Connectors Deliver Cost Savings white paper

AVOID HIDDEN INSTALLATION COSTS While obvious installation costs include cables, accessories and labor, hidden installation costs have their own labor and time-to-market factors. For example, many machines have to be disassembled for shipping and reassembled on site, meaning the machine has to be hardwired twice — doubling wiring costs. In addition, field wiring errors can cause start up delays or can even damage a machine. Subsequent testing of the hardwired systems is complex and expensive. After installation, reducing downtime for scheduled maintenance or caused by unforeseen issues is crucial. Power and signal disruptions can result from a wide range of conditions from overcurrent to forklift accidents. When disruptions occur, replacing hardwired cable can take hours.

Connectors enable plug-and-play installation of modular machines, which saves time and ensures wiring integrity. And, when multiple connectors are mounted side-by side, they can be keyed so that each cable connector only mates with the right receptacle. Electrical connectors can address virtually every power, control, signal and data application, making them an effective rival to point-to-point wiring. In addition, connectors can be customized to address specific machine requirements in modular systems. Custom modular connectors can incorporate power and control contracts, fiber optic contacts, pneumatic ports, and data bus connectors inside an environmentally protected housing. When it comes to preventing downtime, connectors pay for themselves because machine interruptions lead ot substantial costs. MAXIMIZE UPTIME FOR GREATER COSTS SAVINGS Because connectorized systems allow quicker, easier installation and can help prevent disruptions due to harsh conditions, you can maximize uptime for your automated systems. Here are some ways that connectors help you get the most out of your industrial machines: • Faster Shipping. When it’s time to ship a large machine, some disassembly is unavoidable. At the very least, cables to and from the control panel can be disconnected. With hardwired machines, this step adds time, expense and risk of installation errors to the project. In contrast, the only step necessary with connectorized machines is to unplug cables from the panel’s bulkhead connectors. You won’t disturb the panel’s internal wire routing and connections, and the same holds true for junction boxes, motor assemblies, sensors and data cables. • Faster Commissioning. Upon installation, the machine’s wiring must be reconnected. Often, local electricians perform the work and because they may be unfamiliar with the machine costly mistakes and startup delays are likely. You may mitigate the risk by sending factory technicians to complete the installation, but this adds time and labor costs. Connectorized machines offer a

Figure 1 . Connectorized systems save money for machine builders and their customers.

BUILD COST-EFFECTIVE MODULAR MACHINES

Connectors help support the growing trend in automated industrial environments for modular machines that are faster and less expensive to build. Designers use pre built, pre-tested subsystems and components that are ready to integrate. They can even reuse modular components like control panels, junction boxes and populated cable tracks. Sensors and actuators with pre wired connectors are also increasingly available.

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