Center Pivot Irrigation Systems Explained

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
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.

center pivot irrigation systemsBasically 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.



What Is A Grid-Tie Inverter?

Friday, February 3, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
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.

grid tied inverterTo 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!



What Is The Difference Between A Transformer And A Power Supply?

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
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.

control power transormersThe 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.ac to dc power supply

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!

Replace Traditional Brake Resistors!

Monday, January 30, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Our Delta AFE (Active Front End) units will replace traditional brake resistors to reduce heat energy.
regenerative 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!

New Product: Grid-Tied PV Inverters

Monday, January 23, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Carlo Gavazzi has released their ISGA series of Grid-Tied PV Inverters!

grid tied pv intertersThe 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!

Carlo Gavazzi Grid-Tied PV Inverters

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
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.

solar invertersThis 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?

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
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!



Altech Terminal Blocks In Stock

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
altech terminal blocksMarshall 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!

DIN Rail Power Supply Selection Guide

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 by Beckie Bordenaro
Do you have a requirement for an AC to DC switching power supply?

din rail mount power supplyMarshall 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!

Do You Have A Vending Machine Application?

Thursday, December 15, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
power relay for vending machinesOur 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!

Happy Anniversary Carlo Gavazzi

Friday, December 2, 2011 by Caryl Clement

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.

Carlo Gavazzi Anniversary CakeThe 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.


New LF1B-N Slim LED Light Strips from Idec!

Thursday, December 1, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
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.

idec led light stripsOur 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!

Need To Save Money Right Now?

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
terminal blockWhere 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?
din rail 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!







2012 Product Line Card

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
One of our many goals for 2012 is to let our customers know
about all the lines we are authorized distributors for.

2012 product line card wolf automation
You may currently buy industrial DC power supplies or variable frequency drives from us.
Did you know we also carry phase monitors, safety laser scanners and NEMA 3R enclosures?

We have recently updated our 2012 Product Line card at www.WolfAutomation.com.
Take a look and let us know what else we can help you save money on!

Marshall Wolf Automation is your authorized industrial automation distributor
for every line you see listed!

We Have You Covered From A-Z

Monday, November 14, 2011 by David Sheets
Marshall Wolf Automation, your full-line industrial automation distributor, has you covered fromalpha  
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 .

Application Notes: Carlo Gavazzi PA18 Photoelectric Sensor

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
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:

carlo gavazzi paFood & Beverage
The 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/Conveyors
Do 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 Objects
It 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!









Solid State Contactors -

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
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.

carlo gavazzi contactorsAdditional 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!

NEW: IDEC RV8H 6mm Relays & Sockets

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
  • Are you looking for a compact general purpose relay?
  • Would you like to cut installation time with a pre-assembled relay and socket combination?
idec interface relays and socketsThe 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!

IDEC Distributor - Same Day Shipping

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Beckie Bordenaro
idec distributor
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!

Iboco Wire Duct

Wednesday, November 2, 2011 by Caryl Clement
IBOCO, based in East Brunswick, New Jersey; is a leader in the field of wire management. Local support and service assures consistent product excellence.With more than 30 years of experIboco Wire Ductience, particularly in the field of wiring ducts, IBOCO has developed a product range capable of solving the problems connected to the production of control and power panels. IBOCO, therefore, can accurately meet the needs of panel builders, supporting them with updated technical expertise focused on wiring duct applications.

Marshall Wolf Automation is an authorized Iboco Wire Duct distributor.  Besides wire duct we also carry the Iboco Din Rail Cutter.  This all-in-one cutter saves time and money. 

We can also offer you din rail as well.  Pre-punched, in aluminum or steel and in different lengths, we make it easy to find all your supplies in one location!  Call us today!

Marshall Wolf Automation, your Industrial Automation Distributor, makes it easy!  We are an authorized industrial supply distributor for all of the lines we carry, we have engineers on staff to assist you, a helpful customer service staff and we answer the phone!  No automated systems to try to get through!  Call us today at 800-325-9653!