NORD Expands Safety Features for Decentralized Variable Frequency Drives
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has expanded the functional safety features of its NORDAC ON variable frequency drives. The updates offer integrated fail-safe control and reduced wiring for modern automated production.
WAUNAKEE, Wisconsin – NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has enhanced the functional safety capabilities of its NORDAC ON decentralized variable frequency drives (VFDs). These enhancements provide integrated fail-safe control and simplify wiring in automated production environments.
Functional safety is critical in modern automation to protect personnel, machinery, and the environment from risks associated with technical malfunctions. The NORDAC ON VFDs are designed for compact installation, reducing setup effort and costs. They also feature an onboard PLC for drive-specific functions and data processing.
The expanded safety functions now include Safe Limited Space (SLS), Safe Maximum Speed (SMS), and Safe Speed Monitor (SSM), in addition to Safe Torque Off (STO) and Safe Stop 1 (SS1). These allow for safe control and monitoring of rotary movements, crucial for demanding safety applications. The VFDs' secure digital inputs and outputs also enable the integration of external safety components like emergency stop buttons and safety door switches.
NORD's solutions can be incorporated into existing industrial networks via PROFIsafe or FSoE protocols, further reducing installation and cabling expenses and creating a future-proof system. The company offers the NORDAC ON drives for power ranges of 0.5 to 5.0 hp, paired with NORD gear motors.