Many of you will have been aware that the JCB DIESELMAX car became the world’s fastest diesel-powered automobile in August when Wing Commander Andy Green drove it to a new record of 350.092mph (563.418kph) after two passes in opposite directions, within one hour, on Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. But how many of you knew that the electrical circuits were protected by E-T-A circuit breakers?!

Sir Anthony Bamford, Chairman of privately owned JCB, was very clear why he wanted to build a JCB record-breaker when the project was started: “I am passionate about the importance of engineering excellence to Britain and I see using the JCB engine for this record attempt as a fantastic way of showcasing what British engineers can do. The JCB444 has been acknowledged as a remarkable piece of engineering, and this programme to build the world’s fastest diesel-powered automobile is precisely the sort of technical challenge that we should rise to.”

Powering the stunning, nine metre long JCB DIESELMAX car were two JCB444 diesel engines, developed with the help of Ricardo engineers to produce 750bhp each, five times the power needed to drive a JCB backhoe loader, and now the world’s most powerful diesel engine per litre. The JCB444-LSR engine displaces 5-litres, weighs 382 kg (dry), and produces 750bhp at 3,800 rpm on a relatively low 10.5:1 compression ratio and in excess of 1500 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm.

The distribution panel was designed and built by R&D Vehicle Systems, based in Banbury. Rob Millar,director of RDVS, explained: “R&D Vehicle Systems is a specialist designer and supplier of electrical systems for military and niche vehicle manufacturers. We were delighted to be involved in the JCB DIESELMAX project. The superior technology and reliability of E-T-A’s circuit breakers are well known to us. It was very important for this project that we could build a system using circuit breakers that were very resilient to shock and capable of resisting damaging ingress of salt and oil.  For this reason we chose E-T-A type 483s, which we know are highly ‘spec’ed’ and well proven in motor sport and the aerospace industry, and we fitted them with standard dust covers.

The E-T-A 483 Circuit Breaker for Equipment (CBE) is a single pole temperature compensated thermal circuit breaker. Believed to be the smallest package on the market offering protection up to 35A, the range extends from 1A up to 35A. It features a push/pull on/off actuator with a tease-free, trip-free snap action mechanism. A high tolerance to sudden current surges is in-built, reducing the risk of nuisance operation, and enabling close matching of cable size to CBE. This avoids the common practice of overspecifying the cable size and using a higher rated fuse.

“Although the distribution panel was located behind a closed panel,” Millar continued, “it, nevertheless, was subject to inevitable exposure from fine salt particles and oil spray. We never had a single issue with the circuit breakers. One tripped just the once during the Bonneville runs, and that meant that that section of electrical harness was safely protected against the overcurrent that caused the trip.”

Andy Green, the fastest man on Earth, set the first-ever supersonic world land speed record at 763.035 mph in ThrustSSC on the Black Rock Desert on 15 October 1997. As he was feted by his jubilant crew on 23 August, Green said: “I am so pleased that we have got the car to 350mph which was always our ultimate goal and that was with a slow start to the second run. Today’s record proves the potential we have always believed JCB DIESELMAX to possess. This is another great result for a wonderful team and a testament to British engineering.”

"350mph is a fantastic speed for a diesel-powered car. To have built the world's fastest diesel in such a short timescale is a wonderful achievement for the JCB DIESELMAX team,” added Dr Tim Leverton, JCB’s Group Engineering Director and Project Director for the land speed record project. “What is even more impressive is to set three records – 317.021mph, 328.767mph (526.027 kph) and 350.092mph (563.418kph) in only six days.”

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a cost-optimised version of its cubic-version Smart Power Relay, called the E-T-A E-1048-8D, or DICE variant. It combines the capability of a remotely controllable electronic load disconnecting relay with self-limiting characteristics, and optimised overcurrent protection similar to that of a high quality circuit breaker. Fitting standard automotive power relay sockets, the all-in-one solid-state power controller module replaces both an electromechanical relay, with inherent contact deterioration, and a blade fuse. It is suitable for wide ranging 12/24V DC applications where solenoids, motors or lamp loads have to be switched, protected or monitored, including use in vehicles, on land and sea, in telecommunications, and in the process industry.

"A remotely controllable electronic switching relay offering circuit breaker protection"

The new E-T-A E-1048-8D Smart Power Relay is packaged in a 30mm x 30mm x 30mm housing for direct plug-in mounting to standard relay sockets. It is offered in nine different current ratings from 1A to 25A, for use in ambient temperatures from –40C up to +85C without the need for de-rating. The ENTRY version offers a short-circuit proof switching output in addition to the electronic relay function: the ENTRY-Protect version provides additional rapid electronic disconnection in the event of an overload. The tripping characteristic is similar to that of a quality circuit breaker, thus providing added protection and avoiding nuisance tripping.

Compared to a traditional electro-mechanical relay, the use of power electronics for internal switching means the Smart Power Relay is effectively ‘wear-free’ and insensitive to shock and vibration. It also uses far less power than an electro-mechanical relay. For switching and monitoring higher loads than 25A, several units can be wired in parallel. The new DICE versions are different from the CUBIC models as they do not offer features such as diagnostic LEDs and electronic status signals.

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The Honeywell Fiber Optic Sensor family consists of optoelectronic components and subassemblies (LEDs/transmitters, fiber-DIPs, receivers and modules). These products meet SERCOS and other standards.

Best Used For:
Short-haul data communications over plastic fiber, analog and digital interfaces and duplex communications over a single fiber.

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E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new electronic flow monitor, the E-T-A FS30. Rugged, cost-effective and easy to install, it is ideal for water conserving irrigation systems for agriculture, golf courses and sports grounds, as well as for water management in industrial systems, residential buildings and passenger trains. Solid-state electronic circuitry and no moving parts ensure precision, long-term reliability and repeatability.

The new E-T-A FS30 Electronic Flow Monitor incorporates a robust, membrane-type sensor which will monitor flow rates from 0.25m/s to 3m/s. As soon as the flow rate falls below an adjustable, pre-set MIN value, the FS30 provides a 500mA transistor output signal which is both short-circuit and overload proof. This signal may be used for further processing via a controller, or can be used as a command signal for indirect switching of a pump or similar equipment. Visual status indication is provided by two front-mounted LEDs.

The FS30 features an IP67 stainless steel housing and requires a 12V DC supply voltage, making it ideal for outdoor, solar-powered applications. Electrical connectivity for power and signalling is via a standard M12 plug-in connector. With a standard threaded fixing, it is easy to install in the field to existing infrastructure. Other liquids, with similar thermal conductivities to water, may also be monitored. The liquid temperature can be between +1°C and +70°C, while ambient temperatures can be in the range of -15°C to +55°C.

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Finder has announced an update to its 56 series relays, which now provide enhanced functionality during installation and test.

The updated series of 2-pole and 4-pole power relays feature as standard on all models a test button and mechanical indicator for manual operation during test and commissioning. The full range now offers as options an indicator LED to show operational status; in particular the DC coil versions feature twin LEDs, making them insensitive to polarity. All of the models feature a new printed front plate showing the full part number, contact rating and coil voltage, and both the new pushbutton and the coil housing are colour-coded for rapid visual identification of AC or DC models.

The six models in the 56 series provide the capability of switching higher current loads with the option of up to four changeover contacts. They are typically used by OEMs, panel builders and end users in applications including the switching of single phase motors, solenoid operation with feedback monitoring signals, multi-element heating loads and various types of lighting. The provision of plug-in, PCB and an extended range of rail and flange-mounting options and adaptors, along with a complementary range of sockets, suppression modules and accessories, allows maximum flexibility of both mounting and connection.

Standard contact material is cadmium-free, but alternative contact materials are on offer to suit inductive or capacitive loads.

The relays are rated as standard at up to 12A at 250V AC with maximum peak values of 20A and 400V AC. A 400V AC coil version is also available for use in industrial applications where a neutral connection is not available.

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NEW ELECTROMECHANICAL SAFETY SWITCHES AVAILABLE

Honeywell is committed to manufacturing safety solutions and we've doubled our product line to prove it. Honeywell offers a broad line of safety switches from miniature to heavy-duty switches. Honeywell's newest additions are a result of continuous development and brand commitment.
In addition to Honeywell’s current safety switch offering, we are proud to introduce several new product series.

HONEYWELL SAFETY SWITCH RANGE.pdf

KEY-OPERATED SAFETY SWITCHES
• GKE - IEC 20 mm mounting and IEC pricing are strong selling points of Honeywell's GKE product line. Available with 20mm or 1/2 inch NPT conduit, the GKE has two key openings and either 1NC/1NO or 2NC switching capability.
• GKN - Honeywell’s GKN switch has a common footprint and three contacts for safety monitoring, along with a flexible key. There are two switch stocking units (SKUs) for many applications. With four key openings, the GKN has up to three normally closed safety contacts and drop-in capability.
• GKS (available December, 2006) - Designed to trap-and-hold the key until the hazard has been removed, the GKS uses a solenoid for either Power-to-lock or Power-to-unlock Situations. This configurable basic allows combinations of four contacts and complies with North American, European, and Chinese standards. Potential applications include an access panel for a press, robotic machinery, and automated assembly areas.

NON-CONTACT SAFETY SWITCHES
• FF and FFS - These non-contact safety switches are a strategic fit into the Honeywell safety switch line as they complement the electromechanical offering. These non-contacting, hard-guarding solutions cope with Slop In the application or a large actuation window to reduce alignment issues between the switch and magnet actuator. Priced competitively, these switches have several potential applications, including pick-and-place packaging/assembly equipment, semi-con equipment, and printing machinery. Product series include: FF2, FF3, FF5, FF6, and FFS.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS, APPROAVALS, and HOUSINGS
These safety switches may be appropriate for the following applications:
• Packaging equipment
• Pick-and-place assembly equipment
• Semicon equipment
• Plastic molding equipment
• Woodworking machinery
• Textile machinery
• Printing machinery

PRODUCT SHEETS and INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
To view the broad line of Honeywell safety switches, please click on the link below
http://content.honeywell.com/sensing/prodinfo/safetyswitches/

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General Information:
MICROSWITCH standard basic switches are precision snap-action mechanisms enclosed in accurately molded plastic cases. These switches are carefully manufactured and thoroughly inspected. They are industry-known for their compactness, light weight, accurate repeatability and long life.

BZ/BA Series Standard Basic Switches are used for simple on/off applications and meet the needs of most applications. However, modifications of contact design and material, spring configuration and plunger location create other types with greater electrical load handling capacity. Other changes in materials and switch design provide operating characteristics; temperature tolerances and sealing that cover a wide range of special requirements, for example;

SM Series Subminiature Basic Switches are used for simple or precision on/off application needs. These switches combine small size and light weight with ample electrical capacity, precision operation and long life.

SX Series Subminiature Basic Switches are used for simple or precision on/off application needs. They are small, precision snap-action switches that are ideal where savings in space and weight are important.

UM Series Subminiature Basic Switches are used for simple or precision ON/OFF application needs. These switches combine small size and light weight with ample electrical capacity, low cost and long life.

UX Series Subminiature Basic Switches are used for simple or precision on/off application needs. These are small, low-cost snap-action switches which are ideal where savings in space and weight are important.

V5 and V7 Series Basic Switches are used for simple or precision on/off, end of limit, presence/absence, pressure, temperature and manual operator interface application needs.

ZM Series Subminiature Basic Switches are used for simple or precision ON/OFF application needs. These switches combine small size and light weight with ample electrical capacity, low cost and long life.

ZW Series Subminiature Basic Switches are used for simple or precision ON/OFF application needs. These switches combine small size and light weight with ample electrical capacity, low cost and long life.

ZX Series Subminiature Basic Switches are used for simple or precision ON/OFF application needs. These switches combine small size and light weight with ample electrical capacity, low cost and long life

Features:
• Accepted world-wide standard micro switch
• Low operating force and differential travel
• Long mechanical life up to 20,000,000 cycles at 95% survival
• Elongated mounting hole for easier, more accurate mounting
• Current rating ranges from 15 A to 25 A
• Choice of actuation, termination and operating characteristics

Typical Applications:
• irrigation systems
• Semi-trailer trucks
• Timing devices
• Office equipment
• Test instruments
• Medical/dental equipment
• HVAC equipment
• Manually operated devices
• Valves
 

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Finder has announced the launch of a new series of safety relays that have been specifically designed to meet the increasingly stringent safety standards now being imposed on designers and manufacturers of electrical systems. They are particularly suited to applications such as plant, process and machine guarding, safety circuits, emergency stop circuits and critical monitoring circuits.

The 50 Series relays are pin-compatible with the existing 40 Series, and feature forcibly guided contacts that enable positive monitoring of the contact state to comply with EN 50205 type B. They have also been designed to meet the requirements of IEC 62061 (2005): Safety of machinery – Functional safety of safety-related electrical, electronic and programmable electronic control systems, and ISO 13849-1: Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of machinery.  A high physical separation ensures a minimum of 2.5kV insulation between adjacent contacts

The relays are rated for a maximum contact current of 8A and for DC coil voltages ranging from 5V to 125V, thus providing considerable flexibility for circuit designers.

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Schurter’s new metal flange versions of types C20F, DC12 and KFA simplify assuring EMC compliance within metalized enclosures. The modules are suitable for mounting from the inner side of the panel, simplifying the assembling processes. The need for additional fixing nuts has also been eliminated by an optimized construction of the filter case. The electrical subassemblies, including the power supply, can now be completely tested before they are assembled into the appliance enclosure.

As with most Schurter modules there are a wealth of optional features such as stranded wire connections, illuminated switches and medical filter versions for use in appliances with indirect contact to patients. The C20F, DC12 and KFA ranges are approved according ENEC, UL and CSA. They are designed for appliances according IEC/EN 60950 respectively to be used in medical equipment according IEC 60601-1.

The metal flange ranges are ideal for use in sophisticated power supplies particularly for medical and measuring equipment. They are equally at home in IT equipment and other industrial appliances.

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New to the Finder range of energy consumption meters is the three-phase 7E.36 Series, which includes single and dual-tariff kWh models for the measurement, recording and display of power consumption in individual sub-circuits at current levels up to 65A.

The meters are particularly applicable where there is a statutory need for compliance with the EU Measuring Instrument Directive (MID) 2004/22/EG which comes into force in October 2006. The current pressure to reduce energy consumption is also driving the need for accurate monitoring and measurement in specific areas.

The 7E.36 Series meters provide a compact, accurate and easily-installed solution to metering three-phase energy consumption, and are ideally suited for use by manufacturers and installers of machinery and equipment, control systems manufacturers, contractors, site service engineers and designers of building management systems (BMS). Typical areas of use include industrial and commercial installations, test cells, machines, control cabinets and switchboards.

Type 7E.36.8.400.0000 is a single-tariff 3-phase meter, and Type 7E.36.8.400.0002 is a dual-tariff version for use with standard and economy tariff supplies. Both meters are specified for a maximum current rating of 65A, and are housed in a compact 70mm wide enclosure that can be surface mounted or fitted to a 35mm DIN rail, allowing them to be installed in confined spaces or mounted on standard sub distribution boards.

The meters feature 4mm high, 7-digit display(s) including a red decimal digit, to provide an easy-to-read display with a maximum totalising count of 999,999.9kWh. A high resolution pulsed open-collector output to DIN 43864 provides a link to BMS or other types of remote monitoring system. A variable rate pulsed red LED indicator offers a rapid visual indication when abnormal operation is occurring, for example due to phase loss or inversion. Terminal covers are also available to enable a tamper-proof seal to be fitted.

The 7E.36 Series is compliant with EN 62053-21 and prEN 50470 as well as with the EU MID 2004/22/EG, and is certified by PTB (Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt). Accuracy is specified to Class B and protection to Class II.

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