Category Archives: Interface Components

Phoenix Contact PLC Interface Relay

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Phoenix Contact PLC Interface Relay is one of the most, if not the most widely used slim type relay in the market. This can be attributed to the fact that Phoenix Contact is the pioneer of this slim relay and it addresses the requirements of the industry. Besides that, there are numerous features that this range of relay has that differentiate Phoenix Contact from similar competitors.

  • The relay is fully made in Germany. On top of that, the production process is fully automated by machines in an environment with tight quality control. This ensures consistency, precision and high quality.
  • The relay’s internal circuitry is made from a single lead frame. This means that there is no soldering and therefore, no single or odd weak point of potential failure. Consistency is also guaranteed as soldering is mostly done by humans and thus will be susceptible to quality control issues.
  • Furthermore, the single lead frame technology has better heat dissipation and distribution technology over competitor’s product that uses PCB technology. This is because PCB technology tends to have concentrated heat spots that will weaken the relay over time. Phoenix Contact’s design allows for lower overall panel temperature for the end user.
  • The relay is fully encapsulated and certified RT III grade and water and bath tested. This ensures that the relay will survive and operate even after exposure to water and high moisture and humidity. There are other brands in the market that does not have such degree of protection in the relay.
  • The quality used for our components are also rated above the industry standards. Phoenix contact use diodes that are rated at 1300V compared to the 1000V that is typically used by others. This will ensure even higher threshold to withstand unexpected incoming surge.
  • On top of these advantages, the Phoenix Contact PLC Interface relay is also versatile as it can be transformed into a PLC with integrated relay by adding a module called PLC Logic. This solution can be used for applications that require simple automation.

  • The PLC Interface relay can also be used as a system cabling solution that will benefit users in terms of reducing manpower installation time and also reduces space required in the electrical panel. This can be achieved by plugging in a system cabling adapter on the PLC Interface Relay.

Interested to find out more? Get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg!

LV Compartment for MV Switchgear

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Box by box towards Smart Grid 1: LV Compartment for MV Switchgear

The gradual shift towards the much vaunted Smart Grid structure has been gathering steam in the last few years. While much of the excitement has been generated from the immense potential of what a fully completed Smart Grid system can bring (for example, higher reliability at reduced cost), Grid operators, independent power producers and their team of engineers are facing real difficulties in implementing such systems today. It is easy to talk about wanting to implement technologically advanced systems, but when it comes to actually executing the projects to implement such solutions, the complexity surrounding such implementations comes to the fore.

Much of this complexity arises because of the vast variety of applications within the industry. It is particularly difficult to find the right set of products that are suitable for the application, reliable, fast to set up and easy to manage. For example in Transmission and Distribution substations, there will minimally be systems for transformers, shunt reactors, switchboards, intrusion detection monitoring systems and each of these systems can consist of smaller sub systems. For example, in monitoring a switchboard, we can monitor downstream load current for energy balancing; micro current fluctuations for signs of partial discharge or even for predictive maintenance; door contact monitoring for physical security and the list goes on. Each of these systems will require the right set of products and will have to be linked in this web of madness. Imagine the chaos!

At Phoenix Contact, we recognise this difficulty. While we have many solutions for Energy Industry that we are always sharing with the various stakeholders, in this series of blog articles, we will be examining how we help to simplify the implementation of Smart Grid. We will do so by examining the building blocks of a system – the individual panels which form up a system; and we will do so box by box. This first article will be about LV Compartment of MV Switchgear and we will delve straight into the 3 problems switchgear builders and grid operators are facing!

Problem 1: How do I collect signals from my switchgears and transform it into IEC61850?

The completed substation topology will involve decentralised controls where IEDs are placed at high voltage equipment (on transformers and switchgears) itself. Even when it is not completed, communications from the bay control cabinets and protection devices to the substation control system are being converted to IEC61850 as IEC61850 has proved to be a superior communication protocol and standard to reduce downtime and increase reliability of the grid. Therefore, it is only a matter of time before all switchgears are converting signals from the circuit breakers and all other auxiliary signals into IEC61850 data. However, examining the LV compartment of switchgears today, the signals are still being passed out with many copper wires or connected to numerical relays. These present two clear drawbacks:

  1. There are a lot of copper wires going out of the panel or into numerical relays. The associated cost includes requiring marshalling or pilot cabinets and related components and regular maintenance to check if the connections are good. In addition, it is difficult to isolate where the fault is when there is a loss of signal. In the worst case scenario, there might even be accidental shorting resulting in severe downtime!
  2. Numerical relay and its I/O cards are expensive.

These result in higher initial cost and higher eventual maintenance cost with downtime not necessarily minimized, especially in the event of loss of signal.

Using of a Bus coupler capable of communicating via GOOSE and MMS will solve both of these problems. Using Phoenix Contact bus coupler as an example, the signals can be easily inserted and aggregated as IEC61850 data. It certainly reduces the number of cables leaving the cabinet and with the light indicators, you can see clearly which connections are good without requiring extra tests. It is also of lower cost compared to numerical relays’ IOs while communicating perfectly with them.

Problem 2: There are too many wires, how can we manage them better?

Being the founder of the original ceramic terminal block, it is already tempting to say that Phoenix Contact is the best at solving this! But in the last few years, we have developed more data connectors to put us in a better position to solve this for switchgear builders!

We have an extremely wide range of terminal blocks for every applications and needs. We have demonstrated to be able to meet each and every customers’ unique demands, be it requiring pluggable solutions, fastest connection technology, space saving, you name it, we’ve done it!

In this article, we would just like to highlight how a commonly used connector for switchgears has developed to adapt to Smart Grid. In the past, our Heavycon (heavy duty connector) was often sold to connect the LCC and Bay cabinets. This enabled quick connection on site.

However, these connectors are usually for loose copper wires only. Although you can strip an Ethernet/serial connector to use such connectors, these connectors does not cater very well for the shielding required for data connector. Therefore, Phoenix Contact has developed a modular connector, allowing you to use your data connectors directly! This modular connector even allows you to have connectors which allow for high power!

Problem 3: With more signals being collected, there will be more testing to be done. How can we ensure we are safely doing the testing all the time!

Every so often, testing needs to be done on the current transformers and voltage transformers regularly. For current transformer especially, if not done right, explosions can happen. Currently, the shorting and breaking of circuits are done manually by hand (yes you read that right) and as you can imagine, explosions lead to death.

To solve this, Phoenix Contact has developed our test disconnect system (FAME) where shorting is done automatically and it is fool-proof!

Instead of using terminal blocks that are switched manually, you can replace it entirely with FAME and from then on, every testing procedure will be done how it is meant to be done: SAFELY.

We have assembled this product into a demo box along with other products that Phoenix Contact offers for LV Compartment for MV Switchgear. If you will like to have a look at the demo box up close, do contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and we will get in touch!

Phoenix Contact – Your Partner in Safety and Reliability for Railway Industry

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RailwayPhoenix Contact has been serving the railway industry for decades, especially for rolling stock and signalling. Safety and reliability has always been our number one concern when developing products for railway applications.

Safety on Board

The basic requirement for safety and reliability is standard compliance. Phoenix Contact has been certified by the International Railway Industry Standard (IRIS) since April 2008 and this standard is based on the quality management standard DIN EN ISO 9001, which has been extended with international railway-specific requirements. The ongoing tests during the development and production cycle of the products are essential to guarantee the product quality.

On top of that, all rail-specific products from Phoenix Contact fulfill the standards of DIN EN 50155, an international standard covering rolling stock; DIN EN 50121 electromagnetic compatibility; and EN 45545, fire protection on rail vehicle. Besides, shock and vibration test, material test and other fire protection is also critical for the railway application.

Safety should not be limited to the big ticket items and should even be extended to the passive component level. For example, the cable markings like shrink sleeve should be halogen-free and fulfill DIN 5510-2 with an oxygen index of 34.9%. besides being halogen-free, the cable ducts should enable individual bars to be broken without using any tools or resulting in any burr through defined breaking points according to EN 45545-2 (R22/R23:HL3). Behaviour in fire is another key concern and the plastic used for Phoenix Contact’s terminal blocks is halogen-free polyamide PA 6.6; which meets the highest safety requirement of UL 94 V0.

Push-in Terminal Blocks and Marking

Push-in Terminal Blocks and Marking

Cable Management

Cable Management

Network on Board

Nowadays, commuters demand for “Internet on board” has made the information and infotainment systems essential in trains. The M12 network connectors with a mechanically robust design, in compliance with IEC 61076-2-101, together with high quality cables meeting the requirement of EN 45545-2 will ensure reliable communications. The heavy-duty connector, compliant with IEC 61373, with modular contact inserts form a flexible and safe transmission of signal and power circuit on rolling stock carriage connection and simultaneously ensures comprehensive protection in the event of electromagnetic interference fields.

Halogen-free Polyamide PA 6.6

Halogen-free Polyamide PA 6.6

M12 Network Connector

M12 Network Connector

Surge Protection

Surge voltages and lightning strikes are common issues in signalling, hence the surge protective device (SPD) become significantly important to maintain reliable signal transmission. Phoenix Contact’s SPD has been tested according to IEC 61643-21 and the plug can be disconnected for test and maintenance by using the portable test laboratory. According to IEC 62305-3, the SPD must be tested regularly and the test values should be documented and traceable. Additional features like multi-stage monitoring (green – operating, red – fail and yellow – reach performance limit) for predictive maintenance and remote signalling for early detection of overloaded SPD can help to further enhance reliability.

HEAVYCON HPR

HEAVYCON HPR

HEAVYCON Modular Inserts

HEAVYCON Modular Inserts

Signal SPD with multi-stage monitoring (PT-IQ)

Signal SPD with multi-stage monitoring (PT-IQ)

Signal SPD with remote signalling (TTC)

Signal SPD with remote signalling (TTC)

Power Supply

The power supply unit (PSU) is used to convert main AC to low-voltage regulated DC power and it should at least be compliant with EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, IEC 60950-1, DIN EN 61558-2-16 and UL 508. To ensure smooth operation and maximum uptime, the redundancy setup of the power supply cannot be overlooked.

A redundant system can made up of two power supplies and a diode or Phoenix Contact’s O-RING to prevent back flow of current. An ORING being a more advanced and modern redundancy module compared to the diode, comes with auto-current balancing (ACB) technology which ensures the power supplies work equally hard. This enables the power supplies to have a longer and more consistent lifespan.

The redundancy status as well as the status of the ORING can be monitored, whereas this cannot be done with a DIODE. The PSU becomes more reliable and dependable when it is capable of sending analogue signals to control system on measurement values such as real time current, voltage and power for early detection of operational fault as well as critical information to the user.

QUINT 4 Power Supply With Diode

QUINT 4 Power Supply With Diode

QUINT ORING with ACB

QUINT ORING with ACB

Transporting You into the Future

Phoenix Contact will continue to develop the products or solutions that suit railway application and safety and reliability will always be the top concern on top of ease of installation, operation and maintenance.

To find out more about the solutions that Phoenix Contact has for the railway industry, check out our website or leave us your contact at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and I will get in touch with you as soon as I can.

Hybrid Motor Starters – CONTACTRON

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Phoenix Contact’s Contactron is a range of hybrid motor starters that is engineered and design to replace the traditional way of starting, stopping and managing the motor. And with that, it comes with numerous advantages and benefits to the system integrator, contractor and end user.

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The most obvious advantage is the space savings it brings if one chooses to use Contactron instead of the using the usual contactors and thermal overload relay. The space savings can range from 50% to 89% depending on the motor configuration.

With space savings, one can design their panel or cabinet to be smaller. This is useful for sites where space is limited such as on top of a shipping port cranes. An even more remarkable savings can be achieved by using the Contactron to shrink the size of an Ex d explosion proof box by replacing the contactors and thermal overload relay.

Contactron comparison with traditional motor starter

Contactron setup compared to traditional motor starter setup

Secondly, the Contactron can very much reduce the downtime of a plant or factory as it can perform on average 10 times the typical service life of the traditional contactors. This is because, rather than depending on the ‘prone to failure’ nature of mechanical parts of the contactors, the Contactron uses a combination of solid state and electromechanical relay. Therefore, for motors that are subjected to frequent start stops, the Contactron is an obvious winner.

Besides that, the Contactron can be connected and communicated to a higher level control and monitoring system. This allows crucial information on statuses of the Contactron to be sent to the control system using common protocols such as Modbus, Profibus and Internet IP. This is crucial for visibility and productivity of the plant or factory operators. The traditional contactors with no intelligence have no possibility of being connected to a control system.

Besides, the above, there are many more advantages of using Phoenix Contact’s Contactron over traditional motor starters.

You can click here find out more about our Contactron Hybird motor starters

However, it will be best to be able to feel and learn about this with a face-to-face direct demonstration and presentation. If there is any interest, please feel free to leave us your contact at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and we will arrange a visit to your office.

Safety is by Choice, Not by Chance.

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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

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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.

Eliminate Extra Terminal Blocks Using Phoenix Contact’s PLC Relay

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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

Signal Conditioning – Why we need to isolate, convert, filter and amplify control signal

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When dealing with Measurement and Control signals, Signal Conditioners are crucial for the healthy operation of the whole system. Let’s find out why:

  1. Electrical Isolation – The most important task of a signal conditioner is the electrical isolation of signals. A reliable Signal Conditioner offers consistent isolation of input, output, and supply. As such, ground current loops can be prevented in the event of potential differences, which would otherwise lead to a distortion of the measured process values.

    MINI Analog Pro isolating signals

    MINI Analog Pro Isolating Signals

  1. Convert – An advantage of signal conversion is the conversion of sensor signals into a signal that can be read by the controller, such as PT100 in 4…20 mA. In addition, failure-prone signals such as 0 – 10 V, for example, can be converted into non-prone current signals.

    MINI Analog Pro converting signals

    MINI Analog Pro converting signals

  1. Amplify – Signals always need to be amplified in the event that cables are long or if high loads are to be driven. It is here where the signal conditioners must provide a high output power at a low input power.

    MINI Analog Pro amplifying signals

    MINI Analog Pro amplifying signals

  2. Filter – In industrial environments, interference often occurs as a result of high-frequency signals. The input filters of the signal conditioners therefore reliably filter out such interference signals.

Getting cold feet? No fear, Phoenix Contact has the all in 1 solution to save the day. To find out more, click here:

Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar

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Exhibition Image

Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar

We will be participating at the 4th International Electric Power and Renewable Energy 2016 Myanmar Exhibition from the 13th – 15th of October at the Myanmar Event Park (MEP) in Yangon.

Come down and join us to find out more about what we can do for you in the area of Power generation and transmission and solar. We are located at G16, Singapore Pavilion.

Click here to register at the event’s website.

New highly compact isolation amplifiers with UL certification

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The Mini Analog Pro product family is the first line of 6-mm isolation amplifiers with plug-in connection technology. There are now four new product types that are UL 508 listed and thus can also be used in the USA and Canada.

4749

The expansion of the product line includes an analog frequency converter with limit value functionality for converting standard signals to frequency or PWM signals, a limit value switch with converter relay output for switching analog limit values, a constant voltage and current source, and a NAMUR insulation amplifier for proximity initiators and voltage-free and resistive switch contacts. The easy-to-configure modules are available with screw-in or push-in connection technology.

The Mini Analog Pro isolation amplifiers can be easily installed and operated in narrow spaces. Easily visible and accessible connection points and power measurements during operation ensure convenient use.