IDC technology is designed to save up to 60% of installation time and can be terminated with no special tools or stripping of the conductors. You should look for connections between the contact and the wire to be gas-tight. This ensures a reliable solution over time in harsh environments. The contact should have good corrosion resistance, so look for a metal body that is plated copper alloy. The IDC contact should be manufactured in a shock-proof housing to prevent electrical shock or shorting. It should be designed to industry standard pin spacing and be capable of withstanding industrial currents and voltages.
...Most chemical plant applications involve hazardous atmospheres, where termination points and junction boxes must be installed in explosion-proof enclosures to ensure safety. According to NEC 2002 [505.8 (F)], termination devices that are rated increased safety [UL 2279, pt.7, FM 3600 (ISA 12.16.01)] can be installed in the hazardous location (Class I, Zone 1), in appropriate increased safety enclosures, saving significant cost and labor over explosion-proof devices.
Davis Mathews, Product Manager
Phoenix Contact, www.phoenixcon.com
Resist Degradation
Rockwell Automation recently launched its line of IDC terminal blocks. While we cannot speak first-hand of application experience, there should be nothing inherently different in an IDC connection from a spring clamp connection relative to environmental issues.
Our IDC connection has a lower possibility of degradation because of the constant spring force exerted on the terminated wire. This is accomplished through a compressed stainless steel spring that surrounds the insulation cutting blade. We believe this provides the most secure connection.
Available for implementations worldwide, IDC terminal blocks have received UL recognition as well as CSA, IEC, and CE certification.
Keith Cumiskey, Product Manager
Rockwell Automation, www.rockwellautomation.com
Aprils Problem
What DAQ System Should We Use?
We are adding instrumentation to a number of pieces of standalone equipment. Recorders, programmable digital multimeters, and PCs with DAQ cards have been proposed. How should we decide? What are the fundamental differences in the capabilities of these types of systems? Are there other approaches we should consider?
Please send us your comments, suggestions, or solutions to this problem. Solutions will be published in our April issue, but we need your responses by March 7 to meet our editorial production deadlines. If you have a solution to this problem, or a problem of your own that you would like to pose to other colleagues, mail, fax, or e-mail it to CONTROL Problem Solving Ideas, 555 W. Pierce Rd., Suite 301, Itasca, IL 60143; Fax 630/467-1124; e-mail [email protected]