Energy management and automation solutions company Schneider Electric has launched its latest range of contactors for use in industrial automation applications, to market in South Africa, east, west and southern Africa.

Schneider Electric offer manager: power products Roy Otieno says that the Easy TeSys contactors are designed to control motors ranging from 2.2 kW to 335 kW, suitable for light-duty applications such as conveyors; packaging; pumps; compressors; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); refrigeration and furnace applications.

“This is an easy solution for original-equipment manufacturers, panel builders, contractors and system integrators who have a need for motor control, resistive load switching and isolation applications. The product covers 80% of all industrial motor applications,” says Otieno.

Otieno explains that the range is an upgrade of Schneider Electric’s EasyPact TVS contactors, with the main improvement being that it is suitable for additional application areas particularly HVAC systems and applications with power ratings and operational life of approximately one-million electrical operations. The new contactors are also suited to direct current applications, whereas the previous range was primarily used for alternating current applications.

The product range is grouped into three categories:

• Protection: a motor protection circuit breaker, designed to protect a system against short circuit faults.
• Control: a contactor used to determine when equipment or a motor is switched on and off.
• Overload: a system to protect equipment against extreme thermal conditions when operating temperatures become too high.

“The new Easy TeSys range offers better value for money compared to its performance. Compared to Schneider Electric’s other control systems, we are introducing this product at a lower price range, with additional functionality but without compromising on quality,” notes Otieno.

An additional feature of the Easy TeSys range is the inclusion of a scannable quick response (QR) code to help reduce the risk of counterfeiting by enabling serial number confirmation.

“The OR code also provides 24/7 access to product guides which helps to ensure a seamless install process. Scanning the QR code directs users to a repository of datasheets, catalogues and brochures,” says Otieno.