Category Archives: Power

Power Reliability for the ‘New Normal’

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With the backdrop of COVID-19, the new reality taking shape is made of complexity, uncertainty and opportunities. Industries are rapidly adjusting, and as the crisis unfolds, it is important for us to adapt to the new ways of business and life in this ‘new normal’.

The 4th Industrial revolution has picked up its pace, with the pandemic highlighting the role of technology, such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, robotics and big data. To adapt and thrive, automation industries must accelerate and transform with more resilient, reliable and agile power solutions.

In Phoenix Contact, we have a comprehensive range of technologically leading products, ensuring your system and machine power reliability.

SPDs with effective power surge protection
Market leading power supplies for superior system availability
Device Circuit Breakers protect system devices from fault current

True power reliability is putting together the technologically leading products, with specialized, well-coordinated features and meeting customer application needs in 4 main key different aspects.

Continuous Power – Market leading power supplies solutions to safeguard control system with seamless operation. Examples include AC & DC Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), battery-less UPS, and redundancy power.

DC & AC Uninterruptible Power Supplies / Redundancy Power Supplies

Robust Protection – The power solution works reliably in harsh operating environments. For example, during electrical power surges & over-currents, mechanical shocks, vibrations, extreme climatic temperatures and dusty operating conditions.

Power SPDs / IP67 Power Supplies / Device Circuit Breakers

Energy Efficient – Reliable products featured with high MTBF, long lifetime expectancy, energy savings and are environmentally friendly.

Intelligent Monitoring – Market-leading innovative products, enabling the smart connected power solution with preventive, predictive info.

Surge Monitoring-Impulsecheck / UPS – Intelligent IQ / Device Circuit Breaker (IO-link)

We aim and strive to help our customers to embrace the ‘new normal’ for their systems, and ensure their machines’ maximum availability.

Contact us now. Your trusted partner for reliable power.

CCTV and Access Control in Indonesia

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Security Systems for the alternative energy source

Global oil prices have fallen sharply. From 2010 to mid-2014, world oil prices had been fairly stable at around $110 a barrel, but have now risen to around $50 per barrel. This influences future projects in the world. In Indonesia, the government postponed exploration projects (upstream). The government instead concentrated on developing projects downstream, such as TBBM (Terminal Bahan Bakar Minyak). At the same time, the Government develops project Refinery Unit, but focused on developing Security Systems.

The scope of work for a Security System is: CCTV, Access Control, Barrier Gate, Public Address/General Alarm (PA/GA) System and Radio. CCTV and Access Controls are more widely used in Indonesia today. For this project, we capitalise on the opportunities to provide components for CCTV and Access Control. CCTV and Access Control need a control panel. This control panel consists of Junction Box, Power Supply, Terminal Block, Cable, FO Converter and Surge Protection Device. Many brands exist in Indonesia, like Honeywell, Axis, Samsung and Pelco, to name a few. But for this project, the end user (pertamina) specifically needs a System Integrator, which is responsible for the design, installation, FAT, SAT and Commissioning.

We conducted a presentation for System Integrators in Indonesia where we explained the Junction Box, Terminal Block, FO Converter and Surge Protection Device. At January 2017 we received PO from System Integrator for Junction Box, Terminal Block and Surge Protection Device for project Refinery Unit at Pertamina Cilacap. The Integrator needed GRP Junction Box EXE standard. Phoenix Contact has SS and GRP. System Integrator needs SPD for power, Cat 5 and Cat 6. We can provide complete SPD. After that, we got PO for Surge Protection Device for project Refinery Unit at Pertamina Balogan. So for the next project we will try to offer a solution package. We will be offering complete Control Panel for System Integrator. The solution yields a lot of benefits for the customer as the system Integrator has time to focus on the other responsibilities. If the Control Panel has problems in the future, the engineering personnel would not be confuses as there is only one brand at the control panel. Imagine if one panel consists of different brands and the integrator has a lot of projects. The engineer has to check the old documents. Competitors don’t actively search for project related to Security Systems, they usually wait to get the PO from the System Integrator.

CT Testing with FAME

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Test disconnect terminal block might not be an alien term to you, especially if you are in the power industry and dealing with switchgears. This is the most common component you will see in a control relay panel, which allows you to do testing and short circuiting of current transformers. At Phoenix Contact, we incorporate different connection technology into our test disconnect terminal block series, namely the screw connection, spring cage connection and push-in connection. Of course, the changes to our test disconnect product series do not end there.

Figure 1: (From left to right) Screw connection, spring-cage connection and push-in connection

While test disconnect terminal blocks offer flexibility to the user, as well as the benefit of saving space because of its modular design, it still has a slight disadvantage when it comes to testing. During function testing of current transformers and voltage transducers, performing combine switching operations across several points is often a requirement, and thus there will be limitations when it comes to such situations when modular terminal blocks are used. With all the constraints and limitations that comes with using a modular test disconnect terminal block, it opens up greater possibilities for the product development team to explore creative designs to solve the problem while maintaining the benefits of the modular terminal block. With that, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you FAMEFast And Modular Energy System, a solution specifically designed to cater to the need for performing complex switching operations, all at once.

Figure 2: FAME Plug and terminal strip

Figure 2: FAME Plug and terminal strip

If you find any of the above foreign to you, no worries! I have got you covered with quality posts by our product specialist. In this post, you will learn the fundamentals behind the make-before-break principle of a CT testing, as well as the reason for using test disconnect terminal blocks in such applications. Next, we look at FAME in detail from its basic operation to the difference between FAME 1, 2 and 3. These few posts will lay down the foundation for your understanding of the field of test disconnect systems.

While FAME is created for CT testing, and several versions of FAME have been developed for the different requirements of relay testing in different countries, we came to realize that there is room for other applications that FAME is able to offer. One specific example that best illustrates this is our recent product approval in Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s national grid operator. It all started with a product presentation of FAME 1 to the product approval committee members of the Protection Department of Transmission Division, with the purpose of having Phoenix Contact to be specified in as the test plug. However, things started to side track from our original plan when FAME 1 was proposed to be adopted as a secondary safety check in their Control Relay Panel. This is part of the initiative of TNB in the implementation of live maintenance. In this new add-on design, our FAME 1 will be sitting in between the first isolation (terminal block) and the trip coil.

Figure 3: Diagram of group isolation link in protection panel

This secondary isolation, also known as the group isolation link is used to isolate trip contact in a group.

  • It consists of two components, the power plug and the terminal strip.
  • During normal operation, the power plug is inserted into the terminal strip, forming a closed contact between the terminal block and the trip coil
  • When live maintenance is carried out, the power plug will be disconnected from the terminal strip, leaving an open contact.

Figure 4: (From left to right) Power Plug and Terminal Strip

This application in Malaysia is a good example and reference of how FAME can be adapted to serve different applications from its original design purpose. If you have a bright idea of how you can use FAME while reading this post, we welcome you to contact us. Who knows, your idea could be the next new application of our FAME!

Importance of choosing the right PCB enclosure

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What is considered important when it comes to choosing the right PCB enclosure. Let us guide you through the process.

Price? Style? Service & support? Reputation of the supplier?

In the matter of fact, all of above are essential. The engineers should select the enclosure at first and then choice the mechanical & electronic components to suit the enclosure.
We need to consider

Material
The 3 common plastic enclosures are ABS, Polycarbonate, Polyester which are high functionality, light weight, flexible in design.

The Ingress Protection
The ingress protection classification DIN EN 60529 determines and rates protection against solid particle (e.g. dust) as well as liquid incursion.

The letters IP (ingress protection) is followed by a two-digit number; the first digit indicates the level of Solid particle protection and the second digit indicate Liquid ingress protection. IP Code

Environmental Considerations
How the enclosure will last over many years of operation depends on how well you evaluate the environmental impact of elements such as UV rays, temperature, airborne debris, etc.
Different materials offer varying degrees of impact resistance.

Dimensions
The internal and external dimensions of a PCB enclosure is extremely important. Sadly, in many cases, the PCB is chosen first and this makes it difficult for the engineer to source the best fit enclosure solution.

Modification of Standard Enclosures
The enclosure supplier may need to support modifications with value-added services that include drilling, milling, printing, color, etc. Some suppliers can even provide advance services like fitting membrane keypads, displays on the enclosure, etc as a complete solution.

Ease of Assembly
A complex PCB design may make it difficult to assemble electronic and mechanical components in the enclosure, which make is an important point to consider when selecting an enclosure.

Range of PCB Enclosure

Check out Phoenix Contact’s range of enclosures here

We, at Phoenix Contact, understand your problems and offer a wide range of options for shape, color, and function when it comes to choosing the right enclosure. Whether on a wall or on a DIN rail, from light gray to sky blue, narrow or wide, many many to choose from. With the two new enclosures, Universal case system (UCS)  and Environment case system (ECS) added into the selection, it is much easier to choose your enclosure.

Please view the Enclosure brochure.

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

Solar Power Energy – Standalone System (PLTS)

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A solar power plant, also known as Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya (PLTS) in Indonesian, is a power generation system that uses solar cells (photovoltaic, PV) to convert sunlight into electrical energy.

Indonesia has vast landmass, a lot of which are remote areas. Thus, it is not possible for all to be connected to the grid (PLN = Perusahaan Listrik Negara = State Electricity Enterprise). However, with abundant sunshine all year round, Indonesia has the ideal setting with a high potential for solar power.

Currently, there are hundreds of small islands in Indonesia that have been installed with a Centralized PLTS. For islands or remote areas that receive general government assistance, the standalone PLTS have an output capacity of 5, 10, 15 and 30 kWp.

Solar Power Energy – Standalone PLTS

Example of a 2KW standalone solar power system

Image by Free Sun Power (http://freesunpower.com)

Called a standalone System or Off-Grid System because the system relies solely on solar energy as the main energy source. It utilizes a solar module circuit to generate electrical energy in accordance with the needs that have been planned.

Solar energy can be converted into electrical energy through the use of solar cells (photovoltaic). Solar cells are components that can convert solar light energy into electrical energy using the principle of the Photovoltaic effect.

The working principle of the photovoltaic effect is the emergence of an electric voltage due to the connection or contact of two electrodes connected to a solid or liquid system when obtaining light energy.

Image by University of Calgary – Energy Education (http://energyeducation.ca/wiki/images/1/11/Photovoltaiceffect.png)

Benefits of using Solar Energy :

  1. Solar energy is abundant and free
  2. Environmentally friendly
  3. Long life time period of use around 25 – 30 years
  4. Cheap maintenance costs
  5. Not Noise (Silent)

Disadvantage of using Solar Energy :

  1. Dependency on the weather
  2. Requires large area for installation of solar modules
  3. Big investment for initial installation solar energy

Efficiency of the PLTS (commonly around 80% – 93%) is determined by the degree of irradiation of the sun (the greater the irradiation value, the greater the power it can generate), the environmental (mountain or sea) temperature, dust and type of solar module, controller, inverter, losses of long cables.

So what makes up a PLTS Standalone System/Off-grid system:

  1. Solar Module
    Solar ModuleThe main function of a solar module is to convert solar energy into electrical energy. A Solar module consists of a number of silicon cells which when illuminated by the sun, will produce photons that can generate electrical current. A set of Solar Panels in one system is called an Array. Generally the most widely used solar modules are crystalline type either Monocrystalline or Polycrystalline. While thin film solar modules are still rarely used (in Indonesia). A solar cell can produce a voltage of approximately 0.5 volts. So a 12 volt solar cell consist of about 36 cells.PLTS Off-grid will consist of several solar modules according to their capacity. For example, a 10 kWp PLTS will consist of 50 units of 200 Wp solar modules or 100 units of 100 Wp solar modules. These solar module is arranged in series and parallel with certain configuration.
  1. Combiner Box
    Combiner BoxIn a solar power plant, solar panels can be arrayed in parallel to produce a larger current. Combiner boxes are  used to connect the positive foot of solar panels to one another. Similarly, for negative legs. The positive foot end of the solar panel is connected to the positive charge controller leg and so is the negative leg. The resulting solar panel voltage will be used by the charge controller to charge the battery.
  2. Fuse
    The fuse is a component to protect PLTS / PV network system. In the event of a short circuit or over-current on the circuit or other load, it cuts the flow of electricity.
  3. Charge Controller
    A tool to regulate the current and voltage both to the incoming current and voltage of the PV panel as well as outflow / used load currents. The voltage and current entering the battery should be as intended. When either is larger or smaller than the specified range, then the battery or other equipment will be damaged. In addition, the charge controller also serves as a guard to ensure the resulting output power remains optimal, in order to achieve Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT).
  4. Inverter
    Inverter is a converter that will change the DC voltage (48VDC, 24VDC or 12VDC) on the battery into AC voltage (220VAC or 120VAC) at the output will be channeled to the load. Off-grid inverter can adjust the amount of output power based on the amount of load. so it can be used to turn on household electricity such as lamps, fans, television, etc.
  5. Battery
    In a standalone system , the battery serves to store the solar energy generated during the day so that the energy can be used both in the day and night.The voltage on the battery bank PLTS is generally 48VDC, 24VDC or 12VDC. The battery type that is widely used for such applications is usually a Lead-Acid type, either OPzS (wet battery) or OPzV (dry battery). Batteries used in the PLTS system are a deep cycle type  which means the battery can be discharged up to 80% capacity (80% DOD).In addition to Lead Acid, the other battery type that can be used on a PLTS system is the  Lithium battery. As with any battery on our mobile phone, lithium batteries are known as batteries with high energy density which means the same volume of energy that can be stored by lithium batteries larger than other batteries.
  6. AC Breaker
    The AC Breaker is required to limit the power of the inverter so that the power being injected does not exceed the existing load, resulting in a fire.
  7. KWH Meter
    To measure the amount of electrical energy that has been produced by solar panel can be used kwh meter.

If you would like to know more about which of our products are suited for solar applications, leave us your contact and I will be in touch shortly.

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!

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

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!