Analogue modules, which are only 6.2mm wide, include isolating amplifiers, signal multiplier, 1- and 2-channel passive loop powered isolators, are suited to control panels where space is limited.

Phoenix Contact will be showing its new range of Mini MCR Analogue modules at the IWWE exhibition, at the RDS, Dublin, Ireland, 8-9th March 2006. The modules are only 6.2mm wide, ideally suited to control panels where space is limited. The range includes isolating amplifiers, signal multiplier, 1- and 2-channel passive loop powered isolators, repeater power supply, limit value switch, PT100 transducers for 2-, 3- and 4-wire sensors and thermocouple transducers for types J and K.

In addition the Clipline complete range of din rail mounting terminals, conforming to the ATEX Directives as standard, and the new PSI-MOS fibre-optic transmission system for all common serial interfaces will be on show.

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.

An aluminium guiding trough system has been developed as a modular construction kit - supplied as a basic model or - for the demanding plant engineering sector - with additional system components.

Wherever self-supporting energy chains glide over travel distances amounting to several hundred metres, they must be guided efficiently and reliably. This might be a travel distance of 50m in the high-bay warehouse of a logistics centre, or 500m in seawater-resistant form through the crane installation in a harbour. Initially, individually manufactured sheet-metal boxes were used, followed by standard steel systems.

Today most users rely on the use of aluminium, even where the use of stainless steel alone prevailed (e g, food-processing industry) for a long time.

The main reasons have to do with corrosion resistance, saving weight, quicker assembly, but also with the possibility of being able to attach the energy chain in impact-resistant form to the inner or outer side of the guiding trough.

Energy chain manufacturer igus has now developed a new aluminium guiding trough system as a modular construction kit.

Depending on the actual application of the flexible energy supply system, users receive a basic model or, for instance, for the demanding plant engineering sector, additional system components.

* Four parts quickly assembled - easily and quickly assembled, the basic package consists of only four parts: trough wall, slide rail, clamp shoe, and connector.

The trough wall, which is made of extruded aluminium is lightweight, yet sturdy, seawater-proof and can also be used under rough environmental conditions.

The slide rails, included in the delivery package for the system, are securely clicked into a continuous lateral groove and can be detached again.

The clamp shoe is installed internally or externally with only one screw on the base surface or on fastening profiles (available as an option).

Finally, a resilient plastic wedge dampens any impacts.

* Large-scale plants or portal robots - on the one hand, the solid aluminium mounting brackets (connectors, instead of a plastic wedge) are additional system components for large-scale plants.

These mounting brackets facilitate the installation work, because the trough elements are connected to one another during pre-assembly.

However, in the case of portal robots, machine tools, wood-processing machines or textile machines, plastic wedges are quite sufficient.

* Protection against lateral abrasion - on the other hand, two additional system components provide basic technical advantages for proper guidance of the energy chain.

One of these system components is the lateral plastic slide strip, which - with life-increasing properties - protects the chain against lateral abrasion especially at high speeds of travel.

Gliding along the plastic has a material-strengthening effect at critical points and also attenuates sound.

Tsubaki UK is at the forefront of environmental chain technologies, with a range that includes energy efficient chains, low noise chains and anti-bacterial chains.

In this article Bob Young National Sales Manager for Tsubaki outlines their features and user benefits. The energy savings accrued from investing in inverter drives and high efficiency motors are an effective means of offsetting the effects of the government's Climate Change Levy. In most power transmission systems, however, there are other power train components which, if not optimised for energy use, can impair the potential for achieving savings.

One product area in particular which has been overlooked by industrial consumers in this respect is chain.

Despite this lack of awareness, the potential for achieving savings is indeed real, and is proven by two innovative products Bearing Roller conveyor chain and Double Plus chain, both of which have been developed by Tsubaki for the world market.

Unique Bearing roller conveyor Chain (BRCC) integrates cylindrical roller bearings inside its chain rollers, reducing the frictional coefficient of the chain to 0.03, about one third that of conventionally constructed conveyor chain.

This allows a decrease in driving power of 80%, enabling users to downsize and reduce costs by using smaller drive motors and gearboxes, and a chain size up to two sizes smaller than with conventional roller chain.

The low friction operation of BRCC is further enhanced by packing and sealing grease into the bearing area of the chain rollers.

This reduces lubrication maintenance by up to ten times, depending upon the application, and increases the superior energy efficiency characteristics of the chain.

The term 'free flow' could have been termed to describe the energy saving characteristics of Tsubaki's Double Plus conveyor chain.

Double Plus conveys at more than twice the speed of ordinary free flow chain.

Its design incorporates a large centre roller, and a smaller outer roller which supports the chain on a guide rail.

When engaged, the large centre rollers (upon which conveyed objects travel) rotate at the same rpm as the small rollers.

However, since the diameter of the large rollers is approximately 2.5 times that of the smaller ones, conveyed objects move along approximately 2.5 times faster than the chain! The benefits of this unique design are that chain speeds up to 60% slower can be used without affecting the object conveying speed.

Consequently, motor drive speeds can be reduced leading to substantial energy savings, and to reduced noise levels some 15db lower than those of plastic side roller chains.

Energy saving is all about the environment.

At present it is probably the main concern in this respect.

However, there are others which affect the industrial operating environment, notably noise and contamination.

In addition to its initiatives with energy saving chains, Tsubaki has been alone in the chain market by producing chains which address both of these issues.

Cutting down noise in the workplace helps to reduce operator fatigue and is an indirect contributor to improved productivity.

The problem is that initiatives to reduce noise, by even a fraction, are usually quite costly.

However, one way in which companies can reduce workplace noise at relatively low cost is with Tsubaki's New Low Noise Drive Chain.

This directly replaces standard roller chain, but is between 6 ~ 8dB (Decibel) quieter in operation.

Low Noise Drive Chain reduces the noise that occurs when the chain roller and the teeth of the sprocket mesh together.

With the new design, the normal cylindrical roller is replaced by a coil spring roller.

This absorbs the noise produced when it engages with the sprocket teeth.

In addition to lower overall noise levels with this arrangement, noise is also softened and jarring noises are reduced.

In addition to noise, Tsubaki is also helping the fight against bacteria, which is a major problem in the food industry, with its new plastic Antibacterial /Anti-mould MWS series chain.

In addition to its preventive qualities against bacteria such as colon bacillus (e-coli), staphylococcus and lactobacillus, the MWS chain has an anti-mould capability that is effective against green and other forms of mould.

The MWS Series of plastic chains is a low wear, friction resistant range that includes Top Chains, Plastic Belt Chains and Plastic Block Chains.

These are complemented by sprockets, idler wheels, return rollers and running rails that are also manufactured with ant-bacteriological properties.

Profibus International announces support for OPC Data Exchange standard for Ethernet.

Profibus International announces support for OPC Data Exchange standard for Ethernet. PI joins with the Open devicenet Vendor Association, ControlNet International and the Fieldbus Foundation in supporting the OPC initiative Profibus International announced today its support for a new OPC standard that allows data exchange between controllers from different system suppliers via Industrial Ethernet TCP/IP protocol. This new specification will enable data exchange and plant-wide configuration among different systems in a multi-vendor plant.

OPC DX is application independent and is suitable for both Factory and Process Automation.

Emerson Process Management, Rockwell Automation and Siemens are among the vendors participating in the OPC working group to develop this standard.

After final review, the specification and sample code for OPC DX will be available, planned for fourth quarter of 2001.

The first multi-vendor application will be presented at Hanover Fair 2002 and at other global tradeshow venues.

Products are planned to be ready in the third quarter 2002.

Tom Burke, president of the OPC Foundation, stated that existing technologies developed around OPC standards in recent years made agreement on the DX specification much simpler to reach.

The OPC DX initiative originated after some of the largest member companies of the participating organizations broached the subject, according to Edgar Kuester, Chairman of Profibus International.

'Major manufacturers were telling us that data exchange on production lines or individual machines was becoming extremely complex because it was increasingly common to have systems from different vendors working in tandem,' said Kuester.

'What they wanted was a common interface for system configuration using existing standards wherever possible.

Because of its broad acceptance in the marketplace, an OPC solution became the obvious choice.' Helmut Gierse, President of the Siemens Automation and Drives Group said, 'The OPC DX protocol represents a major contribution to international standardization in industrial automation.

As a market leader we are committed to supporting and shaping such open solutions.

From the middle of 2002 we will offer important key products with OPC DX functionality.' The OPC working group was charged with creating the OPC DX specification, creating sample code and creating test-compliance code.

Once approved, the DX specification will be offered to all interested control vendors.

OPC DX provides new opportunities for PROFInet.

As an open system, profinet specifies procedures for run time and engineering data exchange within a PROFInet system and the underlying fieldbuses.

OPC DX provides an additional open data transfer between PROFInet and other Ethernet based communication systems.

Leading system suppliers of PROFIBUS and PROFInet products, such as ABB, Bosch-Rexroth, Moeller and Siemens, declared their readiness to start development of products containing OPC DX functionality.

The use of an extended OPC interface to harmonize and interconnect the different protocols of the different fieldbus organizations will fit well in the Industrial IT Architecture.

An enhanced range of electrical distribution boards promises greater safety, a vast number of combinations from a standard range and error proof connections.

Distribution board makes contractors safe An enhanced range of electrical distribution boards promises greater safety, a vast number of combinations from a standard range and error proof connections. An enhanced range of electrical distribution boards from Square D, a brand of Schneider Electric, promises greater safety, a vast number of combinations from a standard range and error proof connections. The LoadCentre KQII distribution boards come from a proven pedigree.

The original LoadCentre KQ+ range has become a board of choice among electrical contractors since its launch in mid-2002.

The new range offers even greater versatility enabling hundreds of 3-phase boards to be configured from a standard offer of standard units.

This means that stockists can hold a relatively limited number of units yet be able to respond very quickly to any specific contactor needs.

The fact that the LoadCentre KQII boards feature plug on connections makes them the safest boards available, both during installation and also once in use.

The IP2X factory fitted busbar assembly has permanent insulating barriers to ensure protection against accidental direct contact.

This is a vital safety feature where testing and commissioning must be carried out on an energised board.

Installation has been made easy with a fast plug on system for MCBs and RCBOs.

Devices are simply slipped onto the rail, pulled downwards and snapped in place.

It is effectively impossible to make a poor connection.

An integrated cable way allows cables to be organised easily and a split earth and neutral bar design means all terminals are easily accessible from either side of the board.

The Square D incomer design means the time taken to fit incoming devices has been cut by up to 70%.

Another attractive feature of the LoadCentre KQII boards is the ability to join boards together from the top, bottom or either side to create split load or extra service units.

Indeed, a further introduction of a new 63A split load kit also assists in such applications.

Control devices such as contactors, timers and impulse relays can be fitted to any unused outgoing ways.

There is a broader range of accessories available for the LoadCentre KQII boards, such as a new metering kit, opening a greater span of applications to be met using the standard products.

Connection blocks for use in electrical and lighting applications feature a DIN 40685 porcelain insulation body capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1000 deg C.

Camden Electronics has extended its range of connection blocks for use in electrical and lighting applications where high temperatures are expected. With new single and four pole versions complementing the original two and three pole styles, the CE marked CHTB series high temperature resistant connection blocks feature a DIN 40685 porcelain insulation body capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1000 deg C. The nickel-plated brass inserts feature a working temperature of 350 deg C.

As well as new single and four pole models, each type is now available in four sizes as opposed to two previously.

The four sizes feature insert diameters of 3, 3.5, 4.4 and 6mm.

Conductors are clamped with zinc-plated steel CQ-15 metric screws with maximum conductor section of 4mm2 for rigid conductor in 3mm insert, 6mm2 for 3.5mm insert, 10mm2 for 4.4mm insert and 16mm2 for 6mm insert.

Maximum flexible conductor sizes are 4, 4, 6 and 10mm2 respectively.

Maximum working voltage is 450V AC, with maximum current of 32A for 3mm inserts, 41A for 3.5mm inserts, 57A for 4.4mm inserts and 76A for 6mm insert types.

Camden's extended CHTB series high temperature resistant connection blocks complement the company's latest connector product line that encompasses a wide range of terminal strips and related connector components.

These include an extensive range of 12-pole terminal strips, screw to screwless connectors, push-in fast connectors, plug and socket connectors, transformer connectors and a wide range of related accessories.

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.

Designed specifically for professional electricians for use in heavy-duty applications across a wide range of industries, multimeter offers ease of use, durability and waterproof operation.

If you asked 100 electricians to create the 'perfect' multimeter for electrical measurement, there would undoubtedly be certain features each professional would incorporate into his or her design. These would likely include the following. * Ease of use - like all professionals, an electrician's time is money.

Whether in a residential or commercial application, tools that are easy to use lead to time savings, which subsequently translate to dollar savings.

What's more, ease of use helps reduce the frustration that accompanies more complicated instruments.

* Durability - electricians find themselves in a variety of harsh environments, so the ability of a measurement tool to withstand severe conditions is crucial.

Further, dropping instruments during the course of the workday - particularly when trying to reach areas that are not readily accessible - is unavoidable.

Consequently, the instrument must be sufficiently sturdy to handle such abuse.

* Waterproof operation - there is a wide variety of high-moisture environments in which electrical measurements must be taken.

The moisture may be due to the nature of a particular operation (i e, a pharmaceutical or food processing facility), or simply due to high-humidity weather conditions.

A quality multimeter has to be ready for both.

High-voltage input protection.

Severe damage can occur to a multimeter that is not built to measure high-voltage levels.

Further, the lower the voltage the tool is equipped to accept, the less functional the tool becomes.

* Accuracy - needless to say, accuracy is the most important function of any electrical measurement tool.

Without it, the other qualities mean nothing.

* Favourable price point - the well-equipped electrician needs a large number of tools at his or her disposal.

As a result, being able to save even a small amount of money on each instrument is a welcome benefit.

Extech, one of the world's largest suppliers of test equipment, offers a new line of multimeters that incorporates those criteria.

In fact, Extech's 500 Series is designed specifically for professional electricians for use in heavy-duty, industrial applications across a wide range of industries.

Offered in three separate models, the EX510, EX520 and EX530, the new 500 Series can be used for any electrical application.

For example, when testing the electrical service coming into a house or facility, Extech's 500 series can be used to measure as low as 120 volts for a residential building or a higher voltage for a commercial facility.

It can also be used for industrial engineers who need to accurately measure process signals and DC signals.

The durability of the 500 Series begins with the packaging of the product.

It is housed in a double-moulded case that is not only strong but extremely comfortable to grip, which contributes significantly to the product's ease of use.

Yet, despite the strength of the packaging, Extech has managed to keep the weight of the instrument down to a very low 350 g.

Electricians must often perform electrical measurement under severe and brutal weather conditions.

Extech's 500 Series can take measurements in the middle of an ice storm or in the heaviest downpour - without sacrificing accuracy.

The rugged packaging is waterproof, making it perfectly suited for harsh, wet conditions.

That allows it to be used effectively in any industrial process where there is a high volume of liquid present, such as wastewater or pharmaceutical applications.

In addition, its heavy-duty construction makes the 500 Series drop-proof up to a height of 6ft.

It also ensures that replacing the battery is virtually the only maintenance that will ever have to be performed.

Extech's faith in the resilience of the 500 Series is evidenced by the three-year warranty it placed on these devices.

Each of the models in the 500 Series features dual sensitivity frequency functions, large backlit LCD with bargraph, diode open circuit voltage of 2.8V DC, Min/Max/Relative/Data Hold and double-moulded test leads.

The 500 Series multimeters provides electrical input protection up to 1000V on all functions.

This has resulted in a desirable, Category 4 (CAT IV) rating by the European-based International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), one of the world's most influential standards organizations dealing with electrical, electronic and related technologies.

Recently, the 500 series received a seal of approval from Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

One of the most recognizable and reputable providers of product certification in the United States, UL has been testing products for public safety for over a century.

The Model EX510 and EX520 offer displays counts of 6000, while the high-end EX530 offers an impressive 40,000, giving it sufficient resolution to measure low AC or DC signals.

The EX520 provides true RMS, type K temperature ( deg F/deg C switchable) and capacitance.

In addition to those features, the EX530 also gives the user peak hold, duty cycle and 4 to 20mA specifically geared toward the process engineer.

The temperature function of the EX520 and EX530 is especially convenient.

This function allows the industrial user to measure the temperature of a specific process, between -58 deg F (50 deg C) and 1382 deg F (750 deg C).

For instance, if the user wants to measure the temperature of a motor, it can be quickly accomplished.

If a multimeter is not accurate, an electrician does not have much use for it.

The 500 Series is extremely accurate, offering basic accuracy from 0.1% for the EX510 and EX520 models and up to 0.06% for the EX530.

The importance of the accuracy provided by the four-digit EX510 and EX520 models, and the five-digit EX530, cannot be overstated.

Suppose you have a two-digit voltmeter that reads 0 to 99V.

Effectively it has a full-scale capability of 100V.

But suppose you use the two-digit meter to measure a voltage with a value of 50.5V.

What will the meter read?

The only choices are 50 or 51, thus there will be an error either way.

There are competitive multimeters that will perform similar functions.

Revolutionary grommet plate enables multiple electrical cable/pipes to be sealed in cabinet housing and provides complete protection against dust and spraying water.

Heyco's revolutionary grommet plate enables multiple electrical cable/pipes to be sealed in cabinet housing. Plastics components and cable accessories supplier Heyco has announced the launch of a unique new Multigate grommet plate. The new plate enables several cables or pipes to be sealed in indoor or outdoor cabinet housings and provides complete protection against dust and spraying water.

Multigate is suited for use in electrical applications including, control cabinet wiring, switch gear enclosures and fuse boxes.

Multigate is an IP gasket consisting of a steel cable gland plate encapsulated in thermoplastic rubber, with several pre-prepared cable grommets.

The product's unique feature is that it seals several cables or pipes through one aperture in the cabinet housing.

Multigate requires fewer parts to be used so the component inventory can be reduced and is an ideal solution for space-restricted environments.

Furthermore, as only one aperture is required instead of many individual holes, cabinet production can be simplified and the time taken to install cables/pipes reduced.

Available in black, white or grey, Multigate comes in three standard formats capable of accommodating up to 35 cables or pipes with diameters ranging from 5mm to 32mm and is designed to fit a C-standard aperture (FL21).

Black versions of Multigate are also available with a UL94V-0 flammability rating.

The product meets IP enclosure classes up to IP65 without having to use any separate gaskets or glands and can be installed using conventional screws or by using Heyco's polycarbonate drive rivet designed for use with the Multigate.

'The Multigate grommet plate is a welcome addition to Heyco's catalogue of more than 10,000 plastics components.

The unique design features offer simplicity and benefits in terms of time and cost savings and makes the Multigate an ideal choice for all electrical cable or pipe applications,' comments Andrew Fletcher, technical director, Heyco.

Multigate has been inspected and certified by Lloyd's Register of shipping for marine and offshore cable installations and FIMKO the Finnish authority in charge of electrical equipment safety standards for use in installation boxes, public distribution networks and distribution boards.

Strain relief bushings provide reliable cable management for split housing and slot style applications by easily converting electrical enclosure holes with raw-edges to a smooth insulated finish.

New strain relief bushings provide reliable cable management for split housing and slot style applications. Plastics components and cable accessories supplier Heyco - a division of Anixter - has added to its established range of components with the introduction of its new Lay-In Lockit strain relief bushings. Lay-In Lockit quickly and easily converts electrical enclosure holes with raw-edges to a smooth insulated finish, and provides reliable cable management and protection in a broad range of applications.

The Lay-In Lockit is designed for split housing openings or slot style mounting holes.

Lay-In Lockit accommodates round, flat, individual or bundled cable with diameters up to 15.2mm.

The bushings self-lock instantly onto cable without tools, and independent of housing insertion.

Components can also be preassembled to save time and cost.

Lay-In Lockit is molded from high-impact type 6/6 nylon.

The bushings conform to ASTM standard D-4066-PA111, have a flammability classification of 94V-2 and can withstand temperatures up to 125C.

All Lay-In Lockit strain relief bushings are available from stock in black or white.