High-tech components and innovation result in efficient, compact power supplies for automation applications
Automation is the key factor driving enhanced manufacturing productivity. Machines and robots that do not tire, get sick or need vacations will be used in rapidly escalating numbers. But many industrial operations demand humans and robots work together. Often a work cell might comprise humans carrying out highly skilled operations while the small-scale assembly robots complete repetitive tasks thousands of times without error. - read more
The Key Elements to a High-End Safety Relay
Safety relays are used across a wide range of industries and in a broad array of equipment to protect
machines and operators during a catastrophic fault to avoid costly maintenance or equipment replacement.
Whether single function or multi-function, safety relays are a critical part of systems such as elevator
controls, railway technology, robots, machine tools, packaging equipment, and more. - read more
Bistable Switching Safety Relays with Forcibly Guided Contacts
Battery-powered vehicles and equipment are becoming part of the industrial and commercial world. The needs of these systems can be unique, but that doesn’t mean that there is a complete shift in the technologies used. - read more
Tops Tips
Selecting a High-Reliability Safety Relay
Safety relays are used to protect machines and operators during catastrophic failures to avoid costly maintenance, equipment replacement, or employee harm. When applied properly, these components help detect failures in output and input devices, as well as internal failures, and allow power to be removed from a load to prevent a subsequent restart of the load until the failure is corrected. - read more
Top Tips
Seven Considerations When Selecting DIN-Rail Terminal Blocks
Battery-powered vehicles and equipment are becoming part of the industrial and commercial world. The needs of these systems can be unique, but that doesn’t mean that there is a complete shift in the technologies used. - read more
Top Tips
Selecting The Proper Probes, Clips, And Leads For Your Test & Measurement Tools
Whether you’re working in a laboratory, a medical facility, or an industrial plant, if you’re using test and measurement equipment of any type, you will need a variety of leads, clips, probes, plugs, and sockets. It’s important to know which accessory is pertinent for your particular application requirements. These tips will provide a general understanding of the different test and measurement accessories and their most common uses. - read more
Modular Din Enclosures Provide Flexible Design Capabilities
Industrial control and operational electrical and electronics systems engineers must continually adapt their designs to the needs of a wide range of applications. Modular DIN enclosure systems have been developed to help make these designs adapt more easily. - read more
FAQ
Selecting PCB Connectors for Your Applications
Eliminating design challenges before they arise.
Printed circuit board (PCB) connectors are a critical component for a wide variety of applications from desktop electronics to industrial equipment and machines. Selecting the right connector for your application takes forethought and a deep understanding of needs. - read more
PCB Terminal Blocks Provide Valuable Electronic Interconnections
Designing PCBs with terminal blocks requires an understanding of the types of terminal blocks available, the best way for them to be packaged for delivery, and how to solder them to reduce the potential for failure. - read more
FAQ
Modular DIN enclosure systems for innovative designs
DIN enclosure systems are widely used in industrial applications but have been limited in their versions. Modular DIN enclosures are providing systems design engineers more options to work with. - read more
FAQ
The Importance of Understanding Motor Disconnect Switches
Motor disconnect switches are an important part of a system’s safety protocol for electrical equipment that needs robust protection for both the equipment and personnel. - read more
Demystifying motor disconnect switches: What are they and how are they used?
From conveyor belts to drum mixers, motors are used in virtually every industrial application to drive machinery. Equipment downtime is the main motivation behind monitoring and maintaining plant equipment. When maintenance and repairs are necessary, it is imperative to be able to reliably control the machines for worker and technician safety. To properly address motor disconnect switch applications, Altech has devoted invaluable resources to ensure customers understand their needs and find successful solutions. - read more
Not all Distribution Boxes are Created Equal
If sealed enclosures are used in environments with fluctuating temperatures and air humidity, condensation problems may arise as water vapor collects on the internal surface of the enclosure. - read more
Battery Management: Altech’s Versatile Charging Solutions
Efficient, rechargeable and economical battery systems are needed in a wide variety of industries.- read more
Providing Worldwide Capabilities for Cost Effective Circuit Breaker Designs
The global circuit breaker market size in 2017 was valued in excess of $13 billion USD and is anticipated to surpass an annual installation of over 40 million units by 2024.- read more
Cabinet-style electric enclosures for simplified harsh environmental protection
These enclosures improve accessibility and still protect against moisture, contaminants and temperature in harsh environments.- read more
An All-in-One DC UPS power solution
Altech’s CBI “all-in-one” UPS power solution offers a unique approach to backup power, combining several applications in just one device. - read more
Adaptable Low Profile, Compact Din Power Supplies
Managing the power requirements on a DIN rail system is becoming more challenging with new standards and increased compactness of control systems, particularly when mounted on smaller robotic systems and cobots. - read more
High-tech components and innovation result in efficient, compact power supplies for automation applications
Automation is the key factor driving enhanced manufacturing productivity. Machines and
robots that do not tire, get sick or need vacations will be used in rapidly escalating numbers.
But many industrial operations demand humans and robots work together.- read more
Altech UPS products meet a wide variety of application requirements
Occasional power outages are a fact of life, but when the power goes out, an uninterruptable
power supply (UPS) from Altech can step in when the standard power source goes offline.- read more
Reliable back-up power prevents machine damage and data loss
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) provide critical protection for a wide range of industrial
applications. - read more
Understanding Terminal Blocks Used In Distributed Control Systems
Distributed control is an important part of any factory or
processing plant. Autonomous controllers, distributed
throughout a system, provide many control loops for
operations to take place, eliminating the bottleneck of
a single central supervisory control. - read more
Versatile DIN enclosures for almost any application
DIN rail is based on a concept so
elegant that its growth is expanding
more than a century after it was
conceived: DIN rail terminal blocks
housing electrical and electronic
modules represent a $26 billion global
market that is expected to grow by up
to 6% annually in the next few years.
Although DIN rail enclosures play a
significant role in DIN rail, they rarely
gain the attention they should, so this
article will help remedy this situation. - read more
The Importance of Understanding Motor Disconnect Switches
Motor disconnect switches are an important part of
a system’s safety protocol for electrical equipment that
needs robust protection for both the equipment and
personnel. - read more
Foot Switch Selection Guidelines and Selection Options
Foot switches are designed to provide the user with comfortable, hands-free
activation of one or more processes of a given device—making ergonomics
important. Choosing the proper foot switch design will create a positive
first impression of the overall device and installation. More importantly,
the foot switch must offer attributes that represent the quality and design
of the equipment as well as being the main machine/operator interface. - read more
The advantages of a well-made electrical enclosure
At first thought, it might not seem as if enclosures would be an important element in electrical
system design. But upon closer inspection, and especially when you consider that they can contain electrical wiring, fiber optic devices, microcontrollers, routers, switches, power supplies and other components, it becomes clear that when properly designed these boxes play a vital role in protecting against high temperatures, moisture and humidity. - read more
Protect Equipment from Earth Leakage and Ground Faults
A ground fault is when the current
leaving a power source and the power
returning, through the ground loop
(neutral wire), back to the power
source are different. This situation can
either cause a system failure due to the
overcurrent and/or an electrical safety
hazard for those working with the
equipment—because they become part
of the circuit. Other types of faults can
occur in a system, such as phase-tophase
faults, but it is widely accepted
that 98% of all electrical faults are
ground faults. - read more
Ultimate Battery Care
Advanced battery care products are an essential part of today’s
complex systems, allowing for greater operational capabilities
in a trustworthy device that fits into multiple applications. - read more
Top Tips - Benefits of a Smart Battery Charging and Testing Unit
Read how engineers can benefit from using the CB12245AJ charging and testing unit with integrated CANbus communication functionality.- read more
Battery Management and Battery Monitoring in Chargers
When it comes to purchasing battery backup systems and chargers, there are several things to consider. Not only do you want your backup system to be able to manage all your loads, you’ll want to provide a consistent and ongoing monitoring of the whole system. - read more
The Benefits and Functions of Contactors
Although relays and contactors both operate in a similar manner—
establishing and interrupting an electric circuit—contactors have specific
uses that are essential to understand prior to purchasing. This white paper
will go through key operations for contactors used in industrial settings. - read more
An all-in-one DC UPS power solution
Altech’s CBI “all-in-one” UPS power solution offers a unique approach to backup power, combining several solution in just one device. It includes a power supply unit, a battery charger, a battery care module or a backup module. - read more
Battery Management: Altech’s Versatile Charging Solutions
Efficient, rechargeable and economical battery systems are needed in a wide variety of
industries. Uses can range from generator sets to transceiver base stations, from
onboard chargers for electric vehicles to water pumps. Proper recharging and
maintenance of these batteries requires an intelligent charging system that can vary the
charging voltage based on the state of charge and use of the battery. - read more
Push-In Terminals versus Other Types of Connections
The use of DIN-Rail Terminal blocks is widespread throughout every industry (Fig. 1). For everything from individual machines to complete systems and to multiple system factory interconnections, terminal blocks become an important component. - read more
Cylindrical Sensors, Cables, And Connectors
Industrial automation is changing daily in its operational requirements. This most often affects
companies on all levels and must be addressed component to component from the bottom up.
Sensors, cables, and connectors are a critical factor and must offer flexibility and robustness to
the user. - read more
All-in-One DC-UPS Backup
At the moment, your DC control system switches off once power is
dropped offline. It is only a power supply unit. The all-in-one DC-UPS
Backup system, available from Altech as the CBI Solution, provides
the standard backup module, but also includes a power supply
unit, battery charger, and battery care module—all of which can
be connected to a computer for off-site monitoring. Microprocessor
control is key to any new system’s capabilities. - read more
Alternative Solutions for Backup Power
What current options are
available for backup power
solutions?
Systems that require backup
power solutions usually have small
battery backups or generators. Small
backup systems traditionally rely on
batteries for energy storage while
larger systems may use generators
or more uncommon systems such as
flywheels, superconducting magnetic
energy storage, or fuel cells for larger
installations. - read more
Understanding and Using E-Stops
E-stops, or emergency stop
switches, are used to ensure machine
as well as personnel safety. They are
used to provide a consistent and
predictable failsafe response on a wide
range of electrical machinery and must
stop the machine without creating
additional hazards. The devices can be
highly specialized for emergency
shutdown of equipment and meet
workplace and machine safety
standards established by international
and U.S. regulatory commissions. - read more
Non-Metallic Enclosures Compared to Metallic Enclosures
What you want from your enclosure is long-term, productive
service. Knowing your application and the environment in
which it will be located will help, but understanding the
materials available will complete your research so that you
can make the right decision for your particular application. - read more
Non-Metallic Enclosures Offer Clear Benefits in Agriculture
Electrical and electronic cable, connectors and related subsystems need rugged enclosures for the harsh agricultural environment, where non-metallic enclosures offer distinctive benefits compared to conventional units. - read more
Problem Solution - Enclosure Materials Available for Rough Environments
Metal enclosures are often not the right product for highly tough environmental applications.
The same is true for most standard plastic cases. It might be time to consider specially designed
polycarbonate enclosures for your toughest installations. - read more
Altech's Solution to Fault Masking
How do you really know when there is a fault with your
machine? Is there any way a fault can be “masked” as
though it’s not really there, making your machine more
dangerous to personnel? The unfortunate answer to
this last question is yes, which leads to the need for a
solution, which is why we created this white paper. - read more
The Value Of Integrating Din Rail Cylindrical Fuse Holders Into Your Designs
What short circuit currents
do I have to consider when
purchasing a DIN rail
cylindrical fuse holder? That data is available from the manufacturer. For example, Altech cylindrical fuse
holders have been tested by UL and approved to 200kA short circuit interrupting
capacity. That is currently the highest capacity available on the market, so be
sure to check the specifications before you purchase. - read more
Polycarbonate Enclosures for Harsh and Unprotected Environments
What makes using a polycarbonate enclosure
safe for harsh environments? - Polycarbonate is a very durable material which offers high impact
resistance, low scratch resistance, and shatterproof safety to users.
The material also provides temperature, corrosion, UV, and weather
resistance for a wide variety of unprotected environments. - read more
Protect Equipment from Earth Leakage and Ground Faults
What is a ground fault and why
is it a concern?
A ground fault is when the current
leaving a power source and the power
returning, through the ground loop
(neutral wire), back to the power
source are different. This situation can
either cause a system failure due to the
overcurrent and/or an electrical safety
hazard for those working with the
equipment—because they become part
of the circuit. Other types of faults can
occur in a system, such as phase-tophase
faults, but it is widely accepted
that 98% of all electrical faults are
ground faults. - read more
Safeguarding machines with hard guards
Hard guarding is a common approach to protecting both the visible and invisible hazardous
areas of a machine. It can involve a variety of materials, including metal screening, or clear
plastic to allow visibility. The only limiting factor is that the material must be strong enough to
contain the impact from any debris or potential broken parts that could be ejected during the
manufacturing process. - read more
Understanding Terminal Blocks Used In Distributed Control Systems
Distributed control is an important part of any factory or
processing plant. Autonomous controllers, distributed
throughout a system, provide many control loops for
operations to take place, eliminating the bottleneck of
a single central supervisory control. With the multitude
of smart sensors and transducers, motors and encoders,
and a range of other devices, industries are being
forced to evolve so that control can be distributed
throughout a facility. Companies with multiple locations
are particularly interested in methods by which all the
facilities can work together. Interconnection, through
the use of specific terminal block technologies, between
elements of a distributed control system is necessary to
maintain a smooth operation. - read more
Safety for the Smart Factory
The new SRF (Safety RFID) is a non-contact safety sensor that monitors movable safety guards.
With the convergence of automation, wireless IoT and information technology, real-time data
can be downloaded at any point in the production process to an on-site control room, an offsite
data center or “the cloud.” The result has been an unprecedented level of manufacturing
flexibility and efficiency. Collectively, this phenomenon is being referred to under various labels,
including “smart factories,” the “fourth industrial revolution” or, simply, “Industry 4.0.” - read more
Non-contact Safety Sensors For The Smart Factory
Some of the greatest safety concerns come
from the simplest mistakes. Leaving a safety
guard open (such as a door, flap, or hood)
comes to mind immediately. Experienced
operators know this is an employee safety
issue that can also increase the chances
of a major shutdown—which is why safety
standards are in place in the first place. Neither
situation is acceptable. - read more
FAQ - DC Power Supplies For Mission Critical Automation Applications
What do you mean when
you say mission critical
applications aren’t all
power supply needs
critical? - Besides the fact that every piece of electronics equipment needs a solid power supply,
some machines like printers, scanners, copiers, and desktop computers don’t need the same
quality of DC power as automation devices such as plant floor equipment, robotics, edge
computing and sensor devices for the industrial internet of things, and other enterprise
resources where downtime and a loss of production can have a very heavy cost associated
with it. - read more
Automation Critical: Clean Reliable Power In A Compact Package
This white paper will discuss the critical state
of providing DC power to the ever expanding
needs of manufacturing automation,
including plant floor equipment, robotics, the
industrial internet of things (IIoT), and other
enterprise resources. - read more
The Difference Between Screw Clamp and Spring Clamp DIN Rail Terminal Blocks
Terminal blocks are a necessary part of almost every industry, supplying a way to hardwire
components, subsystems, and systems together. As a staple of the electrical and electronics
control systems used in a wide variety of applications, including utilities, automobile plants,
chemical plants, and all types of automation and manufacturing that requires hardwired
interconnection, the breadth of available products indicates how important application is to
secure the right terminal block components. - read more
M12 Connector Coding For Automation And Industry 4.0 Compliance
Connectors are critical in the ongoing operation of any kind of electronic or electrical apparatus. They are
found on every application imaginable and used to interconnect every type of sensor, control, and factory
management system out there. Overall, the M12 family of circular connectors have an important place in
this market. - read more
Safeguarding Machines with Hard Guards and Solenoid Locking Switches
What is the easiest way to protect a
dangerous area on my machine?
Hard guarding is a very common approach to providing protection for
both the visible and invisible hazardous areas of a machine. It can be
made with a variety of materials including metal screening or clear
plastic to allow visibility. The only limiting factor is that the material
must be strong enough to contain the impact from any debris that could
possibly be ejected during the manufacturing process or in the event of
the potential breakage of any internal components. Fixed hard guarding
is generally preferred due to its simplicity; however, since this prevents
access to the machinery for maintenance, repairs, adjustments or product
manipulation, other alternatives may need to be considered. - read more
Personnel safety made easy: Altech’s SMART Safety System
In the Industry 4.0 era of innovative technologies, connected technologies have the
potential to bolster employee safety on the factory floor. This “smart” capability enables
the manufacturer to gain new efficiencies and workplace effectiveness while making
production
operations more
responsive to a
modern
workplace. - read more
Specifying and Customizing Non-Metallic Industrial Enclosures
Q: I’m just starting my search for
an enclosure for my application.
Any suggestions?
A: Consider collecting and writing
down all your eventual needs and then
find a company that offers whatever
you require all in one place. This will
save additional time in researching
vendors to perform secondary tasks
such as providing custom printing
or milling custom openings in the
enclosure. But first, be sure to get the
enclosure that meets your specific
needs. Some companies offer an
enclosure finder on their website to
make narrowing your choices easier. - read more
New Pluggable Safety System Simplifies Installation, Improves Diagnostics And Safety
Instead of direct signaling voltage, this new system features pluggable connections using OSSD outputs to improve diagnostic communication, predictive maintenance, and safety. - read more
Basics of Industrial connectivity
Industrial connectivity includes any component
that is in the path of delivering power or control
signals to do useful work. Typical connectivity
components include connectors and terminal
blocks, motor starters and relays. - read more
Timers
Timers are a critical component for industrial automation applications as well as laboratory,
machine tool, and semiconductor manufacturing. They are a core part of every modern Control
& Automation system. Understanding your application and the types of operations you need to
do will go a long way in helping you to choose the right device. - read more
Selecting The Right Timer For Your Application
Timers are a critical component for industrial automation applications as well as laboratory, machine tool, and semiconductor manufacturing. They are a core part of every modern control and automation system. Understanding your application and the types of operations you need to do will go a long way in helping you to choose the right device. - read more
Top Tips - Why You Should Select RFID Non-Contact Safety Sensors Over Mechanical Components
Focus on solid-state operation.
Non-Contact Safety Sensors use RFID technology to generate a signal that determines if the sender and receiver are within range of each other—up to 13 mm. These devices are ideal for detecting if doors, gates, guards, or panels are properly closed, preventing access to dangerous areas of a machine or system. - read more
Ultra-Capacitor DC UPS: Your Best Choice to Ensure that Critical Information and Functions Remain Available When Supply Voltage Drops Out
Backup power systems are an integral part of installations as varied as data centers, wind turbine farms,
telecommunications networks and industrial plant operations—all of which rely on the continuous availability of power. - read more
Understanding The Benefits Of Din Enclosures
DIN enclosures are widely used in Europe and are growing in use in a broad variety of OEM
systems across the world. These enclosures can be customized and fabricated to customer
needs and specifications in OEM quantities. - read more
Machine Safety Backups With Communications
Machine safety rules and regulations are different at every location, including in other countries around the world. When protecting your machines, you are also protecting your production and throughput. There are many options for protection—the most valuable of which don’t just provide backup and shutdown, but also communicate effectively. - read more
Well-Made Electrical Enclosures Go the Distance for Harsh Environments
Although enclosures are often approached as a less important aspect of your electrical
and electronic system, these critical components can mean the difference between
long life and early failure if not selected properly—and this is especially true in
harsh environments. - read more
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