IDEC

Live Electronics Introduces IDEC’s HG1G Human-Machine Interface: A High-Performance Solution for Industrial Automation

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Live Electronics is excited to announce the availability of the IDEC HG1G Human-Machine Interface (HMI), a compact and high-performance solution for industrial automation applications. This advanced HMI device, developed by IDEC, a global leader in automation technology, brings robust functionality, reliability, and versatility to diverse industrial environments, especially where space is limited. 

The HG1G HMI features a 4.3-inch wide-format touchscreen with an intuitive, high-clarity display for delivering real-time, detailed information. Designed with industrial durability in mind, the HG1G boasts IP66 or IP67F ratings when panel thickness is below 1.5mm, ensuring maximum resistance to dust, water, and harsh environmental conditions. This HMI’s compact design does not compromise on performance—featuring enhanced processing power and memory for rapid data display and storage in demanding operations.  

With energy efficient LED backlighting, the HG1G supports an extended operating life, making it well-suited for continuous industrial operations. This HMI is also designed with connectivity in mind; it supports both Ethernet and serial communication, enabling integration with a wide array of PLCs and other expansion modules. Furthermore, the HG1G’s programming software enables easy and quick project creation, reducing the overall development time and lowering costs for system integrators and OEMs. 

“We are thrilled to expand our HMI product lineup with the HG1G”, said Luke Hartley, Managing Director of Live Electronics. “Its compact design and high functionality make it ideal for machine builders and other industrial users looking for a versatile, reliable, and easy-to-use interface in even the most demanding applications. The HG1G offers our customers a new level of control and flexibility to optimise their automation solutions.” 

Available now from Live Electronics, the HG1G HMI sets a new standard for compact HMIs, offering unparalleled usability and durability in a range of industrial environments. IDEC’s latest HMI product provides an accessible, powerful solution for industries that require efficient, reliable interface technology in a limited space environment. 

Compact & Powerful Automation Solution: IDEC’s FT2J 7-inch PLC+HMI Now Available from Live Electronics!

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A new all-in-one PLC and HMI system from Live Electronics looks set to make it easier, faster and more cost-effective for industrial OEMs to design, install and maintain automation and robotic equipment. Manufactured by IDEC, a leading industrial component company, the new FT2J system is powerful, adaptable and simple to use and install. 

The standout feature of the IDEC FT2J is its space-saving design. By integrating the functionalities of a PLC and an HMI into one unit, the FT2J significantly reduces the complexity and space requirements traditionally associated with separate devices. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where space is limited but performance and functionality cannot be compromised. 

The FT2J is designed with a user-friendly interface that features a 7-inch high-resolution display with projected capacitive touch technology. The colour display boasts an 800 x 480 pixel resolution, providing clear and detailed visuals that make it easy for operators to monitor and control their systems. This ensures that even in demanding environments, users can interact with their systems with ease and accuracy. 

Ruggedness and reliability are key attributes of the FT2J. It is built to endure harsh industrial conditions, featuring IP66-rated protection that safeguards against dust, water, and extreme temperatures. This robust construction ensures the FT2J can maintain high performance and reliability even in the most challenging environments, making it a dependable choice for industries that demand durability. 

In addition to its robust design, the FT2J offers flexible connectivity options, including Ethernet, USB, and serial ports. This allows for seamless communication with other industrial devices and systems, facilitating efficient data exchange and integration. 

Understanding IDEC’s E-stop ‘Safe Break Action’ Feature: Enhancing Safety in Industrial Environments

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In the fast-paced world of industrial automation, safety is paramount. With machinery and processes becoming increasingly complex, ensuring the well-being of workers and the reliability of equipment is a top priority for businesses. This is where IDEC’s ‘Safe Break Action’ technology comes into play, offering a robust solution to enhance safety in industrial environments. 

IDEC E-stop, Emergency Stop

What is an E-Stop? 

An emergency stop, or E-stop, is a safety mechanism designed to halt machinery or processes immediately in emergency situations. It’s a critical component of any industrial setup, allowing operators to swiftly intervene, turn off machinery fast, and prevent accidents or injuries. E-stops need to be easy to use, endure harsh factory conditions and deliver peace of mind.  

E-stops work by signalling a safety device, such as a safety relay, to cut the power to a machine or process.  Traditionally, the terminals within an E-stop are held in a closed position. This is referred to as a Normally Closed (NC) switch. On pressing the E-stop, the contacts disengage, stopping the flow of power and isolating the machine or circuit. Latches maintain the separation of the contacts until the operator resets the switch, typically through a pulling or twisting motion. However, one challenge with conventional E-stop systems is that they may not always provide fail-safe operation if the contact blocks within the switch are, for example, misaligned or incorrectly fitted. 

IDEC’s Solution: ‘Safe Break Action’ 

IDEC, a leading manufacturer of industrial automation and control solutions, addresses this challenge with its E-stop ‘Safe Break Action’ feature. This technology ensures fail-safe operation even in the rare event of contact block failure. 

IDEC’s E-stops are designed with a positive opening mechanism, also known as ‘Safe Break Action’. This means that the E-stop contacts have the spring pressure in the opposite direction meaning it will always fail in the safe position and cannot be defeated by welding or sticking contacts, thus ensuring reliable and consistent operation. 

These E-Stops are also available with 1 to 4NC contacts, depending on the series, and can include 1NO monitor contact to ensure no faults are missed. These additional contact options also mean that these E-stop switches can be used in Level 4 safety category applications. 

To conclude, IDEC’s E-stop ‘Safe Break Action’ feature represents a significant advancement in industrial safety technology. By combining fail-safe operation with ‘Safe Break Action’, IDEC provides a reliable and robust solution to enhance safety in industrial environments. As businesses strive to create safer workplaces and comply with regulatory standard, investing in advance safety technologies like IDEC’s E-stop switches in a proactive step towards achieving these goals.  

New IDEC E-stops boost machine safety

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Safe-Break emergency stops that prioritise safety and minimize risks

We’ve recently introduced the latest range of IDEC X-Series Safe-Break emergency stop buttons.  Designed to offer the highest levels of machine and operator safety, the new E-stops use an innovative design that stops a machine the moment an operator hits the emergency stop button.  The IDEC E-stops will also immediately shut-off power if a contact block or actuator is damaged or incorrectly installed. 

With traditional E-stops normally closed (NC) contacts are held in place by spring pressure.  This effectively maintains them in a closed position until actuated, when the pressure is released.  There is therefore the risk that incorrect installation or excessive force in an emergency can break or dislodge a vital part, preventing the contacts opening; the subsequent results can potentially be catastrophic. 

By comparison, the patented Safe-Break technology deployed in the X-Series effectively reverses the direction of applied energy, with spring-pressure being used to ensure that the NC contacts will open if the emergency switch is damaged, or the contact blocks separate due to excessive force.  This is simple, effective and completely safe. 

X-Series E-stops also feature a combined push-to-lock and pull or turn to reset button.  Competing devices normally only offer one option or the other, meaning that OEMs have to hold more stock and specify alternative parts for different types of machines. 

The X-Series has UL approval.  Depending on the product version, this includes NISD and NISD2 approvals, plus certification for use in machine systems where Category 0 or Category 1 stop functions are required (as defined in ANSI/ NFPA79 Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery). 

We have a wide range of IDEC E-stops in stock, with non-stock items generally being available on short lead-times.  All products are backed by our comprehensive technical and customer support service. 

Cut your electronic wiring time in half!

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Save time on panel builds and electromechanical assembly

New from Live Electronics is a range of electronic products with innovative push-in connectors.  These cut wiring times by up to 55%, when compared with traditional screw-in devices, making them ideal for the construction of both new and refurbished control panels and machine builds. 

Manufactured by leading electronics company, IDEC, the new push-in products ensure safe and reliable connections, that withstand shock and vibration, yet are quick and simple to release. 

The product range includes Emergency Stops (E-Stops), switches, panel indicators and pilot lights.  In each case, the push-in connector technology uses an internal locking clamp, which engages as soon as a solid cable-end or ferrule is pushed home.  This ensures a secure, tug-resistant connection.  Cable release is achieved by using a small screwdriver blade to depress an isolated push-lock, which compresses the spring clamp and frees the cable.  The process is quick, simple and safe, as the connection and release mechanisms are designed to prevent contact with internal conductive parts. 

No special tools are required, while the push-in connectors can be assembled by technicians regardless of their skill level.  Each product also features simple connectivity test points, which can easily be checked with a standard multimeter. 

The design of the new push-in connectors means that cables are positioned facing away from the panel in which components are being fitted.  This makes it far easier to produce simpler, neater and easier to identify wiring looms. 

Comparison time studies carried out by IDEC, between the new push-in connectors and traditional screw-in devices, show that the new products can be installed up to twice as fast.  Time is saved by the simple push-in action and by eliminating the need for final screw tightening checks. Learn more here.

Discover the IDEC push-in technology for yourself: request a free sample! Free Sample

IDEC’s Smart RFID Reader

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Are you wanting to make your production sites safer, keep track of who is entering and exiting your site and which employees are accessing equipment and machinery? Then look no further, IDEC have recently launched their Smart RFID Reader which has been designed to manage user authority for machines and equipment as well as controlling and tracking access to production sites. The RFID Reader is an ideal solution for applications such machine tool control units, automotive production, access control, food and packaging production and factory automation.

KW2D Unit

The RFID Reader provides a compact, smart and stylish design offering a panel cut out size of 22mm that can be IP65 or IP67 rated to protect from washdowns and oil spills. It is equipped with 4 LED indicators and an auxiliary buzzer to show when access has been granted or when there is an error and access cannot be granted.

The RFID Reader provides the utmost safety to production sites because employee ID cards are used to access the sites and the data from the ID cards is recorded on a host device to track entry/exit helping reduce the chance of unnecessary accidents if used correctly. It also logs the number of employees on the production site so they can all be accounted for and located quickly in the event of a fire or any other emergency.

The RFID Reader can limit access to equipment and machinery allowing only certain employees access which reduces the risk of equipment and machinery being misused or tampered with. Details of inspections carried out on equipment and machinery are also recorded electronically which reduces the need for paper or user input records which can be inaccurate or misplaced.

KW2D tags

The RFID reader has a range of accessories that are available including:

  • Available with or without a key fob tag holder
  • Key fobs available in 5 different colours
  • ID cards available in white
KW2D Ethernet

An Ethernet port enhances connection compatibility with host devices to reduce the possibility of loss of signal resulting in inaccurate or no data being recorded. Self-diagnostics are also carried out to check the memory status every time the product is switched on for added reliability. This makes the RFID Reader an ideal product for managing the mode of safe operation as specified in the ISO16090.

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IDEC S3 Connect Push-In Technology

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How much is your time worth?

As the saying goes time is money! So it makes sense that reducing time spent on monotonous jobs such as panel installations can only be a good thing, this is where IDEC’s S3 connect range comes in to play. The S3 connect range, standing for safe, simple and smart, is IDEC’s Push-In terminal technology which covers their E-stops, safety interlocks, CW, YW and HW switches, safety relays and relay sockets.

The benefit of the S3 technology is multifaceted, firstly the time-saving aspect of allowing solid conductors, wire-end ferrules or stranded cable to be simply pushed into the connection saving an estimated 55% on installation time when compared with screw terminations. As someone who spent many hours standing in front of industrial panels with crimpers and a screwdriver, I know how much of a benefit this would have been!.

Secondly is the safety aspect of the S3 system, the push-in terminations guarantee optimal contact security so loose or overtightened connections are no longer an issue. The constant pressure of the termination also makes these the ideal solution for areas with high levels of vibration, which can be found within certain industries and applications.

Thirdly, the high visibility terminal numbering system and design of the IDEC products makes them ideal for reducing space taken up with cable management and allowing for more accurate and quicker troubleshooting when faults occur. Lastly, if any issues were found, the S3 range makes it extremely quick and easy to modify or replace components.

To see more about how the S3 range from IDEC can save you time they have created a video showing the comparison between the S3 system and standard screw terminations, which can be viewed below.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the IDEC S3 system please contact our sales team and we would be more than happy to help.

Live Electronic’s Pushbuttons

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Pushbutton switches are found everywhere! This is in part due to their ease of use but also due to the multitude of different styles and specifications that are on offer.

We work with quality manufacturers such as Dailywell, IDEC and ZF to offer thousands of variations for our customers. These range from sub-miniature and PCB mount switches through to fully sealed IP68 panel mount options and specialist switches.

Today, as much thought must be given to aesthetics as to build quality and functionality.

Therefore, we supply pushbuttons in many styles and shapes, alongside features such as waterproof, vandal-resistant and hall effect. These can be illuminated or non-illuminated, plastic, metal or with ceramic faces.

We can even laser etch nearly any image into most actuators to give you a fully customised product.

View our range of pushbuttons here or contact us to discuss your requirements.