Specialist supplier of control equipment CHI Control has introduced the latest Eaton EZD intelligent relay, equipped with a multifunction display that offers powerful visualisation functions and improved networking capability to its existing EZ range of offerings.

CHI Control technical manager Gert Jonker says that the extensive EZ product range offers customers simple solutions, such as a compact standalone intelligent relay with timing relays and a year switch, or complex solutions, or proportional inte- gral-derivative control, such as a large-scale network of EZ intelligent relays that processes 320 input/output (I/O) points with local and remote expansion modules and visualisation.

He says that the EZ range of intelligent relays is best suited for standalone standard applica- tions, rather than large opera- tions or plants. The devices are used in pumpstations and air-conditioning systems, as well as on coal-mining company Anglo American Coal New Vaal colliery’s fire protection systems.

The EZ range offers user-friendly operation and programming. It also offers simple and inexpensive networking. By integrating the EZ-NET network, up to eight stations of EZD devices can communicate up to a distance of 1 000 m. All stations can be expanded locally using the EZ-Link interface, which enables EZ and EZD devices to be used with applications involving 12 to 320 I/O points.

The EZD features the option of a simple point-to-point connection with another EZD through a serial interface. Communication modules are available that allow EZ and EZD intelligent relays to be connected to AS-Interface, Profibus-DP, CANopen and DeviceNet network systems.

CHI Control marketing director Rob Hare says that the EZ range is CHI Control’s entry range in the automation market and the company can also offer up to 8 192 I/O points on its larger programmable logic controller (PLC) systems.

Further, Jonker adds that the company’s automation department includes a service centre that offers repairs and services on variable-speed drives and electronic soft starters. The department has expanded to provide customers with better feedback, services and technical support.

Hare says that the automation department is a new branch of the company’s business, focusing on instrumentation and control. The new department has allowed the introduction of a new range of products, as well as the further training of people from a technical or apprentice level.

Jonker says that the EZ range has been successfully used in training. The Durnacol skills innovation hub, in KwaZulu-Natal, has bought ten EZ intelligent-relay training units. He explains that Durnacol carries out basic PLC training and uses the units to teach students how to programme systems. He explains that programming can be carried out on the keypad or through a normal personal computer using programming cable.

Hare explains that the EZ intelligent relays can be equipped with a training board that can demonstrate a student’s programming skills through simulating the installation by using lights to indicate whether the device is sending out information or not. The units have training cards that allocate inputs into the device and show whether programming has resulted in the correct tasks.

Physical outputs and contacts can also be wired to the intel- ligent relays, which allows students to programme real applications at a workstation after they have first simulated programming using switches.

Hare adds that the automation department has been successful in training learners that have not yet left high school. CHI Control has been successful in supplying PLC trainers to George Campbell Technical High School, in Durban. This is to promote the industrial control environment as a possible career path to students, before they leave school.

“The training provides students with insight into the industrial world and how controllers work in different applications,” says Hare.

A further order has been secured with Unisa for EZ relays and variable-speed drives for distance education.

Further, Jonker says that it has now become a compulsory part of the grade 12 curriculum in technical schools for students to learn to use controllers as part of logic systems. CHI Control has been working on this project and outcome for about three years.

He adds that the company carries out product, quality, basic skills and adult-based education and training and has trained in excess of 300 people in the company, as well as external trainees.

Hare concludes that the company plans further expansions, especially from a product and technology perspective.