GCCH1 Rev 13
GCCH1 Rev 13
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This section covers the controls aspects of the safety circuits for the GM common architecture.
However, it is not meant to be a complete safety design guide, nor does it address all the
available methods of achieving safe circuits. This section is not intended to limit new product
development or advances in technology or methodology. If the safety circuit design guidelines
outlined in this section are not appropriate for a particular application, then the responsible GM
Controls Project Engineer should be contacted for approved exceptions.
3.2 General Design Requirements
“Live Values that Return People Home Safely: Every Person, Every Site, Every Day.” –
GM Global Safety & Industrial Hygiene Vision
The goal of safety is to allow personnel to perform their tasks without risk of injury. Therefore,
adhering to the principles of design-in safety as outlined in the Global Design for Health and
Safety Specification (G-DHS), when a hazard cannot be eliminated it shall be controlled. If the
hazard cannot be controlled, then exposure to it shall be limited or other safeguards,
procedures, and protection shall be provided. In order to properly control hazards to personnel,
control reliability shall be employed to integrate safety features that stop the machine’s motion
and ensure it is in a safe state. It is required by national standards that all new equipment and
tools have control reliable safety circuits. The safety function of the circuits shall have the
highest priority, and the intentional defeat of a safety function for convenience purposes or to
enhance production shall be forbidden.
Common safety circuits shall be used throughout the tooling design process to allow consistency
and uniformity in design, application, and troubleshooting. All safety circuits described in this
section were designed to meet the requirements of the G-DHS specification. G-DHS outlines the
requirements for Safety Control Systems (SCS) or Monitored Power Systems (MPS), which can
be used as an alternative to lockout when personnel are performing routine minor maintenance
tasks during production. GM’s common architecture uses SCS (MPS) safety circuits.
Furthermore, the circuits in this common architecture were designed for flexibility and
modularity, which allows them to be adaptable to suit most safety circuit applications. The
methods and techniques described throughout this section shall be adhered to. Any exceptions
must have the approval of the responsible GM project controls engineer.
3.3 General Requirements for Hazardous Locations
Many hazardous areas require intrinsically safe and explosion-proof wiring and components. As
with all electrical designs the regional regulatory requirements (e.g., National Electric Code
(NFPA 70)), must be followed. For the definition of a hazardous or classified location, refer to
the NFPA 70 Article 500 as an example. The extent of a classified area is defined in accordance
When indicated by a risk assessment (g-Risk), safety circuits that are compliant with the
SCS/MPS requirements may be used as energy control in place of lockout. However, when the
task requires lockout, SCS/MPS shall not be used in place of lockout.
3.5 Components and Implementation
Simple reliability and safety may be achieved through careful selection and application of well-
tried components and methods. Circuits with a higher order of reliability depend more on the
construction of the circuit than components; however, proper component selection remains
important. All components shall be wired and used according to the manufacturers’
recommendations to ensure proper operation and a long service life. Components approved for
use in safety circuits shall be permitted to be used in non-safety applications.
Detailed component specifications and selections are beyond the scope of this document.
General requirements for safety components shall include but are not necessarily limited to
those listed in the sections below.
3.5.1 Switch Contacts
Where two contacts from a single safety device provide the redundant switches (e.g., gate
interlock switch, e-stop pushbutton) the contacts shall be normally closed and shall be “positive
opening” in accordance with IEC 60947-1 and 60947-5-1. The symbol shown in Figure 3-1 shall
appear on each normally closed contact block:
Figure 3-1 Positive Opening Contact Symbol
Safety switch devices with normally open contacts or normally closed contacts that are not
positive opening shall be redundant. Two or more independent devices shall be used in the
circuit.
3.5.2 Control Relays and Contactors
Control relays and contactors that are used in safety circuits shall be third party approved to the
applicable provisions of IEC 60947-1, 60947-4-1, and 60947-5-1. These relays are often called
Upon the loss of power, all safety relay modules de-energize to a fail-to-safe condition with all
normally open contacts open.
3.6 Safety Circuit Requirements
All safety circuits shall conform to certain national and international standards. The following
sections will discuss the requirements of the standards as they apply to stop circuits, control
reliable circuits, and circuits that override safeguarding. A good understanding of these
requirements is needed to design capable safety circuits.
3.6.1 Stop Circuit Classification and Usage
Most safety circuits function as stop circuits that stop or inhibit machine motion. All stopping
functions shall override their related start functions and shall be initiated by de-energizing
rather than the energizing control devices. Removing the cause of a stop function or resetting
the stop circuitry shall not restart any part of the equipment.
3.6.4 Muting
Safeguarding devices may be muted at times when no hazards exist to personnel. The muting of
safeguarding devices shall comply with local and international specifications (ISO 13849-1, ANSI
B11-19, IEC 62046, ANSI/RIA R15.06).
In addition to the above requirements for muting, the following additional requirements must
also be fulfilled:
1. Muting status indication shall be provided for all applications where switches are used to
mute the sensing field of a safety device (light curtain, laser scanner, safety mat, etc.).
a. The muting indicator will be on to indicate that the muting function is active.
The Reset circuit shall be configured for use with a monitored manual reset initiated by the
Reset pushbutton. Push and release shall be required to energize the Reset circuit.
3.7.1.5 Reset Pushbutton
The Reset pushbutton is the reset button for the Reset Circuit. The reset function shall be
implemented in a manner that prevents tie-down. It shall be blue, momentary, guarded, and
whenever possible illuminated.
All Reset pushbutton shall be located in proximity to an emergency stop button. The Reset and
E-stop buttons typically function as a pair and shall be located at the HMI. If no HMI is used,
these pushbuttons shall be located at the main control panel. The operator must have clear
view of the local cell from the Reset pushbutton location.
3.7.2 Logic OK Relay
For safety relay systems a Logic OK control relay shall be provided. This relay provides the
ability to de-energize motion power through the use of software. This relay is provided as a
supplemental feature, and the normal safety function shall not depend upon software. The
Logic OK control relay shall not cycle each time the Reset pushbutton is pressed. Contacts of
this relay shall be used in the inputs of the Reset safety relay module to achieve electrical
isolation between the Reset safety relay module and the PLC. The Logic OK control relay is not
part of the safeguarding and thus is not required to be redundant. This relay shall not be
interlocked to any other tool or cell.
3.7.3 Point-of-Operation Guarding
The guarding of machinery and equipment that is not contained inside a safeguarded cell shall
comply with ANSI B11.19 and IEC 62046. Point-of-operation safeguarding shall be located
wherever a machine operator may be exposed to a hazard.
Point-of-operation safeguarding devices and circuits shall adhere to the SCS/MPS key elements
listed in the G-DHS specification. These circuits shall be designed to stop and/or inhibit all
hazardous motion to which the operator is exposed. All machinery, equipment or associated
components that are accessible to the operator and may present a hazard shall not be capable
of any movement when the operator is present in the safeguarded area. If the operator is in the
safeguarded area and protected by a dynamic limiting device or alternative safeguarding, the
equipment is permitted to move.
All presence-sensing devices shall comply with the requirements in IEC 61496. When a
presence-sensing device(s) is used to guard an area, the outputs of the PSD controller(s) shall
drive independent circuit channels; this could be independent safety PLC inputs or separate
control relays.
Where the application and safeguarding require personnel to use a cycle start pushbutton to
initiate a tool cycle, the operator safety devices clear circuit shall be reset by the operator cycle
start pushbutton. The application must prevent tie-down of this pushbutton.
For applications where it is necessary to allow motion while the operator safeguards are
interrupted, a selector switch may be provided that allows slow speed robotic teach
(<250mm/s) and tooling minor motion. This selector switch effectively bypasses the operator
safeguard for teaching tasks. Where this selector is provided, the following requirements must
be met:
A Dynamic Limiting Device (DLD) may be provided that allows the robot to operate independent
of the state of the operator safeguards during portions of its path when no operator hazard
exists. The DLD may be axis limit switches, a light curtain or another safety rated method. The
DLD should be positioned in a way that the robot interrupts it before it enters the operator area.
The DLD circuit shall be implemented such that the performance of the circuit is consistent with
the hazards (generally redundant and monitored). The DLD circuit shall stop the robot if it
The perimeter guarding may be interlocked to other cells per section 3.7.8, Perimeter Guard
Interlocking to Other Cells.
Fencing and other fixed barrier guards that require a tool to remove shall not be interlocked
unless specifically required by a risk assessment.
3.7.7 Material Entrances and Exits
Material entrance and exit guarding shall conform to the requirements of the G-DHS
specification. Presence sensing devices at material entrances and exits may be muted to allow
passage of the material carrier into or out of the cell per section 3.6.4, Muting. Additional
safeguarding shall be provided to prevent or detect personnel intrusion.
3.7.8 Perimeter Guard Interlocking to Other Cells
Guarded areas that do not share common perimeter guarding and guarded areas that are
completely separated from adjacent guarded areas by fixed hard guarding, fencing or
equipment shall not have their perimeter guards interlocked to other cells.
Guarded areas that are separated from adjacent guarded areas by movable interlocked barrier
guards (e.g., break-away fences) shall have the guarding interlocked to the adjacent guarded
area as if it were an external perimeter guard of the adjacent guarded area (reference section
3.7.6, Perimeter Guards).
Guarded areas that are separated from adjacent guarded areas by intercell light curtains or
other PSDs shall have their perimeter guards interlocked to the adjacent guarded areas.
Opening an external gate or perimeter guard in one guarded area shall disable only the
hazardous motion of material or equipment extending into the guarded area from any adjacent
areas. When the outside gates are open, violation of any intercell PSD shall stop all hazardous
motion in the adjacent guarded area. The intercell PSDs shall be ignored when all external
perimeter guards and gates are closed and reset.
3.7.9 SCS/MPS Circuits and Entrance Gate Control Panel Integration
There are four main motion enable interlocks from each entrance gate control panel:
1. Tool Minor Enable
2. Tool Major Enable
3. 1 Robot Teach Enable
4. All motions enabled (All robots teach enabled)
Interlocks are redundant and consist of safety inputs and safety outputs. Opening the gate shall
open these interlocks and automatically disable all motion within the cell, unless a selection is
made at the gate box deliberately enabling motion.
Corresponding interlocks from each Entrance Gate Control Panel within the cell shall be
connected in series. Opening multiple gates with motion enabled shall default to the enabled
motions common to all the Entrance Gate Control Panels. For example, if one Entrance Gate
Control Panel had “Tool Minor And/Or 1 Robot Teach” enabled and another had “Off/Auto”
enabled, the result shall be that no motion is enabled within the cell.
3.7.9.1 Tool Minor Enable
A Tool Minor Enable interlock consists of the Gate Reset signals, each bypassed by an Enabling
Pendant OK signal in series with the “Tool Minor And/Or 1 Robot Teach” and “All Motion
Enabled” selector switch positions.
The Tool Minor Enable function shall sum all of the Tool Minor Enable interlocks from each
Entrance Gate Control Panel.
3.7.9.2 Tool Major Enable
A Tool Major Enable interlock consists of a pair of Gate Reset signals, each bypassed by an
Enabling Pendant OK signal in series with the “All Motion Enabled” selector switch position. The
interlock is constructed to force the use of an enabling pendant to enable motion with the gate
open.
The Tool Major Enable function shall sum all of the Tool Major Enable interlocks from each
entrance gate control panel. If the cell has interlocked perimeter guard circuits as described in
3.7.8, Perimeter Guard Interlocking to Other Cells, then the Tool Major Enable safety function
shall include interlocks from this circuit. These interlocks may be bypassed by a control reliable
circuit to allow motion through the presence sensing device when the cell is under SCS/MPS
control.
The ‘1 Robot Teach’ interlock shall sum the ‘1 Robot Teach’ interlocks from each entrance gate
control panel.
3.7.9.4 All Robots Teach
An ‘All Robots Teach’ interlock consists of a pair of Gate Reset signals, each bypassed by an
Enabling Pendant OK signal in series with the “All Motion Enabled” selector switch position.
The ‘All Robots Teach’ interlock shall sum all of the ‘All Robots Teach’ interlocks from each
Entrance Gate Control Panel.
3.7.9.5 Cell SCS/MPS OK Circuit
The cell SCS/MPS OK circuit indicates that the cell is under SCS/MPS control and all hazardous
motion has been disabled.
3.7.9.6 Pendant Connectivity and Use
The entrance gate control panel design may provide the capability of connecting a single
enabling pendant per entrance gate control panel. If present and active, the enabling pendant
shall be held in the center position to enable any motion when the gate circuit is not reset.
For guarded area entry operations that do not require the use of an enabling pendant, the
connection of a pendant to the entrance gate control panel is optional. If a pendant is not
attached to the entrance gate control panel, the shorting plug shall be plugged into the pendant
receptacle on the entrance gate control panel in order to enable minor tool motion or robot
motion when the gate is not reset.
3.7.10 Robot Interface
3.7.10.1 Interlocks from the Robot to the Cell
There are two main safety interlocks from the Robot controller to the cell.
1. Robot E-stop Pushbuttons Not Pressed - The ‘Robot E-Stop Pushbuttons Not Pressed’
interlock shall be included in the cell controller’s No E-Stop circuit. Pressing a robot e-Stop
button shall stop the entire cell as well as any interlocked cells and equipment.
2. Robot Contactors Open - The ‘Robot Contactors Open’ interlock shall be used in the Cell
SCS/MPS OK circuit (reference section 3.7.9.5, Cell SCS/MPS OK Circuit). This interlock shall
consist of two normally closed contacts, one from each of the robot’s servo contactors,
which reflect that the robot servo contactors have de-energized.
Robots that are capable of communicating additional information related to position and speed
thru a safety rated network interface, may also have additional safety interlocks that can be
used as a DLD in lieu of an external safety device (e.g. light curtain).
The GM common controls architecture is based around a philosophy of using PLCs with ladder
logic for control. PCs have reliability issues and can present security challenges for the plant
floor environment. The use of PCs for machine control is prohibited unless approved by the
responsible GM Controls Project Engineer.
Due to the highly distributed nature of the GM controls architecture and the significant usage of
safety PLCs, local (PLC Chassis) IO cards are rarely used. Plant floor control networks are the
primary mechanism for exchanging control interlocks. The 2 primary networks utilized are:
• EtherNet/IP for real-time control (safe and standard), messaging communication and I/O
communication (safe and standard).
• DeviceNet for I/O communication (safe and standard).
Note: The use of DeviceNet or EtherNet/IP for I/O varies based on the vintage of Common
Controls Architecture and is determined by the Project Lead Engineers and Managers. The use
of DeviceNet shall be by exception only and requires GM Controls Project Engineer approval.
The majority of the control circuits, relays, contactors, and field devices (switches and valves)
are powered with 24 VDC.
This architecture uses standard panels (Also known as ECS’s – Electrical Cabinet Standard) and
components coupled with standard industrial connectors to leverage the benefits of common
designs. These benefits include reducing design time, facilitating reuse, reducing component
cost, and improving final design quality. All designs shall use the Common Controls Architecture
standard panel designs (ECS’s) and standard templates where applicable.
4.4 Automation Classifications (Architecture Definitions)
The level of automation can be classified into 5 main groups. These groups are distinguished by
the type of control system used and the safety functions.
Table 4-1 Automation Classifications
In some facilities it is common for the weld controllers in the bodyshop to be powered from a
separate plant bus feed provided specifically for welding. Other facilities may only provide a
single bus feed for both electrical equipment and welding. A welding PDP may be used to
reduce the number of plant bus feeds to the equipment.
Exception: Where allowed regionally 220 V may be used in place of 120 V. The connector and
cable strategy for 220 V is identical to 120 V. Most standard panels (ECS) and components are
designed such that they can be used with either 120 V or 220 V.
4.5.1 Connectors and Cables
Cables and connections between control panels and equipment for 3 phase line voltage power
distribution (380 – 575 V) shall be either 4 Pole M35 connections or shall be hardwire.
All panel to panel control voltage (120 V and 24 VDC) connections shall use plug-in cables and
receptacles. Cables and connections for 120 V (and 220 V where allowed) power distribution
shall be 3 pin Mini. Cables and connectors for 24 VDC power distribution shall be 4 pin Mini. All
cable connections shall have external threads on the male end and internal threads on the
female end to facilitate the series connection of cables without special coupling nuts or devices.
The standard pin rotation for each connection is detailed in section 11 of this document.
Multi-conductor cables for low voltage (300 V or less) shall use the Harting Han EE Series
connector or equivalent. This does not apply to molded cord connectors for field devices (e.g.,
proximity switches, limit switches, pressure switches). The current rating of the multi-conductor
cables and connectors shall not exceed 10 A.
Exceptions:
-High mate and unmate frequency applications (i.e.: interchangeable tooling and dies) may use
connectors rated for that type of application.
-Electronic equipment which may use connectors rated for that application.
-Where “field” assembly is required (e.g., long cable runs for conveyors) the use of Harting Han
E-Series with screws or equivalent connectors is acceptable.
Other applications shall require GM Controls Project Engineer approval.
Example Architecture Configurations for the various levels are shown in the following Figures.
These diagrams are provided for general concept information only. Templates which are posted
on GM Supply Power should be used as the starting point for any design.
Figure 4-4 4B & 3B Power Architecture (G12 and Prior)
PDP’s are to provide 380 – 575 V (depending on the region) power to all of the equipment in the
system. PDPs also provide 120 V power for control. One transformer (lighting disconnect) in
the PDP panel provides “hot” 120 V power for excepted circuits (i.e., PLC, HMI) and enclosure
lighting (not task lighting). This power remains on when the PDP’s main disconnect is off. There
is a separate “lighting disconnect” to turn off the excepted circuit (“hot”) 120 V power. The
second transformer provides 120 V control power for 24 VDC power supplies used to power
inputs, motion outputs, lights, relays, and the remainder of the control system. The PDP
receives power directly from the plant control bus. The maximum disconnect size for a PDP
shall not exceed 400 A.
A PHMI (Portable HMI) is an HMI that is small enough to carry and allows a person to get closer
to the equipment for manual operation (improved “line-of-sight”). The PHMI has a built-in
enabling pendant to enable/disable tool motion. The PHMI also requires a connectivity box for
the safe I/O and Ethernet interface. A small multi-conductor cable is provided between the
PHMI and connectivity box to carry the hardwired enable and stop signals to safe inputs. The
PHMI manually controls only tooling motion and is not a robot teach pendant.
The PHMI shall be used if 2 or more HMI’s are required for “line-of-sight” manual control of
tooling equipment.
A single PHMI may be used to control multiple offline tools (quantity of tools limited by span of
control rules and PHMI cable reach) in close proximity to each other.
NOTE: The use of a portable HMI requires GM Controls Project Engineer approval.
4.7.4 Entrance Gate Control Panel (Gate Box)
The entrance gate control panel is the control point of the SCS (MPS) system. This control panel
allows reduced mean-time-to-repair (MTTR) of the automated cells by providing a single point
of control to disable motion power and re-start of the cell.
4.7.5 Fixture Junction Box
The fixture junction box is the single point of connection for the safety signals associated with a
tooling fixture (e.g., valve manifold Output Power, light curtains and/or safety mats for operator
protection, and safety pins). These types of panels are typically replaced by industrially
hardened I/O blocks and power supplies.
Each cell shall have a remote color touch screen Human Machine Interface (HMI) with its
associated interface panel for manual controls and diagnostics.
4.10.2 Press PLC and HMI Span of Control
Since stamping systems can operate at a high line rate, the PLC span of control should be limited
so the control system performance can satisfy the demands of the equipment. A cell shall not
contain more equipment than can be controlled by a single Guardlogix PLC. Only one PLC is
allowed per cell.
Two cells can share an MCP or PLC if all of the following conditions are met:
• The cells are not separated by a buffer system
• The cells share a boundary or intercell safety device
• A detailed simulation analysis is performed documenting the capability of the proposed
control solution (i.e. single PLC has sufficient memory, connections, nodes and
processing power to satisfy the performance demands of the equipment)
• Each cell shall have its own HMI
Note: MUST GET APPROVAL from the responsible GM Controls Project Engineer to share
between multiple cells.
4.10.3 Press PDP Span of Control
Each cell shall have a PDP panel to supply 380 – 575 V power and 120 V control power. All
power to the equipment in a work cell shall be supplied from one PDP panel.
4.11 Conveyors
A conveyor is a horizontal, inclined or vertical device for moving or transporting bulk materials,
packages or objects in a path predetermined by the design. A conveyor system will typically
have predetermined points of loading or unloading. Conveyor systems are used to move parts
or subassemblies throughout our manufacturing facilities.
A conveyor system can be controlled by one or many PLCs. When determining the PLC span of
control, consideration should be given to the performance of the PLC. The design target for a
completed system is a processor scan time of 100 ms or less. The individual scan time of all PLCs
on a completed system shall not exceed 125 ms.
4.11.2 Conveyor PDP Span of Control
Each MCP shall have a PDP panel to supply 380 – 500 V power and 120 V control power. For
facilities where the plant supplied voltage exceeds 500 V a step down transformer shall be
provided to reduce the voltage to 500 V. When a conveyor system exceeds the capacity of a
single standard PDP, multiple PDP panels can be used.
4.12 General Assembly
In General Assembly, the remaining components are installed in the empty painted vehicle
bodies. After assembly, each vehicle is tested before delivery to the customer. General
Assembly is divided into 3 main areas: Trim, Chassis, and Final. Each of these main areas is
further divided into process subsets, such as Glass Cell, Tire and Wheel, Lift Assists, Fastening,
Fluid Fills, Body Marriage, Dynamic Vehicle Test (DVT), Alignment, etc. The process subsets are
further divided into individual equipment.
4.12.1 General Assembly PLC and HMI Span of Control
Each piece of General Assembly Equipment shall have its own Main Control Panel (MCP), which
will contain a safety PLC. Each piece of equipment shall also have either a remote color touch
screen Human Machine Interface (HMI) panel or a portable HMI (PHMI) with its associated
interface panel for manual controls and diagnostics. Larger safety PLC’s (Rockwell GuardLogix)
are provided on high automation equipment and where there are a significant number of e-
stop/safety guarding requirements. A Safety PLC may also centrally control a group of smaller
tools or conveyor system. Smaller safety PLC’s (Rockwell Compact GuardLogix) may control
smaller tools or equipment.
Multiple pieces of equipment may share a PDP or PLC if all the following conditions are met:
• The equipment is located in the same manufacturing footprint.
• A detailed analysis is performed documenting the capability of the proposed controls
solution.
• The equipment is all part of the same process subset.
For guarded areas (cells) in General Assembly, the Bodyshop High Automation Span of Control
Rules shall be followed.
The responsible GM Controls Project Engineer shall approve all PLC spans of control.
4.14.2 Bodyshop HMI Span of Control
1. There are two general types of bodyshop HMI applications:
a. Maintenance (cell) HMI – This HMI allows full maintenance control for a cell, including
diagnostics, mode, manual motion, etc.
b. Operator HMI – This HMI provides limited functionality specific to an operator, including
limited diagnostics, limited maintenance functions or operator functions for their area
of responsibility.
2. Every cell, guarded area, or offline station (area requiring independent mode control) shall
have at least one maintenance HMI.
3. All content (stations, robots, etc.) in a cell shall have their diagnostics available on every
maintenance HMI for that cell, even if a particular HMI does not have manual control
capability of that content.
4. Operator HMIs should only get diagnostics from the station(s) associated with the operator.
Exception: Operator HMIs may receive diagnostics from other stations if the operator has
responsibilities for those other stations.
5. Manual control of a station is limited to a maximum of two maintenance HMIs, this is a
limitation of the standard PLC software.
6. Manual control should be allowed for all content in a cell from all HMIs for that cell.
Exception: Cells with more than two HMIs or cells with equipment damage or safety concerns.
7. Mainline cells with process equipment shall have 1 HMI on each side of the production line.
Note: Main-line cells are stations that utilize automatic load or unload (e.g., AMS, skid, geo
pallet, or robot passing) to transfer the part(s) from one cell to another.
4. Manually loaded or unloaded accumulators (e.g., part feed-up conveyors) integral to a cell
or accumulators within a cell shall obtain power from that cell’s PDP.
5. Accumulators between separated cells and/or systems may obtain power from the
upstream or downstream cell’s PDP.
Note: This is a change from previous architectures where the cell-to-cell accumulators where
fed separately from the plant bus. The previous architecture e-Stop circuit was powered above
the main PDP disconnect which allowed the accumulator to run while the upstream or
downstream cell’s PDP was locked out (main disconnect ‘Off’). The new architecture e-Stop
circuit is powered below the disconnect which causes an e-Stop condition when the cell’s PDP is
locked out. Since the cell-to-cell conveyor cannot run while the upstream or downstream cell is
‘Off’, the conveyor may be fed from the cell.
6. A cell should only have one Control PDP to maintain single point of lockout. Additional
PDP’s require approval of the responsible GM Controls Project Engineer.
7. Multiple cells may utilize the same PDP as permitted by power requirements.
The responsible GM Controls Project Engineer shall approve all PDP spans of control.
Figure 4-13 PDP Example 4 – Offline Cells with Robots and Part Feed Accumulators
Figure 4-14 PDP Example 5 – Offline Tool Between Two Small Cells
Figure 4-16 PDP Example 7 – Offline Cells with Robots and Accumulators
3. The content of the cell shall remain practical for maintenance. For example, a large number
of stations may be present with a material handling buffer area or with multiple fixture
turntables, but then the number of robots should be low. Or there may be several robots in
a few stations, such as welding respot. As a guideline, the combination of robots and
stations should adhere to the following formula:
(Robot Count) + (Station Count) ≤ 30
4. A cell shall have at least 1 SCS (MPS) gate box.
4.14.5 Bodyshop Medium Automation (Offline Cell or Stand-Alone Station)
Offline Cells or simple stand-alone stations which are manually loaded/unloaded and perform
an automatic operation on the part have the following requirements:
1. Each Offline Cell or stand-alone tool shall obtain power from either its own PDP or nearby
PDP.
2. Each Offline Cell or stand-alone tool shall have its own Main Control Panel. Multiple small
stand-alone tools or offline Cells can share a MCP as long as the PLC span of control rules
are followed.
3. Each Offline Cell shall have its own HMI. Multiple stand-alone tools may be controlled from
the same HMI.
or
• Propulsion System controls SOR
q. ENG. MGR. Engineering manager of the follow-up GM engineer. Only the 1st sheet of
the drawing package shall have a “ENG MGR” box located above the “SHEET NUMBER”
box.
r. DRAWING PACKAGE REVISION LEVEL: Revision level of drawing package. This helps
illustrate total revision level of package without having to flip through pages. The
package revision level shall be above the titleblock in the lower right corner of the
drawing.
Note: (F)or approval is meant to be for “Review”. Suppliers are responsible for providing a
quality workable system in compliance to stated specifications and references. GM reviews the
design(s) to enable feedback and/or changes in a timely manner. Approval of the drawings does
not imply buy off of design or programming, or relieve the contractor of their responsibility to
furnish a quality workable system.
5.3.3.1 Bodyshop and General Assembly – Drawing Status Stamp
The business model in the Bodyshop and General Assembly generally allows for the use of just
two levels of drawing status:
1. Preliminary
2. Released
Anything prior to release is to be noted as Preliminary and it is not necessary to track changes.
Once “Released”, all changes must be tracked and maintained through all phases of the project
– from build through as-built. Deviations from this require GM Controls Project Engineer
approval.
5.4 Kit Documentation Process
After tooling is installed in the plants, it is sometimes necessary to install additional tooling,
mechanical components, and electrical components. It’s important to communicate these
changes properly to the installation contractors (if used), skilled trades, and plant engineers for
what is Added or Removed. Providing the final documentation which shows only the Added
components make it difficult for the person making the kit changes to understand the process.
Therefore, it is necessary to provide separate documentation packages for the kit installs which
show:
1. “Removed” components and wiring package
2. “Added” components and wiring package
3. “Final” package
5.4.1 Types of Changes
Kits may require the following changes:
1. Remove (Red) – components or wiring to remove on a sheet. Hatching will be used to
designate the items to be removed.
2. Add (Green) – components or wiring to add to a sheet. Clouds will be used to designate the
items to add.
3. Final – removes all components and hatching related to “Remove”, removes revision clouds
and converts all components from the ‘Add’ to normal.
Example: The cell that controls stations 12, 15, and 20 shall be CELL #15.
Note: For delivery to or from the paint shop, use PS as the feeding/destination zone.
Table 5-4 General Assembly Department and Process Area Abbreviations
GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVEYORS
BCM Body Chassis Marriage AGV
GB RESS/Battery Delivery
GBFTT Flash Tool Delivery
GDR Door Build & Delivery
GEC Engine Build & Delivery
GF Final Build
GIP IP/Cockpit Build & Delivery
Note: Bodyshop conveyors shall be named by zones. For zone to zone conveyors, use the
feeding zone and destination zone (e.g., “BAHA”).
Each system in each Paint department has an abbreviation that is used in the name.
Table 5-7 Paint Process Abbreviations
Abbreviations System Description
PT Pretreatment
ED Elpo
EO Elpo Oven
PO Prime Oven
PB Prime Booth
SO Sealer Oven
MA Misc. ASH
AB Abatement
SL Sludge
Non unique WD drawings (i.e., drawings that can be used to build multiple pieces of identical
equipment) shall follow the individual special naming conventions for each area as defined
above or the general rules below.
The drawing name for non-unique regional WD drawings are created by a “WD-“ prefix, 3-4
letter code of the region (GMSA, GMNA, GMIO), year created and Application description. For
WD drawings based on WDS designs, the application description can be the WDS name with the
architecture (G06 or G08) designation removed. For other applications, the description could be
an abbreviation or combination of abbreviations. The year created may be substituted with the
two character digit for the compatible architecture (06 for G06 or 08 for G08).
Example Non unique WD Drawing based on WDS-G06-CARRY_SPOT_SGMD:
Region (GMNA)
Compatible Architecture (06)
Application description (CARRY_SPOT_SGMD)
WD Drawing Package = WD-GMNA06- CARRY_SPOT_SGMD
For non-unique WD drawings used on a single project in multiple instances, follow the naming
convention as described above replacing the “region” and” year created” with the 2 digit plant
code and SORP year.
Example Non unique WD Drawing based on WDS-G06-CARRY_SPOT_SGMD:
GM Lake Orion Plant (OR)
2011 start of Production (11) or Compatible Architecture (06)
Application description (CARRY_SPOT_SGMD)
WD Drawing Package = WD-OR11- CARRY_SPOT_SGMD
Or
WD-OR06- CARRY_SPOT_SGMD
5.5.8 EC Naming Conventions
Most applications can be designed to use standard ECS panel designs. Occasionally, a custom
panel design is required for some applications. Custom panel drawings are called EC drawings.
Custom panels shall follow one for the following conventions:
Panels that are unique and primarily of a controller level function (PDP, MCP, etc.) shall be
named by adding an “EC-“ prefix and a panel type subscript suffix to the controller level WD
name.
Example Custom Conveyor Power Distribution Panel Drawing:
Controller WD Name (WD-LG-SKD-PL01)
Panel Subscript (P1)
EC Drawing Package = EC-LG-SKD-PL01-P1
Panels that are unique and primarily of a tool or unit level function (Fixture J-Box, etc.) shall be
named by adding an “EC-“ prefix and a panel type subscript suffix to the unit level WD name.
The subscript is required in this instance as it is possible to have multiple custom panels
associated with a single WD drawing.
Example Custom Bodyshop Fixture J-Box Panel Drawing:
The drawing name for non-unique regional EC panels (panels used across multiple projects in a
region) is created by a “EC-“ prefix, 3-4 letter code of the region (GMSA, GMNA, GMIO), year
created, panel description. For EC panels based on ECS designs, the panel description is the ECS
number of the panel. For other applications the description could be an abbreviation of the
panel function.
Example Non unique EC Panel Drawing based on ECS-4125:
Region (GMSA)
Year Created (10)
ECS Panel Referenced (4125)
EC Drawing Package = EC-GMSA10-4125
WDT and WDS drawings created for applications generally represent a specific controls
hardware solution set. Over time as technology and suppliers change, the standard solutions
sets will also change. Small changes will be handled as revisions to the drawings. Major
changes will require new drawings to be released.
In order to ensure unique drawing naming, the architecture revision level or calendar year will
be incorporated into the drawing name. The drawing names for standard pipe & wire drawings
are created by adding an “WDT-“ or “WDS-“ prefix to the architecture revision level (e.g. G06,
G08, G12). For changes not tied directly to the architecture revision level, the calendar year
may be substituted for the architecture revision level. The calendar year should be preceded by
a “G” for globally acceptable designs or by the region code (GMSA, GMNA, GMIO) for regionally
acceptable designs.
Example New Controller Template Drawing for G12 Architecture Changes:
Region Global (G)
Compatible Architecture (12)
Application description (Body1CellMain)
WD Drawing Package = WDT-G12-Body1CellMain
Example New Skid Pipe & Wire Drawing incorporating a new drive technology:
Region Global (G)
Calendar Year Created (13)
Application description (SKD_001-2)
WD Drawing Package = WDS-G13-SKD_001-2
WDT and WDS drawings are typically published and maintained by GM. Before creating these
types of drawings the responsible GM Controls Project Engineer should be consulted.
5.6 File Naming
1. Drawing file names shall match the drawing name (WD or EC) with the inclusion of the
status, the date, and the language code (e.g., en, de, mx, es). The language code is generally
only required on drawings that are delivered in a language other than English.
Example File names for Drawing WD-TH-GA-ACFL03 Revision A
Eplan Backup file name: WD-TH-GA-ACFL03_RevA(2011_05_06).zw1
English PDF file name: WD-TH-GA-ACFL03_RevA(2011_05_06).pdf
Geman PDF file name: WD-TH-GA-ACFL03_RevA(2011_05_06)_de.pdf
Excel BOM file name: WD-TH-GA-ACFL03_RevA(2011_05_06).xls
Note: The Excel BOM (Bill of Material) is required as an input to the replacement part process.
The actual BOM documentation resides in the ePlan file and pdf deliverables.
5.7 Action / Result (“Work” / “Load/Unload”) Naming Convention
1. A consistent method of naming a mechanical function’s actions and results in schematic
drawings ensures the accuracy and clarity of the drawings. The following naming
conventions shall be applied. In cases where the design of the mechanical unit prohibits
conformity to these naming conventions, the responsible GM Controls Project Engineer shall
determine the alternate naming convention to be used.
2. The words “Extend” and “Retract” shall not be used except when describing the position of
a cylinder. The direction of movement of the cylinder operating a mechanical unit is not
relevant to the naming convention of the mechanical unit. For example, a cylinder on a slide
may retract to advance the slide and extend to return the slide.
3. Shot Pins shall “Engage” when the pin extends and “Disengage” when the pin retracts.
Note: WORK and LOAD/UNLOAD nomenclature is not applicable to model specific positions
(e.g., COUPE POSITION, RHD POSITION, LUGGAGE RACK POSITION)
The position that the model specific tooling would be in the majority of the time should be
designated as HOME position.
5.8 Deliverables
1. Hardcopy drawings – (where required) shall be provided as follows:
a. Asia, and South America: on A4 white bond paper in a binder typical of the region.
b. North America: on 8.5 inch X 11 inch white bond paper in a 3 ring binder.
Controller: The Controller (or Cell) level drawing shall include all the components controlled
within a single MCP span of control (i.e., Power Distribution Panel, Main Control Panel, Gate
Boxes, Station Boxes, Skid Contactor Panels, VFD Panels, Motor Starter Panels) and their
interconnection. Controller Drawings show the interconnection of multiple Unit drawings.
Reference EP-1 (Engineering Process Standard) for cell designations and naming.
The System Level WD shall contain a reference sheet that lists all the controller WD packages
and a description of their associated area of control within the system. The System level
package shall also show any interlocks (Network or Hardwire) between Main Control Panels.
Devices that can be purchased on a system basis (i.e., programming terminals, enabling
pendants, marquees, System Ethernet Switches) may also be included in the System WD
package.
If the system only contains one controller, then, the System Level WD is not required. The
Controller Level WD shall show all the necessary information.
6.3.2 Controller Level WD Drawing Package
The middle level drawing package is the Controller Level WD. The controller level WD shows the
interconnection for all equipment associated with a MCP. This should include: multi-conductor
cables, hardwired circuits, interlocks, and associated network communications. The cell or an
equipment layout may be shown in this package to provide an approximate location of the
components detailed in the package. The Controller Level WD shall also show the plant utility
drops required for the equipment (i.e., air, water, electrical bus feeds).
Robots also have their own drawing package for their specific process application (i.e., welding,
sealing, hemming).
6.3.3 Unit Level WD Drawing Package
The lowest level drawing package is the Unit Level WD. A “unit”, commonly called a “tool”,
refers to a piece of equipment where an individual operation is performed (e.g., where two sub-
assembly parts are located on a fixture, clamped and welded together) or it may be an actual
tool on the end of a robot arm that performs welding, mechanical handling or adhesive apply.
The unit level WD shows the controls of all of the devices (e.g., sensors, valves, cords) associated
with that unit. This package shall show I/O device connections, pneumatic and hydraulic
connections, and any application-specific information (e.g., weld gun controller and weld gun
connections).
The unit level package shall also include the interconnection to the controller level package and
all necessary information for a unit to be piped and wired without the required use of other WD
drawing packages. The sequence of operation shall also be provided if it is not available in
another document (i.e., xRWD).
6.4 Drawing Section Format
Every drawing package is divided into lettered sections that correspond to specific functions.
(Refer to Figure 6-3 and Table 6-1, respectively.) This organizational structure permits quick
access to specific areas of a package and eases the revision process by allowing new sheets to be
incorporated without affecting other sheets.
Every lettered section is not necessarily part of every package. Only the sections pertaining to a
specific application shall be included in that drawing package. However, Section A is always
required.
There also may be sub-sections within the specific lettered section (i.e., CA, CB, CC). This is to
provide an even finer organization within that functional section. A typical example of this is to
show all the DeviceNet cabling in pages ‘CD’. ‘C’ is the main section for Interconnect and ‘D’ is a
sub-section reserved for DeviceNet.
Table 6-1 Section Titles of Drawing Package
Section Title Description
Reference, Table of Reference sheet(s) showing WD and tool numbers, table of
A Contents, and Revision contents with revision level, and revision summary sheet(s)
Summary Sheet(s) which detail changes.
B Layout Layout of zone, cell, or tool.
C Interconnection Electrical connections between panels.
CA Bus plug drops Cable drops from plant bus plug(s)
CB AC Power Interconnect Cables from PDP to other panels
CC DC Power Interconnect 24vdc cable interconnection
CD DeviceNet Interconnect DeviceNet cable interconnection from MCP to devices.
CE Ethernet Interconnect Ethernet cable interconnections
Grounding & Bonding
CG Grounding and bonding of equipment interconnection.
Interconnect
Miscellaneous All other electrical interconnections not covered in the previous
CM
Interconnect sub-sections.
D Sequence of operation Tool’s sequence of operation
E Magnetics Hardwired electrical circuits and power distribution.
Device input/ output wiring, cabling, power requirements, and
F I/O
addressing.
G Pneumatic and gas Air and gas circuits and devices (FRL, valve manifolds, cylinders)
7.1 Purpose
The drawing Section A provides the pertinent information about the content of the drawing
package. Section A shall include the following:
1. Title of the drawing package.
2. List of all the reference tools and WD’s (Wiring Diagram).
3. Standard WDS’s and standard ECS’s (Electrical Control panel designs) used in the package.
4. TOC (Table of Contents).
5. Revision summary information.
7.2 Title and Reference Sheet(s)
Title and Reference sheet(s) shall provide the following information:
1. A simple box diagram where the design (system, controller, unit) is represented by a solid
line. If applicable, other designs associated are represented by a dashed line. In a cell WD,
for example, the controller (cell) is shown in a solid box in the center of the sheet. The
corresponding system (zone) is shown in a dashed box above and the corresponding units
(stations) are shown in dashed boxes below.
2. The boxes shall include the title description of the system, controller, or unit (e.g., DASH
ZONE, A ZONE – STA 10, or DASH CELL # 30, STA 1 - FRT BRKT WELDER).
3. Reference shall be made to all of the applicable station numbers, station descriptions, WD
numbers, EC numbers, tool numbers, standard ECS’s, and standard WDS’s.
Table of Contents shall use the following headings and provide the following information:
1. SECTION
a. (1st column) shall show the section letter.
b. (2nd column) shall show section description
2. REV. (3rd column) shall show the revision level of each sheet.
3. SHEET (4th column) shall show the drawing sheet number.
4. DESCRIPTION (5th column) shall show the description of the sheet.
The Table of Contents shall list all of the sheets within the drawing package. With the proper
GM ePlan configuration, the table of contents can be created and updated automatically within
ePlan.
e. The first revision letter shall be identified as “A” and shall increment by one with each
new revision (B, C, D...). Do not skip letters (i.e., I, O, Q). Use 2 letters for revisions after
Z (i.e., AA thru AZ, BA thru BZ, CA thru CZ).
2. SHEET AFFECTED (2nd column) shall show the affected sheet number. Include the section
letter before the sheet number (e.g., A2, D1, Z4).
3. CHANGE DESCRIPTION (3rd column) shall show detailed descriptions of revision(s) and
include the following when applicable:
7. Every revision summary sheet shall have the following Change Code Key located at the
lower right corner and above the titleblock. Reference Table 7-1.
Table 7-1 Revision Change Code Key
CHANGE CODE
PR PRODUCT CHANGE
R PLANT REQUEST
MECHANICAL
MP
PROCESS CHANGE
CONTROL PROCESS
CP
CHANGE
MECHANICAL DESIGN
M
CHANGE
CONTROL DESIGN
C
CHANGE
FLOOR AND BUILD
F
CHANGE
8.1 Purpose
The layout illustrates the relative position of controls components that are not typically included
on the system layout (e.g., DeviceNet tees, IP6X power supplies, power tees, I/O blocks,
Ethernet switches). The layout is the “overall map” of the components which are controlled by
the wiring diagram (WD) package.
Note: The controls layout included in WD designs is not a substitute for mechanical system
layout nor should it contain that level of detail. It is intended to supplement the system layout
by identifying the intended position of controls components that are not part of the mechanical
system layout.
Layouts may be provided by the mechanical process engineers (typically as .dwg or .dxf files).
These can then be imported into the controls drawing packages.
8.2 System (Zone) Layout
1. System (zone) layout shall show a basic overview of the entire system (zone) on the first
sheet. When needed, supplemental sheets shall be used to provide a closer, more detailed
view of a portion of the zone (system). System (zone) layout shall show relative position of
the cells, tools and their gating and fencing.
2. The system (zone) layout is not typical for system WD’s and is included only where required
by the GM Controls Project Engineer.
Figure 8-1 Sample System (Zone) Layout
2. Tools with a PLC require tooling outline in addition to operator paddle buttons, cylinders
switches, I/O blocks, and valve elements.
Figure 8-5 GA PLC Tool Layout
9.1 Purpose
The Interconnect Section shows all interconnections (e.g., between electrical control (EC)
panels, tools, robots, transfers, weld controllers, including cables, hardwiring, network wiring
and system grounding) required to construct, install, and assemble the control system. The
interconnect shall also show the connection between two or more systems (zones) that are
electrically interlocked.
9.2 General Design Requirements
9.2.1 The Interconnect Shall Show:
1. All EC panels relevant to the drawing package.
2. All panels and cables ordered on the drawing BOM. The EC panels shall be represented by a
box as shown in Figure 9-1.
Figure 9-1 Electrical Control Panel Representations
3. The Interconnect shall show number of cables and receptacles, as well as the number of
pins for the receptacles.
4. The Interconnect shall show number of conductors, the conductor size, and conductor color
for hardwired connections.
5. For hardwire connections other than power supply, information such as terminal numbers
and additional parts required shall also be shown.
6. If a hardwired cable is required, the Interconnect shall show appropriate balloons for the
cable referenced to the BOM. The BOM shall show the brand and part number (e.g., Belden
#9463).
7. The Interconnect shall show item numbers for devices that will be listed in the drawing
package Bill of Material (BOM).
8. Conduit interconnections shall show conduit size, conduit seals (if required), number of
conductors, conductor size, and conductor colors.
9.2.2 Interconnect Line Types
1. CONTINUOUS solid lines shall be used in the following instances:
a. Items which are purchased in the drawing package’s BOM (i.e., panels and cables.)
b. Interconnecting hardwire connections. Hardwire interconnections which are shown in
two or more drawing packages shall be drawn with continuous lines on the drawing
package from which the hardwire originates [and drawn with dashed lines (referenced)
on all other].
Note: An item shall only be drawn with continuous lines in one drawing package.
2. DASHED lines shall be used to indicate the following:
a. Items shown on the drawing package which are referenced (not purchased) in the BOM.
b. Items shown on the drawing package for clarity and are not listed in the BOM.
c. Interconnecting hardwire drawn with continuous lines on any other drawing package’s
interconnection sheet.
2. The controller (cell) interconnect shall show the wire, cable, and network interconnections
from the Main Control Panel to the units (stations) main fixture box, operator display
panels, robots, weld controllers, remotely mounted HMI’s, and other Main Control Panels.
9.2.5 Unit (Station) Interconnect
1. The unit (station) interconnect shall show the power and network interconnections to all of
the field devices (e.g., proximity blocks and valve manifolds).
2. Connections to/from other drawing packages shall be shown as dashed and include the
drawing WD name of the referenced package.
9.3 Device ID (Subscript) Designations
1. All electrical devices (Electrical Control Panels, Valve Manifolds, IO Blocks, etc.) defined in a
WD shall have a unique identifier (in most cases this is the ePlan device tag).
2. The identifier shall be a unique 5 character letter number combination plus a suffix. The
first 5 characters will be defined by the WD drawing in which the device is initially defined.
Note: In cases where the 5 character letter number combination is not unique (i.e. R/L or
parallel systems), then an additional identifier may be required. For example, bodyshop systems
may use a B01/B02 designator per GEP-1 to uniquely identify multiple instances of the same 5
letter identifier.
3. The identifier suffix is a letter (or letters) that corresponds to the devices function (refer to
Table 9-1 Cable and Device ID Designations.) plus a unique number. The number, typically
starting from 1 to 9, uniquely identifying panels of similar function within the same system,
controller, or unit drawing (i.e. G1 = Gate Box 1, G2 = Gate Box 2, …etc.). EC panels are
typically numbered with a single digit, IP6x devices are typically numbered with two digits.
Example Power Distribution Panel: (Controller Level)
Defined in Cell Package WD-LD09AG010B01, Cell (AG010)
Device ID Designation for Power Distribution Panel from Table 9-1 (P)
First Panel in Drawing (1)
Device ID = AG010P1
5. Auxiliary Power or Output Power connections on field devices such as valve manifolds,
input/output blocks, vacuum pumps, and water savers shall be designated as “PWR”. Cables
connecting to these devices shall NOT be labeled with this receptacle name, except where
multiple cables would be named identically if the receptacle name were not used.
6. Auxiliary Power or Output Power connections in a linear (pass through) topology shall be
designated as “PWRIN” and “PWROUT” for IP6x field devices or per the panel receptacles
(i.e. “DCIN” and “DCOUT”) for EC’s. Cables that are required to be labeled with these
receptacle names shall not include the “IN” or “OUT” suffix. See Figure 9-10 for example.
7. If the cable is shown only for reference purposes and not listed in the drawing package
BOM, it shall be shown as dashed lines.
8. For interlocking cables between cells or systems, the cable from the upstream (previous)
system or cell shall be shown with solid lines and listed on the system or cell’s drawing
package BOM. The cable to downstream (next) system or cell shall be shown with dashed
lines and not listed on the drawing package BOM. Ethernet cables from a controller
Ethernet switch to a system Ethernet switch are typically purchased on the system (zone)
drawing package.
9.4.3 Multi-Drop Power Cable Naming
Power cables installed in a trunk line drop line topology or a linear (pass through) topology shall
have a multiline tag in the following format:
1. The first line of the cable tag shall have the power source, either the originating panel
receptacle name or the IP6X Power Supply name; a period separator shall not be used in the
power source name.
Exception: Dual IP67 power supplies with multiple independent power outputs shall use a
period separator following by the specific source on device (e.g. DC1, DC11, etc.) in the power
source name.
2. After the power source name the label shall include the source device designation and
destination device designation. A period is not typical but may be used as a separator
within either the source or destination designation.
Example:
Power Source Name
SourceDeviceName – DestinationDeviceName
Note: The use of a linear power topology is intended to be used only in conjunction with a linear
network topology (i.e. linear EtherNet/IP network). Any other use of a linear power topology
requires GM Controls Project Engineer approval.
4. DeviceNet Tees in the controller package that are uniquely numbered (i.e. T151, T152, T251,
etc.) do NOT require the station/unit name to be added to their designation.
5. If a panel has multiple locations to plug a DeviceNet cable connection then a period
separator shall be used to designate connection to that panel.
Figure 9-13 DeviceNet Cable Label Example
4. Ethernet cables in a linear topology shall have a multiline tag format. The first line of the tag
shall identify the switch name and port. The remainder of the tag shall include the source
designation and the destination designation.
Exception: Cables in linear networks with no Ethernet switch only require source and
destination designations.
Example:
EthernetSwitchName.PortNumber
SourceDeviceName.ReceptacleName-
DestinationDeviceName.ReceptacleName
* Note: These receptacle ID’s are phasing out as the use of IP6X devices replaces the use of
fixture junction boxes.
Strict attention shall be placed on each network segment for trunk/drop cable length and power
consumption. For each DeviceNet network, the responsible GM Controls Project Engineer shall
approve power consumption and cable length before DeviceNet construction may begin.
CAUTION: DeviceNet network is not rated for use in hazardous environments, such as Class 1,
Division 2 applications.
9.5.2 DeviceNet Scanner
When using DeviceNet, the Rockwell Allen-Bradley DeviceNet Scanner shall be used for the
remote I/O communications.
Exception: Robots have their own DeviceNet communication scanner for robot end-of-arm
devices (i.e., valves, switches).
9.5.3 DeviceNet Baud Rate
1. Safety PLC Architecture - The DeviceNet baud rate setting shall be 250 kbit/s. The
DeviceNet-Safe safety network requires the baud rate to be at least 250 kbit/s to satisfy the
required safety network response time requirements of the system. Both non-safety
(standard) I/O and safety I/O shall be set to 250 kbit/s to maintain standard baud rates.
2. Non Safety PLC Architecture (2C Architecture, SEP (Scalable Error Proofing)) - The DeviceNet
baud rate setting shall be 125 kbit/s. The maximum DeviceNet communication scan time
shall be 50 ms.
3. Robot Networks – The DeviceNet baud rate setting shall be 500 kbit/s for robot end of arm
tooling and robot controlled peripherals.
9.5.4 DeviceNet Node Requirements
1. It is recommended not to exceed 20 nodes per scanner (even though DeviceNet network
architecture allows for 64 nodes). Limiting to 20 nodes minimizes the possibility of
exceeding the maximum overall drop length of the network and keeps the network to a
manageable size for ease of maintenance and troubleshooting.
All DeviceNet nodes shall have a clearly visible identification tag (Reference GCCB-1 for
approved tag material) located adjacent to, but not on, the DeviceNet node and shall contain
the following information:
1. DeviceNet Node Labeling
a. Network I.D. xxxxxDyy
(xxxxx = Controller, yy = DeviceNet scanner slot location)
b. Device Designator (BK01, PM1)
c. Node #
3. Calculating Cumulative Drop Length: The following example uses 4 DeviceNet tees on the
trunk and multi-port tap boxes on 2 of the tees. The cumulative drop length is 42 m. This
network would allow a data rate of 125 kbit/s (156 m max) or 250 kbit/s (78 m max) baud.
But, it would not support a data rate of 500 kbit/s (39 m max).
4. The DeviceNet cable rating is typically rated at 300 V. Both the trunk and drop lines shall be
kept at a minimum distance of 76 mm from power cables. Reference GCCB-1 Build
Specification for DeviceNet cable installation requirements.
9.5.9 DeviceNet Cable Length
Cable lengths shall strictly adhere to the ODVA specifications. The specifications are as follows:
Table 9-8 DeviceNet Cable Length
Communication Rate
Cable Type 125 kbit/s 250 kbit/s 500 kbit/s
Max “thick” trunk cable lengths. 500 m 250 m 100 m
Max “thin” trunk cable lengths. 100 m 100 m 100 m
Max drop distance 6m 6m 6m
Max drop cable distance 4m 4m 4m
Cumulative drop cable 156 m 78 m 39 m
1. Network trunk lengths shall not exceed the values indicated in the above table for the
applicable baud rate.
2. The maximum length for a drop shall be 6 m.
Note: This is the maximum length separating a device from the trunk line.
3. To account for any drop distance inside an enclosure, the maximum length for a drop cable
shall be 4 m.
4. The maximum cumulative drop cable length for the entire DeviceNet cable system shall not
exceed the values indicated in the above table for the applicable baud rate.
3. Do not exceed the recommended network length for the rated current values provided by
Rockwell in their DeviceNet Media Design and Installation Guide DNET-UM072C-EN-P.
Example: For single power supply at the beginning of the network, thick cable: max length
is 140 m at 2.14 A or 80 m at 3.59 A.
9.5.12 DeviceNet System Grounding
1. The DeviceNet cable system shall only be grounded at one location per network.
2. The DeviceNet network shall be grounded at the designated “SHLD” terminal with a 10 mm2
(#8 AWG) green w/ yellow conductor.
Exception: The Rockwell IHPLC (PLC-in-a-Box) uses a 4 mm2 (#12 AWG) green w/ yellow
conductor from the PE terminal to the DeviceNet scanner.
3. The “SHLD” terminal shall also be jumpered to the “V-“ terminal. The neutral of the
DeviceNet 24 VDC power supply for the network is connected to the V- terminal. To prevent
ground loops, do not connect the DeviceNet power supply 24 VDC neutral directly to
ground. Connecting the neutral to the “V-“, which in turn is connected to ground, creates
one point of ground reference. (Refer to Figure 9-23 below.) For DeviceNet networks with
more than one power supply, the grounding terminals of additional PowerTaps or power
supplies shall not be connected to an earth ground.
5. Ethernet cable length shall not exceed 100 m between devices (receptacle length inside
control panels shall be included in the total length).
6. Only 1 uplink connection is required from the IECN to the PFCN-GPN if the uplink is not used
for ‘red path’ (real-time implicit messaging) traffic.
7. 2 uplink connections (redundant) from the IECN to the PFCN-GPN are required when ‘red
path’ traffic (real-time I/O) is sent over the PFCN-GPN.
8. Ethernet connections between equipment on the plant floor shall be made with 4-pin M12
D-code pre-molded CAT5e male-male cables for 100 Mbit/s or with 8 pin M12 X-code pre-
molded CAT5e male-male cables for 1 Gbit/s. These are available in various lengths listed
on the GM GCCL.
Figure 9-26 Industrial Hardened Ethernet Switch with Pre-Molded Cables
10. Industrial Ethernet cable crossover cables shall not be used. The cable crossing feature of
IECN switches shall be used in combination with a straight-through, industrial Ethernet cable
when connecting two IECN switches together. The feature is disabled on the uplink port of
the lower IECN switch and enabled on the downlink port of the upper IECN switch. The
uplink to the PFCN should have this feature set to enable.
11. Two levels of Switches are used in GM IECN Ethernet Networks:
a. System (Zone) Switch – Managed switch uplinked to the plant infrastructure. System
switches are typically used to connect multiple controller level switches to allow
interlocking. End devices are not typically connected directly to system switches.
System expanded switches are not typical and shall require the approval of the
responsible GM Project Controls Engineer.
b. Controller (Cell) Switch – Managed switch typically uplinked to a system switch. If
interlocking between controller switches is not required, controller switches should be
uplinked directly to the plant infrastructure. Controller switches may be expanded.
• Controller switches connected directly to the plant infrastructure are commonly
referred to as Controller Direct Switches.
• Controller switches connected below other controller switches are commonly
referred to as controller expanded switches. These switches are used to expand the
capacity (number of ports and distance) of a single controller switch.
12. At least one spare (unused) port per switch should be provided for all controller and system
switches. IECN switches should not have more than 8 spare ports.
Exception: Additional spare may be provided to accommodate planned future equipment.
13. Ethernet switch levels from the PFCN shall be limited to no more than 3.
14. The maximum number of end devices (IP addresses) in the public address space below a
system switch or controller direct switch is 250.
15. All industrial Ethernet controls networks shall be 12x.yyy.zzz.0/24 (subnet mask is
255.255.255.0).
16. The maximum number of controller switches below a system switch or a controller direct
switch is 20.
17. PLCs shall not be connected to controller expanded switches.
Exception: PLCs may be connected to controller expanded switches in the case of a controller
direct switch arrangement.
18. All controller expanded switches shall be connected to the main controller switch; do not
“Daisy Chain” controller expanded switches.
Exception: Controller direct switches may have up to two levels of controller expanded switches
for a total of 3 levels from the PFCN.
19. When interlocks need to be exchanged between two PLCs that are connected to separate
system switches an additional Ethernet interface card should be added to one of the PLC’s
chassis. The additional card is connected to one of the switches on the other system’s
network and assigned an address on that network.
Exception: Interlocking over the PFCN may be used with the approval of the responsible GM
Controls Project Engineer.
20. A controller switch that does not share interlocks with any other controller switches shall
not be connected to a system switch with other controller switches.
Exception: Controller switches or small groups of controller switches that do not share red-path
interlocks may be connected together under a system switch to minimize the number of uplinks
to IT (reduced cost). All of the following requirements must be met.
X = “odd” number octet for IECN networks, “even” number octet for GPN networks
Y = unique network assigned to a given TC
Z = unique value for each end device
4. All addresses in the public space meet the following requirements:
a. All subnet masks are 255.255.255.0
b. Switch IP addresses begin with .4 or higher
c. End device IP addresses begin with .30 or higher
d. IP addresses shall not use .255
5. The site needs to know in advance all public devices that will be connected to the PFCN. The
GM Controls Project Engineer is responsible for ensuring completion of the Ethernet DCDL
(Data Communications Device Listing). This document tracks the Device Name, location,
and MAC ID. I/O devices in the private address space are excluded from the DCDL and are
captured in the controls WD’s. The Ethernet DCDL templates are specific to switch type or
model and are accessible on the GM Website at:
https://supplier.body.gm.com/crw/production/main/globalStandards/csEtools.cfm
6. At least one port per controller switch shall be designated as a programming port. A cable
shall be provided and the port shall be set to assign an IP address via DHCP using the
appropriate switch configuration eTool.
Note: PLC communication cards installed to support private networks in legacy applications
without connected routing shall be privately addressed (see 9.6.6.3).
When EtherNet/IP is used for private I/O devices, the following requirements shall be observed.
9.6.6.1 Network Requirements
1. The network shall be isolated from the rest of the IECN by either:
a. A physical isolation. This is achieved by adding an additional Ethernet card to the
controller (chassis) and connecting all I/O directly to that card (Figure 9-33). This is not
preferred and may impact accessing private I/O from outside of the local chassis.
b. A logical isolation. This is achieved by either:
i. adding an additional Ethernet card to the controller (chassis) and connecting it and
all associated I/O to a logically segregated portion of a managed switch (not
preferred) (Figure 9-34) OR
ii. using a connected routing capable switch and logically routing the I/O in the private
address space to the Ethernet card in the public address space (Figure 9-35). This is
the preferred method of private network isolation.
Note: Connected routing has very specific requirements that must be met before use. See
section 9.6.6.2 for details. The use of connected routing is the preferred method of private
network isolation, the use of other methods must be approved by the GM Controls Project
Engineer.
2. In order to reduce the number of managed switch ports required and to reduce the overall
cabling, a linear topology shall be used for EtherNet/IP I/O wherever possible.
NOTE: Be sure to consider the impact of disruption to downstream devices when using a linear
topology and device in the line is removed or powered down. Generally, this is acceptable since
most systems cannot operate without all devices communicating.
3. Do not use a ring topology. A ring topology is a linear network where a loop or ring is
formed by connecting the last device in the line to the first device. A ring is not allowed
because:
a. A closed ring introduces configuration challenges.
b. All devices may not be ‘DLR’ (see 9.6.6.5) even if they are two port devices.
c. There are logistical challenges with closing the ring on physically large (long run)
networks.
4. Do not mix devices in the public address space and devices in the private address space on
the same linear network.
5. Linear public networks are allowed only for like devices (e.g., multiple HMI’s) or for
preapproved combinations (e.g., SCA dispense controller).
NOTE: Starting with option 1 is recommended where feasible. If I/O needs increase, it is
relatively simple to move from option 1 to option 2.
General requirements/considerations for Ethernet I/O into legacy cells:
1. Options above are intended to be minimally disruptive to existing Ethernet networks
without connected routing only, if connected routing is available, then the options above
are not required.
2. Additional privately addressed communication cards must be added to the chassis to
support the private I/O, communication to the private I/O from existing publicly addressed
communication cards will not be possible.
3. Node limit for an isolated private network is 100 nodes.
4. If a private I/O switch is required, then it shall be a managed switch.
5. Private I/O switches may be expanded to no more than a total of two layers.
6. Same linear network rules described in 9.6.6.1 apply.
9.6.6.4 Address Requirements
1. Private address requirements:
a. Private networks shall use the 192.168.1.x range for IP addresses.
b. Address 192.168.1.1 is reserved for the gateway address and shall not be used as IP
address.
c. Subnet mask shall be 255.255.255.0
Note: Table above does not apply to robot level private networks.
9.6.6.5 Device Requirements
1. Only ODVA certified devices shall be used on GM networks.
2. IP6X (on machine) devices require dual 4 pin, M12, D-code or 8 pin, M12, X-code ports.
3. IP2X (panel mount) devices require dual RJ45 ports.
4. Devices shall support Device Level Ring (DLR) functionality.
5. Devices shall support unicast EtherNet/IP implicit message (real time) communication.
6. Devices shall support hard setting of the IP address in the 192.168.1.x range.
a. Switches (preferably rotary, see Figure 9-41) shall be used to set the 4th octet of the IP
address.
b. The subnet mask shall be set to 255.255.255.0 when using the switches to set the IP
address.
c. The gateway address shall be set:
i. to 192.168.1.1 when using the switches to set the IP address from 192.168.1.2 –
192.168.1.254.
ii. to 0.0.0.0 when using the switches to set the IP address to 192.168.1.1.
iii. programmatically when the switches are not used to hard set the IP address.
Figure 9-41 Preferred IP Address Switches – Example Set to 192.168.1.118
7. Devices shall comply with CIP specifications for power pin out described in section 11.10
9. It is preferred that devices include web browser based support for configuring, monitoring,
and troubleshooting.
9.6.6.6 Documentation Requirements
1. Document all private network in the CE section of the controller drawing package or the C
section of the unit drawing package (station robot, etc.).
2. Each private linear network should have at least one drawing sheet. It is not preferred to
include multiple linear networks on the same sheet.
3. Each device shall be tagged with the Device Name, Source Ethernet Switch and Port, and IP
Address.
Figure 9-43 Private Ethernet Device Tagging
Exception: Devices in linear networks with no Ethernet switch do not require source switch and
port.
Grounding and bonding of equipment shall comply with the NEC and IEC regulations. The
grounding and bonding section provides a guideline for developing an effective grounding and
bonding design for assembly tooling equipment. This section illustrates how to design and
layout an effective equipment grounding and bonding system for tooling stations and how to
connect the various components within the tooling cell. Regional and local regulations must
also be considered when designing a grounding system.
The following documentation is primarily intended for production assembly systems and does
not cover hazardous or classified locations. Grounding and bonding practices in hazardous or
classified locations shall be in accordance with all applicable local regulations (i.e., NEC articles
500, 501, 504 (intrinsically safe), 514 and other related articles).
EMC measures take effect on all three components to prevent malfunctioning as the result of a
disturbance. When creating a system, the manufacturer shall take all possible measures to
prevent the occurrence of interference sources.
1. Only devices may be used in the system that conform to the limit class A of VDE0871.
2. All disturbed devices shall be interference-suppressed, including all coils and windings.
3. The control cabinet shall be structured such that mutual interference of individual
components is avoided or kept as low as possible.
4. Measures shall be taken to eliminate external interference.
9.7.3.3 Control Cabinet Structure
1. Fundamentally, the greater the distance between the interference source and the disturbed
device, the lower the interference is.
2. If space in the control cabinet is limited, it is possible to install additional plates for
screening. Housing plates in the cabinet shall be connected to one another in a good
conductive connection.
3. With regard to the structure of the control cabinet, interference effects can be avoided by
spatially separating power components (transformers, drive units and load power supply
units) from the control components.
4. Load cables and power cables shall be laid separately from signal cables (bus cables) with a
minimum clearance of 100 mm.
5. A highly conductive (large-area) connection shall be established between the screen bus and
the control cabinet housing and, this shall be as close as possible to the cable inlet. The
cables shall be stripped and clipped onto the screen bus or tied on with cable tie band.
Attention shall be paid to a highly conductive fit.
10.1 Purpose
The sequence of operation refers to the process sequence of the system or tool. Start-up and
shutdown procedures (referred to as sequences) are not included in the scope of this document;
however, it can be found in the system or tooling maintenance manuals.
The documentation of the sequence of operation in the wiring diagram is no longer typical.
However, a process shall be in place to document the delivery of required tooling (unit)
sequence from either the equipment supplier or processing engineers to the controls engineers.
An example of such a process is the xRWD delivery requirements described in section 2 of the
BIW Global Mechanical Design standard (GMD-1).
11.1 Purpose
This section illustrates how to design and document the hardwire schematics for the system
power distribution, drives and motor wiring, transformer wiring, power supplies, I/O power
distribution, and other related items.
All design, installation, and wiring practices shall follow the latest revision of NFPA 79, IEC 60204
Safety of Machinery – Electrical Equipment of Machines, CSA Canadian Electric Code, Ontario
Hydro Electrical Specification for Industrial Machinery, and other pertinent local codes.
Note: Specific design requirements for hazardous areas (intrinsically safe systems) are not
covered in this document.
Use all ECS’s (Electrical Cabinet Standards) and Templates applicable to the Project or Program.
Consult the Lead GM Controls Project Engineer for the most recent designs and postings.
11.2 Drawing Section Design Requirements
1. All magnetic schematics shall be shown in the ‘E’ section of the drawing package.
2. It is preferred that electrical control cabinets (EC-xxxx) have their own drawing package
separate from, but, may also be included in the wire and piping drawing package. All
electrical cabinet standards (ECS-xxxx) shall have their own drawing package separate from
the wire and piping drawing package. In all cases, they will include the magnetic schematics
for the wiring of the control panel. Examples of electrical control cabinets are:
a. Power distribution panels
b. Main Control Panel
c. Entrance Gate Control Panel
d. Operator run stands
e. Drive and motor control panels
3. Each magnetics schematic sheet shall include even line numbers with equal spacing
beginning with 00 through 40 on the left side of the diagram and 50 through 90 centered
within the diagram. A leading digit for the schematics sheet number shall be placed in front
of these digits. For example, Sheet 3 of Section E shall start with line number 300 and end
with 390. Line numbers x50 -x90 may be omitted to allow room for large circuit diagrams
(e.g., safety relay circuits which span the entire sheet across).
4. Each Section E schematic sheet shall allow additional space in order to accommodate future
expansion of the drawing package, as necessary. As a general guideline, 25% additional
space, which is appropriately distributed, should be sufficient. This space requirement is at
the discretion of the GM Controls Project engineer, and they shall be consulted as the
drawings are being completed.
6. All items within Section E that are referenced from another drawing package shall be boxed
within a dashed line around the associated pins in order to clarify that these items do not
originate in the package. For troubleshooting purposes, this boxed in area shall reference
the WD or ECS where it originates and may show all of the necessary schematics associated
with the originating package including wire numbers.
Figure 11-2 Referencing Circuits from Other Panels
7. All Section E drawings shall be shown in order from the highest to lowest voltage (e.g., 380 –
575 V, 120 VAC, 24 VDC). If 380 – 575 V is supplied from another panel, the drawings shall
start with the 380 - 575 V feed followed by the 120 VAC and 24 VDC. If a 380 – 575 V
voltage does not exist and the 120 VAC is supplied from another panel, the drawings shall
start with the 120 VAC feed followed by the 24 VDC. If 24 VDC is the only voltage that is
supplied, the section shall start with this feed. The following order of appearance shall be
followed to assure continuity of designs:
a. Plant power drop to main disconnect
b. 380 – 575 V power distribution
4. The following table is a guide from AWG (American Wire Gage) to Metric conversion. Also
listed is the typical maximum current carrying capacity for the conductor sizes.
Note: For AWG sizes from 250 to 1000: metric (mm2) = AWG*1000/1973.53
11.4 Voltage Drop Over Distance
1. Another factor in determining wire size and ampacity is the length of the conductor. This is
especially important with 24 VDC control.
Exception: Pre-manufactured receptacle wiring (i.e., 3 and 4 pin M12 mini, 5-pin DeviceNet,
light curtain receptacles).
2. The wire color shall be shown on the schematics as a 2 or 4 letter designation according to
the following chart (IEC 757 Code for Color Identification):
Table 11-5 IEC 757 Code for Color Identification
Color Color Code
Black BK
Brown BN
Red RD
Orange OG
Yellow YE
Green GN
Blue BU
Violet VT
Gray GY
White WH
Pink PK
Gold GD
3. The 2 or 4 letter color designation shall be used for custom multi-conductor receptacles
shown on the pin charts. (See section 30.5).
Figure 11-5 Color Designation on Pincharts
2. In addition to the device identifier, there is a function code (suffix after line number)
included for devices such as relays and contactors which help to identify their unique
function.
Table 11-7 Device ID Function Code
Relay Name
Relay Description
xxx = line number
ExxxSRM (safety relay)
Master On
ExxxCRM (standard relay)
Local No E-Stop ExxxSRE
All Gates Reset ExxxSRG
Tool Major Enable ExxxSRTM
Tool Outputs Permissive ExxxSRTO
Robot Outputs Permissive ExxxSRRO
Robot No General Stop ExxxSRRG
Operator Safety Devices ExxxSROS
3. If a standard relay is used to compliment a safety relay, the relay name shall be the same as
the safety relay with the exception of replacing the “S” with a “C”. The complementing
standard relay shall also use its own associated line number.
Figure 11-6 Complementary Relay Naming
Example B:
If wires 1041L1, 1041L2, and 1041L3 are connected to a contactor on line 112, the wire
numbers after the that contactor would be 1121L1, 1121L2, and 1121L3. The wire
numbers after the 2nd contactor on the same line number would be 1122L1, 1122L2,
and 1122L3.
Figure 11-8 Power Wire Designation after Contactor
2. All other wire designations unless otherwise specified by this document, shall be numbered
with the line number from which it originates in the print package followed by a single digit.
For example, a wire starting on line 326 shall be labeled 3261, the second wire on line 326
shall be 3262, etc.
Exception: Neutral conductors shall be identified with a suffix of zero ‘0’ added to the line
number (i.e., if neutral originates at line 302, then, the wire is 3020).
Exception: Small standard panels (ECS) may use generic wire numbering such as ‘V+’, ‘+24VDC’,
and ‘0VDC’ for the dc power commons to make it easier to identify the power conductors within
the panel.
Figure 11-10 Generic Wire Naming
Exception: I/O wires, etc. The rules for labeling these exceptions are documented in section
12.2.
3. Do not exceed nine wire designations per line. If additional wires are required, continue on
the next line.
4. Receptacle wires shall be labeled by the same rules as general conductors. For small
standard enclosures (ECS) where typically there is no internal wiring between devices, the
receptacle wire may be labeled to match the pin number.
Figure 11-11 Small ECS Wire Numbering
4. AC Motor Protection – The protective device for motor starters shall be selected to provide
Type 2 Protection. According to IEC 60204:
Type 1 protection: under short-circuit conditions, the contactor or starter may not be
suitable for further use without repair or replacement.
Type 2 protection: under short-circuit conditions, the contactor or starter shall be
suitable for further use.
AC Motor overcurrent protection shall be in compliance to NFPA 79 and IEC 60204.
a. A combination of a circuit breaker and motor overload can be used for AC motor
protection. If circuit breakers are used, the breaker shall be sized no larger than 250%
motor FLA.
b. A Motor Starter Protector (MSP) may also be used for short circuit and motor overload
protection.
Figure 11-14 Motor Protection Using MSP
The main supply circuit disconnect shall comply with the requirements in Global Design for
Health and Safety (G-DHS) chapter 6 (electrical safety).
11.8.2 Remote Disconnects
Where a “main” disconnecting means is required for a remote main accessible lockout:
1. Shall be wired to the load side of the control panel’s line disconnecting means.
2. Have the line and load side conductors installed in separate raceways.
11.8.3 Enclosure Wiring on Line Side of Disconnect
Line-side taps for excepted circuits (i.e., PLC and lighting disconnect) on the line side of the main
disconnect shall have their conductors routed in non-metallic conduit, inside the enclosure if
longer than 0.3 m. The conductor shall be stranded and rated for short-circuit proof. This does
not include the incoming power feed to the main disconnect.
11.8.4 Main Distribution Block and 380 – 575 V Wire Sizing
1. The main distribution block fed directly from the main disconnect shall be sized to match or
exceed the maximum capabilities of the system main disconnect. The wire from the system
main disconnect to the distribution block shall be sized to match the maximum capabilities
of the disconnect. Where electronic trip circuit breakers are used as the main disconnect
device, it is permitted to size the distribution block and the wire to the overload setting of
the main breaker.
Note: Pins 1 and 4 may be used for unswitched power if there is no requirement for switching
the power (i.e., output power). When switched power (i.e., aux power or output power) is
required, pins 1 and 4 shall be used for this function.
Note: Pins 2 and 3 are not always connected in all devices. Confirm that the power pinout is
correct for the application.
b. A 4 pin A-code micro configuration described in the physical layer chapter of the CIP
specification.
Figure 11-18 24 VDC Power 4 Pin A-Code Micro (per CIP Specification)
4. To avoid damage to some VFD units when using contactors between the VFD and the motor,
the contactors must open after the contacts in the enable circuit have been opened or the
drive is stopped. If required, this configuration shall be accomplished by using delayed
safety relay contacts or time delay safety software.
5. All software diagnostics for the VFD system shall be displayed on the station’s HMI and shall
be communicated over the network link.
6. All Manual Mode motion commands to the VFD unit shall be initiated from the station’s
HMI.
7. VFD systems should be designed to ensure drive and motor compatibility.
8. Definite-purpose inverter-fed motors (as specified in NEMA MG 1-1993, Part 31.40.4.2)
should be used.
Note: This requires motors to be capable of a 1600 V peak limit with a rise time of 0.1
microseconds or longer. For general-purpose motors, NEMA suggests limiting the voltage
overshoot to 1000 V peak with a rise time of 2 microseconds or longer.
9. The following steps shall be followed to ensure a correct match of the VFD and motor:
a. Define the operating profile of the load to which the VFD is to be applied.
b. Determine why the load operation speed needs to be changed. A “soft start” reduced
voltage starter may be all that is required.
11. If lead length is excessive or if using a general-purpose motor, line reactors at the drive
output or motor input may be needed to reduce the voltage stress. Avoid the addition of a
reactor without a verified need. The additional impedance may reduce motor torque
available at low frequency.
12. Motor disconnects should not be placed directly between the drive unit and the motor.
Opening the circuit between the drive and the motor while under power can damage a VFD
unit. If a remote disconnect is required between the drive and the motor, use an auxiliary
contact (early break) from the disconnect to an interlocked relay to ensure the drive output
is “off” before the contact to the motor is opened. The remote disconnect shall also be
located within 9 m AND within sight of the motor.
13. Extended low-speed operation of the motor could cause overheating problems, these
applications may require a separate cooling fan motor. Temperature feedback of the motor
windings should be used to monitor over-temperature faults.
14. If the motion profile requires control at the lower part of the motor speed range or when
driving into a hard stop, the motor should be equipped with motor speed feedback by
utilizing an encoder.
15. A specific method shall be established to diagnose and clear all VFD unit faults.
16. The system shall have overtravel switches to ensure that overtravel motion disables the
drive unit. Appropriate diagnostics shall be provided at the station’s HMI panel.
17. A manual override for the overtravel switches shall allow the system to restart in the event
of an overtravel condition.
18. A safety pin or mechanical locking mechanism should be designed into the system if gravity
or stored energy hazards are present. If used, the pinning mechanism shall be interlocked
into the drive system to prevent damage due to the drive working against a pinned load.
19. Some applications may require the decel and in position switches to be connected directly
to the VFD for exact control of the unit. If PLC scan time may be a problem for decelerating
or positioning, the unit method of control should be used.
12.1 Purpose
This section provides a detailed explanation and representation of the I/O distribution.
The example drawings outline the proper format for presenting this unit within a controls
package. The details found within the example drawings are only included for reference
purposes. Although each control package is different, the illustrated format shall be followed.
12.2 General I/O Design Requirements
1. The section shall be denoted in the lower right corner of the title block (e.g., Section F) and
the sheet description shall also be listed (e.g., LOCAL I/O SLOTS 0 & 1).
2. All schematic components (i.e., relays, pushbuttons, lights, switches) shall have device ID’s.
The device ID shall appear next to or above the device.
3. Action/result tooling I/O shall use standard descriptions found in section 5.7.
4. Electronically fused (protected) output modules shall be used for all loads. Loads shall not
exceed the rating of the output device. If it is not possible to use electronically protected
modules, overcurrent protection per the manufacturer’s recommendations shall be
provided.
Figure 12-1 Electronically Protected Outputs (Module)
NOTE: In situations where the splitter would be at the I/O point and unused ports exist, consider
removing the splitter and using multiple ports. This eliminates the cost of the splitter and
potentially provides additional diagnostic capability because many sensors have two signals
available (e.g., NO and NC inputs).
12.2.1 IP20 I/O Requirements
1. All enclosures with IP20 I/O should have 20% spare I/O and, if necessary, space to add
additional modules.
Exception: Standard ECS enclosures.
6. Other wires designated by number shall be numbered according to section 11.6.2 item 2
with the addition of an “F” prefix on the front of the wire number so as not to be confused
with E section wire numbers.
7. I/O descriptions shall appear on the right-hand side of the module outside the common
wire.
12.2.2 IP67 I/O Requirements
1. Applications with IP67 I/O do not require 20% spare input or output points but there should
be provisions to add additional I/O if required (i.e., spare tap ports, spare node addresses,
etc.)
2. I/O descriptions shall be located next to the device.
3. I/O points shall be addressed as “DeviceID.IO Function.Port”.
4. Device ID shall be according to 12.6 item 4.
5. I/O function shall be as follows:
a. I – Input
b. O – Output
c. IOL – IO Link
9. For other non-I/O block devices (e.g., Rockwell ArmorStart, Turck BL67), the I/O shall be
arranged schematically on the drawing in a simple, meaningful manner, but not necessarily
matching the physical device. This avoids drawing complexity associated with attempting to
match complex physical layouts. See Figure 12-5.
c. Dual pulse testing would not raise the overall safety level of a device or enable detection
of any additional faults. GM approval is required for these applications.
d. The operation of the device is frequent enough that a failure would be detected on the
next machine cycle.
Figure 12-7 Redundant Inputs Where the Safety Device and I/O Module Are Located in the Same
Enclosure – Single Safety Pulse Test Required
Figure 12-8 Redundant Inputs Where the Safety Device and I/O Module Are Separated With a Single 4
Conductor Cable – Single Safety Pulse Test Required
Figure 12-9 Redundant Inputs Where the Safety Device and I/O Module Are Separated With a Cable
Containing Many Power and 24VDC Signals – Dual Pulse Test Required
Figure 12-10 Safety Input Test Pulse Normal & Faulted Conditions
5. Relays or contactors controlled by the safety I/O shall have (1) NC contact monitored by the
safety I/O. This is to ensure the relay or contactor is “Off’ when safe output is ‘Off’.
12.4 Processor Chassis I/O Design Requirements
The processor chassis I/O sheets shall show all of the inputs and outputs that are wired to the
processor’s main control panel. For example, load side of fuses and circuit breakers, e-stop and
reset pushbutton auxiliary contacts, fault lights, horns, and relay inputs.
1. A source (Hot) and common wire that contains the line number reference shall be shown for
each I/O module. The chassis and slot number shall be shown above the respective module.
If two modules exist on the same side of the sheet (e.g., 4 pt. I/O module over another 4 pt.
I/O module) and they share the same common then only one set of commons with
references at the top and bottom are required.
2. The responsible GM Controls Project Engineer must approve the use of two or more
processors in a chassis.
3. The use of higher than 16 point I/O modules must be approved by the responsible GM
Controls Project Engineer.
4. There shall be a minimum of one spare slot per chassis.
b. If 3 or more switches are used on a cylinder, additional work positions shall be PX3, PX4,
PX5, etc. starting from PX1 to PX2.
Note: PX2 to always be on the furthest work position.
13.1 Purpose
Various gases are used in the manufacturing process with the most common being compressed
air (commonly referred to as pneumatics). Section G of the Controls Drawing Package contains
the various schematics required for each pneumatic system. This section describes how to
design these systems.
13.2 Pneumatic design requirements
This section describes and illustrates how to design a pneumatic system from the plant air
header drop down to the components mounted on the tool. The following sections and
diagrams explain how to properly design the pneumatic drawing section.
13.2.1 Pneumatic design order
1. Pneumatic distribution and preparation
2. Valve manifolds and cylinder piping
3. Pneumatic Drills / Vacuum cups
4. Special Components (e.g., Surge tanks, Counterbalance systems)
13.2.2 Pneumatic drawing section structure
1. The ‘Section Letter’ in the title block shall be "G".
2. Use as many sheets as required to cover each topic and avoid overcrowding; topics may be
combined on a sheet where space permits.
3. Each sheet shall include all applicable legends and charts.
4. Reference the Common Controls Build Specification GCCB-1 for all pneumatic build and
construction guidelines.
5. Operating pressure shall be 0.55 MPa (80 psi), unless otherwise specified.
13.3 Air drops from plant supply
13.3.1 Cell (Controller) Air Prep
1. The Sheet Description shall be “CELL PNEUMATIC AIR PREP DIAGRAM”
2. The following note shall appear in the lower right corner of the air prep drawing:
3. The cell air drop shall be shown starting in the upper left-hand corner of the drawing. It
shall be shown teed from the plant air header. A lockable (in the off position only), self-
relieving ball valve shall be shown near the plant header. The cell air drop shall be piped or
hosed to the cell air/water stand which is located outside the gated area.
4. The standard air/water stand design provides for a 50 mm (2 in) cell air header. Cells which
may require larger standard liters per minute (slpm) (or standard cubic foot per minute -
scfm) may need to be designed with custom air/water stands and/or surge tanks. The
typical maximum flow rates for each size are shown below.
Table 13-1 Maximum Flow Rates
ID SIZE (inch) ID Size (mm) Flow (SCFM) Flow (SLPM)
0.50 15.799 32.5 920
0.75 20.930 69.6 1970
1.00 26.645 133.5 3780
1.25 35.052 280.4 7940
1.50 40.894 424.3 12015
2.00 52.502 834.8 23640
2.50 62.713 1348.3 38180
3.00 77.927 2428.6 68770
Note: Table 13-1 assumes 12 m of SCH 40 pipe at 80 psi (0.552 MPa) with a max pressure drop
of 2 psi (0.014 MPa) at maximum flow.
5. The cell air/water stand shall be designed with the following pneumatic components:
a. A lockable, self-relieving ball valve with muffler. A tag stating “Air Feed Shutoff” shall be
mounted on or near the ball valve.
b. A pipe trap to collect sediment and water from the plant header shall be provided with a
ball valve at the bottom end for cleaning.
c. Teed (branch tee) from between the ball valve and the pipe trap shall be a particulate
filter, (5.0 micron).
d. A coalescent filter, (0.3 micron), shall be provided after the particulate filter.
e. A system pressure regulator (with gauge) shall be provided after the coalescent filter. A
single check valve may also be required in parallel to the coalescent filter and the
regulator if recommended by the component manufacturer. This is to prevent possible
damage to the filter and regulator due to the reverse flow of air when relieving air
upstream from these components.
13.3.2 Offline Tool Air Prep (Tools Fed Directly From Plant Air)
1. The Sheet Description shall be “PNEUMATIC AIR PREP DIAGRAM”
2. Offline tools and Cell-to-Cell Conveyors piped or hosed from the plant header shall have air
prep designed with the following pneumatic components:
a. A lockable, self-relieving ball valve with muffler to provide an air feed shutoff for
downstream air.
b. A pipe trap to collect sediment and water from the plant header. It shall be provided
with a ball valve at the bottom end for cleaning.
c. Teed off (branch tee) from between the ball valve and trap shall be in order, a manual
shut-off valve with muffler, a particulate filter (5.0 micron), a pressure regulator with
inline check valve, a coalescent filter (0.3 micron), and a pressure switch. A tag stating
“AIR FEED SHUT OFF” or similar shall be mounted on or near the manual shut-off valve.
Note: Tools that are part of systems that do not have I/O or a diagnostic display do not require a
pressure switch. A pressure gauge may be used for visual indication of air pressure.
3. Standard sizes air prep for offline tools are ½”, ¾”,or 1”. Deviation from the standard sizes
shall require the approval of the GM project engineer. In all cases the air prep shall be equal
to or larger than the minimum size calculated according to Annex C.
13.4 Air drops from cell supply
13.4.1 Cell Air Header
A single cell air header shall feed all of the robots and tooling within the cell. Reference GCCB-1
for the header build specifications.
13.4.2 Unit (Station) Air Drop
1. The unit (station) air drop(s) shall connect to the cell air header with hose.
2. Each unit (station) air drop shall have its own lockable (in the ‘off’ position only) self-
relieving ball valve or shutoff with muffler, an inline particulate filter (5.0 micron) and a
pressure switch. These shall be located on or near the unit base or located with the water
shutoffs on operator load station.
Note: Tools that are part of systems that do not have a diagnostic display (2A designs) do not
require a pressure switch.
3. Unit (station) air drop(s) shall be sized according to Annex C.
13.4.2.1 Unit (station) Level Drawing Package
1. The sheet order for the unit (station) Level ‘G’ sheets shall be:
a. PNEUMATIC AIR PREP DIAGRAM – illustrates shut-off and filter for the unit (station).
b. PNEUMATIC VALVE MANIFOLD AND CYLINDER PIPING – illustrates each valve manifold
and the associated cylinder piping
10. The valve manifolds shall be named ‘PMx’ for pneumatic (‘HMx’ for hydraulic) sequentially
within their respective valve type.
Table 13-2 Valve IO Address Naming Rules for Network Manifolds
PMx = Pneumatic manifold numbered sequentially as they are used within a tool
Designates output (to match software tag address) for network manifolds
.O. =
only
Vx = Valve location on a manifold or sub-base (numbered sequentially)
S = Solenoid
14 = Pressure from port 1 to 4 (formerly called “A” port)
12 = Pressure from port 1 to 2 (formerly called “B” port)
13. All valve manifolds with 8 or more positions shall have dual air feeds (air feed to the top and
bottom). Manifolds with less than 8 positions shall have dual air feeds when required to
satisfy the maximum tooling flow requirements.
14. All valve manifolds shall be fed with non-lubricated air.
18. For all circuits that utilize PO checks or blocking valves resulting in stored pneumatic energy
(trapped air), a caution tag shall be supplied close to the point of trapped air and at the
station air prep. Example tags are shown below. Reference the hardware design templates
for tag details.
Figure 13-8 Example Trapped Air Tag for Station Shutoff
Figure 13-10 Example Trapped Air Tag for Blocked Center Valve
19. For all circuits that have stored pneumatic energy (trapped air), a means for manual
pressure relief shall be provided (e.g., PO check with integrated pressure relief, residual
pressure relief valve). The means shall not require disassembly of the equipment to relieve
the pressure (i.e., cracking a fitting shall not be required).
2. If a locking (brake) cylinder is not possible (except when mass > 65 kg):
a. For cylinders with shock absorbers on the end of travel or a significant vertical load
(such as a lifter), use a 2-position valve with pilot operated check valves and a single
solenoid valve for the pressure release on the PO check valves.
b. For other applications use a 3-position exhaust center valve with dual pilot operated
check valves.
Figure 13-13 Inching Circuit with and without Release Valve
3. For rodless cylinders the following circuit shall be used. For non-horizontal applications the
regulators can be adjusted to accommodate an unbalanced load. This is a pressure center
circuit so drifting due to leaking will be minimized. An external mechanical brake to
minimize oscillation and drift is preferred for these applications.
4. Exhaust air from drills shall not be released to the atmosphere, but, instead be reclassified.
A reclassification system sized to handle the exhaust volume of the drills shall be provided.
The system shall have a drain line piped to an accessible area of the tool and the drain ball
valve should be no more than 1220 mm above the servicing level. The reclassifying tank
shall have a tag stating as shown in Figure 13-17 Reclassifier Tank Tag.
Figure 13-17 Reclassifier Tank Tag
5. The air feed line to the vacuum cups shall be sized according to the flow demand. Line sizes
are shown in Table 13-1.
13.5.2 Surge tanks
Surge tanks (also known as receivers or storage tanks) are used to minimize fluctuations in air
pressure when a large volume of air is required over a relatively short period of time (high slpm,
scfm).
Note: The operating pressure for air drills and vacuum cups is not necessarily 0.58 MPa (85 psi).
Follow the manufacturer’s specifications for proper operating pressure.
To determine the size of the surge tank use the following formula:
V = [t x (Qout – Qin) x Pa] / (P1-P2)
Where:
Description Metric English
V = volume of tank Liters cu ft
t = time to charge or discharge Minutes Minutes
Qout = flow rate out Slpm Scfm
Qin = flow rate in Slpm Scfm
Pa = atmospheric pressure 0.101325MPa 14.7psia
initial tank pressure (usually plant line
P1 = MPa Psig
pressure)
final tank pressure (usually the lowest
P2 = MPa Psig
pressure that the tool can operate at)
The surge tank’s exhaust valve shall be sized to ensure that the bleed-off and drainage
can be completed within 20 seconds.
13.5.3 Counterbalance system
A counterbalance circuit is designed to offset the weight that a motor shall lift. The following
method shall be used to size counterbalance tanks and determine regulator settings.
Information regarding the bore, stroke and load the counterbalance cylinders shall overcome is
to be obtained from the mechanical design source.
13.5.3.1 Counterbalance air feed
1. Shall connect to the station air drop.
2. A lockable self-relieving ball valve (in the off position only) shall be shown mounted not
more than 2 m above the servicing level in an easily accessible location. A note stating
“MOUNT IN AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE LOCATION NOT MORE THAN 2 METERS ABOVE THE
SERVICING LEVEL” shall be provided next to the valve.
3. A tee shall be mounted after the ball valve for connection of the counterbalance surge
tank(s).
4. A pipe trap to collect sediment and water from the station drop shall be provided with a ball
valve at the bottom end for cleaning.
5. The following components are to be connected, in order, from the tee to the
counterbalance surge tank: filter, slow-start lockout valve, regulator with check valve in
parallel to prevent back-feeding through the regulator when dumping air with lockout and a
pressure switch.
6. Two-way ball valve leading to each counterbalance surge tank.
13.5.3.2 Counterbalance surge tank sizing
Determine the % cylinder load and cylinder volume to find the minimum counterbalance tank
volume. Use the counterbalance tank volume, cylinder volume, and balance pressure to
Table 13-4 shall be used to determine the size of a counterbalance tank based on the percent
load the cylinders shall lift. Locate the correct percentage in the cylinder load chart and use the
multiplication factor seen to the right. The cylinder volume (Vcyl) is the total volume of all
counterbalance cylinders that will be connected to this tank.
Table 13-4 Counterbalance Surge Tank Sizing
MINIMUM COUNTERBALANCE
CYLINDER LOAD (%)
TANK VOLUME (Vtk)
97.5 40 x Vcyl
95 20 x Vcyl
90 10 x Vcyl
85 6.67 x Vcyl
The following formula shall be used to determine the initial regulator pressure setting.
Where: Vtac = volume of actual surge tank used
Regulator setting (Metric) = [[(P + 0.101325) x (Vtac + (0.5 x Vcyl))] / (Vtac + Vcyl)] –
0.101325
Regulator setting (English) = [[(P + 14.7) x (Vtac + (0.5 x Vcyl))] / (Vtac + Vcyl)] – 14.7
Reg set = [[(P + 0.101325) (Vtac + (0.5 x Vcyl))] / (Vtac + Vcyl)] – 0.101325
= [[(0.524 + 0.101325) (1968414.2+ (0.5 x 185334.24))] / (1968414.2 + 185334.24)] –
0.101325
= 0.497 MPa
The pressure setting above shall be the line pressure downstream of the regulator and check
valve. The downstream pressure of the regulator drops due to the cracking pressure of the
check valve.
10. All cylinders shall be shown in their home positions and all cylinder information shall be
supplied. (Bore & Stroke).
11. The following color code shall be utilized for tubes and hoses for LAFN/FM Tooling.
Table 13-6 Tube or Hose Color Coding
Color Function
Air to power valve pilots from controls, signal line; from push buttons or logic
Green
elements to power valve(s).
Blue Cylinder to work position, air supply to controls, power valves, and vacuum
White or Grey Cylinder to home position
12. The color code shall be located on each “G” page and placed in the upper right hand corner
of each page.
13. Tube, pipe and hose labeling shall be in numerical sequential order beginning with the
number one.
14. A note, showing which pipe, hose and tube numbers are not used and the last pipe, hose or
tube number used, shall be on the drawing on sheet G1.
15. All pipe, hose and tubing numbers and colors shall be appropriately identified on the piping
diagram.
16. Passive devices, such as bulkhead connectors shall have the same number entering as well
as exiting.
17. Shuttle valves shall have numbers at each of its ports.
18. All valves shall be shown mounted and numbered in the relative order that they are
activated in the normal sequence of operations.
19. Air logic sequencers, shift registers, and any other complex logic components shall not be
used.
20. All logic elements shall be mounted on a plate.
21. All detented memory elements shall have manual overrides.
22. All design efforts shall be made to avoid using amplifier valves.
14.1 Purpose
Mechanical processes such as piercing, machining operations, metal forming (flanging), and
hydroforming will dictate the need for hydraulic and lubrication systems. Both of these systems
must be designed to provide proper flow to the required devices. Improper flow can result in
shortening the life of certain devices as well as improper function of devices.
The purpose of this section is to illustrate how to design hydraulic and lubrication systems. This
section will describe the hydraulic circuits and lubrication circuits, including the components,
valve packs, valve wiring and air circuits. This section shall also describe the interface to the
Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU) which delivers the hydraulic fluid to the tools.
14.2 Design Requirements
The design shall be in compliance with the GM Global Hydraulic Standard (GM1744) and the GM
Lubrication Standard LS1, unless the standards found in this document are more specific. The
hydraulic/lubrication piping and hosing diagrams may be shown in the controller (cell) level
and/or the unit (station) level drawing package.
14.2.1 Contents of the Controller (Cell) Level Drawing Package May Include:
1. headers
2. drops
3. system main ball valves
4. unions and tees
5. shared hydraulic power units (HPU’s)
14.2.2 Contents of the Unit (Station) Level Drawing Package May Include:
1. ball valves
2. manifolds and valves
3. accumulators
4. dump valve circuits
5. hydraulic power unit (HPU)
14.3 General Design Requirements
1. The SECTION LETTER “H” shall be shown in the lower right-hand corner of the title block.
2. The main design principle shall be one hydraulic system per cell. Sharing HPU’s between
different controllers (cells) requires GM Controls Project Engineer approval.
3. The hydraulic schematics shall precede the lubrication schematics in both the controller
(cell) level and the unit (station) level drawing packages. The unit (station) level drawing
• The note shown in Figure 14-2 shall appear in the lower left corner of the drawing. It
shall include the total hydraulic system requirements in terms of gallons per minute
(GPM) and the hydraulic header design pressure.
The hydraulic demand chart notes the greatest hydraulic demand is 120 GPM for a
period of 3 seconds. If the hydraulic system can deliver 80 GPM then the demand
exceeds the design flow by 40 GPM. Therefore, an accumulator capable of delivering 40
GPM in 3 seconds is needed. The following formula shall be used to determine the size
of the accumulator that is needed.
- Volume = GPM x TIME (minutes) x 3.85
Example:
Tool with 1 hydraulic manifold (with 4 valves) and 2 separate hydraulic valves.
Manifold valves = H1V1A, H1V1B, H1V2A, H1V2B, H1V3A, H1V3B, H1V4A, H1V4B
H2V1A, H2V1B, H3V1A, H3V1B
5. The valve label shall be a one-piece white lamacoid tag etched into 3 sections. The top
section shall have the name of the valve function (e.g. 1st CLAMPS) on the 1st text line, with
the list of the cylinders that are controlled by the valve on the 2nd text line. The bottom
section is divided into 2 equal sections with 2 lines of text. The lower left side shall have the
verb action towards the operating or work position of the function (CLOSE) on the 1st text
line and the valve designator (H1V1A) on the 2nd text line. The lower right side shall have
the verb action towards the non-operating or home position of the function (OPEN) on the
1st text line and the valve designator (H1V1B) on the 2nd text line. Reference Figure 14-3.
Reference GCCB-1 for tag dimensions, text placement, and text height.
Figure 14-3 Example Valve Tags
6. Each valve and manifold shall be labeled with tank (T), pressure (P) lines, ports (A) and (B)
and test points (TPx).
7. Tube/hose size shall be shown between each cylinder and valve manifold group.
8. Each cylinder shall be shown below the valve with the cylinder number, bore, and stroke.
9. There shall be a maximum of three (3) sandwich mounted devices between the directional
valve and the manifold. For example:
a. Flow control valve
b. Pressure reducing valve
c. Pilot operated check valve
5. There shall be a graphical representation of the lube block relating each lube point to a
description of its destination.
6. There shall be a schematic of all lube connection points and lines. This schematic shall also
include; the low level OK proximity switch, lube cycle proximity switch, the mechanical
device which moves the lube material, the cross-porting bars, any required pneumatic
solenoids and the direction of flow of the lube material. There shall be a reference
connection to the pneumatic solenoid detailing the destination of the feed line. The detail
shall include a sheet description of section identification, sheet number and drawing
package identification if necessary (i.e., FROM sheet G2 of WD-xxxxxxx).
14.5.6 Drills
Reference section 13.5.1.
15.1 Purpose
This section describes and illustrates the proper method of designing water-cooling systems for
resistance welding equipment.
The example drawings outline the proper format, which shall be used for presenting this section
within a controls package. The details found within the example drawings are only for reference
purposes. Although each control package is different, this detailed format shall be followed.
15.2 Importance of Water to the Weld Equipment
High levels of heat are generated during the resistance spot welding process in both the parts
being welded and the components carrying the welding current. Water flow diagrams specified
in this standard have been designed to maintain the manufacturer’s specified operating
temperature.
15.3 Water Flow Requirements
1. Component water flow:
Table 15-1 Minimum Flow Requirements for Weld Components
Component Flow Req (LPM) Flow Req (GPM)
AC Transformer 3.8 1.0
DC Power Supply – TR231A, TR232A, TR233A, TR234A,
7.6 2.0
TR235A, TR236A
DC Power Supply – TR237A, TR238A, TR239A 15.2 4.0
DC Power Supply – TR262A, TR264A, TR265A 3.8 1.0
Global 1 Weld Gun Arm/ Electrode Cap 1.9 0.5
LS Series Weld Gun Arm/ Electrode Cap 3.8 1.0
Jumper Cable 3.8 1.0
Kickless Cable 7.6 2.0
Weld Gun Arm/ Electrode Cap 1.9 0.5
Bus Bar* 3.8 1.0
Shunt/ Cable Adaptor 3.8 1.0
Welder Control 3.8 1.0
DC Cable Used with Pogo Welding 3.8 1.0
Combined Global Robot Package – 1 LS Series Weld Gun, 1
11.4 3.0
MFDC Transformer (TR262A, TR264A, TR265A), 1 WC**
Combined Global Robot Package – 1 LS Series Weld Gun, 2
11.4 3.0
MFDC Transformers (TR262A, TR264A, TR265A), 1 WC**
Combined Global Robot Steel Welding Package – 1 Global 1
15.2 4.0
Weld Gun, 1 MFDC Transformer, 1 WC**
15.5 Controller (Cell) Level (Water Preparation, Header, and Drops) Design Requirements
Note: Reference GCCB-1 for proper construction and assembly of water systems.
1. An approved air/water stand assembly shall be provided for each cell consisting of a shut-off
ball valve and gauges on the feed and return lines and a water strainer on the feed line.
2. The water system design assumes an optimum of 0.276 MPa (2.76 bar, 40 psi) differential
for the feed/return supply at the air/water stand.
Figure 15-5 Portable / Robotic Hip Mount Transformer with Two Kickless Cables
29.1 Purpose
This section of the drawing package contains a representation of the welding circuitry diagram
for weld controller(s), weld transformers, weld controller junction boxes (when required), and
weld gun(s).
29.2 Weld Controller Interface
The weld controller interface (including hardwire and Ethernet I/O mapping) is specified by GM
GRS4 Section B1 Specification.
29.3 AC (Alternating Current) Welding
Reference WS-2A specification for Alternating Current (AC) welding.
Spot welding (resistance welding) is achieved by the use of a 50/60Hz AC weld controller. The
weld controller utilizes an inversed parallel pair of Silicone Controlled Rectifiers (SCR) to control
the output. The pair of SCRs are turned on by pulsing a gate with a voltage signal which controls
the on time of the sine wave to the transformer.
Medium frequency (1000 Hz) resistance welding is achieved by rectifying a three-phase 50/60
Hz AC voltage (which is further processed to smooth out the ripple) and supplying it to an
inverter. The inverter is comprised of IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) which are
switching transistors acting as gates controlling the voltage. The inverter then converts the DC
voltage to a square wave frequency of 1000 Hz and passes this through a transformer/rectifier
which rectifies the square wave 1000 Hz AC back to DC so that the welding is DC.
3. Conductor color coding for applications with specific polarity configuration such as “push-
pull welding shall be shown. Reference WS-1B “Over and Under Welding”.
4. Push/Pull welding polarity reversal shall occur at the weld controller or weld controller
junction box (when used) for the lower weld transformer.
5. Weld gun(s) shall be designated as **WGxx. Where ** = station number, xx = consecutively
numbered weld guns starting with 01 (per GMD1 Specification).
1. Cable lengths should be kept as short as possible, as any unnecessary length adds cost and
contributes to voltage drops.
2. The total length of cable from the bus plug to the weld controller should not exceed 140 ft.
3. The length of #2 AWG cable (when used) from the weld controller to the robot base or
tooling mounted transformer must not exceed the values in 29.8.1. If the length exceeds
the maximum allowable, a weld controller junction box and larger size cable is required.
Reference section 29.14 for weld controller junction box.
Note: Assume up to 25 ft. of minimum #2 AWG conductor included in the robot dress. The
actual type and size of cable is defined by the robot dense and dress specification.
29.8.1 Weld Controller to Transformer Cable Lengths for Up To 24 kA (Steel) in GM North America
1. Weld Controller to Robot Weld Junction Box at robot base (Carried W/G)
a. If cable length ≤ 120 ft, use (2) #2 AWG w/(1) #2 AWG GND.
b. If cable length > 120 ft, use (2) #4/0 AWG w/(1) #1/0 AWG GND.
2. Weld Controller to PED Weld Gun Transformer
a. If cable length ≤ 135 ft, use (2) #2 AWG w/(1) #2 AWG GND.
b. If cable length > 135 ft, use (2) #4/0 AWG w/(1) #1/0 AWG GND.
1. Cable lengths should be kept as short as possible, as any unnecessary length adds cost and
contributes to voltage drops.
2. The total length of cable from the bus plug to the weld controller must not exceed 42 m.
3. The length of 35 mm2 cable (when used) from the weld controller to the robot base or
tooling mounted transformer must not exceed the values in 29.9.1. If the length exceeds
the maximum allowable, a weld controller junction box and larger size cable is required.
Reference section 29.14 for weld controller junction box.
Note: Assume up to 7.5 m of minimum 35 mm2 conductor included in the robot dress. The
actual type and size of cable is defined by the robot dense and dress specification.
29.9.1 Weld Controller to Transformer Cable Lengths for Up To 24 kA (Steel) in GM International
(Metric)
1. Weld Controller to Robot Weld Junction Box at robot base (Carried W/G)
a. If cable length ≤ 36 m, use (2) 35 mm2 w/(1) 35 mm2 GND.
b. If cable length > 36 m, use (2) 120 mm2 w/(1) 50 mm2 GND.
2. Weld Controller to PED Weld Gun Transformer
a. If cable length ≤ 41 m, use (2) 35 mm2 w/(1) 35 mm2 GND.
b. If cable length > 41 m, use (2) 120 mm2 w/(1) 50 mm2 GND.
29.10 MFDC Primary Cable Selection for Up To 50 kA (Aluminum) in GM North America
This section addresses the process used to select the bus plug fuses, the primary cable used
between the bus plug and welder control and the primary cable between the inverter and
welding transformer or junction box. Reference the following table:
1. Cable lengths should be kept as short as possible, as any unnecessary length adds cost and
contributes to voltage drops. Voltage drop is a major concern when welding at high
currents. It is recommended to keep the total voltage loss to no more than 4%.
2. The total length of cable from the bus plug to the weld controller should not exceed the
maximum recommended when using the cable sizing spreadsheet found on the BIW welding
page. Below is an example of the spreadsheet.
3. The use of a junction box at the base of the robot is required to adapt the 4/0 cable down to
#2 cable going into the robot weld power quick connect receptacle.
Note: Assume up to 25 ft. of minimum #2 AWG conductor included in the robot dress. The
actual type and size of cable is defined by the robot dense and dress specification.
1. Cable lengths should be kept as short as possible, as any unnecessary length adds cost and
contributes to voltage drops. Voltage drop is a major concern when welding at high
currents. It is recommended to keep the total voltage loss to no more than 4%.
2. The total length of cable from the bus plug to the weld controller should not exceed the
maximum recommended when using the cable sizing spreadsheet found on the BIW welding
page. Below is an example of the spreadsheet.
3. The use of a junction box at the base of the robot is required to adapt the 120 mm2 cable
down to 35 mm2 cable going into the robot weld power quick connect receptacle.
Note: Assume up to 7 m of minimum 35 mm2 conductor included in the robot dress. The actual
type and size of cable is defined by the robot dense and dress specification.
30.1 Purpose
This section provides clear and concise guidelines for the controls design and tool construction
sources. However, where conflicts exist between this specification and other GM supplied
drawings or documentation, the supplied documentation shall have precedence over this
specification. Reference GCCB-1 for detailed designs and instructions for the construction,
mounting, and shipping of electrical enclosures.
30.2 Overview
A controls system design may include, but not be limited to, the following types of enclosures:
1. Power Distribution Panel (PDP)
2. Cell main enclosure
3. Human Machine Interface (HMI)
4. Fixture junction box
5. Programming terminal
6. Motor starter Panels
7. Standard panels (ECS)
a. Entrance Gate Control Panel
b. Remote HMI
c. Operator Runstand
The above panels may be combined at the discretion of the GM Controls Project Engineer.
30.3 General Design Requirements
The following rules shall apply to all enclosures. Additional requirements for specific enclosure
types shall be found in subsequent sections.
1. The section letter X shall be denoted in the lower right-hand corner.
2. The sheet order and description shall appear as follows (sheets may be combined at the
discretion of the GM Controls Project Engineer, sheets may be deleted if not required):
a. Enclosure Layout
b. Pushbutton And Light Layout
c. Tag Details
d. Subplate Layout
e. Terminal Rotation
f. Cable and Receptacle Pin Charts
20. Terminal strips shall be shown numbered in sequential order from top to bottom and from
left to right.
21. The preferred method of routing communication wiring shall be outside the panel ductwork
away from line voltages, or in a separate duct. Communication cables should enter the
enclosure isolated from power feed(s) such as on the opposite corner of the enclosure.
22. 380 – 575 V power from the PDP to remote devices shall be hardwired multi-conductor
cable with strain relief at each end.
Exception: Per exception in 11.8.4, conveyor or other applications using integrated drives may
use plug in connectors.
23. Panel lighting shall be provided in multi-door free standing enclosures above 1828 mm.
24. Panel lighting shall be provided on all enclosures with a depth of 305 mm or greater and a
width x height of 1 m2 or greater. Lighting shall also be provided on enclosures with a width
x height of 2.3 m2 or greater regardless of depth.
Exception: Welding PDPs and other panels that do not have excepted circuit power available.
25. Panel lighting shall be shown and mounted inside the enclosure at the top above the
subplate. Panel Lighting shall be LED where possible.
26. Convenience receptacles on enclosures should not be required. In the case where a
convenience receptacle is provided, local codes and regulations must be followed. (e.g.
GFCI - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection in the US)
27. When mounting auxiliary boxes such as a lighting transformer disconnect to the outside of
an enclosure, it is preferred to mount it front facing such that its door opens in the same
direction as the main panel door. This is to maintain the same affected minimum work-
space requirement around the main panel. If the auxiliary equipment is mounted side
facing, the overall footprint of the main panel is increased by the additional 1100 mm work-
space requirement (for 380 – 575 V) off to the side.
28. Panduit VeriSafe Absence of Voltage Testers (AVTs) shall be incorporated into the enclosure
design where required according to Global Design for Health and Safety (G-DHS) chapter 6
(electrical safety).
2. The Cable and Receptacle Pin Charts are typically shown at the end of the ‘X’ section.
3. Multi conductor cable/receptacle charts shall contain the following information:
Table 30-1 Receptacle Chart
Function Description
Receptacle number (see section 9.4.6 for receptacle cable
REC#
naming conventions.)
PNL Panel description of where the receptacle is mounted.
Panel number of where the receptacle is mounted (EC-xxxxx or
PNL#
ECS-xxxx)
RECP ITEM# Bill of material item number of receptacle.
RECP METER Length of receptacle wires.
Wire color of conductor. Use the standard IEC 757
WIRE COLOR
abbreviations (see Table 11-5 for abbreviation chart).
PIN # Pin number of receptacle.
WIRE # Wire designation of conductor.
30.6 Standard Panels (ECS)
To minimize design and construction costs, standard panels (ECS) and off the shelf industrially
hardened components (IP6X) shall be used where possible. Refer to the GM Controls Project
Engineer for ECS designs.
30.7 Custom Panels
Some applications require custom panel designs when an ECS panel is not available. When
custom designed panels (EC) are required, only 1 enclosure shall be shown per drawing package.
Note: The “Do” and “Undo” pushbuttons shall be used to manually initiate tool motion. The
“Enable” pushbutton shall be used with either the “Do” or “Undo” pushbuttons when the gate
entry system is not reset (i.e., gate open). Touch screen buttons are prohibited to initiate
manual motion.
4. A keyed selector (CES Key Blank, Key #SSG10 or #STGH10) shall be used for the Auto/Manual
mode selection.
Exception: Non-keyed selector switches may be used where the safety function of the system is
not altered by the selector switch. The use of non-keyed selector switches for auto/manual
mode selection requires GM Controls Project Engineer approval.
30.11.1 Pushbutton Panels
The following section describes Pushbutton/Light Enclosure for unit (station) control. The use of
pushbutton enclosures in place of programmable HMI’s requires GM Controls Project Engineer
approval.
1. An ‘E-STOP’ pushbutton shall be provided at all pushbutton panels from which motion can
be initiated. It is preferred that the ‘E-STOP’ pushbutton be located at the lower right side
of the pushbuttons and lights.
2. All ‘START’ pushbuttons shall be mounted above or to the left of the associated ‘STOP’
pushbuttons.
9. Hoisting capabilities shall be provided for all freestanding enclosures. All enclosures
weighing 70 kg or more shall have reinforced mounted eyebolts for lifting. The enclosure
shall be structurally reinforced to prevent warping or damage during its handling.
30.14.1 Doors
1. All electrical enclosures, compartments, control stations, and terminal and junction boxes
over 192 cm2 shall have vertical hinged doors. Covers that are not hinged shall be captive to
the box.
2. Doors shall be provided to allow access to all electrical connections and service points within
enclosures.
3. Door width shall not exceed 800 mm.
Exception: PDP panels are allowed a maximum door width of 1000 mm.
8. Receptacle wires shall be labeled in accordance to the pin chart in the drawing Section X. In
addition to the wire numbers at the termination end, the receptacle number and pin
number shall also be provided 25 mm from the wire number (will be concealed inside the
duct) and also provided 50 mm from the other (receptacle) end near the enclosure wall.
This is to facilitate in troubleshooting. The following note shall be provided on all pin chart
sheets.
Figure 30-7 Receptacle Wire Labeling
Exception: Where environmental conditions require the use of other materials for tags, the
applicable material shall be provided.
3. Control panel devices shall be identified by tags that are mounted on the panel subplate and
Kroy labels or equivalent on the wireway cover. When the individual identification of
components is impractical (e.g., on electronic assemblies), group identification may be used.
Kroy labels shall be white with 20 point, Helvetica, black letters.
Figure 30-8 Subplate and Duct Labeling
4. Nameplates and device identification tags shall be held in place with metal drive screws.
Relays, breakers, fuses, and I/O chassis shall be identified with matching tags using the same
2. All enclosures shall have a permanent label to identify the panel manufacturer and to
uniquely identify each panel. The label shall be located directly below the ECS/EC tag. In
the event that the panel revision tag is below the ECS/EC tag, then the manufacturer
identifier label shall be directly below the revision tag. The manufacturer identifier shall
include the following:
a. Name of panel manufacturer. This may be a company logo if desired.
b. Unique panel identifier. This identifier shall be unique for every panel (i.e. serial
number) and it shall be within a consistent format within a manufacturer and it shall be
readily familiar to the panel manufacturer so that build history, quality data, etc. may be
provided by the panel manufacturer OR so that the panel manufacturer could provide
the identifier in the event that certain panels must be tracked down in the field.
Figure 30-11 Example Panel Manufacturer Identifier
3. All enclosures that connect to bus level voltages (380 – 575 V) shall also have the following
information on one or more permanent labels on the front of the enclosure. The label shall
be located the upper right corner of the enclosure, directly below the enclosure nameplate.
Where more than one incoming supply circuit is provided, information for each supply
circuit shall be provided.
a. Volts – The supply voltage of the panel.
b. Phase – Single or three phase as required.
c. Hz – Frequency of the supply.
4. All other enclosures (panels that do not require a SCCR tag) shall have the following
information on one or more permanent labels. This label shall be located on the front of the
enclosure. Where more than one incoming supply circuit is provided, information for each
supply circuit shall be provided.
a. Volts – The supply voltage of the panel.
b. Phase – Single or three phase as required.
5. The warning sign with a black lightning flash on a yellow background within in a black
triangle, shaped in accordance with a graphical symbol 60417-2-IEC-5036, the whole in
accordance with sign B.3.6 of ISO 3864 shall be provided on all electrical enclosures that do
not otherwise clearly show that they contain electrical equipment (i.e., no supply
disconnecting device, external lights, pushbuttons or selector switches). The warning sign
shall be plainly visible on the enclosure door or cover.
Exception: The warning sign may be placed on another side of the enclosure if there is not
sufficient space on the side with the door or cover.
Figure 30-15 Lightning Symbol for Electrical Panels
6. Enclosures with local supply disconnects and circuits that are still energized when the local
disconnect is ‘Off’ shall have a warning sign with black letters on a yellow background as
shown in Figure 30-16. The warning sign shall be plainly visible on the enclosure door or
cover.
7. Enclosures sourced with greater than 50 V and which remain energized with the supply
circuit disconnect ‘Off’ (i.e., excepted circuits such as remote HMI’s and IHPLC’s supplied
with 120 V) shall have a warning sign with black letters on a yellow background as shown in
Figure 30-17. The warning sign shall be plainly visible on the enclosure door or cover.
Figure 30-17 Excepted Circuit Enclosure Warning Sign
8. After installation, PDP panels and any other panels directly connected to the plant power
bus shall also be tagged with the designation of the bus plug supplying the control panel.
• F - FURNISHED BY GM
• REF - PURCHASED BY OTHERS (NO SUBSTITUTION) Items marked REF are provided and
do not have to be purchased. They are listed in the BOM to aid in identifying
replacement parts. The items are typically provided through the purchase of an
assembly or are purchased on a different drawing BOM.
• M - CONSTRUCTION SOURCE MAKE ITEM Items marked M are typically custom items
such as stands or brackets. The construction source (either panel builder or integrator)
should make these items.
• B1 - PURCHASE ITEM OR EQUIVALENT ITEM (GM APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED) Purchase
the listed item or an equivalent. Substitution of an equivalent item is allowed without
approval.
• B2 - PURCHASE ITEM (SUBSTITUTION REQUIRES GM APPROVAL) -INTERCHANGEABLE
COMPONENT Purchase the listed item or an equivalent. The supplier must get approval
from the responsible GM project engineer before making the substitution. Either the
specified item or the substitution could be used as a replacement part without
engineering modification.
• B3 - PURCHASE ITEM (SUBSTITUTION REQUIRES GM APPROVAL) -NOT AN
INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENT Purchase the listed item or an equivalent. The
supplier must get approval from the responsible GM project engineer before making the
substitution. These items have a higher potential impact and engineering risk (i.e.
potential software impact) than items classified as “B2”. These items are not
interchangeable; the exact part must be ordered for replacement parts.
• B4 - PURCHASE ITEM (NO SUBSTITUTION) Purchase the listed item. No substitution
allowed.
32.1 Purpose
This section references the diagrams and standard drawings used in a drawing package.
32.2 Design Requirements
Only reference diagrams and standard drawings relevant to the WD level drawing package
should be included. For example, network module dipswitch settings may be useful in the
controller (cell) level and unit (station) level drawing packages, however, Ethernet information
would be useful in the system (zone) level, the controller (cell) level, and the unit (station) level
drawing packages.
32.2.1 Section Sheet Order
1. The first sheet includes a table of contents that list all reference sheets and standard
drawings contained in this section.
2. The title block of the standard drawings shall not be changed to match the drawing level
package. The standard drawings shall be copied and placed into this section.
32.2.2 Examples of Reference Types for Each WD Level Package
1. System (zone) level drawing package
a. Ethernet information.
2. Controller (cell) level drawing package
a. Standard Labels format.
b. Ethernet information.
c. Dip-switch settings for scanner modules and I/O modules.
3. Unit (station) level drawing package
a. Ethernet Information
b. Dip-switch settings for valve manifolds, prox blocks, and field I/O modules.
c. Typical mini, micro, and euro plug pinout.
Access gate: A doorway-like opening in a perimeter guard for entry into a hazardous area. The opening
is typically protected by a hinged gate that shall open outward from the cell. In some cases, the opening
may be protected by a light curtain without a hinged gate. When a gate is used, a tamper resistant
electrical switch shall detect if the gate is open.
Base limit switch: A positive acting switch that is operated by the movement of the robot base, or
rotational axis. This cam operated base limit switch shall be wired to safety relays in redundant pairs,
normally open (held closed) position. The base limit switch shall open when the robot’s position may be
hazardous to the machine operator. A base limit switch is an alternative to a robot light curtain.
Bus Bar: A solid copper conductor used to connect and distribute secondary welding current.
Captive contact control relay: A control relay designed to prevent any contacts of the relay to operate
when one contact fails. A captive contact control relay shall be monitored, and a control circuit shall
detect its failure.
Carried sealer: This term refers to the application process whereby the robot carries a dispense gun
mounted to its faceplate.
Carried spot welder: This term refers to the application process whereby the robot carries a spot
weldgun mounted to its faceplate.
Carried stud welder: This term refers to the application process whereby the robot carries a stud
weldgun mounted to its faceplate.
Control reliable: A control circuit designed so that the failure of a single component shall not prevent
the normal stopping action from taking place, but it shall prevent a new cycle from starting until the
component failure has been corrected.
Cv (“C-sub-v”): Flow coefficient. A common method of rating flow is by a Cv factor. The Cv factor is
derived from as expression which gives the number of gallons of water per minute that will pass through
the valve with a 1 psi differential between the valve’s inlet and outlet.
Dense packs: This term refers to the combination of valves and associated components (e.g., water
savers) that are mounted to a plate which are normally controlled by a robot.
DC Welding Power Supply: A resistance welding power supply that consists of a welding transformer
and rectifier assembly (diode pack) used to produce DC welding current.
DeviceNet valve manifold: This term refers to a valve manifold with a DeviceNet interface. This
manifold may also have inputs for connection to external devices.
Diode Pack: The portion of a DC welding power supply that converts welding current from AC to DC.
Dual channel: A configuration characterized by two independent circuit paths operating together for the
same purpose.
Dynamic Limiting Device (DLD): A base limit switch or boom back limit switch that is used to mute the
output from a user point of operation guard during selected parts of robot motion. A light curtain may
also be used for muting the output.
Enabling device: A hand held device that must be continuously operated for motion to occur in a
hazardous area. Either a release or panic squeeze of the enabling device shall cause hazardous motion
to stop when this device is incorporated in the design.
External device monitoring: A means by which the ESPE monitors the state of control devices which are
external to the ESPE, (IEC 61496, 3.6). This function is optional per 61496 document.
Fail-to-safe: A condition where the circuit defaults to a known, safe, de-energized state upon detection
of a fault.
Final Switching Device (FSD): The component of a machine’s safety related control system that
interrupts the circuit to the machine primary control element when the output signal switching device
(OSSD) goes to the OFF-state. (IEC 61496, 3.10)
Finite Simultaneity: Relating to operation of safety relays. Requires that when 1 of the channels
becomes “true”, the other channel must also become “true” within a specific time period or the relay
will become faulted. Infinite simultaneity indicates that there is no time constraint for the 2nd input
channel of a safety relay to become “true” after the other has become “true”.
Hard Automatic Welding: Welding performed by weld guns mounted in a fixture that clamp and locate
parts. This type of automation typically operates at a low welding rate (e.g., one weld per minute
typically). Weld guns and welder controls are initiated by the cell control.
Hardware circuit: A control circuit implemented only with electro-mechanical components (e.g., relays,
limit switches and push buttons) or solid state devices.
Hazardous area: A space that has been determined by risk assessment to have an immediate or
impending potential for causing harm to persons within the space.
Human Machine Interface (HMI): An interface to interact with a PLC system or any other controlled
equipment.
IEV: International Electrotechnical Vocabulary. See IEC publication 50, which defines common technical
terms relating to electricity in French, English, and Russian.
ISO: International Organization for Standardization. ISO is not an acronym, "ISO" is a word, derived from
the Greek isos, meaning "equal". ISO is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies comprising
of 130 countries. ISO is a non-governmental organization established in 1947. The mission of ISO is to
promote the development of standardization and related activities in the world with a view to
facilitating the international exchange of goods and services, and to developing cooperation in the
Infinite Simultaneity: Relating to operation of safety relays. There is no time constraint for the 2nd
input channel of a safety relay to become “true” after the other has become “true”. Both channels do
not have to turn on at the same time (simultaneously). Finite simultaneity requires that when 1 of the
channels becomes “true”, the other channel must also become “true” within a specific time period or
the relay will become faulted.
Inverter Welder Control: A welder control that converts three-phase AC weld power to single-phase
square waves at a frequency of approximately 1000Hz. These square waves are then rectified into DC
welding current.
Jumper Cable: Flexible, single conductor copper cable typically used to connect a transformer or power
supply to the weld gun. These cables may or may not require water cooling. Often referred to as a
“jumper”.
Kickless Cable: Flexible, dual conductor copper cable typically used to connect a transformer or power
supply to the weld gun. These cables always require water cooling.
Links: A collection of nodes forming a segment or multiple segments that are connected via repeaters
is to be initiated or arrested, the MPCE is the last element (in time) to function. (IEC 61496, 3.14)
Manual Weld Guns: Portable welding guns that are manually positioned and initiated.
Material handling: This term refers to the application whereby the robot transfers a part using its end-
effector.
MFDC: Mid Frequency Direct Current. A welding system that uses an inverter welder control with the
primary advantage of being lightweight and compact, capable of producing welding currents
comparable to much larger AC (60Hz) equipment.
Monitored Power System (MPS): A systems design approach that removes all hazardous motion energy
from devices in a designated area (i.e. zone or cell). The MPS has four key characteristics as defined by
DHS-1.0: redundancy, monitored, fail-to-safe condition, and, implemented in hardware.
Muting: A means of bypassing the field of a presence sensing safeguarding device during the non-
hazardous portion of the cycle.
Non-motion power: Power to inputs and outputs that do not involve motion of any kind (e.g., inputs
from proximity sensors and outputs to lamps). Non-teacher: A person (e.g., supervisor, machine
operator and production personnel) who is not operating a robot teach pendant. Nodes: Physical device
on a DeviceNet network.
Off line sub assembly: A single station that performs sub assembly work and is independent of any
transfer mechanisms or other stations.
Operator light curtain: A light curtain positioned as a point of operation guard for the machine
operator.
Opposed polarity: A method of detecting short circuits between the channels of a redundant circuit by
switching +24VDC in one channel and 0VDC in the second channel. A short circuit between the channels
results in the loss of the voltage supply to the circuit, resulting in a fail-to-safe condition instead of an
undetected single channel operation.
Output motion power: Power to the outputs (e.g., valves, relays and starters) that control motion
devices.
Output signal switching device (OSSD): A component of the ESPE that is connected to the machine
control system. When a the sensing device is actuated during normal operation, this device responds by
going to the off state.
Pedestal sealer: This term refers to an application process in which the robot carries a part, using its
material handling end-effector, to a dispense gun that is mounted to the floor.
Pedestal spot welder: This term refers to an application process in which the robot carries a part, using
its material handling end-effector, to a spot weldgun that is mounted to the floor.
Pedestal stud welder: This term refers to an application process in which the robot carries the part,
using its material handling end-effector, to a stud weldgun that is mounted to the floor.
Pedestal Welding: A form of robotic welding that uses a stationary mounted pinch gun and a robot to
position the parts.
Perimeter guard: An arrangement of fencing and/or presence sensing devices placed at a safe distance
around the perimeter of a hazardous area to ensure the stopping and prevent the starting of a machine
Pinch Gun: A pinch gun is any self equalizing resistance spot welding gun, rocker (X type) or straight (C
type), that includes upper and lower electrodes and does not require solid backups or a fixture frame to
complete the welding circuit.
Point of operation guard: An arrangement of fencing and/or presence sensing devices, placed at a safe
distance from a hazard, at the point where persons perform interactive tasks with the machine. This
guard ensures the stopping and prevents the starting of a machine when a person is in the hazardous
area at an unsafe point in the cycle of the machine. The machine operator normally operated point-of-
operation guards on every machine cycle.
Pogo Weld Gun: A weld gun consisting of a cylinder and electrode holder assembly. The single point
gun is located on one side of the welding circuit, and it is used in conjunction with a pogo weld robot.
Pogo Welding: A special robot-carried operation that uses a single point, non self-contained weld gun.
The welding circuit is completed through stationary back-ups that are mounted in the fixture base.
Note: Pogo welders use LFDC power supplies and special robots capable of withstanding the applied
weld force.
Positive acting contacts: A mechanically operated contact that does not rely on spring pressure to open.
Positively driven operation: An operation which, in accordance with specified requirements, ensures
that auxiliary contacts of a mechanical switching device correspond to the open or closed position of the
main contacts. (IEV 441-16-12)
Presence sensing device (PSD): A device (e.g. light curtain, scanner, safety may) that creates a sensing
field, area, or plane that detects the presence of an individual or object.
Redundant: An arrangement where two or more independent devices in parallel or series serve the
same function at the same time each providing a backup for the other.
Repeater: Device used to increase the physical capabilities (Either Trunk Length or Drop Budget) of a
DeviceNet network.
Retract: This term refers to the full open position of a three position weldgun cylinder.
Retract open switch: This term refers to the cylindicator on a weldgun cylinder that indicates when the
weldgun backup is open.
Risk assessment: A formalized means of evaluating the magnitude, frequency, likelihood and
avoidability of injury in a hazardous area.
Robot enabling device: A hand held device that shall be continuously operated in order for robot servo
motion to occur under user control. Either the release or the panic squeeze of the enabling device shall
cease robot servo motion to the robot to which this device is connected.
Robotic Hip Mount Transformer: A large transformer that is mounted on the first axis of the robot and
connected to the weld gun through a series of kickless cables and jumpers.
Robot light curtain: A DLD that will be interrupted by any movement of the robot into an area that may
be hazardous to the machine operator. A robot light curtain may be used as an alternative to a base
limit switch and/or boom back limit switch.
Safety relay: A commercial component that internally provides monitoring of dual input circuits to fulfill
the requirements of control reliable circuits. A safety relay shall have an IEC 947-15 rating.
Safety stop circuit: A control circuit designed to remove power from devices that control hazardous
motion. A safety stop circuit shall be a hardware, control reliable circuit.
scfm (standard cubic feet per minute): A standard cubic foot of air is defined as air at a barometric
pressure of 29.92 in Hg. (sea level pressure) with a temperature of 20 0C (68 0F) and a relative humidity
of 36%.
Secondary switching device (SSD): A device which, in a lock-out condition, performs a back-up safety
function by going to the OFF-state and initiating an appropriate machine control action (e.g. de-
energizing the MSCE). (IEC 61496, 3.24)
Servo disconnects: A servo disconnect mechanically breaks the electrical power to the servo drives. This
disconnection of power shall not interrupt the power supply to the robot processor or I/O power to the
arm.
Shunt: A flexible, air-cooled, single secondary conductor that is made by stacking copper laminations or
“leafs” on top of one another.
Simultaneity: The timing constraint of one input needing to follow another within a fixed period of time.
In safety relays, the timing requirements are on the inputs.
Single channel: a circuit arrangement characterized by a single current path, usually in reference to
control signals or interlocks.
Smart input block (prox block): This term refers to a DeviceNet input device that can accommodate
multiple inputs.
Station: Where an individual operation (e.g., clamping, welding, piercing, drilling) is performed in order
to prepare the part(s) to be transferred to the next operation.
Task-Based Risk Assessment: A systematic process for evaluating all task and their associated hazards
and capturing recommended solutions to protect personnel from potential injury.
Teacher: A person (e.g., electrician, WEMR and technician) who is trained to operate and program a
robot with a teach pendant.
Transgun: A combination of a weld gun and weld transformer that are closely coupled thereby
minimizing the length and loop area of secondary conductors.
Trunk cable: The cable that is the bus, or central part of the DeviceNet coax cable system. The trunk
cable is composed of multiple sections of cable.
VFD: Variable Frequency Drive. A device which controls the speed of an AC motor by varying the
frequency and amplitude of its applied voltage.
Water Flow: The rate of water flow through a component(s) that is usually given in gallons per minute
(GPM) or liters per minute. (LPM).
Water saver: This term refers to the device that monitors the flow of water to the weldgun and shuts off
the water when “low flow” is detected.
Weld: A number of “spots” made, where no indexing or movement of units takes place.
Weld complete: A message that occurs when a group of welds takes place.
Weld position: The location of the tooling (e.g., indexes, slides or jaws) prior to the closing of weld guns.
Work cell: Individual sub-assemblies linked by transfer schemes (e.g., robotic or manual operator
transfers).
Zone: A group of assembly operations linked by a common production process, which produces a
finished part of the vehicle. This finished part is transferred to another zone for integration of the part
to the next series of assembly operations. A zone can consist of several stations within an assembly
process.
This document was reproduced with permission from Hoffman Engineering catalog. Hoffman is not
responsible for any errors or inaccuracies of this document. (Reference IEC 60529).
Add a safety factor of 25% to the 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆) to obtain the total standard liter (cubic feet)
per minute 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ).
𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ) = 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆) ∗ 1.25
Use the 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ) and Table 13-1 to determine the proper pipe size for the air drop.
Note: Standard liter per minute (SLPM) is a unit of volumetric flow rate of a gas at standard
temperature and pressure (STP). GCCH-1 uses standard conditions as defined by the
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry given as 273.15 K and 100 kPa.
Note: For non-cylindrical actuators (i.e., vacuum cups), the consumed volume may be added to
𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 . Typically, air consumption values are provided in terms of a flow rate, hence must be
multiplied by the specific actuation time of the actuator.
C1.1 Air Drop Sizing Example
The following is an example of how to calculate 𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑇𝑇𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 ) and select the proper pipe size
for the air drop.
Given:
𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 24580.6 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 3 (1500 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖3 ); 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = 6 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠; 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 = 0.552 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 (80 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃)
The following steps and formulae can be used to determine the overall capacity of an entire
circuit to supply an actuator with the volume of air it requires to function properly. Start by
determining the inlet pressure and temperature conditions, 𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 and 𝑇𝑇𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 respectively.
Typically, it is assumed 0.552 MPa (80 PSI) is available at the air prep and 0.014 MPa is the
pressure drop through any distribution manifold; thus 𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 0.538 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀 is the inlet pressure to
the first pneumatic component. Concurrently, it is assumed 𝑇𝑇𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 = 293 𝐾𝐾 is the inlet
temperature of air to the first pneumatic component. Alternate inlet conditions may be used if
appropriate.
Next, a good initial starting point for component size selection is to match up with the chosen
actuators’ port sizes. For example, given a cylinder with ¼” NPT ports, using a ¼” I.D. hose or 10
mm tube is appropriate. Component optimization may be done retroactively once a known
component set is deemed to have enough capacity.
Note: The information presented here does not consider actuator loads, transient behavior, or
devices and actuators not specifically mentioned.
Step 1: Determine the volume (𝑉𝑉𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 ) of the Cylinder or Pneumatic Actuator
Step 2: Determine the flow required for the Cylinder in SLPM or SCFM
4. Valve & Manifold flow characteristics are provided by the manufacturer. These typically
represent flow from inlet port to outlet ports A/B of the combined assembly (valve with
manifold or subbase including any default fittings used).
5. Fittings. Flow characteristics may be provided indirectly by the manufacturer as effective
area and other relevant geometric dimensions of the fitting body. The flow characteristics
may then be calculated given this geometric data, refer to section C3 for details.
6. Tubes and Hoses. Flow characteristics may be determined one of two ways: using an
empirically derived model per ISO 6358-3 or a theoretical model based on first principles.
The length, diameter, and type of tube or hose must be known. Refer to section C4.
7. Manifolds and other types of flow splitting components may or may not have characteristics
provided by the manufacturer. Flow characteristics may need to be derived using either
method as described in section C3 or C4 as appropriate.
8. Flow controller flow characteristics are typically provided by the manufacturer. Note flow
controllers are variable orifice components and typical values given represent a fully open
needle valve in a meter out arrangement. Assume a fully open flow controller for the
purposes of sizing.
Step 4: Calculate the single set of flow rate characteristics of the system
Note: The details of the calculation methodology described in ISO 6358 is excluded for brevity.
Step 5: Calculate the flow available (SCFM or SLPM) given the system arrangement including all
components.
2 𝑚𝑚
𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓
⎡ − 𝑏𝑏 ⎤
293 𝐾𝐾 ⎢ 𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝐶𝐶𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 ∙ � ∙ ⎢1 − � � ⎥⎥
𝑇𝑇𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 ⎢ ∆𝑝𝑝
1 − 𝑐𝑐 − 𝑏𝑏 ⎥
⎣ 𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 ⎦
To be certain that the actuators will complete their actions in the designated cycle time, we
verify that the air flow rate available is greater than the flow rate required, i.e., 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ≥
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 .
If the available flow rate of the system is greater than the flow rate required, then the desired
cycle time will be met. Typically, the system will include flow controllers at the actuator allowing
for field adjustment of flow rate going into the actuator. This allows for tuning of the true cycle
time of the actuator. If the flow rate available is significantly larger than the required flow rate,
50 percent or more, the system may be oversized and some of the components could be
downsized to reduce component costs.
C3 Fitting Flow Characteristic Calculations
Flow characteristic calculations for fittings may use the following method.
Given the effective area 𝑎𝑎 (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 ), inner diameter 𝑑𝑑 (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚), let the flow characteristics be given
as:
100 ∙ 𝑎𝑎
𝐶𝐶 =
𝜌𝜌�𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑇𝑇0
1
𝑏𝑏 = 1 −
𝑠𝑠
𝑚𝑚 = 0.5
∆𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐 = 0
𝛼𝛼 𝛼𝛼 2 4𝑎𝑎
Where the compressibility effect coefficient 𝑠𝑠 = 1 + + , flow coefficient 𝛼𝛼 = 𝜋𝜋𝑑𝑑2
, and
√1.68 3.36
3
universal constants are 𝜌𝜌 = 1.185 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘⁄𝑚𝑚 , 𝑅𝑅 = 287 𝐽𝐽⁄𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 ∙ 𝐾𝐾, 𝑇𝑇0 = 293.15 𝐾𝐾.
C4 Tube/Hose Flow Characteristic Calculations
Flow characteristic calculations for tube and hose must use one of the following two methods.
Given a tube/hose of length 𝐿𝐿 (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚), inner diameter 𝑑𝑑 (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚), let flow characteristics be
given as:
𝜋𝜋𝑑𝑑2
𝐶𝐶 =
𝐿𝐿
2 ∙ 103 �𝑘𝑘 +1
𝑑𝑑
𝐶𝐶
𝑏𝑏 = 4.8 ∙ 102 2
𝑑𝑑
Given a tube/hose of length 𝐿𝐿 (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚), inner diameter 𝑑𝑑 (𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚), let flow characteristics be
given as:
For a particular station there are 4 clamp cylinders driven by a single valve. The cycle is a typical
extend & retract cylinder cycle. A 3 m section of 16 mm tubing will connect the valve manifold
to the distribution manifold and 4 m sections of 12 mm tubing will connect the distribution
manifold to each of the cylinders.
Including the volume of the associated tubes, an estimated volume for a typical 4-port
distribution manifold, and all four cylinders, the total volume is 𝑉𝑉𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 = 2493 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 3
Given the total volume above and the cycle time, the SLPM required is:
Note the tubes will use the empirical model based in ISO 6358.
Step 4: Calculate the single set of flow rate characteristics of the system
Using ISO 6358-3 sections 6 and 7, the single set of flow characteristics of the system (of a single
series branch) is calculated as:
Step 5 & 6: Calculate the flow available (SCFM or SLPM) and verify the flow capacity is sufficient.
Assuming the design pressure of the cylinder is 𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓 = 0.483 𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀𝑀, the available capacity of the
cumulative branches of the system is found to be:
2 𝑚𝑚
𝑃𝑃𝑓𝑓
⎡ − 𝑏𝑏 ⎤
293 𝐾𝐾 ⎢ 𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖
𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 �4 �
= ∙ 𝐶𝐶𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 ∙ 𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 ∙ � ∙ 1−� � ⎥⎥ = 3010
𝑇𝑇𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 ⎢⎢ 1−
∆𝑝𝑝𝑐𝑐
⎥
⎣ 𝑃𝑃𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 − 𝑏𝑏 ⎦
Since the available flow capacity is greater than the required capacity, we can conclude that the
component sizing and design is sufficient.
IEC 50(441), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) Chapter 441: Switchgear, Controlgear, and
Fuses.
947-4-1, Part 4: Contactors and Motor-Starters, Section 1: Electromechanical Contactors and Motor-
Starters.
947-5-1, Part 5: Control Circuit Devices and Switching Elements, Section 1: Electromechanical
Control Circuit Devices.
IEC 61496-1, Safety of Machinery – Electrosensitive Protective Equipment – Part 1: General
Requirements and Tests.
Free surface area is the net surface area of the control panel that air can freely flow over.
Expressed in units of meters squared (m2).
Heat load is the cumulative amount of heat that is generated by all equipment in the control
panel. Expressed in units of Watts (W).
1. 1. Calculation of free surface area – calculate the area of each surface. Subtract any
surface that will be blocked from airflow after installation. Refer to the following examples.
a. floor mounted panel – all surface area can be used for the area calculation except for
the bottom of the enclosure
b. wall mounted panel – all surface area can be used for the area calculation except for the
back of the enclosure
c. other areas – areas used by push buttons, pilot lights, CRT’s, or other devices mounted
through the panel cannot be used for the area calculation
2. Defining ambient temperature – If the panel is on the plant floor, use 40 °C for the plant
ambient temperature. If the panel is located on the balcony, use 45 °C for the plant ambient
temperature.
3. Defining panel temperature – Interior panel temperature value used in the calculation shall
not exceed the lowest rated component within the panel. Refer to the equipment
manufacture’s ratings for all ambient temperatures and de-rating factors. Be sure to
consider de-rating factors when components are mounted on an angle or sideways which
may not allow for proper air flow required for adequate heat dissipation.
4. Calculating free heat dissipation
Calculate the following: