Connectors protect process network from short circuits.
Press Release Summary:
FieldLink® Switched Drop Connectors rely on solid-state protection circuitry, which reacts to short-circuit faults to keep remaining bus segment unaffected. Switchable junction terminals interconnect bus drops/spurs to main bus trunk line. Connectors are offered in Class I, Div 1 & 2 versions; NEMA 4, 4X, and 6; and in single and multiple drops for AS-Interface and Foundation Fieldbus protocols. Aluminum enclosure, DIN-rail mount, and Lexan(TM) enclosure versions are also available.
Original Press Release:
New FieldLink® Switched Drop Connectors From StoneL
Unique design assures point-to-point levels of reliability and maintainability for bus networks.
FERGUS FALLS, MN (August 20, 2002) - New FieldLink® Switched Drop Connectors from StoneL, the leader in process networking and valve communication, are designed to provide process networks in both hazardous and general purpose environments with higher levels of reliability and maintainability by automatically protecting the network from inadvertent short circuits. The product relies on StoneL's solid-state protection
circuitry, which reacts rapidly to short circuit faults to keep the remaining bus segment unaffected.
Wally Stommes, President of StoneL said, "It is typical to have more than 20 instrument drops tied to a single bus segment in hazardous areas. As a result, users are searching for better methods to eliminate the ever-present possibility of short circuit faults killing the entire bus segment. FieldLink Switched Drop Connectors eliminate this concern and enhance ongoing bus performance to a degree that now surpasses point-to-point connections for reliability and maintainability."
FieldLink Switched Drop Connectors are switchable junction terminals, interconnecting bus drops/spurs to the main bus trunk line. When the switch is in the "off" position the drop is de-energized in order to install, maintain or remove a field instrument. By switching to the "on" position the bus drop is energized. Should a short circuit occur on the drop when it is energized, the protection circuit will automatically limit the current to the drop and isolate it from the remaining network, permitting the other bus components to function normally. FieldLink Switched Drop Connectors reset automatically when the fault is removed, eliminating further maintenance or fuse replacement.
StoneL Switched Drop Connectors are available in Class I, Div 1 & 2 versions; NEMA 4, 4X, and 6; and in single and multiple drops for AS-Interface and Foundation Fieldbus protocols. Aluminum enclosures, DIN rail mount for field cabinets, and Lexan(TM) enclosure versions with connectors or compression wire fittings are also available. Prices range from $80 to $355 depending on the configuration, making this product competitive with passive drop connector systems without switching and protection capabilities.
For more information, contact StoneL, One StoneL Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Toll-free: 800-843-7866. Phone: 218-739-5774. Fax: 218-739-5776.www.stonel.com
