Enclosures, which seal to IP66 and feature a super low profile, are for use in control and instrumentation applications as well as general lighting systems.

Spelsberg has extended its popular TK range with the new 2518 series enclosures, which seal to IP66 and feature a super low profile for use in control and instrumentation applications as well as general lighting systems. All models in the series accept DIN rails and mounts for PCB's and are easily customised to fit a broad range of other components. Resistant to chemicals and washdowns, the new 2518 series enclosures are ideal for protecting circuits in machine control systems and other harsh environment applications.

The boxes seal to IP66 and are available in tough polycarbonate (PC 2518) or lower cost polystyrene (PS 2518).

Other options include a choice of smooth sidewalls or knockouts and the largest model in the range can accept 34 separate metric cable glands.

The PC and PS 2518 enclosures are easily customised, allowing for quick flexible installation, with many mounting options and accessories for all types of circuit boards and faceplates.

Offering standard base dimensions of 180mm X 254mm, the boxes facilitate access for installation and system repairs.

The low profiles (from 63mm) provide a compact and 'clean' unit that allows electrical engineers to specify boxes with the optimum internal volume.

The series is supplied with standard lids that can be easily machined to accept control switches, indicators, keypads and LCD displays and tough transparent versions are available that allow for visual checking of circuit status.

The new PC and PS 2518 series form part of a range of enclosures that consists of over 300 different models, making it the widest selection of plastic enclosures ex-stock in the country.

Spelsberg UK's headquarters are centrally located in Telford, providing customers with immediate access to technical support and next day delivery on all standard items.

D-Subminiature connectors and RF shielded diecast hoods combine ruggedness and excellent EMC performance for applications such as industrial fieldbus systems and power supplies.

InduCom from Harting is a new family of D-Subminiature connectors and RF shielded diecast hoods which combine ruggedness and excellent EMC performance for applications such as industrial fieldbus systems, power supplies and transportation. Designed to meet the requirements of the DIN 41652, MIL-C-24-308 and IEC 60 807 standards, InduCom includes hoods capable of housing D-Sub connectors with 9-50 ways, with one, two or three cable entries. In addition, a version known as InduCom 9 incorporates an extended rear housing that enables bus interfaces or customised PCBs to be included.

The zinc diecast material of the InduCom hoods, coupled with their labyrinth design and crimp flange assembly, guarantees exceptional EMC/RFI protection, with shielding attenuation better than 60dB up to 500MHz.

The vibration-resistant crimp technology also aids mechanical strength by providing continuous pressure on the cable, with good strain relief and pull-out resistance as well as anti-rotational security.

The crimp flange approach allows for easy assembly with consistent quality, and makes it possible to use the connectors with thicker cables: up to 13.5mm diameter for a 9-pole hood.

Turned and stamped male and female crimp contacts guarantee an optimised electrical and mechanical connection between the cable and the crimp contact.

For turned contacts, Harting offers an ultra-precision hand crimp tool with an 8-impression crimp to ensure maximum tensile strength.

The automotive division of ODU has developed a four-pin connector with oil resistant parts for interconnection applications close to engines and similar mechanical assemblies.

The automotive division of ODU has developed a four-pin connector with oil resistant parts for interconnection applications close to engines and similar mechanical assemblies. It uses the lamella, or louvered, contact system with stamped contact bands that provide low contact resistance and will withstand a high number of mating cycles. The four poles are housed in very compact housing with contact diameters of 4 mm with a choice of termination styles.

However because turned contacts are used ODU can easily provide different contact diameters.

The right-angled cable routing uses hot-melt, which is more economic than an angled moulding.

Apart from being oil proof the connector meets IP68 when mated.

Current handling is 50A/ 14V short-term and 10A continuous.

Additionally it will operate in temperatures from -30 deg C to +120 deg C.

xR Stahl has extended its ISbus range of products to include new fieldbus power supplies and conditioners for FF H1 networks. ISbus, the fieldbus component segment for R. Stahl's remote I/O system IS1, already features a host of field device couplers and comprehensive solutions for full-scale system installations in Zone 1, Zone 2 and US Division 2.

The new type 9412 modules provide energy to a non-intrinsically safe FF H1 trunk and the field device couplers connected to it.

The power output of these devices is ideally suited to type 9411 ISbus couplers for up to 16 field devices per trunk.

A module's own external 24 VDC power feed is galvanically isolated from the field bus, which fully prevents electrical interference with the bus.

The new range also includes a redundant power supply type which ensures increased uptime and availability of a fieldbus network and the systems on it.

That type is equipped with two separately replaceable supply modules that provide auxiliary energy to the fieldbus and host in a redundant setup.

In case of failure of the external, also redundant auxiliary energy, the fieldbus trunk or one of the supply modules, an internal relay triggers an alarm message.

Furthermore, a two-channel model that feeds two independent fieldbus trunks also allows for particularly cost-efficient solutions.

All new module types come with powerful and convenient mechanical and electrical features, such as a modular design, an integrated connection option for through wiring of several modules, and very simple mounting on a DIN rail, which make them excellent solutions for supplying power to any non-intrinsically foundation fieldbus network.

Besides these components, R Stahl offers additional services on request, up to and including engineering and manufacturing system solutions for fieldbus applications of any kind.

Productivity gains of up to 75%, compared with manual methods of working, are being achieved by users of electrical design and testing software designed by electrical engineers.

Electrical software brings productivity gains Productivity gains of up to 75%, compared with manual methods of working, are being achieved by users of electrical design and testing software from Amtech, according to research which the company has recently carried out among its customers. The keys to these large gains are the ease of use of the software which is designed by electrical engineers for electrical engineers, the extensive range of pre-configured reports which are ready for instant printing, and the large database of manufacturers' data which makes it unnecessary for users to search out and manually enter information about transformers, cables, circuit breakers and other key installation components. 'Electrical contracting is a very competitive business, and all contractors have an essential need to control their costs', said Amtech's Sales Director, Mark Tindall.

'Our software is specifically designed to help them achieve this, without in any way compromising the quality of the service they offer'.

'The research we've done clearly demonstrates that the software successfully addresses these requirements, and that it allows large cost savings to be achieved easily', continued Tindall.

'In fact, we firmly believe that any contractor who continues to use manual methods will, in the very near future, find themselves so uncompetitive that it will be difficult, if not impossible, for their business to survive'.

The research carried out by Amtech also reveals that the software provides other benefits, such as producing better, more accurate and more comprehensive documentation, and alerting the user to possible design errors at a time when they can be corrected quickly and inexpensively.

The Amtech software range includes the ProDesign system for the design and evaluation of electrical installations, the FastTest NICEIC-endorsed test and inspection package, and the Protect protection study and device selection package which is available in LV and HV versions.

All the products have been shown to deliver major productivity benefits.

'To get the best from any software, even products as intuitive as ours, a little training is needed', said Tindall.

'For this reason, we support all of our packages with a comprehensive programme of inexpensive training courses.

In addition, we provide expert telephone support for registered users, and we issue updates on a regular basis, so that the software always reflects the latest developments in regulations and standards.

All of these elements, we believe, contribute to maximising the efficiency and productivity gains which our customers can achieve'.

As motor vehicles become ever more driver-friendly, the number of electric motors on board continues to grow - and designers are under pressure to make them smaller, or more powerful, or even both at.

As motor vehicles become ever more driver-friendly, the number of electric motors on board continues to grow - and designers are under pressure to make them smaller, or more powerful, or even both at the same time. Specifying the right magnet is often crucial in these circumstances and the greatest potential is likely to be found amongst the rare earth materials, especially neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) grades. The Neomag S range of sintered NdFeB from Magnequench, for example, offers high energy products from 28 to 50MGOe (220-400kJ/m3), giving ample scope for developing all three of the scenarios outlined above.

In the case of designs where the space available for magnets is not a conventional shape, the answer could be provided by Neomag I - injection-moulded grades that can be produced in complex shapes, often in a ready-to-install form.

For NdFeB generally, price is no longer the stumbling block that it used to be - and recently developed sintered grades have raised the operating temperature ceiling to 200 degrees C, bringing within range previously unachievable 'under the bonnet' applications.

Other devices for which Neomag grades can provide a valuable trade-off between size and performance include sensors, generators and couplings.

A compact lead acid battery, designed to fit confined spaces, offers a 12V power source capable of supplying up to 2Ah.

IBT has added a new model to its BT range of lead acid batteries. The BT2-12S has terminals on the end face of the battery case. It makes it ideal for applications with limited space, such as portable instruments and compact medical equipment.

Other features include: Robust ABS case with flame retardant option, compact size, ability to operate upright or on side faces, and low self- discharge.

The battery offers a 12V power source capable of supplying up to 2Ah.

A new range of high quality roller attachment chain provides improved wear performance for station gathering and stitching operations on bookbinding and printing machines

Tsubaki UK has introduced the new Plus Alpha range of high quality roller attachment chain that provides improved wear performance for station gathering and stitching operations on bookbinding and printing machines. The chain is designed as a direct replacement product and is suitable for many leading brand machines. Available direct from UK stock, Plus Alpha offers users the opportunity to upgrade and avoid the extended lead times normally associated with this type of highly specialised attachment chain.

The Plus Alpha range features Tsubaki's advanced manufacturing techniques, the most suitable steel materials available and the most effective heat treatment process, allowing Tsubaki replacement chain to extend maintenance intervals and to increase accuracy and reliability.

Because most chains used on bookbinding machinery use highly individual chain attachments the sources of supply are often limited, leading to long lead-times from OEM or maintenance contractors.

The result is high levels of resources draining stock, or over extended maintenance planning, both leading to inflexibility and in the worst cases, excessive downtime.

Tsubaki has sought to address this problem by carrying extensive stocks at their centrally located engineering and distribution centre in Nottingham.

The supply of chain is also supported by a technical support team based at Tsubaki, with the added value of field engineering back-up and specialist sales engineers who are available for on-site problem solving and advice.

Accurate chain length cutting, attachment design, fitting and assembly are also carried out by Tsubaki's own engineering facility.

In addition, chains can be length matched to suit particular indexing requirements of a particular application.

Until recently, this service was only available from European chain manufacturers on an extended lead-time basis.

All these services are designed to reduce the lifetime costs for users in every area, from specification to fitting, maintenance and reduced down time.

Tsubaki Plus Alpha chains for bookbinding and printing applications are available to fit most machines used in the UK, regardless of age or make.

Harting has introduced a total of 40 new shrouds for its range of DIN 41 612 connectors, enhancing the versatility of the range by offering a range of assembly options.

Harting has introduced a total of 40 new shrouds for its range of DIN 41 612 connectors, enhancing the versatility of the range by offering a range of assembly options. With the new range, users can decide whether they wish to fix the shroud in the usual way with the help of the pre-assembled nuts, or whether the shroud can be assembled onto the connector by a press-in process. The new shrouds are available in ten different heights, which eliminates the need for additional washers which would otherwise be needed to build up the mating face of the male connector and to secure the mating conditions.

The shrouds can be used in configurations with 13, 17 and 20 mm long tails and for the printed-circuit board thicknesses of between 1.6 mm and 7.2 mm.

All variants in the range are available for types C/R (96 pins) and 2C/2R (48 pins).

Eurotherm has launched a new family of power control devices, for electrical loads up to 750kW, from simple single-phase heaters up to complex high temperature-coefficient three phase loads.

Eurotherm has launched an extensive new family of power control devices, capable of accurately controlling a wide spectrum of electrical loads up to 750kW, from simple single-phase heaters up to complex high temperature-coefficient three phase loads. Called the 7000 Series, the units offer an extensive range of current ratings, will accept any standard industrial signal inputs and are compatible with virtually all industrial voltage supplies. The 7000 Series 'family' concept means that common features are used throughout the entire product range.

Whether the chosen controller is a single-phase 16 Amp, 240V Solid State Relay or a three phase, 630A, 690V, phase-angle fired True Power Controller, all similarly numbered terminals have the same functionality on any unit.

The terminals always appear in the same relative position and their number and function is conveniently shown on the front fascia.

Generically, the 7000 series is divided into four levels of functionality.

These are: 7000L - Load controller: Available only in single phase form (7100L), this unit is a basic, economical, solid state relay (SSR) suitable for cost effective control of low temperature-coefficient resistive heating loads (LTCL).

With major application areas in furnaces, plastic injection and extrusion, heating and air-conditioning, these units are designed to replace electromechanical power relays.

They do, however, offer faster switching, no wear, quiet operation and no electrical interference.

7000S - Smart controller: These intelligent Solid State Contactors are designed for use either with simple resistive (LTCL) or short wave infrared (SWIR) loads.

Current ratings extend from 16 to 630A, and the units provide alarm and diagnostic information such as 'SSR fail', 'Load fail' or Diagnostic (Partial) Load Failure options.

Digital Communications is also an option on this range, which includes one, two or three phase versions (7100S, 7200S or 7300S).

7000A - Advanced controller: This flexible range of thyristor units has a wide variety of inputs and firing modes, making them suitable for driving virtually any type of load.

These could include LTCL, SWIR, loads whose resistance varies with temperature or time, and transformers.

An extended range of alarms and diagnostic options makes this versatile range suitable for the vast majority of industrial applications.

As with other 7000 Series types they are available as one, two or three phase units (7100A, 7200A or 7300A) with current ratings up to 630A.

7000P - Premium controller: This high-level range will have a number of special features which allows customisation of complex systems.

Features include load sequencing for multiple high current applications, power factor measurement and indication, and detachable keyboard/display for configuration and monitoring.

Whilst many models in the new Series are available now, the full product range will be introduced within a carefully controlled three year roll-out programme.

All single phase models up to 100A will be available by the end of this year, while single phase models above 100A will be introduced during 2002.

Some two and three phase models will also start to become available this year.

All units are manufactured within ISO9001 certified production environments, and are designed to comply with all relevant international standards (including CE in Europe and UL in Canada and the USA).

Eurotherm believe that this powerful new product family will provide cost-effective, state-of-the-art power control solutions across an exceptionally wide range of applications and industries.

Moeller Electric easy500 programmable relays have proved a cost-effective and versatile basis for a control system that Crompton Controls has developed for Mono Pumps.

Moeller Electric easy500 programmable relays have proved a cost-effective and versatile basis for a control system that Crompton Controls has developed for Mono Pumps to use with its Muncher series of high-torque macerators. Used in applications as diverse as protecting pumps from the ingress of solids and reducing the bulk of waste materials, the Munchers essentially comprise a series of interleaved contra-rotating cutters and spacers that provide true solids grinding. Because of the inevitable variations in the consistency of the material fed to Munchers, however, the cutters are sometimes subject to heavy loading or even jamming.

To deal with these situations, the Muncher control system is required to monitor the power being delivered by the motor that drives the cutters continuously and, in the event of an overload or jam, to initiate corrective action.

This involves automatically putting the motor through a pre-programmed series of forward and reverse operations with the aim of restoring normal functioning.

If, after a set number of cycles, this proves impossible, the control system shuts down the Muncher and generates an alarm.

Until recently, Mono Pumps achieved these functions with a control system built around a dedicated electronics module which was designed and manufactured specifically for the application.

This approach, however, made it difficult to update or change the control sequence.

In addition, Mono Pumps wanted to switch to the use of off-the-shelf components, which would improve both lead times and availability.

After discussing its requirements with control system expert, Crompton Controls, Mono Pumps decided that Moeller Electric easy relays offered an ideal solution.

Readily available, competitively priced and exceptionally versatile, these compact devices could easily be programmed to provide all of the functions needed by the Munchers.

Further, the analogue inputs and comparator functions provided as standard by programmable relays in the easy range made monitoring the motor power particularly straightforward.

'The easy relays are very simple to program and, of course, their flexibility means that we can make changes to the control sequence easily and at little cost,' said Dean Sweeney, Technical Director of Crompton Controls.

'In fact, we have discovered a very useful bonus' he continued.

'Since the program for the relays can be developed on a PC and stored on a Flash memory card, it's not even necessary to visit site to install upgrades'.

'We simply send the end user a memory card with the new program, and let them plug it in themselves'.

'This saves a lot of time and money for all concerned'.

Moeller easy relays are now in service in the control systems of several hundred Mono Munchers, and are meeting and surpassing all requirements in terms of reliability and performance.

'They're excellent little devices,' said Dean Sweeney, 'and, like all Moeller products, they're backed by superb service and support'.

'We're so pleased with them that we are now using them in many other projects, wherever we need a simple, flexible and cost-effective control solution'.

General-purpose relays have been enhanced with several additional features including non polarised LED power indicator, mechanical flag, no internal wires and colour coded latching test button.

The RU series of general-purpose relays from IDEC Electronics is a cutting edge product from a world leader in control and automation products and has now been enhanced with several additional features. The RU relay has the following features as standard: * Non polarised LED power indicator. * Mechanical flag.

* No internal wires.

* Colour coded latching test button.

* Diode option.

* Snap-on marking plates.

* 6A rated contacts, 10A for 2 pole device.

* Fully automated manufacturing process.

* Very competitive pricing.

Different coloured marking plates have now been added which clip on to the top of the relay and can be marked with pencil or pen.

Use of colour and a personalized description means relay voltages, function or type can be viewed at a glance.

The RU relay has now been developed with low signal bifurcated switching contacts.

The RU42S has a maximum contact rating of 3A 250VAC but maintains a minimum switching load of 100 microA 1VDC.

Background and concept - the WEEE (Waste in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive calls for the removal or reduction of all hazardous material contained within electrical or electronic components.

With this new legislation in mind, the RU Series was developed and is completely lead and cadmium free! IDEC has for several years now used no ozone depleting chemicals either in their products or the manufacturing process.

Options - as the RU Series has all the features built in as standard, the only choice that has to be made is to choose the voltage of the coil, 12, 24 or 110V DC, or 24, 110-120, 220-240V AC.