In Detail

• The years pass by, the functions remain

Efficient implementation of Life Cycle Management directives

Initial situation

The pure life cycle of a product stretches from its product launch up to its discontinuation. Once put into use, products outlive their own life cycle, sometimes by decades, until they are finally disposed of. How can it be ensured that, if a product is exchanged, the availability of the whole system is maintained throughout this period of time? How do the installed functions endure?

Solution

Weidmüller is meeting this challenge by integrating Life Cycle Management directives as a part of its product development. As a partner for its customers, it is natural for Weidmüller to look at the end of the plant or system life cycle, rather than to the end of the useful life for its products.

An efficient Life Cycle Management has high relevance for automation systems

Initial situation

In process systems, mechanisms are installed that can help to prevent an explosion being caused by chemical reactions. Completely turning off the system parts would therefore be fatal. For this reason it is important that a reliable power supply is in place to ensure the continued functionality of processes.

Solution

Weidmüller offers a tailored solution that delivers plant engineers with twice the level of safety.

The power supply device, ACT20-FEED-IN, supplies up to 120 devices that are mounted on the CH20 mounting rail

What is the significance of shielding and earthing to functional earthing? Weidmüller gives you the answers.

Initial situation

Functional earthing is basically equipotential bonding; this is the discharge of coupled transient currents that build up on screens, or a FE function in device parts for people with non-dangerous voltages.

Solution

For systems where there is a requirement to show the distinction between protective and functional earthing, Weidmüller offers white PE (FE) terminal blocks in its W-series (with screw connections) and Z-series (tension clamp connections). These terminals are easily identified through their colouring and marking, showing that the circuits are exclusively there to functionally protect the electrical systems that are connected.

Application example: Shielding via functional earthing