System simplifies motor starter wiring

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 13, 2007

Connecting motor starters with easyConnect SmartWire is very straightforward.

RS Components will be first to market in the UK with SmartWire, Moeller's innovative new "connect, don't wire" connection system for motor starters aimed at panel builders and OEMs in a wide range of industrial applications.

In order for motor starters to carry out their switching and protection tasks safely and reliably, they have to be interconnected with the motors, the controller and with each other.

Previously these connections involved extensive wiring.

However, with Moeller's SmartWire solution the requirements and costs for this are now considerably less.

Connecting motor starters with easyConnect SmartWire is very straightforward.

Moeller's xStart series motor starters are used as the basis for the solution.

The two components in this range, the motor contactor and the motor-protective circuit-breaker, are both connected with a contact module without any cables.

In order to make the starter SmartWire-compatible, the user simply plugs an additional SmartWire module onto the contactor.

This module provides two six-pole plug-in connections into which the pre-fabricated SmartWire connection cable is plugged.

The second plug-in connection can be used for looping to the next motor starter and so on.

The power supply for contactor control and for signalling the switch position of contactor and motor-protective circuit-breaker back to the PLC is now implemented entirely via the SmartWire connection and a gateway.

This provides the central power supply for the contactor control and the direct Fieldbus connection of the motor starters to easyNet, CANopen or Profibus.

Up to 16 SmartWire-enabled motor starters can be connected with a gateway.

The control circuit wiring and the input/output cards of the PLC can be replaced entirely with SmartWire.

Safety technology to IEC/EN 954-1, up to switch category 3 is also supported by SmartWire.

Safety circuits can thus be created in the usual way.

Savings in control wiring, however, are also achieved as the power supply of the control voltage is implemented centrally at the gateway.

A SmartWire power module enables several emergency-stop groups to be implemented on each gateway.

A power module is also required if the power consumption of the contactor coils on a SmartWire cable is exceeded.

SmartWire is designed for up to a maximum of 16 motor starters of up to 15kW.

I/O modules in the SmartWire range also enable users to connect up motor starters with ratings higher than 15kW, to monitor an NZM incoming circuit-breaker or to integrate components from other manufacturers into the system.

SmartWire can be introduced in stages without any problem.

All new SmartWire connectors are simply connected to the system with the same pre-assembled SmartWire cable.

The SmartWire system is therefore a powerful addition to the existing Moeller range.

Using SmartWire considerably simplifies the engineering of motor starters.

Only the main circuit connection to the motor has to be planned separately.

In future the control circuit wiring will be implemented in the PLC so that any wiring faults can be corrected at the PC monitor.

Any necessary rewiring can then be carried out remotely via a modem.

"easyConnect SmartWire is an intelligent wiring system that not only offers considerable savings in the wiring required, but also helps to prevent wiring faults and is fast and easy to set up", said Paul Bennett, Product Manager from Moeller.

Julian Wood, Market Development Manager, Process, Control and Automation group, RS Components commented: "SmartWire is a bridge between automation and the world of switching devices".

"RS is proud to be first to market in the UK with this innovative technology".

A Moeller brand portal has been created on the RS website that offers more information and demonstrations of some of the key products available from Moeller including SmartWire contactors and logic controllers.

Free samples of SmartWire and a 16-page brochure explaining the benefits of the technology are also available.