Simplicity
In traditional wiring situations, each input/output module (I/O module) could have anywhere between two to five wires connected to it. Each wire went from the element in the control box directly to the component it controlled or monitored. In simple hydraulic control panels with two or three switches, lights or toggles, this is not a problem. But once the control panel reaches approximately eight or more components, the math becomes more troublesome. Eight devices with between two to five wires each means between 16 and 40 wires. And this math only gets worse as more and more elements are added.
Take this control panel for example: It’s a relatively complicated control panel with 25 I/O modules. This panel has approximately 100 wires utilizing three different exit points from the control box. Given the complexity of this design and its compact nature, this one control box took three days to completely wire.
Enter SmartWire-DT. Using Eaton’s SmartWire, every element is wired in sequence. So instead of each individual element being connected via separate wire, one single SmartWire ribbon connects all elements one after the other. Using SmartWire, the same panel only took a half hour to completely wire.
Maintenance has also changed significantly. Imagine if one of those wires on the traditional system goes out. Now your control box is not functioning properly, but how do you figure out which element is the source of the failure? By going through them one at a time like an old strand of Christmas tree lights. Each element on the SmartWire-DT system has a status LED on the back, so simply open up the cabinet and look for a red or flashing light. Nice and easy.
Robust Signal
As if the simplicity of the SmartWire wasn’t enough, Eaton’s system adds another significant benefit. In traditional systems, the control programmable logic controller (PLC) would only recognize on/off: Either the switch was in one position or the other. SmartWire allows for the control panel element to send much more data, to include self-diagnostics. For example, the element can tell the PLC if it has a burnt-out LED indicator, or if the contact is wearing down and causing a delay in output signal.
With all of this data feeding into your controller, you have more control than ever, without changing out any of your Eaton control elements. SmartWire control chips are sized to fit existing Eaton pushbuttons, lights and switches, so upgrading is easy.
