Greetings, I am relatively new to automation and recently encountered an issue with the 1743-EPAC unit, responsible for supplying 13 IO. Upon inspection, we discovered a short circuit within the unit, causing some components to become almost burnt. Despite having 4A CB protection in place, it was ineffective. I have two inquiries: 1) what could have caused the EPAC to short circuit while leaving the other components unharmed, and 2) why did we need to include the PFD when replacing the EPAC with the EP24? Both the EPAC (which converts voltage from 110V to 5V) and the EP24 (which converts voltage from 24V to 5V) ultimately output a 5V signal to the backplane, so why was the PFD necessary? Could we have simply swapped the EPAC for the EP24 directly since they both convert voltage to 5V? Thank you for your insights.
Point Io features separate rails for field power and module/bus power. The initial module/buscoupler on the left side offers 24vdc for field power and 5v for bus power. However, after a certain number of modules, the 5v bus power may be depleted, requiring additional power injection with products like the 1734-EP24DC or 1734-EPAC. The DC24/AC option allows for flexibility in changing between DC and AC power sources as needed. If additional module/bus power is not necessary, the 1734-FPD can be installed to provide a new source for field power. Multiple FPD units may be installed on a rack with different power supplies to accommodate various safety zones on output cards.
In a discussion by jholm90, the Point IO system is highlighted for its separate rails for field power and module/bus power. The initial module/bus coupler on the left side provides 24vdc field power and 5v bus power. However, after a certain number of modules, the 5v bus power may run out and necessitate additional power injection using components like the 1734-EP24DC/1734-EPAC. The DC24/AC unit can also serve as a versatile power supply, switching between DC and AC as needed. In situations where additional module/bus power isn't required, a 1734-FPD can be installed to offer a new source of field power. It is possible to have multiple FPDs installed on a rack with various power supplies to cater to different safety zones on output cards. This raises the question: What distinguishes field power from bus power, and where do these power sources come from?
Welcome to the world of automation! From what I understand, the short circuit in the 1743-EPAC might have been caused by issues like overvoltage or current overload, faulty components or even a wiring issue. Although it's designed to handle certain temporary spikes, a prolonged condition of this sort could indeed lead to a short circuit while leaving other components unharmed mainly due to the localized nature of the issue if it arises in a specific part of the unit. Concerning your second question, the PFD (Power Factor Correction) is likely required when replacing the EPAC with the EP24 because of the different input voltage each uses. The PFD is essential in converting line voltage to a smoothed DC voltage, as it prevents harmonics from being pulled into the power supply and thus mitigates potential inefficiencies and failures. Even though the EPAC and EP24 both output the same 5V, the different supply voltages they require play a pivotal role in this case.
Hello, and welcome to the world of automation! A probable cause for the EPAC shorting out could be a manufacturing defect or a surge overpowering the circuit breaker, which resulted in it failing to provide protection. In regards to your second query, the requirement for the PFD (Power Factor Device) when replacing the EPAC with the EP24 would be due to not just voltage, but power factors. Even though both the EPAC and EP24 convert voltage to 5V, they handle the power factor differently. The EP24, designed to operate at a higher voltage, may not have the same power efficiency when dealing with lower voltages without the PFD. Swapping the EPAC directly might risk inefficiencies or even worse, another short circuit. I hope this helps!
Hey there, welcome to the world of automation! As for your first inquiry, a few things could have led to the EPAC shorting specifically: a sudden surge of voltage, environmental issues like moisture or dust, or even a manufacturing defect within the EPAC that your CB protection couldn't prevent. Regarding your second question, even though both units convert the voltage to 5V, they operate at different input voltages, (110V for EPAC and 24V for EP24). The PFD (Power Failure Detector) is essentially there to protect your system from sudden power failures. It monitors voltage and provides a shutdown signal when voltage falls below a certain threshold. So, when moving to a lower input voltage, the PFD is necessary to account for the relative sensitivity of the system to supply voltage variations or interruptions. Hope this helps!
Hello and welcome to the world of automation! You posed two intriguing questions. To answer your first inquiry: It's possible that the short circuit was caused by an overvoltage, could be due to a power surge or possibly a failed component in your EPAC unit, that specifically affected the device without harming others connected to the same line, especially if they had better protection against such events. It's also possible the CB didn't trip because the short circuit current was below its operating threshold. For your second question: The inclusion of PFD in your system could be for a number of reasons, even though both EPAC and EP24 both ultimately output the same 5V signal. It could be related to the difference in initial input voltage, power requirements, grounding, components compatibility, or specific safety and operational standards. Always remember that, in automation, output similarities do not necessarily infer interchangeability due to detailed technical variations in design. I hope this helps!
Hey there! Welcome to the world of automation! Sorry to hear about your EPAC troubles. As for the short circuit, it could be due to a number of factors, such as component failure, unexpected load changes, or even external interference. It’s interesting how, despite the 4A circuit breaker, some faults can escalate so quickly that they exceed its protection capacity. Regarding the PFD, even though both the EPAC and EP24 ultimately output 5V, they likely have different internal architectures and power handling characteristics. The PFD probably serves to ensure proper signal integrity and compatibility with your system, especially if there are nuances in how each unit interacts with the backplane. Swapping them directly without the PFD might lead to communication issues or even further damage down the line. Good luck with the replacement!
Hi there! It sounds like you're dealing with quite a challenging situation. The short circuit in your 1743-EPAC could be attributed to a few factors, such as a power surge, faulty components, or even environmental issues like moisture or dust accumulation. As for the PFD, even though both the EPAC and EP24 convert to a 5V signal, they might have different feedback mechanisms or operational characteristics balanced with the overall system design. So, using the PFD ensures that the new unit integrates seamlessly into the existing setup, maintaining stability and performance. Swapping them directly may not account for these nuances, which could lead to further issues down the line. Always better to play it safe! Hope this helps!
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Answer: Answer: Short circuits can be caused by various factors such as overloading, faulty wiring, component damage, or environmental factors. It is important to conduct a thorough inspection to determine the specific cause in your case.
Answer: Answer: The need for including the PFD (Power Fault Detection) could be due to differences in the power requirements, communication protocols, or compatibility issues between the EPAC and EP24 units. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure a successful replacement process.
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