Press Releases

May 14, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added WAGO 787-3861 series single-channel electronic circuit breakers that offer a lower cost option and a compact 6mm form factor to provide safe and reliable supplementary protection for 24 VDC control circuits. These electronic circuit breakers offer remote monitoring and control, clear LED indicators, and fast response to overloads…

May 14, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Pfannenberg DTT 6000 series top-mounted air conditioners which are 100% condensate safe, provide up to 14,000 BTU/H, and are ideal for space-saving installation on the top of a NEMA 12 control enclosure. Pfannenberg’s DTS series 3000 air conditioners are made in the USA, offer cooling capacities up to…

May 14, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Comepi SB series pre-assembled polycarbonate control stations, which offer emergency stop and start/stop combo options. The emergency stop control stations include one red mushroom head twist-to-release pushbutton with various contact configurations. Models with guards that are padlockable and models with M12 quick-disconnects are available. The start/stop combo control…

May 14, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added AchieVe FKL series 18mm tubular photoelectric sensors, which feature a rugged nickel-plated brass construction and a high IP67 protection rating. They employ Class 1 or Class 2 red lasers to provide sensing distances up to 50 meters. These sensors, in diffuse with background suppression, diffuse, polarized retroreflective, and…

May 14, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Balluff EtherNet/IP IO-Link master modules that provide EtherNet/IP communication for IO-Link systems, with a REST API and/or MQTT support depending on model. They are available in a rugged IP67 die-cast zinc nickel-plated housing for harsher environments or in a weld-proof potted plastic format. Select models include built-in screen…

May 7, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Lumher vision lighting fixtures, including bar, ring, flat, and spot lights. Bar lights are available in two series: the standard power PD series and the high-power FD series, which emit twice the light from the same package. They are available in semi-diffuse and ultra-diffuse lighting angles, as well…

May 7, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added AttaBox Heartland/Heartland SL series hinged screw cover enclosures that provide an alternative to conventional latch enclosures. The hinged screw cover configuration gives the enclosure the highest level of protection against water intrusion (NEMA 6P), and the polycarbonate resin in the Heartland series has attained the best available “F1”…

May 7, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added pre-cut aluminum DIN rail, available in sizes from 72mm to 858mm, which helps eliminate the risk to personnel and saves time spent on cutting and drilling products with sharp edges and blades. Pre-cut DIN rails are also deburred for safety and to prevent cables and wires from being…

April 30, 2205 – AutomationDirect has added Helukabel’s HELUKAT industrial Ethernet and Profinet cables featuring a halogen-free, flame-retardant, and durable construction built to support a variety of industrial requirements. New Type B, Type B Hybrid (with power conductors), Type R, and Type C Profinet cables are designed to provide reliable data transmission in dynamic or…

April 30, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Lika draw wire linear measurement devices, also known as string encoders or string potentiometers, which use a steel cable wrapped on a spring-loaded reel to measure distance. The reel is connected to a rotary encoder or potentiometer that can provide very accurate feedback on how far the steel…

April 23, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added GC Valves 71 series 2-port water valves, which are constructed of durable lead-free brass. They are certified to NSF/ANSI 61 and have NSF-approved EPDM diaphragms. They are a great choice for drinking water applications and are ported for the most popular NPT sizes (up to 2”) with a…

April 9, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added ICON Process Controls Truflo® TKM series paddle wheel liquid flow meters that provide reliable, full-pipe liquid flow measurement with exceptional long-term performance. These rugged, highly repeatable sensors deliver outstanding value with no scheduled maintenance required. Built with a chemically resistant PVC body, they are ideal for corrosive liquid…

March 26, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Datasensing SH4 series 14mm finger and 30mm hand safety light curtains that are available in basic models with automatic restart or standard models, which include external device monitoring (EDM) and an optional manual restart. Body protection models in 300 or 400mm resolution are available only in the standard…

March 26, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Wenglor OPT25 series laser measurement sensors that offer best-in-class distance sensing for ranges within 1 meter. These sensors are IO-Link v1.1 compatible, employ a Class 1 red or Class 2 blue laser, use triangulation to measure distances with extreme accuracy, and can reliably detect tiny objects with a…

March 26, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Autonics BTF, BTS, and BPS series miniature photoelectric sensors featuring ultra-compact slim or narrow housings that are easy to install in tight spaces. The lineup includes:        These miniature sensors offer sensing distances up to 3m, durable PBT thermoplastic housings, and an IP67 protection rating. They…

March 19, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added ProSense linear potentiometers that offer reliable and consistent position measurement while delivering exceptional value and performance. These position sensors measure linear displacement by converting mechanical movement into a resistive output. Typically, they require a signal conditioner or a 10 VDC supply to provide an analog signal for a…

March 19, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added IronHorse worm gearboxes with IEC inputs that offer all the same features and advantages as our existing aluminum models, including 30mm to 75mm frame sizes, 10:1 to 100:1 ratios in most sizes, and maintenance free operation.  They are factory filled with synthetic oil and their double lip oil…

March 12, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added METEcon multi-wire connectors that feature quality and cost-effective inserts and housings. Inserts are available in multiple pole configurations from 2 poles plus ground up to 108 poles plus ground, with screw or crimp termination types and sizes ranging from 26 to 12 AWG, 10 to 80 Amps. METEcon…

February 26, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added new specialty modules for the CLICK PLC family. CLICK PLUS CPUs offer the utmost versatility with up to two option slots for custom I/O configurations. These option slots also allow for specialty modules, including the C2-DCM serial communication module and the new C2-NRED and C2-OPCUA modules. The C2-NRED…

February 26, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added the new Titanio series of stepper drives from Ever Motion Solutions®. These drives offer peak performance, a rich feature set, and work seamlessly with AutomationDirect SureStep® stepper motors.  Three new drives are available with two open-loop (no encoder feedback) models and one open/closed-loop version (a motor-mounted encoder provides…

February 12, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added BLOCK CT and USTE series open core control transformers to provide a flexible solution for stepping down a wide range of voltages from 208 to 600 VAC. The BLOCK CT series is made in the USA and offers a rugged design specifically engineered for isolation, lighting, or signaling…

February 12, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Murrplastik MP10 series cable/hose drag chains and chain brackets to their growing selection of wire and cable management products. Drag chains route cables/hoses to moving components and help to extend cable/hose life, provide protection for personnel, and reduce equipment downtime and repair costs. The MP10 series is built…

February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added WAGO splicing connectors to their selection of wiring solutions. The 221 series LEVER-NUTS® are equipped with WAGO’s CAGE CLAMP® spring technology, allowing quick and easy connection of all conductor types of different cross sections using two-, three-, and five-wire connectors without soldering or using tools. The 221 series…

February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added general-purpose WEG CFW320 AC drives and full-featured SSW900 soft starters. The CFW320 series VFDs offer all the features of the existing CFW300, including a compact size, a built-in operator interface (HMI), and an embedded SoftPLC, but provide support for 460 VAC and Ethernet communications. These drives support 230 VAC 3-phase…

February 5, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added more Murrplastik frames and grommets to their current offering of cable entry systems. Cable entry frames used in conjunction with the required grommets provide easy cable installation through an enclosure and strain relief while maintaining environmental ratings. This expansion adds more frame sizes to our existing KDL/D and…

January 29, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Gladiator GPB1 and GPB2 series enclosed-style terminal blocks to provide a safe and reliable way to connect multiple electrical circuits to a single power source. The GPB1 series terminal blocks are ultra-compact, offering time-saving multiple wire connection options for a variety of control panel applications. Push-in spring connections…

January 29, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added additional Zener barriers from STAHL to isolate various control signal types from hazardous environments. For automated systems installed in potentially explosive atmospheres (ex., oil and gas production), extra precautions must be taken to ensure the electrical circuits do not become ignition sources. Properly grounded Zener barriers isolate the…

January 22, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added configurable and programmable safety relays from Schmersal. Many safety systems require more than one specialty safety relay but do not justify the need for a safety controller. Schmersal PROTECT SRB-E configurable relays are easy to set up and reduce the number of safety relays required for a machine…

January 22, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Dold VARIMETER series voltage and phase monitoring relays to safeguard electrical equipment and prevent costly downtime by evaluating voltage levels and phase sequences. These relays provide early detection and response to abnormalities such as undervoltage, overvoltage, phase loss, phase reversal, and phase imbalance. The VARIMETER series monitoring relays…

January 22, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added seven new sizes of PBC linear guide tracks with slides in lengths up to 2000mm.  The guide tracks are ceramic-coated 6061-T6 aluminum, paired with a self-lubricating slide. The slides have a proprietary PTFE (FrelonGOLD®) plain bearing bonded to the mating surface. These guide tracks and slides are rated…

January 15, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added ProSense FLG series detecting light grids that offer a cost-effective solution for object detection and feature a simple setup with no programming required. They have no dead zone on the full detection height and are perfect for a variety of applications, such as material handling, counting, and warehousing….

January 15, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Southwire flexible metal conduit to their growing selection of electrical conduit and wiring solutions. Southwire’s Alflex™ type RWA (Reduced Wall Aluminum) and Galflex™ type RWS (Reduced Wall Steel) conduits are built using a metal strip that is helically formed into a continuously interlocked flexible metal conduit which can…

January 15, 2025 – AutomationDirect has added Penn-Union compression lugs to provide a secure method of terminating electrical cables, especially high-power or large-diameter cables, to electrical equipment. Unlike mechanical lugs, that are screwed/clamped in place, these connectors are crimped onto the cable using the appropriate crimping tool for a permanent installation. These connectors are rated…

December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Advantech serial-to-Ethernet Modbus gateways allowing connections of isolated serial devices to the Internet for centralized machine communication management. Advantech Modbus gateways provide easy integration of Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU/ASCII networks and offer two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports for LAN redundancy. These gateways can be set up and…

December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser Soliphant vibration rod level switches to detect fine- or coarse-grained, non-fluidized bulk solids in silos, hoppers, and bins. They can even detect solids underwater, such as sediment buildup in a tank. These robust switches are insensitive to buildup, providing maintenance-free operation and easy setup with no calibration required….

December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more Captron capacitive pushbuttons that utilize touch control and are activated without pressure when a hand or body part nears the device’s surface. They feature a robust IP69K design, wear-free operation, resistance to water, oil, and harsh environments, and are available in various mounting/operator sizes. Caneo Series10 additions…

December 18, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added four new series of Lika Electronic rotary encoders each with unique features or applications. Linear measuring wheel encoders are also now available. The new A41 series are compact (41mm diameter body) medium duty encoders with hollow or solid shafts and resolutions from 100 to 3600 PPR. A50 series…

December 11, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Teknokol Eco series HMI enclosures and suspension arm systems which are designed to work together to provide customized, adjustable HMI panels using a selection of components and cut-to-length arm profiles. These suspension systems allow the HMI to be relocated as needed for better HMI visibility and operator comfort. …

December 11, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Murrelektronik Premium EtherCAT IO-Link master modules to their IO-Link product lineup. IO-Link masters provide standardized, point-to-point connections between smart devices and controllers. IO-Link functions similarly to traditional field I/O but adds the capability to collect diagnostic and operational data from IO-Link capable devices, helping pinpoint potential problems or…

December 4, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added high quality Helukabel unshielded “extra hard use” 600V SOOW and 300V SJOOW portable cord. Portable cord (also called service cord) is cable with multiple conductors used for electrical power connections that are not intended to be permanent. Applications for these cables often involve portable equipment such as power tools…

November 20, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Schneider Electric Easy TeSys series manual motor protectors, contactors, thermal overload relays, and accessories to their lineup of motor control products.  Schneider Electric Easy TeSys series IEC manual motor protectors are compact, easy to use, and cover the functions of disconnect, controller, thermal overload relay, and branch circuit…

November 20, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added FTG enclosed-style power distribution and terminal blocks to provide a convenient central location to connect several wires and distribute power from a single source to multiple loads. The enclosed power distribution blocks feature a modular design for easy multi-pole assembly and an IP20 finger-safe protection rating. They are…

November 13, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added AchieVe FDM series 12mm tubular photoelectric sensors that offer a rugged metal construction, high IP67 protection ratings, and sensing distances up to 4 meters. These photoelectric sensors feature selectable light-on/dark-on operation, a 10 to 30 VDC operating voltage range, potentiometer or teach-in button sensitivity adjustment, and a fast 1kHz…

November 6, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Bondhus hex and Torx tools, which are precision machined in the USA with a proprietary high-torque steel for reliable, long-lasting service life. Hex-end L-key sets have chamfered tool tips to eliminate burrs and provide a proper seat. Ball-end L-key sets insert at a 25° angle, allowing for superior…

October 30, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added new Schmersal 250 series heavy-duty limit switches featuring rugged cast iron housings for the harshest environments. The selection includes models with side rotary levers with metal or plastic rollers, metal belt alignment rollers, and high-temperature models with metal rollers. The belt alignment switches prevent costly equipment damage by…

October 30, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added the powerful LS Electric XMC motion controller to provide full EtherCAT master motion control. With a blindingly fast processor (scan times as low as 5ns) and built-in support for 8 or 16 axes of EtherCAT-based motion control (depending on the model), the XMC controller can handle virtually any…

October 23, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added M12 field wireable connectors with additional cable size options from Murrelektronik. New 5-pin A-coded connectors are available for 4-8mm/26-18 AWG cable sizes, in axial or 90° male or female connector styles. New D-coded connectors offer 4-pin configurations for 4-8mm/26-18 AWG cable sizes, in axial or 90° male connector…

October 23, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added the CITO StackFlow series of modular process valves.  This system of high-flow, robust components can stack together to form a valve bank assembly. Each module includes common inlets at each end and an outlet discharge at the bottom. Manual and solenoid valves are available, as well as distribution…

October 9, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added more top-of-the-line Wera tool options to their continuously growing Tool and Test Equipment lineup. New tool sets include maintenance sets, a Joker self-setting/self-adjusting wrench set, a Tool-Check PLUS socket/driver bit set, and Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit screwdriver sets. Screwdriver additions include Kraftform Micro precision screwdriver sets, Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit…

October 9, 2024 – AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser intrinsically safe analog input isolators to provide cost-effective galvanic isolation for process instruments located in hazardous locations. This ensures that only a safe amount of energy resides in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Endress+Hauser RN22 0/4 to 20 mA input isolators are offered in 1-channel, 2-channel, or signal…