Let's unravel HVACR complexities with Tim R. Skell!
Our expert, Tim R. Skell, spent almost 3 years sharing his expertise in the #FunFactFriday series on LinkedIn. Now, we are giving him a forum to exchange news, knowledge, and passion for HVACR technologies in the new ABB column.
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Drives have the ability to accept a 0-10 VDC or a 4-20 mA signal from the Building Management System (BMS). Many of those VSDs have a little switch to select the signal type you want.
There is nothing wrong with this solution, however, it’s frustrating when I forget to flip that switch when I did my initial control wiring. Why am I frustrated? Because to gain access to the switch, I have to remove the VSD’s cover - which requires I power down, lockout–tagout (LOTO), verify zero energy, then get in there and flip the switch.
The ABB ACH580 and ACQ580 no longer have that switch. Instead, it is easily set up in the Primary Settings. Also, the scaling for that 0-10 V or 4-20 mA signal is very straightforward, and no searching for the right parameters. Plus when you adjust the units, the Homeview (3rd line) on the control panel is also automatically updated to show that analog signal type. No extra steps.
Just another one of the "little things" available in the ACH580 drive to make life easier for those of you who work on equipment in the field. Although that swear jar may be a little lighter now.
ACH580 drives family 
ACQ580 drives family
