MRO Electric Blog

PLC vs. DCS: What’s the difference?

January 14, 2020May 15, 2020 Brian Hughes Leave a comment

Before we get into the differences of a PLC’s and DCS’s, we need to talk about what each of them are designed to do.

What is a PLC?

A PLC, or Programmable Logic Controller, is a computer that has been adapted to specifically meet the needs of any specific manufacturing process. These devices come in many different shapes and sizes, with many options for digital and analog I/O, as well as protection from high temperatures, vibration, and electrical noise. The invention of the PLC allowed computers to be streamlined into the industrial automation process.

A PLC can be a single device calculating and executing operations, or a rack of different modules may be used to meet whatever your automation system requires. Some of the additional components include processors, power supplies, additional IO, interfaces, and much more. Every part works together to be able to run open or closed loop operations that are rated at high speed and high precision. Take a CNC machine for example; a PLC would be used to control positioning and motion, as well as torque control. These devices are popular because they are very inexpensive relative to the amount of power and how many hours you get out of them.

What is a DCS?

A Distributed Control System is an automated control system that streamlines the functionalities of the various devices that are used throughout an entire work space. This type of system uses many different controllers to allow all the machining parts to talk to each other as well as computers that can input parameters and display information such as power usage, speed, and much more. These controllers are distributed geographically across a plant to allow for high-speed communication to the control room. When using different types of modules however, the system may require different communication standards such as Modbus and Profibus. DCS’s started coming to fruition throughout the 1960’s once the microcomputer was brought widespread into the market.

Then what exactly is the difference?

A PLC will probably be used to control a machine that isn’t too complex wheres the DCS can have total control of all the operations in an entire plant. The PLC is preferred in situations where the machine does not have to worry about meeting specific conditions inside the plant. These conditions typically involve operations that may need to stop or restart, as well maintaining precise temperatures. A DCS will be able to take advantage of all the aspects of an automated system, from the machines and sensors to the controllers and computers. An entire DCS is much more expensive than a few PLC’s, but each have their advantages in any given situation and certain automated systems will always require one over the other.

Visit MRO Electric and Supply’s website to see all of our available Programmable Logic Controllers. If we don’t have what you need listed on the site, contact us at sales@mroelectric.com or (800)691-8511 and we will be happy to help.

ATV11-ATV12 Substitution Chart

December 16, 2019May 15, 2020 Brian Hughes Leave a comment

Below is a chart that shows the direct replacement from ATV11 to ATV12 drives. MRO Electric and Supply carries new & refurbished ATV11 and ATV12 units by Schneider Electric.

ATV11 EUROPA	ATV11 USA	ATV11 ASIA		ATV12
-	ATV11HU05F1U	ATV11HU05F1A	→	ATV12H018F1
ATV11HU05M2E	ATV11HU05M2U	ATV11HU05M2A		АТУ12Н018М2
-	ATV11HU05M3U	ATV11HU05M3A	→	АТУ12Н018М3
-	ATV11HU09F1U	ATV11HU09F1A		ATV12H037F1
-	ATV11PU09F1U	ATV11PU09F1A	→	ATV12P037F1
AN11HU09M2E	ATV11HU09M2U	ATV11HU09M2A		ATV12H037M2
AN11PU09M2E	ATV11PU09M2U	ATV11PU09M2A	→	ATV12P037M2
-	ATV11HU09M3U	ATV11HU09M3A		ATV12H037M3
-	ATV11PU09M3U	ATV11PU09M3A	→	ATV12P037M3
ATV11HU12M2E	-	-		ATV12H055M2
ATV11PU12M2E	-	-	→	ATV12P055M2
-	ATV11HU18F1U	ATV11HU18F1A		ATV12H075F1
ATV11HU18M2E	ATV11HU18M2U	ATV11HU18M2A	→	АTV12H075М2
ATV11PU18M2E	ATV11PU18M2U	ATV11PU18M2A		ATV12P075M2
-	ATV11HU18M3U	ATV11HU18M3A	→	АTV12H075М3
-	ATV11PU18M3U	ATV11PU18M3A		ATV12P075M3
ATV11HU29М2Е	ATV11HU29M2U	ATV11HU29M2A	→	ATV12HU15M2
-	ATV11HU29M3U	ATV11HU29M3A		ATV12HU15M3
ATV11HU41M2E	ATV11HU41M2U	ATV11HU41M2A	→	ATV12HU22M2
-	ATV11HU41M3U	ATV11HU41M3A		ATV12HU22M3

MagneTek GPD503 Fault Codes

August 26, 2019March 3, 2020 Brian Hughes 1 Comment

Below is a chart with fault codes regarding the MagneTek G3 GPD503 series drives. MRO Electric and Supply offers free evaluations on units. You can find our RMA form on our repair page. Follow us on Twitter @MROElectric for updates on new products and find any deals we may have.

bb	External Base Block command Base Block command at multi-function terminal is active, shutting off GPD 503 output (motor coasting). Temporary condition, cleared when input command is removed.
bUS	Transmission error Control data cannot be received normally for longer than 2 seconds.
CALL	Communication ready Drive is waiting for the PLC to establish communication.
CPF00	Transmission error or control function hardware fault (including internal RAM, external RAM or PROM) Transmission between GPD 503 and remote operator is not established within 5 seconds after the power supply is turned on. (Displayed on the remote operator.)
CPF01	Transmission error Transmission error occurs 2 seconds or more after transmission has first been established.
CPF02	Base block circuit failure GPD 503 failure.
CPF03	NV-RAM (S-RAM) fault GPD 503 failure.
CPF04	NV-RAM (BCC, Access Code) fault GPD 503 failure. This fault may be caused after changing EPROM chips. Perform a Sn-03 Reset operation to attempt to clear this fault.
CPF05	A/D converter failure in CPU GPD 503 failure.
CPF06	Optional connection failure Improper installation or wiring of option card.
CPF20	A/D converter failure Defective option card.
CPF21	Transmission interface card (option) self-analysis function fault Defective option card. Check option card connector for proper installation.
CPF22	Model code fault Defective option card. Check option card connector for proper installation.
CPF23	Mutual-analysis function fault Defective option card. Check option card connector for proper installation.
EF (blinking)	Simultaneous forward and reverse operation commands Fwd Run and Rev Run commands are both closed for more than 500 ms. Removing one command will allow drive operation.
EF0	External fault GPD 503 is in Stop mode.
EF3	Ext. fault signal at term. 3 A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
EF5	Ext. fault signal at term. 5 A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
EF6	Ext. fault signal at term. 6 A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
EF7	Ext. fault signal at term. 7 A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
EF8	Ext. fault signal at term. 8 A fault condition has occurred in the external circuit(s) monitored by the contact providing input to the indicated terminal. If display is steady, GPD 503 is in Stop mode; if display is blinking, the terminal is programmed to allow continued operation after receiving fault input.
Err	Constant write-in fault Temporary display, in Program mode, indicating that constant setting was not written into EPROM memory.
FAn	Cooling fan failure GPD 503 is in Stop mode.
FU	Fuse blown DC Bus fuse has cleared. Check for short circuit in output, and check main circuit transistors.
GF	Ground fault protection Ground current > approx. 50% of the GPD 503 rated current.
oC	Overcurrent GPD 503 output current exceeds 200% of GPD 503 rated current, or ground fault has occurred, with ground current exceeding 50% of GPD 503 rated current.
oH	Heat sink overheated Fin temperature exceeds 90° C (194° F)
oH2 (blinking)	External overheat External temperature monitoring circuit(s) detected an overtemperature condition and produced an input signal.
oL1	Overload Thermal motor overload protection has tripped.
oL2	Overload GPD 503 overload protection has tripped.
oL3 (blinking)	Overload GPD 503 output torque exceeds the set Overtorque Detection level, but GPD 503 is programmed for continued operation at overtorque detection.
oL3	Overload GPD 503 output torque exceeds the set Overtorque Detection level, and GPD 503 is programmed for coast to stop at overtorque detection.
oPE01	kVA constant setting fault Sn-01 setting is incorrect.
oPE02	Constant setting range fault An-XX, bn-XX, Cn-XX, or Sn-XX setting range fault.
oPE03	Constant set value fault Sn-15 to -18 (multi-function input) set value fault.
oPE04	Constant set value fault PG constant, number of poles, or PG division rate set incorrectly.
oPE10	Constant set value fault Cn-02 to -08 (V/f data) set incorrectly.
oPE11	Constant set value fault One of the following conditions was detected: • Cn-23 > 5 KHz and Cn-24 5 KHz or • Cn-25 > 6 and Cn-24 > Cn-23
ou (blinking)	Overvoltage Internal monitor of DC Bus voltage indicates that input AC power is excessively high, while GPD 503 is in stopped condition.
ou	Overvoltage (OV) Detection level: Approx. 400V for 230V; Approx. 800V for 460V; Approx. 1000V for 575V.
rr	Regenerative transistor Failure Dynamic Braking resistor has failed.
rH	Braking resistor unit overheated Dynamic Braking resistor has overheated.
Uu (blinking)	Low voltage (Power UV) Internal monitor of DC Bus voltage indicates that input AC power is below Undervoltage detection level, while the GPD 503 is in stopped condition.
Uu1 Low voltage (Power UV)	Occurs two seconds after detection of low voltage.
Uu2 Low voltage UV	Control circuit voltage levels drop below acceptable levels during operation.
Uu3 Low voltage (MC-ANS fault)	Main circuit magnetic contactor does not operate correctly.

Yaskawa P1000 Fault Codes

August 22, 2019March 26, 2024 Brian Hughes 2 Comments

Below is a table of common fault codes found on Yaskawa P1000 units. If problems continue to occur, it may be worth replacing your unit. MRO Electric specializes in Yaskawa repair, as well as unit distribution, if you are interested in obtaining a new or refurbished P1000 unit.

bAT	Digital Operator Battery Voltage Low - The digital operator battery is low Replace the digital operator battery.
boL	Braking Transistor Overload Fault - The wrong braking resistor is installed Select the correct braking resistor.
bUS	Option Communication Error - No signal was received from the PLC. Check for faulty wiring. CE MEMOBUS/Modbus Communication Error - Faulty communications wiring or an existing short circuit.
CE	MEMOBUS/Modbus Communication Error - Faulty communications wiring or an existing short circuit.
CPF02	A/D Conversion Error - Control circuit is damaged. Replace the control board or the entire drive.
CPF03	Control Board Connection Error - Turn off the power and check the connection between the control board and the drive.
CPF06	EEPROM Memory Data Error - Turn off the power and check the connection between the control board and the drive.
CPF07	Terminal Board Connection Error - Faulty connection between the terminal board and the control board. Turn off the power and reconnect the terminal board.
CPF08	Terminal Board Connection Error - Faulty connection between the terminal board and the control board. Turn off the power and reconnect the terminal board.
CPF11	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF12	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF13	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF14	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF15	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF16	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF17	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF18	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF19	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF20	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF21	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF22	Hybrid IC Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF23	Control Board Connection Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF24	Drive Unit Signal Fault - The drive capacity cannot be detected correctly. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF25	Terminal Board Not Connected - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF26	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF27	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF28	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF29	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF30	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF31	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF32	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF33	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF34	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF35	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF40	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF41	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF42	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
CPF43	Control Circuit Error - Hardware is damaged. Cycle Power. Replace hardware.
E5	SI-T3 Watchdog Timer Error - Data has not been received from the PLC Execute DISCONNECT or ALM_CLR, then issue a CONNECT command or SYNC_SET command.
EF0	Option Card External Fault - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes.
EF1	External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF2	External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF3	External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF4	External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF5	External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF6	External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF7	External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
EF8	External Fault Terminal S1 - An external fault condition is present. Check external causes. Bad S1 Terminal.
Err	EEPROM Write Error - Noise has corrupted data. Cycle power. Correct the parameter.
FAn	Internal Fan Fault - Internal cooling fan has malfunctioned. Check for fan operation.
FbH	Excessive PID Feedback - PID feedback input is greater than the level set to. Check parameter.
FbL	PID Feedback Loss - Check parameter. There is a problem with the feedback sensor.
GF	Ground Fault - A current short to ground exceeded 50% of rated current on the output side of the drive. Check motor/cables.
LF	Output Phase Loss - Phase loss on the output side of the drive. Check motor/cables.
LF3	Power Unit Output Phase Loss 3 - Phase loss on the output side of the drive. Check motor/cables.
nSE	Node Setup Error - A terminal assigned to the node setup function closed during run.
oC	Overcurrent - Output current greater than the specified overcurrent level. Check parameter. Check motor.
oFA01	Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA03	Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA04	Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA05	Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA06	Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA10	Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA11	Option Card Fault - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA12	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA13	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA14	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA15	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA16	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA17	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA30	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA31	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA32	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA33	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA34	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA35	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA36	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA37	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA38	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA39	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA40	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA41	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA42	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFA43	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb00	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb01	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb02	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb03	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb11	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb12	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb13	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb14	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb15	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb16	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFb17	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC00	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC01	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC02	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC03	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC11	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC12	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC13	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC14	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC15	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC16	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC17	Option Card Connection Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC50	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC51	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC52	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC53	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC54	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oFC55	Option Card Error - The option card connection is faulty. Check connection. Replace hardware.
oH	Heatsink Overheat - Check ambient temperature. Check parameter setting.
oH1	Heatsink Overheat - Check ambient temperature. Check parameter setting.
oH4	Motor Overheat Fault (PTC input) - Check ambient temperature. Check parameter setting.
oH5	Motor Overheat Fault (NTC input) - Check ambient temperature. Check parameter setting.
oL1	Motor Overload - Load heavy. Increase accel or decel time.
oL2	Drive Overload - Load heavy. Increase accel or decel time.
oL3	Overtorque Detection 1 - current has exceeded the value set for torque detection. Check parameter setting.
oL4	Overtorque Detection 2 - current has exceeded the value set for torque detection. Check parameter setting.
oL7	High Slip Braking oL - Use braking resistor. Reduce decel time.
oPr	Operator Connection Fault - The external operator has been disconnected from the drive.
ov	Overvoltage - Deceleration time is too short and regenerative energy is flowing from the motor into the drive. Increase decel time.
PF	Input Phase Loss - Drive input power has an open phase or has a large imbalance.
rF	Braking Resistor Fault - The resistance of the braking resistor is too low.
rH	Dynamic Braking Resistor - Deceleration time is too short and excessive regenerative energy is flowing back into the drive.
rr	Dynamic Braking Transistor - The braking transistor is damaged. Cycle power to the drive and check for reoccurrence of the fault.
SC	IGBT Short Circuit or Ground Fault - IGBT failure. Cycle power to the drive and check for reoccurrence of the fault.
SEr	Too Many Speed Search Restarts - Parameters related to Speed Search are set to the wrong values.
TdE	Time Data Error - An error has occurred in the real-time clock. Replace digital operator.
THo	Thermistor Disconnect - The thermistor that detects motor temperature has become disconnected.
TIE	Time Interval Error - An error has occurred in the real-time clock. Replace digital operator.
TIM	Time Not Set - Set time in parameter o4-17.
UL3	Undertorque Detection 1 - Current is below the minimum set value. Check parameter setting.
UL4	Undertorque Detection 2 - Current is below the minimum set value. Check parameter setting.
UL6	Motor Underload - Current is below the minimum set value. Check parameter setting.
UnbC	Current Unbalance - Current flow has become unbalanced. Check for damaged transistors.
Uv1	Undervoltage - DC Bus Undervoltage. Check parameter setting. Input phase loss.
Uv2	Control Power Supply Undervoltage - Voltage is too low for the control drive input power. Ride-through power loss.
Uv3	Soft Charge Circuit Fault - Precharge relay or resistor fault. Bad precharge.
Uv4	Gate Drive Board Undervoltage - Voltage drop in the gate drive board circuit. Cycle power to see if fault reoccurs.
voF	Output Voltage Detection Fault - Problem detected with the voltage on the output side of the drive.
vToL	VT Overload - The output current of the drive has been elevated for a set length of time.

Encounter a fault code on your Yaskawa P1000 drive?

MRO Electric is here to guide you through the process of identifying and rectifying any issues, with an extensive selection of Yaskawa products and top-tier repair services to choose from.

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Control Techniques Manufacturer Showcase

July 19, 2019March 3, 2020 Ryan Dickinson Leave a comment

Established in 1972 in Newtown, Wales, this industrial part manufacturer owned by the Nidec Corporation continues to provide high quality AC Drives and motor control management products today. In this post, we will be showcasing some of the classes and parts Control Techniques has to offer.

Unidrive
The Unidrive line of products from Control Techniques includes devices like brushless AC servo motors. The Unidrive Classic series drives are available in five different sizes and twenty-six different models, allowing you to fit one of these devices in almost any existing automation system. This series of drives have enough built in parameters to meet most task demands.

The Unidrive Classic series offers complete I/O configurability, advanced position control, programmable logic functions, regeneration mode for four-quadrant operations, high speed communications for quick feedback, preset macros for simplified operations and more.

Focus DC
The Focus DC line of products are solid state analog DC drives built to last reliably in almost all environments. This family has regenerative models and different enclosure kits available to offer a wide range of custom configurations. Optional kits for these drives include ones that offer toggle switches, signal isolation, M contactor kits, dynamic braking and tachometer feedback modules.

Commander SE
The Commander SE line of products offer flexibility in many automated systems by being the top choice for microdrives. They are built to be rugged machines that can stay physically stable and constantly sit at correct temperatures. These devices are shipped with shipped with firmware that makes first time setup and installation as easy as possible, including the parameters that immediately meet the needs of most drive applications.

Commander SE products by Control Techniques

The Commander SE series offers full control of all levels of parameters, visualization of terminal connections, multiple motor speed preset settings, open loop vector control, fully configurable analog/digital Input/Output settings, sequenced switching between multiple parameters and communications via DeviceNet, PROFIBUS DP and Interbus S.

Unidrive SP
The Unidrive SP series comes in both free-standing and modular forms. The SP modular offers all the benefits of the normal Unidrive SP system along with more intense system power configurations. It is easily able to be connected together to create almost any custom setup necessary. Parallel drives are used together for higher powered motors. These drives are built to last and are flexible.

Some additional modules include SPMA AC in / DC out Drive, SPMC AC in / DC out Rectifier, SPMD DC in / AC out Inverter, SM Control MASTER, SM Control SLAVE, SPM Power Selector.

MRO Electric and Supply offers a variety of new and refurbished Control Techniques devices. We also offer repair pricing. For more information, please call 800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

Product Spotlight: Square D EDB34030 Circuit Breaker

July 2, 2019May 13, 2020 Ryan Dickinson Leave a comment

The Square D EDB34030 is a three pole, 30 Ampere circuit breaker. At 277V, this miniature breaker is reliable, sustainable, efficient and safe.

Part Number: EDB34030
Item Weight: 3.6lbs
Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.1 x 4.5 inches
Voltage: 480V
Amperage: 30A
Trip Rating; 875A
Mounting Mode: Bolt-on
Interruption Rating: 18kA

Square D EDB breakers by Schneider Electric are available in a range of amperages varying from 20A to 60A. This particular model, the EBD34030, is 30A.
This breaker is set apart from other breakers because of its compact size at 9.7 x 6.1 x 4.5 inches, while the typical breaker is around 8 x 8 x 12 inches. As a bolt on mount, it is preferred in commercial and industrial applications where vibrations might be considered an issue. When installing, be sure to use the recommended #12-#6 AWG AI or #14-#6 AWG Cu Lug wire. This breaker is ideal for NF series panel-boards to offer superior overload and short circuit stability by utilizing thermal magnetic protection. It is also HACR rated, UL listed and CSA certified.

MRO Electric and Supply stocks Square D circuit breakers, including the EDB34030. For more information or to request a quote, please contact us at 800-691-8511 or at sales@mroelectric.com.

What are circuit breakers?

June 24, 2019May 13, 2020 Ryan Dickinson 3 Comments

A circuit breaker is a preventative safety device that detects and stops a circuit if the current is insufficient or in excess. These devices help insure the stability of the electric current in our buildings. Unlike fuses, breakers are reusable and can be consistently relied upon to break a circuit to protect us from potential electrical fires.

How do they work?

A breaker is comprised of a few basic components. A switch is connected to an electromagnet that allows electricity to flow from the bottom to the top terminals.

Source:
http://spmphysics.onlinetuition.com.my/2008/06/uses-of-electromagnet-circuit-breaker.html

With current running through the electromagnet, it becomes magnetized. If the current is suddenly increased, the magnet becomes strong enough to pull down a metal lever attached to the switch linkage. By doing so, the contacts are broken and the electricity is powered off.

What’s the difference between certain breakers?

Residential Circuit breakers- Used in common household wiring to protect electrical appliances like refrigerators, washing machines and fans. Electrical panels can also be designed to have one breaker controlling one specific or multiple outlets in a room that shut off when overloaded.

Industrial Circuit breakers- Used with much larger electrical current applications for warehouses, factories, and other large industrial locations. They can be used to insure safety of the plant equipment, lighting, business systems, air conditioning and wiring.

Voltage– Describes the ‘pressure’ of the electricity. The most common voltages of breakers are . Most household voltage is 120V, with larger appliances around 240V.
Amperage– Measures strength of the current in amperes. Common amperages include 15A, 20A, 25A, up to 6000A.
Pole number– Describes the number of completely separate circuits that can be protected by a circuit breaker at the same time. These include single-pole, double-pole, triple-pole and tandem pole breakers.
Installation location/External Design– Breakers can be designed to be indoor or outdoor based on the application. Different enclosures can be made to withstand different weather conditions.
Interrupting Mechanism– Other breaker designs include air circuit, oil circuit, vacuum circuit, MCB, MCCB, GFI, GFCI and AFCI breakers. While these all serve the same purpose of breaking electrical current in the event of unstable electric power consumption, they have different means of interrupting the current.

Visit MRO Electric and Supply’s website to see all of our available Circuit Breakers. If we don’t have what you need listed on the site, contact us at sales@mroelectric.com or (800)691-8511 and we will be happy to help.