Page 21 - EngineerIt May 2021

AUTOMATION AND CONTROL

The M-LB-5000 modules are mounted on a standard DIN However, if the signal circuit needs to be intentionally
mounting rail. The devices each consist of a base module and interrupted — for isolation tests during commissioning or in recurring
the actual protection module. The system also has an insulating tests — the protection module can simply be rotated by 180 degrees
partition to maintain clearance when mounting Ex and non-Ex and plugged in. In this case, the signal circuit is interrupted by an
modules on a DIN mounting rail. All modules have a width of only integrated isolating function. This allows the module to replace
6.2 mm and allow simple commissioning without special aids. terminal blocks in the cross connect level with no additional space
In addition to the protection and base modules, there are three required. This combination of condition monitoring, more than 100
function modules. The maintenance module reports when a modules per function module block, loop separation, and 6.2 mm
yellow LED lights up on at least one protection module, indicating width with single-loop integrity, is unique on the market.
that this module should be replaced. The fault module indicates
when at least one device has a fault (red LED) and needs to Terminal block with surge protection
be replaced immediately. The third unit is a power module that Pepperl+Fuchs has developed the M-LB-2000 for applications
powers the protection modules via the power rail. The error requiring only minimum specifications plus loop connect. It has a
messages are also sent to the function modules or the control form factor very similar to the M-LB-5000 and is designed to be
panel via the power rail. attached directly to the DIN mounting rail. The main differences
are that the module cannot be diagnosed or replaced without
Protection modules with signal LEDs interrupting the signal line. A loop disconnect function is achieved
The intuitive, easy-to-read traffic light display on the protection when the module is plugged in via two easily accessible switches
modules greatly reduces testing effort since the fault can very on the front.
easily be assigned to a specific signal circuit. A green LED on The M-LB-2000, which is also only 6.2 mm wide, not only
the protection module means that the full protective effect is saves a lot of space in the switch cabinet, it practically replaces
present, there is a sufficient functional reserve, and there is no the terminal block with surge protection. This means that
need for action. As part of the condition monitoring function, disconnect terminal blocks are no longer necessary, saving costs.
the yellow LED signals that the protection module has reached The certificates range from ATEX, IECEx, Zone 1 and SIL 3.
90 % of its life cycle. The signal circuit is still protected, but the
module should be replaced soon, for example during the next Conclusion
regular servicing. A red LED indicates that the protection module The M-LB-5000 surge protection system’s diagnostics use a
may be permanently damaged and no protective effect can be special algorithm to detect different load situations and send
guaranteed. It should be replaced immediately to prevent damage a signal when the protection module has reached 90 % of
during the next surge voltage event. its life cycle. This significantly increases the efficiency of the
protective function and keeps maintenance costs to a minimum.
The benefits of modularity The modularity of the device enables the protection module
During maintenance, the modular assembly of the surge protection and loop disconnect to be replaced without tools and without
system offers significant advantages compared with conventional interrupting operation.
solutions. Due to the base module on the DIN mounting rail, The M-LB-2000 with loop disconnect function is designed
removing the protection module does not cause a signal for significantly lower requirements in surge protection. With a
interruption. The signal circuit is closed without interruption via the width of 6.2 mm, it saves just as much space in the switch cabinet
base module, at the moment when the connection between the and can be used as a replacement for the terminal block with
signal circuit and the protection module is no longer established. surge protection. n
A protection module can therefore be replaced without affecting
plant operation. An additional loop check is not necessary. For more information visit www.pepperl-fuchs.com

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EngineerIT | May 2021 | 19