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Encapsulated drive peripherals solve IP65 problem

02 March, 2013

REO has developed a range of encapsulated braking resistors, chokes and filters which, it says, solve the problem of using non-IP65 peripherals with IP65-protected drives.

This problem has arisen because of the trend – particularly in the HVAC sector – to use IP65-protected drives as standalone devices outside of control cabinets. This allows them to be fitted faster and more flexibly.

However, problems occur when external input or output chokes are needed, or when the application requires the use of a braking resistor.

This is a particular problem where space or ambient temperature are important factors. It is not just a choice between putting non-IP components in an IP-rated control cabinet or buying costly IP-rated components. These components have traditionally been designed to be housed inside control cabinets to protect them from dust or moisture. In addition, the terminations often have an open-lug design, adding the risk of shock hazard if they are not guarded.

REO claims to have solved these problems by offering a range of encapsulated braking resistors, input and output chokes and sinewave filters in ingress protection ratings up to IP65.

“By either partially, or fully, encapsulating units and providing appropriate terminal boxes, REO is able to solve problems that other manufacturers simply can’t,” says REO UK’s managing director, Steve Hughes.

“It also allows much more efficient cooling of the core as the encapsulating material is a better conductor of heat than air,” he adds. “This means that units run cooler and with less likelihood of hotspots developing, ensuring that the products last much longer.”

Small devices are housed in custom moulds before they are potted, while larger devices are fitted into aluminium forms into which the encapsulating compound is added. The finished product is said to be robust and unaffected by moisture or dust. The products can incorporate water cooling, using either cold plates or built-in cooling channels. 




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