Connect, don't wire [t-head1-first]

The heart of a modern machine control system is the PLC (programmable logic controller).

Typically the PLC is mounted in a control panel in a central position of the system. The switchgear is connected with special cables to the input and output terminals of the PLC for the control and return signals.

In a distributed system the connections between the switchgear and the remote input/output system are of a similar type.

The system SmartWire system is used for the connection between the switchgear and the PLC.

The inputs/outputs of the PLC are relocated to the switchgear and connected with a plug-in cable. The switchgear is supplied, as much as possible, by the connection cable. This saves time with control wiring, saves space in the control panel (because cable trunking is no longer requiered) and reduces the necessary inputs/outputs on the PLC.