We have added several exciting products since our last edition of the Automation Notebook. Here are some highlights about some of those new products including: AutomationDirect renews partnership with Kepware for communications, Encapsulated transformers line expanded, Inductive DC proximity sensors, Compact fusible switches available, Current sensing line expands with ground fault sensors and DC current transducers and switches, Photoelectric sensor line expanded, 65mm mushroom head metal pushbuttons now available.
AutomationDirect Renews Partnership With Kepware For Communications
Kepware Technologies, the leader in Communications for Automation, has renewed its contract as AutomationDirect’s communications supplier. AutomationDirect will deliver a single branded version of KEPServerEX called “KEPDirect OPC Server” for use with AutomationDirect controllers and remote I/O.
KEPDirect OPC Server connects your preferred Windows client software by providing a flexible and scalable communications and OPC server solution for connecting, managing, monitoring, and controlling AutomationDirect Ethernet remote I/O, DirectLOGIC PLCs, and Productivity3000 PACs. Communications is managed through a robust platform that supports an array of open standards, proprietary communication protocols, API’s, and various automation system interfaces. KEPDirect OPC Server ($399) enables improved operations and decision making throughout all levels of an organization.
As a “Connected with Kepware” company, AutomationDirect will work with Kepware to ensure that the best communication support is developed for AutomationDirect products. “AutomationDirect has been an exceptional partner of Kepware for many years,” said Tony Paine, President of Kepware Technologies. “We are not only extremely excited to renew our partnership, but also to expand on it by delivering additional connectivity to their new Productivity3000 PAC.”
The companies will work together to support their joint customers through the partnership. Kepware will develop drivers for use on Windows™ desktop operating systems (Workstation and Server). The KEPDirect OPC Server will be available through AutomationDirect’s website and their channel partners.
“The Kepware relationship is very important for us, as factory floor to boardroom data flow has become an integral part of manufacturing systems,” said Jeff Payne, Product Manager for PLC, I/O, and PC Control of AutomationDirect. “The support for our Productivity3000 PAC is key for applications that can take advantage of its robust communications platform.”
About Kepware Technologies Kepware Technologies develops a wide range of communication and interoperability software solutions for the Automation industry. Our solutions allow you to connect disparate software and hardware systems, providing applications with quality, ease of use, and high performance. Furthermore, our indepth experience with software design, development, support, and maintenance allows us to provide high-performance communications software without sacrificing
quality and ease of use.
Learn more about KEPDirect OPC Server at: www.automationdirect.com/kepdirect
Encapsulated Transformers Line Expanded
The Hammond line of HPS Fortress commercial encapsulated single phase power transformers has been expanded to offer two new input voltage groups and to increase our existing voltage group up to 25kVA. The new voltage input groups include 277/240/208/120 VAC and 220/208/200/190×440/416/400/380 VAC. These new models allow for a broader range of input voltages and still maintain the 120×240 VAC output. All units are encapsulated with electrical grade silica sand and resin compounds to protect the core and coils, sealing out moisture and airborne contaminants and eliminating corrosion and deterioration.
The NEMA 3R enclosures meet or exceed NEMA and ANSI standards for indoor and outdoor applications, and are UL and CSA listed as well as CE approved.
To see the full line of HPS Fortress commercial encapsulated power transformers, visit: https://www.automationdirect.com/power-transformers.
Inductive DC Proximity Sensors
The PEW series of stainless steel DC proximity sensors are flush-mountable shielded 8mm sensors with a 2mm sensing range. Available with either M8 or M12 quick disconnects, they are equipped with LED status indicators visible at wide angles, and have PNP outputs.
Also added are the LF40 series rectangular inductive DC proximity sensors. Two shielded and two unshielded models are available with 20mm or 35mm sensing ranges. The rectangular plastic PNP sensors provide either normall-yopen or normally-open/normally-closed complementary outputs.
To see the complete line of proximity sensors, visit: www.automationdirect.com/proximity
Compact Fusible Switches Available
Gladiator™ compact fusible switches have been added to our line of circuit protection devices. The singlepole, two-pole and triple-pole AC devices are available in Class CC and Midget fuse models; single-phase DC devices are also available. The 35mm DIN rail mountable switches’ compact size takes up only one-third the space of a molded circuit breaker and two-thirds the space of traditional fusible switches, saving space in control panels. The full voltage rating of up to 600 VAC (80 VDC) allows installation flexibility in many applications where feeder and branch circuit protection are required.
Equipped with lockout/tagout capability and finger safe construction, Gladiator switches promote safe workplace practices by preventing contact with live components. Open fuse indication provides faster troubleshooting and reduced downtime.
Class CC fuse models are UL98 listed and have a 200kA Short-Circuit Current Rating; Midget Class fuse models are UL 508 listed and have a 10kA Short-Circuit Current Rating. A 5A auxiliary contact with one normally-open and one normally-closed contact is also available.
View the full line at: www.automationdirect.com/disconnect-switches
Current Sensing Line Expands With Ground Fault Sensors and DC Current Transducers and Switches
The acuAMP® line of current sensors now includes AC ground fault sensors and DC current transducers and switches.
The GFS series of ground fault sensors monitors all current-carrying conductors in grounded single and three-phase delta or wye systems. Available in fixed-core models, the GFS series features jumper-selectable setpoints of 5, 10 or 30 mA. The sensors can accommodate up to 14 AWG copper wire and feature mechanical relay outputs with either manual or auto reset.
The DCT series of DC current transducers combines a Hall Effect sensor and signal conditioner into a single package for use in DC current applications up to 400A. Designed to be compatible with most PLCs, data loggers and SCADA systems, the DCT series features jumper-selectable current input ranges and industry standard 4-20 mA or +/- 10 VDC outputs. Available in split-core or fixed-core models.
DCS100 series DC current switches feature jumper-selectable current input ranges up to 100A and are available in normally-open solid-state and SPDT relay output models. The switches are equipped with removable terminal blocks which accept up to 12 AWG solid or stranded wire.
All acuAMP sensors are panelmountable; convenient DIN rail adaptor accessories are also available. The complete acuAMP series offers outstanding features, flexibility, and durability. Backed with a five-year warranty, the complete line of current transducers and switches provides dependable service for virtually any application.
See the full line of acuAMP current sensing products at: www.automationdirect.com/current-sensors
Photoelectric Sensor Line Expanded
AutomationDirect’s photoelectric sensor offering now includes 18mm rectangular plastic DC models. The IP67 rated sensors, available in 12 models, feature an 18mm diameter threaded lens and M12 quick-disconnect.
The GX3 series is a diffuse photoelectric available with either NPN or PNP light-on outputs and features background suppression technology with fixed sensing distances of 100 mm or 150 mm.
The GXP series is a polarized reflective photoelectric available with either PNP light-on output or NPN or PNP dark-on output and feature fixed sensing distances of up to 20 meters. GXP sensors include one round reflector.
The GXR/E series are through-beam photoelectric models available with either NPN or PNP light-on or dark-on outputs and offer fixed sensing distances of up to four meters.
65mm Mushroom Head Metal Pushbuttons Now Available
Fuji Command 30mm metal pushbuttons with 65mm mushroom-style operators are momentary non-illuminated pushbuttons available in four colors and come with either a single normally-open contact block (red available as normally-closed) or with one normally-open and one normally-closed contact block.
Replacement contact blocks are available in single packs. UL listed and CSA certified. See the Fuji Command 30mm pushbuttons at: www.automationdirect.com/pushbuttons