Automation Boot Camp

Welcome to my blog! My name is Beckie Bordenaro and I have worked at Marshall Wolf Automation for about 18 years. I often joke that this means I started when I was 12.

I work in our Sales and Marketing department and my workday includes on-line search marketing, inside sales, e-newsletters, updating our website and most recently... blogs!

On a personal note I have two beautiful children, my 9-year old son, Brayden and my 3-year old daughter, Sadie. I enjoy running, reading and, of course, spending time on-line!

Marshall Wolf Automation is a stocking industrial automation distributor and we have a fantastic group of helpful and fun people just waiting to assist you with your applications and requirements!

We can help you with everything from variable frequency drives and sensors to VDC power supplies and industrial light towers. We are truly the only industrial supply distributor you need!

Contact me at 847-658-8130 x22 or beckie@wolfautomation.com.
Find me on Linked In, Google+ and Twitter.

Two weeks ago my response would have been 'heck if I know' but now that we have a line that carries them I can answer the question.

Of course my first action when hearing about grid tie inverters was to ask my old friend 'Google'. Which brought me to another pal, Wikipedia.

To start with, you might be calling them something different. I've seen GTI (grid-tie inverter), PV inverters, solar inverters, synchronous inverters, grid-interactive inverters and a mix of all of the above.

The purpose of a grid-tie inverter is to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC) and send that electricity into an existing electrical grid.

Grid-tie inverters are popular in solar panels and small wind turbines because that power is being used to power homes and businesses.


You might ask why these are becoming popular... great question and one I asked myself!

In many places you are now able to sell your energy to the utility grid. There are a number of ways to do this so that would need a separate blog (and plenty of additional research by me).

Regardless, check out our our new single phase solar inverters (GTI, PV inverter, etc.) from Carlo Gavazzi, the ISGA series.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, relays, industrial DC power supplies, monitoring relays and now... grid-tie inverters!

Transformers are AC to AC devices... you cannot transform DC.  Transformers convert AC electricity from one voltage to another voltage, usually with little loss of power.

The input coil on a transformer is called the primary and the output coil on a transformer is called the secondary.

Industrial DC power supplies, on the other hand, reduce high voltage (generally AC) to a safer low DC voltage.

Do you need a transformer? We are authorized industrial automation distributors for the complete line of Micron transforms. You might also call these CPT's, control power transformers, step-up transformers or high inrush transformers.

Search our Micron Transformers now!


After reading this maybe you have decided what you actually need is an industrial DC power supply to reduce AC voltage to a lower DC voltage?

Not a problem, we have a large inventory of VDC output power supplies ranging from 5 to 960 watt.



Search our AC to DC switching power supplies now!

The Delta AFE2000 series is an active front end unit that replaces traditional brake resistor to reduce heat energy.

Ideal applications include:

• Large inertia loads - examples include centrifuge equipment, dewatering machines and roving machines
• 4-quadrant loads - elevators, cranes and pumpjacks (oil extraction machines)
• Quick braking - machine tools, bag making machines, auto storage and retrieval systems and lathes
• Long term energy feedback - wind power, water power, steel printing and paper making machinery (winding equipment)
• Improves power quality for semiconductor and panel industries

Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for energy management systems and is a large stocking industrial automation distributor.

To learn more about the Delta AFE2000 series or any of our products please feel free to call 800-325-9653 or email sales@wolfautomation.com.

Our Delta AFE (Active Front End) units will replace traditional brake resistors to reduce heat energy.

This energy management solution regenerates more than 95% of the energy and supplies it back to the mains!

• Converts regenerative energy (excess heat) into reusable electricity
• Improves power factor and decreases harmonic distortion
• Full load operation
• Supports 4-quadrant operation with variable frequencies and adjustable system

Constant DC bus voltage unaffected by mains voltage fluctuations.

Would you like to learn more? Click here for more information on the Delta AFE 2000 series!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for the full line of Delta Industrial Automation products which includes:

• Variable frequency drives
• Industrial operator interfaces
• AC to DC switching power supply
• Communication Modules

Search all of our Delta products now!

Attabox enclosures are ideal for outdoor and indoor applications due to the polycarbonate resin they use.

The polycarbonate resin in the Attabox Heartland series received the best rating , an "F1" per UL 746C for UV exposure and water immersion.

Our Attabox enclosures are LISTED as NEMA 3R, 4, 4X, 12 per UL 50e and UL508A.

They are also certified IP66!

We can assure you that these polycarbonate enclosures are suitable for outdoor use.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for a wide range of NEMA 3R and polycarbonate enclosures.

Learn more about our Attabox polycarbonate enclosures!

Carlo Gavazzi has released their ISGA series of Grid-Tied PV Inverters!

The Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series features a transformer-less design which does not incorporate or require a cooling fan.

Cooling fans have moving components which eventually fail... this means not having one will give you a longer, maintenance-free product life span.

The primary markets for PV inverters include residential, commercial and light industrial.

The Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series is available in 2kW, 3kW, 4kW and 5kW output sizes. The inverter has an output efficiency up to 96.4%!

Other features of the Carlo Gavazzi ISGA series include:

• Low MPPT input voltage
• One or two MPPT inputs
• High efficiency rating
• Transformer-less design
• Fanless design
• Informative mimic panel display
• Free graphical user interface software
• RS232, RS485, Ethernet or USB communications
• UL1741, CSAC22.2, IEEE1547 and FCC
• Up to a 10 year warranty!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, monitoring relays, solid state relays, industrial DC power supplies and much more!

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!

Weg has introduced their ACW series of molded case circuit breakers with UL 489 certification.

As usual Weg has a great offering including:

• Four compact frames
• Top performance for both thermal and short-circuit protection
• 15 to 800 amps
• Available in two levels of short-circuit interrupting capacity
• Common plug-in accessories simplify field installation

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Weg products.

Weg's line up includes variable frequency drives, industrial electric motors, soft starters and, of course, molded case circuit breakers!

Search all of our Weg motors and products now!

The AC Tech Lenze SMVector provides everything you need in a wide range of applications.

This high performance AC drive offers four modes of operation:

• V/Hz
• Enhanced V/Hz
• Vector Speed
• Torque
• Plus high starting torque, auto-tuning, advanced low-speed control and dynamic speed regulation

The input voltage ranges from 120VAC 1-phase to 600VAC 3-phase and the series is now available up to 60 horsepower in the NEMA 1 model.

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

Search AC Tech Lenze drives now!

The TECO N3 series now has BACnet Communications included as a standard feature.

BACnet can be selected via parameter configuration. Then, with optional SIF-485 connector module, the TECO N3 drive will communicate on a BACnet network.

This gives you an excellent solution compared to other available methods of communications, including Gateway modules or 3rd party communication cards.

Gateways have typically been separate cards or mounted devices that are 'translators' from another protocol (Modbus for example) to BACnet. The TECO N3 model can eliminate this added step.

What is BACnet? It is a communication protocol that experienced significant growth in the past few years. BACnet is designed for Building Management Systems which include HVAC but includes other applications as well. These include energy management solutions, lighting, fire prevention and security access.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of TECO Westinghouse high performance AC drives, industrial electric motors and much more.

Search all of our TECO products now!

Soft starters are used for the acceleration, deceleration and protection of three phase electric induction motors through the control of the voltage applied to the voltage.

Basically soft starters help during the starts and stops of the motor.

Weg soft starters offer you a few different options:

The Weg SSW07 series of soft starters is compact and offers easy-to-install accessories including a keypad, communication interface or a motor PTC input.

The Weg SSW06 soft starters include the keypad, with dual display, and has red LED digits to provide visibility and make programming easier.

The Weg GPH series is a combination soft starter which is a NEMA 4/12 enclosed industrial general purpose AC motor soft starter package. This series is designed for simple and quick installation and start-up requiring only input power and output motor connections.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your best source for industrial soft starters, variable frequency drives and industrial electric motors!

Search all of our soft starters now!

Are you looking to replace a bulky piezo electric buzzer?
Would you like to use MP3 files as your alarm sound?

The Patlite BSV series is offers a sleek new design for industrial warning sounds!

You can replace audible alarms, industrial stack lights and similar products with this slim MP3 voice annunciator.

There is a free software download from the Patlite website that includes a playlist editor. 

An ideal application for this product is also elevators... as the speaker system!

Learn more about our Patlite BSV series or search all of our Patlite products now!

As we are getting snowed in here I figured it would be a great time to blog about solar inverters!

Carlo Gavazzi has launched the ISGA series of grid-tied PV inverters.

This series features a transformer-less design which does not incorporate or require a cooling fan. This means quiet operation and one less part that can fail or needs maintenance!

Other features of the Carlo Gavazzi ISGA PV inverter include:

• 2kW to 5kW output sizes
• Single phase
• IP65/NEMA 3R - suitable for indoor or outdoor applications
• Ideal for grid faults - guarantees uninterrupted energy production!
• Energy efficiency of up to 96.4%

Learn more about the Carlo Gavazzi ISGA solar inverters now!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Carlo Gavazzi including solid state relays, industrial DC power supplies, monitoring relays, sensors, cup anemometers and much more.

Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!

If you are in the market for a competitive industrial pressure sensor, we can offer you:

• Single or dual display
• Rectangular or square
• Compact
• High resolution
• Great Pricing!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for a complete line of industrial pressure sensors from Autonics and Delta.

Check out our industrial pressure sensors now!

Hitachi America has announced two new 100V class models in the WJ200 series. The new models will be rated at 1/2 hp and 1 hp, 100-120VAC single phase input and 200-240VAC 3 phase input.

The new models should be available by 2nd quarter of 2012.

To recap the Hitachi WJ200 is a sensorless vector AC drive (SLV) that is capable of 200% or greater torque across the speed range and has improved speed regulation.

The Hitachi WJ200 features:

• Integrated PLC-like functionality
• Programs up to 1024 lines can be created on a PC using Easy Sequence (EzSQ)
• You can drive both induction and permanent magnet (PM) motors
• EzCOM peer-to-peer communications

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Hitachi variable frequency drives.

Search all of our Hitachi high performance AC drives now!

The Fuji Electric Frenic MEGA is a vector AC drive that will exceed your performance expectations!

You will see improved control performance, easy maintenance, energy efficient and works for a variety of applications.

Expanded power ratings with built-in dynamic braking transistor, safety standard compliance (EN954-1 Cat. 3), improved overload durability and improved current and speed response are just a few of the advantages you will see with the Fuji Electric Frenic MEGA.


Two types of keypads are available for this variable frequency drive; a multi-function keypad and the keypad with the USB port. Choose the one that best fits your application!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Fuji Electric variable frequency drives!

Search all of our Fuji Electric high performance AC drives now!

What does a power supply do? Basically an AC to DC switching power supply has one job:
It converts the AC (alternating current) signal input into a usable DC (direct current) signal.

Once the DC signal is generated it is used to power all of your equipment and devices.

Marshall Wolf Automation specializes in industrial DC power supplies and offers many options including:

• A wide range of VDC output power supplies
• 5 to 960 watt
• Single or 3 phase
• Over-current and over-voltage protection
• DIN rail power supplies or panel mount models

Chances are you use multiple AC to DC switching power supplies on your equipment, in your factory and on any machines you build. Take a look at our offering of top brands and unbeatable pricing!

We also stock most of these power supplies which means we can ship them today.


Search our wide selection of industrial DC power supplies now!

Marshall Wolf Automation is constantly expanding our offering of liquid-tight and washdown approved industrial automation products.

Here is a quick overview of what we can offer you for car wash applications:

• Liquid-tight connectors
• IP65 pushbuttons
• Waterproof photoelectrics
• Loop detectors for vehicle detection
• NEMA 4X washdown variable frequency drives
• NEMA 3R vented enclosures
• Liquid level monitoring sensors
• High temperature capacitive proximity sensors
• Stainless steel disconnect switches

As you can see, Marshall Wolf Automation is an ideal source for car washing systems products for OEM's or for replacements at the actual car wash location.

Search all of our car washing systems products now!