November 2018System Integration & Control Systems Design
Rockwell Automation has introduced the Allen-Bradley ControlTower 856T 70 mm Tower Light system to market. This new system incorporates brighter LED illumination and a broad offering of visual and sound technologies, all in a 70 mm diameter housing. The ControlTower 856T is capable of accommodating up to seven modules in the same stack, offering users the ability to monitor more machine and process conditions in a single device. This new modular design allows the system to meet the widest range of signalling applications with a reduced number of components.
“Our new tower light helps engineers achieve faster time to market due to the reduced number of components they need to select,” said Adrian van Wyk, business manager power and components, Rockwell Automation Sub-Saharan Africa. “Users may also see a lower total cost of ownership due to the scalable visual and audible options, and the ability to monitor more machine conditions with a single tower light.”
The tower light features push-in terminal blocks in the base and internal DIP switches inside the light and sound modules that enable engineers to configure operation modes. Engineers can choose from a range of sounds that help alert operators to a machine’s status or condition. These sound options include multi-tone piezoelectric and multi-tone transducer technologies.
The ControlTower 856T system also includes non-stackable, beacon-shaped light modules for applications that require a low profile signalling device, but want to use the same mounting infrastructure of the tower light.
The IP66/67-rated system can be used in tough environmental conditions and in an extended operating temperature up to 70°C. To meet global requirements, the system is available in 24 VAC/DC and 120/240 VAC. The product line is available as separate components or as a pre-configured, factory-assembled stack light for optimal flexibility.
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