Electromechanical equipment
Devices with mechanical and electrical components are considered electromechanical. These devices convert electrical energy into mechanical motion. Mechanical motion can also be utilized to produce electrical output, such as piezoelectric technology.
Electromechanical components are widely used in today's automation, but are threatened by technologies that provide actuation without the need for moving parts (e.g., solid state). Currently, electromechanical-electromagnetic drive components remain popular due to their lower price and other advantages. One advantage of using an electromechanical component is its ability to switch higher load currents without the need for additional circuit cooling components. Solid-state components usually require additional heat sinks to avoid circuit overheating.
Circuit Protection
Circuit protection protects industrial equipment from excess energy that can cause damage and/or safety issues. This is a critical part of any automation system.
Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers automatically protect against short circuits as well as dangerous or excessive temperatures and currents in electrical systems. They interrupt the flow of power to faulty equipment, thus protecting components and wiring from damage.
Disconnect Switches
Disconnect switches provide maximum safety for personnel by ensuring that circuits are completely de-energized for servicing.
Motor Controls
All motors require electrical control, from simple on/off to complex variable speed applications.
Line Reactors
Line reactors are electromagnetic devices used as inductors to protect variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other equipment from electrical disturbances such as voltage spikes, surges and transients. Line reactors limit your current and harmful harmonics from the drive.
Relays are designed to be used as switches in low-voltage situations, while contactors turn current on and off in high-voltage situations. They are used to switch motors, capacitors, and other high current consuming devices. Contactors are selected based on the amperage rating of the load and are used to control electrical loads without providing overload protection.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)
A VFD or inverter is a motion control drive that controls a motor by converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and then regulating the frequency and voltage supplied. They adjust the speed of the motor to closely match the output requirements, which usually saves energy.
Power Components
Power Components provide stable, safe and efficient power service for your electric equipment.
Transformers
Transformers buffer, control or regulate AC voltage for flexible power control from input power to output power. They are available in a wide range of AC voltages, currents and connection types.
Power supply unit
Pushbutton
A pushbutton controls the current between its two contacts. The open or close action depends on whether it is designed to be normally open (NO) or normally closed (NC). Push buttons are usually color-coded by function to avoid operator confusion. In the absence of a circuit, a pushbutton can be connected by a mechanical linkage to accomplish multiple actions, such as starting or stopping another pushbutton circuit.
Relay
Relays are electrical or electronic switches that open and close circuits. Circuits are controlled by opening and closing contacts in different circuits. Relays are usually used to switch smaller currents and are not used with power-consuming devices.
Electromechanical Ratio. Solid State Relay (SSR)
Electromechanical relays are ideal for heavy-duty environments and are capable of operating on either AC or DC current, whereas solid-state relays can only operate on one of these conditions. They are also a more economical choice if cost constraints exist, but with no moving parts, SSRs have an unlimited lifespan.
Time Delay Relays
Time delay relays perform the same functions as typical control relays, but with a built-in time delay. Instead of turning the output on and off when voltage is applied to the coil, they turn it on and off before or after a specified time.
Inductive Switches
A sense switch is a device that converts a physical quantity (input) into an electrical signal (output). The active element in a sensor is the transducer. Sensors are an important part of automation. Control systems rely on sensors for raw data to open and close circuits.
Transducers are selected based on environmental and economic factors as well as the characteristics of the transducer. In automation, you can expect to find a wide variety of sensors that access and report on machine functions, including motion, pressure, temperature, and light.
Proximity Sensors
Proximity sensors detect and measure physical properties without touching them. The collected measurements are sent back as signals to the control device, which in turn sets output commands. Inductive sensors detect only metallic objects, capacitive sensors detect metallic and non-metallic objects, and ultrasonic sensors detect transparent and very dark objects.
Photoelectric Sensors
Photoelectric sensors use a beam of light to detect the presence, absence or distance of an object. These sensors are typically used to detect long-distance or non-metallic objects. The most common types of photoelectric sensors include diffuse, retro-reflective and contra-reflective.