Welcome to Westell-Norantel. We are still transferring content from the old site to our new site. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Click Here to visit the old site.

Hide

Westell - Norantel

Simplifying Complex Communications

Articles

Westell-Norantel Standard Features

Key Fuse Panel Features available from Westell-Norantel

Polarity Insensitive Circuitry
Fuse Panels with this feature will operate with either a positive or negative battery voltage with respect to the return or
ground (example a -48Vdc or a +24Vdc). The inputs are labeled Battery and Return with the fusing on the Battery side.


Benefits;
With one panel being able to work with either battery voltage polarity, it offers advantages in reduced stocking levels (saving money and space) as well as the chance of the wrong panel being sent to the field.  In addition to this, purchasing higher quantities of one panel will reduce the purchase price of that panel.



Dual Voltage Panels (24 or 48Vdc Batteries)
Most of Noran Tel panels operate over a wide input voltage range of 22 to 58Vdc, allowing the same panel to be installed in either 24Vdc or 48Vdc applications.


Benefits;
The benefits of this feature are similar to the benefits offered by the Polarity Insensitive Circuitry, and the two complement each other to offer even further simplification at the stocking and provisioning level.  Having one panel covering 4 different battery voltages really simplifies things for everybody involved.



High Capacity 1/4" Stud Input blocks
These panels are equipped with high capacity stud input barrier blocks that accept two hole compression lugs (1/4"d studs on 5/8" centers). These blocks will accept standard lugs up to 1 AWG, and special narrow tongue lugs up to 2/0.  Each input block has its own clear plastic shield to protect the lugs and hardware. The lugs are made of high quality grade 5 steel that will not break while being tightened.


Benefits;
These quality input terminations easily accommodate large gauge cables and lugs without fear of breakage or failure down the road.  Two hole lugs also reduce the chance of the termination hardware loosening, as the lug is not allowed to spin when the lug is pulled or stressed by the wire due to forming, temperature changes, vibration, etc.



Offset Output Blocks
As per suggestions from our customers; the two rows of output terminal blocks are manufactured with different offset heights.  The top block is raised off the back plate of the panel about �" more that the block below it.  This allows the proper forming of cables and lugs without the need to bend the crimp connector.



Benefits;
Providing offset blocks with a planned method for cable routing makes for a neat and reliable power distribution system.  As well as feature, Noran Tel locates the Battery terminal below the Return terminal; this way the Battery or "Hot" lead is sheltered below the return block and under the return wire, making it less likely that falling objects will come in contact with live terminals and cause shorts or injuries.


Cable Tie Bars
Panels with this feature have a cable management bar located below the terminal blocks that provide a spot for the installer to tie the distribution cables to.


Benefits;
Having a spot to tie your distributions cables to helps ensure a neat and reliable power distribution system, without undo strain on cable lugs and termination hardware.


Spare Fuse Holders (GMT)
Spare Fuse holders are included in many panels where there's room to do so.  The holders are located on the panel's faceplate and allow spare GMT fuses to be stored right in the panel.


Benefits;
Having the appropriate spare fuse stored right in the panel will reduce the time to service a blown fuse


Dummy Fuses (GMT)
As per customer requests, many GMT fuse panels are shipped from Noran Tel with plastic dummy fuses installed in every GMT position.


Benefits;
Dummy fuses help insure the replacement fuse is installed in the correct position and they help protect the terminals of unused fuse positions from accidental contact with metallic objects.


Fuse and Input Power Fail Alarms
Panels with this feature will alarm if either a fuse blows, or in the event the input power to a bus is removed.  These alarm extensions are provided on Form C relays contacts that provide the Common, Normally Closed, and the Normally Open contact.  These relays are typically energized so that they fall back to an alarm condition in a fault or loss of power.


Benefits;
It advantageous to know the status of power inputs as well as the condition of the output fuses for each bus.  Dry "Form C" contacts offer total flexibility to accommodate any alarm system requirement.


Bussmann ® TPA style Fuses (50A/fuse)
A few high capacity fuse panels are available with Bussmann's ® TPA fuse holders that accept fuses up to 50Amps.  These fuses are the preferred three terminal fuse that electrically signal the failure of a fuse, as well as a red LED on each individual fuse holder.


Benefits;
The high capacity of the TPA fuse (up to a 50 Amps) allows this type of fuse panel to be used in more demanding applications.  The three terminal fuse works well with alarming circuits, only alarming when the fuse is blown, vrs just removed like a two terminal KLM, or KTK fuse.

 

Universal 19" and 23" Mounting
Most Noran Tel panels are shipped with two sets of mounting brackets.  One for 1" drilling patterns and one for 1-3/4" drilling patterns.  Both brackets are reversible so that the panel can either be mounted in a 19" or 23" rack.


Benefits;
Panels can be mounted in almost all available racks by using the supplied brackets.  Which means no special ordering options for specific racks, one panel fits all.