Reliable connection solutions for modern LED lighting
Peter Oetjens, Head of Electrical Engineering Development, demonstrates a WE-EF light with QPD connection
Application
In addition to the intelligent LED driver, WE-EF also wanted to integrate a communication module into its new LED street lights for transmitting data gathered by the integrated sensor technology. “We completely redesigned the luminaire assembly controller for a project in Bielefeld,” explains Peter Oetjens, Head of Electrical Engineering Development. “The electronics were not to be mounted on the mast, as is usually case, but directly on the light housing.” The electronic design follows the specifications of the ZHAGA consortium in accordance with Book 18. Planners and installers can be sure that the electrical system, and therefore, the installation, works uniformly worldwide.
Installers reduce connection time by up to 80 percent with the QPD fast installation system
Solution
In just a few simple steps, the individual litz wires are pulled into the prefabricated wire guides of the connector, the insulation there is cut through automatically, and electrical contact is established reliably. When the union nut is tightened, the connector also automatically establishes strain relief. The principle reduces connection time by up to 80 percent and reliably prevents connection errors. The core idea is that the solution can be put into operation easily without having to open the light or the electrical system to make the connection. “Nowadays, QPD is indispensable for this functionality,” says Oetjens.
PCB terminal blocks (left) and PCB connectors of the PTSM 0,5 series are compact, SMT-capable, and colorfast
PCB terminal blocks and PCB connectors of the PTSM 0,5 series have quickly emerged as the ideal connection solution. The series was designed specifically for use in LED lights and has three enormous advantages. First, the headers and terminal blocks remain colorfast under thermal stress, and can therefore be attached together with the LEDs in the SMT process on the PCB. Moreover, the white components do not form a color contrast to the white solder mask, and can therefore not be seen as a visible component behind the transparent cover.
Summary
Active electronic components such as LED drivers and controllers turn LED lights into intelligent lighting concepts. Passive electromechanics ensure that these lighting concepts can be manufactured efficiently, wired securely, and operated reliably. Three good reasons why lighting manufacturer WE-EF, based in Bispingen, Germany, relies on the QPD fast installation system and PCB connections of the PTSM 0,5 series. “Other companies can produce hardware too. But for us, the potential lies above all in the range of functions and service,” says Peter Oetjens. “My vision? I would like all of our lights to be intelligent and network-capable.”
