PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


Designed for the outdoors

June 2008 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

Four new Gamma devices are expanding the electrical installation technology of the Siemens Building Technologies Division (BT): The weather system AP 257/21, the weather station WS1 AP 257/31 and the wind sensor AP 257/41 control shutters, blinds or awnings on residential and non-residential buildings, while the external motion detector AP 251 switches the light on or triggers an alarm.

The weather system AP 257/21 offers an integrated weather sensor for wind, brightness, dusk, temperature and precipitation as well as a comprehensive sun protection control system for up to eight façades. The integrated KNX interface forwards the measured values to the actuators, which activate the sun protection. The controls open and close the shutters/blinds and adjust the shutter/blind slats horizontally and vertically according to the sun position. Furthermore, the central unit regulates the exposure to light up to a user-defined room depth. With its compact design, the device can be easily installed and sensors can be directly connected. As a simple control, the weather station WS1 AP 257/31 has a reduced function scope for four façades.

The wind sensor AP 257/41 protects shutters/blinds from storm damage. Should the sensor measure a predefined value, the actuators are triggered, which close the shutters/blinds or awning. Multiple wind sensors can be connected with the weather system via the KNX interface in order to control the shutters/blinds for an entire building. The device measures wind speed in one area up to wind force level 12 maintenance-free without mechanically mobile parts.

The external motion detector AP 251 triggers via an integrated KNX interface light or an alarm in the case of movement at night and can be connected to a security centre and controlled from there. Thanks to the large sensing angle of 290°, the device is suitable for mounting on building corners. It is calibrated with infrared remote control from the ground or via pushbuttons or KNX.

For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2412, keshin.govender@siemens.com, www.siemens.co.za





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