Marshall Wolf Automation

Along with Carlo Gavazzi sensors and relays, look at the compact EM10 and EM 11 Series Energy Meters. The EM10 Series is an innovative single-phase energy meter which monitors 120 or 230VAC. It provides a cost effective solution for most metering applications, allowing an effective energy measurement without the need for an external current transformer. 

This ultra-compact device can easily be interfaced with a PLC, (which is also easily obtained at Marshall Wolf Automation)  thanks to its optional pulse output (1 Wh resolution). It is ideal for use in public buildings, offices, condominiums, apartments and in most facilities that require energy cost sharing and the metering of common loads. The main technical features of the EM10 Series include:

• Self power supply: One-phase 120 or 230VAC Class B, in compliance with EN50470-1-3
• Readout: 5+1 digit
• Direct connection up to 32A
• 90 x 67.5 x 17.5mm (HxWxD mm) 1-DIN module
• 1 pulse output on request (1000 pulses/kWh)
• IP40 protection degree

Also check out our GIMA items from Simpson Meters.  With technical help on staff, we can answer your questions, help you with your application needs and provide the best product for the job.  Call us today: 800-325-9653!

I was recently updating some of our Saginaw industrial enclosures and noticed a few series of junction enclosures on the list.

I had never heard of a junction enclosures so I headed back to my trusted resource, Wikipedia:

'An electrical junction box is a container for electrical connections, usually intended to conceal them from sight and meter tampering. A small metal or plastic junction box may form part of an electrical conduit wiring system in a building, or may be buried in the plaster of a wall, concealed behind an access panel or cast into concrete with only the lid showing.'

Basically I think it's an enclosure used to hide everything inside, however, we do offer them with windows as well. I'm guessing so you can see LED okay indicators? 

Anyway, we now have junction enclosures, a.k.a. junction boxes, on our website.

As always, Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for a huge offering of enclosures including stainless steel, plastic and polycarbonate enclosures.

We carry all the top brands! Search all of our enclosures now.

A popular RIB relay from Functional Devices is the RIB2421B which is ideal for service trucks.

You can carry one relay on your service truck for all of your needs!

• Universal coil input of 24VAC/DC, 208-277VAC, 120VAC
• 20 Amp contact rating
• Prepackaged for convenience
• Available with HOA override switch on load side of relay

Marshall Wolf Automation can make your life easier! We have many products that allow you to combine inventory items into one part. 

View all of our RIB (relay in a box) relays from Functional Devices Inc.

If you are not familiar with heat pumps they are used as an alternative to conventional, fossil-fueled based burners for residential and commercial environments.

Applications in these environments include water heating, cooling, refrigeration and industrial processes.

Heat pumps have the potential of cutting CO2 emissions by nearly 8%.

If you are trying to comply with the requirements set by energy suppliers you must make sure that certain levels of peak currents are not exceeded.

For residential buildings space is at a premium so heat pump designs, including electrical panels, need to be very compact.

Our Carlo Gavazzi RSBS (1-phase) and RSBT (3-phase) soft starters are specifically designed for scroll compressors, commonly found in heat pumps and chillers.

Additional Carlo Gavazzi products used in heat pump applications include:

• Carlo Gavazzi relays - RM series
• Energy Meters - EM10 and EM23
• Timers - DAA51 and DMB51
• Electromechanical Relays - RM1A

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi relays, soft starters, sensors, energy management solutions and much more.

Interested in reading Part 2? Carlo Gavazzi Solutions for HVAC System- Air Handling

Part 1? Might as well. Carlo Gavazzi Solutions for HVAC Systems

In today's age, where up time and low mean time between failures are critical in today's manufacturing environment, an area where review might be necessary is on all your current Variable Frequency AC Drives.

If your systems are critical to your companies performance, then a drive that fails without the fast ability to switch to direct AC line power means increased down time and lower profits.  Here is a way to cure that potential pitfall. 

These packaged systems work with any manufacturer's drive!   Starter control starts the motor and provides motor overload protection when the bypass is in the "LINE" position.  Here are some details on the system:

Starter Control with Motor Overload starts the motor and provides motor overload protection when the IBYSS® is in the "LINE" position.  

The Motor Overload Protection is provided by a UL Listed Class 10 Overload. Line Start and Line Stop pushbuttons are provided in the enclosure door.  

A Control Circuit Transformer with 120 volt fused secondary is provided for control power. All field wiring connects to factory installed Terminal Strip.  

Inverters provide an economical means of regulating the speed and performance of motors. Inverters have gained a prominent place in today’s industrial and commercial arena. But as dependable as modern inverters are, they still malfunction and cease operation, generally at the worst possible moment.

For this reason, several methods of isolating the inverter have been developed. Until now these methods involved expensive and unreliable contactors, relays, and timers.

Advance Controls' Patented IBYSS ® (Inverter Bypass Safety Switch) eliminates all of these unreliable methods of removing the power from the inverter drive.   The IBYSS ® is a manually operated "Positive Break" switch. It does not rely on relays, contactors, or timers; all of which can burn out and stop the application from running. The "Positive Break" feature mechanically ramps the contacts open. The IBYSS ® does not use springs (as used in contactors and relays) to open the contacts.

Should the inverter malfunction, the IBYSS ® is manually switched from the “DRIVE” to the “LINE” position. This redirects power around the inverter straight to the motor and completely removes all power from the inverter. This provides total isolation of the inverter from both the incoming power line and the outgoing line to the motor. Since the power to the inverter is completely cut off, the inverter can be serviced or even removed, while the application is operating at full speed / full power.

The IBYSS ® is the answer for a low cost, direct acting, straight forward and reliable means of providing an inverter bypass and total isolation of the inverter during a malfunction while still providing full power directly to the application. The IBYSS ® is also furnished with a "TEST" position. This "TEST" position allows power into the inverter for setup and diagnostics, but does not allow power to the application. The "TEST" position simplifies the installation and maintenance of the inverter.

All IBYSS ® can be customized for specific applications. Enclosures, switching patterns, connections, etc. can be customized to meet unique needs.

Operation

• “Drive” (Normal) Position Incoming Power is routed through the Inverter Bypass Safety Switch to the inverter drive, from the inverter drive back through the switch and then to the application.
• “Off” Position Incoming Power is stopped at the Inverter Bypass Safety Switch. No power is routed to either the inverter drive or to the application.
• “Line” (Bypass) Position Incoming Power is routed through the Inverter Bypass Safety Switch directly to the application (motor). In the "bypass" position, no power is routed to the inverter drive from either the incoming power line to the switch or from the outgoing power line to the application. In the "bypass" position, power is completely removed from the inverter drive. The application continues receiving full - direct power.
• “Test” Position Incoming Power is routed through the Inverter Bypass Safety Switch to the Inverter Drive. No power is allowed from the switch to the application. The "TEST" position allows calibration, adjustments and diagnostics to be performed on the inverter drive without allowing the power to flow on to the application. This position allows easy setup for the inverter drive.

We have standard designs offered on our website, if you have needs that don't seem to be listed on our site please contact us as we can work with you on your requirements to find the package to fit your needs.  If you have a need for a Variable Frequency Drive and a 3 contactor bypass in a single enclosure our facility can provide that value added option for little investment. 

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation at 847-658-8130 or contact us via email at sales@wolfautomation.com, or our website, www.wolfautomation.com and we can help determine your inverter by pass needs.
 

I received a technical question from a prospect that was in need of what he deemed to be a 'robust mechanical contactor'. 

He was building a panel for a customer piece of equipment and was seaching for a high life cycle mechanical contactor. 

He didn't have the panel depth, due to equipment layout for a solid state relay and that design needing a heat sink.  In an effort to keep it simple I directed his attention to our line of EE Control contactors. 

As we reviewed his needs he determined that the high cycling life would do the job, along with meeting his dimensional needs.  Since the motor was only 5HP his amp needs were easy enough to comply.

The final selection was just to confirm the coil voltage, which in this case was 24VDC.  Here is a quick reference list of the features of this contactor series. 

• General Purpose AMP rating : 25A - 80 A
• 1 or 3 phase
• 3 Pole
• Handle Color : Red/Yellow and Black
• DIN Rail Mountable
• Screw mount option
• Metal Base ECX 65 & ECX 95
• 600,000 Electrical Operations Life
• 6,000,000 Mechanical operations life.
• Tolerance short circuit 5KA RMS SYM. , 600V Max
• ECX18 & ECX32 availible with 1N.O. or 1N.C.
• Six Auxiliaries Max ( 4 Max ECX 18 , 32 )
• -4 F + 122 F temperature
• -22 % + 10 % Coil Voltage
• Ring terminal Capable

Marshall Wolf Automation is your one stop Industrial Automation Distributor, contactors for just about every type of application can be sourced on our website.  We also carry many other contactor brands such as Carlo Gavazzi, Chint and MDI (Mercury Relays).  Marshall Wolf Automation, wolfautomation.com, also has a selection of Definitive Purpose style and IEC types of contactors.   Call us for assistance at  847-658-8130.  Your one stop shop solution provider is MARSHALL WOLF AUTOMATION

Have you been to our Resource Page?  IP and NEMA Ratings can be confusing, but when you are talking about food (and you know how I LOVE that!) it is important to utilize the appropriately rated Photoelectric Proximity Sensors, Capacitive Proximity Sensor, or any other Food Equipment Supplies.  When creating your Custom Control Panels it is paramont to use the correctly rated products.

Just a quick note on IP Ratings:

IP First number = Protection against solid objects

IP Second number = Protection against liquids

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for all of your control needs.

Call us at: 800-325-9653 or visit us online at www.WolfAutomation.com

This edition of 'My Automation Education' is going to focus on something that I think just sounds cool in the automation world: light curtains.

According to the uber-source Wikipedia: light curtains are opto-electronic devices that are used to safeguard personnel in the vicinity of moving machinery with the potential to cause harm such as (but not limited to) presses, winders and palletisers. Light curtains can be used as an alternative to mechanical barriers and other forms of traditional machine guarding. By reducing the need for physical guards and barriers, light curtains can increase the maintainability of the equipment they are guarding. The operability and efficiency of machinery can also be improved by the use of light curtains by, for example, allowing easier access for semi-automatic procedures.

Let's put that great bunch of gobblety-goop into an easy explanation. Light curtains are exactly that: curtains of light (typically set to specific frequencies) that when interrupted cause a safety relay to cut power to some sort of motive power source. Its primary purpose is safety to prevent things like crushing injuries.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial automation distributor, carries light curtains from Leuze Electric and Schmersal, just to mention a few. Check us out next time you're in the market for a light curtain.

Everyone loves miniature candy bars, cup cakes and those cute little, pop in your mouth, muffins as they deliver precise target control - just like the all-stainless steel 8mm X-Series Pile Driver extended range sensors from Pepperl & Fuchs. 

Marshall Wolf Automation is one of the premier Pepperl & Fuchs Distributors for these highly reliable extended range sensors.  Available in 8 mm diameter models with barrel lengths as short as 35 mm,  X-Series Pile DriverExtended Range Inductive Sensors have 100% stainless steel housings.  The single-piece machined barrel is fully embeddable in steel, making it an ideal sensing solution for the toughest metalforming and welding applications.

X-Series Pile Driver's extended sensing field is a big benefit in automotive manufacturing applications. The extended sensing field enables reliable detection of irregularly shaped contours and increased sensor-to-target distances which help eliminate contact-related scuffing of "Class A" hood, door and trunk surfaces.

Weld-immune models are uniquely capable of providing long range part detection with full immunity to both AC and DC weld fields, and repelling weld splatter.  X-Series Pile Driver sensors are IP69k-rated to withstand high pressure washdown cleaning.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized Industrial Supply Distributor for all of your automation needs.  Visit us online at:  www.WolfAutomation.com or call us at 800-325-9653.

Help your production and manufacturing line by using the ANDON system from Electronic Displays.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized distributor for Electronic Displays.

An ANDON is a visual and audible response notification tool (Jidoka), which is comprised of various combinations of lights and sounds.

When production personnel have any issue on the floor, they simply turn on the ANDON to signal for help.

Once the system is turned on, the lights and sounds alert the support personnel who can quickly address the problem.

An ANDON promotes visual factory and serves two goals.  First, it enables the production personnel to remain at their workstation when they have an issue.  Second, it reduces response time and more efficiently gets the support personnel to the line where they are needed to get things back up and running.

Please send any inquiries to sales@wolfautomation.com.

Please visit our website at www.wolfautomation.com and view a sampling of our large product offering.

Marshall Wolf Automation is pleased to announce that we are now an authorized stocking distributor for Functional Devices, Inc. which is the manufacturer of the popular RIB relays (Relay In A Box).

Would the terms 'prepackaged', 'convenience' and 'time saver' grab your attention? These are all adjectives commonly used to describe relay in a box, RIB relays!

Functional Devices Inc. proudly manufacturers all of their products right in the U.S.A.! The classic RIB prepackaged relay and current sensors are popular with all major building automation contractors as part of their energy management solutions for building owners.

As an example the popular RIB power relays are prepackaged and include the relay, LED indicator, socket, mounting rail, transient protection and housing!

We are in the process of configuring all Functional Devices Inc. and RIB relays for online ordering, however, for now you can learn more about the products and contact us for pricing and delivery.

Safety is not a laughing matter. People can get seriously injured and lives can be lost. At Marshall Wolf Automaton we take safety VERY SERIOUSLY. So does LEUZE ELECTONICS.

Their SOLID-4 safety light curtain is just that...  "SOLID"!

Whether the application is for hand protection in a danger zone or access guarding the type 4 Safety Light Curtains of the SOLID-4 series, from Leuze Electronics, provides reliable protection and ensures the highest possible system availability due to their robust and interference-immune design. Protected by a "warp-resistant" profile housing closed on all four sides, and with their uncomplicated M12 connection system, the SOLID-4 withstands even the toughest industrial conditions.

The restart interlock and contactor monitoring functions, plus two different transmission channels for a fault-free operation of adjacent devices, are easily selectable.

With 14, 20, 30, 40, and 90 mm resolution units available, the slender design and versatile mounting options of the Leuze SOLID-4 guarantee quick installation time.

If you would like to hear more about the Leuze SOLID-4 safetly light curtain, any other of our safetly and sensor products,  please contact me at 800-325-9653 x17.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your "ONE SOURCE" Industial Automation Distributor. Let us help you solve ALL of your Safety, Sensor, and Automation applicaitons. With Leuze Electronics, and our other sensor products, we can solve all of your sensing needs.

This is an exclusive partnership with Pizzato Elettrica for the US market!

Here is the press release:

May 10, 2012, NEW HUDSON, MI - Leuze Electronic, Inc. is pleased to announce a strategic and exclusive partnership with Pizzato Elettrica for the US market.  Pizzato Elettrica is a worldwide leading manufacturer of position switches, man-machine interfaces, safety devices and safety modules.

Pizzato Elettrica was founded in 1984 in Marostica, Italy, and is privately held, family owned. Pizzato is known for its excellent technology, constant innovation, outstanding quality and value and is ISO9001 certified. One of the first benefits for Leuze electronic customers will be that this new partnership allows our customers to purchase the best in opto-electronics sensors and mechanical switches / man-machine interfaces and safety devices from one single supplier, Leuze electronic, Inc. in New Hudson, Michigan.

Marshall Wolf Automation is already your authorized Leuze USA industrial automation distributor, we are now your authorized source for Pizzato as well!

We had a brief webinar training this morning and are having Bruce from our office attend training in Michigan next week. This means, as always, we will have in-house technical support available!
 

If you're a regular follower of 'My Automation Education' you know that last week we talked a little bit about Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). We are going to dive a little deeper into AC drives with this post: focusing on the basics of how to select one.

After establishing that you have an electric motor, you need to determine your motor's horse power. Next, the input (voltage/amperage) to the motor needs to be established. In addition, you need to know if the input is single or three-phase power. Lastly, things like the application of the device will determine what type of housing the drive may need to be in  (NEMA 1, NEMA 4X, etc...).

These are just the basics of determining which drive is correct for your application. If you still are not sure call one of the fantastic technical team members we have here at Marshall Wolf Automation. As a stocking distributor of AC Tech, Fuji, Hitachi, and Delta drives, Marshall Wolf Automation should be at the top of your list for all your industrial automation needs.

Tune in down the road for future chapters in 'My Automation Education'. Here is some basic information on NEMA ratings as well:

NEMA Ratings for Variable Frequency Drives:
NEMA 1: for indoor installation in a relatively clean environment,
provides limited protection against falling dirt.

NEMA 12: for indoor installation, provides protection against circulating dust,
falling dirt and dripping, non-corrosive liquids.

NEMA 4: for indoor installation, provides protection against windblown dust and rain,
splashing water, hose-directed water and damage from external ice formation.

NEMA 4X for indoor installation: NEMA 4 protection (see above) plus
protection against corrosive or caustic agents.

NEMA 4X for indoor/outdoor installation: NEMA 4 protection (above) plus
protection against corrosive or caustic agents.

 

Thomas Robbins of Lenze Americas has a great new article titled 'Feed your VFD with the Right Power'.

The article explains different precautions and tips you should use when installing variable frequency drives. Precautions involving wiring, isolation, grounding and shielding which are relevant to all VFD applications!

A few highlights include a bulleted list of 'practical installation tips' when installing variable frequency drives and also a list of 'approaches that spell trouble' (hopefully you don't see these in your application!).

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of AC Tech Lenze high performance AC drives.

Read the entire article here!

Search all of our AC Tech Lenze drives here!

Patlite has introduced their new CLK LED Worklight Series.  The CLK worklight is water, oil, and chemical resistant with an ultra-bright LED.  It has IP66G, IP67G, and IP69K ratings.

Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, is an authorized Patlite distributor.

Some product features are:

• Available in three lengths of 200mm, 300mm and 600mm
• Three different body and lens material combinations available
• Uses the popular M12 quick disconnect
• Includes Patlite's own "Micro-array Lens" design to even out light distribution

Light up your work space using this new CLK work light!

Please view a sampling of our large selection of automation products on our website www.wolfautomation.com.

Please email any inquiries to sales@wolfautomation.com.  Marshall Wolf Automation wants to be your sole source iindustrial automation distributor!

When you think of spring cleaning, you probably don't think of your work space.  And if you work with sensors, you probably don't think of spring cleaning!  Using sensors in food and beverage applications makes it necessary to clean the conveyors with water jets, as well as alkaline foam cleaning products, chlorine-containing foam and acidic foam disinfectants specifically for the food industry. 

Personally, I don't want any of that in my food!  But if you want your equipment to work right, you need to keep it clean, so you need wash-down proof sensors like the PA18 series from Carlo Gavazzi Sensors. 

The PA18 series.. is part of a family of inexpensive general purpose diffuse reflective sensors in industrial standard 18 mm cylindrical ABS housing. The sensors are useful in applications where high accuracy detection as well as small size is required.

Compact housing and high power LED for excellent performance-size ratio. The potentiometer used for adjustment of the sensitivity makes the sensors highly flexible. The output type is NPN or PNP and the output switching function is NO and NC.

Contact Marshall Wolf Automation for all of your sensors!  800-325-9653

While most of us have an idea of what the more popular NEMA ratings mean we probably haven't actually looked at the definitions in quite some time.

Here is a great resource (yes, on www.WolfAutomation.com of course!) that explains NEMA ratings for you. Learn more than you ever wanted to know about NEMA ratings here!

NEMA stands for National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for a complete line of NEMA products including:

• NEMA rated variable frequency drives
• NEMA rated enclosures (we specialize in NEMA 3R enclosures and VFD pump panels!)
• NEMA rated industrial light towers
• NEMA rated disconnect switches

Many more NEMA rated products are available!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for all things NEMA rated!

I just found these great images of the recessed cover for custom inlays and the quick turn screws on the Altech TG series of industrial enclosures:

Our next e-newsletter will be featuring all of our Altech products including Altech terminal blocks, Altech industrial DC power supplies, Altech industrial circuit breakers and many other Altech products!

Would you like to sign up now for our FREE e-newsletter? Click here now!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete Altech line!

If you have ever worked with enclosures, please answer the following:

• Would you like a cover that would never fall off? We call that a 'retained' or 'integrated' cover.
• How about a recessed cover so you could include custom inlays? Done.
• Quick turn screws - open or close with just a 1/4 turn? Got it.

Our innovative Altech TG series of industrial enclosures offers you all of the above plus these features:

• IP67 (NEMA 4X)
• 16 sizes
• ABS or Polycarbonate material
• Gray or tinted transparent covers
• Integral mounting studs in base
• Flame resistant and halogen free

Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for a wide range of industrial enclosures including small industrial enclosures, NEMA 3R enclosures and everything in between.

We are your authorized industrial automation distributor for Saginaw enclosures as well as Altech, Carlo Gavazzi, Attabox polycarbonate enclosures, Iboco and Wiegmann.