Safer Way to Protect Processes and Staff
In food processing electrical and maintenance engineers have no time to waste, and any electrical downtime is a cost and loss of productivity. An AVT( absence of voltage test) safety solution takes almost no time to use and can save hours.
Regular and frequent predictive maintenance tests of electrical panels is the most effective way to maintain the efficiency of process equipment. However, with dozens of panels across sites numerous businesses experience excessive downtime for maintenance activity.
As all engineers know, before any maintenance can be carried out, the panels have to be disconnected from the power source and have their absence of voltage verified. Disconnection is relatively quick and easy, but the traditional method of verifying absence of voltage is slow, complex, and open to error, complacency and risk.
Panduit’ s AVT system minimizes the risk of electrical hazards by confirming that any electrical cabinet is voltage-free before allowing access. Compared to other portable test instruments, plant operators, machine builders and onsite engineers and electricians can check whether an electrically safe environment is present with the touch of one button.
VeriSafe 2.0, automatically ensures that the entire test process is followed for every single test. With a push of a button, operators can achieve tested safety in both 3-phase and 1-phase applications in the extended voltage range up to 1000 V for AC and DC applications. The fail-safe design uses active indicators for plant status and complies with SIL 3( IEC 61508-1) safety functions. According to the NEC, specified in NFPA 70E, an electrically safe environment must be ensured before working with electrical installations without voltage, and the measurement procedure is precisely defined.
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Panduit’ s solution complies with industry requirements and simplifies the process, saves time and money:
• Improved Safety and Risk Reduction – no exposure to electrical hazards while testing and the system reduces human failure factors.
• Simplified Process for Easier Compliance – Satisfies criteria in NFPA 70E 120.5( 7) Exception 1 & CSA Z462 4.2.5( g) Exception 2, and UL 1436 listing.
• Reliable Results – Fail-safe design with active indications. Safety functions meet SIL 3( IEC 61508-1), as well as redundant channels for measurement and detection.
• Increased Productivity – Actionable results within 10-seconds of button push, troubleshoot abnormal power conditions and utilise network module for remote monitoring.
• Flexible Applications – Power distribution, motor control and automation, data centre, industrial and commercial facilities, and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The highly visible and large clear externally mounted test unit, normally positioned on the equipment cabinet door, is easy to use and follows an active process: What happens during the test.
1. The system confirms power is available to perform the test
2. Checks health of key circuit elements
3. Verifies threshold circuits in tolerance
4. Checks on known voltage source
5. Verifies connectivity 6. Verifies threshold is under 3V.
VeriSafe 2.0 is ideal for 480 / 600V CAT IV applications including outdoor, service access and all power distribution equipment including frequency converters and remote motor disconnect switches. The extended VeriSafe increases the possibilities to protect the entire electrical area. If desired, the isolation module can be easily integrated into control systems via redundant semiconductor signal outputs( SIL 3). In addition, a network module for real-time diagnostics and performance reports is available. Thus, test results can be recorded with time stamps or data logs, or it can also be used for remote troubleshooting, monitoring the status of sensor lines as well as battery life or temperature development. Via the EtherNet / IP and Modbus TCP connection, VeriSafe 2.0 can be easily integrated into Scada systems, for example, or the integrated web server can be used.
The test system can be easily mounted and integrated into EMC-compliant superstructures. The background to Panduit’ s development is that hazards and risks in switchgear for people, production and buildings must be avoided at all costs. Plant manufacturers must guarantee their design and compliance with standards, electrical safety, fire protection and mechanical safety. The crucial basis is the National Electrical Code( NEC). The NEC is comparable to VDE 0100 or IEC 60364 and is published by the National Fire Protection Association( NFPA) under the working title NFPA 70E.
www. panduit. com