Thank Routeco It's (Almost) Friday!

Plans for the weekend?

The Bank Holiday weekend is here! (Woohoo I hear you cry!) I have an action packed weekend planned to make the most of my extra days off…with nights out, family get-togethers and catching up with my friends.

The bank holidays seems to cause a frenzy in our house, there is a panic of how much we have to pack into these extra days. The normal weekend tasks of the food shopping, cleaning, washing the cars etc seem to go out the window, and out comes this need to throw away half my clothes, re-arrange my room, or decide to suddenly take up a new hobby (they never last). So this one is going to be different with some good old chin wagging and relaxing.

What do you have planned for this bank holiday weekend? Will you be playing the part of the Easter Bunny?  Do you have any funny bank holiday stories? Let me know!
It is competition time…! Spot the 10 differences and email either the list or your circled pictures to helen.chick@routeco.com - your entry will be put into the draw to win an Easter Egg! The winner will be announced in next week's TRIF blog!

Good luck!

Helen

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guardlocking Switches from Guardmaster

The Allen-Bradley Guardmaster TLS-ZR GD2 and TLS-ZL GD2 Guardlocking Switches from Rockwell Automation - built using the same solid-state technology as the TLS-GD2 - are certified to the highest level of safety. Performance level "e" (PLe) to En ISO 13849-1.

The TLS-ZR GD2 is a power-to-release unit and the TLS-ZL GD2 a power-to-lock unit. Mechanically these new switches are identical to the existing TLS-GD2 family, with the exception of an additional RFID door target, which is mounted close coupled with the supplied fully-flexible actuator.

In the event of a broken or missing actuator key the microprocessor will shut down the OSSD safety outputs, due to the RFID door target being uniquely coded. It is this extra functionality that provides performance level "e" to EN/ISO 13849-1.

Key features:

• TLS-Z GD2 units have an ingress protection rating of IP69K making them suitable for harsh wash down applications
• Wiring is simplified thanks to an M12 8-Pin Quick Disconnect
• Can be retrofitted in place of existing units; making them a cost-effective solution for upgrading to PLe which is the highest performance level

The new switches also offer solid-state contacts. Two safety PNP outputs and one auxiliary PNP output are substituted for traditional electromechanical contacts. These solid-state contacts can be connected in series with other devices such as Light Curtains, E-stops and SensaGuard switches.

A variety of accessories are available for the switches including spare RFID door targets, emergency override keys 1 and 3m flexible release cables and dust covers. The units can also take advantage of a variety of connection solutions, plugs, ports and distribution boxes, to suit particular applications.

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Childhood memories...

I have been thinking about what television I used to watch when I was little and started reminiscing with my friends the other day. I used to sit and watch the “Watch with Mother” videos with my sister, which led to me being introduced to: The Shoe People (The Ballet Shoe was my favourite), Super Ted and Fireman Sam.

Here at Routeco we have a complete range of ages, so everyone remembers different children’s programmes being on when they were a kid, as well as when they had children of their own. Here are a few of the most popular shows amongst staff, how many do you recognise?

Got a favourite childhood television programme? Let me know, I would love to hear about them!

See you next Friday!

Helen

eFive from eWON - the new centralised remote management solution

eWON introduces eFive, its new centralised remote management solution, compatible with industrial PLCs and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition-Supervision) software. Infrastructure managers can use it to connect their remote sites to a SCADA via a centralising VPN server.

Remote management systems are used to process a large number of measurements in real time, and to control technical installations remotely. eFive allows infrastructure managers to have permanent secure connections (VPN) between the SCADA and the remote sites.

eFive opens up new and interesting prospects for all PLC and SCADA integrators working on remote management projects. eWON solutions provide incorporate communication protocols based on open standards such as Modbus TCP. The connection is easy to set up, irrespective of the brand of SCADA or controller - this can also lead to a financial advantage.

With eFive, eWON is satisfying a different type of need: continuous real-time connections with remote installations and sites.

eFive

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

National Engineering Week 2013

It is National Engineering Week, running until the 24th March 2013, which includes 10 days of activities going on across the UK.

This year the focus is on invention and discovery, to remind us just how important engineering and science are to our lives. It is hoped that this week will help to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists, as well as celebrating the work of both past and present engineers and scientists.

You can get involved and go along to one of the events which are being held. You can find out which event will be taking place near you here.

We would love to hear your stories of how you got into engineering!

Thank Routeco It's Friday! (TRIF)

Let’s Do Something Funny For Money!!

Hello! Welcome to the Thank Routeco It’s Friday (TRIF) blog! We will be posting an action packed, fun filled blog every Friday for you to enjoy, comment, discuss and share! Get involved and leave us your thoughts, comments, pictures and if you have any funny videos I would love to see them!

So grab a cuppa and a few chocolate biscuits (I promise not to tell) and enjoy…!

It is that time of the year again to dig deep and give generously for Comic Relief!

I have to admit that I love a good laugh at the comedians and the sketches on Comic Relief night whilst huddled up with some popcorn and the cat. My emotions run high as I go from crying with laughter, to crying with sadness at the inspirational stories of people in need.

Here are two of my personal highlights of past Red Nose Day events!

 

At Routeco we are all getting into the spirit of doing our bit for charity, which can only mean one thing….

…wearing our red noses with toes!
 

A massive thank you to everyone who got involved!

So please let me know what you are doing for Comic Relief – I want to see your cake sales, hair shaving, leg waxing (ouch) and your red noses!

Have a fab weekend!

Helen

Appyness! The Rittal RiTherm App is now available!

The Rittal RiTherm App is now available for iPhone and Android smartphones. This allows Enclosure climate control calculations to be carried out - on the move.

Guiding the user through the usually time-consuming process of calculating climate control requirements for individual enclosure assemblies, Rittal RiTerm app uses an intuitive interface for the input of enclosure details and design parameters. Suitable cooling and heating equipment can be selected quickly and easily using typical smartphone controls.

For project-planning your optimum climate control solution in 5 easy steps:

• Project title (reference line for e-mail)
• Parameter
• Enclosure
• Selection
• Recommendation

With its fast selection feature, the app provides a compact variant of the full software version "Therm 6.2". The result can be sent quickly and easily as an e-mail.
Get the app here

The Expansion of Finder's Solid State Relay

Finder now offer eight new versions of the 77 Series "single pole" solid state relays, with a 30A current rating to complement the existing 5A models.

With distinct models for zero-voltage and instantaneous switch-on, the former is particularly suited for lighting control where zero-voltage switching can significantly reduce high inrush currents. Instantaneous switch-on provides near instant switching for high speed operation and simultaneous switching in multi-phase circuits, such as three phase motors.

Ideal for the control of heating, solenoids and motors, as well as the switching of lighting where power factor compensation and electronic ballasts have historically been problematic - the high inrush current capability of 520A ensures reliability over a long life in a wide range of applications.

In 22.5mm housing incorporating the heat sink and designed for 35mm rail mounting, the relays are ideal for use in control panels and cabinets in industrial and commercial applications.

Capable of switching single phase motors up to 2.5kW or lamp loads up to 6000W, and with the benefit of silent, high speed switching, they lend themselves to use in a host of environments. Input voltages of 230Cav and 24Vdc.

Data Sheet

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Explosion protected floodlights withstand Arctic conditions

Cooper Crouse-Hinds has launched a robust range of explosion protected Ex-floodlights for high pressure sodium and halide discharge lamps installed in extreme environments with ambient temperatures from -55C to +55C.

The FLT 10 series of Ex-floodlights from Cooper Crouse-Hinds is based on the company's proven PX 04 series of Ex-floodlights, but has a redesigned flameproof enclosure that extends the permissible ambient temperature range down to -55C. The FLT 10 is suitable for Zone 1 and 21 hazardous gas environments, as well as Zones 2 and 22 hazardous dust environments in accordance with European ATEX Directive 94/4/EC. The floodlights are protected to IP66 and are suitable for illuminating large areas or objects within a wide range of harsh industrial environments including chemical and petrochemical processing plants, onshore and offshore oil and gas platforms, pipelines, refineries and loading plants located in Arctic regions.

Key features:

• New polished aluminium wide-angle or narrow-angle reflector to optimise illumination
• Housing of the light fitting is made from copper-free aluminium
• Protective cover made from a mechanical, thermally-resistant borosilicate glass
• All external captive screws are made from stainless steel
• Components are thermically separated in their own compartments and have a separate Ex-e, maintenance-friendly connection
• Further protected with a pulse igniter with automatic cut-off and a ballast with a thermal fuse
• Supplied with an adjustable mounting frame, which enables optimum illumination an light guidance

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

MVI56E from ProSoft Technology

Looking for enhanced modules for your Rockwell Automation ControlLogix? Look no further than the MVI56E Family from ProSoft Technology.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Backward compatible with MVI56 series – Allowing direct replacement without the need to change existing controller programs
• AOI – Add-On Instruction for improved module integration
• Scrolling Display – Improved status and diagnostics visibility
• ProSoft Discovery Service – For simple initial IP address configuration
• Ethernet Configuration Port – No longer requires Hyper terminal; Configure via Ethernet port or using CIPconnect; Remote Diagnostics
• ProSoft Configuration Builder (PCB) – Software tool to configure and test you MVI56E module; Detailed diagnostic GUI
• CIPconnect – Used the backplane bridging capabilities of ConrolLogix to allow module configuration via 1756 EtherNet/IP module
• Personality Module – Stores all module configuration files in a CF card to assist your disaster recovery plan

The module integration and communication is integrated within RSLogix 5000, no additional programming is required.

MVI56 Series

View the data sheet here

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

We're Hiring - Join our team!

We currently have a number of vacancies across our branches. Here is an overview of our current opportunities.

Trainee Assembly Wire Person (Apprenticeship) - Milton Keynes

Technical Services Trainee (Apprenticeship) - Milton Keynes

External Sales Engineer - Derby

External Sales Engineer - Southampton

External Sales Engineer - Coventry

Internal Technical Sales - Leeds

Product Manager - Milton Keynes

External Sales Engineer - Peterborough

Branch Supervisor - Derby

External Sales Engineer - Peterlee

External Sales Engineer - Leeds

External Sales Engineer - Dudley

Internal Sales - Dudley

For more information, or if you would like to apply, please click on the job role.

Our NEW Catalogue 6 is now available!

Routeco Catalogue 6 is here! With over 6,000 priced products from over 35 franchises our catalogue is a primary source for selecting industrial control and automation products.

If you are already signed up you will have already received your copy of our exciting new catalogue. But don't worry if you haven't!

You can view the catalogue via our online literature library here or visit our subscriptions page to receive your printed copy here.

If you would like any additional information please email marketing@routeco.com or call 01908 359212