Hylec-APL, the specialist supplier of electrical components and enclosures, announces new model in its range of Isolator switches, which provide fast electrical isolation for multiple applications, including industrial machinery, commercial buildings, power supplies, security equipment and HVAC. Isolator control switches are IP67 rated and withstand water up to a depth of one metre, as well as completely preventing the ingress of dust and dirt, vital in many factory and commercial applications.

Safety is of paramount importance in such environments, and Isolator control switches ensure an electrical circuit is completely de-energised for routine service and maintenance and can be shut down quickly in the unlikely event of an emergency. The Isolator switch separates the circuit from the main power source and discharges any current trapped in the circuit, rendering it safe to work on and of course ensuring fast shut down and the absence of any electrical current when an emergency stop is required. When used as an emergency stop, it can be locked in the off position using a padlock (not supplied). For safety, the switch is interlocked with the lid to prevent opening while in the “on” position. The interior mechanism is a 4-pole rotary isolator switch disconnector used to switch power to commercial or light industrial applications.

Isolator control switches are manufactured from completely flame retardant polycarbonate, rated to UL94V-0, providing an additional margin of safety over competitive products with a lower flame-resistance rating. As well as being flame retardant, housings are robust and highly visible, with yellow covers and red control switches. The new 80A AC Isolator model features silver-plated alloy contacts for high reliability. Earth terminals are included, as well as captive retained cover screws. The 80A AC Isolator has a compact footprint, but its internal dimensions are a generous size, measuring 9cm wide by 17.3cm long, so there is space to manipulate cables easily during installation.

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Save Time and Costs with Eaton DC-Contactors

Clever Use of a Proven Technology
Thanks to the use of proven hybrid technology, the contacts in Eaton DC contactors have a long lifespan and low contact wear. Hybrid contactors feature two mechanical contacts – a extinguishing contact and a break contact – that are connected in series.

Moreover, they have an IGBT power semiconductor switch connected in parallel with the extinguishing contact. When one of these contactors is switched off, the first thing that happens is that the IGBT is switched on. After this, the extinguishing contact opens mechanically, commutating the current to the IGBT so that it can be interrupted by the power electronics. Finally, the break contact is opened in a de-energized state, achieving the required potential isolation.

Together with this configuration, a wide-range coil for DC and AC voltages makes our DC contactors a maintenance-free and reliable part of any machine or system.

Efficient and Compact
• With up to 150,000 operations, these units have a lifespan that is six times longer than that of comparable devices
• No maintenance costs, resulting in lower operating costs
• Lower switching contact wear as a result of extremely short arcing times
• Convenient to switch on and off: either conventionally or directly with a programmable logic controller (PLC)
• Compact frame size designed to save space
• Very short opening and closing times of main contacts

Reliable and Flexible
• Wide control voltage range of 110 V – 250 V AC, 110 V – 350 V DC
• Globally certified: UL, CSA, CCC, GL, DNV
• Bi-directional operation (polarity insensitivity) ensures ease of use
• Wide temperature range of -40 °C to +70 °C

Ideal for a Large Variety of Applications
• Solar power
• Rail traffic
• Marine & Offshore
• Energy storage
• Automotive charging infrastructure
• DC grids

Designed for Industrial Use
• Universal concept
• Fast and easy to install thanks to tried-and-true terminal types
• Based on Eaton's well-known contactor technology

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To facilitate greater integration of controls and automation in building services, Finder has expanded its 22 Series modular contactor range to include 4 pole versions rated at 40A and 63A.
Finder’s modular contactor range is an ideal choice for higher current switching in quiet areas. With its virtually silent operation, it’s suitable for residential, hospital, hotel and other commercial installations.

For demanding industrial applications, it features a robust contact design, allowing high inrush capability, making it great for controlling lighting as well as motor loads.

Giving greater integration of controls and automation in building services, it provides a compact, quiet, high-power multi-pole switching solution.

Protective separation between coil and contacts provides reinforced insulation for safety, as required by many domestic and commercial standards/codes of practice.

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Power management company Eaton offers Dumeco DC switch-disconnectors to help solar PV equipment manufacturers and installers gain a competitive edge within the increasingly significant solar power market. These innovative products stand alone as cost-effective, reliable and safe solutions; they also integrate efficiently and easily with matched Eaton components into a continuous channel that transports energy safely from the solar module to the power grid.

The DC switch-connectors are being made available in four frame sizes; the largest has 800 A, 1000 A and 1250 A options, while the smallest offers 63 A, 80 A and 100 A versions. Accordingly, the devices are suitable for applications ranging from residential and light commercial rooftop sites to large commercial and utility scale installations, as well as solar combiner box and inverter equipment.

This switchgear is available in 2-pole configurations that reduce the need for bridging links between the poles; this cuts installation time and copper costs. Bi-directional pole connection gives installation flexibility. The units’ minimal footprint of up to 52 per cent smaller than any competing product allows installation space savings. An independent manual operating mechanism controls special self-cleaning roller contacts which provide long term safety and reliability.

Operation is through either a direct handle or an extension shaft of up to 600 mm and handle for thru-the-door interlocking. IP65-rated grey or red/yellow K Line handles are available, with both padlock and cylinder lock versions. Door interlocking configurations include a ‘defeatable’ option in the ON position for fault finding. An auxiliary switch set is also available; this offers 1NO+1NC contacts.

The Dumeco DC switch-connectors are rated to 1000 V DC, are compliant with standard EN-IEC 60947-3 and have CE, CCC, RoHS and EAC certifications. They offer high short circuit ratings and operate to utilization category DC-21B. The units are suitable for base plate mounting.

This new range of DC switch-connectors is built to handle the most demanding of PV applications, while providing reliable isolation to ensure safe operation within an installation. Perfectly aligned with the robust Dumeco AC switch-disconnectors, it enables an excellent all-round AC/DC package. The products offer an attractive solution to distributors, installers and manufacturers due to their competitive pricing, cost-saving features, proven reliability and compact, flexible design. They form part of Eaton’s comprehensive global portfolio that serves the renewable energy segment.

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Spotlight on Synchronous Motors made by Crouzet Motors

Developed in the late 60s, the AC synchronous motor ("tin can" type) designed by Crouzet Motors, has become the best-selling motor on the market today, with 2 million motors and geared motors sold in 2014.

Crouzet Motors offers about twenty standard configurations of 1 and 2-direction synchronous and stepper motors that are UL - CE - ROHS certified. All voltages and frequencies are available, allowing for installation into applications worldwide.

In association with 4 models of gearboxes, we offer a big number of different configurations covering the speed range from 150 rpm to as slow as 1 turn per week!

Crouzet motors are characterized by the nominal power from 0.3 to 5W and our gearboxes offer a maximum permissible torque from 0.5 to 5Nm.

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The HAC Series is rated up to 150 Amps at 660 VAC making it ideal for demanding high power applications

Crydom, global expert in Solid State Switching Technology, introduces the HAC Series of high current AC Output Contactors. The HAC Series rated up to 150 amps rms at 660 VAC in a 40°C ambient complements Crydom's high current DC output HDC series of Solid State Contactors. The HAC Series offers exceptional performance and ratings in a heavy duty 74 x 104 mm panel mounted industrial package with efficient thermal design featuring large .375 in/9.5 mm power terminals with high torque strength ideal for large wire sizes.

The HAC Series incorporates Crydom’s proven SCR power technology and control circuitry to provide superior solid state performance for demanding high power applications. The HAC Series is available with either AC or DC control, zero voltage or instantaneous output turn-on and optional installed thermal pad for use in a wide variety of heating, lighting and motion control applications. The HAC Series is CE compliant with both the Low Voltage and EMC Directives, RoHS and China RoHS and is UL recognized.

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NUMBER 1 IN EFFICIENCY

The New PowerXL™ series DE1 Variable Speed Starter bridges the gap between variable speed drives and conventional motor starters <7.5kW.

It’s as easy to use as a contactor yet saves energy by adjusting the motor speed, with trip free operation. It’s so simple, it runs out of the box!

It’s also perfect for meeting the requirements of the ErP directive for motor efficiency.

Applications:

• Where regular variable speed drives are just too complex
• Where direct on line starting is too harsh but full torque is needed
• Instead of a motor starter to meet the new EU directives
• Where you simply need a different motor speed
• Where you want to save money

Energy Efficiency and Cost Efficiency to the machine / application:

• Fast and error-free installation
• Commissioning Out-Of-The-Box (time savings up to 70%)
• Easy change from a motor starter
• No special drive skills or knowledge required
• Reduced efforts on technical support
• Integrated motor protection and short-circuit protection
• Compact side-by-side and horizontal mounting
• PDS category C1 with integrated EMC filter

Out-Of-The-Box Commissioning:

• Trip-free design for maximum machine availability:
- Auto-reset, - DC regulation, - DC braking, - PWM control
- Comprehensive motor protection
- 60°C ambient temperature (with partial derating at temperatures higher than 50°C)
- The optional DX-EXT-SET module can be used to easily change parameters with a screwdriver
• Modbus RTU on board, with optional SmartwireDT
• International standards (CE, UL, cUL, cTick, EAC, RohHS)

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A New Species

The new Variable speed starter (VSS) from Eaton offers alternatives for drive engineering

The increasing automation of machines and the increasing legal requirements with regard to energy efficiency have resulted in a significant rise in the demand for variable frequency drives. At the same time the motor starter has established a strong position on the market. In order to bridge the gap between the two, Eaton is now offering a new device class: the Variable speed starter (VSS).

Electrical speed control using variable frequency drives continues to gain importance. The Motor Regulation EC 640/2009 of the European Union is a driving force here, stipulating the mandatory use of IE3 motors directly on the grid or likewise the use of IE2 motors with variable speed drives from 2015. This means that there is an increasing move away from the motor starter towards the variable frequency drive, particularly with simple applications.

Benefits of the motor starter and variable frequency drive combined

There is clearly a gap between these two most widely used methods of controlling electric motors. One the one hand, there is the motor starter with its easy handling and high level of reliability and yet limited functionality. On the other hand, the variable frequency drive provides the required variable motor speed and a wide range of functions, but involves a greater degree of complexity. The move towards the variable frequency drive therefore presents many users with some challenges since it is a highly complex device and normally requires a comprehensive knowledge of drive engineering.

As a pioneer and one of the leading specialists for all aspects of switching, protecting and driving motors, Eaton has developed a new device class that combines the benefits of the motor starter with those of the variable frequency drive. The so-called Variable speed starter (VSS) can be handled as easily as a motor starter but offers the possibility of variable speed control at the same time.

Simplicity at first glance…

Eaton is launching the new device class under the product name PowerXL-DE1, first of all in two sizes. The slim-line FS1 version with a width of only 45 mm is ideal for controlling motors up to 1.5 kW, while the FS2, double the width at 90 mm, is designed for ratings from 2.2 to 7.5 kW. At first glance, these devices are the embodiment of simplicity.

Their attractiveness lies in the fact that there are no buttons and operating elements. This makes a simple “out-of-the-box” installation possible, i.e. the installer just has to take the device out of the box, wire it up like a motor starter, and it is already operational. The fact that the DE1 requires no parameter setting means that the probability of installation errors is kept to a minimum and therefore also the time required up to commissioning. Three LEDs indicate the status and operating mode of the unit at a glance. The table provided directly on the device gives a clear explanation of the color coding and flash frequency.

...impressive trip free design at second

Besides simple handling, Eaton has also integrated the aspect of reliability into the new device class. The trip free design of the Variable speed starter (VSS) ensures maximum availability. This concept comprises the ability of the DE1 devices to detect the regenerative energy feedback from the motor and to thus lengthen the ramp automatically. It also includes a DC braking function and the function of automatically reducing the switching frequency to prevent the device temperature from being exceeded. However, in the event that a fault causes the device to switch off, the automatic restart function makes it possible to ensure continuous motor operation. This means that the manual reset of the fault is no longer necessary providing that safety is not impaired.

The benefits of the trip free design are easily demonstrated in practical applications. Imbalance can be a genuine problem in many applications where centrifugal forces are present (e.g. industrial washing machines). On the one hand the motor must accelerate the load, whilst on the other hand, the imbalance mechanically accelerates the motor so that it runs faster than set by the variable frequency drive. This results in regenerative energy feedback into the DC link circuit. Normally the energy must be discharged via a braking resistor. The DE1 offers a refined alternative: An internal algorithm ensures that this does not increase the DC link voltage to impermissible values and thus initiate a shutdown – and all that without the use of a braking resistor.

Fans are another area of application. The air flow in a pipe system can mean that fans often rotate when the driving motor is not switched on. If a speed controller is then required to switch the motor that is already rotating, the controller may be switched off in certain circumstances on account of overcurrent. With these kinds of applications, the DE1 Variable speed starter (VSS) is able to brake the motor with DC current before the motor actually starts in order to prevent the unwanted shutdown. The device therefore ensures fault-free operation even here.

A large market gap

The variable speed starters are factory fitted with internal EMC filters so that they are suitable for use in industrial networks as well as in public utility grids (category C1, C2, C3) without the need for other external EMC filters.

With this unique performance profile and its design for ambient temperatures from -10 to 50 °C (60°C with derating) the Variable speed starter (VSS) meets the demands of several applications on the market for which there was previously no ideal solution. This includes, for instance, applications for which a DOL starter and star-delta starter combination or a soft starter cannot be used since the motor draws a large starting current but does not permit a reduced starting torque. This also applies to materials handling applications, when machines or crushers have to be started up at once under full load after a stop. Even for many simple applications, such as in the field of transport technology, regular variable frequency drives are often overdimensioned, i.e. too elaborate, too expensive and complex.

Many machine builders, who are required to move media such as air or liquids, are now challenged by the requirement of the ErP Directive to design a new drive concept for fans and pumps in order to achieve the prescribed minimum efficiency values. If they have previously used a motor starter and controlled the flow rate mechanically or hydraulically, such as with throttle valves, they are now faced with the challenge of switching to a power-dependent control through the possibility of variable speed adjustment.

The variable speed starter is also ideal for applications requiring a fixed speed that cannot be implemented with the mains frequency. This is often the case in the wood industry where motors are run at high speeds (e.g. 18,000 rpm). The DE1 also offers an alternative where a constant speed is required, but where an IE3 motor cannot be used due to the different mechanical dimensions compared to IE2 motors.

Operation options: Screwdriver to remote keypad

The variable speed starter also offer considerably more options than is seen at first and second glance. A pluggable and universal configuration module, the DX-EXT-SET, enables the operator to change the most important parameters from the factory setting with a screwdriver – without the need for a keypad, software or manual. This means that ramp times, motor protection, mains frequency and terminal configuration can be set ergonomically. Once the parameters have been set via the operating elements on the front, the configuration module can “mechanically store” this parameter set, which can then be transferred directly to other variable speed starters – simply by plugging onto the DE1 device and pressing the Set button. This function simplifies and speeds up commissioning in series production or when replacing a device in the event of a fault.

Eaton also offers users external keypads with LED or OLED displays, already known from the PowerXL series, for an alternative method of parameterizing and operating the DE1, as well as a Bluetooth communication stick for the simple copying of parameters from one device to others. Like all devices of the PowerXL series, the DE1 is also compatible with Eaton's drivesConnect software. This software and the keypads enable up to 63 devices (DE1, DC1, DA1) to be combined in a drive network and now operate and parameterize them centrally as stations of the network. The DE1 comes with a Modbus interface as standard and can also be integrated directly in Eaton's innovative SmartWire-DT communication system.

The new PowerXL-DE1 Variable speed starters (VSS) that comply with the international CE, UL, cUL and cTick requirements thus provide machine and system builders with a cost-effective and at the same time highly reliable alternative for worldwide use in order to make applications with a previously constant speed more energy efficient and in compliance with the increasing international legal requirements.

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Crouzet DCmind Brush Motors - Product of the Year 2013

March 2014, the 40,000 technical and scientific readers of the American magazine Medical Design Briefs voted the DCmind Brush range of DC motors Product of the Year 2013. DCMind  Brush motors were selected for their outstanding technical merit and practical value.

DCmind Brush motors are incredibly quiet, even at full load, offer excellent efficiency and an exceptional service life, and have an extensive range of gearboxes and accessories. The low noise level (35 dB) of DCmind Brush motors makes them particularly suitable for the medical and biopharmaceutical sectors, as well as laboratories, industry and office equipment and systems. They can also be used in many other high performance applications such as pumps and valves, and also in the railway, military and aeronautical fields.

“The new DCmind Brush motor generation adds a uniquely differentiated premium product to our current offering”, says John Morehead, Crouzet Motors US National Sales Manager. “With its remarkably quiet operation, quality design and manufacturing, it greatly expands our application reach. Additionally, Crouzet’s eco-design strategy has cut the environmental impact of the product’s overall life cycle in half while at the same time improving the product’s
energy efficiencies.”

It is this extraordinary performance that won over the readers of Medical Design Briefs and made DCmind Brush the Product of the Year 2013.

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Hylec-APL now offers the DE01 range of pre-installed control stations which combine tough IP67 enclosures with hard wearing push button and selector switches reducing time spent on-site. Installation is further aided thanks to unique, snap-on brackets for easy wall, chassis and DIN mounting.

*  Variety of sizes and depths to accommodate different application requirements
*  Thick walls constructed from robust ABS material
*  Up to IP67 protection depending on switch options
*  Snap-on bracket mounting available for DIN rail or chassis / wall mounting
*  Selection of push button and selector switch types and combinations are available
*  Suitable for indoor and outdoor use in domestic, commercial and industrial applications
*  All products comply fully with ROHS and REACH standards

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