FCDC-3

Flowire FCDC-3 (100 8080 310)

The Flowire Converter enables Ethernet to run on the same two wires as power, providing simpler cabling and opens up for longer cable hauls. The Flowire Converter is also capable of powering Ethernet devices attached to it, such as IP intercom stations or IP cameras.

Highlights

PoE-power forwarding enable/disable by switch
Separate Power input – isolated from the PLC bus
Several Flowire Clusters can be powered from same power supply
Backwards compatible with FCDC1/2/TFIX after software upgrade
Replacement for FCDC-1 and FCDC-2

Configuration and Software Upgrade

Installation

Overview

Placement

When used in an equipment rack, the Flowire Converter can be placed at any accessible location.

When installing more than one Flowire network in the same equipment rack, precautions must be taken to reduce crosstalk between the networks.

Mounting

The Flowire Converter is a DIN-rail mounted device, and hence requires a DIN rail. The DIN rail shall be mounted securely to the equipment rack, and properly stabilized. The DIN clips on the Flowire Converter can be placed on either the side or the bottom, thus giving different mounting options.

Grounding

It is always good practice to ground the cabinet of equipment installed in racks. This ensures safety and good EMC. The grounding connection of the Flowire Converter should be connected to the equipment rack’s ground strip using a ground wire of at least 0.75 mm² (AWG 19).

Power Supply

The Flowire Converter can operate over a wide range of voltages. The voltage selected depends on the type of equipment connected to the Flowire network:

24 Volts DC: When the Flowire Converter is used with explosion proof devices, i.e. TFIX intercoms and Exigo Ex Access panels, the Flowire shall be powered by a 24VDC power supply. Recommended power supply is "Flowire Ex 120" (item: 299 0102 120).
48 Volts DC: When the Flowire Converter is used with other Flowire unit(s), the Flowire Converter shall be powered by a 48VDC power supply. Recommended power supply is "Flowire XP 120" (item: 299 0101 120) or "Flowire XP 240" (item: 299 0101 240).

Use of Shielded Cable

When using shielded cable (for improved EMC when used in high-EMI areas) the shield should be attached to the chassis of the Flowire unit and the central rack.

Cabling in Ex Areas

The TFIX intercoms and Exigo Ex Access panels are connected to the FCDC-3 at the central location using Ex certified 2-wire shielded cable.

The PoE-power forwarding in the FCDC-3 should be disabled when used with TFIX intercoms and Exigo Ex Access panels.

Factory reset

Pressing and holding the Password Reset Button for more than 15 seconds will reset following factory defaults:

Reset the NMK password to its default HomePlugAV0123
Enable DHCP. Fall back static IP address in case no automatic IP address is assigned: 169.254.1.10
IGMP snooping querier will be turned on

PoE-power forwarding

The FCDC-3 unit can forward the power received on the PLC line out on the spare pairs of the Ethernet port (PoE, mode B). The "PoE-power forwarding" is enabled or disabled by the switch located next to the "Password Reset Button".

Switch settings:

PoE Off (default): Power is not forwarded to the ethernet port
PoE On: Power is forwarded to the ethernet port

The power out on the ethernet port is not true PoE – the power is present at all time
The PoE-power forwarding' should be enabled only when you need to power the device connected to the ethernet port. In all other situations, the switch should be set in the PoE Off position.'