Rittal – The Wire Handling System speeds up and simplifies wiring

Rittal

Rittal Automation Systems is expanding its product range to enable seamless, data-driven automation for panel building and switchgear manufacturing. 

 

The new Wire Handling System transports pre-assembled wires just-in-time and just-in-sequence from the Wire Terminal to up to four workstations.

Data-driven automation plays a key role in today’s panel building and switchgear manufacturing. It allows increasingly complex customer requirements to be met – on a case-by-case basis and with short throughput times. This way, companies can seize growth opportunities and develop businesses that are ready for the future, even in the face of a persistent shortage of skilled staff.

 

SPS trade fair innovation: the Wire Handling System 

As a market leader in this field, Rittal is also forcing the continued development of its extensive Rittal Automation System range. At SPS 2025, therefore, it will present its Wire Handling System, a new wire distribution solution that uses compressed air to feed wires for pre-assembled cables. It can be used as an extension to the Wire Terminal WT C fully automatic wire assembly machine. Using compressed air, the wires prepared in this way can be transported directly from the Wire Terminal to up to 4 workstations. The system, consisting of a wire distributor, a wire receiver and Teflon hoses, is designed for all common types of wire with cross-sections ranging from 0.5 mm² to 6 mm² and lengths of 220 mm to 4,000 mm. The maximum transport distance is 80 m.

The next level of automation: The new Wire Handling System from Rittal Automation Systems transports pre-assembled wires just-in-time and just-in-sequence from the Wire Terminal to up to four workstations.

 

Error-free and accelerated wiring

The new Wire Handling System, in conjunction with the Wire Terminal, optimises wiring, by far the most time-consuming step in panel building and switchgear manufacturing, so generating extremely high savings of time and costs. Instead of removing the wire sets from the Wire Terminal in wire rails or chain bundles, the pre-assembled wires are delivered to the respective workstations just-in-time and just-in-sequence at the push of a button. This greatly streamlines intralogistics and helps save storage space.

Embedding the Wire Handling System into the Eplan Smart Production software application ensures that wires are always delivered to workstations on time and in the correct order. Based on the data from a digital twin created during planning and designing, Eplan Smart Production, as a digital assistance system with Eplan Smart Wiring, guides you step-by-step through the wiring process and requests the required wires via the Wire Terminal and the output system. This makes it feasible for even less experienced or semi-skilled people to perform wiring far faster and without errors. For example, time savings of up to 90 per cent in wire assembly are possible.

Thorsten Eberz, Head of Product Management at Rittal Automation Systems: “With the Wire Handling System, companies are already preparing for the future of panel building and switchgear manufacturing: The Wire Distribution System can not only be used to supply workstations, but also future wiring robots.”

 

Consistent data-driven automation

As an automated solution for intralogistics, the new Wire Handling System closes another gap in the end-to-end, data-driven automation of panel building and switchgear manufacturing. The manufacturing process can now be managed even more efficiently, and companies can meet current – and future – market requirements much better, even with fewer skilled workers.

“The new Wire Handling System immediately generates added value by further accelerating the wiring process and by reducing errors through the interaction of Eplan software and the output system,” Thorsten Eberz, Head of Product Management at Rittal Automation Systems, emphasises. “At the same time, companies can begin preparing for the future of panel building and switchgear manufacturing with this solution: Not only can the Wire Distribution System be used to supply workstations, but also future wiring robots.”

 

SourceRittal

EMR Analysis

More information on The Friedhelm Loh Group: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Prof. Dr.-Ing E.H. Friedhelm Loh (Owner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

 

More information on Rittal by The Friedhelm Loh Group: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Prof. Dr. Niko Mohr (Member of the Executive Board, The Friedhelm Loh Group + Member of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Rittal International and Rittal Software Systems, The Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive

 

More information on Thorsten Eberz (Head of Product Management, Rittal Automation Systems, The Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive

More information on Wire Handling System by Rittal by The Friedhelm Loh Group: https://www.rittal.com/ie-en/products/PG20231215RAS101/PG20240408RAS202/PG20240408RAS207/PG20251111RAS001 + The fully automated wire distribution system transports assembled wires directly to multiple wiring workstations using compressed air to feed wires for pre-assembled cables.

More information on Wire Terminal WT C by Rittal by The Friedhelm Loh Group: https://www.rittal.com/com-en/products/PG20231215RAS101/PG20240408RAS202/PG20240408RAS205/Wire-processing/Wire-Terminal-WT + Wire processing machines. Fully automated wire processing including length-cutting, stripping, fitting with wire end ferrules and labelling. As well as project-specific order picking into the dedicated storage system, output in chain bundle format or ejection of the wires is also supported.

Depending on the variant, the new, compact Wire Terminal WT fully automated wire assembly machines can produce up to 36 different wires in cross-sections ranging from 0.5 mm² to 6 mm² fully automatically, with zero manual intervention.

 

More information on Eplan by Rittal Software Systems by the Friedhelm Loh Group: See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

More information on Sebastian Seitz (Chairman, EPLAN, Rittal Software Systems, the Friedhelm Loh Group): See the full profile on EMR Executive Services

 

 

 

More information on SPS 2025 (Smart Production Solutions) Germany (25-27 November 2025, Nüremberg, Germany): https://sps.mesago.com/nuernberg/en.html + The place where automation becomes exciting.

It’s great to have you here – in a place where automation not only connects but drives change.

Here, pioneers, visionaries and enablers come together to shape what will drive the industry of tomorrow. It’s a place where technology isn’t just showcased, but reimagined, critically discussed and transformed into real added value.

Step into an environment where meaningful impulses take shape – and become part of a multi-faceted automation community. We look forward to getting to know you personally through one of our formats!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EMR Additional Notes:

  • Panel Builder:
    • A Control panel builder plays a critical role in the manufacturing and operation of various types of machinery and equipment. These skilled professionals design and build control panels that house the electrical and electronic components that control the operation of the machinery or equipment.
    • A panel builder cuts electrical enclosures and mounts components. Installs panels into enclosures. Wires components on enclosures and assists wiring equipment.

 

 

  • Switchgears:
    • Broad term that describes a wide variety of switching devices that all fulfill a common need: controlling, protecting, and isolating power systems. This definition can be extended to include devices to regulate and meter a power system, circuit breakers, and similar technology.
    • Switchgear contains fuses, switches, and other power conductors. However, circuit breakers are the most common component found in switchgear.
    • It performs the function of controlling and metering the flow of electrical power in addiction to acting as an interrupting and switching device that protects the equipment from damage arising out of electrical fluctuations.
    • There are three types of switchgear, namely LV (Low voltage), MV (Medium voltage) and HV (High voltage) Switchgear.
  • Fuses:
    • A fuse is a single time mechanical circuit interruption in an over-current situation through the fusion of a graded electrical conductor. It is employed in the 30KV to 100KV range.
    • It is an electrical safety device that operates to provide overcurrent protection of an electrical circuit. Its essential component is a metal wire or strip that melts when too much current flows through it, thereby stopping or interrupting the current.
  • Fuse Switch-Disconnector:
    • A fuse switch-disconnector combines the functions of a fuse and a switch disconnector; it provides overcurrent protection like a fuse, and it also allows for manual disconnection of the circuit for isolation purposes.
  • Reducer Fuses:
    • A reducer fuse is not a fuse itself, but rather an adapter that allows a physically smaller fuse to be installed into a fuse holder designed for a larger fuse size. A fuse reducer typically consists of a non-conductive, insulating body that encases the smaller fuse. This body is then designed with metal contacts or blades that match the dimensions of the larger fuse holder, allowing it to snap or bolt into place.
  • Electrified Vehicle (EV) Fuses:
    • EV fuses are specialized safety devices designed to protect the high-voltage DC systems in electric vehicles, featuring much higher voltage ratings (500-1000Vdc), specialized materials to withstand extreme temperatures and vibrations, and fast-acting clearing mechanisms for high-power DC fault currents, unlike normal electrical fuses found in household circuits. Normal electrical fuses are for lower-voltage AC systems and have lower voltage ratings, standard materials, and designs suited for less extreme, more controlled environments.
  • Circuit Breakers:
    • A circuit breaker is a mechanical electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overcurrent/overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to interrupt current flow after protective relays detect a fault.
    • By definition, a circuit breaker is an electrical safety device, a switch that automatically interrupts the current of an overloaded electric circuit, ground faults, or short circuits.
  • Disconnectors: 
    • It is an Automatic switching device that offers specific isolating distance on the basis of specific requirements.
    • Disconnectors (also known as Isolators) are devices which are generally operated off-load to provide isolation of main plant items for maintenance, or to isolate faulted equipment from other live equipment.
  • Contactors: 
    • It works like a high-current switching system but at higher voltage rates. Contactors can however not be utilized as disconnecting switches. They are employed in the 30KV to 100KV range.
    • A Contactor is a special type of relay used for switching an electrical circuit on or off.
    • It is an electrical device that is widely used for switching circuits on and off. As such, electrical contactors form a subcategory of electromagnetic switches known as relays. A relay is an electrically operated switching device that uses an electromagnetic coil to open and close a set of contacts.
  • MCB (Miniature Circuit Breakers): 
    • They are employed in domestic households to safeguard against overload. Rated current is max. 100 A.
    • It is an electrical switch that automatically switches off the electrical circuit during an abnormal condition of the network such as an overload condition as well as a faulty condition. Nowadays we use an MCB in a low-voltage electrical network instead of a fuse.
    • Circuit breakers have a tripping relay mechanism, while an MCB has a tripping release mechanism. Circuit breakers have a high rupturing capacity, but the MCB has a low rupturing capacity. Circuit breakers are used in High Voltage systems, while MCBs are used in Low Voltage systems.
  • MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breakers): 
    • Ii incorporates an insulating material in the form of molded casing within the circuit breaker. Rated current is up to 2,500 A.
    • An MCCB has a higher interrupting capacity, meaning it can handle larger loads than a conventional breaker. Generally, a standard breaker is used for residential and light commercial applications, while an MCCB is suitable for industrial and heavy commercial applications.
  • PTCB eFuse Circuit Breaker:
    • An Electronic eFuse Circuit Breaker (PTCB) is an electronic micro fuse for DIN rail protecting electronically nominal currents below 1A to facilitate the clear detection of faults and supports precise fault localization and fast recovery. Response times are shorter compared to conventional fuse protection and the exact current value can be adjusted at any time
  • RCCB (Residual Current Circuit Breakers): 
    • To safeguard against electrical shock arising out of indirect contact and includes the detection of residual current such as earth leakage.
    • It is a current sensing device, which can automatically measure and disconnect the circuit whenever a fault occurs in the connected circuit or the current exceeds the rated sensitivity.
  • RCD (Residual Current Devices): 
    • It is a sensitive safety device that switches off the electricity within 10 to 50 milliseconds if there is an electrical fault. An RCD is is designed to protect against the risks of electrocution and fire caused by earth faults.
    • The difference between a circuit breaker and an RCD switch is the purpose of a circuit breaker is to protect the electrical systems and wiring in a home while the purpose of an RCD switch is to protect people from electrocution.
  • RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Over-Current): 
    • An RCBO can protect against electric shocks, residual currents, and earth faults. On the other hand, an RCBO can do what an RCD can do and protect a circuit from short circuits and overload. RCBOs are essentially a combination of MCB and RCCB.
    • An RCBO protects electrical equipment from two types of faults; residual current and over current. Residual current, or Earth leakage as it can sometimes be referred to, is when there is a break in the circuit that could be caused by faulty electrical wiring or if the wire is accidentally cut.
  • Solid-State Circuit Breakers:
    • Solid-state device, electronic device in which electricity flows through solid semiconductor crystals (silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium) rather than through vacuum tubes.
    • The solid-state breaker concept replaces the traditional moving parts of an electromechanical circuit breaker with semiconductors and advanced software algorithms that control the power and can interrupt extreme currents faster than ever before.
  • ACB (Air Circuit Breakers): 
    • An Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) uses air as the insulating medium.
    • An Air Circuit Breaker (ACB) is a circuit breaker for the purpose of protecting low voltage circuit, mainly for energizing and cutting off high current
  • VCB (Vacuum Circuit Breakers): 
    • Vacuum is used as the means to protect circuit breakers.
    • A Circuit breaker where the arc quenching takes place in a vacuum medium. The operation of switching on and closing of current carrying contacts and the interrelated arc interruption takes place in a vacuum chamber in the breaker which is called a vacuum interrupter.
  • OCB (Oil Circuit Breakers): 
    • It uses a portion of oil to blast a jet of oil through the arc.
    • A Circuit breaker which uses insulating oil as an arc quenching medium
  • Hybrid Circuit Breakers:
    • Combines Air-insulated and SF6 Gas-insulated technologies.
  • AIS (Air Insulated Switchgears):
    • Air is used for insulation in a metal-clad system
    • It is a secondary power distribution device and medium voltage switchgear that helps redistribute the power of a primary power distributor powered by a high voltage distribution transformer. AIS controls, protects and isolates electrical equipment in power transmission and distribution systems.
  • GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgears): 
    • All working components assembled under SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride High-Voltage Switchgears) gas-tight casing.
    • It is a compact metal encapsulated switchgear consisting of high-voltage components such as circuit-breakers and disconnectors, which can be safely operated in confined spaces.
  • Pad-mount Switchgear:
    • The pad-mount switchgear is made from the same modular switch and interrupter components as the vault switchgear. This means all components are sealed, submersible and protected, so you don’t have to worry about tracking, animal infestation, corrosion or the effects of condensation inside the enclosure.
  • Ring Main Unit (RMU):
    • A ring Main Unit (RMU) is a Medium-Voltage, gas-insulated, fully sealed cabinet used to measure, connect, and integrate transformer protection functions with a fixed type breaker. Ring Main Units are safe, reliable, low-maintenance, and easy to replace switchgear.
    • A Ring Main Unit (RMU) is a factory assembled, metal enclosed set of switchgear used at the load connection points of a ring-type distribution network.
  • Load Center – Panel Board – Switch Board – Distribution Cabinet – Distribution Box – Distribution Enclosure:
    • A Load Center is used in residential and light commercial applications to distribute electricity supplied by the utility company throughout the home or building to feed all the branch circuits. Each branch circuit is protected by the circuit breaker housed in the load center.  In the event of a short circuit or an overload on a branch circuit, the circuit breaker will cut the power before any potential property damage or personal injury can occur.
    • A Load Center provides similar functionality in a power distribution system as a Switchboard and a Panelboard. As far as UL and the NEC standards are concerned, there is no difference between a Panelboard and a Load Center. The term Panel Board is more used in commercial and industrial applications.
    • However, Panelboards are typically deeper than Load Centers and can accommodate both bolt-on circuit breakers as well as plug-in breakers, whereas a load center is limited to plug-in breakers.
    • Switchboards are often the typical choice for large commercial and industrial establishments. These Panelboards generally house circuit breakers that can manage and supply electricity for machines with high-voltage demands.
    • Panelboards are only accessible from the front (as mentioned above), but Switchboards allow rear access as well.
    • Distribution Cabinet is used as a general term for an enclosure that houses electrical distribution components. It can refer to enclosures containing Panelboards, Switchboards, or other distribution equipment.
    • In terms of use, distribution boxes are generally used for households (smaller enclosures), and distribution cabinets are mostly used for centralized power supply. Distribution boxes and cabinets are complete sets of equipment. Distribution boxes are low-voltage complete sets of equipment. Cabinets have both high and low voltages.
    • An enclosure or distribution enclosure in a general term for any type of protective housing for electrical distribution components. It’s essentially a cabinet or box designed to safeguard components from environmental factors, prevent electrical shock, and potentially shield against electromagnetic interference.
panelboard-loadcenter.jpg

 

  • Main Distribution Boards (MDB):
    • An MDB is a panel or enclosure that houses the fuses, circuit breakers and ground leakage protection units where the electrical energy, which is used to distribute electrical power to numerous individual circuits or consumer points, is taken in from the transformer or an upstream panel.
    • MDBs receive power from the utility source or generator and distribute it to various sub-circuits within the establishment.
    • The MDB is the primary source of power distribution in an electrical system.
  • Sub-Distribution Boards (SDB):
    • Subsidiary from Main Distribution Board that distribute electricity to a selected section of a building.
    • A sub-distribution board or sub-board is usually a smaller breaker panel acting as a subsidiary to a larger Distribution Panel. This enables greater control and isolation of a subset of smaller circuits and breakers.
  •  Final Distribution Boards (FDB):
    • Distribution Boards that received from the Sub-Distribution Boards and supply to the final switches that connect electrical devices and appliances.

 

 

  • Intralogistics:
    • Intralogistics is the art of optimizing, integrating, automating, and managing the logistical flow of information and material goods within the walls of a fulfillment or distribution center.
    • If logistics is defined as moving things efficiently from point A to point B, then intralogistics is a similar but much-expanded concept. It involves, within a distribution centre or warehouse, optimizing and managing the logistical flow of information along with physical materials management.

 

 

  • Digital Twin:
    • Digital Twin is most commonly defined as a software representation of a physical asset, system or process designed to detect, prevent, predict, and optimize through real time analytics to deliver business value.
    • A digital twin is a virtual representation of an object or system that spans its lifecycle, is updated from real-time data, and uses simulation, machine learning and reasoning to help decision-making.