The name sounds more complicated than the system actually is.
You've probably seen these, especially if you've been in a plane lately. Those big green circles out in the fields? Courtesy of a
center pivot irrigation system.

Basically the irrigation sprinkler pivots around a central point. The center pivot (get it?) is fixed and rotates around to water a large circle.
Marshall Wolf Automation has a number of products that can benefit and upgrade an existing
center pivot irrigation system or simply improve a new one.
Variable frequency drives are one way to lower peak current demands and run the motors at a reduced speed. A simple energy management solution.
We also are an authorized IDEC distributor which means we can offer you great pricing on SmartRelays, industrial DC power supplies, industrial stack lights, pushbuttons, sensors and much more.
Even better, we have in-house technical support ready to recommend the best products for your center pivot irrigation system.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 can offer you one of the lowest priced yet highest rated terminal blocks on the market today!
Take a look at the
Altech CTS4U line of terminal blocks. We'd be happy to send you a sample if you'd like to take a closer look.
Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Altech including:
- Circuit breakers
- Terminal blocks
- Industrial DC power supplies
- Power distribution blocks
Search all of our Altech products now!
Do you have a requirement for an AC to DC switching power supply?
Marshall Wolf Automation is your source for all the top brands of panel mount and
DIN rail mount power supplies!
We have a huge inventory ready for same day shipping plus we offer excellent pricing and easy online ordering.Take a look at our
Power Supply Selection Guide now - click on the power supply you want and instantly get the price, click add to cart and check out. It's that simple.
- 5, 12, 24, 36, 48 VDC output power supplies
- 5 to 960 watt
- Single or 3 phase
- Panel mount or DIN rail mount power supply models
- Full offering of power supply products & accessories
Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for
industrial DC power supplies!

Our
Carlo Gavazzi CS30/CF30 series of power relays is ideal for vending machines and other compressor load applications.
This
high power output relay is sealed and offers a switching capacity of 30 amps and meets class F construction.
To make these relays even more attractive we can offer overstock savings on the following models:
- Carlo Gavazzi CF30A200120
- Carlo Gavazzi CF30A200240
- Carlo Gavazzi CF30D20012
Contact us today to find out how much you can save on these models!Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the full line of Carlo Gavazzi solid state relays, industrial DC power supplies, monitoring relays and energy management solutions.
View all of our Carlo Gavazzi products now!
Marshall Wolf Automation is proud to be an industrial supply distributor for the Carlo Gavazzi line. Carlo Gavazzi just celebrated its 80th anniversary with new platforms for energy management, industrial and building automation, along with the strengthening of its research & development activities, all underpinned by continued cautious financial growth.
The company opened its doors in 1931, establishing Milan headquarters for distribution of Johnson oil burners and Honeywell instrumentation. 1953 saw the start of control panel manufacturing, with Carlo Gavazzi also offering turnkey project capability for engineering, instrument supply and panel installation. Manufacturing expanded in the 1960s through joint ventures in electromechanical components and electronic control devices.
Initiatives announced recently include: new platforms of inductive and photoelectric sensors offering improved measurement accuracy and repeatability. In addition, a new modular Universal Web Platform UWP - with integrated management, data logging and web communication features – is poised to drive further growth in the areas of energy efficiency and building automation.
We carry Carlo Gavazzi Relays and Carlo Gavazzi Sensors along with everything else you might need on your factory floor or in your panel shop!
With technical help on staff, we are happy to help you. Give us a call today! 800-325-9653
Check out all of our Carlo Gavazzi products here.
It's time to say goodbye to fluorescent lights!Our new
Idec LF1B-N slim LED light strips offer high reliability and more options than ever before.

Our
Idec LF1B-N light strips are super-bright and energy efficient. Available in six different lengths with a choice of transparent or white covers and six colors (cool white, warm white, yellow, red, blue and green).
The
Idec LF1B-N offers four mounting holes to provide flexibility in installation.
LF1B-N light strips are also IP65 rated, meaning they are dust-proof and water-resistant.
Ideal applications for our Idec LED light strips include including industrial machinery,
control panels, semiconductor equipment, display case lighting, and even sign illumination!
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized IDEC distributor for their complete line of industrial light towers, LED pilot lights, pushbuttons, AC to DC power supplies and much more!
View all of our IDEC products now!
Where do you buy your terminal blocks from?Buy our
Altech terminal blocks and save right now.
43 cents each, sold in packs of 100 pieces.
Altech terminal blocks have the highest rated terminal blocks on the market! Even better? They are in stock and can ship today!
How much do you pay for your industrial DC power supplies?
Ours start at just $21.45. Yes, you read that right! We have all the top brands of panel mount and DIN rail power supplies.
IDEC power supplies, Delta, Altech, Micron, Carlo Gavazzi... we have them all!
Are you interested in more ways to easily save money?Take a look at www.WolfAutomaiton.com now - we are an
authorized stocking industrial automaton distributor for every line you see listed.
That's how we can offer you the best price all the time!
Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, has you covered from
A-Z with your choice of industrial automation manufacturers. You can choose from:
AC Tech Lenze for variable frequency drives all the way to
Zytron temperature controllers. In between you have a multitude of choices such as:
Baumer for all types of sensors
Bonfiglioli USA for gearboxes
Carlo Gavazzi for all types of sensors
Delta for variable frequency drives and industrial power supplies
Euchner for limit switches
Hitachi for variable frequency drives
KEB for brakes and clutches
Leuze for all types of sensors and scanners
Patlite for industrial light towers
Pepperl & Fuchs for all types of sensors and intrinsically safe equipment
Teco for variable frequency drives and motors
Weg for motors and soft starts
There are many more superb manufacturers in addition to the few that were mentioned. Please view our vast product offering on our website at
www.wolfautomation.com .
In addition to being 40% smaller than previous generations and offering longer sensing ranges, the Carlo Gavazzi PA18 18mm photoelectric sensors are ideal for the following applications:
Food & BeverageThe
Carlo Gavazzi PA18 is IP69K rated for high pressure/high temperature applications. These photoelectric sensors also have ECOLAB certification for food and beverage apps.
Material Handling/ConveyorsDo you always have an issue with 18mm sensors sticking out from the mounting?
The
Carlo Gavazzi PA18 series come with a new mounting bracket (APA18-MB1) which not only allows a fast mounting but also a smooth design. Objects will not hit the sensors and the convey can be easily cleaned.
Detection of Shiny ObjectsIt can sometimes be difficult to have a retro-reflective sensor sense a can or shiny object.
Using the polarized version of the Carlo Gavazzi PA18 sensor we can eliminate reflections from the can and only light from a reflector is detected!
Contact us to learn more about other applications or to see how this miniature photoelectric sensor can help you in your systems.
Marshall Wolf Automation is your industrial automation distributor for the full line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, industrial DC power supplies, relays and much more.
Search all of our Carlo Gavazzi sensors now!
Carlo Gavazzi has introduced the innovative
RG series, a solid-state relay and contactor combination in a compact 17.5mm width!
The new
Carlo Gavazzi RG series includes RGC versions with integrated heatsink among many other options.

Additional features include:
- 40°C rating
- (5KA) 100kA short circuit capability
- VDE Approved
- UL Listed!
- Resist up to 5g of vibration
- Can operate in relative humidity up to 95 percent
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor for the complete line of Carlo Gavazzi sensors, relays, contactors, industrial DC power supplies and much more!
- Are you looking for a compact general purpose relay?
- Would you like to cut installation time with a pre-assembled relay and socket combination?

The new
IDEC RV8H series are 6mm interface relays and sockets that are shipped pre-assembled.
The IDEC RV8H series is ideal for PLC and electronic systems, panel builders and any application that requires a high switching capability in a compact space.
Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized IDEC distributor for their complete line of AC to DC switching power supplies, Idec switches, industrial stack lights, miniature photoelectric sensors and much more.
Learn more about our IDEC RV8H interface relays and sockets!

Many of our IDEC customers do not realize just how large the IDEC line of products is.
IDEC carries a wide range of automation products including:
- Industrial DC power supplies
- General purpose relays (also called ice cube relays)
- SmartRelays - programmable logic relays
- Innovative industrial light towers - check out the Idec LD6A
- Circuit breakers
- Miniature photoelectric sensors
- Pushbuttons
- Much, much more!
Marshall Wolf Automation is a top rated, stocking IDEC distributor. We can offer you great pricing and quick delivery on IDEC switches, sensors and everything else.
Search all of our IDEC products now!