Dark-on and light-on refer to the output of a sensor in relation to when the light source is hitting the receiver.

If you want the output to turn on when there is no light received, this would be called Dark-on. This would mean you want the output to turn on when the object is being detected.

If you want the output to be on while the receiver is detecting light from the emitter, then you would have a Light-on output. This would mean you want the output on when there is no object being detected.

Many sensors today offer both methods within one sensor which allows you to flip a switch or wire a sensor accordingly.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for a wide range of sensors! Just a few of our sensor lines include Pepperl+Fuchs, Baumer Electric, Takex, IDEC and Carlo Gavazzi.

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IDEC has developed an innovative and simple method of identifying the RU series of relays. Several different colored marking plates are now available that can be used to replace the standard marking plate found on the top of the RU relay.

These marking plates are available in yellow (standard color), green, orange, blue or white. In addition, the marking plates can be further identified by using either a pencil or pen to write directly on them. You can, in effect, create your own customized label that is actually part of the relay. The marking plates are located on the top of the relay rather than on the socket.

In addition, IDEC has developed the RU relay with low signal switching bifurcated contacts. The RU42S model has a maximum contact rating of 3 amps 250V AC while maintaining a minimum switching load of 0.1mA @ 1V DC, allowing you to use this relay for all your dry circuit switching needs.  As an authorized Idec distributor, Marshall Wolf Automation can help you with application assistance as well. 

Some details:

• RU2 series:
  • DPDT, 10A (250V AC/30V DC)
• RU4 series:
  • 4PDT, 6A (250V AC/30V DC)
• RU42 series:
  • 4PDT bifurcated 3A (250V AC/30V DC) for dry contact circuits

In basic black or stylish metal, the HW series of 22mm switches from IDEC are available in several styles to dress up any panel. HW pushbuttons, switches and pilot devices are internationally-rated, designed for use almost anywhere in the world, and have removable contact blocks, fingersafe contacts and tamper-proof construction. Choose simple black plastic bezels for clean uniformity, or new chrome- plated metallic bezels for a rugged industrial look

Include features such as:

• Plastic or Metal bezel
• Locking lever removeable contact blocks
• Finger-safe IP20 contacts as standard!
• Flush or Extended button
• Incandescent or LED
• Very low cost!
• Worldwide approvals
• Called "The best engineered switch in the world"!

For more switches, click here!  Marshall Wolf Automation, your industrial automation distributor!

I must admit, this blog came to me as an idea because I saw this word on our website and have no clue what it means!

A quick Google search wasn't much of a help, although I did learn about something called a bifurcated divorce (learn more here). Apparently a popular use for this word involves divorce.

I'll assume the definition is a bit different when we are referring to relays. Here is where I saw it on our website, referring to our IDEC RU series of general purpose power relays.

Looking up a few definitions told me that bifurcate means to divide into two parts, to separate into two parts or to fork or divide into two parts.

When referring to relays I finally found a definition on RelayMasters.com (thank you!) - basically it is a contact with two simultaneously operating contact points. Twin (or bifurcated) contacts increase the contact reliability considerably, especially when switching low currents and voltages (dry circuits) and are used for reduction of contact resistance. Bifurcated contacts are twin contacts with the two contact points on one contact member (contact blade). 

Bifurcated contacts reduce contact bounce, increase reliability and assist in switching. Bifurcated contacts conduct the switching more efficiently.

In the past, bifurcated relays were costly and generally special order. As they become more popular, especially in the elevator industry, more companies are stocking and reworking the price structure.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized IDEC distributor for their complete line of relays, industrial DC power supplies, photoelectric sensors, LED pilot lights and much more.

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Idec recently announced that, effective immediately, they are discontinuing the HS1E series of safety interlock switches.

No need to worry though, the recommended replacement is the Idec HS1L series!

The IDEC HS1L series has increased locking strength of 3000N and offers six contacts with easy-to-wire termination. HS1L is designed to work in applications with large machines that have heavy doors or gates and all models are equipped with a manual lock-release key and an LED indicator.

The indicator is wired independently which gives you flexibility and the screw terminals are easy to wire. No barriers on the sides of the contact terminal enable wiring from the side, making it easier for crimp-terminal connections as well.

Marshall Wolf Automation is an authorized IDEC distributor for their complete line of safety switches, relays, industrial light towers, industrial DC power supplies, operator interfaces and more.

Zero Switching, Instant-On Switching, Peak Switching, DC Switching, Analog Switching.... What does it all mean? 

Let's start with the basics; a solid state relay (SSR) is an electronic switching device where a small control signal controls a larger load current or voltage. Solid state relays can be designed to switch either AC or DC to the load and has no moving parts. (Thanks Wikipedia!)

• Zero switching is for resistive, inductive and capacitive loads. The SSR's output is activated at the first zero crossing of the line voltage.
• Instant-on switching is for inductive loads. The SSR output is activated immediately after applying control voltage. Makes sense, 'instant-on'!
• Peak switching is for heavy inductive loads. This SSR has the output activated at the first peak of the line voltage upon application of the control voltage.
• DC switching is for resistive and inductive loads. Generally used for the control of DC motors and valves this type operates in accordance with the control input.
• Analog switching solid state relays are for resistive loads. The output operates in accordance with the phase control principle.

Of course, this is a just a simplified description of each switching type of solid state relays. You can find more information, including application information, by reading 'Switching Principles of Solid State Relays'.

Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for a complete line of solid state relays from IDEC, Autonics, Carlo Gavazzi and Crouzet.

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You might be one of our customers that use a few IDEC part numbers and do not realize how large the IDEC line of products is.

This blog is going to focus on showing you how complete this line is by focusing on just one product group - switches.

The term 'switches' can mean different things to different people - you might think of pushbuttons, LED pilot lights or limit switches.

Did you know that IDEC's switch line includes all of the following:

• Enabling switches - 
• Indicator lights and LED pilot lights
• Safety switches including emergency e-stops and safety interlocks
• Selector switches and key selector switches
• A complete offering of pushbutton switches

Marshall Wolf Automation is a long term stocking IDEC distributor and can offer you deep discounting, knowledgeable and friendly customer service as well as an easy ordering process.

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Okay, I can't resist . . . if you need the force to be with you, you need to be in contact with Marshall Wolf Automation!  That's where to find the best prices on Idec's force guided relays, the RF1V series!

Idec RF1V Series force guided relay have mechanically linked contacts allowing you to use in safety related circuits.  Available in four or six pole models, all relays have 6A form-A contacts. RF1V can be mounted directly on printed circuit board or can use DIN RAIL or PCB mount socket.

Idec RF1V series is UL recognized, TUV rated and CE marked.  The contacts of a force guided relay are forced to open and close by a guide connected to the armature.  Force guided relays are relays used in safety circuits to detect failures such as contact welding and damage to the contact spring.

Force guided relays are used in safety circuits in combination with interlock switches, light curtains and emergency stop switches to control outputs. What a coincidence! We also carry all of these products...

Due to requirements of standard EN50205, a force guided relay has independent NO and NC contacts. If a NO contact welds, a NC contact will not close even when the relay coil is turned off (de-energized) and must maintain a gap of at least 0.5 mm. Furthermore, if a NC contact welds, a NO contact will not close when the relay is turned on (energized) and must maintain a gap of at least 0.5 mm. 

Call us today at 800-325-9653 for all of your relay needs!

The new, three-phase power supply from IDEC, PS5R-TJ24, is a welcome addition to the already popular and powerful PS5 series of switching power supplies. Featuring some of the industry’s best ratings for ripple voltage and operating temperature, the PS5R-TJ24 is well-suited for applications in harsh environments.

The IDEC PS5R-TJ24 power supply operates on both 2- or 3-phase voltage, and features a 480W output, making it versatile enough to be used in many applications. Providing a steady and balanced power source with a 91% efficiency level and output ratings of 20A @24V DC, the PS5R-TJ24 is also parallel-capable for increased power or redundancy.

Typical markets and applications for PS5R-TJ24 include machine tools, hydraulic presses, waste water treatment plants, and any plant or machine operating on 3-phase power, where safe and reliable power is required for electronic devices such as sensors, PLCs, HMI, etc. The high output rating provides sufficient energy to operate multiple components from a single power supply.

PS5R-TJ24 conforms to all global standards, is IP20 rated,   UL 508 listed and UL 60950-1 recognized.  Marshall Wolf Automation can provide all of your power supply needs and help with your application questions too!  Call us today at 800-325-9653!