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A New Plug-and-Play Alternative to Traditional Electrical Wiring
By Roy Itzler
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Today’s manufacturing plant, retail and other commercial layouts are not set in concrete. It is rare for a facility to keep a piece of equipment in one location for more than a few years (automotive companies move their production lines every three years at minimum). Plant engineers historically have been locked into the rigidity of the electrical installation. Changing the installation meant pulling out all of the electrical material, discarding the majority of it and starting over again.
Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems has developed a modular plug-and-play power distribution system called LINKOSITY™ Wiring Solutions that enables fast installation and high technical performance for 20A and 30A power distribution up to 600 VAC. LINKOSITY technology offers flexibility and reusability not previously available in commercial and industrial applications:
• Eliminates the need for conduit
• Easy to install
• Easy to change
• Reusable components
• NEC code compliant
LINKOSITY Wiring Solutions represent a revolutionary step forward in terms of innovation, flexibility, economics and problem solving in commercial and industrial applications. The technology has been in use for almost a decade in complex processing, material handling and sorting systems. Each day, new systems—ranging from automotive assembly operations to modular military containers—leverage the advantages afforded by LINKOSITY technologies. LINKOSITY Wiring Solutions are permissible for use on equipment in both industrial and commercial facilities, but are not permitted for use in residential applications or applications requiring a plenum rating.
Here’s How it Works
LINKOSITY Wiring Solutions encompasses two systems:
1. Power System: A modular plug-and-play wiring method for 20A and 30A power distribution up to 600 VAC with single-phase or three-phase circuits.
2. Control Integration: A modular, plug-and-play wiring and interconnect system for industrial power, control and communication applications with a connectivity solutions range from a nominal 3A up to 300VAC and 10A to 600VAC
LINKOSITY Power System
The Power System is built on three hardware elements:
● Power System Supply Assembly (PSSA) is a multi-function unit that incorporates a transformer, a disconnect and circuit protection in one compact package that serves as a self-contained, separately derived source of power between existing utility or facility power and LINKOSITY wiring and power system assemblies.
● Power System Distribution Assembly (PSDA) is the interface from the LINKOSITY power system to NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association)devices. Distribution assemblies facilitate equipment connections requiring NEMA wiring devices for convenience or dedicated power. They are modular, pre-wired and available in a variety of standard and custom configurations.
● Connectivity System Components (CSC) are various types of temporary or permanent cables, tees, receptacles, inlets and caps. Cable assemblies are NEC code compliant and suitable for use in virtually any environment, including direct burial1 or sunlight. Tees, receptacles and inlets are available to complete the system.
LINKOSITY Control Integration
System designers can use CSC (including cables, receptacles and tees) to configure systems of any size and scope, making installation, reconfiguration, disassembly and reuse easy. Hand tool installation, factory assembled connections and true plug-and-play simplicity ensure installation of high quality, reliable systems quickly and at low cost.
Save Time and Money
The principal benefits of LINKOSITY Wiring Solutions can be summed up in simple terms: time and money. Upon initial installation, LINKOSITY systems costs are roughly equal to electrical metal tubing and rigid metal conduit (about 11% higher when compared to electrical metal tubing; about 1% lower when compared to rigid metal tubing).
However, on a total cost of ownership basis, LINKOSITY systems offer big cost advantages because it can be reconfigured and reused. The cost of utilizing an internal electrician may not be quantifiable in a purchase order, but it certainly contributes to a company’s overall expenses. Although a facility may have electricians on staff, the time saved using LINKOSITY products will help them be more productive. Additionally, the flexibility for future moves, add-ons and changes will compound the savings.
Flexible Applications
LINKOSITY Wiring Solutions may be applied to any environment that has NEMA 5-15, 5-20, L5-15 or L5-20 connections when using a LINKOSITY Power System Distribution Assembly. If a PSDA is not required, any configuration is permitted for 20 A and 30 A power distribution systems up to 600 VAC. LINKOSITY Wiring Solutions are equally applicable to temporary and permanent installations, and may be used in large or small scale applications such as:
● Industrial machinery
● Industrial facilities
● Commercial facilities
● Retail facilities
● Data Centers
● Heavy-duty manufacturing facilities
● Assembly lines
● Automotive and metal stamping
● Construction sites
● Medical facilities
● Military facilities
Wiring for the Future
LINKOSITY Wiring Solutions represent an innovation in wiring industrial and commercial facilities for power applications. It offers considerable advantages in terms of speed and ease, flexibility, productivity and life cycle cost—without any compromise in safety and performance. Although it is a relatively new technology, it has proven itself in demanding applications over the past decade, and is fully code compliant.
About the Author:
Roy Itzler is a Senior Product Manager for Hubbell Wiring Device-Kellems. He has more than 20 years’ experience in manufacturing engineering and marketing in the electrical wiring device industry.
1 Although LINKOSITY cables are rated for direct burial, the connectors have not yet been evaluated for this purpose.
Linkosity™ is a registered trademark of Lockheed Martin Corporation
Related Links:
www.hubbell-wiring.com
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