Before we dive into safety contactors, let’s first cover what a regular contactor is used for. Contactors switch an electrical circuit on or off. The most common use is as a simple on/off switch for a motor or lighting application. A safety contactor has the same functionality and purpose as a standard contactor except that the contacts are mechanically linked together so all three poles will close together and fail in an open state. This means that if a safety contactor fails, the control voltage will be applied but the contacts will not close. If your machine is on when the safety circuit ..read more

It’s so nice to see the release of new products. Due to overwhelming component shortages and shipping delays, many manufacturers had to shift their R&D resources away from creating new products. We are happy to find those new products are finally getting their chance to be released! Quick List of New Products New USB controlled multicolor beacon from Patlite (NE-USB series) Novus now offering 24V option for their N1020 series Carlo Gavazzi introduces their SPDE series of power supplies New USB Controlled Multicolor Beacon Patlite has introduced their new NE-USB series. Easy pro ..read more

As January 27th approaches, we mark the 5 year anniversary of the unexpected passing of our founder, Hans J. Wolf. Anyone who knew Hans knew he was an avid learner about any topic. He showed a special interest whenever you came to him with a new tidbit of information and always made you feel like he had your undivided attention. He loved to mentor and always tried to get those he knew to strive for their next level, whatever that might be for them. Many of us have stories that highlight the kind of mark Hans left in our memories and how we still cherish those memories to this day.&n ..read more

Welcome to the new year, 2023! As we embark on a new journey, it’s important to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. This year has the potential to bring about significant changes and advancements for Marshall Wolf Automation, as we begin our 39th year as a family owned, and now, female run business! Hans Wolf, the founder and visionary of Marshall Wolf Automation, started this company in 1984. As the 5 year anniversary of his passing approaches on January 27, his contributions and visions, to not only the company, but the industry as a whole should be celebrated. &n ..read more

Does is seem like 2022 was just a blur? Between moving warehouses, new product releases, and constant vendor updates; MWA was able to make 2022 a year to remember! Let’s review some of our best highlights throughout the year.  January We kicked off the year featuring one of our most popular products, VFDs. We covered the basics of what an AC Drive is, how to differentiate them from Soft Starters, when best to use one for your project and new vendor releases.  What are VFDs & Who Should Use Them? Read More! What does “VFD” mean? Read More! A Simple Explanation: The ..read more

It’s that time of year again where we get cozy around a fire, spend time with loved ones and do our best to eat, drink and be merry! From all of us at Marshall Wolf Automation, we wish you all a season of joy and look forward to a bright New Year! Our offices will be closed for: Friday, December 23rd through Monday, December 26th, 2022 and Monday, January 2nd, 2023 in observance of the holidays. Have questions about shipping deadlines? Below are links to our most popular carrier’s holiday shipping schedule for the end of the year: FedEx Holiday Schedule USPS Holiday Schedule UPS Holid ..read more

Everyone loves a good I Spy puzzle! Can you find all twelve industrial products in the image below? Bonus points if you can correctly guess the vendor of each item! I spy with my little Thanksgiving Eye one: Light Tower Thru-Beam Sensor Beacon VFD Pilot Light Solid State Relay Fork Sensor Safety Pull Switch Speed Controller Emergency Stop Distance Sensor Motor Original image courtesy of Needle ‘n Thread Need a hint? Click here to see the answers! Can’t find all the items? You can find all the solutions here! The post I Spy Thanksgiving at MWA first appeared on Wolf Autom ..read more

Instruction manuals are great, they’re chock full of the technical data we need to get a drive set up… …after maybe 120+ pages of information you weren’t looking for, right? AC Tech/Lenze has made things easy by creating an extensive library of video guides for their popular SMV variable frequency drive series.  Initial Setup and Installation This section of videos for the SMV series reviews:  Mounting and Installation Operation Modes & Calibration Keypad & Terminal Strip Setup Remote Keypad Installation & Programming Introduction to the Parameter Menus ..read more

We’re getting into the spirit of Halloween at Marshall Wolf! The costumes are eerie-sistible and the pumpkins are waaay ahead of the carve! Let us know which costume really struck a gourd with you in the comments below.  Hallow-queen of Halloween? We’d tell you a joke, but you might not find it very humerus…see if you can guess answers to these fangtastic puns. Answers at the bottom of the page. How do monsters like their eggs?  How does a vampire flirt? How do you fix a broken pumpkin? Where do werewolves store their things? Why did the vampire subscribe to the Ne ..read more

Solid State Relays are found in almost every industrial application and Carlo Gavazzi is a leader in this market. What Makes Carlo Gavazzi Solid State Relays Stand Out? Carlo Gavazzi SSRs are available in a wide range of input ratings, output switching options, and optional heatsinks; all while featuring ‘Direct Copper Bonding’ to provide improved protection against thermal stress. In addition, Carlo Gavazzi offers relays with built-in monitoring for mains loss, load loss, SSR short circuit, open circuit and over-temperature with a relay output to allow measures to be taken immediately ..read more