Designing and planning low voltage switchgear can be a complex puzzle. Engineers and panel builders often face the daunting task of selecting the right components, ensuring everything complies with stringent safety standards like IEC 61439, and creating detailed documentation all while under pressure to deliver projects quickly and cost effectively. Traditional methods involving manual calculations and catalogue lookups are time consuming and prone to error.
What if there was a smarter, faster, and more reliable way?
Then you'll be happy to hear about Rittal's RiPower cloud based configurator, a digital tool designed to revolutionise how you engineer power distribution systems.
What is the RiPower Configurator?
The Rittal RiPower configurator is an intuitive, web-based software tool that guides you through the entire process of planning and configuring Rittal RiLine and VX25 Ri4Power systems. Because it's cloud based, you can access it anytime, anywhere, without needing to install any software. This simplifies the selection of enclosures, copper busbars, and switchgear components, transforming a complex engineering task into a streamlined, error free workflow.
4 Key Advantages of Going Cloud Based
Moving the configuration process to the cloud offers significant benefits that directly address the pain points of traditional design methods.
1. Effortless & Error Free Planning
The configurator provides a step by step, guided process. You input your project requirements, and the software automatically suggests the appropriate components. It has built in logic that prevents you from selecting incompatible parts, drastically reducing the risk of design errors. This "plausibility check" ensures that the final configuration is technically sound and viable from the get go.
2. Guaranteed Compliance and Safety
One of the biggest hurdles in switchgear design is ensuring adherence to the IEC 61439 standard. The RiPower configurator automatically handles this for you. As you build your system, the software performs the necessary design verifications in the background. Once your configuration is complete, it generates a comprehensive documentation package, including the formal verification documents, proving that your design meets all safety and performance requirements. This saves an enormous amount of time and provides complete peace of mind.
3. Massive Time and Cost Savings
Imagine cutting down your planning time from days to just a few hours or even minutes. The RiPower configurator makes this a reality. By automating component selection, calculations, and documentation, it frees up valuable engineering resources. The tool generates a complete bill of materials (BOM), detailed construction plans, and even CAD data that can be used directly in manufacturing. This seamless data flow from engineering to production minimises manual data entry and accelerates the entire project lifecycle.
4. Seamless Integration and Collaboration
Being cloud based means your projects are always accessible. You can easily share your configurations with colleagues or clients for review and feedback. The data generated by the configurator can send the BOM directly to the Rittal online shop for easy ordering. This creates a cohesive digital thread, from initial design to final assembly.
An Example Workflow using RiPower
The beauty of the RiPower configurator lies in its simplicity. The typical workflow looks like this:
- Define Project: Start by entering your basic project parameters.
- Select Components: The system guides you in selecting the right enclosures, busbar systems, and protective devices from leading manufacturers.
- Configure & Verify: The tool automatically checks for compatibility and performs design verification against IEC 61439.
- Generate Documentation: With a single click, you receive a complete package including the BOM, CAD files, and compliance certificates.
In short, the Rittal RiPower configurator is more than just a product selector; it's a comprehensive engineering platform. By simplifying complexity, ensuring safety, and boosting efficiency, it empowers engineers and panel builders to design and deliver certified low voltage switchgear systems with unprecedented speed and confidence.
