EtherNet/IP network added to motor control centers
Allen-Bradley NEMA and IEC Centerline low-voltage motor control centers provide seamless information exchange between plant floor devices and business-level systems to increase productivity and improve worker safety.
Rockwell Automation added EtherNet/IP to its Centerline motor control centers (MCCs). With the features of an integrated EtherNet/IP network, manufacturers now have access to production information throughout the enterprise and can take advantage of simplified device programming with Premier Integration.
Leveraging one, standard network simplifies communication for the enterprise and provides users with the flexibility to control, configure and collect data from any point in the system, Rockwell Automation said. In addition, by taking advantage of Premier Integration, users can configure and commission their MCC faster with RSLogix 5000 software, helping to eliminate errors associated with redundant programming.
Furthermore, the Ethernet connection allows Centerline MCC users to access information remotely. This allows personnel to safely monitor, troubleshoot and diagnose the MCC without exposing them to potentially dangerous conditions and power equipment. Knowing how a motor control center is performing from anywhere also saves time by minimizing the need for maintenance personnel to enter the motor control center. This reportedly saves time associated with suiting up with personal protective equipment and helps protect personnel from exposure to hazardous conditions.
Designed to meet global standards, Centerline low-voltage MCCs offer a rugged, high-performance packaging solution to meet all of a manufacturer’s motor control needs. With embedded IntelliCenter technology, Centerline MCCs use a pre-configured and pre-tested network with integrated hardware and software. This level of integration helps reduce installation time with its plug-and-play set-up, and can help minimize facility downtime by quickly providing intelligent diagnostic and predictive failure information.
Rockwell Automation Inc.
- Edited by Amanda McLeman, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com
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