News

Phoenix Contact Launches New Program and Switches to Promote Safety in Control Operations

June 21, 2021 by Nancy Chenyizhi Liu

Phoenix Contact introduced the clipx WIRE assist worker assistance system for wire preparation, and the new FL Switch 2600 and 2700 device versions with IP65/IP66/IP67 degrees of protection.

The clipx WIRE assist worker assistance system from Phoenix Contact is designed to help control engineers save time on specific tasks, particularly in wire processing and preparation. 

Extending the range of the FL Switch 2000 product family, Phoenix Contact launched the 2600 and 2700 Managed Switches. They are designed to integrate distributed sensors, cameras, actuators, and I/O stations into any network. 

 

Phoenix Contact’s Clipx WIRE Assist Worker Assistance Program

Industrial control cabinet building nowadays still requires a high proportion of manual work steps, which account for more than 50% of an engineer’s time. The worker assistance systems aim to increase productivity and process reliability.

The clipx WIRE assist worker assistance system a software-supported workstation for semi-automated conductor pre-processing and writing, output devices controlling, and data transfer from CAE programs.

 

The clipx WIRE assist worker assistance system. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact

 

The workbench design of this system helps users arrange their workstations as desired. It aims to increase efficiency by providing longer reaching distance, electrically adjustable height, flexible hand, automatic tools, and printing systems positioning. 

 

Worker Assistance System Improve Process Reliability

For the software-supported preparation process, the relevant wiring information is exported from standard computer-aided engineering (CAE)  programs and transferred into the clipx WIRE assist system. It’s also integrated with an editor function allowing manual data compliance. 

The clipx WIRE assist software can assist in the automated wire finishing process, based on the imported data. Meanwhile, the operators can directly control the devices in the system and get the necessary processing and wiring information through the monitor, displayed in an easy-to-follow format.

In addition, this worker assistance system features mobile use with various application options, customized ergonomics for the application, customized configuration, and modular arrangement of accessories. 
 

IP67 Degree of Protection

IP Code is short for Ingress Protection Code. It is defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), so it’s colloquially referred to International Protection Code. This rating system classifies the degree of protection against hazards to electronic or mechanical devices, including liquid ingress, solid object intrusion, and accidental contact. 

The symbols that follow IP indicate the level of protection, and IP 67 is one of the highest levels in the IP rating. The first digit shows the solid protection level, including sand, dust, workers’ hands, or tools. The second digit is for the liquid intrusion protection level. For IP 67, the “6” means complete resistance from solid objects entering the devices, and the “7” indicates the device can be submerged up to one meter deep of freshwater for 30 minutes. 

 

Phoenix Contact Introduced the New IP67 Managed Switches

Phoenix Contact’s series 2000 managed switches are useful for automation applications. The new 2600 and 2700 versions are designed with IP65/IP66/IP67 degrees of protection, M12 connection technology, and compact field installation. 

 

The new IP67 Managed Switches of the FL SWITCH 2000 series. Image used courtesy of Phoenix Contact

 

All the functions of other FL SWITCH 2000 products are available in the new managed switches. The 2600 and 2700 IP67 switches also feature metal housing. This 60 mm housing width design offers more mounting options, M12 screw connection and push-pull technology, installation with redundant power input/power output concept, and a wider range of configuration options such as via mode button, SD card, or Ethernet networks.