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Quick-fit starters pierce flat power and bus cable

01 April, 2001

Quick-fit starters pierce flat power and bus cable

Wieland has developed a technology for speeding up the installation of motor controls, especially in extended installations such as conveyors, assembly lines, paper plants and paintshops.

The company`s podis system uses a special flat cable to carry both three-phase power and bus signals around the installation. Outlet boxes and starter modules can be clamped onto this 2.5 mm2 cable at any point, automatically piercing the insulation and making contact with the conductors.

Installed boxes can be moved, or new ones added, easily without needing to cut or join cables. Covers are available to ensure that the system`s IP65 protection is maintained if a box is moved.

Further time is saved by connecting motors to the starter modules using a special plug that looks like a garden hose.

The maximum length of the cable depends on the loading. The power conductors can carry up to 16A and Wieland is working on higher capacity versions. The fieldbus wires are designed to carry signals for DeviceNet, CANbus, AS-i and Profibus DP.

At present there are three motor control modules available, each incorporating eight digital I/O channels:

• a 0.75kW frequency inverter with an electrically releasable brake;

• a direct-on-line starter for controlling two motors, each rated at up to 1.1kW; and

• a reversing starter with an electrically releasable brake and built-in motor protection.

One of the first installations of the podis system is in a car body paintshop in Germany.