IDEC Blog

How Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. uses Assist Wheel Drive to streamline and improve heavy machinery assembly processes (case study)

Assist Wheel Drive can handle heavy loads, and also breaks down fixed mindsets at work sites We asked why the company hadn't switched from conveyor transport to cart transport until now, given the significant improvements that can be achieved by doing so. Hasegawa-san: "Of course, we knew that switching to cart transport would lead to benefits, such as manpower reductions and more effective use of space. However, a cart loaded with parts can weigh close to 600kg. Carrying such heavy loads with human power alone is hard physical work, and difficult to continue doing each day. From a safety perspective, without Assist Wheel Drive these improvements would not have been possible." Matsuzaki-san (Production Reform Promotion Dept., MONOZUKURI Innovation Office) was formerly Hasegawa-san's superior. He discussed the difficulties faced during their search for a solution: "That meant we needed to find an assistance product that could safely transport 600kg, but it was hard to find one that could handle such a heavy load. We even carried out on-site tests, but some products couldn't support the load weight even though it was within the listed specifications. It was really worrying. So I went to an industry event and discovered this Assist Wheel Drive system. It wasn't on sale yet at the time, but I still remember thinking 'this is the one!'" Assistance products are a desired solution for transporting heavy loads. However, there are surprisingly few options The adoption of Assist Wheel Drive prompted a review of the site's work processes, jigs, transportation methods, kitting and packaging, resulting in numerous benefits (explained below). It's easy to understand why "people from other factories visit to see what we've done". To assemble lower rollers of different sizes and weights in the same place on the line, the company previously used a dedicated pallet for each roller type. These pallets were carried by forklifts, supplied to the working side (lower level) of a two-level conveyor. After use, each pallet would be moved to the upper conveyor by a lifter and collected by a forklift. 50 pallets of roller parts for that day's production, which had been prepared at an external warehouse the previous day, were laid out flat next to the assembly area. Eventually, a worker on site noticed the risk of parts falling from the upper conveyor, and contacted the TIPS Promotion Sec. The introduction of Assist Wheel Drive was the catalyst behind these improvements, which have produced numerous benefits. We asked Hasegawa-san about this impact and changes within the company. "This assembly line has been running for close to 50 years, and we've made many improvements to it over time. However, many workers who do repetitive work every day tend to be trapped in fixed mindsets and believe "the way things are is only natural". We hope that, by making improvements that break fixed mindsets in this way, we'll see an increase in requests and insights from workplaces that are free from those mindsets. We wouldn't have achieved these things if we hadn't found Assist Wheel Drive, which is capable of transporting heavy loads. That was thanks to the TIPS Promotion Sec., which carried out a thorough search and came up with this solution. In particular, Assist Wheel Drive does not require any qualifications to operate, unlike forklifts. Being able to transport heavy loads regardless of qualifications, age, gender, or experience is extremely helpful at workplaces such as ours, where many workers handle heavy loads. Moving forward, we are accelerating our efforts to further reduce the amount of heavy physical work." Hasegawa-san is keen to expand on the success of Assist Wheel Drive at the mother factory by introducing it at facilities in Japan and overseas. As Hasegawa-san (TIPS Promotion Sec.) explained as part of the background to Assist Wheel Drive's introduction, Hitachi Construction Machinery's basic philosophy is that "safety and health are all priorities". In fiscal 2024, the company established the Safety & Health/Compliance Group to further strengthen their health and safety management under the direct control of the president. The team carried out a risk assessment, and prioritized hardware-related safety measures. After careful consideration, the company decided to use Assist Wheel Drive to 1) supply parts loaded on a jig to the assembly line and 2) collect the jig afterwards . Assist Wheel Drive (AWD) Assist Wheel Drive can be quickly installed (in appx. 10 minutes by 2 people), and provides immediate electric power assistance to the trolleys you already use. It adds supporting force to push the trolley when transporting heavy objects. The controller is mounted on the trolley handle for easy access. The forward/reverse speed can be adjusted to suit the operating environment. The Assist Wheel Drive 150 series can transport a maximum load of 1,000kg (1 ton), and the Assist Wheel Drive 160 series can transport up to 750kg. TIPS Promotion Sec. TIPS* is a term invented by Hitachi Construction Machinery, used within the company to describe internal activities. It refers to a production method that brings innovation, originality and ingenuity together. Specifically, this department takes up concerns from workers at production sites, determines their importance level, and drives improvement. These activities are wide-ranging, including safety measures, improvements to productivity, reducing work-in-process inventory, and reviews of logistics. * Total Innovative & Inventive Production System: a production method that combines "innovation" with "originality and ingenuity". Safety measures were the catalyst for improvements. The effect was so great that workers from facilities in Japan and overseas visited to see First, we'll discuss the process through which Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. adopted Assist Wheel Drive. The Tsuchiura Works facility primarily produces medium-sized hydraulic excavators (10-35 ton load limits). There are 15 models and 300 variations (specifications). Production is carried out from scratch on an assembly line over 100 meters long, with a different excavator built each time. Assist Wheel Drive was introduced as part of the assembly process for the lower rollers, which form part of the undercarriage (for crawler excavators). We are grateful to Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. for trusting in the Assist Wheel Drive system and sharing their positive experiences. Thank you for your time and cooperation during the interview and filming. We were also encouraged to learn that Assist Wheel Drive made such a strong impression from the start. We hope that the system continues to strongly support your business activities and reduce the physical burden on workers. Safety measures that led to substantial improvements to parts delivery lines. Safety and efficiency improvements so impressive, "people from other factories visit to see what we've done" An interview with Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. employees Hasegawa-san (TIPS Promotion Sec.) and Matsuzaki-san (Production Reform Promotion Dept.) Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of high-performance hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, road construction machinery, and other equipment. The company has implemented the Assist Wheel Drive system at their Tsuchiura Works facility. For this case study, we spoke with Hasegawa-san from the TIPS Promotion Sec. and Matsuzaki-san from the Production Reform Promotion Dept. They’ve made significant improvements to parts transportation at Tsuchiura, the company's mother factory. (video has English subtitles) The effects of improvement Disposal of appx. 280 pallets Elimination of pre-picking at external warehouses ( effective manpower reduction: two workers ) (previously, appx. 800 rollers were set on dedicated pallets each day using a crane) No need for transport to return dedicated pallets to an external warehouse (improved loading efficiency using general purpose pallets) Work-in-process inventory reduced from 50 units to two with lineside kitting Products are delivered in their original packaging, reducing the storage space needed for dedicated pallets As a result of the above changes, pallet delivery using forklifts has been halved Improved assembly work efficiency ( effective manpower reduction: 0.5 workers ) Work flow before and after implementation 1. Delivery to upper and lower conveyors With a forklift: 2. Supply of parts 3. Collection of dedicated pallets With Assist Wheel Drive: 1. Supply of parts placed on a jig 2. Collection of jig Company Overview: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. is a manufacturer of high-performance hydraulic excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, road construction machinery, and other equipment. The company is the third largest construction machinery business in the world, with a strong global reputation built on the diverse product lineup's safety, reliability and durability. Hitachi Construction Machinery has seven production facilities in Japan that work to global standards. They also carry out localized production in the Netherlands, India, Indonesia, China, Canada, and other countries.

How TERAL INC. is enhancing employee safety and their work environment with Assist Wheel Drive (case study)

Company Overview: TERAL INC. TERAL INC. was founded in 1918. The company has been developing and manufacturing a variety of products that control the flow of air and water, such as pumps and fans, for over 100 years. Production Department, Logistics Section This team purchases, receives, and inspects products delivered by suppliers. They send items to each production line (line-side logistics) to help achieve the 'just-in-time' inventory system, and handle internal logistics such as shipping products and components within the company. Aiming to create a more comfortable work environment for employees Finally, a message to TERAL INC.: we'd like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to share your insights during the interview. We also appreciated your cooperation during photography and filming on-site at your facility. Hearing about the real impact and changes you've made since implementing Assist Wheel Drive gave us useful feedback and even more pride in the system. From all of us at IDEC Corporation, we wish you continued growth and success. As Japan's working population declines, it's said that businesses (regardless of industry) will need to create an environment suitable for a diverse workforce. Manufacturing sites in particular are still associated with the 3Ds (Dirty, Dangerous, and Demeaning). Kai-san: "The managing director tells us 'You must not carry anything heavier than I can carry' (15kg)." On hearing this, we were curious about the assembly site. It doesn't have the typical image of an area used for handling heavy objects. Pallets move through the assembly process on roller conveyors. At each stage, a rotating table and lifter are used to hold the pallet in position for simpler working. The ability to assemble parts without changing position or posture reduces the physical burden on workers, and helps to prevent accidents. Referring to the Assist Wheel Drive system being installed on every trolley, Kai-san commented: "Up to now, only men were able to move the trolleys because it was heavy work. With Assist Wheel Drive, we found that anyone could control a trolley." "Depending on the work environment, people tend to avoid 3Ds work and other difficult tasks. We believe that using trolleys fitted with Assist Wheel Drive is a highly effective way to reduce that burden and create a more comfortable work environment for employees." Assist Wheel Drive Assist Wheel Drive can be quickly installed (in appx. 10 minutes by 2 people), and provides immediate electric power assistance to the trolleys you already use. It adds supporting force to push the trolley when transporting heavy objects. The controller is mounted on the trolley handle for easy access. The forward/reverse speed can be adjusted to suit the operating environment. The Assist Wheel Drive 150 series can transport a maximum load of 1,000kg (1 ton), and the Assist Wheel Drive 160 series can transport up to 750kg and has an IP66 rating for dirt, dust, and water resistance. Following Assist Wheel Drive's introduction, in Kai-san's own words, not only has worker fatigue dropped, but the company is also satisfied with increases in work efficiency and safety at the factory. As for ease of operation, Mizoue-san (Logistics Section Group Leader), who demonstrated how Assist Wheel Drive is used at the factory, commented: "You quickly get used to operating the lever. Just pull it back lightly to stop. It doesn't act like an emergency brake, and there's no need to use force - it stops without travelling too far." "Before, heavy trolleys couldn't immediately be stopped, and there was a risk of danger." An existing company-built trolley can be converted into an electric power-assisted trolley in half a day. With only a small investment, this company quickly realized the benefits! (Kai-san, Logistics Section, Production Department) The company's pumps are made primarily using metal components. The 'standard type' parts that are shipped in large quantities weigh roughly 50kg each. If 8 of them are carried on 1 trolley, the total load weight is close to 400kg. In addition, the parts are positioned to match the height of the workbench, so that there is no need to raise and lower them at the assembly site. This positioning means that the trolley must be stable. The company makes its own trolleys for transportation within the factory. They are made with solid metal, and are also heavy. At work sites that use the 'just-in-time' inventory system, numerous trolleys and forklifts come and go all day. Trolleys over 500kg (including the weight of the trolley itself) sometimes need to be stopped at intersections and turned 90 degrees (or 180 degrees at line-side). Before Assist Wheel Drive was introduced, workers had to lean in diagonally with their hips to set off, take a firm stance and lean backwards to stop, and pivot on 1 foot while turning. All of these actions were physically demanding for workers. Furthermore, as Kai-san recalls: "(under the 'just-in-time' system) We must prepare the parts needed as and when they are needed and in the quantities needed, all of which puts strain on workers." Comfortably moving trolleys weighing over 500kg in a 'just-in-time' inventory system. With only a small investment, this company has greatly reduced the physical burden on workers! As previously mentioned, the trolleys used at TERAL's work sites are heavy models made in house. Reflecting on when Assist Wheel Drive was introduced, Mizoue-san said: "There are surprisingly few electric power-assisted trolleys that can be created by retrofitting existing company-made trolleys. When Assist Wheel Drive was presented to us, we thought 'this might work'." From there, we carried out an on-site demo, and showed that Assist Wheel Drive can reduce the physical burden on workers. TERAL started by fitting Assist Wheel Drive on 1 trolley, but quickly moved to install the system on every trolley. "With the first unit, we had to try a few times to get the installation position right. After that, it took only half a day to a day to introduce the system on the factory floor. Assist Wheel Drive comes as a package with all the parts needed: the battery, the controller, the suspension, etc. That makes it easier to retrofit existing trolleys and start using them. With only a small investment, we quickly realized the benefits of Assist Wheel Drive, and on-site workers are very pleased with the system." (Left: Mizoue-san, Center: Sato-san, Head of the Production Department, Right: Kai-san) TERAL INC. develops and manufactures a variety of products that control the flow of air and water, such as pumps and fans. The company has installed the Assist Wheel Drive system at their headquarters. We spoke with Kai-san and Mizoue-san from the company's Logistics Section (Production Department) about the issues they faced at the time, why the system was introduced, and the results. (video has English subtitles:)

Simplifying safety control logic system design: the IDEC FS1B safety controller

The flexibility you need for a variety of applications The FS1B’s pre-configured logics are suitable for general applications, and for safety control systems in various industries: Semiconductor manufacturing Original equipment manufacturing (OEM) Food processing and packaging Metalworking AGVs/AMRs Robotics Pharmaceuticals It’s equally as effective in small, medium, and large-scale systems. Logic simulation software for testing in a virtual environment Access the online logic simulator via the IDEC website (FS1B product page) for your region. The simulator is simple and user friendly – filter the logics by their safety category and function, then select the most suitable option. Every control logic is available to test. Choose input device types for your system, name them, and toggle them on or off. The simulator can create an example wiring diagram based on the chosen logic and input devices for you to download and print. The IDEC FS1B safety controller has launched in several global regions, following an initial release in Japan. It has the practical design, functionality, and options needed to ensure that your control system is fit for purpose and maintains a high level of operational safety. Pre-certification makes system setup quick and simple All of the FS1B’s pre-set safety logics have been certified by a trusted independent body. This pre-certification enhances the overall safety of your system and ensure peace of mind. The safety control logic you choose doesn’t need to be recertified when you add a new safety input device or make other changes. In this way, system and machinery certification processes are streamlined – or completely avoided, saving you time and money. Depending on the application, the safety performance level can be up to SIL 3, PLe, Safety Category 4. At this level, safety control systems are designed so that no one component failing compromises safety, and the system integrity is strong enough to avoid serious incidents. Clever design: straightforward installation and intuitive information displays As well as the DIP switches, the FS1B is designed with push-in terminals for easy wiring and device connections. It offers universal input device compatibility – each control logic’s safety inputs can be adjusted for different devices. Colored LED status indicators and numerical displays provide key operating information at a glance. The meaning of each display, color and status combination is explained in both the product catalog and user manual. One compact module helps you to build custom safety control systems Establishing a safety control system with multiple devices is challenging. Typical safety circuit designs may need several modules and safety relays to handle inputs from various safety devices. The FS1B has the functionality to combine multiple devices – for example, a safety laser scanner, emergency stop switch, light curtain, etc. – into one safety control system. It comes with 24 built-in safety logics, which can be easily selected using DIP switches and an ‘Enter’ pushbutton on the front of the module. You don’t need a deep knowledge of programming or safety protocols to operate the controller. The switches are also used to set the power off delay timer. The safety control logic options include: Partial stop control Mode switching control Switch and sensor combined control OR control Two-handed control After configuration, secure the safety controller’s protective cover with a marked cable tie to prevent accidental or deliberate setting changes by other users. Using a pre-certified logic in your safety control system simply makes sense The IDEC FS1B safety controller’s key features: No programming knowledge needed 24 pre-programmed safety logics, certified to international safety standards Compliant with IEC 61508, ISO 13849-1, and ISO 13849-2 Monitor up to 6 input devices and up to 4 output devices in a single system No need for program certification, configuration files, or version updates Operating temperature range: -10°C to +55°C Reach out to your IDEC sales team for more details.

Resilient in harsh environments, from furnaces to freezers: the advantages of industrial equipment with a wide operating temperature range

CW series touchless switches Operating temperature ranges : -25°C to +55°C (when in use) -35°C to +70°C (when in storage) (no freezing) These switches are made with weather-resistant material, UL Type 4X approved for outdoor use. This feature is ideal in environments that are regularly exposed to the elements, such as parking lots, public restrooms and other outdoor facilities. Increased reliability you can immediately see from the product data The ‘operating temperature range’ is the ambient temperature range at which the equipment works safely, reliably and effectively. You’ll find this information in the product specifications (on the datasheet). A device may still work outside of its stated operating temperature range, but it may not perform at its best. The ambient temperature range in commercial environments is typically narrower than that for industrial environments. As just one example, many commercial devices are not rated for use below 0°C. This difference makes purpose-made industrial components more robust and durable than commercial equivalents by design. For many people, the workplace is a temperature-controlled office – or home, where they can adjust the thermostat. For others, it could be: A frosty cold storage warehouse A sunlit, humid greenhouse A hot or cold rolling production line A welding station Temperature plays a vital role in many industrial processes in these environments. Businesses in some industries, such as food or pharmaceuticals, may even be legally required to implement and maintain strict temperature controls for regulatory compliance. As a result, industrial work environments can be significantly hotter or colder than the average office. Hot or cold, workers always need to be able to trust in devices and equipment Safety and reliability are critical in any climate. Regardless of the temperature, a key safety consideration is for the tools and equipment workers rely on to do their jobs. High temperatures could cause parts to overheat and change shape. Freezing temperatures could crack and shatter fragile materials, or solidify liquids and gels. In both cases, the industrial equipment used in that environment must be resilient and durable in order to avoid downtime, damage, and other safety risks. Choosing equipment with a wide operating temperature range helps to ensure their consistent performance in various working conditions. FT and HG series operator interfaces (FT1J, FT2J, HG1J, HG2J) Operating temperature ranges: FT1J, FT2J, HG1J: -20°C to +55°C (no freezing) HG2J: -20°C to +60°C (no freezing) The UV-resistant tempered glass screen prevents clouding and/or deterioration from UV rays, and has strong heat tolerance (separately to the main unit). All units are ideal for high-exposure applications. Higher tolerance to extreme temperatures widens the use possibilities for industrial equipment Various products with high or low temperature tolerance fit the needs of specific use cases. Depending on your application, you may need a more flexible solution. There are many potential advantages of using industrial equipment with a wide operating temperature range. Devices that work effectively in both hot and cold environments can be considered for a greater variety of applications: Medical and pharmaceutical : production processes, sterilization, temperature-controlled storage, etc. Manufacturing and machine tools : hot working and cold working with metals, welding, furnaces, cooling processes, etc. Construction and agriculture : varying climates and indoor/outdoor temperatures Food and packaging : hot and cold processes for both food products and packing materials, refrigerated storage, heat sealing, etc. SX8R bus coupler module Operating temperature range : -25°C to +65°C (no freezing) The SX8R is durable in tough industrial environments and long-distance applications (e.g. outdoors, warehouses, etc.). It can withstand harsh temperatures and rugged conditions, has an IP20 rating for protection against dust, and features enhanced vibration resistance. IDEC’s robust solutions offer safety, reliability, and environmental resistance IDEC’s automation, HMI, and switch/indicator lineups include many products designed and developed for durability in harsh environments. Products with a reassuringly wide operating temperature range include: Safe, reliable operation when temperatures rise or drop The stated operating temperature range is just one of many wide-ranging benefits of IDEC products. Our devices also fit the needs of industrial users by offering safety, durability, and long-term cost effectiveness. Explore the IDEC product lineup for your region to find many other industrial devices and components with a wide operating temperature range, built to perform in harsh and rugged conditions.

Safe, Simple, Smart – and also secure: push-in terminals maintain reliable grip on industrial control panel wiring connectors

Vibration resistance: reliable when installed near machines and moving parts As the wire is held firmly in position, the potential effects of vibration and shocks are significantly reduced. Industrial equipment can vibrate during operation – often caused by the motor or generator running the machine, or components moving inside. This vibration is normal, and typically minimal. In other cases, repetitive back-and-forth movement is essential to the machine’s function. Industrial sanding machines, sorting conveyor belts and precision machine tools can all be classed as vibration-assisted machinery (VAM). There are also times when stronger vibration is a sign that the equipment needs maintenance. Wear and tear, misalignment and balance issues affect the dynamics of machine components. These problems can increase the amount of vibration and noise produced by affected equipment. No matter how the vibration is caused, nearby control panel components and wiring terminals feel the effects. For example, screws holding wires, connectors and parts together can be turned and loosened by vibrations – especially if they haven’t been tightened properly. Feel secure knowing that push-in terminals enhance convenience and safety Push-in terminals can drastically reduce control panel wiring times. Once wired, they maintain a secure grip on the connections for long-term system safety. IDEC has implemented S3 (Safe, Simple, Smart) push-in connection technology across a wide variety of safety devices: PLCs, safety relay modules, switches, pilot lights, and more. Explore the range and your options with your regional sales team. We’ve previously explained how quick and efficient push-in terminal wiring can be. This time, learn more about one of the biggest benefits that push-in terminals provide after wiring is complete: reassuringly secure grip. What makes a push-in terminal so secure? When you push a wire into the wiring port, it pushes back a spring-loaded clamp inside the terminal. Once the wire is in place, the clamp starts to push back against the connector. This consistent pressure prevents the wire from moving. As the amount of pressure is constant, there is no risk of it eventually loosening. A push-in terminal maintains the same level of grip on an installed wire – and the direct, reliable electrical conductor connection – throughout its lifespan. Pull resistance: wires can’t be removed by accident In our catalogs and manuals for IDEC products with push-in terminals, we explain that wiring is simple: Step 1: push the wire straight in, to the back of the wiring port, as far as it can go. Step 2: lightly pull on the wire to confirm that it’s properly installed. We suggest giving wires a light pull – but they can withstand much more force than that. The pull-out force for push-in terminals is higher than that for screw terminals and spring clamp terminals. A wire that’s been correctly installed in a push-in terminal won’t loosen or fall out. The chances of pulling a wire out by accident are reassuringly low. This level of reliability is essential in many industrial settings. International safety standards and best practice guides for industrial control panel wiring emphasize the importance of correctly installing wires and storing slack. Loose or disconnected wires can lead to significant equipment downtime and workplace safety hazards. The simple, safe way to remove wires from a push-in terminal – when ready – is: press and hold down the pusher with a flat blade screwdriver, and carefully pull out the wire.

Simplifying control panel wiring: how push-in terminals enhance efficiency in industrial applications

Three common types of terminal block Screw terminal : the traditional option. Spring clamp terminal : an evolution. Push-in terminal : the game-changer. Push-in terminals in their current form are a relatively new invention, but their popularity has rapidly grown. S3 (Safe, Simple, Smart) push-in connection technology enhances the appeal of many IDEC products, from automation devices to industrial components: FC6A PLC HG2J operator interface FT2J integrated PLC+HMI KW2D RFID reader HR2S safety relay module SJ/SU relay sockets HW switches and pilot lights CW flush switches and pilot lights The number and variety of IDEC products with push-in terminals reflects the widespread appeal, ease of use, and revolutionary nature of push-in wiring technology. Watch our timelapse wiring comparison video for control panel switches: A step-by-step guide to removing wires from a push-in terminal Step 1 : press and hold the pusher with a flat blade screwdriver. Step 2 : while holding down the pusher, pull out the wire. Again, it’s simple, and takes less time than loosening screws. On IDEC products with push-in terminals, the release tabs are yellow or orange to make them easier to find. They are essential for removal – pulling on a secured wire in a push-in terminal will add to the amount of force keeping it in place. For industrial users, push-in terminals offer practical solutions Push-in terminal wiring efficiency makes a real difference during control panel wiring. Add on the safety, convenience, and space-saving benefits that push-in terminals provide, and the choice is clear. You can continue to expect frequent product innovations and functional safety developments from IDEC. The rise of push-in terminals for quick, efficient and tool-free wiring When wiring a terminal block with push-in technology, you might feel like you’re missing something: a screwdriver. With screw terminals, you need to loosen the screw, insert the wire, and retighten the screw. With spring clamp terminals, you need a tool to hold the clamp open until the wire is inserted. The extra work time needed to secure each wire soon adds up. With push-in terminals and wires with a crimped ferrule (or solid wires), you don’t need to use a screwdriver at all. Keeping at least one hand free during the wiring process can improve concentration and reduce reaction time if there is an issue. The risk of injury is low, thanks to the IP20 finger-safe protection rating IDEC push-in terminals hold. The more devices and switches that are installed on your control panel, the more wires you need to connect. The more wires you have, the more likely you are to need (and use) terminal blocks to keep them secure and organized. Terminal blocks act as ‘junctions’ for the wiring system, routing tens or hundreds of wires between input and output devices. They can be found behind control panels in many industrial applications (manufacturing, automotive, etc.) where complex electrical systems need to be installed quickly and safely. How to install products with push-in terminals in your control panel Important safety note : make sure that electric power to all control panel devices is off before starting installation, wiring, inspection, maintenance and removal. Failure to do so may create a fire hazard or cause electrical shocks. All terminals need to be mounted securely on a suitable surface. That could be the back of a control panel switch, or on a DIN rail. For contact block mounting : IDEC contact blocks snap onto the back of compatible pushbuttons and indicator lights. Make sure that the locking ring is fastened before attaching the contact block. For DIN rail mounting : The DIN rail should always be horizontal. IDEC products designed to attached to DIN rails clamp or snap into place. IDEC products for control panels are designed to be compact, reducing the panel area and the amount of installation space needed behind it. They give you more room to create the optimum arrangement of terminals and wires. A step-by-step guide to push-in terminal wiring Step 1 : push the wire to the back of the wiring port. Step 2 : give the wire a light pull to confirm it’s connected properly. That’s all you need to do. Using this quick and simple process, time spent on wiring work could be shortened by as much as 55% (compared to wiring a screw terminal). You can see the difference in this socket wiring video: