Door Industry Journal - Spring 2012

Also online at: www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk 16 THE door industry journal spring 2012 industrial doors SYSTEM REPLACES CUMBERSOME AND EASILY-DAMAGED SPIRAL CABLES BETWEEN CONTROLLER AND DOOR IN BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL LOCATIONS Carlo Gavazzi Launches Wireless Safety System for Industrial Doors Carlo Gavazzi has launched the WSM wireless safety system for use with safety edges on large industrial doors, eliminating easily-damaged spiral cables between the door controller and door. Using an operating frequency of 2.4Ghz to prevent common radio interference, the system is compatible with a wide range of safety edges and delivers enhanced battery efficiency for a reliable and safe solution in applications such as high speed doors with frequent traffic, tall doors, megadoors and doors in public areas. Delivering a 10 metre range for use in doors with opening heights up to 20 metres, each system comprises a main controller that connects to the door control panel and up to four wireless sub controllers that connect to the safety edge on the door. The IP66 rated system is suited for internal and external locations and will work with the Carlo Gavazzi photoelectric safety edge and many mechanical and conductive rubber safety edges. The WSM2BA2D24 main controller with built in antenna features three SPST relay outputs; one normally closed (NC), one normally open (NO) 8.2k Ω , and one normally closed for low battery alarm. A test input ensures verification of the sensor safety function and is also used for activating sub modules from battery save mode. Any loss of communication between the main and sub controller modules will immediately activate the safety output. 16 channels are available to eliminate cross talk and the sub controller’s active time can be set from 10 to 80 seconds. The WSS2BA2BAT sub controller unit is able to handle two safety edges and one door-in-door limit switch, which allows for eight safety edges per system. It can control inputs from all standard NO 8.2k Ω safety edges and all standard NC safety edges. Designed for exceptional battery performance; based on the sub controller being powered by four lithium AA batteries and 10 seconds of active time per open and close cycle and 25 cycles per day, the battery expectancy is 5 years. The Carlo Gavazzi photoelectric safety edge consists of an emitter and receiver housed in 11mm rubber profiles. Providing a range of 15 metres and powered by the sub controller, the photoelectric beam is adjusted at each wake up signal from the main controller to ensure optimal detection performance. HOW TO DEAL WITH THE ELECTRICAL CHALLENGES HIGH HUMIDITY ENVIRONMENTS BRING In high humidity environments, water vapour can easily get inside the smallest crack in the exterior of drives and control units. This isn’t a problem until the water vapour condenses into water droplets near or on the electrical components within these products. This may not happen straight away but without the correct equipment for the job it is just a matter of time. In March 2010 Guthrie Douglas was asked by a customer to find a solution to prevent drives and controls failing at a composting facility. The plant was originally fitted with IP65 rated drives and control units but after just a few weeks they started to experience electrical problems. At the composting plant, green waste is placed in rotting tunnels and heated to accelerate the decomposition of the material, creating compost. As green waste generally consists of a large volume of water a large amount of water vapour is produced when it is heated resulting in an extremely humid environment. The Guthrie Douglas technical team investigated conditions at the site thoroughly before working with partner GfA to produce a solution using lessons they had learned from installations in Holland where composting plants are commonplace. The result was a range of IP65i protected drives and control units. This new range was fitted at the composting site in just a couple of weeks, keeping the plant operational. The plant is still using these same drives today. Since 2010 the range has increased significantly and the products have been fitted to numerous locations. If you have a site where humidity is an issue then IP65i is a must. More information on the IP65i range and advice on suitable products for any unusual or extreme environment are available from the Guthrie Douglas technical team on 01926 452 452.