Are endless wires, terminations and testing slowing down your industrial control panel builds? There is a simpler solution. Rockwell Automation’s Ethernet/IP in-cabinet solutions are a gateway connecting traditionally hardwired control panel components for seamless data connectivity and more efficient panel designs.
Want to know how it works? See how Ethernet/IP in-cabinet solutions can help OEMs, panel builders and system integrators slash wiring time, reduce cabinet size and simplify panel design.
EtherNet/IP In-Cabinet Solutions – Fast Facts
🛠
30%
LESS ENGINEERING TIME
💲
14%
LOWER CAPITAL COSTS
How do Ethernet/IP In-cabinet solutions reduce wiring time?
Traditionally, wiring an industrial control panel means running individual wires for every push button and contactor, terminating both ends and routing them through raceway. For control panels with dozens of devices, the number of terminations can be overwhelming.
Ethernet/IP in-cabinet solutions reduce wiring time by 80% because they only require a single crimp-down ribbon cable that links all devices together. Instead of home runs for each component, everything connects through one streamlined cable. That means installers spend less time cutting, stripping, routing and testing connections.
What control panel components are compatible with Ethernet/IP?
Right now, compatibility is limited to 800F (22 mm) push buttons and 100E contactors. These components can easily be retrofitted for Ethernet/IP capability. For 800F pushbuttons, take off the existing operators and slide on the in-cabinet operator.
Adding Ethernet/IP capability to an existing 100E contactor doesn’t require a special version of the contactor. The Ethernet/IP gateway snaps on top of the contactor and connects to the control system using a software like Studio 5000.
Are Ethernet/IP In-cabinet solutions difficult to set up?
Instead of manually wiring each device to I/O cards and mapping connections, Ethernet/IP integrates everything into Studio 5000. That means devices are auto-discovered, IP-addressed and tagged in the software.
It makes programming less error prone. Push button characteristics (like normally open or normally closed) are configured in the software, eliminating wiring mistakes. This results in a 30% reduction in project engineering time.
How do Ethernet/IP In-cabinet solutions affect testing time?
Less wiring and fewer terminations mean less time testing connections. In fact, testing time goes almost to zero with Ethernet/IP in-cabinet solutions. If terminations are crimped down properly, they should appear in Studio 5000.
If there is a green LED indicator, it’s connected, and if there is a red indicator, it’s not. It is much quicker than checking hundreds of endpoints one at a time.
How do Ethernet/IP In-cabinet solutions affect panel size?
Ethernet/IP eliminates the need for large wire raceway by replacing bundles of copper wire with a single slim ribbon cable. The result is a 10% reduction in required panel size.
The only additional component is a small, inch-wide gateway mounted on the DIN rail. The streamlined design creates space for other devices, reduces cabinet weight and makes panels easier to handle and install.
Are Ethernet/IP In-cabinet solutions more expensive?
While there is an initial investment in the Ethernet/IP gateway, using Ethernet/IP in-cabinet solutions can actually lead to a 14% reduction in capital costs. Less wiring means less expense on copper, plus time is money too. When you add the time savings and reduced engineering and development time, using Ethernet/IP is more cost effective.
Who should consider using Ethernet/IP In-cabinet solutions?
In-cabinet Ethernet/IP is ideal for OEMs and panel builders who want to speed up assembly and reduce wiring complexity. They are also great for system integrators supporting remote facilities because they can change device properties in Studio 5000 from anywhere. End users benefit from the smaller panel footprint. Plus, less wiring and fewer terminations make panels easier to maintain.
DISCOVER MORE PANEL OPTIMIZATION SOLUTIONS
Do you want to discover more solutions to help you simplify panel design and reduce engineering time? See how OEMs can win with panel optimization solutions like the new M100 electronic motor starter, PointMax I/O, branch motor control and more.
SEE MORE PANEL OPTIMIZATION SOLUTIONS
