Push Buttons, Sensors & Switches (etc)

[djr]

Has anyone experienced problems with E3 plus product line failures installed in 3ph 480VAC motor starters?

We have the following retrofitted in older Siemens-Allis starter buckets:

• 193-EC2AB (1-5A)
• 193-EC2BB (3-15A)
• 193-E22DD (5-25A)
• 193-EC2ED (18-90A)

We are seeing about a 20% failure since installation. Is there a process by which we can request a failure analysis from A-B to learn the root cause of our failure?

[rokajim]

I have used E3 for a few years without any failure problems.  A-B does have a "Failure Analysis" you can request on some products, but I'm not sure if they offer it for E3.  You would need to check with your Distributor or local A-B office.

[Coalranker]

We had a similar issue with high failure rates but found it was the plant ground that was floating in the plant

[David9]

I have been dealing with deviceNet systems for over 10 years

The major issues have been caused by poor installation, or 24vdc power problems ( generator supplies of 24vdc with no regulation !!!, Can fail @ 27vdc )

Have a look at the " DeviceNet book of Knowledge" answer ID 44883  and 15075 on the knowledgebase

The Common Mode voltage and the 24vdc -ve to earth placement is critical for hassle free operation

You will need a osiloscope to check the can signal, nice square waves,no curved slopes.

[Ken_Roach]

Exactly what do you consider a failure ?

Do the E3's stop communicating on DeviceNet, or do the relays weld shut, or do they maintain a steady faulted condition ?

I've installed and commissioned many hundreds of E3/E3+ overload relays and I've seen exactly three actual failures.   Two were welded relay contacts, and one was a CAN chip failure that caused the chip to force a bus-off condition on the network.

I've seen plenty of damaged units; water gets into them, metal dust and filings get into them, users plug in 120V to the +24VDC supply... the list is long in the way electronics get destroyed in the field.  That's not E3 specific.

What are you seeing ?   How long have the devices been installed ?