Power Switch Module User Manual

Overview

The Power Switch Module (CE-MD-005-0000) extends MachineMotion AI’s functionality with an integrated solid-state relay, which lets you switch various AC-powered devices on and off.

This plug-and-play module requires just three connections: one to the MachineMotion AI controller, one to an AC power outlet, and one to the device to control.

Compatible modules, including the Power Switch Module (CE-MD-004-0000), can also be daisy chained one after the other, making it possible to connect up to sixteen modules per MachineMotion AI controller.

This document covers requirements for current version of MachineMotion controller. For previous version, refer to link below:

Documentation for Previous Product Versions

Features

● Switch AC loads up to 15 A at 120 VAC or 10 A at 230 VAC.
● Support various loads with two types of output connectors: one NEMA 5-15R, and one, terminal block.
● Connect compatible modules via daisy chain.
● Configurable address.
● Plug-and-play to access from the Control Center, MachineLogic and Python API.

Included in the box

WARNING: Important steps to avoid electric shock

The Power Switch Module operates at potentially life-threatening voltage levels. To prevent the risks of electric shock that could lead to serious injuries, follow the safety instructions below.
● When setting up the Power Switch Module connections, connect the input POWER cable to the AC power outlet last. Connecting to the power outlet should always be your final step.
● If you’re not using the OUT2 port, make sure the detachable plug stays mated to the fixed module connector, to prevent an exposed lead with potential live power. This is important because the OUT1 and OUT2 ports act in parallel, meaning they are either both energized or both de-energized at the same time.

WARNING: Hot surface

The top aluminum enclosure of the Power Switch Module acts as a heatsink for the internal relay. The higher the current going through the module, the hotter the surface will become. Keep this in mind when driving large loads with the module. Maximum enclosure temperature rise from ambient is specified in the datasheet.

Choosing the appropriate output connector

The Power Switch Module has two parallel output connectors.

• Only use the OUT1 port with a standard NEMA 5-15P connector, and if the load operates at a max voltage of 125 VAC with a max current of 15 A.    

  • The OUT1 port is a standard NEMA 5-15R connector, compatible with 120 VAC devices for North America and capable of delivering up to 15 A.

• Use the OUT2 port with any other connector (not NEMA 5-15P), and/or if the load has an operating voltage higher than 125 VAC.    

  • The OUT2 port is a two-part terminal block connector mating. The male connector is a fixed part (jack) of the module, whereas the female connector is detachable (plug) and provides three screw connections for flying leads (live, neutral, and earth).

Physical Interface

LED status indicators

Applications

Connecting to MachineMotion AI (direct connection)

To connect the Power Switch Module directly to a MachineMotion AI controller (see Figure 2):

1. Set the Power Switch Module address, as explained in the Address configuration switches section.

2. Using the Control Device Extension Cable (CE-CA-022-5000):    

   1. Connect the male end to any CONTROL port on the MachineMotion AI controller.

   2. Connect the female end to the CTRL IN port on the Power Switch Module.

3. Connect the Module Termination Jumper (CE-JP-001-0001), to the CTRL OUT port on the Power Switch Module.

4. Connect the AC-powered device to be controlled to one of the Power Switch Module output ports; either OUT1 (US/Canada, NEMA 5-15R) or OUT2 (Terminal Block with Screw Connections).

5. Using an appropriate IEC C13 cable (CE-CA-001-0001, CE-CA-001-0002, or other):    

   1. Connect the female end to the POWER port on the Power Switch Module.

   2. Connect the male end to an AC power outlet.

Connecting compatible modules (daisy chain)

Compatible modules, including the Power Switch Module, can also be daisy chained to a single CONTROL port on the MachineMotion AI controller (see Figure 2). Across all four CONTROL ports, the controller supports up to eight modules at the same time, provided they all have distinct addresses (see Address configuration switches).

To connect several modules in a daisy chain:

1. Set a distinct address for every module of the daisy chain, as explained in the Address configuration switches section.

2. Using a Control Device Extension Cable (CE-CA-022-5000):    

   1. Connect the male end to any CONTROL port on MachineMotion AI.

   2. Connect the female end to the CTRL IN port on the first module in the daisy chain.

3. For every additional module to be connected, repeat this step using an additional Control Device Extension Cable:    

   1. Connect the male end to the CTRL OUT port on the previous module in the daisy chain.

   2. Connect the female end to the CTRL IN port on the current module in the daisy chain.

4. Connect the Module Termination Jumper (CE-JP-001-0001) to the CTRL OUT port on the last module in the daisy chain.

Address configuration switches

Each module has an address with two components: device ID and device type. Both device ID and device type are set by changing the state of the address configuration switches, which are located at the front of the Power Switch Module under a removable rubber cap.

Switches 1 to 4 define the module device ID and allow the MachineMotion AI controller to know which module it is communicating with. Every module connected to the same controller should have a distinct device ID, regardless of its device type.

Switches 5 to 8 define the module device type and their positions should remain identical for all modules of the same type.
The table below lists every valid address for the Power Switch Module. An individual switch is considered ON when the selector is slid up and OFF when the selector is slid down.

Connecting a device to the OUT2 port

The OUT2 port is a two part terminal block connector mating that can be used to control any AC-powered device within the Power Switch Module specifications (see Datasheet).

To connect a device to the OUT2 port:

1. Make sure the device has two wires (black and white) or three wires (black, white, and yellow/green).

2. Strip 7 mm of insulation off the device’s wires.

3. Use the markings on the Power Switch Module to identify the live (L), neutral (N) and ground (⏚) terminals.

4. Remove the plug from the OUT2 port.

5. Insert and screw the black wire into the OUT2 plug L (live) terminal.

6. Insert and screw the white wire into the OUT2 plug N (neutral) terminal.

7. If available, insert and screw the yellow/green wire into the OUT2 plug ⏚ (ground) terminal.

8. Re-insert the plug from step 4 in the OUT2 port.

Configuring the Power Switch Module

If you would like to configure your Power Switch Module and utilize MachineLogic to program it, follow the steps below:

1. Open your MachineBuilder design.

2. Open the Configuration section in the right pane.

3. Select the Power Switch Module you would like to configure.

4. Fill out the following fields:    

   • MachineMotion Port: Represents the MachineMotion Control port the Power Switch Module is connected to

   • Device ID: Represents the device ID of your module. The device ID is configured on the physical module using address configuration switches, therefore, ensure the device ID configured in this dropdown matches the address configuration switches on the physical module.

   • Output Name: Friendly name which will be used to call the Power Switch Module in MachineLogic

     Figure 4: Power Switch Module configuration in MachineBuilder

Testing the Power Switch Module in Control Center

1. To test the configured Power Switch Module, open the MachineMotion’s Control Center (via the Teach Pendant, or by connecting your laptop to the “To PC” Ethernet port, and navigating to the URL “machinemotion.local” in the Chrome browser).

2. Via the top navigation bar, select the Manual Control page.

3. In the left pane, select the Digital Inputs/Outputs section.

4. You should see your Power Switch Module, as long it has been properly connected to the MachineMotion.

5. You can test the Power Switch module by clicking the toggle on/off to check if the device connected to the Power Switch Module toggles on and off.

   
   Note: If you connect a new Power Switch Module to the MachineMotion, you might need to refresh the Control Center view in order to see it appear in the Manual Control page. Select another section, and click again on the Digital Inputs/Outputs section.

Programming the Power Switch Module with MachineLogic

CodeFree

To program your power-switch in MachineLogic, ensure you have completed the steps in Configuring the Power-Switch Module.

1. Go to the MachineLogic tab.

2. Click Add command > Add Outputs:    

   • Under Output, select the Power Switch from the drop-down menu. Select the friendly name of your power switch under Output Name and select if you would like to turn your power-switch On or Off

Python

See Python API reference here

Documentation for Previous Product Versions