Rodix FEEDER CUBE CE-40 Plus Series Guide

CE-41
Plus
P/N 121-500-0746
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This device, P/N 121-500-0746, is used to control
the vibration level a vibratory feeder. The unit is
powered from the incoming line connection. The
unit has its own Master Control PC board. The
setup and operation is detailed in the following
product literature.
SPECIFICATIONS
Line Voltage: 120VAC+/-10%
Line Frequency: 50/60 Hz
Current: 15A
Output Voltage: 0-120 VAC
Handling & Transp. Temp. -40 – 60 C
Operating Temp. 0 – 40 C
INSTALLATION
The control is to be firmly mounted to a non-
vibrating surface. The control is designed to
withstand conditions equal to IP54. Do not install
the control in a more severe environment.
Connections to external conduits or cords are to
be made with hardware that is rated at IP54 or
better.
Refer to the electrical wiring diagram. Line and
load wiring is to be brought into the box via
customer-drilled holes. Use 2.5mm2(#14 AWG)
Mains supply wires or larger. Use 2.5mm2
(#14AWG) load wires or larger. The Mains supply
wiresshould be fusedbytheCustomerat15amps
or less. After the wiring has been completed,
verify the continuity of the ground bond connection
to the control.
This control is for industrial use. Use in residential
areas may cause interference, and in that case,
special measures may have to be taken by the
user regarding emissions.
IMPORTANT - The vibratory feeder must be
tuned to match the power line frequency of the
destination country (50 or 60 Hz). A feeder
tuned to the wrong frequency will not feed
parts. The Rodix control operates on 50 or 60
Hz.
SAFETY
When installing this control, a power supply
disconnect device must be provided by the user.
A power plug/socket combination can be utilized
forthis purpose. The plug andsocket musthavea
breaking capacity of at least the amperage of the
vibratory feeder(s).
© 2006 Hazard Communication Systems, LLC
Figure 1 – Warning label installed on the control
Warning – There is hazardous voltage inside
the control. Disconnect power before opening
the enclosure. Only skilled or instructed persons
should open the enclosure.
An electrically instructed person is a person
adequatelyadvised orsupervised byanelectrically
skilled person to enable him or her to perceive
risks and to avoid hazards which electricity can
create.
An Emergency stop device must be installed on
the machine that incorporates the CE feeder
control.
Whenthe machine is installed,verifythecontinuity
of the protective bonding circuit (earth ground) to
the control.
PERIODIC INSPECTION AND
FUNCTIONAL TESTING
When the control is operating normally, the output
can be smoothly adjusted from zero to maximum
bythe main control knob. Ifpart sensorsareused,
the control starts and stops automatically
according to the time delay settings on the circuit
board. If soft-start is used, the output should start
at zero and ramp up to the desired setting each
time the control automatically starts.
The control should be kept reasonably free from
dirt and contaminants that might inhibit proper
cooling. No other planned maintenance is
necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Normally no maintenance is needed for this
control. If troubleshooting assistance is needed,
either visit our web site at www.rodix.com, call
RODIX: (international call) 815-316-4700x322 or
(USA) 1-800-562-1868x322, FAX: [phone],
or e-mail: [email protected].
SPARE PARTS
Designation Q Rodix P/N MFG P/N
Control Card 1 123-293*
Fuse 15A 250V 1 106-18* Bussman
ABC15
OR Littlefuse
314015
Fuse Holder 1 106-17 Littlefuse
354901GY
Triac 1 115-32*
S1 (DPST) 1 104-80*
Switch Boot 1 104-26*
Term. End 264-301 Wago
20A, 600V 264-301
Terminal Single 264-321 Wago
20A, 600V 264-321
Terminal Dual 264-351 Wago
20A, 600V 264-351
Knob 122-01 APEM
MPKES120B1/4
*Recommended spare parts to keep in stock.
© 2000, 2015 RODIX INC.
CE-41 Plus 24-211 4/21/2014 Page 1
RODIX INC.
FEEDER CUBE
CE-40 Plus Series


1. SELECT THE PULSE SETTING
Match the control’s pulse mode to the feeder’s
tuning:
A. For 60 pulse output - Set DIP switch (S1) to
60 on the circuit card.
B. For 120 pulse output - Set DIP switch (S1) to
120 on the circuit card.
C. For 40, 30 or 60 Reverse pulse settings, see
the “S1 Programming Chart.”
Note: Readjust the MAX trimpot after changing
pulse switch setting.
2. LIMITING THE MAXIMUM
OUTPUT OF CONTROL
The MAX output trimpot can be adjusted to limit
the maximum vibration level of the vibratoryfeeder
when the Main Control Dial is fully turned up.
When setting up the MAX output of the feeder
control, the output wiring to feeder must be
connected and the control set for the proper pulse
(60 or 120) setting. The Run Jumper must be
connected as shown on the wiring diagram or on
the ON/OFF Control Guide.
A. Power input should be OFF or disconnected.
B. Open cover to allow access to circuit card.
C. Adjust the MAX Output trimpot counter-
clockwise to its minimum setting.
D. Using CAUTION, turn power ON (no output
should be present).
E. Rotate the MAIN CONTROL DIAL on front
cover clockwise to its highest setting.
F. Adjust the MAX Output trimpot so that the
output to the feeder reaches its desired
maximum level.
3. SETTING THE MINIMUM
OUTPUT LEVEL OF CONTROL
When thevibratory feeder isnearlyempty, turnthe
MAIN CONTROL DIAL to “1” and adjust the MIN
trimpot to just below the slowest speed that
provides the proper feed rate. The MIN trimpot
also serves as the “low speed” trimpot for 2-speed
operation. See “S1 Programming Chart” for
feature selection details.
4. MAIN CONTROL DIAL
The output power is controlled by the MAIN
CONTROL DIAL. It is a logarithmic-tapered
power out curve (non-linear) that spreads the
power broadly across the MAIN CONTROL DIAL
The logarithmic taper power curve helps to give
maximum "Fine Control" over the output speed of
the vibratory feeder. When very precise
adjustment of the MAIN CONTROL DIAL is
needed, increase the MIN trimpot setting and/or
decrease the MAX trimpot setting. For precise
scaling atlow amplitudes,use thelinear POTtaper
or reduce the Max pot setting. To select a linear
pot taper for the Main Control Dial, see the “S1
Programming Chart.”
5. SETTING THE SOFT-START
The start-up rate of the control output can be
adjusted to ramp up to the desired output level
instead of starting abruptly. Soft-start keeps parts
from falling off the tooling, reduces spring shock,
and hammering when the control turns ON. Turn
the SOFT Start trimpot clockwise for the gentlest
start (about a 6 sec. ramp up to full output). Turn
thetrimpot fully counter-clockwise forno soft start.
6. REMOTE OFF/ON CONTROL
A Run Jumper has been installed at the factory as
shown on the enclosed wiring diagram.
Remote OFF/ON operation of the FC-40 Plus
Series Feeder Cube® control can be configured
to operate in one of the following ways.
A. A low current switch such as a paddle
switch can replace the factory-installed Run
Jumper "J1." The "Run Contact" connects to
terminals6 and 7. Thecontactmustbe ableto
switch 5VDC and 2mA. The control will run
only when the contact is closed. Refer to
Section A of the OFF/ON CONTROL GUIDE.
B. Feeder Bowl/Hopper Interlock allows the
Hopper control to operate only when the Bowl
is running and the paddle switch contact is
closed. The interlock input on terminals 11
and 12 of TB2 is controlled by the interlock
output of a "Parts Sensing Feeder Bowl
Control" such as an FC-90
Plus .
Remove jumper "J1" of this control from
terminals 6 and 7. Connect the Hopper
Paddle switch to alternate terminals 5 and 6.
Connect TB2 terminals 11 and 12 of this
control to the "Parts Sensing Control". Refer
to Section B of the OFF/ON CONTROL
GUIDE. Check specific instructions for the
"Parts Sensing Control" wiring. Two FC-40
Series controls will not interlock to each other
since neither one has an interlock output.
C. Low Voltage DC can be used to turn the
control ON and OFF. Move jumper "J1" from
terminal 7, to terminal 5, (6 remains the
same). Then connect the positive signal (+10
to 30VDC @ 10mA) to terminal 12 and the
negative to terminal 11 of TB2. The control
will now turn ON when the DC signal is
present at terminals 11 and 12 of TB2. This
input is optically isolated. Refer to Section C
of the OFF/ON CONTROL GUIDE.
7. REMOTE SPEED CONTROL
Remote control of the power level can be
accomplished by the following methods:
A. 4-20mA signal from a PLC can be used to
remotelyvary the output ofthe control insteadof
the Main Control Dial. The 4-20mA input is
automatically in control whenever a 4-20mA
signal is applied to the control (terminals TB2-8
& 9). The Main Control dial setting is ignored
whenever there is a 4-20mA signal.The 4-20mA
inputis transformer isolated fromthe powerline.
In an environment with high electricalnoise, use
a shielded cable for the 4-20mA signal. The “S1
Programming Chart” shows how change to 0-
20mA speed control instead of the default of 4-
20mA.
B. A0-5VDC Analog input signalmay be appliedin
place of the Main Control Dial at H1. The 0-
5VDC input is transformer isolated from the
power line.
CE-41 Plus 24-211 10/16/2012 Page 2
ADJUSTMENTS
& SET UP

8. LINE VOLTAGE COMPENSATION
Fluctuations in the line voltage can cause a feeder
bowl to vary its feed rate. The line voltage
compensation feature adjusts the control's output
to help compensate for fluctuations in the supply
voltage. If it becomes necessary to disable this
feature, set “Disable LVC” from the S1
programming chart.
9. SUPPLEMENTARY FEATURES
Special supplementary software features can be
enabled on the 24-210/24-211 circuit boards The
features include: linear pot taper, 0-20mA control,
empty bowl timer, low pulse rates, and two speed
pots. See the S1 Switch Programming Chart. For
more feature information download (or request
from RODIX) the FC-40
Plus Advanced
Application Note 24-210/24-211.
10. STATUS LEDs
When any of the inputs are active, the associated
LED will turn ON. When the RUN input conditions
are met, the RUN LED will turn ON. See section 6
and the wiring diagram’s ON/OFF Control Guide
for more information on how to satisfy the RUN
conditions.
WARNING:
Fuses should be replaced with a Bussman
ABC or Littelfuse 3AB "Fast Acting" type or
equivalent of manufacturer's original value.
Mounting this control on a vibrating surface
will void the warranty.
WARRANTY
Rodix Control Products are Warranted to be
free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use for a period of two years
from date of shipment. For the full description of
the warranty, terms, and software license, please
contact the factory.
For assistance installing or operating your Rodix
Feeder Cube® please call the factory or visit our
web site. Technical help is available to answer
your questions and fax any needed information.
To return a control for IN or OUT of warranty
service, please ship it prepaid to:
Rodix Inc., ATTN: Repair Department
If under warranty, Rodix will repair or replace your
control at no charge; If out of warranty, we will
repair it and you will be billed for the repair
charges (Timeand Material)plus thereturn freight.
Quotes for repairs are available upon request. A
brief note describing the symptoms helps our
technicians address the issue.
Feeder Cube® is a registered TM of Rodix Inc.
Banneris a registered Trademark of Banner
Engineering Corp,
TROUBLESHOOTING
For the control to run: The MAIN CONTROL DIAL
must be turned up or have over 4mA at the 4-
20mAinput. Either the DIRECTLEDmustbe litor
boththe INTERLOCKand EXTVOLTSLEDsmust
be on. To light the DIRECT LED, connect a Run
Jumper at TB2-6 & TB2-7. To light the
INTERLOCK LED, a Run Jumper must connect
TB2-5 to TB2-6. To illuminate the EXT VOLTS
LED, TB2-11 & 12 needs a 10-30 VDC signal.
See the “FC-40 Plus Troubleshooting Guide” for
more information. If the feeder only hums, flip the
60/120 dip switch.
DIMENSIONS
RODIX, INC.
2316 23rd Ave, Rockford, IL 61104
Toll Free [phone], FAX [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
www.rodix.com
CE-41 Plus 24-211 10/16/2012 Page 3
S1 Programming Chart
Program Description S1 Switch Positions
SW3 SW4 SW5
Standard Program 0 0 0
Linear Pot Taper 1 0 0
0-20mA option 0 1 0
Empty Bowl Timer 1 1 0
Disable LVC 0 0 1
2-Speed Operation 1 0 1
30/40 Pulse Operation 0 1 1
Low Amplitude at “1” 1 1 1

4
9
10
7
37
612
91
10
5
LINE VOLTAGE
LOADG
TERM. STRIP
(SMALL)
P/N 24-210
+
FC-40 PLUS
AC HOT AC COMMON
AUX FEATURE
Pot Input
TB2
120
TB2
TERM. STRIP
4-20mA
(TALL)
+
TB1
-
-
TB1
S1
Direct
RUN Interlock
H1
Min
Soft
60 Rev
Max
TRANSFORMER
1
Sig.
-
SIG
100K
+cw
CONTROL
1/8WMIN
MAIN
POT
Gr/Yl #20 AWG
(Plug as disconnect)
Lt. Bu #14 AWG Bl #14 AWG
3
Bl #14 AWG
12 4
4
Spare
67
10
Gr/Yl #14 AWG
SUB-PANELDOOR
Bl #14 AWG 12 Bl #14 AWG
12
F1
Lt. Bu #14 AWG
A1
Bl #14 AWG
12
Lt. Bu #14 AWG
Gate
A2
14
OUTPUT
Bl #14 AWG
3
3
Vi #20 AWG Lt. Bu #14 AWG
4
4
3
GNDGr/Yl #14 AWG
15 A
INTERLOCK
TERMINALS
7
9
RUN JUMPER
Bu #20 AWG
INTERLOCK
RETURN DIRECT
Bu #20 AWG
Bu #20 AWG
8 9
Lt. Bu #14 AWG
Bl #14 AWG
Lt. Bu #14 AWG
120 VAC
Bl #14 AWG
Gr/Yl#14 AWG
Bl
4
11
COM
Gn/Yl
50/60 Hz
1
20VK1
HOT
LINE FILTER
2
PE
Lt Bu
PE
Customer Supplied
Disconnect Device
12
8
10
INTERLOCK
INPUT
11
6
8
812
60
External
SW3
SW5
-
+
SW4
5
211
5
See section 6 of the Application Note for more
details on the REMOTE OFF/ON CONTROL guide.
OFF/ON CONTROL GUIDE
P/N 123-293/123-294, 24-210/24/211
INTERLOCK
TERMINALS
6
LOW CURRENT
SWITCH
91112 710
A)
8
CE-40 PLUS SERIES TERM STRIP TB-2
PADDLE
SWITCH
12 5
21
TERM STRIP TB-2, OUTPUT
10
INTERLOCK
TERMINALS
CE-90 PLUS SERIES
FEEDER BOWL/HOPPER INTERLOC
K
11 96
CE-40 PLUS SERIES TERM STRIP TB-2
3
B)
87
(DC Voltage from PLC or CE-90 Plus)
C)
12 10 9
LOW VOLTAGE INPUT SWITCHING
INTERLOCK
TERMINALS
-
+
8
CE-40 PLUS SERIES TERM STRIP TB-2
5
OFF/ON CONTROL
11
10-30 VDC INPUT VOLTAGE
67
*** The common line is not fused in Europe. The common line should be fused for North American machine installations. Install the
HOT & COM fuses external to the control, or install fuse(s) for each unit by cutting the common wire that goes from the switch to the
terminal strip and add a fuse to it. Then apply wire number labels to the wire that connects to the switch.
Caution: Disconnect power before opening enclosure
Installation instructions:
When installing this control, a power supply disconnect device must be provided by the user. A power plug/socket combination can
be utilized for this purpose. The plug and socket must have a breaking capacity of at least the amperage of the vibratory feeder(s).
The size of the Mains supply wires should be 2.5mm² (#13 AWG) or larger.
The Mains suppl
y
wires should be fused b
y
the Customer at 15 amps or less. RODIX INCORPORATED
2316 23rd Avenue, ROCKFORD IL 61104
TOLL FREE [phone], FAX [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
www.rodix.com
CE-48 Plus W 24-211
CE-41 PLUS
P/N 121-500-0746
10/17/12 2000
,
2012 RODIX INC

RODIX SOLUTION
Good wiring practices for
avoiding electrical noise
problems.
Rodixcontrolshavebeen designedwitha
high degree of immunity to electrical
noise;however,dependingon the control
installation, electrical noise can cause
problems. These problems occur in less
than 1% of theproduct installations. Most
electrical noise problems can be avoided
by following some simple guidelines.
Good wiring practices need to be used to
prevent electrical noise from interfering
with your control’s operation. Another
name for electrical noise is Electro-
Magnetic Interference (EMI).
Symptoms of Electrical Noise
The symptoms of electrical noise would
appear as follows: a brief pauseor a brief
“bump” in the vibratory feeder’s output
that the control automatically recovers
from. In rare cases the control will either
stop operating or run continuously at full
power in 120 pulse mode until the power
switch is slowly cycled OFF and ON.
Sources of Electrical Noise
Electrical noise is generated by devices
like relay coils, solenoid valves,
contactors, servo motors, and variable
frequency inverter drives. The electrical
noise is then transferred to another
device by one of three ways. The noise
could be conducted through the power
wires,orcapacitivelycoupled fromwireto
adjacent wire, or it is transmitted fromthe
wires of a noise source.
Solutions for Electrical Noise
1. Useshielded wiresforallI/O(Input
/ Output) signals. The I/O signals may
include: 4-20mA input, Run input,Sensor
input, 0-5VDC input, Interlock input or
AUX output. The shield “drain” wire
should be tied to the chassis in the Rodix
control. The drain wire should be kept
shorter than 2”. Please see the enclosed
picture.
Example of a “drain” wire termination
2. Never run I/O signal wires in the
same conduit or raceway as AC power
lines such as wires to motors, solenoids,
heaters, welders and Rodix controls, etc.
3. I/O wires within an enclosure
should be routed as far away as possible
from relays, solenoids, transformers,
power wiring and other noisy equipment.
Keep the I/O signal wires separate from
the control’s input and output power
wiring. Secure the wires in place.
4. Whenever relays or solenoid
valves are used, install a Snubber on
them to reduce electrical noise. Use a
diode on a DC coil. Use a RC Snubber
on an AC coil.
5. In extremely high EMI
environments, Power Line Filters and
ferrite beads can be effective. Install
ferrite beads on I/O signal wires as close
as possible to the circuit board terminal
strip. Loop the wire through the bead
several times or use several beads on
each wire for additional protection.
RODIX, INC.
2316 23rd Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104
Toll Free [phone], FAX [phone]
E-mail custserv[email protected]
www.rodix.com
2000, 2010 RODIX INC. Solution 408 1/27/2010
RODIX INC.
FEEDER CUBE


RODIX SOLUTION
.408
Drain
Wire
RELAY
COILSNUBBER
VAC
104M06QC47
QUENCH-ARC
RECTIFIER
DIODE RELAY
COIL
1N4006
VDC
+
-

Declaration of Incorporation
We hereby declare that the following machinery is intended to be incorporated into other machinery, and must not be put into
service until the relevant machinery into which it is to be incorporated has been declared in conformity with the essential
requirements of the Machinery Directive, 2006/42/EC, and requirements of the Low Voltage Directive, 2006/95/EC.
BS EN 61326-1: 2013 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC requirements
When using electrical equipment for control use, BS EN 61326-1 supercedes Electromagnetic Emissions
EN 50081-2 and Electromagnetic Immunity EN 50082-2.
Safety of Machinery: EN 60204-1: 2006
Supplementary Information: Machine Safety Report Number – 98021628.J02
Machine Safety testing performed by:
Intertek Testing Services, 7435 4th Street North, Oakdale, MN 55128
EMC testing was performed by Rodix at:
L.F. Research, 12790 Route 76, Poplar Grove, IL 61065
Machine Description: Vibratory Feeder Control
Makes: CE-41 Plus, CE-41H Plus, CE-43 Plus, CE-43H Plus, CE-48, CE-48 Plus, CE-48H Plus, CE-49 Plus, CE-49H Plus,
CE-91 Plus, CE-91H Plus, CE-91-2 Plus, CE-91-2H Plus, CE-91-3 Plus, CE-91-3H Plus, CE-93 Plus, CE-93H Plus, CE-98 Plus,
CE-98H Plus, CE-98-2 Plus, CE-98-2H Plus, CE-98-3 Plus, CE-98-3H Plus, CE-99 Plus, CE-99H, CE-101 Plus, CE-101H Plus,
CE-103 Plus, CE-103H Plus, CE-108 Plus, CE-108H Plus, CE-109 Plus, CE-109H Plus, CE-113 Plus, CE-113H Plus, CE-119
Plus, CE-119H Plus, CE-201, CE-201-2, CE201-3, CE-201-4, CE-208 CE-208-2, CE-208-3, CE-208-4, SPE-606, and SPE-890.
Types:
121-500-0606
121-500-0700 through 121-500-0703
121-500-0706 through 121-500-0721
121-500-0724 through 121-500-0736
121-500-0738 through 121-500-0795
121-500-0890
Manufactured by: Rodix, Inc.
A technical construction file for this equipment is retained at the following address:
2316 23rd Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61104
Date: 9/12/2014 Signature:
Title: Vice President Name: Jeff Johnson

RODIX Inc.
CE restrictions for harmonic current emissions
Revised 5/3/2006
For vibratory feeder controls that have the CE mark, one of the many standards that the control needs to conform to
is “Limits for harmonic current emission”. The machine configuration will determine when to apply this standard.
International Standard IEC 61000-3-2 Effective 1/1/2001
Limits – Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current < 16A per phase)
This part of IEC 61000 deals with the limitation of harmonic currents injected into the public low-voltage
distribution system (electric utility). If the equipment input current exceeds 16A per phase, please refer to IEC
61000-3-4.
Harmonic currents can cause stress to the utility distribution system. It can stress the neutral of older wiring that
doesn’t conform to today’s standards, and it can stress the utility transformers that are operating at their rated load.
When the standard does not apply:
This standard doesn’t apply if the 230V machine is powered by a step down transformer.
The scope of the standard states:
IEC 61000-3-2 is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having an input current up to and including 16A
per phase, and intended to be connected to public low-voltage distribution systems.
Public low-voltage distribution systems are power supply systems allowing the direct connection of equipment with
rated voltages between 200 and 260V (single phase) or between 340 and 450V (phase to phase). Higher voltage
distribution systems, which are connected to power substations, are not considered to be public low-voltage systems.
A 230V machine with a vibratory feeder is typically powered by a step down transformer that is installed in a
factory. Thus the machine is powered by a higher voltage distribution system that is not directly connected to the
230V public low-voltage system. Because of this, the machine is outside the scope of the standard1.
When the standard does apply:
When a 230V machine is not powered by a step down transformer, there should not be a problem meeting this
standard if all the vibratory feeders on one machine operate in the 100 Pulse (full wave) mode, and the combined
total amperage for the vibratory feeders is 15 Amps or less. However it is harder to meet this standard in the 50
Pulse (half wave) mode. The combined total amperage for the vibratory feeders is limited to 3.5 Amps in the 50
Pulse mode when the machine is powered directly from the 230V public low voltage distribution system.
The vendor that supplies the finished machine is responsible for compliance to the applicable CE standards, not the
end user. This vendor is responsible for performing the compliance testing on the finished machine.
Please note that EN61000-3-2 applies to 230V equipment. There are no limits for 120V equipment since these
limits have not yet been defined; however, in Europe the 120V equipment will be connected to a step down
transformer that might connect to the public 230V power mains. This means that 120V equipment that does not
meet the harmonic current standard may cause a step down transformer that connects to the public 230V to fail to
meet the harmonics standard.
50/100 Pulse – Alternate names:
The frequency of the utility power is 50Hz in Europe and 60Hz in the United States. Because of this, 50 Pulse mode
in Europe is related to 60 pulse mode in the United States. 100 Pulse mode in Europe is related to 120 pulse mode
in the United States. To change the pulse mode on the control, change the 60/120 switch. Listed below are some of
the alternate names used to describe 60 pulse and 120 pulse:
60 Pulses Per Sec. 120 Pulses Per Sec.
R.C. or D.C. A.C.
Rectified Full Wave AC
Direct Current Alternating Current
Half Wave Full Wave
3600 Vibrations Per Min. 7200 Vibrations Per Min.
1From TUV Rheinland, FAQ
http://www.jpn.tuv.com/en/services/product_testing/all_types_of_products/electromagnetic_compatibility_services_emc_/emc_faq.php
© RODIX Inc. 2006 E:\Eng\CE\CE restrictions for harmonic current emissions 060501.doc

RODIX Inc.
CE notes about voltage fluctuations and flicker
What you need to know about the CE voltage fluctuations and flicker standard:
For machines that have the CE mark, one of the many standards that machine must conform to is the Limitation of
voltage fluctuations and flicker. The machine configuration will determine when to apply this standard.
International Standard IEC 61000-3-3 Effective 1/1/2001
“Limits – Limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker in low-voltage supply systems for equipment with rated
current ≤16 amps per phase.” This part of IEC 61000 deals with the limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker
injected into the public low-voltage supply system (electric utility). When the amperage is over 16 amps, a
companion standard, IEC 6100-3-11 is applied.
The limits in this standard are based mainly on the subjective severity of how much a 230V/60 W light bulb flickers
when the supply voltage fluctuates. The frequent flickering of a light bulb can adversely affect some people.
When the standard does not apply:
This standard doesn’t apply if the 230V machine is powered by a step down transformer.
The scope of the standard states:
IEC 61000-3-3 is applicable to electrical and electronic equipment having an input current up to and including 16A
per phase, and intended to be connected to public low-voltage distribution systems of between 220V and 250V at
50Hz line to neutral.
Public low-voltage distribution systems are power supply systems allowing the direct connection of equipment with
rated voltages between 200 and 260V (single phase) or between 340 and 450V (phase to phase). Higher voltage
distribution systems, which are connected to power substations, are not considered to be public low-voltage systems.
A 230V machine with a vibratory feeder is typically powered by a step down transformer that is installed in a
factory. Thus the machine is powered by a higher voltage distribution system that is not directly connected to the
230V public low-voltage system. Because of this, the machine is outside the scope of the standard1. A machine that
is connected to 60Hz power is also outside the scope of the standard.
When the standard does apply:
The standard is applicable when a 230V machine is powered directly from the 230V public low-voltage supply
system.
The vendor that supplies the finished machine is responsible for compliance to the applicable CE standards, not the
end user. This vendor is responsible for performing the compliance testing on the finished machine.
Please note that EN61000-3-3 applies to 230V equipment. There are no limits for 120V equipment since these
limits have not yet been defined; however, in Europe the 120V equipment will be connected to a step down
transformer that might connect to the public 230V power mains. This means that 120V equipment that does not
meet the standard may cause a step down transformer that connects to the public 230V to fail to meet the standard.
What causes voltage fluctuations:
When an electrical load is turned on, it can cause the supply voltage to decrease a little bit due to the resistance and
the inductance of the supply wires and step down transformer. The addition of a larger amp load causes a larger
change to the supply voltage than a small amp load does. When the load turns off, the supply voltage rebounds back
to the original value.
Disclaimer:
Standard EN61000-3-3 applies to the vibratory feeder system, and it does not apply to the vibratory feeder control.
The amount of voltage fluctuations and flicker depends on how often the electrical load is turned On and Off by the
machine and how large the load is.
1From TUV Rheinland, FAQ
http://www.jpn.tuv.com/en/services/product_testing/all_types_of_products/electromagnetic_compatibility_services_emc_/emc_faq.php
© RODIX Inc. 2006 E:\Eng\CE\CE Flicker 060511.doc

CE notes about voltage fluctuations and flicker continued
Guideline chart:
The chart provided here is not a substitute for a test. It is meant only to help determine when further review of
standard EN61000-3-3 is needed. The chart does not cover every circumstance. Please note: if the machine is rated
at 120 volts, or 60 Hz, this standard does not apply.
To use this chart, determine how many amps the machine uses during its normal operation. Is the amperage over 16
amps? Determine the amperage of the vibratory feeder when the feeder bowl (or hopper) is operating at its
maximum feed rate with a full load of parts. Determine how often the vibratory feeder typically turns on and off.
Compare the amps and on/off cycles to the chart.
For multiple vibratory feeders only add their amperage together if they always start and stop at the same time.
Actual testing may prove that the number of On/Off cycles shown in the chart can nearly be doubled when the Soft
Start pot is adjusted for a one second (or longer) soft start.
Amps rms at 230V Maximum On/Off cycles permitted
16 1 On/Off cycle per 6 minutes
15 1 On/Off cycle per 4.5 minutes
14 1 On/Off cycle per 3 minutes
13 1 On/Off cycle per 3 minutes
12 1 On/Off cycle per 3 minutes
11 1 On/Off cycle per 3 minutes
10 1 On/Off cycle per 1.5 minutes
9 1 On/Off cycle per 1 minute
8 1 On/Off cycle per 1 minute
7 1 1/3 On/Off cycles per 1 minute
6 2 On/Off cycles per 1 minute
5 6.5 On/Off cycles per 1 minute
4 19 On/Off cycles per 1 minute
3 65 On/Off cycles per 1 minute
2 195 On/Off cycles per 1 minute
1 Unlimited On/Off cycles per 1 minute
This chart is based on Rectangular voltage changes at equal intervals using the Pst=1 chart, fig. 4 of standard
EN61000-3-3. Plt = Pst x 0.65
© RODIX Inc. 2006 E:\Eng\CE\CE Flicker 060511.doc