Author Archives: William Tan

Easy and Fast Product Selection

From |
Leave a reply

With so many products to choose from, selecting the right product can be difficult.

Not at Phoenix Contact!

You’ll find the ideal solution with the help of Phoenix Contact Product Configurators.

Where do I find them?

Go to our home page: PHOENIX CONTACT | Homepage Singapore

and make your selection on the category…

What does a configurator do?

  1. Online guiding questions to your selection, no worries of being lost.

 For example, if you are looking for the following terminal block, just key in the details of the technical specifications.

PCB Terminal Block

Push in Spring, 41A, 1000V

Printing: L, N, PE (symbol)

  1. Provide 3D/ 2D visual view and download files of your selection

  1. Create Technical Data of your configuration

  1. Finally, you will be able to send a request of your configuration to Sales Attention for a quotation.

Now customers are able to find the right product within only 10 minutes!!!

It is very easy with simple steps to follow….

If you want to know more about how to use Phoenix Contact Product Configurator, please feel free to send us an enquiry at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and a presentation can be arranged to discuss in more detail.

CONTACTRON Hybrid Technology

From |
Leave a reply

What happens when relays and transistors are used as one function?

Electric motors are used in a variety of industrial applications for controlling movements. The motors are often started using classic, mechanical contactor circuits. Besides the advantage of the low price, the conventional contactor technology also has major disadvantages such as high space requirements, limited service life and the need for considerable wiring.

The innovative CONTACTRON hybrid technology combines semiconductor and relay technology and thus offers a cost effective and technically superior alternative to the conventional contactor technology. The CONTACTRON solid-state reversing contactor “4 in 1” is the first CONTACTRON product that already works with the hybrid technology. It offers motor protection and a safety function, as well as a complete reversing contactor circuit for a motor – all this integrated in a single device no wider than your thumb.

The wide range includes devices which implement either a simple motor start function (“1 in 1”) or two functions (“2 in 1”, e.g. motor start + safety) or three functions (“3 in 1”, e.g. forward running + reverse running + motor protection).

From the CONTACTRON range, the customer can choose the device that offers the functions required for the respective motor (forward running / reverse running / emergency stop / motor protection).

More importantly, the Contactron has 10 times the service life of the normal contactors.

You will be surprised how much cost savings you will have when you start replacing those faulty contactors within the lifespan of our Contactron.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap0iBA-BiqQ

Hybrid Contactors = CONTACTRON from Phoenix Contact.

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

Why Use Safety Relays?

From |
Leave a reply

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.

Convert Relays into a Programmable Logic Controller

From |
Leave a reply

Convert relays with Phoenix Contact PLC Logic

Convert relays into a programmable logic controller with PLC Logic.

Carry out small automation tasks with the highly compact PLC logic from Phoenix Contact using the combination of the advantages of our existing Plug-in Relays, Programmable Logic Modules and Software. This modular structure offers reliability and system availability of the individual components used. Wiring to the relays is tool-free with the use of Push-in Connections. Our PLC relays saves cost and space because terminal blocks are no longer necessary.

PLC Logic Software

Watch a video on how PLC Logic Module works.

PLC Logic Video

Interested in trying out our PLC logic?

Buy our PLC Logic Starter Kit now!

 

Safety is by Choice, Not by Chance.

From |
Leave a reply

Phoenix Contact's Safety RelaysAre you selecting a safety relay just to meet the SIL3 requirements?

Who will be responsible for conducting the Proof Test to ensure it is still safety relays are still safe to use?

Which is critical? Safety relays without diagnostics or the Safety relays with diagnostics?

Safety is a Choice, Not by Chance

The graphics below explains the functional principle of the force guided /positive driven contacts in the event of a welded contacts and that’s where the normally closed contacts come into action to provide feedback to inform the system of the failure in relay contacts.

In this case when the relay is de-energized, the normally closed contact cannot close properly having a gap of 0.5mm.

Animation of how Force-guided relays work

Click the image to see the animation of how Force-guided relays work

Safety relays for ESD-Emergency Shut-Down Systems should have:

1) Force guided relay enables a feedback path just in case of welded contacts and eliminates the need for simplifies Proof Testing. (ESD-Emergency Shut Down and F&G-Fire & Gas systems)

Emergency Shut Down System Circuit

Emergency Shut Down System Circuit

Safety relays for F&G-Fire & Gas Systems should have:

The diagram below shows connection details for a safety relay used by Fire & Gas Systems. The Fire & Gas System is always on standby mode and it becomes more important to have multiple diagnostics to make sure the Fire and Gas System Safety Relay is still functional and all wirings are connected.

Fire & Gas System

Fire & Gas System

  1. Diagnostics for lost power input to field devices: Beacons, Solenoid Valves, Fire Alarm Bell.
  2. Field devices disconnection diagnostics.
  3. Short circuit field device diagnostics.
  4. Diagnostics for any welded contacts.
  5. Proof Test points (TP1, TP2, TP3) without the use of external power.
  6. All diagnostics via the same cable (A1,A2) by the use of test pulse filtering.
  7. Option for redundant connection (A1’, A2’).

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

Cost Savings Through Optimising Space Usage

From |
Leave a reply

Trying to save cost by using less cabinets or smaller junction boxes in order to better optimize your plant in terms of space as well as maximized the energy and cabling installation cost for signal conditioning?

Phoenix Contact MACX Phoenix Contact Mini Analog Pro

Phoenix Contact’s MACX / MINI Analog is your solution.

Phoenix Contact has an Innovative way to maximized space, wiring installation and energy cost for better return of your plant investments.

First and foremost, Phoenix Contact has…

Slimmest worldwide with width of 12.5 mm
User Benefit: Space saving in the cabinet up to 30% space

MACX Space saving

Lower power consumption using Low loss Technology (Patented)

User Benefit: Longer operational lifetime of the devices and less ventilation of the cabinet required resulting in savings in energy cost.

Mini Analog Pro Heat Signature

Mini Analog Pro Heat Signature

Power bridging from “bottom”

User Benefit: Reduced wiring for power distribution, fast installation, hot-swap replacement, expansion-options by bridging and saves time and money!

Conventional Daisy Chain Power Distribution

Conventional Daisy Chain

Conventional Daisy Chain

Power Bridging using T-BUS connector and Supply Module

T-BUS on DIN RAIL        MACX T-BUS

MACX Supply and Error Message

From highly compact 12.5 mm signal conditioners and functionally safe signal conditioners to signal isolators for intrinsically safe circuits in hazardous areas, Phoenix Contact signal conditioner range offers a solution for all applications in Analog signal conditioning.

User Advantages:

  • Space savings in the cabinet up to 30% space.
  • Longer operational lifetime of the devices and less ventilation of the cabinet required resulting in savings in energy cost.
  • Reduced wiring for power distribution, fast installation, hot-swap replacement, expansion-options by bridging and saves time and money!

 If you would like to know more about this product, please feel free to send us an enquiry at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and a road show can be arranged to discuss in more detail with your team.

Radioline: The only Wireless System you need

From |
Leave a reply

Finding it difficult to avoid the cost of laying long cables?

Fed up of laying long, 5km cables just to establish communication signals across your site?

Have issues optimizing your plant’s communication to get better monitoring and control?

Look no further! Say no to messy, cluttered and costly cables and say hello to wireless technology.

Introducing Phoenix Contact’s RADIOLINE Wireless Technology!

Radioline

Radioline

Phoenix Contact provides an INNOVATIVE way to upgrade and optimize industrial plants while eliminating costly cables and unnecessary downtimes.

No programming, no software. Less hassle, more productivity.

Phoenix Contact Radioline Wireless I/O mapping at the turn of a wheel allows for easy deployment in extensive plants – without any programming or complex configuration.

Radioline I/O mapping

Don’t be fooled by the colorful arrows, they’re not wires mind you but wireless signals transmitting across the RADIOLINE units.

It allows modular extension of every station up to 32 I/O-modules per station (hot-swappable) and creates multiple network structures up to 250 stations (yes, you heard it. Up to 250 stations! Impressive).

Radioline T-Bus

Radioline T-Bus

Phoenix Contact Radioline is THE wireless product for large systems.

So if you have a large system or a big plant to manage, Radioline is the answer.

Again did we also mention that the Radioline does not need any software or programming? Yes we did. By simply turning the thumbwheel, the Radioline is ready to go.

By simply turning the thumbwheel, the Radioline is ready to go.

No complicated software. Just easy thumb action.

Just watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrL6Lob8tnA

Please accept statistics, marketing cookies to watch this video.

If she could do it, you could too!

Thanks to the Trusted Wireless 2.0 technology using 868 MHz, 900 MHz, and 2.4 GHz radio frequency, Phoenix Contact Radioline is the ideal choice for reliable use in industrial environments up to 5 km of signal communications.

Cables are a thing of the past and they cannot withstand demanding environments, not to mention the effort and cost in installing them.

Stop wasting time and money. Get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and make the switch to Phoenix Contact’s Radioline TODAY.

Eliminate Extra Terminal Blocks Using Phoenix Contact’s PLC Relay

From |
Leave a reply
Pluggable Compact (PLC) Relay

Pluggable Compact PLC Relay

Is space and cost a concern for you when designing-in relays for automation?

Phoenix Contact’s PLC Relay eliminates the need for extra terminal blocks, helping you reduce both space and cost. Let us see how.

PLC Relay Actuator Series

PLC Relay-Actuator Setup

Relay-Actuator Setup

In applications where only one normally-open(N/O) contact function is required, you can use Phoenix Contact’s PLC to Actuator output relays to interface with actuators, such as motors, contactors or solenoid valves.

You can connect all actuator connections, including the load return line, directly to the relay. Hence, eliminating the need for additional output terminal blocks to transfer power.

The benefit is daisy-chaining or looping the wiring for the power will not be necessary. This is illustrated in the wiring layout below.

PLC Relay-Actuator Interface

Relay-Actuator Interface

PLC Relay-Actuator Schematic

Relay-Actuator Schematic

 

PLC Relay Sensor Series

PLC Relay-Sensor Setup

Relay-Sensor Setup

Likewise, Phoenix Contact’s PLC to Sensor input relays can be used to interface with sensors, such as proximity switches, limit switches or auxiliary contacts, where only one normally-open(N/O) contact function is required.

PLC Relay-Sensor Interface

Relay-Sensor Interface

PLC Relay-Sensor Schematic

Relay-Sensor Schematic

Similar to the Actuator Series, you can also connect all sensor connections, including the supply voltage for the sensors/switches.

As you can see, available with screw, spring or push-in field terminals, Phoenix Contact’s relays will:

  • Open up Space on the DIN rail
  • Reduce Labor and components costs
  • Eliminate an extra point of failure

Ultimately, you can save approximately 80 Pecent on your DIN rail and approximately 60 percent less time on installation.
To find out more, click here

Here’s A Tip On Choosing A Power Supply For Your Project

From |
Phoenix Contact Power Supplies

Phoenix Contact Power Supplies

What are the differences between these power supplies and which one should you buy to suit your applications?

UNO Power Supply

UNO Power Supply

If you are looking for just a power supply…………..choose the UNO Power.

TRIO Power Supply

TRIO Power Supply

If you are looking for more than just a power supply with dynamic boost power reserve for reliable starting of difficult loads with 150% of the nominal current for 5 seconds………..choose the TRIO Power.

QUINT 4 Power Supply

QUINT 4 Power Supply

If you are looking for a power supply that can do more in terms of Comprehensive Diagnostics that enable reporting of critical operating states of the power supply before failures occur, LED display of the output power plus the option to enable the Magnetic Tripping of Circuit Breakers selectively via the Selective Fuse Breaking Technology (SFB) with 6 times the nominal current for 15ms……….choose the QUINT Power.

If you would like to know more about Phoenix Contact’s range of Power Supplies, Click here.

Redundancy: QUINT DIODE VS QUINT ORING

From |

In my previous article, I shared on how to improve the efficiency and prolong the lifespan of our power supplies by maintaining a 50% loading and how you can use the LED display of Phoenix Contact’s Quint 4 power supply as a visual indication of the output power in order to achieve that.

This display is also useful in redundant power applications to ensure power supplies are of 50% loading without the use of multi-meter to measure and check.

When it comes to redundant power supplies, diode modules will be used as a de-coupling function but how about balancing of the output power loading between the 2 power supplies?

Usually you will need 4 multi-meters to balance the voltage and the current at the output side during Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) and Site Acceptance Test (SAT).

In practice, this is not only tedious but also a waste for time because the moment the output load current changes or the output voltage has a difference of more than 0.3 V, both power supplies will be unbalanced, resulting in one power supply undertaking 100% load and the other is in the “sleeping” mode.

When this happens, power redundancy as well as the life span of the power supply is compromised.

 

Redundant Power Supply

Redundant Power Supply Application

Phoenix Contact’s QUINT ORING resolves this issue of unbalanced loading using our proprietary Auto Current Balancing (ACB) Technology and the QUINT 4’s Bar graph LEDs display; reducing the requirement from 4 multi-meters to only one.

https://youtu.be/sbhSe7RXRpc