Glossary

Displays operational current

A burst fire process generates pulses of power at specific times. The “waves” that are created by this are the signals which switch the system ON / OFF

A closed-loop system monitors the actual output vs the desired output. If there is any difference between these two variances, an error will occur and the system will correct itself to be back in line with the desired output.

A contactor is an electromagnetic switch used in an electrical power circuit

The current transformer measures the flowing current which can then be displayed using a meter

The earth leakage device interrupts the circuit if a leakage of current to ground/earth is detected

This device measures the fault current to earth

Used in conjunction with the earth leakage CT and circuit breaker to detect and trip in the event of an earth fault

Ex d equipment is explosion proof. It is designed to withstand an explosion in the event of a fault internally. Being robust in design will prevent the propogation of flames to the ambient gases.

Ex e equipment are products with increased safety and the hazardous area is protected by design. The protection afforded by the enclosure is limited to ingress protection.  The product’s design prevents arcing, sparking and hot spots from occurring.

This enables you to reset the control panel and restart your processes. The Fault Reset button will only be enabled once the fault has been restored.

This can be used instead of an isolator to switch your system ON / OFF and to offer short circuit protection in one device.

Used in intrisic safe circuits to limit the energy to the device in the field. By limiting the energy it will prevent a spark from occurring.

Hazardous areas are places on industrial sites where a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere may exist. The flammable substance is usually a gas, vapour or dust.

IEC 61439 is the international standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies.

The isolator separates certain parts of the system, thereby creating an ON / OFF function.

Less than 1000 volts with a risk of electric shock.

A miniature circuit breaker is similar to a fuse. They can open a circuit by switching to the OFF position and provide automatic circuit protection.

A motor control center (MCC) is a combination of multiple enclosed sections with a common power busbar.

This device displays the amps and voltage.

An open loop system only monitors the actual output, and does not analyse the actual output vs desired output.

These are the field connections.

Digital computer for controlling outputs based on applying a control logic to the inputs. Commonly used for manufacturing sequence control or implementing control logic to a mechanised process such as robotics or electric heaters.

Temperature inticating controller using PID algorithm to determine the required setpoint against a measured process parameter.

A switch that is controlled by a separate low power circuit. Smaller than a contactor.

Sensors inside a control panel that measure physical quantity in its environment, for example temperature, voltage or current.

This device switches ON / OFF when a small external voltage is applied across the control terminals.

The temperature controller has an alarm point function. It can either increase or decrease the output, depending on the settings.

Typically a bimettalic or wax bulb switch that operates at a predetermined temperature. Can be made to be adjustable.

Thyristors are solid-state semiconductors. They have four layers of alternating N and P-type materials (a P-N-P-N structure). Thyristors conduct electric current and control the power circuit.

A thyristor trigger varies the output of the thyristor.

This device converts voltage, for example 690V to 230V or 380V to 115V

The transmitter is a signal converter, typically used to convert mV or Ohms to an mA output.

The trip amplifier converts an Analog signal to a Digital output.

The voltmeter reads and displays operational voltage.