AB Fair 2004: Leviton expands automation solutions

Orlando, FL— Leviton Manufacturing Co. has expanded its products that are part of Rockwell Automation’s Encompass program to include surge protection and wiring device products, and is exhibiting them at Allen-Bradley Automation Fair 2004 , Sept. 27-28, at the Orange County Convention Center.

The company’s Encompass offering originally included modules for PLC communication data networks, rack-mount, panel-mount and wired-in devices for power quality applications, and pin and sleeve and mechanical interlock devices for connectivity. This offering has been significantly expanded to include surge panels, plugs, connectors, and receptacles.

Leviton’s new Encompass-referenced products are 74000 and 75000 Series Surge Panels designed for facilities with three-phase WYE-configured (four-wire+ground) systems, in which surge protection for all seven modes in the ac distribution network is required. These units offer real-time diagnostics for each mode, plus advanced monitoring capabilities that record the time, date and magnitude of each surge event, which can be easily downloaded via an RS-232 connection.

The panels provide a high rating for maximum single-pulse surge current per phase: 400kA for 74000 devices, and 640kA for 75000 devices. This ensures heavy-duty protection at service entrances, distribution and branch circuits, and computer room load centers, or at dedicated feeds to selected equipment. Their modular design eases installation by allowing enclosures to be mounted prior to inner assembly, and also permits easy replacement of modules in installed panels.

In addition, Leviton’s Black and White locking plugs and connectors are available in 15, 20 and 30 A versions with ratings of 125 V to 600 V, in 2-pole, 3-wire through 4-pole, 5-wire configurations, including 40 NEMA and 19 Non-NEMA configurations to meet virtually any connection requirement. These devices feature heavy-duty nylon construction, and are UL listed to Federal Specification WC-596. Plugs have solid brass blades and connectors have one-piece brass contacts. Power Light versions provide power indication status with a green light that glows when the device is energized.

Also, Leviton’s UL 94 flammability-rated V-0-Max receptacles feature a uni-body front face made of an insulating nylon copolymer material that is impact-, chemical-, and arc-resistant. They feature a color-coded voltage ID ring and a nickel-plated brass strap for superior corrosion resistance. These receptacles have undergone extensive laboratory testing to ensure safety and reliability of operation across a wide range of electrical equipment. Locking versions are available in standard and isolated ground 20 Amp and 30 Amp, 2-pole, 3-wire and 3-pole, 4-wire grounding versions.

V-0-Max devices are ideal for industrial automation environments, where extra-secure connections for machinery, pumps, power tools and test devices are necessary. Isolated ground versions are the ideal choice for electronic equipment requiring low ground interference and for critical computer and data communications loads, where connections require a V-0 flammability rating. All V-0-Max devices meet the requirements for Federal Specification WC-596; where applicable, have a UL 94 V-0 flammability rating; and are UL listed and CSA and NOM certified.

Meanwhile, Leviton’s Mini Lock midget plugs, connecting receptacles, and outlets are available in 15 Amp, 125 V through 250 V versions in 2-pole, 3-wire and 3-pole, 3-wire configurations. They offer a smaller geometry for limited-space applications. They feature heavy-duty nylon construction for outstanding resistance to cracking and breaking, ensuring top performance and reliability in industrial automation environments.

In addition, Wetguard watertight plugs, connectors and receptacles are designed for harsh, mission-critical, wet or damp conditions common in many industrial environments. Products are offered in 15, 20, and 30 Amp, 125 V ac through 347/600 V ac 3ØY configurations. They are UL listed and CSA certified for the environmental ratings of NEMA Type 4, 4x, 6 and 6P in accordance with enclosure ratings of UL50 and CSA Spec 94, and comply with the IP 66 and 67 ratings of IEC 529.

All Wetguard devices feature an innovative strain relief system with an engineered toothed-grip cord-compression ring sealer for maximum strain protection with no damage to cord in-sulation. This seal is designed for use with 18-3 SO to 8-5 STO cords (.375-1.125 OD). Wetguard’s critical body parts are made of EPTR thermoplastic “rubber,” and resist fluids, such as acids, alkalies, grease, oils and solvents. EPTR also exhibits excellent UV stability and a wide temperature tolerance range. “Tongue and groove” construction is designed to effectively seal out contaminants. Metal parts on the devices have electroless nickel-plating for added corrosion-resistance. Non-magnetic stainless steel assembly screws prevent electro-magnetic interference with electronic equipment. Extra-rugged wiring modules include brass triple-wipe, one-piece contacts for maximum conductivity. Combination Phillips/straight slotted terminal screws assure fast and secure wire termination. Wetguard devices are available in high-visibility yellow and black (for selected configurations).

Also, Leviton’s DIN-rail mountable receptacles are designed for equipment cabinets, where convenient equipment plug-in is desired for 120 V single-phase ac power applications. In addition to standard duplex receptacle models, surge protective and GFCI models are available to meet power quality and personnel protection needs. Surge versions provide MOV-based normal mode and common mode L-N, L-G and N-G protection. These models feature a green LED and audible alarm to signal when protection is lost (LED goes off). The alarm can be bypassed with an integral disable switch. GFCI models feature Leviton’s patented SmartLock lockout technology. In the event ground fault protection is compromised, the GFCI lockout-action prevents reset. This offers an extra measure of safety for users. SmartLock GFCI also provides a diagnostic indication of line/load miswiring, greater surge immunity, improved criteria for corrosion-resistance and higher standards for false tripping from electrical power line “noise” as required by UL’s revised GFCI standards.

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editorjmontague@reedbusiness.com

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