Overview
ISO 23570-3:2009 - "Industrial automation systems and integration - Distributed installation in industrial applications - Part 3: Power distribution bus" defines a standardized power-distribution system for auxiliary motors and motor controllers used in machine tools and similar industrial automation equipment. The part focuses on cable assemblies, connector types and assignments, motor controller interfaces, power supply connections and diagnostic/characterization requirements to simplify wiring, maintenance and spare-part handling for distributed installations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Power bus topology: A trunk capable of supplying single‑phase or three‑phase auxiliary motors (spindle/high‑power motors are excluded).
- Auxiliary motor definition: Motors with an output of 5.5 kW or less.
- Cables and conductors:
- Power-bus cables contain seven wires with a minimum conductor cross‑section of 2.5 mm².
- Outer sheath must be resistant to common industry coolants; sheath colour specified as black.
- Cables are characterized for applications requiring constant flex (e.g., drag chains).
- Connectors:
- Robust, polarized connectors with positive coupling requiring no or simple hand tools.
- Six power contacts plus protective earth (PE) with contact assignments for Phase 1–3, Neutral, and two Brake contacts.
- Contact current capacity ≥ 10 A per contact.
- Cable assemblies are terminated with a male connector at one end and a female at the other.
- Motor controllers and power supplies:
- Motor controllers expected to have one male and one female connector to sit inline on the power bus; can be removable for maintenance.
- Power supply outputs use female connectors to feed the bus.
- Environmental ratings: Components and connectors specified to meet IP65/IP67 degrees of protection (IEC 60529).
- Documentation and conformance: Annexes provide connector design specifications (multiple connector types) and reference colours; producers can claim conformance when meeting Clause 5 and/or Clause 6 requirements.
Applications and practical value
- Designed for machine tool builders, OEMs and systems integrators implementing distributed motorized subsystems in discrete part manufacturing and similar industrial processes.
- Benefits include:
- Reduced wiring complexity and fewer cable types.
- Lower maintenance and spare‑parts inventory.
- Faster serviceability through standardized cable assemblies and inline motor controllers.
- Suitable for auxiliary drives, conveyors, indexing motors and other low‑power actuators in automated production lines.
Who should use this standard
- Electrical and mechanical design engineers, panel builders, maintenance managers, motor controller manufacturers, cable and connector suppliers, and plant automation teams seeking interoperable, serviceable power-distribution solutions for auxiliary motors.
Related standards