Written by Fraser Cowie, Product Marketing Manager- Interface

Phoenix Contact design engineers are some of the best in the world and they like to experiment with wild and wacky ideas from time to time. Some of these ideas, after a little bit of tinkering, turn into products and may be just the product you need to help you out!

Take a look at the following offers and you will be pleasantly surprised.

PLC Logic  – the programmable logic relay system!

Carry out small automation tasks with this programmable logic relay system.

PLC Logic combines the logic and interface levels to save you time and space. It combines a programmable V8 adapter with the popular PLC relay range, in either electro-mechanical or solid state versions, used to switch your I/O signals.

It is programmed with a user friendly and intuitive software called LOGIC+. This means you can develop and implement your projects easily and quickly, with little or no previous programming skills.

The basic system has 8 integrated digital inputs (2 of which can be configured to be analogue) and a further 8 channels are configured as either inputs or outputs. If this is not enough I/O for your application you can attach up to a further 2 extension modules and this gives you a maximum of 48 I/O in a very compact footprint.

The functionality of the system is soon to be enhanced and will include new analogue input options: 0-20mA, 4-20mA, PT100 & Pt1000, analogue output modules 0-20mA, 4-20mA, 0-10v, 2-10v and a visualisation capability via a Bluetooth adapter which allows your program to be viewed and configured via android phone or tablet running the PLC Logic app.

PLC Logic is unique to Phoenix Contact and gives customers a more flexible alternative to traditional smart relays.

PACT RCP– current transformer for retro-fitting – transforms currents up to 4000 amps directly into standard signals!

Everyone wants to know how much energy they are using.  To do that you need to be able to measure the current in your system.

Pact RCP current transformers for retro-fitting are ideal for this. They can be easily and quickly mounted where there is not enough space for split core transformers. They literally take seconds to fit, using our patented clamp, so your system will only be down for a few minutes.They are completely safe to install and operate, as they use Rogowski coil technology and have no dangerous open circuit voltages!

Harmonics and transients are detected with phase accuracy with frequencies from 10 to 5000Hz.

There are two variants – one with a 1amp secondary to be used with meters and one with a configurable analogue output that is used to directly connect with your controller or PLC. The analogue output version uses a mini analogue pro signal conditioner, as the transducer, and can be configured by dip switches, software or by using an app on a mobile phone or tablet.

Networkable Contactron

The Contactron motor starter has been around since 2008, but is continually evolving and the network capable option is the latest generation.

The network-capable 3-phase hybrid motor starter with current monitoring provides the following functions.

• Forward running
• Reverse running
• Motor overload protection
• EMERGENCY STOP to performance level PLe
• Link to the INTERFACE system via the DIN rail connector (TBUS).

What advantages does this network option give?

• Fast, clearly arranged wiring with T-BUS
• Easy connection to all common fieldbus systems
• Short startup times and diagnostic options
• Availability of Process-Data such as:
  • Current
  • Bimetal – “temperature“
  • Switching cycle counter
  • Prewarning for motor protection
  • Dedicated failure diagnostics and messages

Approximately 75% of all motors sold globally are less than 4 Kw, so a huge number of fixed speed applications can utilise Contactron – go a little crazy and give it a go and get more for your money than conventional electro-mechanical contactors.

For more information on any of the products mentioned, contact Fraser on 07584514963 or fcowie@phoenixcontact.com.