Potential Distribution with Push-in Connection: Space-saving and time-saving supply and distribution

Phoenix Contact

As automation becomes increasingly common, the number of sensors and actuators is also increasing – making potential distribution or collection more complex as a result. Assembly times can now be shortened considerably, thanks to the new concept of the PTFIX compact distribution blocks with push-in technology. Available in different numbers of positions and mounting types, the distribution blocks can be used straight away and extended as required.

Providing electrical energy and distributing it to consumers – this is the basic requirement for the electrical connection technology. What started with setting up electrical power grids for lighting systems and smaller electrical drives from the beginning of the 19th century, today is also a central topic for highly complex switch and controller systems. The connection technology was simple at that time – contacts were soldered or had screwed connections. Industrialization then caused a rapid evolution of the power grids with new possibilities for the distribution of electricity. The electrical connection technology has developed into the modular control cabinet wiring prevailing in industrial systems today. Electrical energy is no longer “just” distributed, it is also switched, controlled, converted and protected.

Triumphant march of the terminal block

Thanks to this evolution of the electrical connection technology, control cabinet and terminal box systems installed today can be much smaller and more modular. Flexibility, modularity and low space requirements are the main requirements for wiring components in industrial use. Increasingly optimized connection technologies – for example the direct plug-in spring technology – saves a lot of time while providing a high degree of electrical protection. Space requirements always play a large role because every centimeter in the control cabinet or in the connection box is a cost factor. In elevator manufacturing, machine building or building installations, the space for conventional components is often not available at all.

Moreover, in building installations, the components of the electrical connection technology must be specially qualified. For example, the insulation resistance for connector elements is determined by measurement in accordance with EN 60998-1 (connection material for low voltage electrical circuits for households and similar purposes). In addition, the tumbling barrel test in accordance with IEC 60068-2-32 is part of the standard-checking repertoire – it certifies that the test objects have a high mechanical robustness.

The specific size and function requirements of special applications can now also be satisfied by modern terminal blocks. Phoenix Contact provides the worldwide largest product range of mini- and micro-terminal blocks with a large multi-functional accessory system. Even for the smallest terminal blocks with their ingenious accessories and their easy installation, the user still needs time for installing the DIN rail or for connecting the terminal blocks.

Potential distributor blocks save space and effort required for making configurations

Because at least every second terminal block is bridged, even pluggable bridging solutions require a considerable amount of time for configuring the terminal strip. Moreover, the number of configured connections underlines the important role that the potential distribution plays in the connection technology. Phoenix Contact is therefore introducing a new product range at the Hannover Messe in 2017 that simplifies the distribution of electrical energy significantly. The PTFIX product range is not associated with the terminal blocks, but rather with the category of distribution blocks, as it is significantly different to the standard modular terminal block system. The distribution blocks are available in three variants with six, 12 and 18 connections each connected internally. The nominal cross sections are between 1.5 mm² and 2.5 mm², additional placing of bridges is unnecessary. The bridges with 2.5 mm² taps are also available as a variant with a power supply connection – a so-called feed-in contact. It has the same height as the 2.5 mm² tap, which itself is already quite small.

One of the biggest advantages of PTFIX lies in the fact that all connections in the now well-established push-in technology are available. The products can therefore be wired directly and quickly without tools – for solid and stranded conductors with ferrule from as small as 0.34 mm². The compact blocks of the product range PTFIX can be wired directly – right out of the box. This allows you to set up the electrical voltage distribution in a matter of seconds.

There are different solutions for attaching the distribution blocks in the particular application and these include preconfigured mounting feet for DIN rail TH 15 and TH 35. The large rail can be mounted horizontally and vertically. The mounting feet can be easily and flexibly pushed on the specially structured bottom area of the PTFIX blocks where they lock in various ways. This allows the user to install their system exactly as they like. The options for mechanically connecting the blocks to each other in a lengthwise direction is also helpful – robust “dovetailing” is not detachable. In addition, a snap-on foot does not have to be attached to every block but only every second one. This connection is helpful even when surface mounting is done with a flange. If both nominal cross sections have a flange, then this is alignable side by side for the 2.5 mm² blocks even on both sides.

High flexibility thanks to bonding

In addition to attaching PTFIX to the DIN rail and to the surface using a flange, it can also be secured with adhesive. The adhesive adapts to the bonding surface well and adheres immediately. This also helps the user to save much time and gain additional flexibility. If a control cabinet or terminal box is to be expanded, you do not have to search for a space for the DIN rail – PTFIX is simply bonded to the wall when wiring.

The marking can be made in the middle of the block using self-adhesive strips. For this, there is material off the roll that can be printed on a small local printer or obtained in marked strips that are ready for use. As a special feature, the self-contained PTFIX blocks can be connected using the standard reducing bridges with the well-established terminal block system Clipline complete. Feeding-in even larger cross-sections as well as protection with upstream fuse terminal blocks is easy.

Watch Phoenix Contact’s Ready-to-connect distribution blocks video HERE

 

 

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Andreas Sobotta to Assume Role of Vice President North and South America for Pilz Automation

    Pilz Automation Safety Canada L.P. announces that their long-term CEO and GM, Andreas Sobotta, will assume the role of Vice President North and South America, effective immediately. He will still work from the Canadian office in Mississauga and visit all other subsidiaries in North and South America. Pilz will take their time to find a… Read More…

  • SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    SEW-Eurodrive: MAXOLUTION System Solutions

    Whether in production or logistics operations, MAXOLUTION is synonymous with innovation in factory automation – across all industries and worldwide – helping you achieve your vision of an adaptable and resilient lean smart factory. Under the MAXOLUTION brand, SEW-EURODRIVE creates customized solutions for cutting-edge materials handling technology – from the shop floor through to IT.… Read More…


Sponsored Content
The Easy Way to the Industrial IoT

The way to the Industrial IoT does not have to be complicated. Whether access to valuable data is required or new, data-driven services are to be generated, Weidmuller enables its customers to go from data to value the easy way. Weidmuller’s comprehensive and cutting-edge IIoT portfolio applies to greenfield and brownfield applications. Weidmuller offers components and solutions from data acquisition, data pre-processing, data communication and data analysis.

Visit Weidmuller’s Industrial IoT Portfolio.


ADVANCED Motion Controls Takes Servo Drives to New Heights (and Depths) with FlexPro Extended Environment Product Line

Advanced Motion Controls is proud to announce the addition of six new CANopen servo drives with Extended Environment capabilities to their FlexPro line. These new drives join AMC’s existing EtherCAT Extended Environment FlexPro drives, making the FlexPro line the go-to solution for motion control applications in harsh environments.

Many motion control applications take place in conditions that are less than ideal, such as extreme temperatures, high and low pressures, shocks and vibrations, and contamination. Electronics, including servo drives, can malfunction or sustain permanent damage in these conditions.

Read More


Service Wire Co. Announces New Titles for Key Executives

Bruce Kesler and Mark Gatewood have been given new titles and responsibilities for Service Wire Co.

Bruce Kesler has assumed the role of Senior Director – Business Development. Bruce will be responsible for Service Wire’s largest strategic accounts and our growing Strategic Accounts Team.

Mark Gatewood has been promoted to the role of Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, Gatewood will lead the efforts of Service Wire Company’s entire sales and marketing organization in all market verticals.

Read More


Tri-Mach Announces the Purchase of an Additional 45,000 sq ft. Facility

Tri-Mach Elmira Facility

Recently, Tri-Mach Inc. was thrilled to announce the addition of a new 45,000 sq ft. facility. Located at 285 Union St., Elmira, ON, this facility expands Tri-Mach’s capabilities, allowing them to better serve the growing needs of their customers.

Positioning for growth, this additional facility will allow Tri-Mach to continue taking on large-scale projects, enhance product performance testing, and provide equipment storage for their customers. The building will also be the new home to their Skilled Trades Centre of Excellence.

Read More


JMP Parent Company, CONVERGIX Acquires AGR Automation, Expanding Global Reach

Convergix Automation Solutions has completed the acquisition of AGR Automation (“AGR”), a UK-based provider of custom, high-performance automation design and systems integration primarily to the life sciences industry.

Following Convergix’s acquisitions of JMP Solutions in August 2021 and Classic Design in February 2022, AGR marks the third investment in Crestview’s strategy to build Convergix into a diversified automation solutions provider targeting the global $500+ billion market, with a particular focus on the $70 billion global systems integration and connectivity segments. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Read More


Latest Articles

  • Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    Making the Sustainable Transformation of the Process Industry a Success

    By Krystie Johnston and Dr. Manfred Jagiella – Sustainability facilitates opportunity when approached with a mindset to preserve resources and promote circularity. We share one Earth, and it is our global responsibility to care for it for the next generation. Endress+Hauser is one global company that understands this responsibility – and practices it as well.… Read More…

  • Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Why NOARK’s 12VDC Shunt Trip Coils for MCCBs Make Power Systems Reliable and Safer

    Circuit breakers are an essential component of any modern electrical system. Designed to protect your home or business from potential overloads or short circuits, these devices are your first line of defense against electrical fires. There are, however, situations where remote tripping of the circuit breaker may be required. It could be for operational reasons,… Read More…