Monthly Archives: January 2018

Why Use Safety Relays?

From |

Let’s say you are asked to be a Design Engineer for a day and are tasked to come up with a Process Control Safety System. What are the questions you should ask? 

  • What happens to the Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) when the relay contact is welded?
  • When did it happen?
  • Where can you find this faulty relay?
  • Why did this happen?
  • Who will be responsible for monitoring this fault?

Safety Relays are devices that implement safety functions. In the event of a hazard, a safety relay must work to reduce risk to an acceptable level. The safety relay must initiate a safe and reliable response as well as monitor the integrity of its function.

The Process Automation Fire & Gas System is always on standby mode and it becomes more important to have multiple diagnostics to make sure the relays used in the Fire and Gas System Safety remain functional with all wiring connected.

7 Functions the ideal safety relay should have for Fire & Gas Systems:

  1. Power loss diagnostics to field devices such as the Beacons, Solenoid Valves and Fire Sounders.
  2. Field devices disconnection diagnostics.
  3. Alerts when Field Devices short circuit.
  4. Welded relay contacts diagnostics.
  5. Able to Proof Test relay points without the use of external power.
  6. Diagnostics via the same cable to the relay coil by the use of test pulse filtering. This also saves money as there is no need for additional DI cards and cables for monitoring function.
  7. Option for redundant connection to the relay coil.
Safety Relay Connections

Safety Relay Connections

PSR-PC50 Series SIL Coupling Relay

PSR-PC50 Series SIL Coupling Relay

The Phoenix Contact PSR-PC50 series SIL Coupling Relay has the 7 functions you are looking for and it can also be used for power adaptation and electrical isolation in Safe-State-ON applications up to SIL 3 according to IEC 61508 as well as IEC 61511.

This category 3 device is designed for installation in zone 2 potentially explosive areas. By filtering the controller test pulses, premature failure of the safety relays is prevented. The contact side is fully monitored for open circuits and short circuits as well as load and diagnostics supply voltage. If an error occurs, the internal device input impedance is affected. As such, the test pulses sent from the controller are disrupted and the error is reported to the corresponding digital output without additional wiring effort.

If you have any questions or want to know more about this product, please feel free to send us an enquiry at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and a product representation can be arranged to discuss in more detail.

Information on the Go

From |

The mobile phone is one of the best inventions in our modern era and it has become such an integral part of everyone’s lives. A large population of the world is becoming increasingly dependent on this small electronic device which we put in our pocket.

A quick check on the internet reveals that there are estimated to be more than 5 billion mobile phone users currently and more than 50% of them are smart phone users.

With the current world population standing at approximately 7.6 billion, this works out to more than 30% of the world population having access to a large pool of information at their fingertips. High speed accessibility to critical information is very often the deal breaker in game changing decision making.

With this in mind, Phoenix Contact developed a plethora of mobile phone apps that seek to address this hunger for faster and highly efficient apps. Old bulky catalogues are slowly becoming a thing of the past, when an entire encyclopaedia can be retrieved and searched within seconds.

One of my favourite apps is our very own Phoenix Contact marking apps where it provides the user with the capability to scan the barcode of the marker and the user will know what printers it is suitable for. Our clear and concise product information with photos speak a thousand words.

The apps provide us with great amount of flexibility and high speed access to information.

Phoenix Contact’s mobile phone apps are easily available for both Iphone Appstore and Google Playstore users.

when you search of the word “Phoenix Contact” on the Google Playstore, there will be a wide range of apps developed by the different product groups ranging from power supply to marking and also general catalog.

With the general catalogue app, you will have easy navigation to the full range of products within Phoenix Contact product structures. The information provided will facilitate ease of communication when you place the order.

Phoenix Contact Catalog app

I believe the best way to understand what the Phoenix Contact apps can offer is to experience it.

Improvement is a continuous process, we welcome all users to provide feedback via the form below so that we can improve and enhance the Phoenix Contact experience.

Go ahead and download it and enjoy the Phoenix Contact experience.

Want to find out more? Feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

DIN Rail Plug-in Terminal Block

From |

Today I would like to share a bit on the little guy that usually goes unnoticed in our daily life.

The UMSTBVK Series – DIN Rail Mounted Plug-In Terminal Block

This product seemingly portrays images of an underdog. It has never been in the limelight by nature. That is due to the limited exposure that the UMSTBVK connectors are exposed to.

Other products such as the “UT 2,5/1P” Terminal Blocks & “UM 25” Interface Module are more commonly used in market, whereas the UT 2,5/1P terminal blocks are mainly used for high power feedthrough, and UM 25 interface modules are mainly used for signal feedthrough.

UT 2,5/1P

“UT 2,5/1P” Terminal Block

“UM 25” Interface Module

“UM 25” Interface Module

Comparing the trio, the UMSTBVK is actually a hybrid between the two.

Where are these products commonly used?

It is commonly used as a middleman between the controller and the field devices.  As the controller is usually the “Heart” of the entire system, hence, the use of UMSTBVK will come into place as one of the essential parts of the system, being “The Bridge” between the Controller and the field devices.

It will allow easy testing, maintenance and replacement for users, minimizing the need to connect and disconnect the wires that are already installed onto the main controller and field devices.

What are the most common objections as to using the UT 2,5/1P or the UM 25 modules integrated into their systems / devices / instruments?

  • Indeed these are convenient, but take up too much space.
  • Nice products, but pricing not very competitive.
  • Connectors for UT 2,5/1P has only one direction of wire entry, it compromises on the space taken in terms of depth.
  • There are no other options except 10 / 18 position for the UM25 Interface Module.

The UMSTBVK Series terminal blocks might not be the perfect solution, but it has the best features of both of its predecessors:

  • Great Versatility – Multiple variant of different number of position to choose from, and can be used on both NS35 / G DIN Rails.
  • Time-Saving – Minimizes time needed for assembly of terminal blocks into desired number of positions & eliminates the need to purchase additional accessory like “End Covers”
  • Readiness – “Clip and Go” type of product.
  • Cost Savings – competitive pricing based on per pole, which can achieve savings up to 30% per pole for the whole set including the plug in connectors.
  • Spoilt for Choice – You have multiple types of connectors that are compatible to choose from, with various connection technologies & angle of wire entry that you may prefer.
  • Screw Connection
  • IDC Connection
  • Push In connection
  • Crimp Connection

Up to this point, I see great potential for the UMSTBVK product family to shine in coming years.

Do you agree with me? If you do…

Do feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg for more details to help you understand this better!

New Year Resolutions

From |

It’s finally to an end to all the weeks of excess booze and food consumption and the end of the school holidays. The New Year is here.

When I reminded my daughters of the school reopening, they gave me a shocking look with an alarming “Oh no! C’mon…” And indeed, I felt the same because it’s time to turn my attention to the New Year resolutions.

While I pondered over my own 2018 resolution, I wondered where the idea of “New Year Resolutions” came from and I found my reply on Google:

I was surprised by the fact that the practice started 4,000 years ago and decided to find out more on the success rate of “New Year Resolutions” in modern times.

According to the research done by U.S. News, the disheartening fact is that “80% of New Year’s resolutions will fail by February”.

That’s hardly 1 quarter into the year and this piece of information was not to my liking.

So what would be a good “New Year Resolution”?

Personally, I’m not good at making big plans, like quitting booze for a year or switching to vegetarian food or maybe cutting down on my online purchases with online shopping platforms, and the list goes on… I believe some of us feel the same way.

Therefore, to help myself and those who are reading this, there’s a list of suggestions which I, in my capacity, have come up with to jumpstart the self-improvement for our 2018.

  1. No electronic devices at the dining table.
    Try putting away your electronic devices, particularly when you are eating with your family and friends. Spending more quality time with your loved ones is definitely more important than the Pokémon or your email. I started this “house rule” with my daughters at home and it seems a good practice to have as we are more engaged in talks. Remember, quality time waits for no one.
  2. Cook a different meal every month
    In the midst of the busy lifestyle that working executives have nowadays, when was the last time you stepped into the kitchen to cook up a storm? Try this to broaden your kitchen skills, it may be a salad or soup and you will be starring in MasterChef in no time! Your family or loved ones will enjoy the food as much as you enjoyed making it in the kitchen.
  3. Walk to work / school
    This is an all-time favourite. Although I drive to work, I have seen colleagues who have taken a walk up the stairs to the 4th floor where our office is. I think, maybe I shall start doing this too.
  4. Read a book
    When was the last time you supported the National Library or used that Kindle that you received from a friend? Try reading “Who Moved My Cheese?”, by Dr Spencer Johnson or “Getting to Yes”, by Roger Fisher & William Ury.

    Who Moved My Cheese? Getting to Yes

    I know of somebody who is always ready to and will gladly share his books with you. If you need more details, feel free to let me know.

  5. Plant some flowers or grow something to eat
    Trust me, I do not have green fingers. But I did not give up on this little greenery that I have been trying to build along my small narrow HDB corridor. So far, I managed to up keep these plants which are curry leaves, pandan leaves, chilli plant, mint and lime!
    Hence, if I can do so, you will be amazed by what you can harvest.
  6. Decide on your own
    Stop procrastinating over what happened in 2017, avoid all the negativity and put aside all the differences.Your life belongs to you. Do what you want, when you want, as long it doesn’t hurt anyone. You’re going to have a great time in 2018.

I offer to you, the above 6 potential New Year Resolutions for the awesome 2018 in front of us.

Start taking actions and F.O.C.U.S.  Start setting your goal on the sticky note on your board or on your lappie. Stay highly charged and truly make a difference with your achievements this year.

No more waiting for the perfect opportunity or perfect time.

It’s NOW.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

From |

What crosses your mind when people talk about Teamwork? Working hand in hand as part of a group of 5 or 10? What about 100 people striving to achieve one goal, from different departments, cultures and nationalities? Do you think it’s possible?

Time sure flies! Phoenix Contact’s Annual offsite meeting in Bangkok, Thailand has just ended. This event in the Land of Smiles also served as a reunion with subsidiaries and representative offices’ colleagues. Kudos to everyone from the various event teams! The planning, preparation, active participation in and execution of the event was certainly no easy feat. Everyone has demonstrated key elements of teamwork, which I will elaborate on:

Coordination and Communication

There was a ton of coordination work which needed to be done to prepare for the events, not limited to the meeting and training from 4 to 6 Dec 17, but also the Themed Dinner on 7 Dec 17 and Teambuilding on the 8 Dec 17. Facing the challenge of limited resources, to interact with the hotel and colleague in Thailand and overseas team and vendors, all parties have maximised the available online outlets such as video calls, texting, and emails effectively with minimum cost incurred. Not to forget, the participants had excellent time management and communication despite the tight schedule to meet customer needs. Everybody was cooperative, asking for clarifications if they were unsure, which made this event happen with minimal disruption.

Sales & Marketing Team

Fun shot!

Commitment and Trust

I am glad to share that the management in Phoenix Contact believes in giving empowerment to the employees to host this event, especially the Themed Dinner on 7 Dec 17. The event committee was formed by volunteers from different departments, such as Marketing, Logistics, Purchasing, IT and HR. With the common goal of making the day one to remember, the committee managed to execute the existing plan with the trust given to each other. However, there is no such thing as a perfect plan. Despite some unexpected circumstances, the committee managed to minimise the undesired impacts by brainstorming and giving ideas and advice from previous undesirable experiences.

Nominees for the “Best Dressed” competition!

Creative Freedom

Although the committee had no experience in organizing the themed dinner event, with combined expertise and experience; they were able to bring new ideas to fruition. For instance, using the latest iPhone X technology, “Animoji” as the opening ceremony, effectively and successfully captivated the audience. Creativity does not always mean creating new ideas; it could be as simple as improvisation of an existing approach.

Adaptability

We all know change is constant but how do we manage it, or at least adapt to it? Although the plan had been prepared meticulously, last minute requests or changes in environment are unavoidable, both expected and unexpected. Take for example, when the weather was hotter than the online weather forecast during the teambuilding event on 8 Dec 17. Props to the committee and colleagues who endured the amazing race under the hot sun with a positive mindset! In addition, they wracked their brains over Thailand’s History in order to gather bicycle parts to build a usable bicycle for unfortunate children. The buckets of sweat paid off when we saw the elated and joyful faces of the children!

Build the bike CSR

To recapitulate, the overall event at the Land of Smiles was smooth with minimum hiccups due to everyone’s efforts which reflect as good teamwork. So in my opinion, Teamwork does not mean we need to hold hands, side by side to move forward, the quintessential elements are still trust, communication and adaptability, having each other’s support. It does not matter if we are spread far and wide across islands and countries, even if it involves hundreds of people, as long as everyone has same clear goals in mind, we will be able to achieve our dreams. Till next time!

HR Team