SmartWire – "Plug & Work" for Motor Starters
Already 30000 Modules in Operation Since Market Launch.

Users have quickly discovered the benefits of SmartWire, the plug & work device for motor starters, for themselves. Since its launch a year ago, already 30000 SmartWire modules have been successfully installed and used in a wide range of applications. This demonstrates the multiple uses of SmartWire and the approach taken by Moeller with its Darwin technology. Darwin technology represents a bridge between the automation world and the world of switching devices: switching devices and automation components are growing together; the conventional control wiring between the I/O modules and the switching devices is being replaced by a new simple connection technology. The step in this new direction is called SmartWire or "plug & work" for motor starters. SmartWire enables conventional xStart motor starters to be connected to a PLC without any complex control wiring required. Machine builders, panel builders and electricians are able to use SmartWire straightaway since the SmartWire system is an addition to the well-known xStart range from Moeller and is designed as an accessory for the standard devices.

In order for motor starters to carry out their switching and protection tasks safely and reliably, they have to be interconnected with the motors, the intelligent controller and with each other. However, with Moeller's SmartWire the requirements and costs for this are considerably reduced. The connection of motor starters to SmartWire is an astonishingly simple and clearly designed solution: SmartWire is based on Moeller's xStart series. The two components of this range, the motor contactor and the motor-protective circuit-breaker, are both connected with a wiring set without any cables. In order to make the starter SmartWire-compatible, the user simply plugs an additional SmartWire module onto the contactor. This module provides another six-pole plug-in connector that replaces the control circuit connections. SmartWire networks are connected and not wired.

Up to 16 SmartWire-enabled motor starters can be connected with a gateway without any complex control circuit wiring necessary. For systems with more than 16 starters several gateways are simply combined together.

The starters can also be connected via a gateway with the fieldbus, such as easyNet, CANopen or Profibus-DP and connected to a higher-level PLC. The system can be expanded with additional I/O elements. The slice modules enable users to also connect up motor starters with ratings higher than 15 kW, to monitor an NZM incoming circuit-breaker or to integrate components from other manufacturers into the system. This last application does however require some additional wiring.

SmartWire can be introduced in stages without any problem: All new SmartWire connectors are simply connected to the system with the same pre-assembled SmartWire cable. Its six-pole design allows it to transfer a wide range of information simultaneously, such as the indication of a 24 V contactor actuation, switch commands to contactors and/or the feedback signals of the motor starters.

SmartWire is a self-contained communication concept that is nevertheless designed for openness. SmartWire can therefore be connected simply to Siemens controllers if required and configured from Step7. A XI/ON – SmartWire interface is available and is offered by Moeller's subsidiary, Micro Innovation.

SmartWire not only stand out in terms of performance and convenience – the system is considerably more cost-efficient than all previously known networking solutions. Depending on the application, SmartWire is already competitive from the first motor starter. The price advantage is even greater the more starters are incorporated. Alone the savings potential of SmartWire is impressive: The connector technology likewise reduces the costs for assembly, engineering and documentation. Standard products also reduce the stock-keeping required. The potential for faults is considerably reduced by SmartWire since serious faults cannot occur where cabling is not required. Particularly with complex solutions this feature has a direct cost-benefit effect and increases with each single cable that is not required.

Moeller GmbH, 53105 Bonn
Tel.: +49 (0)228 602-0
Fax: +49 (0)228 602-2275
E-Mail: presse@moeller.net
Internet: www.moeller.net
Please direct your enquiries to:
Corporate Communications, Tel.: +49 (0)228 602-2915

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