With its WMF family (Weidmüller Multi Function) Weidmüller is presenting a multifunctional family of terminal blocks to enable simple and precise routing and distribution of signals in process engineering plants and power generation facilities. Process control systems are deployed in process engineering and power generation systems. Despite the availability of alternative technologies such as remote I/Os and field buses – incoming and outgoing signal connections are often connected via terminal blocks housed in routing and distribution cabinets.
A number of advantages favour the use of terminal blocks, for instance they are equipped with an uncomplicated connection technology and ensure a clear arrangement of electrical systems. And by making use of different accessories terminal blocks can be adapted to provide the best possible solution for the respective application. Fuse holders plugged onto terminal blocks protect signal lines, whilst extensive identification marking possibilities take the stress out of service and maintenance tasks as well as facilitating successful troubleshooting.
To facilitate routing and distribution of electrical signals the family has been designed for deployment in routing and distribution cabinets. As well as equipping the terminals with feed-through, fuse and disconnect functions Weidmüller designed the family with a width of 5 mm and a uniform design appearance. The integrated shield or PE connection replaces shield connection equipment or PE terminal blocks.
Weidmüller has introduced an innovative solution for routing and distributing signals. Instead of contacting each individual signal by means of a screw connection between the routing levels it is possible to use preassembled cable sets terminated with BLZ connectors. Simply plug the connector onto the terminal block - Plug and Play – that reduces valuable wiring time. The black-coloured fuse terminals are equipped with a pivoted fuse holder.
Changing fuses is a simple procedure, because the fuse can be quickly replaced when the rotatable holder is open and facing upwards. Precise and safe handling is a clear-cut distinguishing feature in comparison with systems of the same size available to date. An optional LED status indicator on the fuse terminals indicates clearly – the fuse is OK or defective. The LEDs utilised have a high luminous power, minimal leakage current characteristics of <0.5 mA and do not interfere with signals in the control circuit.
Guaranteeing high levels of flexibility when bundling and looping through potentials the cross-connection channels are characteristic of the 'WMF' terminal blocks. In addition to the neutral conductor the user is able to collect an additional shield potential across a large number of poles by utilising standard ZQV cross-connectors.
The connection system utilised on the WMF terminal blocks can accommodate the following conductor sizes and conductor cross-sections: solid and flexible conductors between 0.5 - 4 mm2, stranded conductors between 1.5 - 4 mm2 and conductors with ferrules between 0.5 - 2.5 mm2.
