Busbar mounting system speeds panel building

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 4, 2002

Rockwell reckons the Allen-Bradley 141A busbar system represents a major leap forward in the design of plug-in mounting systems for starters and circuit breakers.

Traditional control panels are large grey units taking up vast space in factories and other industrial sites.

How much better it would be if they were smaller, cheaper, modular and offered more features to the user such as flexibility, ease of operation and simple maintenance.

Now, a truly innovative new busbar mounting system from Rockwell Automation complements and enhances the Allen-Bradley MCS range of components, allowing users to get maximum benefit from them.

The Allen-Bradley 141A represents a major leap forward in the design of plug-in mounting systems for starters and circuit breakers.

Traditionally, manufacturers of busbar systems do not make components and vice versa.

Now Rockwell Automation has drawn on its vast experience with panel builders, OEMs and end users to make a complete system.

Along with all the other benefits, this makes for much easier type testing when compared to traditional bus bars where the manufacturer has no idea of what will eventually be installed.

Offering increased value for the user it brings the high levels of functionality more normally associated with the petrochemical industry to "everyday" manufacturing.

Starters that previously had to be mounted in separate isolated cubicles can now be packed tightly together.

The effect on the size of the overall panel is nothing less than dramatic.

Quick and easy to assemble, the 141A modules are simply plugged onto 60mm centre spaced busbars.

Suitable for horizontal or vertical mounting, there are no holes to be drilled or screwed connections to be made.

As well as direct-on-line, reversing and star-delta starters, the 141A system will accommodate Allen-Bradley SMC soft starters and PowerFlex AC Drives to provide maximum versatility for the panel builder and user.

Distribution and subdistribution is provided using MCCBs and/or MCBs.

The modules have the option of connecting to the control circuit with quick disconnect connectors.

These are normally top mounted to keep the control cabling separate from the motor cabling on the output side.

The result is a clean and EMC-favourable layout.

Systems with standard and Iso modules conform to the factory built assembly of Form 2b in accordance with IEC/EN 60439, ie the busbar area is separate from the functional units and outgoing connections.

With the Iso modules, the busbars remain covered and safe-to-touch, even if the load feeders are removed.

When the 141A system is used with the Allen-Bradley140M and 140-CMN current limiting circuit breakers, no verification of short-circuit withstand is required.

All starter components are type tested according to BS/EN60947 providing a partially type-tested switchgear and control-gear assembly in compliance with BS/EN60439.

This means there is no expensive testing required for the panel builder and the customer is assured that their system complies with the latest European standards.

The 141A mounting system is also suitable for use with conventional or intelligent motor control panels.

With a DeviceNet network, the user has access to diagnostics and faultfinding information from the plant floor.

The interconnecting wiring within the panel is also significantly reduced, cutting installation time and saving space.

With the introduction of the Allen-Bradley 141A Mounting System, the user benefits from enhanced functionality, much smaller size, easier maintenance and lower cost.

Panel builders and OEMs enjoy reduced build costs and increased throughput.

These major benefits are set to make it the first choice for motor control solutions everywhere.