Efficient Control Cabinet Monitoring

Turck's latest IMX18-CCM cabinet condition monitor continuously monitors the relevant ambient variables inside control cabinets

At the Achema fair, Turck is presenting the IMX18-CCM (Cabinet Condition Monitoring) cabinet guard, a new multi-function device which can be installed and also retrofitted in virtually any control cabinet or box in order to continuously monitor the actual degree of protection. The rail-mounted device uses a simple switch signal to indicate to the control system any incorrect closing of doors or the exceeding of limit values for temperature and interior humidity.

The 18 mm wide IMX18-CCM comes with an intrinsically safe 2-wire isolating transducer interface, thus enabling it to be used also in explosion hazardous areas. The simple teach-in process can be carried out directly on the device without the need for a computer or any additional tools. The standard HART interface is provided for additional diagnostic options, such as for reading out the absolute measured values. 

Besides the interface technology, Turck's control cabinet guard offers a range of sensors which monitor the actual status of the environment: a temperature sensor, an absolute humidity sensor and a triangulation sensor. This last sensor measures the distance to the cover or door and thus monitors correct closing. In order to detect humidity problems, the IMX18-CCM monitors these long-term trends and compares them with the taught safe condition. As soon as defined limit values have been exceeded, this is indicated to the control level via a potential-free contact.

The basic version of the IMX18-CCM will be available beginning in 2016. Another variant will follow which, besides the integrated sensors, also offers the possibility to connect external sensors and integrate them in the monitoring concept. The measuring of additional parameters such as shock and vibration is planned for the future.