iX T7A

Installation Manual
MAEN016F, 2013-09 English
 Foreword

Installation manual for iX T7A

Foreword
All operator panels are developed to satisfy the demands of human-machine
communication. Built-in functions such as displaying and controlling text,
dynamic indication, time channels, alarm and recipe handling are included.
The operator panel works primarily in an object-oriented way, making it easy to
understand and use. Configuration is carried out on a PC using the iX Developer
configuration tool. The project can then be transferred and stored in the operator
panel itself.
Various types of automation equipment such PLCs, servos or drives can be
connected to the operator panels. In this manual, the term “the controller” refers
to the connected equipment.
This manual explains how to install the operator panel. Please refer to the
iX Developer reference manual for further information.

Order no: MAEN016F

Copyright © 2013-09 Beijer Electronics AB. All rights reserved.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and is provided as available at the
time of printing. Beijer Electronics AB, including all its group companies, reserves the right to change any
information without updating this publication. Beijer Electronics AB, including all its group companies,
assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. Read the entire installation
manual prior to installing and using this equipment. Only qualified personnel may install, operate or repair
this equipment. Beijer Electronics AB, including all its group companies, are not responsible for modified,
altered or renovated equipment. Because the equipment has a wide range of applications, users must acquire
the appropriate knowledge to use the equipment properly in their specific applications. Persons responsible
for the application and the equipment must themselves ensure that each application is in compliance with
all relevant requirements, standards and legislation in respect to configuration and safety. Only parts and
accessories manufactured according to specifications set by Beijer Electronics AB, including all its group
companies, may be used.
BEIJER ELECTRONICS AB, INCLUDING ALL ITS GROUP
COMPANIES, SHALL NOT BE LIABLE TO ANYONE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE INSTALLATION, USE OR
REPAIR OF THIS EQUIPMENT, WHETHER ARISING IN TORT,
CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE. BUYER'S SOLE REMEDY SHALL
BE THE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF PURCHASE
PRICE, AND THE CHOICE OF THE APPLICABLE REMEDY SHALL
BE AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF BEIJER ELECTRONICS AB,
INCLUDING ALL ITS GROUP COMPANIES.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F

 Contents

Contents
1 Safety Precautions ....................................................... 4
1.1 General ........................................................... 4
1.2 UL and cUL Installation ......................................... 4
1.3 During Installation .............................................. 6
1.4 During Use ....................................................... 6
1.5 Service and Maintenance ........................................ 6
1.6 Dismantling and Scrapping ..................................... 6
1.7 Appearance of Air in Touch Screen ............................. 7
2 Installation ............................................................... 8
2.1 Space Requirements ............................................. 8
2.2 Installation Process .............................................. 9
2.2.1 Connections to the Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
2.2.2 Other Connections and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3 Technical Data ........................................................... 12
4 Chemical Resistance .................................................... 14
4.1 Metal Casing ..................................................... 14
4.2 Touch Screen and Overlay ....................................... 15
4.2.1 Autoflex EBA 180L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.2.2 Touch Screen Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
4.2.3 Autoflex EBA 180L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5 Operator Panel Drawings .............................................. 17
5.1 Connectors ....................................................... 17
5.2 Communication Ports ........................................... 17
5.3 iX T7A Outline .................................................. 19
6 Additional Installation Tips ............................................ 20
6.1 Grounding the Operator Panel ................................. 20
6.2 Ethernet Connection in the Operator Panel ................... 21
6.3 To Achieve Better EMC Protection ............................. 23
6.4 Ambient Temperature ........................................... 24
6.5 Safety ............................................................. 25
6.6 Galvanic Isolation ................................................ 26
6.7 Cable and Bus Termination RS485 ............................. 27

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F

 Safety Precautions

1 Safety Precautions
Both the installer and the owner and/or operator of the operator panel must read
and understand this installation manual.

1.1 General
• Read the safety precautions carefully.
• Check the delivery for transportation damage. If damage is found, notify the
supplier as soon as possible.
• Do not use the operator panel in an environment with high explosive hazards.
• The supplier is not responsible for modified, altered or reconstructed
equipment.
• Use only parts and accessories manufactured according to specifications of
the supplier.
• Read the installation and operating instructions carefully before installing,
using or repairing the operator panel.
• Never allow fluids, metal filings or wiring debris to enter any openings in the
operator panel. This may cause fire or electrical shock.
• Only qualified personnel may operate the operator panel.
• Storing the operator panel where the temperature is lower/higher than
recommended in this manual can cause the LCD display liquid to
congeal/become isotopic.
• The LCD display liquid contains a powerful irritant. In case of skin contact,
wash immediately with plenty of water. In case of eye contact, hold the eye
open, flush with plenty of water and get medical attention.
• The figures in this manual serves an illustrative purpose. Because of the many
variables associated with any particular installation, the supplier cannot
assume responsibility for actual use based on the figures.
• The supplier neither guarantees that the operator panel is suitable for your
particular application, nor assumes responsibility for your product design,
installation or operation.
• It is recommended to turn on and shut down the operator panel at least once
before installing any components/cards or before connecting the operator
panel to external devices, like for example serial devices.

1.2 UL and cUL Installation

Caution:
This section is only valid for UL labeled iX T7A panels.

• This equipment is suitable for use in Class 2 non-hazardous locations only.

[Combinations of equipment in your system are subject to investigation by
the local authority having jurisdiction at the time of installation].

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 4

 Safety Precautions

• All devices have to be supplied by a Class 2 power supply.

Warning:
Do not disconnect equipment unless power has been removed or the area is
known to be non-hazardous

• For Canada also AVERTISSEMENT – AVANT DE DECONNECTER

L’EQUIPEMENT, COUPER LE COURANT OUS’ASSURER QUE
L‘EMPLACEMENT EST DESIGNE NON DANGEREUX.

Warning:
Only UL and cUL approved expansion units are allowed to be connected to
the port designated “EXPANSION”. At the moment there are no such units
evaluated or allowed.

Warning:
Do not replace expansion unit unless power has been switched off or the area
is known to be non-hazardous.

• This product contains a battery; this must only be changed in an area known
to be non-hazardous.
• Replace the battery with a BR 2032 battery. Use of another type of battery
may present a risk of fire or explosion.

Warning:
Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not recharge, disassemble or dispose
of in fire.

• For use on a flat surface of a type 4X enclosure indoor use only.

• Use 75 degree conductors only
• Use copper conductors only
• To make wiring connections to the power supply connector, follow the table
with cable and torque specifications below:

Terminal Block No. Wire Size AWG TQ Lb.In.

X1/X100 Phoenix connectors AWG 30–12 5–7
X1/X100 Anytek connectors AWG 24–12 3.5

• These devices are Class 2 supplied programmable controllers (industrial PCs)

for the use in industrial control equipment and are intended to be (front)
panel mounted (Type 1 and 4x for indoor use only).

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 5

 Safety Precautions

1.3 During Installation

• The operator panel is designed for stationary installation on a plane surface,
where the following conditions are fulfilled:
– no high explosive risks
– no strong magnetic fields
– no direct sunlight
– no large, sudden temperature changes
• Install the product according to the accompanying installation instructions.
• Ground the product according to the accompanying installation instructions.
• Only qualified personnel may install the operator panel.
• Separate the high voltage, signal and supply cables.
• Make sure that the voltage and polarity of the power source is correct before
connecting the product to the power outlet.
• Peripheral equipment must be appropriate for the application and location.

1.4 During Use

• Keep the operator panel clean.
• Emergency stop and other safety functions may not be controlled from the
operator panel.
• Do not use too much force or sharp objects when touching the keys,
touchscreen etc.

1.5 Service and Maintenance

• Only qualified personnel should carry out repairs.
• The agreed warranty applies.
• Before carrying out any cleaning or maintenance operations, disconnect the
equipment from the electrical supply.
• Clean the display and surrounding front cover with a soft cloth and mild
detergent.
• Replacing the battery incorrectly may result in explosion. Only use batteries
recommended by the supplier. During the warranty period, the battery needs
to be replaced by an authorized Beijer Electronics service center.

1.6 Dismantling and Scrapping

• The operator panel or parts thereof shall be recycled according to local
regulations.
• The following components contain substances that might be hazardous
to health and the environment: lithium battery, electrolytic capacitor and
display.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 6

 Safety Precautions

1.7 Appearance of Air in Touch Screen

• The layer structure of the touch screen contains air and in rare cases
appearance of bubbles can arise. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect
any functionality of the panel. The appearance can occur under certain
environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and atmospheric
pressure.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 7

 Installation

2 Installation
2.1 Space Requirements
• Maximum installation plate thickness: 11 mm
• Space requirements in millimeters when installing the operator panel:

100 mm

143 mm 50 mm 50 mm 100 mm

100 mm

204 mm

Note:
The dimensions on the drawing are not proportional.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 8

 Installation

2.2 Installation Process

The following is needed:
• A Phillips/slot screwdriver
1. Unpack and check the delivery. If damage is found, notify the supplier.

Note:
Place the operator panel on a stable surface during installation.
Dropping the panel or letting it fall may cause damage.

2. Use the cut out dimensions that are included on the outline drawing, found
in section Operator Panel Drawings and in the Technical Data table, to cut
a correct opening in the cabinet. A separate cut out drawing is available for
download from the Beijer Electronics web site.
3. Secure the operator panel in position using all the fastening holes and the
provided brackets and screws:

x4 0.5 - 1.0 Nm

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 9

 Installation

4. Connect the cables in the specified order, according to the drawing and steps
below.

Caution:
• Ensure that the operator panel and the controller system have the same electrical
grounding (reference voltage level), otherwise errors in communication may
occur.
• The operator panel must be brought to ambient temperature before it is started
up. If condensation forms, ensure that the operator panel is dry before connecting
it to the power outlet.
• Ensure that the voltage and polarity of the power source is correct.
• Use only shielded communication cables.
• Separate high voltage cables from signal and supply cables.

B Power

Controller

RS232/
RS422/
RS485
24V DC
24V DC
C

Ethernet

– Connect cable A.
– Connect cable B, using an M5 screw and a grounding conductor (as short
as possible) with a cross-section of minimum 2.5 mm2.
– Connect cable C.
– Connect cable D. The recommended cross-section of the cable is
1.5 mm2.
5. Carefully remove the laminated film over the operator panel display, to avoid
static electricity that could damage the panel.

Note:
Only for iX T7A panels with part number 630000201:
When connecting the operator panel to the power outlet for the first time, make
sure not to interrupt power for a minimum of 48 hours in order to charge the battery
completely. After that, the battery may be charged partly during a shorter period of
time.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 10

 Installation

2.2.1 Connections to the Controller

For information about the cables to be used when connecting the operator panel to
the controller, please refer to the help file for the driver in question.

2.2.2 Other Connections and Peripherals

Cables, peripheral equipment and accessories must be suitable for the application
and its environment. For further details or recommendations, please refer to the
supplier.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 11

 Technical Data

3 Technical Data
Parameter iX T7A
Front panel, W × H × D 204 × 143 × 7 mm
Cut out dimensions, 187 × 126 mm
W×H
Mounting depth 43 mm (143 mm including clearance)
Standalone mounting VESA 75 × 75
Note: Maximum screw length for VESA mounting is 4 mm.
Usage of longer screws may lead to damage.
Front panel seal IP 65
Rear panel seal IP 20
Touch screen Polyester on glass, resistive.
material Overlay: Autoflex EBA 180L(1).
Touch screen 1 million finger touch operations
operations
Reverse side Powder-coated aluminum
material
Frame material Powder-coated aluminum
Weight 0.8 kg
Serial port for 9-pin D-sub contact with RS232 RTS/CTS, chassis-mounted
COM1 RS232 and female with standard locking screws 4-40 UNC
COM2 RS422/RS485
Serial port for 9-pin D-sub contact with RS232 RTS/CTS, chassis-mounted
COM3 RS232 and female with standard locking screws 4-40 UNC
COM4 RS422/RS485
Ethernet 1 × 10 Base-T / 100 Base-T (shielded RJ 45)
USB 1 × USB Host 2.0, max output current 200 mA
Processor 400 MHz ARM9
External storage 1 × SD card (optional). Only compatible with the standard SD
media format with up to 2 GB storage capacity.
Flash memory 128 MB SSD (NAND Flash)
(application
memory)
Memory RAM 128 MB (DDR2)
LED 1 × blue/red software programmable
Real time clock Yes (on chip)
Battery(2) Lithium battery type BR 2032, soldered
or rechargeable battery(2) (Seiko Instruments Part No.
MS920-SE or similar), soldered
Power consumption 6.0 W
at rated voltage
Fuse Internal DC fuse, 2.0 AT, 5 × 20 mm

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 12

 Technical Data

Parameter iX T7A
Power supply +24 V DC (18-32 V DC)
CE: The power supply must conform with the requirements
according to IEC 60950 and IEC 61558-2-4.
UL and cUL: The power supply must conform with the
requirements for class II power supplies.
Display TFT-LCD with LED backlight. 800 × 480 pixels, 64 k colors
Active area of 152.4 × 91.4 mm
display, W × H
Operating -10 °C – +60 °C
temperature
Storage temperature -20 °C – +70 °C
Relative humidity 5 - 85% non-condensed
Approvals and Information is available on the web site
certifications www.beijerelectronics.com

(1) See section Chemical Resistance for more information.

(2) iX T7A panels with part number 630000201 use a rechargeable battery. All other
versions use a BR 2032 battery.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 13

 Chemical Resistance

4 Chemical Resistance
4.1 Metal Casing
The frame and casing material is powder-coated aluminum. This powder paint
withstands exposure to the following chemicals without visible change:

Acetic acid 10% Phosphoric acid 4%

Citric acid 10% Phosphoric acid 10%
Diesel Sea water
Distilled water Sodium chloride 2%
Edible oil Sodium chloride 20%
Fuel oil Sulphuric acid 20%
Hydrogen peroxide 3% Tap water

The powder paint shows limited resistance to the following chemicals at room
temperature:

Butanol Nitric acid 3%

Hydrochloric acid 5% Nitric acid 10%
Isopropyl alcohol Phosphoric acid 43%
Na-hypochlorite 10% Turpentine

Note:
If exposure to any of the above chemicals is demanded, it is recommended to first test
the chemical in a hidden spot of the metal casing.

The powder paint shows little or no resistance to the following chemicals at room
temperature:

Acetic acid, conc. Methyl-ethyl ketone Toluene

Acetone Nitric acid 30% Trichlorethylene
Ammonia 5% Phenol Xylene
Ammonia, conc. Sodium hydroxide 5% 97 octane unleaded petrol
Ethyl acetate Sodium hydroxide 30% 98 octane leaded petrol

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 14

 Chemical Resistance

4.2 Touch Screen and Overlay

4.2.1 Autoflex EBA 180L
Autoflex EBA 180L covers the overlay surrounding the touch screen.

Solvent Resistance
Autoflex EBA 180L withstands exposure of more than 24 hours duration under
DIN 42 115 Part 2 to the following chemicals without visible change:

Acetonitrile Diesel Downey / Lenor(1) Phosphoric acid (<30%)

Ajax / Vim in solution Ethanol Potassium ferricyanide
Alkalicarbonate Glycerine Potassium hydroxide (<30%)
solution(1)
Ammonia (<40%)(1) Glycol Pure Turpentine
Acetic acid (<50%) Gumption(1) SBP 60/95(1)
Ariel powder in Hydrochloric acid (<36%) Sulfuric acid (<10%)
solution(1)
Bleach(1) Linseed oil Tomato ketchup
Castor oil Methanol Trichloroacetic acid (<50%)
Caustic soda (<40%)(1) Nitric acid (<10%) White Spirit
Cutting oil Paraffin oil Windex(1)
Cyclohexanol Persil powder in Wisk
solution(1)
Diacetone alcohol Petroleum spirit(1) -
(1) Extremely faint glossing of the texture was noted.

Autoflex EBA 180L withstands DIN 42 115 Part 2 exposure of up to 1 hour

duration to glacial acetic acid without visible change.
Autoflex EBA 180L is not resistant to high pressure steam at over 100 °C or the
following chemicals:

Concentrated mineral acids Benzyl alcohol

Concentrated caustic solution Methylene chloride

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 Chemical Resistance

4.2.2 Touch Screen Surface

The touch screen surface on the operator panel withstands exposure to the
following solvents without visible change:

Solvents Time
Acetone 10 minutes
Isopropanol 10 minutes
Toluene 5 hours

4.2.3 Autoflex EBA 180L

It is recommended to use the Autoflex EBA 180Ltouch display protection film,
that can be ordered from Beijer Electronics.

Solvent Resistance
Autoflex EBA 180L withstands exposure to the same chemicals as Autotex F157 or
F207 according to section Autoflex EBA 180L.

Outdoor Use
In common with all polyester based films, Autoflex EBA 180L is not suitable for
use in conditions of long-term exposure to direct sunlight.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 16

 Operator Panel Drawings

5 Operator Panel Drawings

5.1 Connectors

COM 1/2 LAN COM 3/4

1 2 3 4

Pos. Connector Description

1 Power supply +24 V DC (18-32 V DC)
2 COM 1/2 Communication Ports
3 LAN 1 × 10/100 Base-T (shielded RJ-45)
4 COM 3/4 Communication Ports

5.2 Communication Ports

Serial port, 9-pin female Serial port, 9-pin female
Pin
COM1 COM2 COM3 COM4
RS422 Tx+ RS422 Tx+
1 - -
RS485 Tx+/Rx+ RS485 Tx+/Rx+
2 RS232 RxD - RS232 RxD -
3 RS232 TxD - RS232 TxD -
4 - RS422 Rx+ - RS422 Rx+
5 GND GND GND GND
RS422 Tx- RS422 Tx-
6 - -
RS485 Tx-/Rx- RS485 Tx-/Rx-
7 RS232 RTS - - RS422 RTS+
8 RS232 CTS - - RS422 RTS-
9 - RS422 Rx- - RS422 Rx-

Note:
In order to utilize two communication ports on the same physical port, the Y-split cable
CAB109 must be used.
Drawing for external cable CAB109 (drawing # Z7100-029E) is available on the web site:
www.beijerelectronics.com

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 17

 Operator Panel Drawings

Note:
Only iX T7A panels with part number 630000201 are equipped with terminated
COM-ports.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 18

 Operator Panel Drawings

5.3 iX T7A Outline

143

COM4 RS422/RS485
COM3 RS232

Ethernet
COM2 RS422/RS485
COM1 RS232 /
204

24 V DC
7
max. 11 mm SD memory
card slot
USB host

43

9 126 9
9
187
Expansion port

Note:
A Step CAD file is available on the web site www.beijerelectronics.com

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 19

 Additional Installation Tips

6 Additional Installation Tips

When experiencing communication problems in for example noisy environments
or when operating close to temperature limits, the following recommendations
are to be noticed.

6.1 Grounding the Operator Panel

Door Mounting plate in the cabinet

Operator panel 3

Power supply
1

24 V DC
Ferrite core 5

4
5350

The operator panel’s mounting clamps do not provide a secure grounding

connection between the panel and the device cabinet, see 1 in drawing above.
1. Connect a 2.5 mm2 wire between the operator panel’s quick-connect plinth
and the panel’s chassis, see 2 in drawing above.
2. Connect a 6 mm2 or 4 mm2 wire or grounding braid between the operator
panel’s chassis and the closest grounding point on the door, see 3 in drawing
above.
3. Connect a strong but short grounding braid between the door and the device
cabinet, see 4 in drawing above.
4. Twist the cables onto the 24 V DC feed, see 5 in drawing above. Minimum
cross-section of the cable is 2.5 mm2.
2 turns around the ferrite core provide 4 times the suppression of 1 turn.
3 turns around the ferrite core provide 9 times the suppression of 1 turn.
A ferrite core suppresses disturbances to the 24 V feed, see 6 in drawing above.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 20

 Additional Installation Tips

Note:
The grounding wires should be short and the conductor should have a large area.
A long, thin grounding wire has a very high impedance (resistance) at high frequencies
and will not guide disturbances to the ground.
Multi-wire conductors are better than single wire conductors with the same area.
A braided conductor wire with the same area is even better. The best is a short, thick
grounding braid.

6.2 Ethernet Connection in the

Operator Panel
Industrial Ethernet

RJ45

RJ45
1
RJ45

RJ45

Operator panel

RJ45
2

Operator panel
3
RJ45

4 Short and Operator panel

Shielded 1-1
2-2
unshielded
3-3
RJ45
8-8

Operator panel
5
RJ45
0.1 μF
250 V

In some industrial units for Ethernet, the RJ45 contact’s shield is connected to the
chassis via a capacitor, see 1 in drawing above.
The operator panel’s Ethernet shield is directly connected to the chassis, see 2 in
drawing above.
1. Check whether the other Ethernet unit has its shield directly grounded or
grounded via a capacitor.

Note:
In many cases, connecting the shielded Ethernet cabling to the chassis at both ends is
inappropriate. Hum or grounding loops can occur. Unshielded cabling may even result
in fewer communication errors.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 21

 Additional Installation Tips

A good solution may be to use a shielded Ethernet cable, but to connect the shield
at one end only.
One option is to break the shield, see 3 in drawing above.
A more elegant method is to expand the shielded Ethernet cabling with a piece of
unshielded Ethernet cable, see 4 in drawing above.
The shield can be grounded via an external 0.1 μF/250 V plastic capacitor, see 5 in
drawing above. This will connect the HF transients to ground.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 22

 Additional Installation Tips

6.3 To Achieve Better EMC Protection

• Initially, use the original cabling from Beijer Electronics primarily.
• Use shielded cables for RS232 communication.
• Use twisted pair and shielded cabling for RS422 and RS485.
• Use the cabling intended for the bus type; Ethernet, Profibus, CC-Link,
CAN, Device Net etc.
• Install and connect according to applicable specifications for the relevant bus
standard.
• Use shielded cabling for Ethernet, preferably with foil and a braided shield.
• D-sub covers should be shielded, and the shield should be connected to the
cover 360° where the cable enters.
• Connect the shield at both ends.
Shielded cable
0.1 μF/250 V
Ground plane 1 Ground plane 2
Not same potential
Ground plate Ground plate in another building

With longer distances, there is a risk that the ground potential may be different.
In that case, the shield should only be connected at one end. A good alternative
is to connect the other end of the shield to the ground via a 0.1 μF/250 V plastic
capacitor. Both ends are then connected to the ground in terms of HF, but only
connected to the ground at one end in terms of LF, thus avoiding the 50/60 Hz
grounding loops.
Metal cabinet Metal cabinet
Terminal or connector Terminal or connector
Short distance

Cable clamp
in steel

EMC cable gland Plastic cable gland

Shielded cable Shielded cable

1. Use an EMC cable gland or regular plastic cable gland, remove the outer jacket
and connect the shield to the installation plate with a 360° metal cable clamp.
2. Place the 24 V DC and communications cabling in one cable trunk/cable duct
and 230/380 V AC in another. If the cables need to be crossed, cross them at
90° only. Avoid combining the cabling for stronger 24 V DC outputs with
the communication cabling.
Ferrite cores that are snapped onto the shielded cabling may remove minor
disturbances. Large ferrite pieces that are snapped onto unshielded cabling and
where the wires go 2-4 times around the cores are approximately 5-25 times more
efficient.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 23

 Additional Installation Tips

6.4 Ambient Temperature

The maximum ambient temperature for the operator panel is provided in the
specifications. The ambient temperature refers to the temperature in the device
cabinet which cools the operator panel’s electronics.
Top
50 °C inside
Operator Power
panel

Power

Axial fan
30 °C outside Middle 120 x 120 mm
45 °C inside
Airflow
Power

Bottom
40 °C inside

In most cases, the ambient temperature for the operator panel is significantly
higher than the device cabinet’s ambient temperature.
If the cabinet is tall and there are a number of heat-generating devices, the
temperature at the top of the cabinet will be considerably higher than the
theoretical temperature increase that would be expected. All electronics are
sensitive to heat. The lifespan of an electrolytic capacitor is cut in half with an
8-10 °C increase in temperature. A 15-20 °C temperature increase results in a
quarter of the lifespan etc.
Rittal has a good program for estimating the anticipated average temperature in
the cabinet as well as a large program for controlling the temperature in the device
cabinet.
An enamel-coated steel cabinet has a radiant heat value of 5.5 W/m2 and degrees
C.
Installing a fan inside the cabinet will even out the temperature, while moving air
provides considerably better cooling than still air.
Install the fan so that it sits in the cooler area and blows cold air against the operator
panel. If the fan is mounted at the top and sucks warm air upwards, the fan’s
ambient temperature will be higher, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
The operator panel’s loss effect = supply voltage x current. Virtually no power goes
to external users and no loss effects due to inputs.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 24

 Additional Installation Tips

6.5 Safety
Most of the operator panels are fed with 24 V DC.
Power supply
230 V AC to 24 V DC
+24 V Operator panel

1 0V

4
Power supply
230 V AC to 24 V DC
+24 V Operator panel

2 0V

Distance?

Power supply
230 V AC to 24 V DC
+24 V Operator panel

3 0V

4
Small controller with expansion unit
COM1 Ch0

Ch1

COM100 Ch100
230 V AC
Ch101

5355

If a power supply that meets safety standards is used and only feeds the operator
panel, there is no problem. See 1 in drawing above.
However, if a 24 V unit that also feeds other units is used, there is reason to be
cautious, see 2 in drawing above. The operator panel does not have insulation
that meets safety requirements in the event of a potential short circuit between
230 V AC and 24 V DC. It is assumed that the 24 V feed is secure, for example,
SELV according to EN 60950 (protection against electric shock) and UL 950.

Example:
Here is an example that explains why a secure 24 V DC feed can be ruined by mixing
24 V relay contacts with 230 V AC relay contacts in a smaller controller. Check that the
clearances and creepage distances between 24 V DC and 230 V AC fulfill EN 60950 or
UL 950. If not, input a separate 24 V unit into the operator panel.

If there is a substantial distance between the relay contacts for 24 V DC and

230 V AC, it is OK to use the same 24 V devices for all feeds. See 3 in drawing
above.
Connect 0 V on the 24 V feed to the ground, see 4 in drawing above. This offers
three advantages:
• Safety is increased. The 24 V feed will not be live in the event of a faulty
connection or short circuit between 0 V (24 V) and 230 V phase.
• Transients on the 24 V feed are connected to the ground.
• No risk that the 24 V feed is at a high level in relationship to the ground. This
is not unusual since there is high static electricity.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 25

 Additional Installation Tips

6.6 Galvanic Isolation

Internal electronic
Ethernet
DC/DC
Filter galvanic isolation
DC/AC CFL
VCC
+24 V DC
0 V (GND)
0V

1.5 m

RS422/485 RS232 USB USB

The operator panel has galvanic isolation against the 24 V DC feed but no galvanic
isolation between the communication ports for RS232, RS422/485 and USB.
Only the Ethernet connection has galvanic isolation.

Operator panel Modular controller Printer

Power CPU COM COM2
*
RS422 RS232 USB
* * *
* *
*
PC PC
*
Different ground potential *
* = Internal 0 V (GND) connection

When a PC is connected to the operator panel, the panel’s internal 0 V (GND) will
be connected to the protective ground via the PC.
A number of USB devices can have the shield connected together with the
protective ground. Here, the operator panel’s 0 V (GND) is connected to the
protective ground when, for example, a USB memory stick, keyboard or similar
device is plugged in.
If a number of units are connected that have a 0 V and a ground connection, and
these are connected to various grounding points, there is a substantial risk of
problems. Grounding currents go through communication cables, the rear plate
of the controller, and internally in the operator panel, and can cause errors.
Use external units to improve communication and achieve galvanic isolation.
Westermo has good industry-standard insulators that are also insulated from the
24 V DC feed.

Note:
It is very important to make sure that the 24 V feed in the external insulation unit is not
connected to one of the communication outlets. If it does not have 100% insulation
against the 24 V feed, disturbances and grounding currents from the 0 V on the 24 V
side will disrupt communication.
Using this type of unit solves one problem but creates a larger problem! A substandard
installation may work now, but problems may arise when other devices are connected.

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 26

 Additional Installation Tips

6.7 Cable and Bus Termination RS485

• If maximum transfer distance and maximum transfer speed is needed,
shielded and twisted pair cable should be used. The mutual capacitance
may not exceed 52.5 pF/m, and the cable area should be at least 0.25 mm2
(AWG 24).
• 0 V, the reference voltage for communication should be included in
the cabling. With two-way communication use two pairs; one pair for
communication and one pair for 0 V.
• The shield must be grounded at one end. The other end is usually grounded,
but with longer distances or when there is a difference in the ground potential,
the shield should be connected to the ground via 0.1 μF/250 V plastic
capacitor to prevent ground current in the braided shield. A number of
manufacturers recommend that the shield be grounded at each node. Various
manufacturers have different systems for bus termination.
Depending on the recipients’ design, the bus wires may be on the same level or
require pull-up or pull-down to ensure that no faulty signals are detected when the
bus is in resting mode (all transmitters are disconnected).

Beijer Electronics, MAEN016F 27

Head office

Beijer Electronics AB

Box 426
201 24 Malmö, Sweden
www.beijerelectronics.com / +46 40 358600