Sq D Powerlink G3 Lighting Control

[tom baker]

I have a security lighting system to control, consisting of 9 120V induction luminaires. I was going design and build a relay panel with HOA switch, lighting contactors, disconnect, etc, to control from a photocontrol and monitor operation via a PLC.
But Sq D makes a Powerlink G3 lighting control system, that has motor operated circuit breakers, factory assembled and tested. It uses a standard NF panelboard, and I can control from the PLC with a modbus protocol. The Powerlink would seem to be about the same cost as the fabricated panel.
Does any one have any experience with the Powerlink system? According to Sq D this is a system that is used by a lot of retailers.
This is for a critical facility that will eventually have security cameras and photobeam detectors.

 

[iwire]

Tom I installed and wired the control system for maybe 15 separate panels in a large retail store.

I liked the equipment, however I can not comment on how well the programing or networking them together.

The customer was not taking full advantage of the systems capabilities. We used dry contacts to trigger certain zones of breakers on or off.

The advantage of the system was that every circuit in the building could be controlled and when the building was unoccupied they could shut down everything and I do mean everything but minimal heat, and a very few selected receptacle circuits.

 

[benaround]

Tom,

I have also installed these in a few retail stores, I like them, if the money

is about the same, try it, you might like it!!!

 

[Mr. Bill]

I'm always hesitant to get locked in with one manufacturer but if you're limited on wall space and need programmed lighting control then I think this system is great. Just remember that emergency lighting will need their 2-pole EL circuit breaker to meet 924.

 

[iwire]

Just remember that emergency lighting will need their 2-pole EL circuit breaker to meet 924.

Please expand on that.

The store I mentioned literally shuts the place down at night.

Emergency lighting and exit signs included.

The system is controlled by a building management system and will turn the lighting back on during a power failure or fire alarm activation.

We did not use any two pole breakers for this, are the two pole ones that your speaking of 'fail on' design or some such thing like that?

 

[mhulbert]

Tom,
the power link breakers that Sq D uses in these panels can also be purchased separately and put in a standard panel. They have 3 wires going to them, open, close, and common if I remember correctly. I don't recall if the 24V they need is DC, or AC, but you could control them using your PLC with interposing relays and a transformer/power supply. This would be a lot less labor than a ton of contactors, and still give you an open system, especially if you don't need the time clock and wallstations from the square d system.

Talk to your Square D rep, they'll have part no's for the standalone breakers and details on how to wire them.
Mike

 

[Jljohnson]

We have used there G3 panels on several auto sales lots. They are a good solution and have performed well for us. they also have a modem feature that will allow you to access them remotely if the job is along way from your shop. The software is very simple to operate.

 

[chevyx92]

I have a security lighting system to control, consisting of 9 120V induction luminaires. I was going design and build a relay panel with HOA switch, lighting contactors, disconnect, etc, to control from a photocontrol and monitor operation via a PLC.
But Sq D makes a Powerlink G3 lighting control system, that has motor operated circuit breakers, factory assembled and tested. It uses a standard NF panelboard, and I can control from the PLC with a modbus protocol. The Powerlink would seem to be about the same cost as the fabricated panel.
Does any one have any experience with the Powerlink system? According to Sq D this is a system that is used by a lot of retailers.
This is for a critical facility that will eventually have security cameras and photobeam detectors.

I wired square d powerlink panels about 6 months ago. It was the first time I delt with that type of panel. The setup also had a HOA switch for parking lot, sales and sign lighting. Everything was controlled through a satellite that corporate had control over. They turn anything they wanted on or off at anytime or set times for things to run. Quite an amazing setup and I would recommend it.

 

[kbsparky]

The problem I have with the PowerLink is you can't override those breakers to the "on" position in the event of a power-supply failure.

We had a Sam's Club here that took a lightning hit, and that fried their PowerLink power supply modules. Took out a bunch of their powerlink breakers with it, too.

To get the rest of the breakers back on (since the store wanted to remain open), we ended up taking several 6Volt lantern batteries, and connecting them in series and manually hitting each breaker's remote terminals to force them to switch back on.

Once on, the store personel could manually turn them off and back on until the replacement power supply modules could be shipped in and installed. Took about a week for that to happen, if I recall.

 

[Sparkplug]

The problem I have with the PowerLink is you can't override those breakers to the "on" position in the event of a power-supply failure.

We had a Sam's Club here that took a lightning hit, and that fried their PowerLink power supply modules. Took out a bunch of their powerlink breakers with it, too.

To get the rest of the breakers back on (since the store wanted to remain open), we ended up taking several 6Volt lantern batteries, and connecting them in series and manually hitting each breaker's remote terminals to force them to switch back on.

Once on, the store personel could manually turn them off and back on until the replacement power supply modules could be shipped in and installed. Took about a week for that to happen, if I recall.

I believe the system to which you are referring, was Square D's older PL system. Their G3 system has an HOA type button on the breaker that allows you to force the breaker contacts if the control system is not working. This feature is very useful. G3 really rocks