plastic, Series 84 is designed for a standard 22.5mm cut out.

For voltage, current or power regulation a power controller operates on the phase-angle principle and it reduces harmonics (power factor) and provides a smoother process.

A new power controller, employing novel technology has been developed by REO. Called the 'Reotron', the controller operates on the phase-angle principle but, unlike traditional systems, it reduces harmonics (power factor) and provides a smoother process. The unit can be used for voltage, current or power regulation.

The Reotron produces two output voltages simultaneously; one is adjusted by firing the thyristors at a variable phase-angle, whilst the other is permanently on full conduction but at a lower voltage level.

This avoids abrupt switch-on of current at the firing-angle.

The two outputs are combined by interposing a transformer, with two primary windings, between the controller and load.

Possible applications include water treatment, electroplating, lasers, smelting, heat-treatment and metal coating.

The standard Reotron controller is built as a module with bus-bar, snap-on connections and it has a digital control panel for setting up operating parameters.

It can also be provided with a choice of field bus interfaces for applications where a number of control stations are run and monitored from a central, supervisory system, such as a PLC.

The concept provides a solution for situations where a cost-effective power regulation method is required but without undesirable harmonic voltage distortion on the mains supply and a power factor which is close to unity.