Category Archives: Industries

Fastest and easiest way to connect up for IIOT

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Data is the new oil - Connect up for IIOT

Image by Gerd Leonhard (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gleonhard/)

Have you been hearing a lot about IIOT? Do you want to kick-start IIOT quickly and easily? What is the fastest and easiest way to connect up for IIOT?

If you want to find out more about Phoenix Contact IIOT Connectivity Solution, read on!

Phoenix Contact IIOT Connectivity Solution (PICS)

Like all revolutions, the excitement surrounding the fourth industrial revolution is increasing as the pace to create working cyber-physical systems to fully integrate big data into processes gathers steam. This is evident with more system providers emphasizing on providing a solution capable to gather and analyse big data to create actionable insights for their customers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ07iDk7-tc

How to connect up for IIOT

The first step to create such a system will be to get the IT backbone (Data servers, Software, Enterprise cybersecurity etc) running. Once this is set up, customers and system providers often face difficulty collecting data back into said systems safely and reliably. There will be a need to look for multiple hardware specialists to obtain the necessary hardware. To make sure that the hardware is reliable and safe, companies will usually have to look for multiple hardware providers.  For example:

  1. Industrial communication products manufacturers
  2. Industrial electrical products manufacturers
  3. Industrial electronics products manufacturers
  4. Industrial Cybersecurity products manufacturers

This process is arduous and time consuming to say the least!

To address this, Phoenix Contact (SEA) Pte Ltd has launched an exclusive product for South East Asian market.  Phoenix Contact IIOT Connectivity Solutions (PICS) allows companies to explore the unknown and kick-start IIOT/Industrie 4.0/ other Future Ready Automation Trends with the fastest and easiest way to connect “Things” to Big Data Analytics Platforms.

If so, contact us today at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg for a free Proof of Concept/Demo box!

UPS IQ – Smart Power for Intelligent Transport System

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The Land Transport Authority (LTA) recently awarded a tender for the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) to one of their system integrator to setup effective system for monitoring of traffic situation at junctions. The system, which is part of the Smart Nation Initiative Program, will automatically alert the operator of the traffic volume so that remedial actions can be taken promptly.

Traffic Camera

Intelligent Transport System (ITS)

The Intelligent Transport System (ITS) is at the heart of what keeps us safe on the roads and tunnels system in our city. In land-scarce Singapore, ITS’s sophisticated traffic and control system will maximize road network efficiency capacity as well as monitor and manage the traffic flow.

The ITS infrastructure spans over 164km of expressways and road tunnel system, including Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway(KPE), Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE), Central Expressway (CTE), Fort Canning Tunnel (FCT) and Woodsville Tunnel (WVT).

Our partner in Singapore has worked wholeheartedly with this system integrator, from design to testing and finally, to the implementation with our UPS-IQ.

Solution

Together with our partner, we set up the actual UPS and communication system to show to the system integrator. This was to provide the proof of concept to simulate the system. A demonstration of the UPSconfigure software allowed the UPS system to be integrated seamlessly into the innovative application from the special system by the system integrator. The system will be manned by LTA.

UPS IQ

UPS IQ

Key Features

  1.  High MTBF – Higher MTBF (>600,000 hours) as compared to most of our usual competitors ensures more reliabilty.
  2. Modbus Enabled – This has enabled the system to be communicated within the same network. It allows the system to be monitored from the main control room without additional hardware which translates into lesser points of failure and eventually to cost savings.
  3. Monitoring software (UPS Config) – The UPSconfigure feature allows the innovative application of the system integrator proprietary software to be integrated seamlessly into their application. This speeds up the deployment process and allows the system integrator to make more efficient time, labour and tools deployment.

If you would like to find out more about our UPS-IQ, check out our website or just leave us your contact at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and I will get in touch with you.

Make-before-break – Terminal Blocks for CT Test

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Make-Before-Break

Make-Before-Break (MBB) is a term “Denoting a switch or other device in which a new electrical connection is made before the existing one is broken”. In short, it simply means, shorting the circuit before disconnecting it.

You may know about MBB when purchasing a relay. But do you know there are terminal blocks designed with MBB in mind too? These MBB terminal blocks can usually be found in power industry applications.

For those who are familiar, you may have come across this term (MBB) during a Current Transformer (CT) testing on a protection relay. However, do you know the importance of ensuring MBB when conducting a CT test with your Terminal? Or what the consequences will be of not having a terminal blocks that comes with a MBB feature during the test?

Protection Relay

A CT will certainly be at risk of being destroyed or even worse (Explosion!) if the secondary is left open circuit while the primary current is present. This is due to the insulation failing from the “higher than rated” voltage that occurs. Therefore it is extremely important to ensure MBB before conducting a live testing. A good terminal block with MBB feature will definitely help you provide the extra mile in ensuring safety.

How does the MBB terminal blocks function and what does it look like?  Here are some good examples of a good MBB terminal block.

  1. A good MBB terminal block must have the feature where shorting is always present first before you are able to break the circuit. It would be best if the terminal blocks are able to automatically perform the short circuit for you whenever it is being disconnected during the CT test.
    Short Circuit function closed Short circuit function open
  2. Clear indication of Short Circuit and disconnection must be visible and this allows your engineers to have an ease of mind during testing.
    PTME
  3. Good MBB terminal blocks should have safe and easy to operate features. Having said that, these features can help to cut short the time while testing (shorten the risk) and ensuring the safety of the person that is conducting the CT test.
    PTME Terminal Blocks for CT Test

So where can you find good MBB terminal blocks for your applications? Phoenix Contact, of course!

With 94 years of experience manufacturing and designing terminal blocks for the Power Industry. Phoenix Contact has never stopped developing new innovative testing terminal blocks that will suits your application, at the same time ensuring safety and quality.

For more info, check out this video of our PTME terminal blocks or visit our website!

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If you have more inquiries, feel free to contact us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

ReSy 104 : Upgrading Control Systems in Power Industry

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Nowadays, in the age of Smart Grids, power systems are getting more complicated in order monitor and avoid system down time. End users /operators require the ability to control everything from big substations to small hangover substations; even to each MV cabinet or recloser located in remote areas such as at a consumer site or along power lines.
So do you meet these requirement within a  reasonable cost especially in existing substations, MV cabinets where installation space is very limited.

Solution with ReSy 104 + PLC

The ReSy 104 remote control communication library is based on the IEC 60870-5-104 protocol.

The remote control system enables communication between the control center and substation via a standard TCP/IP network. You can also use transmission via DSL, SHDSL, GPRS, EDGE, and 3G.

With PLC for Fieldbuses and Ethernet, Phoenix Contact offers a flexible system structure that covers a wide range of application options in a centralized or distributed format. Thanks to a compact design and numerous supported protocols, Phoenix Contact PLC is ideal for applications where compact size and high-quality is required at a competitive price.

How Phoneix Contact's ReSy 104 RTU works.

Fig 1 : How Phoneix Contact’s 104 RTU works.

By combining ReSy 60870-5-104 + PLC Phoenix contact can offer possible applications for

  • IEC 60870-5-104 enables data transmission via a standard network, which can communicate with multiple devices and services simultaneously.
  • Full function PLC with able to communicate with field device via numerous built in protocol such as Modbus , Profibus, Profinet, etc…
  • High standard of security and encryption for reliable data transmission with the FL MGUARD series of security devices from Phoenix Contact
  • Smooth communication between devices from various manufacturers. The supplied interoperability list states which functions are supported.
  • The remote control station can be connected redundantly to two or more higher-level control systems or remote control heads via the ReSy+ library
  • Acquisition of basic data types, such as messages, commands, plus counter values with and without time stamp.
  • Event-oriented communication ensures the active transmission of current events.
  • Historical data backup ensures that data is logged with a time stamp.
ReSy Solution

Fig 2 : Possible solution with ReSy 104 + PLC

To find out more about our ReSy 104 solutions, just leave us your contact and we will get in touch with you shortly.

Let there be Light

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Let there be light: Phoenix Contact Components for Reliable Power Grids

On 7 July 2017, Phoenix Contact Singapore Team organised a’ Dining in the Dark’ event as part of Corporate Social Responsibility.  In the short 2 hours without our sight, we experienced a range of emotions such as fear and helplessness. This event also allowed us to understand the challenges that persons with visual impairment faced daily. It is truly a meaningful event that we are thankful to be able to experience with the friends we made from work.

Phoenix Contact's 'Dining in the Dark' CSR Event

Phoenix Contact’s ‘Dining in the Dark’ CSR Event

In today’s world, it might not be an exaggeration to say that we will feel the fear and helplessness if we do not have access to electricity. For a start, life-sustaining equipment in hospitals will not be in operation. Many of life’s conveniences such as lights, entertainment, air-conditioning etc. will be stripped from us. For this, electrical grids are always considered critical infrastructure all around the world and efforts are made to ensure the grid is always operating. Phoenix Contact contributes to this reliability with our products. Below are some examples:

    1. Terminal blocks (Clipline Complete)Clipline terminal blocks
      Our terminal blocks are widely used in power industry. For quick installation in Marshalling/Pilot panel, our customers prefer the use of

      • Push-in connectionThis connection method is fast, do not require special tools, safe, ensure consistent and good connection for every insertion and ideal for areas with high vibration. Most importantly, unlike screw connection, over time, push-in connection does not loosen.
      • QTC connectionThere is no need to strip the wire using QTC connection, making it the fastest way for wire installations. Moreover, Phoenix Contact QTC terminal blocks do not require special tools!
    2. Protection terminal blocksURTK-6 Test Disconnect Terminal Block

      Especially for CT testing, where you have to make the testing circuit before breaking the transformer circuit, it is important to ensure that the “make-before-break” is done properly! Failure to do so results not just in power outage, but often death.

      Our solution is our range of test disconnect terminal blocks, clearly labelled to ensure operators know exactly what is being done. There are also ample spaces for accessories for you to do the necessary bridging and testing.

      Offering inspiring innovations, Phoenix Contact has come out with a test disconnect system. Instead of manually doing the switching, why not let our system take care of it for you with Fast And Modular Energy system (FAME).

    1. DC/DC Converter and Power SupplyQUINT DC/DC converter and Power Supplies

      Usually in substations, there will be 110VDC power supply. However, most electronics components (remote IO, network switch, RTU) requires 24VDC/48VDC power input.  For this purpose, many substations around the world choose Phoenix Contact Quint IV Power Supply.

      Your advantages

      • SFB Technology selectively trips standard circuit breakers, loads connected in parallel continue working
      • Preventive function monitoring indicates critical operating states before errors occur
      • signalling thresholds and characteristic curves that can be adjusted via NFC maximize system availability
      • Easy system extension thanks to static boost; starting of difficult loads thanks to dynamic boost
      • High noise immunity, thanks  to integrated gas-filled surge arrester and more than 20 ms mains failure buffer time. Moreover, Phoenix Contact Quint IV Power Supply comes IEC61850-3 certified. This means that the unit can be used even for IEC61850 applications!
    1. Interposing relays
      With a wide range of relays, Phoenix Contact has the right solution for all standard relay applications, such as interposing relays.

      Your advantages

      • Easy handling, thanks to modern wiring and potential distribution concept
      • Easy extension to a timer relay, thanks to plug-in special function module
      • Complete product range covering all standard relay applications
      • Reliable system for high machine and system availability
      • Available as a complete module or modular system
Easy Wire Termination  Easy Power Distribution  Complete Product Range

Test Disconnect Push-in Connection

Our relays with push-in termination technology provide fast and easy tool-free wiring. Simply push the wire into the terminal , using very little force. Remove the wire by pushing done on the release button, using a screwdriver or ballpoint pen.

Test Diconnect Terminal Block Jumper

Reduce your wiring time up to 70 percent by using our modular terminal block plug-in bridges. These time-saving bridges ensure a reliable connection and reduces the possibility of wiring errors.

RIFLINE Complete

Switch currents up to 16 A. From coupling relays to a replacement for small power contactors; the product range offers the right relay for every application. Benefit from a uniform and consistent system
  1. Heavycon (Heavy-Duty Connector)
    Substations have high EMC and electrostatic interferences. They are also generally not places that people like to hang around in! Heavycon can help to reduce installation/maintenance time and at the same time, ensure reliable power/data/signal transmission. With a modular system, you can combine Fibre, Ethernet, Serial, signals, power all in 1 connector!

HEAVYCON Modular Connector

For example,

  1. the Local control cabinet can be connected quickly to the bay cabinet
  2. The Circuit breaker compartment can be easily disconnected/connected to the switchgear

Refineries of The Future – IIOT for Oil and Gas

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The Industrial Internet of Things, or IIOT, is revolutionising the way industries do businesses. Firms have to embrace automation and new technologies in order to keep up with a dynamic globalised environment.

By adopting IIOT at an early stage, it prevents a firm from lagging behind its competitors. Late adopters may see a rise in installation costs to implement these new technologies.

Current Practices are Outdated

From an industrial standpoint, many oil & gas refineries are still utilising traditional data analytics such as spreadsheets to analyse processes, as well as relying on past data to make operational decisions.

Refineries store millions of databases and thus it becomes a challenge for engineers to extract information from a cesspool of data. Additionally, for the sake of organising data, the organization may make use of foreign information systems that are not user-friendly.

As a result, refineries are considered to be data-rich but in hindsight, information-poor.

Process Plant

Using traditional data analytics, engineers often find themselves stranded with missing data. Typically, one would rely on past experiences to solve their engineering woes and make “informed decisions.” Just ask any engineer working in a refinery and they might just confess to using this prehistoric technique!

Refineries of The Future need to change how they organise data.

IIOT can help engineers analyse and compare their data in real-time. Vital parameters such as the temperature of a heat exchanger, flow rate of a valve or pressure of a pump can be monitored on the spot.

Advanced data analytics can perform audits and identify data correlation among statistics. If a deviation of results were to occur, the engineers will be notified immediately, in real-time. For instance, it is common for an instrument’s pressure reading to fluctuate. This could also be due to ordinary circumstances such as a spike in production. However, emergency situations such as pipe leakages could also cause abnormally low pressure readings. 

Engineers are able to justify these values with predictive analytics and thus determine the root cause.

Easier Said than Done

Adopting new technology is not without its challenges. In order for all the varying hardware to get connected, it has to comply with a single universal format that allows data to be unified. This might be expensive if you intend to hook up existing hardware to new technologies that may not be compatible.

PICS for Oil & Gas

How can PICS help?

With Phoenix Contact’s revolutionary IIOT Connectivity Solution (PICS), we eliminate the hassle of consolidating hardware with new technology. Furthermore, get everything assembled within seconds!

PICS combines new technology to drive your controllers and sensors and affixes them with your legacy equipment. This enables compatibility with our software, so that you can read your data the way you want it.

Who says IIOT technology needs to be expensive and complicated?

With PICS, you’ll have the ability to convert your backward refineries into Smart Refineries of tomorrow.

Don’t believe us? Request a free trial of PICS by leaving us an email at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg and experience what IIOT can do for your company today!

Electrical Safety Starts from the Connector

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High Voltage WarningDo you know one common challenge for devices used in areas such as filter and inductor construction, energy distribution and power supply production is Electrical Safety i.e. how to lead the high power through the panel wall safety.

Finding the right wall feed-through terminal block to address electrical safety is a challenge as there are not many suitable solutions for high current and large wire cross-section. It is also unlikely that the manufacturers  will choose the feed-through terminal blocks as early as the design stage. This often leads to manufacturers designing their customized solutions out of sheer necessity; thus resulting in problems such as maintaining touch protection or insulating the current bar from the device housing.

The device manufacturers may also face problem obtaining the necessary certification for their devices. If the device is to be used worldwide, IEC 61800-5-1 and UL 1059 certifications are required. Many solutions in the market are unfortunately not adequately certified.

High Current Feed-through Terminal Blocks

Phoenix Contact offers an extensive range of high-current feed-through terminal blocks for various applications. You can find both pluggable feed-through terminal blocks and feed-through terminal blocks for permanent connections. The pluggable feed-through terminal blocks permit quick replacement and are thus service-friendly. In addition, the conductors can be preassembled. However, feed-through terminal blocks for permanent connections are more economical.

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Do you know Phoenix Contact has been providing these feed-through terminal blocks for almost three decades?

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Device manufacturers can choose the connection option to fit the application: fast push-in connectors, T-lox, conventional screw connectors, or simple bolt connectors. The connection areas range from 4 to 150 mm2 and the current-carrying capacity is up to 309 A.

These connectors come in standard and moulded designs, either with horizontal or vertical connection directions. The moulded version ensures high leakage resistance, even when a small amount of moulding compound is used. The product range provides various connection options for space-saving connections in all installation locations. This means that device manufacturers can flexibly select the connection type, direction, and cross section.

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

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.

More than just Providing Data: Implementing IIOT in Water Management

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The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is creating huge opportunities in the water and wastewater industries, adding value to both the utility and the consumer.

Connected machines are reshaping the way these utilities operate, allowing them to make smarter and more informed decisions. By driving up innovation, water utilities are driving down cost.

Water Treatment plant

Diagram of how a water treatment plant conducts its everyday activity

Relationship between Data and Water Management

Treating water and wastewater requires chemical processes that can now be monitored more accurately using digital data collection.

These digital transformations are taking the guesswork out of chemical processing and allow utilities to optimize a number of chlorine dollars spent to maintain safe levels — saving time, money and empowering operators to make fewer mistakes.

Spurred on by IIOT and Big Data collection, SaaS applications are also implemented which could provide analysis on the wastewater process and accurate calculations on the wastewater clarifier tank performance.

Technologies such as these could also allow businesses to receive alerts and notifications when a failure might arise, predicting when a sludge will overflow and be released.

Phoenix Contact Cloud based solutions

Real-time data, accessible anywhere, anytime before failure happens.

Problems and Prediction – Pre-empting probable issues

This kind of problem causes environmental issues and fines that can run into millions of dollars. It will also be able to predict a thickening failure, which is when the effluent doesn’t settle correctly and creates a costly sludge blanket in the tank.

Predictive analytics are also solving monitoring problems that were not previously possible for utilities.

For example, there are a large number of pumps that are commonly found within water facilities, and digitized data is making it possible for companies to accurately predict when these pumps might fail — ahead of time.

Colliding old and new technology

Even water pumps are fitted with digital technology for data retrieval

It’s similar to the predictive analytic technology used in jet engine checks between airline flights. This cloud-based application easily connects to pumps and helps companies avoid costly and inconvenient failures, allowing engineers to schedule controlled maintenance rather than reactive maintenance.

Partnerships between technology companies and utility companies are facilitating innovation.

Safety procedures are also being monitored and enforced more closely by keeping track of them using digitized technology.

By working closely with our clients, we realize that more informed data could also be used as a reminder to employees regarding protocol procedures when dangerous chlorine leaks are detected. The safety procedure is sent to a worker’s device to be confirmed before access to the contaminated area is granted.

The safety procedure is sent to a worker’s device to be confirmed before access to the contaminated area is granted.

Public swimming pools in danger of chlorine

Public swimming pools are at risk of chlorine contamination which would have adverse effects on health.

At Phoenix Contact, we offer industrial platforms that enable asset performance management on an industrial scale. For water utilities, our products can help organize time-series data to monitor asset functionality.

Water Integrator Resources

Software and Hardware to manage your Water Management needs

Building close relationships with utility companies would facilitate innovation and allow us to develop solutions to become cleaner and more efficient at a rapid pace.

It truly is a transformative time in the industry, and the results couldn’t be more pure — better drinking water for everyone.

For more information on the products used for water management, visit the link here, or get in touch with us at marketing@phoenixcontact.com.sg.