New Capabilities in Busbar Temperature Monitoring

Advancements in the Calex product range make it easier than ever to measure the temperature of busbar joints in switchgear cabinets.

Measuring Small Areas

PyroMiniBus miniature pyrometer with direct RS485 Modbus output

Calex infrared temperature sensors continuously monitor the temperature of the surface of an object. The established PyroMiniBus models PMB201 and PMB21 satisfy most applications where the target is larger than about 30 mm, and provide the temperature digitally via RS485 Modbus.

However, there are cases where the target is much smaller than this: the edge of a busbar, or a small cable lug, for example.

The new model PMBXCF, with focused optics, measures a spot just 3.5 mm in diameter at a distance of 50 mm.

We normally recommend the target is twice the size of the measured spot, so this sensor is capable of measuring targets at least 7 mm across with maximum accuracy.

For the best results using general-purpose infrared temperature sensors, metal surfaces should always be painted or coated if possible (for example with a non-reflective label, or heatshrink). The size of the non-reflective area needs only to be 7 mm or more for use with this sensor.

Digital Data Acquisition

The new industrial panel PC models PM7P (7″) and PM10P (10″) are pre-installed with CalexSoft 2 temperature measurement software. The software includes a Modbus TCP Server that makes the data from the sensors available in real time over the touch-screen PC’s Ethernet connection. Data can then be accessed via SCADA.

Local Display

PM180 6-channel pyrometer hub

The 6-channel PM180 local display helps the maintenance engineer find the location of a high temperature reading at a glance. On-screen alarm indications are configured easily using the built-in touch screen so high temperatures turn bright red.

Flexible Layout

Modbus Master connection diagram for the PyroMiniBus and PM180 6-channel temperature measurement systemModbus connection diagram for the PM180 6-channel temperature measurement system

Digital communications via RS485 Modbus allow the PyroMiniBus sensors and display units to be laid out in a network to suit your application. Cables are simple to extend using your own terminal blocks or our PMBHUB 6-channel junction box. Sensors may be connected directly to a Calex 6-channel display, panel PC, or your own Modbus Master (e.g. SCADA or PLC).

Find Out More

For choosing suitable sensor models for busbar temperature measurement, read our PDF application note:

Busbar Temperature Monitoring in Switchgear Cabinets (PDF)

Full technical details of the sensors are available on the PyroMiniBus web page:

www.calex.co.uk/PyroMiniBus

For technical sales and support, get in touch with Calex here or send us an email.

By Anthony Smith