maxGUARD:
control voltage
distribution
made easy
Providing control voltage supplies to
field-mounted devices is a headache for
every panel builder, especially when the
overcurrent and short-circuit protection
are also needed.
Even in these days of fieldbus systems,
most control panels still need to deliver
control voltage supplies to numerous
field-mounted devices. The usual
solution is simply to provide a terminal
bar within the control panel and, if this is
well designed and implemented, using
versatile modern terminals like those in
Weidmüller’s Klippon® Connect range,
this is a perfectly satisfactory approach.
Things get more complicated, however,
when overcurrent and short-circuit
protection are needed, either on a
circuit-by-circuit basis or for groups
of circuits. Any number of protection
devices are available on the market but
often, these modules take up a lot of
space and their use often involves time-
consuming, additional wiring.
Weidmüller’s new maxGUARD system,
which has been developed specifically
for use with 24 V DC control supplies,
combines load monitoring and power
distribution in the same device.
In addition, Weidmüller has combined
the functions of power distribution
and circuit protection in remarkably
compact devices – for loads of up
to 6 A, for example, maxGUARD
modules are just 6.1 mm wide.
In typical control panels, 50%
less space is needed to provide
protected control voltage supplies
for field devices using maxGUARD
than would be needed with the
usual combination of terminals and
separate protection devices. Also,
wiring between the terminals and
the protection devices is no longer
needed, which significantly reduces
panel wiring time and costs.
64
PECM Issue 28
The maxGUARD range includes single-
channel modules with tamperproof
fixed overcurrent ratings from 1 A to
10 A, and types with user-adjustable
overcurrent settings up to 12 A. Four-
channel modules, with ratings up to 6 A
per channel, are also available.
maxGUARD load monitoring modules
provide instant visual confirmation of
status using a green/red LED indicator.
The range also includes an optional
alarm module that allows status
information to be sent direct to a PLC or
other control device.
For applications where several circuits
in the field need to be connected to the
same protected supply channel, and
to reduce wiring time to an absolute
minimum, the maxGUARD system
includes a comprehensive range of
cross-connectors, complemented
by terminal-only modules without
integral protection. Also available in
the range are power-feed modules to
accommodate the connections
between the control voltage
power supply and
the maxGUARD
system.
The maxGUARD system uses PUSH IN
technology for connections, ensuring
fast reliable wiring. The system has a
maximum overall current rating of 40 A
and can operate from -25 ºC to +55 ºC
without derating. Power feed modules
can accommodate cables up to 16 mm2,
and the electronic load monitoring
modules can accommodate cables up to
2.5 mm2.
You can see more information at
www.weidmuller.co.uk; alternatively
you can call on 0845 094 2006.