Phase Technologies PHASE CONNECT PC4R User manual
ii | P a g e
2021 © Copyright.V1.0 All rights reserved. All contents are property of Phase Technologies, LLC.
No portion of this publication or its contents may be duplicated by any means, electronic or otherwise, without the express
written consent of Phase Technologies, LLC.
V1.0_06012021
REMOTE EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT
222 Disk Dr.
Rapid City, SD 57701
Phone: 605-343-7934
Fax: 605-343-7943
Toll Free: 866-250-7934
www.phasetechnologies.com
iii | P a g e
SAFETY MESSAGES AND WARNINGS
To ensure safe and reliable operation of the Phase Connect system, it is important to
carefully read this manual and to observe all warning labels attached to the unit before
installing. Please follow all instructions exactly and keep this manual with the unit for quick
and easy reference.
Definitions of Warning Signs and Symbols
CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that could result in injury or
damage to the product.
WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that could result in serious
injury or death.
HIGH VOLTAGE: The voltage associated with the procedures referenced could
result in serious injury or death. Use caution and follow instructions carefully.
READ THESE WARNINGS BEFORE INSTALLING
OR OPERATING EQUIPMENT!
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. De-energize the unit by disconnecting all incoming
sources of power, before servicing the equipment.
HIGH VOLTAGE: This equipment is connected to line voltages that can create a
potentially hazardous situation. Electric shock could result in serious injury or death. This
device should be installed only by trained, licensed, and qualified personnel. Follow
instructions carefully and observe all warnings.
WARNING: Installation of this equipment must comply with the National Electrical
Code (NEC) and all applicable local codes. Failure to observe and comply with these codes
could result in risk of electric shock, fire, or damage to the equipment.
CAUTION: Circuit breakers, fuses, proper ground circuits, and other safety equipment
and their proper installation are not provided by Phase Technologies, LLC, and are the
responsibility of the end user.
WARNING: Input power connections should be made by a qualified electrician into
circuit with adequate voltage and current carrying capacity for the model.
CAUTION: Use 600 V vinyl-sheathed wire or equivalent. The voltage drop of the leads
needs to be considered in determining wire size. Voltage drop is dependent on wire length
and gauge. Use only copper conductors.
CAUTION: Secure wires to terminal blocks and torque to value be listed in Table 1.
CAUTION: Never allow bare wire to contact metal surfaces.
iv | P a g e
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................... 2
1.2 ENCLOSURE DRAWING ........................................................................................ 2
2.1 MOUNTING THE ENCLOSURE.............................................................................. 3
2.2 ANTENNA ...............................................................................................................3
2.3 GROUNDING THE DEVICE.................................................................................... 4
2.4 FIELD WIRING TERMINALS...................................................................................5
2.5 CABLE AND WIRE ROUTING................................................................................. 5
3.1 DETECT VFD FAULT.............................................................................................. 7
3.2 MONITOR VFD RUN STATUS................................................................................ 7
3.3 MONITOR 4-20 MA TRANSDUCER INPUT............................................................. 8
3.4 VFD RUN/STOP CONTROL.................................................................................... 9
3.5 RESET VFD FAULT ................................................................................................ 9
3.6 4-20 MA OUTPUT CONTROL ............................................................................... 10
3.7 REPEAT 4-20 MA INPUT SIGNAL......................................................................... 11
4.1 INITIALIZATION .................................................................................................... 12
4.2 DEVICE PARAMETERS........................................................................................ 12
5.1 CREATING AN ACCOUNT.................................................................................... 13
5.2 ACTIVATING A NEW DEVICE............................................................................... 13
5.3 NAVIGATING THE PORTAL ................................................................................. 13
5.4 DEVICE DASHBOARD.......................................................................................... 14
5.5 DEVICE READINGS.............................................................................................. 15
5.6 CONTROLS........................................................................................................... 15
5.7 CONFIGURING YOUR DEVICE............................................................................ 15
5.8 PROGRAMMING ALERTS.................................................................................... 15
5.9 MANAGE CONTACTS........................................................................................... 16
5.10 ADDING NEW USERS TO ACCOUNT................................................................ 16
5.11 REMOVING USERS FROM ACCOUNT .............................................................. 16
5.12 TRANSFERRING ACCOUNT.............................................................................. 16
5.13 PAUSING DEVICE COMMUNICATION............................................................... 16
5.14 DEACTIVATING DEVICE.................................................................................... 17
1 | P a g e
INTRODUCTION
Phase Connect is a remote management system designed to monitor and control variable
frequency drives (VFDs). Although designed for use with Phase Technologies VFDs,
Phase Connect can be tailored to manage a variety of equipment. Data is transferred
between the device and an online portal, which is accessible from any PC or smart phone.
From the portal, users can monitor three inputs (one analog, two digital) and control three
outputs (one analog, two digital). Alerts can be customized to send text and/or email
notifications to one or multiple contacts. One account can manage unlimited Phase
Connect devices. See Figure 1 for an overview of Phase Connect components.
Figure 1 –Internal Components of Phase Connect
AUX
Inputs
4-20 mA
Input/Output
Fuses,
500 V,
3.15 A
SIM Card
installed in Xbee
Cellular Module
Antenna
Connector
Graphic
Display
Input Power
Terminals
(100 –480
VAC)
Power Supply
Relay
Outputs
Connection
LED
2 | P a g e
1.1 Specifications
Model Number
PC4R
Input Voltage
90 VAC –528 VAC
Input Current
3 A
Operating Temperature Range
-10 °C to 50 °C (-14 °F to 122 °F)
Storage Temperature
-20 °C to 60 °C (-4 °F to 140 °F)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
11.73” x 9.07” x 6.22”
Enclosure Type
NEMA 3R
Weight
4 lbs
1.2 Enclosure Drawing
3 | P a g e
INSTALLATION
Install Tip Devices must be activated through the online portal before device will
connect. Go to connect.phasetechnologies.com to activate new devices.
2.1 Mounting the Enclosure
Each Phase Connect device comes with external mounting brackets and two sets of
screws. Use the larger screws to fasten the mounting brackets to the enclosure as shown
below.
Figure 2 –Mounting Brackets on Enclosure
The Phase Connect enclosure should be mounted to a solid, non-flammable surface using
the mounting brackets provided. It should be installed in a location free from:
•Corrosive gases or liquids
•Excessive vibration
•Airborne metallic particles
2.2 Antenna
Screw the antenna to the magnetic base and connect the antenna cable to the connector at
the bottom right corner of the device circuit board (see Figure 1 on next page). The
antenna should be mounted upright, to a magnetic surface, in open air. Do not mounting
the antenna inside a metallic enclosure. Metal will reflect radio frequency signals and
reduce signal strength. Antenna wire should be routed separately from power cables.
4 | P a g e
Figure 3 –Antenna Connection
Install Tip
A cell phone signal booster may be used to increase reception in remote areas.
2.3 Grounding the Device
•Properly ground the system according to local electrical code.
•Connect the ground terminal to the branch circuit or service ground conductor
with an adequately sized conductor according to local electrical code.
•Ground terminal location is shown in Figure 4.
Recommended Min. Ground Wire
Max Wire Size
Torque
14 AWG
6 AWG
10.5 lb-in.
Antenna Cable
5 | P a g e
2.4 Field Wiring Terminals
The Phase Connect will accept an incoming voltage range of 100 VAC –480 VAC.
Connect incoming power cables to L1 and L2, shown in Figure 4, and tighten to 10.5 lb-in,
as shown in Table 1.
CAUTION: Installations must comply with NEC and local electrical code requirements.
Failure to do so can lead to hazardous situations and may void manufacturer’s warranty.
Table 1 –Input Power Terminal Specifications
Rating
Wire Size
Torque
Input Power (L1, L2)
480 V, 3 A
18 –6 AWG
10.5 lb-in.
Figure 4 –Input Power Terminal Locations
2.5 Cable and Wire Routing
All cables should enter the bottom of the enclosure through the conduit openings provided.
Do not route power cables and control wires in the same conduit. If control cables must
intersect power cables, they should cross at right angles to minimize electromagnetic
interference (EMI). See enclosure drawing on page 2 for conduit sizes and locations.
Input Power
Terminals (L1, L2)
and Ground Terminal
6 | P a g e
CONTROL WIRING
The Phase Connect is equipped with two AUX inputs and an analog input for monitoring
equipment status. The device also contains two Normally Open/Normally Closed (NO/NC)
relay outputs and an analog output for controlling equipment with a manual 4-20 mA signal.
Refer to Table 2 for wire sizes and torque values. This section details common wiring
setups for monitoring and controlling Phase Technologies VFDs.
Table 2 –Control Terminal Wire Range and Torque Values
Wire Range
Torque
AUX1 and AUX2
26 –18 AWG
3.5 lb-in.
Relay 1 and Relay 2
I in and I out
24 –18 AWG
3.5 lb-in.
Phase Connect control terminal ratings and functions are described in Table 3 below.
Table 3 –Control Terminal Ratings and Descriptions
Terminal
Description
Rating
Comments
NO1
Normally Open
Relay 1
24 VDC or
277 VAC,
12 A
Normally open relay controlled
via online portal.
COM1
Common 1
Common terminal for NC1 and
NO1 terminals.
NC1
Normally Closed
Relay 1
Normally closed relay controlled
via online portal.
NO2
Normally Open
Relay 2
Normally open relay controlled
via online portal.
COM2
Common 2
Common terminal for NC2 and
NO2 terminals.
NC2
Normally Closed
Relay 2
Normally closed relay controlled
via online portal.
I out
4-20 mA Output
4-20 mA
Analog transducer connection for
controlling a 4-20 mA signal via
online portal. Accurate within 1%.
GND
Ground for I out
I in+
4-20 mA Positive
Analog transducer connection for
monitoring a 4-20 mA signal via
online portal. Accurate within 1%.
I in–
4-20 mA Negative
COM
Common
< 5 V,
galvanically
isolated
Common terminal for AUX1 and
AUX2
AUX1
Auxiliary 1
Digital input used to monitor relay
status via online portal.
AUX2
Auxiliary 2
Digital input used to monitor relay
status via online portal.
GND
Ground
Ground terminal for AUX1 and
AUX2
7 | P a g e
3.1 Detect VFD Fault
To set up the device to detect a VFD fault on a Phase Technologies drive, connect wires as
shown in Figure 5 and set PROGRAM RELAY 1 to “0 = SYSTEM FAULT” on VFD.
When the VFD has a fault, AUX 1 will be shown in the CLOSED position on the portal
Dashboard. The label of AUX 1 can be changed on the Config page of the portal.
Figure 5 –Detect VFD Fault
Install Tip
Be sure to make sure your VFD settings are set up properly for the chosen operation.
3.2 Monitor VFD Run Status
To set up the device to detect when a Phase Technologies VFD is running a load, connect
wires as shown in Figure 6 and set PROGRAM RELAY 2 to “5 = MINIMUM
FREQUENCY” on VFD.
When the VFD is running, AUX2 will be shown in the CLOSED position on the portal
Dashboard. The label of AUX 2 can be changed on the Config page of the portal.
Figure 6 –Detect When Drive is Running
Phase Technologies VFD Settings:
PROGRAM RELAY 1 = SYSTEM
FAULT
Phase Technologies VFD Settings:
PROGRAM RELAY 2 = MIN
FREQUENCY
8 | P a g e
3.3 Monitor 4-20 mA Transducer Input
To view the reading of a 4-20 mA transducer, connect wires from a 4-20 mA transducer to
the device as shown in Figure 7. In the portal, this reading will be displayed under the 4-20
mA Input. Use the Config page to select the proper sensor range and units for the
transducer being used. If the value shown for 4-20 mA Input does not match a manual
reading, use 4-20 mA Input Offset,on the web portal, to calibrate.
Figure 7 –Monitor 4-20 mA Input
If your 4-20 mA transducer isn’t reading correctly wired as shown in Figure 7, it may
provide a voltage, which interferes with the board voltage. If your transducer provides a
voltage, you will need to connect the wires as shown below.
Figure 8 –4-20 mA Transducer Wiring with External Source
9 | P a g e
3.4 VFD Run/Stop Control
To give a Phase Technologies VFD a RUN/STOP command remotely, connect wires as
shown and make sure the VFD settings match those shown in Figure 9. These are default
settings, so no changes should need to be made. On the portal dashboard, toggle Relay 1
and hit Send Commands button. The relay icon next to Relay 1 will now show that the NO
terminal is connected to C. The label of Relay 1 can be changed on the Config page of the
portal.
Figure 9 –Run/Stop Commands
3.5 Reset VFD Fault
Install Tip
Not all Phase Technologies drives have this feature. Navigate to the AUX SELECT
parameters in your drive to ensure it has this ability.
Some faults on Phase Technologies VFDs require manually cycling incoming power to
reset. To do this remotely, connect wires as shown in Figure 10 and set AUX 2 SELECT
on the VFD to 5 (Reset Drive Fault). If a Phase Technologies VFD encounters a non-
resettable fault, use the portal to turn Relay 2 ON, which will cycle power to the VFD and
reset the fault. If the drive encounters another fault, Relay 2 will need to be cycled OFF
then back ON to reset the fault.
Figure 10 –Reset VFD Fault
Phase Technologies VFD Settings:
SYSTEM CONFIG =
RUN/STOP using AUX1 and AUX2
AUX1 SELECT = Closed=RUN,
Open=STOP
Phase Technologies VFD Settings:
AUX 2 SELECT =
RESET DRIVE FAULT
10 | P a g e
3.6 4-20 mA Output Control
CAUTION: If sending a 4-20 mA signal from a Phase Connect to a Phase
Technologies VFD, wires must be connected to I1- and COM in VFD. Wiring to I1+ and I1-
can damage the VFD control board and void warranty.
To manually control the speed of a Phase Technologies VFD relative to a 4-20 mA signal,
connect wires as shown in Figure 11. The wires connected to I_out and GND of the Phase
Connect are used to send a manual 4-20 mA signal from the portal to the VFD 4-20 mA
input. The wires connected to AUX 1 and COM of the VFD are used to provide RUN/STOP
commands from the portal. If the VFD is in AUTO mode and the proper settings are
selected, a RUN command will prompt the drive to ramp to the frequency corresponding
with the 4-20 mA Output signal from the portal. Use the Config page to select units and
the range of the analog output.
When controlling a 4-20 mA Output signal from the portal, the user will select a value in
their chosen units (psi, GPM, or feet). This value will be converted to a 4-20 mA signal
before being sent to the device.
Figure 11 –4-20 mA Output Control
Phase Technologies VFD Settings:
SYSTEM CONFIG = Speed Control
Proportional to 4-20 mA Signal
11 | P a g e
3.7 Repeat 4-20 mA Input Signal
CAUTION: If sending a 4-20 mA signal from a Phase Connect to a Phase
Technologies VFD, wires must be connected to I1- and COM in VFD. Wiring to I1+ and I1-
can damage the VFD control board and void warranty.
Phase Connect allows users to control a VFD and monitor the input from the portal using a
single transducer. To do this, wire the transducer, VFD, and Phase Connect as shown in
Figure 12. On the portal dashboard, check the box under the 4-20 mA Output that says,
“Match Input” and hit Send Commands. Now both the portal and the VFD will read the 4-
20 mA transducer signal. When turning the Match Input command OFF, the 4-20 mA
Output will be reset to 0.
Figure 12 –Repeat 4-20 mA Signal
Install Tip
Be sure to hit SEND COMMANDS after selecting MATCH INPUT to enable this feature.
Phase Technologies VFD Settings:
SYSTEM CONFIG = Speed Control
Proportional to 4-20 mA Signa)
Portal Settings:
4-20 mA Output = Check the box
“Match Input”
12 | P a g e
OPERATION
Install Tip Devices must be activated through the online portal before device will
connect. Go to connect.phasetechnologies.com to activate new devices. The first
connection process should take about 20 minutes but can take longer depending on
cellular reception.
4.1 Initialization
After power and control connections are made, turn power to the device ON so device can
begin the connection procedure. While connecting, the display will show “Waiting Conn:”
with a counter showing the number of seconds the device has been trying to connect. The
activation process usually takes 20 minutes but can take longer in areas with poor cellular
service. The Connection LED, in the top right corner of the circuit board, will blink when
connected and be always on when unconnected.
4.2 Device Parameters
After device is connected, parameters and their values will scroll across the display. See
Figure 13 and Table 4, to understand the information being shown. The IMEI (International
Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique identifier for mobile devices. This can be
used to verify which device you are controlling through the portal.
Figure 13 –Understanding the Display
Table 4 –Scrolling Parameters
Parameter
Description
Iin
4-20 mA Input value
Iout
4-20 mA Output value
T
Temperature in °C and °F
R1 R2
Status of Relay 1 and Relay 2
X1 X2
Status of Aux 1 and Aux 2
X1 Cycles
Number of times Aux 1 has been cycled
X2 Cycles
Number of times Aux 2 has been cycled
X1 On
Total time Aux 1 has been closed
X2 On
Total time Aux 2 has been closed
Next Msg
Countdown until next update is sent to portal
Signal
Strength
Local
Time
IMEI
Number
Scrolling
Parameters
13 | P a g e
PHASE CONNECT PORTAL
5.1 Creating An Account
A Phase Connect Portal account is required to view and manage Phase Connect devices.
To create a portal account, go to connect.phasetechnologies.com and click “Sign up for an
Account.” Enter your information and click “Accept Terms and Submit.” If you already have
an account, you will need to log in to access your devices.
5.2 Activating A New Device
Install Tip The first connection process should take about 20 minutes but can take
longer depending on cellular reception.
If you have not activated a device before, you will be prompted to do so after creating a
portal account. If you already have active devices, you will need to click on the Activate
New Device button on the View Devices page and follow the steps. You will need to enter
the device Serial Number and Activation Code, which can be found on a sticker inside
the device or on a card included in the device packaging. You may also scan the QR code
on the serial number sticker, which will take you to the online portal Device Activation
page. See Figure 14 for the location of this information.
Figure 14 –Device Serial Number and Activation Code
5.3 Navigating the Portal
To manage a device, go to the View Devices page, found in the Portal Navigation Pane
on the left side of the window, and then click on the device you wish to manage. This will
bring you to the Device Dashboard. The Device Dashboard will be the main page for
monitoring and control. Other pages are found in the Device Navigation Pane. To change
14 | P a g e
AUX and relay labels, as well as to configure 4-20 mA Input and Output, see the Config
page. Use the Alerts page to set up text and email notifications. The Records page can be
used to keep a log of device history. The Settings page is used to manage subscription
plans and billing information.
Figure 15 –View Devices Page
5.4 Device Dashboard
Active devices will appear on the View Devices page. Devices can be viewed by clicking
on them. This will open the Device Dashboard for the selected device, where settings can
be monitored and controlled. Use the Device Navigation Pane to navigate through the
settings of the current device. The Device Status Bar, in the top right corner of the Device
Dashboard, can be used to view critical device information quickly.
Figure 16 –Device Dashboard
Change Device
View and Search
for Devices
Portal
Navigation
Pane
List of
Active
Devices
Activate
New Device
Device
Status Bar
Device
Navigation
Pane
Device
Readings
Controls
Refresh
Button
15 | P a g e
5.5 Device Readings
The Device Readings box section is where you will see Aux 1, Aux 2, and 4-20 mA Input
readings. Readings are sent from the device to the portal hourly and can be requested at
any time by clicking the Refresh button. Refreshing the device readings will request new
readings from the device and display them once received.
Cycle Count displays the number of times each Aux switch has cycled, ON and back OFF
is one cycle. The time period of this count can be changed by selecting from the list of time
frames below the Cycle Count. Time periods are shown for the last hour, the last day, the
last week, the last month, and the life of the Phase Connect device. Aux On Time refers to
the amount of time each Aux switch has been in the closed, or ON, position. The On Time
counts can be reset to 0 by clicking Reset Time below each count.
5.6 Controls
In the Controls section of the Dashboard, you have the ability to control two relays and
one 4-20 mA Output. To change the state of relays, click on the toggle next to the relay
you’d like to change then hit the Send Commands button. Likewise, to change the 4-20
mA Output, type in the value you want the device to give and hit Send Commands. You
may send multiple commands at once. After sending commands to the device, a 20 second
countdown will begin, after which the portal will auto-refresh. This 20 second delay allows
the analog readings to reach or move toward their setpoint before updating the portal
readings.
5.7 Configuring Your Device
The Config page allows you to customize the Dashboard labels and the 4-20 mA settings.
For accurate 4-20 mA readings, you must set the range and the units of the transducer in
the Analog Control Settings box. Units can be psi (pounds per square inch), ft (feet), or
gpm (gallons per minute). To save configuration changes, you must click “Save” or “Save
and Deploy” before leaving the Config page.
Device location can be set on the Config page by scrolling down to the map and clicking on
the desired device location then clicking Save.
5.8 Programming Alerts
Alerts can be set up to monitor the status of Aux switches, 4-20 mA Input, and Online
Status. Alerts will be triggered when the portal receives hourly updates from the device or
upon manual refreshes of the Dashboard. After clicking on the Alerts tab, you will be
taken to the Alerts page, where you will see a list of previous alerts that have been
triggered.
The Alerts page is where you can Acknowledge alerts by clicking on the Acknowledge
button on the right side of the list. Acknowledging an alert will remove it from the alert
counter in the Device Status Bar.
To view current alert rules or set up a new alert, click on the Manage Alerts button. This
will bring up a list of alert rules. To edit an alert rule, click on the rule you would like to edit.
To create a new alert rule, click the Add Alert button. Contacts can be notified via text or
email by clicking the Add Contact button and selecting the Contact or Group you would
like to be notified.
16 | P a g e
5.9 Manage Contacts
Alerts can be customized to text or email contacts when an event of interest occurs.
Manage Contacts is found in the Portal Navigation Pane. Contacts can be arranged into
groups that can receive alert notifications. Use this to save time when setting up alert
notifications if multiple contacts need to be notified.
5.10 Adding New Users to Account
Additional users can be added to accounts from the Manage Users page, found in the
Portal Navigation Pane, on the left edge of the screen. Click “Add User” in the top right
corner, enter the new user’s name and email, and then select their Role. Their Role will
determine their permission structure. Administrators are the only users that can view and
update billing information. See Table 5, below for a description of each Role.
Table 5 –User Roles
Role
Description
Administrator
Has all the same permissions as User with Control. Can view and
edit payment information and add device users.
User with Control
Can view device readings, make changes, acknowledge alerts, and
create new alerts.
View Only
Can view device readings but cannot make changes. Can
acknowledge alerts.
5.11 Removing Users from Account
To remove a user from an account, go to the Manage Users page, in the Portal Navigation
Pane, and click on the user that you wish to remove from the account. Click Unlink User to
revoke their portal access. The user will then receive an email notification that they have
been removed from the account.
5.12 Transferring Account
To transfer ownership of the account to another user, go to the Manage Users page in the
Portal Navigation Pane. Click the Add User button and enter the new owner’s name and
email address, ensure the Role is set to Administrator and click the Add button.
The new user will receive an email with their login credentials. Once the new user is logged
in, they can go to the Manage Users page, click on the old owner’s name, and select
Unlink User. If the original device owner cannot be reached to transfer device ownership,
contact Phase Technologies for assistance.
5.13 Pausing Device Communication
Helpful Tip Pausing device communication will still incur subscription charges.
Pausing a device will stop all communication between the device and the online portal, but
subscription costs will still be charged. If a device has been paused through the portal,
Table of contents
Other Phase Technologies Measuring Instrument manuals
