Electrical Technology

AutomAtion ● EnErgy EfficiEncy ● EnclosurEs ● HAzArdous ArEAs

September/October 2011 • www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

Hazardous Areas: Keeping your workplace safe    

Energy Efficiency: Saving money and the environment Automation: Rockwell and Singer team up Enclosures: More than just boxes!

Protection against lightning strikes

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CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR With recent figures showing electricity costs have nearly doubled in the last 11 years and power companies warning that further increases are imminent, the subject of energy efficiency is becoming evermore pressing.

Especially when you consider the following fact that popped up in our energy efficiency this month: Each year New Zealand spends about $660 million on electricity for lighting and it takes an estimated 2.65 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions to keep the lights on.

That is what makes the Auckland City Council’s trial of highly-efficient smart LED street lighting so fascinating. And important.

I will leave you to read the feature, but the massive savings the self-dimming smart lighting bring to the game is something of huge significance not only to councils and residential applications, but also the commercial and industrial sectors.

After all, if it saves you money, it’s got to be good for business.

On another note entirely; this will be my last issue in the Editor’s chair at Electrical Technology.

The last year has been an interesting ride, with Electrical Technology gaining a new look and a more focussed direction and I hope you like what we have done with the magazine.

As always, we love to get your feedback and I’m sure the new face at the top of this column will appreciate it too.

Thanks for your continued readership over the past year – it’s been fun!

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News

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Feature: Automation

12 Feature: Energy Efficiency 15 Feature: Enclosures 20 Feature: Hazardous Areas 23 Feature: Protection against lightning strikes 26 Measurement Matters 27 NZEI 29 What’s Hot: New products

Damien O'Carroll Email editor@electricaltechnology.co.nz

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WEbSitE www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

NEWS

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Society of Australia Symposium The event targets a diverse audience of academics, industry representatives, experienced EMC experts and engineers new to the field, persons with a particular problem in mind or anybody who just needs to know what is going on in the scene. Whatever the background and reason to attend is: with three parallel options available this event will appeal to and be beneficial for a wide range of attendees.

The program consists of: * Technical presentations of theoretical and practical nature showing the progress in EMC related research and development in respect to prediction, planning, measurement and testing. * Workshops, tutorials and practical demonstrations aimed at novices in the EMC arena who need a thorough introduction to the field, or to engineers who have to tackle a particular problem and need a reliable source of information. * A trade exhibition of the tools of the trade, be they software, test instruments, EMC relevant hardware such as filters, shielding etc. or testing and consulting services.

Technology Park Function Centre 2 Brodie Hall Drive, Bentley, Perth, WA November 9-11, 2011 EMANZ Facility Managers’ Energy Efficiency Training Course This training course focuses on energy efficiency training specifically for Facilities

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September/October 2011

Managers and related areas (Property Managers, Building Managers, Maintenance Managers, Operations Managers and Asset Managers etc). The course offers training in electricity, energy and resource-efficient operation of building systems. The training course is set at the equivalent of Levels 5-6 on the NZ Qualifications Framework.

The full course is made up of 2 full days training: Day 1 - Morning (8 am - 12.00 pm) - Energy Management Fundamentals Afternoon (1 pm - 5.00 pm) - Building Services and Using the BMS Day 2 - Morning (8 am - 12.00 pm) - Energy Efficient fit out and tenant comfort Afternoon (8 am - 12.00 pm) - Strategic Energy Management Wellington - February 23 – 24, 2012 Auckland - April 19 – 20, 2012 Christchurch - June 7-8, 2012 Commercial Building Energy Specialists Course The Commercial Building Energy Specialists training course is focussed on energy efficiency training specifically for engineers and technicians specialising in energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The course is set at a level equivalent to NZQA 5-7 (Advanced Trade through to Degree level).

The course focuses on technologies and techniques aimed at improving energy use in commercial buildings including: Lighting intermediate CL1 - Light and Lighting CL2 - Lamps and typical applications

CL3 - Luminaires and typical applications CL4 - Interior Lighting design CL5 - Auditing existing fluorescent lighting installations Lighting advanced CL6 - Fluorescent lighting retrofit opportunities CL7 - HID Lighting Opportunities CL8 - Incandescent and CFL Opportunities CL9 - Utilisation of daylight CL10 - Lighting Controls HVAC intermediate CH1 - Efficient HVAC Design CH2 - Cooling Plant Hardware and Efficiency CH3 - Boiler operations and efficiency CH4 - Data centres HVAC advanced CH5 - Mechanical (Fan/duct, pump/pipe) services design CH6 - Indoor air quality and outside air optimisation CH7 - Motor and drive efficiency for commercial HVAC CH8 - Cooling plant operational efficiency (was CH5) CH9 - Continuous commissioning – mechanical CH10 - Verification of Energy Savings Auckland March 1 – 2, 2012 - Lighting March 7 – 9, 2012 - HVAC and Control Systems Wellington May 3 – 4, 2012 - Lighting May 9 – 11, 2012 - HVAC and Control Systems

NEWS

Minister opens Unitec Albany campus

Minister for tertiary education Steven Joyce and Unitec chief executive Rick Ede at the opening of Unitec’s Albany campus The minister for tertiary education, Steven Joyce, officially opened Unitec’s new campus located in the Auckland suburb of Albany at a ceremony last month.

The campus will offer a number of certificate programmes including autotronic, automotive and mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, multiskill building construction, information technology, animal care and health care, photography, communication studies, foundation learning and English languages programmes.

Unitec Chief Executive Dr Rick Ede says that the campus will provide

North Shore and Rodney residents with access to a range of high quality vocational education programmes close to home. “Albany is a technology, innovation and learning hub and the range of programmes offered at our campus will enhance the skill base of people living on the North Shore and support economic development in this area,” he adds.

Previous studies have identified that there is a shortage of vocational educational provision in the North Shore and Rodney areas. Demand is likely to increase noticeably in the future as the population of Auckland north of the harbour bridge is

expected to grow from 329,000 now to reach 431,000 in twenty years time.

Around 300 students are expected to study at the campus in 2011, with student numbers growing to over 1,000 within a few years.

The new campus has been designed with sustainability in mind and includes a campus recycling programme, designated car pooling spaces, a worm farm and is close to public transport.

Future electricians, automotive engineers, IT specialists, business entrepreneurs and health care workers started walking through the doors of the new campus on the 1st of August.

Dr Ede said at the opening ceremony that over the next few years Unitec plans to expand the breadth of industry areas it covers and also the level of programmes it offers, including applied degrees.“Today is day one of our new campus and in the days to come I’m sure many exciting and inspiring things will happen within these walls and in the workplaces of the region which we can look forward to being a part of. ” he added.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown welcomed the opening of the new campus, saying that it will support the

development of a skilled workforce in Auckland.

Brown said Albany has been identified as a focus for new business opportunities and as an education hub.

“My vision is for Auckland to become the world’s most liveable city and integral to that is encouraging a highly skilled workforce, an environment where science, research, technology and ideas can flourish and transform into internationally recognised products and services that grow the Auckland economy.”

“Developments like the new Unitec campus allow greater access to this sort of vocational training for Aucklanders and international students, and will help us achieve our goal of making Auckland an outwardlooking global city with a competitive, prosperous economy,” he said.

Unitec is New Zealand’s largest Institute of Technology and currently has over 23,000 students enrolled at four campuses located at Mt Albert, Waitakere, Newmarket and Takapuna.The Takapuna campus will close following the opening of the Albany campus, with students and programmes at Takapuna transferring to the Albany location.

Managing energy risks critical for NZ green IT sector to flourish As this magazine goes to print the Energy Management Association is hosting a one-off forum to brief ICT professionals on the looming issues around rapidly increasing energy use and to assist them to mitigate their energy risks.There are a range of risks around power supply that have come into sharp focus in recent times.

The Association has brought together a collection of energy specialists with specific expertise in the ICT industry.

They will use the forum to bust a few myths about energy and ICT, discuss supply and resilience strategies and assist industry members to improve their understanding of how to manage the increasing risks and costs associated with the sector’s growing use of energy.

According to EMANZ executive officer, Ewan

Gebbie, many organisations have intelligent data backup systems designed to manage regional or local power failures. However, many organisations don’t have these systems and don’t necessarily understand how issues such as power quality can impact the integrity of ICT systems, “The forum will provide the average ICT manager with practical information that will immediately help them to improve the resilience of their IT systems and better manage their energy costs.”

New Zealand’s energy efficiency industry is gearing up for an influx of data storage companies into the country, and an increase in interest from Corporations wanting to ensure their IT department is doing its bit for the environment.

EMANZ says energy use by data centres is

expected to jump by 40 to 50 per cent in the next two years and this will affect New Zealand, which is seen as an attractive base for these companies because of our high proportion of renewable energy.

“It’s fantastic that we offer a renewable energy haven, but that doesn’t mean New Zealand can afford to waste energy,” syas Gebbie. “That still has environmental and economic consequences.

“The goal is to create an energy efficient environment that will be even more attractive to the energy intensive global data centre industry and provide positive options to organisations who have concerns.”

We will have more on the forum next issue.

www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

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NEWS

Councils asked to go solar in “The Solar Promise”

The Solar Promise nationwide campaign was recently launched with the aim of encouraging all New Zealand councils to embrace solar and help protect their communities from the rising costs of electricity and continuing oil depletion.

On behalf of Kiwis facing higher energy costs, the Nelson City Council, Nelson Environment Centre, and SolarCity have launched The Solar Promise, calling for councils, as well as central government, individuals and businesses, to do what they can to make solar more affordable, to help New Zealanders save money and combat climate change.

Nine mayors, led by Nelson

Mayor Aldo Miccio, recently held a briefing in Wellington calling for all other mayors and their councils to consider solar options for their communities.

Aldo Miccio says that a 2008 feasibility study carried out in partnership with the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) and SolarCity showed the government’s solar grant alone was not enough to help communities go solar.

“The study was clear: families want the immediate cash benefits from solar’s savings, but they need to spread the cost of solar for it to be affordable,” Miccio says.

“From these needs, the Solar Saver Scheme was born - an innovative

rates-based financing mechanism to help home owners spread the cost of going solar. At the time, the Nelson City Council also chose to waive solar resource consents, to further reduce the barriers to solar.

“The Solar Saver Scheme has been a huge success for Nelson,” he says. “In the scheme’s first year Nelson families put more solar systems on their roofs than the whole of Auckland City, immediately getting up to one week’s free power every month.

“We believe the Solar Saver Scheme is a vital policy tool for all councils, to assist their communities to reduce their energy costs, while also helping to maximise

the contribution from solar to our nation’s renewable energy target.”

Other Mayors supporting The Solar Promise today include Hastings Mayor and Local Government New Zealand President, Lawrence Yule, Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, Marlborough District Mayor Alistair Sowman, Tasman District Mayor Richard Kempthorne, Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt, Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno, Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks and Whanganui Mayor Annette Main.

Meanwhile, Auckland City Council’s 250 home solar pilot scheme has gone to tender, with the goal of examining the performance and community support for a Solar Saver Scheme in the Auckland region.

Miccio says The Solar Promise campaign has already attracted the support across all sectors: local councils; environmental groups such as Greenpeace, WWF and 350 Aotearoa; industry groups like the Master Plumbers Association of New Zealand, the Sustainable Business Network, the Sustainable Electricity Association of New Zealand (SEANZ), and businesses such as Kiwibank, Ecostore, and the nation’s largest producer of renewable energy, Meridian Energy.

Ecobulb maker lights up NZX Christchurch maker of energysaving lightbulbs, Energy Mad, is carrying out an initial public offering to list on the main board of the stock exchange.

Since 2004 the company, which manufactured its bulbs in China, has seen rapid growth and its Ecobulb products were now in use in 900,000 New Zealand homes.

According to the company, the

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Ecobulb uses up to 80 per cent less power and lasts up to 15 times longer than an equivalent output incandescent light bulb.

Energy Mad became the fastest growing company in 2007 when it won the Deloitte Fast 50 award and in the last financial year achieved revenue of $8.6 million, compared with $5.9 million the previous year.

September/October 2011

Chris Mardon, co-founder of Energy Mad along with Tom Mackenzie, said the IPO would help provide Energy Mad with the capital it needed to secure and deliver on the market opportunities it was already developing in the United States and Europe. It would allow the company to accelerate the introduction of the next generation of Ecobulb products.

It was intended to raise at least $5 million and there had already been plenty of interest, Mardon said. Roadshows to promote the offer would begin in Dunedin at the end of August and travel through the main centres to Auckland.

NEWS

New ISO 50001 energy management standard impacts the bottom line The new Energy management systems – Requirements with guidance for use ISO 50001:2011 offers a framework to help organisations to improve energy management and efficiency. Substantial improvements in energy efficiency, with positive financial impacts, were experienced by both a major company and a small business taking part in a pilot programme to test the new ISO 50001. These results were reported at the recent ISO launch of ISO 50001 in Switzerland.

ISO Secretary-General Rob Steele told the international audience, ‘Energy is no longer a technical issue, but a management issue with an impact on the bottom line and the time to address the issue is now.’

Energy is one of the most critical challenges facing the international community. With ISO 50001, multinational organisations have access to a single, harmonised Standard for implementation across the organisation with a logical and consistent methodology to identify and implement improvements. The Standard helps organisations to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs and it is estimated the Standard could have a positive impact on some 60% of the world’s energy use.

The launch of ISO 50001 included presentations by three out of some 100 experts from 45 countries who participated in developing the Standard.

Ken Hamilton, director, global energy and sustainability services, Hewlett Packard (USA), described ISO 50001 as a ‘very pragmatic Standard’ to help companies to integrate energy management with business practices. It will allow multinational companies like Hewlett Packard to reduce energy costs and increase the efficiency of energy use throughout global supply chains.

Hamilton quoted results from two pilot implementations from

the Superior Energy Performance programme sponsored by the US Council for Energy Efficient Manufacturing and the US Department of Energy. He cited the experience of two plants. One of them was a plant owned by a major company, Dow Chemicals. The plant reduced its use of energy by 17.9% over 2 years. At the same time, ISO 50001 principles are also successfully implemented by small businesses as shown by the experience of the other plant, CCP, of Houston, Texas, employing 36 people. In 2 years, it achieved energy savings of 14.9%, worth USD $250,000 a year with zero capital investment.

Alberto J. Fossa, director, International Copper Association/MDJ, Brazil, underlined the international expertise that had been distilled in ISO 50001, with meetings to develop the Standard held in China, the USA, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. At these meetings a common understanding was forged between experts in technical efficiency on the one hand and in management on the other to produce a Standard to help all types of organisations to achieve continual improvement of their energy performance.

Marco Matteini of the Industrial Energy Efficiency Unit of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, said that forecasts of future energy demand highlighted substantial increases in developing countries, thus underlining the importance and relevance of ISO 50001 for organisations in emerging economies.

PDFs of ISO Standards can be ordered from Standards New Zealand by calling 0800 782 632 during business hours or emailing enquiries@standards.co.nz.

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NEWS

Joint NZ/OZ radio telescope bid gets a boost “We now have an SKA-scale network in Australia and New Zealand: a combination of CSIRO and NBN-supported fibre and the existing AARNET and KAREN research and education networks,” says Dr Brian Boyle, SKA director for Australasia.

AUT’s Professor Sergei Gulyaev says, “SKA’s thousands of dishes will produce so much information per second that recording over many hours would be simply impossible. a telescope of The University of New Zealand and Australia’s bid Instead we will have to stream and Tasmania — together to observe a to host the international SKA radio radio source that may be two black process vast amounts of data in realtelescope has taken a leap forward, time. This is 21st century technolholes orbiting each other. following the commissioning of a Data from all sites were streamed ogy and we are proud that New working optical fibre link between Zealand is at the very forefront of in real time to Curtin University in AUT University’s radio telescope this development.” and radio telescopes across Australia Perth and processed to make an The radio astronomers targeted image. including CSIRO’s Australian SKA PKS 0637-752, a quasar more than This ability to successfully link Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope in twelve thousand million light years antennas (dishes) over large Western Australia. away. It emits a spectacular radio jet The achievement was announced distances is vital for the future $2.5 with regularly spaced bright spots billion SKA telescope, which will at the 2011 International SKA in it, like a string of pearls. Some have several thousand antennas, up Forum that recently took place in astronomers have suggested that to 5,500 kilometres apart, working Banff, Canada. this striking pattern is created by together as a single telescope. LinkOn 29 June, radio astronomers ing antennas in such a manner allows two black holes in orbit around each used six telescopes — AUT’s at other, one black hole periodically astronomers to see distant galaxies Warkworth, ASKAP, three more triggering the other to “feed” and in more detail.

CSIRO telescopes in NSW and

emit a burst of radiation.

“It’s a fascinating object, and we were able to zoom right into its core, seeing details just a few millionths of a degree in scale, equivalent to looking at a 10 cent piece from a distance of 1,000 km” says CSIRO astronomer Dr Tasso Tzioumis.

During the experiment radio astronomers controlled all the telescopes over the Internet from Warkworth and Sydney.

Professor John Raine, Chair of REANNZ says, “SKA-like real-time observations are a great achievement by New Zealand and Australian researchers. KAREN which provides the data network for New Zealand’s research insitutions intends to be an anchor tenant on a new international cable that, if built, will provide international connectivity of 40 Gbps by 2014, scaling through 80Gbs in 2017 to 160Gbsby 2022 – more than enough to link the New Zealand and Australian parts of SKA.”

Major car manufacturers convert to wind power Wind power is set to play an increasingly important role in the manufacture of cars after two major car companies recently announced the use of wind turbines to power some of their assembly lines.

Ford recently announced the addition of a third wind turbine to power its Dagenham diesel engine assembly plant, while BMW also announced plans to build four wind turbines to power its Leipzig factory.

BMW says that its new wind farm should be able to produce the necessary energy by late 2013 and it wants the Leipzig assembly facility to become an example of green energy production, one that could eventually be followed in assembly plants worldwide.

The Leipzig factory is forecast to produce about 200,000 vehicles in 2011 at a rate of 740 a day.

Meanwhile Ford’s new turbine

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will make the Dagenham facility 100 percent wind powered.

Currently, the two turbines at the Dagenham plant generate 5.92 million kWh of electricity per year, but with the addition of the third turbine, the amount of electricity generated will reach 11.4 million kWh per year. Ground work and foundation construction began in May, and the third turbine is now operational.

“Since 2000, we have reduced our global operational energy use by 30 per cent and CO2 emissions from our facilities by 39 per cent,” said Ken Macfarlane, vice president manufacturing, Ford of Europe.

“Globally Ford is committed to continue leading the way in environmental responsibility, whether with the vehicles and powertrains we make or through the processes we use to make them.”

September/October 2011

Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity which supplied the new turbine, said: “It’s great to see a company like Ford taking the lead in this way, powering their modern diesel engine centre with green energy from our windmills. When big businesses like Ford use wind energy like this, it lends real credibility to the cause.”

The new turbine is the latest in Ford’s ongoing Green Energy Initiative, of which wind power plays an important part. At the end of 2009 two gigantic wind turbines, each with a height of 150 metres, spun into action producing ‘green’ electricity for Ford’s Genk Plant in Belgium.

The two megawatt-capacity Genk turbines, installed by local energy company Electrabel, now provide a significant amount of the power needed at the production home of Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models, with other renewable energy

sources making up the remainder.

Together, these energy sources help the plant save around 40,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

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7

AUTOMATION

Rockwell and Singer look to improve the quality of water

The origanal Panda

When you are a graduate from the prestigious engineering school at Cardiff University, Wales, and your B Eng degree is in integrated engineering and you also have a BSc in marine geography you appreciate that it’s not every day that you will be called upon to apply both.

That day has come for Mike Brockway, Manager: Automation Services, in the Singer Group. Or perhaps that should be – the tide has turned, and that’s proving to be a problem for many and an opportunity for the Spaghetti Junction-based company.

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advances in automation technology to control the discharge of “trade wastes”.

Auckland Council, for example, currently operates under all the former legislation and has until 2015 to draw up new rules. But according to an insider, the existing laws enable the authority to send out performance requirements from commercial property owners to ensure they don’t overstrain the existing wastewater networks.

Trade wastes are typically basement drainage from buildings on city and town foreshores – mostly on reclaimed land.

The other combination confronting that situation above are the physical factors of tide and rainfall combinations -- now being seen as factors requiring mitigation, when it comes to discharging waste water into the drains.

“While there has been a growing recognition of the need to appreciate our oceans and what we put into them, this recognition of the role the tides, in particular, A combination of factors - the play, once commercial property consolidation of all water and owners have adapted to it will wastewater providers in the unquestionably turn out to be newly formed Auckland Super beneficial for the quality of the City, with a requirement to be “a water in the surrounding sea and minimum cost service provider” our beaches,” says Brockway. plus “increasing environmental “Singer has anticipated this for pressures to reduce the number of wastewater overflows in a network some time now and indeed we did some pioneering work with with finite capacities”; major conour “Panda” (protector) product struction to improve traffic flows a couple of years back. We will be on land abutting the sea revealing problems; and a growing awareness able to use some of the proven technology from that to address of the damage being done to our this latest development, both rivers, lakes and even the Hauraki Gulf - have all combined to create quickly and cost-effectively.”

At the time, Brockway comnew pressures, which will require

September/October 2011

mented very presciently on the Panda: “Singer sees great potential in this portable monitoring device - which we have called ‘Panda’ in registering it - we believe will be ‘of interest’ to all local authorities/ district councils, major industrial plants, D.O.C. and others with a need for environmental solutions and monitoring.”

There is ‘encouragement’ of a kind to create a swift and effective response with local authorities indicating maximum fines around the $200,000 mark for those not responding.

These are the conditions around rainfall and tides that will have to be complied with: “To reduce the pressure on the sanitary sewer during rain events, property owners will have to cease discharging if consistent and heavy rainfall of greater-than 5mm occurs in the previous 30 minutes, and only recommence one hour after cessation of heavy rainfall”.

Property owners will also have to monitor tides to ensure they stop discharging two hours before the peak of a high tide, greater than 3.2 metres, and recommence two hours after the peak of a high tide.

And there is notification that if there is an “adverse affect on the network within the catchment”, they may be required to reduce or cease the discharge to the sanitary sewer during other high tide events.

“That basically means that all affected property owners are going to have to have total and pretty much instantaneous

AUTOMATION control over every aspect of their waste disposal and be capable of monitoring tides and rainfall, as well as responding to spontaneous notifications,” he says.

“And they will have to maintain a log of periods when discharge has ceased and re-started relating to tidal and rain events as outlined above. The discharge records have to be sent into the local authorities monthly too.

“Property owners are also required to lodge a plan with local authorities on how they will ensure that the flow rate will not be exceeded and how the discharge will be maintained outside of high tides and rainfall events.

“To give your readers a feel for the quantum of water that is likely to be involved in a basement discharge from a foreshore building, over a 16 hour period, and allowing for high tides, this would be about 30 m3, or about 0.3 litres per second per sump,” Brockway says.

Obviously, there are other existing requirements, like the temperature of any discharge has to be below 40 degrees C (except for special permission) which has to be monitored to ensure compliance and reporting. In addition, there are required physical containment regulations, and traps along with screening and sediment separation, where physical labour rather than technology plays a part.

That’s the challenge. What is the solution likely to be?

Brockway again: “An integrated device into which you can download the tide table each year and a connected digital rain gauge which keeps you appraised of rainfall, with an alarm trigger to the mobile phones of the responsible employees, and also capable of storing that information for five years, and capable of generating a monthly report on Excel, CSV or a PDF, depending on requirements, would do the trick.

It’s basically a standalone device, but capable of being integrated with the building management system (BMS), if required. In addition, it would have a dial-in/dial-out capability to check whether the pumps are running at the correct

rate, or are off; and a capacity to monitor the waste storage levels.

“It will be a standalone PLC package with an integrated GSM communications card to handle the dial-in/dial-out function. It will be backed by tried-and-tested technology used to obtain critical measurements of water levels. Key aspects of the original “Panda” will be pulled in too.

“And, if you want the nitty-gritty, four analogue outputs; 10 digital inputs; and six relay outputs.”

According to the Singer automation boss, there are two options for the tide tables – using the Land Information ones which are prepared every year and have a three-year cycle or a remote gauge for “live” monitoring of the tide.

“The big plus is that property owners will now get accurate, real numbers, in place of the old method that was purely a calculation of what their likely output of waste had been.”

Does this mean that every home will shortly have a meter installed too?

“I don’t know about that in the short-term, but certainly every business will soon be required to record and report this information.

But, if you think of it, isn’t it better to have real data rather than cigarette box calculations?

Brockway says that the technology already exists to add wind direction and strengths to those calculations which could also be brought into play to inhibit pumping of trade wastes when all the elements are misaligned.

The challenge for Singer will be to ensure the software has the capability and the flexibility to last for up to 15 years and cope with all the changing situations and only require an annual monitoring and update service.

Final word from Brockway: “This is just another example of technology being environmentally-friendly.

Too often we as a large industrial electrical company get tagged with the label that our industry is a party to the destruction of the ‘environment’, because of the processes involved in producing some power.

“This is classic applied technol-

ogy to deliver massive improvements to our physical environment.

I predict that dairy farmers will soon be using it to help clean-up rivers and lakes, and thereby the sea. It will separate the good guys from the bad too.”

Rockwell Automation is another key contributor to sustainable water management as it recently demonstrated at an Australasian forum, the “Innovations for Smart, Safe, Sustainable Automation Solutions in the Water Industry” held in Adelaide.

Topics discussed were innovations for automation, information, power and safety solutions for the water industry.

A big talking point was the use of colour when used in human machine interface (HMI) for SCADA applications. However, for better response to emergency situations, a worldwide trend in HMI is to move away from colour.

John Karageorgos, Managving Director, Manta Controls discussed the latest trends in alarm design concepts that utilise a grey scale

with alarm symbols in different colours to be more easily recognisable to SCADA plant operators.

Also of interest were process control and reverse osmosis, minimising the effects of harmonics in variable speed drives, condition monitoring and network security.

Water filtration is an important part of processing wastewater for use in plant applications or irrigation.

Rockwell Automation presented its PlantPAx process control solution, to demonstrate how this can be implemented as a platform for reverse osmosis units which enable plants to process, recycle or filter water for various uses.

Greg Schultz, Rockwell Automation sales had the last word: “It is important for people in this industry to be proactive in their maintenance strategy and to look at communications protocols and open standards available in the market, and how to best apply them.”

(Previously marketed as Lenze)

Industrial clutches and brakes Intorq BFK458 The versatile modular system INTORQ BFK458 The BFK458 spring-operated brake is a modular design that offers versatility of flange or shaft mounting making it suitable for retrofit and new applications Features: - Braking torques: 2-600Nm - DC voltages: 24, 103, 180, 205 V - Preset air gap - Manual release devices for all

Following types available on indent: BFK458: Long Life Design - 1.5 - 32Nm BFK457: Simple Design - 0.12 - 125Nm BFK461: Sealed Design, IP65 - 4 - 235Nm BFK468: Multipole - 100 - 2400Nm BFEX58: Explosion Proof

TRANZ CORPORATION LTD

343 Church Street, Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand P.O.Box 12320 Telephone: 09 634 5511 Fax: 09 634 5518 website: www.tranzcorp.co.nz | email: sales@tranzcorp.co.nz

www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

9

AUTOMATION

Oriental Motor Company and John Brooks Ltd team up in New Zealand induction motors are available in 25W, 40W, 60W and 90W models.

is available off the shelf in New Zealand. The full motor range includes 1, 6, 15, 25, 40, 60 and 90 watt 230VAC single and three phase, with variable speed options. Inline and right angle gearheads mount to the motor with mounting bolts provided that offers a compact and cost efficient combination.

The FPW Series are geared motors which conform to the IEC standard IP67 (Recognized AC motors and gearheads. by UL). They are ideal for applications where they are splashed The K series AC motor and with water. These water tight modular gearbox combination John Brooks Ltd has recently been announced as Oriental Motor Company’s automation par tner in New Zealand.

Oriental Motor Company is a manufacturer of AC standard motors, speed control motors, brushless DC motors, stepping motors, controllers, linear and rotary actuators and fan motor products.

The range includes:

AC 5-phase RK stepping motor and control The RK Series incorporates new functions and state-of-thear t technologies to achieve the ultimate use of a control motor.

The series offers various types including the standard type, electromagnetic brake type, IP65 rated motor type and four geared types. Three frame sizes of 42 mm, 60 mm and 85 (90) mm are available.

The vibration common in most stepper motors is drastically reduced with the RK series vibration control circuitry.

EZS ll series linear slide The EZSll Series can perform positioning at high speeds, suppor ting large transpor table mass.

Maximum transpor table mass: horizontal 60 kg, ver tical 30 kg.

Maximum Speed: 800 mm/s.

The structure of this motorised linear slide has been optimised

to achieve greater convenience and performance in positioning applications. The compact design facilitates installation and wiring to the system.

NX series AC servo The NX series servo motors and control range in size from 50 watt to 750watt, with four controls modes - speed, torque, position and tension.

Smooth operation can be achieved for high iner tia applications that are up to 50 times of the rotor iner tia, no vibration occurs for belt and pulley applications and the control can be tuned by potentiometers and rotary switches when desired.

For catalogues and design assistance contact your John Brooks Ltd Branch.

Go to www. electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110910

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SmartWire DT from BREMCA a revolutionary automation solution.

Conventional wiring of control circuit devices involves a lot of effort and expense – every contact or indicator light is wired individually and separately connected to the input/output modules of PLCs. This requires a lot of time and has the potential for many wiring faults. SmartWire-DT is simply ingenious – the flat green cable connects control circuit devices

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with just a click. This saves time and reduces the sources of error.

The new SmartWire-DT connection technology can be used in different industrial and building automation application fields, whether as a solution in the control panel, in the peripherals directly on the machine or in purpose-build buildings.

SmartWire-DT works with

September/October 2011

Moeller industrial switchgear components such as motor circuit breakers, contactors, pushbuttons and moulded case circuit breakers.

This means inexpensive solutions offering one system for all motors up to 1600 A. Setup and commissioning is simple, device modules are simply addressed at the press of a button, no specialist knowledge required.

Operation is easy and quick. The principle of Plug & Work means there is no need for troubleshooting because the system does not allow any wiring faults. SWD Assist – a clever and intuitive design software to assist with engineering and component selection.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110910a

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ENErgy EffICIENCy

Energy efficient lighting: all the why’s and getting the wherefore halide floodlighting on the upper Sky Tower replaced with a remote controlled LED system In just two years, 4.5 kWh was saved.The upgrading from halogen to CFL continues to save around 80-percent in energy, while 4,750 light tubes in the main car park only needed to be replaced by 3,000, which still resulted in an improved light quality and a 50-percent energy saving.

The switch to LED technology reduced the Sky Tower’s energy consumption by 66-percent, with greater convenience and reduced maintenance.

Auckland International Airport competitiveness lighting and it takes an estimated 2.65 Until recently, according to the were early adopters and in 2009, • Reduce greenhouse gas million tonnes of greenhouse gas Energy Efficiency and Conservation inspired by their success with Pier emissions emissions to keep the lights on.

Authority (EECA), it was quite easy B, were keen to see what could be • Enhance your company brand “Many New Zealand businesses to give energy management a low done with its original terminal buildand reputation are now starting to see energy as a priority, since most types of energy ing, Pier A, which had been identified The EECA “poster projects” variable input cost they can control, had been relatively cheap in New as a significant contributor to overall include a $1.3 million investment in rather than an overhead they are Zealand.

SKYCITY Auckland’s Energy-Efficient energy use. stuck with; given a company can That’s all changed as prices have The airport’s sustainability adviser, Lighting Project, with an expected easily save up to 10-percent of its gone stratospheric, for reasons best-known to the local and interna- energy costs by implementing simple, payback in just over three years and Martin Fryer, approached EECA for Auckland Airport’s new international advice on how to go about applying low-cost or no-cost measures. tional power and oil industry, while what they’d learned from Pier B to passenger terminal which was one “You could save as much as simultaneously an increasing number Pier A. EECA recommended the of customers now demand products 30-percent by introducing an energy of the first buildings in New Zealand to receive world-recognised company employ an auditor to management programme too,” says with a lower carbon footprint. help identify improvements which accreditation for its sustainable and This has presented a need and an Stuart Ross, EECA’s Programme energy-efficient design. Its success has would provide the best return on opportunity for EECA to drive home Manager, Lighting. investment. inspired a formal energy manage“Successful businesses focus on the message that more efficient use The energy audit identified that improving productivity and reducing ment programme across the entire of energy is better business; better heating, ventilation and air conditioninternational terminal complex, waste - in other words, they do for the environment; and better for ing (HVAC) accounted for more more with fewer resources. Efficient which is already delivering results. everybody’s back-pocket – be that than 30-percent of the energy bill for SKYCITY received the Qualmark use of energy is a key part of that individual, company, or country. the building complex.

Enviro-Gold accreditation for process.

They have been successful at A range of recommendations, upgrading all hotel corridor and lift making people realise that opting for categorised by capital expenditure lobby lights from halogen to CFL; By becoming more energy energy-efficiency is commonsense against how long before the lighting in main car park lifts, lift efficient you can: too. airport would see a return on their lobbies and car park area upgraded • Reduce costs Each year New Zealand spends investment followed - payback within to efficient T8 luminaires; the metal • Increase productivity and about $660 million on electricity for

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September/October 2011

Energy Efficiency two years.

So just how does the EECA audit and works process for commercial buildings take place?

“Audit and works projects involve auditing the electricity consumption of your site or building, discussing the audit outcomes, and agreeing a project to implement some or all of the recommended measures,” says Ross.

EECA offers financial assistance to part-fund audit and electricity savings measures that may not otherwise be implemented.

Who is eligible?

Audit and works projects are targeted to any type and size of commercial buildings or sites.

“Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, according to investment criteria which focus on achieving electricity savings at less than the long-run marginal cost of new generation.”

The audit and works projects follow these steps: • Assessment: Of the building or site’s electricity performance • Audit: A site survey identifies energy saving opportunities and

an engineering review addresses work needed. A report is generally prepared providing a business case, recommendations and costs.

• Funding application:You may qualify for financial assistance for the audit and works costs.

• Implementation: Putting the report’s recommendations into effect.

• Monitoring and verification:The monitoring phase post-implementation to record and report electricity savings.

ties, financial information and an assessment of any financial barriers that are preventing your business from carrying out the recommendaAnd finally, the Big One, how tions,” Ross says.

Programme partners are available to apply?

“Contact one of our ‘programme on the EECA website. In addition partners’, companies which have met to Audit and Works, EECA overs our criteria to participate, to find out “Continuous Commissioning” and “Monitoring and Targeting” if your business qualifies for financial programmes. assistance.They’ll guide you through Under “Audit and Works” funding the process and give us the information we need to make a decision on is available up to 40-percent of the cost of the audit and electricyour application. ity savings measures that may not “Programme partners need otherwise be implemented. to be able to identify a level of With the “Continuous Commisguaranteed electricity savings from sioning” option, up to 50-percent of your project, and the funding needs to be repaid on a pro-rata basis if the the Building Management System savings aren’t achieved.This generally reviews cost is available, on the includes details of savings opportuni- proviso that the customer agrees

to implement the recommended efficiency measures to achieve the guaranteed savings.

“Monitoring and Targeting” delivers up to 50-percent of the monitoring and targeting initial set-up and ongoing reviews cost, with the proviso that the customer agrees to implement the recommended efficiency measures to achieve the guaranteed savings.

EECA offers a plethora of programmes and options.Their website will swiftly match you to your situation or guide you to a potential business opportunity.

www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

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ENErgy EffICIENCy

Auckland Council LED lighting and controls trial delivers major savings

There has been much activity in recent times with various New Zealand local councils exploring new road lighting efficiency concepts to identify energy, environmental and financial savings opportunities.

The Electricity Commission “Right Light” Efficient Road Lighting Programme last year promoted processes and guidelines to encourage the undertaking of council road lighting technology trials and assessments.

Damon Birchfield, energy efficiency and environment officer at the (then) Rodney District Council was a participant in the EC training workshops and wished to progress the opportunity within the Rodney District with a well researched and rigorous road lighting efficiency study.

This has resulted in the Auckland Council road lighting technology trial at West Hoe Road, just off State Highway 17 Orewa, north of Auckland. This trial deploys best practice LED road lighting fittings with advanced electronic control and dimming systems.

LED light fittings that have the high light output required to illuminate busy roads to the required NZ Standards Compli-

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ance levels have only recently become available.

Modus Lighting Ltd was the equipment supplier, IT designer and systems integrator for the project.

A significant part of this trial was to evaluate the practicalities of adaptive lighting for NZ roading conditions, as a means of achieving operational savings. Adaptive lighting is the selective adjustment (up or down) of lighting levels during different stages of the nightly period in accordance with the exact needs of the prevailing traffic and pedestrian activity levels.

The trial road experiences highly variable traffic flows, with heavy levels of activity at peak rush-hour times and extremely low activity in the early hours of the morning.

The new lighting equipment on trial delivers full light output at high activity periods, is dimmed by 50 percent at shoulder periods and is dimmed by 75 percent at low activity periods. Care was taken to ensure that measured traffic movement data was used to link dimming periods with the relevant Standards lighting category and corresponding light level.

The trial employs Philips SpeedStar LED light fittings combined

September/October 2011

with Philips advanced electronic light level dimming and control to adjust the light output to deliver the exact amount of light required for the conditions, thus minimising waste light and waste energy.

The trial report includes comparative systems-based evaluation of the whole-of-life effects of the LED lighting system with adaptive lighting.

The new LED and control approach is performance benchmarked against a) Currently used orange light technology (non glare-controlled, High Pressure Sodium). b) Traditional white light technology (glare-controlled, Ceramic Metal Halide). ie like-for-like.

The results of the whole-of-life assessment over a 30 year period are – a) Energy saving (kWh) vs currently installed orange light technology = 54 percent saving. b) Energy saving (kWh) vs traditional white light technology = 73 percent saving.

The trial report lists the full whole-of-life economic, energy, carbon (CO2e) and lamp mercury waste impacts compared to traditional approaches. The carbon emission savings are of a

similar level to the energy savings and lamp mercury waste impacts are reduced to zero.

All of the improvements are attainable at a lower whole-oflife financial cost than that of traditional High Pressure Sodium or Metal halide technologies of an equivalent quality level.

Along with the quantitative analysis, the report assesses before/after reactions from the trial site residents by means of structured questionnaires.

Feedback includes; the levels of satisfaction with the established HPS orange light system and the comparative user impressions of the new LED white light system.

The resident surveys focused on driver and pedestrian user satisfaction and perceptions of safety. The resident responses to the LED white light with high colour rendering performance were almost entirely positive.

The “after” resident survey did not divulge to the respondents that the new LED lighting was being dimmed at various stages over the nightly period. Despite this fact, more than 95% of residents stated that they “felt safer with the new lights at any time” (of the night).

It can be thus inferred that, in considered applications, council initiatives to generate savings by light level dimming during off-peak/ low use activity periods are not likely to experience adverse user reaction.

It is hoped that the Orewa technology trial programme will be used as a reference resource for other New Zealand councils and Road Controlling Authorities to assist with their own investigations of improved road lighting performance options and savings possibilities.

ENClOSUrES

New versions added to Hammond hand-held enclosure range Hammond Manufacturing has added the AA, the A and C sizes to its 1553 family of soft-sided hand held enclosures; all models feature an ergonomic curved shape that fits comfor tably into the hand.

The AA measures 75 x 50 x 17mm, the A 100 x 61 x 17mm and the C size, available with or without a battery compar tment is 117 x 79 x 33mm. The C size is a deeper version of the existing B size, which has a depth of 24mm.

Available in RAL 7035 light grey or RAL 9011 black, both colours feature RAL 7012 grey over-moulded soft side grips. The units are moulded in general purpose ABS and are ideal for housing small hand-held instruments, remote controllers, flying

lead machine controllers and many other applications where a small stylish, easy to hold enclosure is required. The top cover is recessed to allow a membrane keypad to be flush mounted and PCB standoffs are moulded into the base. Battery versions are supplied with clips for two AA and one PP3 batteries.

All 1553 enclosures can be supplied factory modified with machining and silk screening to the user’s specification; to help the design process, AutoCAD and PDF dimensioned drawings can be downloaded from www.hammondmfg.com.

Go to www.electricaltechnology. co.nz/enquiry quote: E110916

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Bremca 250 series switchboard enclosure system From modest beginnings back in 1972, Bremca has grown to become the largest New Zealand company of its type, specialising in the design and manufacture of switchboards, switchgear and automation solutions.

Its national and international distribution of switchgear and associated componentry has positioned Bremca as a recognised leader in the electrical industry.

Bremca has a truly national presence with operations in Christchurch, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Mosgiel and Invercargill as well as Sydney, Australia.

The innovative Bremca 250 series switchboard enclosure system is used extensively throughout New Zealand. The system forms the basis of the majority of switchboards manufactured by Bremca and is very much a preferred option by other switchboard manufacturers.

A fully patented off the shelf solution

that is fast, simple and versatile. Dimensioned in increments of 250mm it can be constructed to vir tually any ver tical or horizontal design.

The construction is strong and robust, being manufactured from powder coated zintex steel.

The simplicity of the system provides flexibility for those last minute design changes and is incredibly cost affective.

The Bremca 250 series switchboard enclosure system features a comprehensive and unique range of accessories and mounting hardware. The system includes a 65kA arc fault containment solution and has an indoor IP rating of IP54.

Go to www.electricaltechnology. co.nz/enquiry quote: E110915

•

www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

15

ENClOSUrES

Company profile: Thompson Hutton Electrical

Thirty two years ago Barry Thompson had an idea. Working as an electrician at the time, he wanted something that would give him something to do in the down times that would bring in some income, so he started manufacturing electrical enclosures in a range of sizes.

Today that small sideline he started to add an extra income stream is a household name in the field of enclosures and Thompson Hutton Electrical manufactures a wide range of stainless steel enclosures for all sorts of applications.

“I was an electrician and basically just did maintenance work,” says Barry. “You’re busy today and quiet tomorrow, so it was a source of continuity of work - when I was quiet, I could make a few cabinets and stick them on the shelf.

“It gradually built up to where it became 50 percent of my business and eventually I gave the electrical side of it away and concentrated on the manufacturing.”

Originally making painted steel enclosures, Barry soon saw an increasing need for enclosures manufactured from stainless steel, so started moving in that direction.

“When I first started out I was

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making painted cabinets, but I saw the demand for stainless and switched to that.

“In the early days some of the big industries were going to great expense to get things specially painted or specially galvanised NZ Steel at Glenbrook used to spend a lot of money getting a painted cabinet, with about three or four coats of paint on, and then put a stainless door on it - and that extra cost of getting something made then galvanised made our stainless steel product very favourable in price.”

Two of the big advantages of local manufacturing soon became apparent to Barry – the flexibility to adapt to the customers needs and – by stocking a range of set sizes – offering quick service for his increasing number of customers.

“We found that manufacturing here was the way to go. I made a standard range of cabinets which were available off the shelf. At that particular time cabinets were basically only made as a one-off by sheet metal workers.

“People wanted service. They didn’t want to wait two weeks for their cabinet, so I started making and stocking set sizes. They could

September/October 2011

meter boxes. They build a nice new house and have got this ugly meter box, so they are wanting them in stainless steel. We polish all our enclosures, so they are attractive and nicely finished.

“Some businesses also want something like this that they can lock for storing keys and other things. Then we have also had requests to cut slots in them so they can use them as letter boxes!

“We have had a few people use them with solar set ups to store the batteries in, because if you use mild steel it starts corroding.”

So not just electrics and pneumatics – the traditional uses for such enclosures – but an ever-increasing range of uses for Thompson Hutton’s stainless steel enclosures.

“We only use stainless steel,” says Ocean. walk in and say ‘I want that’ and “The standard range is made walk back out the door with their from 304 stainless steel, but cabinet the same day.

“You could probably cater to 90 we can also do specials out of marine-grade 316 stainless steel percent of peoples requirements for certain applications, such as from off the shelf.” harsh environments and corrosive In more recent times an atmospheres.” increasing number of imported The flexibility of local manufacenclosures have come on to the market, but Barry says that the big- ture is also driven home by the turn around for custom enclosures gest advantage Thompson Hutton have over the imported enclosures built by Thompson Hutton.

“It depends on how many the comes back to the flexibility that local manufacture allows to exactly customer wants, but if it was just a single cabinet we would say three match the customer’s needs. days,” says Ocean. . Quick, flexible “There’s a lot of flexibility in and stocking a large range of sizes and shapes. We have good standard enclosures, it’s no wonder stocks of our regular off-the-shelf sizes then we can customise them that Thompson Hutton has become a fixture in the electrical to the customer’s requirements. industry. It is fitting then that the Or build one completely to their man who started it all, Barry specifications. It’s like a one-stopThompson, have the last word. shop.”

“It’s a very established business, Four years ago Barry decided with over thirty years making these it was time to retire and sold the products. And we’ve made a lot business to its current owners, of them! We have a large clientele, Godfrey Gambiza and Ocean many of them going back to the Chitekwe. early days. It goes back a long Ocean is quick to reinforce way - it isn’t like here today, gone Barry’s assertions regarding Thompson Hutton’s flexibility, citing tomorrow.” a few examples of recent work.

“Recently we have had a number of requests from customers for

www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

17

SINgEr

Singer seals another global partnership deal

From left: Kevin Thomas: Geoff Emson, regional manager, Singer; Rob Stirling; Ranjan Misra, national technical manager, Philips; Chris Morris.

The Singer group, fresh from striking partnership arrangements with two of the three global electrical industry giants – Siemens and Schneider Electrical – is looking to Philips and Rexel SA of France, via its New Zealand affiliate, Ideal Electrical, to make lighting efficiency more readily accessible to New Zealanders.

And EECA has welcomed the partnership as giving a further boost to its efforts to get New Zealand moving down the path of common and financial sense – installing energy-efficient lighting.

Stuart Ross, programme manager, EECA Lighting, described the combined effort as “supportive and fantastic”, in that it would give further impetus to their successful educational and motivational programme.

“EECA has created the awareness in the market and supported the move to energy-efficient lighting, with our own initiative providing a 40-percent financial package, subject to certain criteria, so that New Zealanders can experience the benefits first-hand.

“Ultimately, in practical terms, a sustainable company is one which is going to continue to operate.

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Therefore it attracts and keeps the right employees and customers; and other businesses will want to deal with it, because it is going to be around. The cost efficiencies derived from energy-efficiency contribute substantially to that desirable reality,” Ross says.

He appreciated that in some business cases, where energy savings might be relatively minor, it would not be an immediate priority. But that would change. And this SingerIdeal-Philips partnership would accelerate further New Zealand’s move to energy-and-cost-efficiency, particularly in the wasteful lighting sector.

Rob Stirling, Singer’s business development manager, commercial, in confirming the three-way partnership, said it was a marriage of strengths to provide a powerful solution, which would deliver the best possible results in terms of the latest in energy-efficient technology; supplied by one of the world’s leading distributors, with all the cost-savings that would ensure; and Singer’s ability to adapt and install to meet New Zealand conditions.

“We will be assessing projects in terms of meeting the EECA criteria for obtaining their 40 percent

September/October 2011

subsidy, and calculating the savings offset against the total cost of ownership, over two-three years. Where projects might not quite measure up to EECA’s requirements, we will do the sums and come to an arrangement to provide, what will effectively be, bridging finance, through our combined financial muscle.

“With energy costs going through the roof, for reasons which only the power companies seem to understand, we believe that the commercial sector of the industry needs to do something positive for the Kiwi consumer. And this is the way to do it,” says Stirling, who has led Singer’s involvement in, amongst others, replacing SKYCITY’s massive $1.3-mil energy-efficient lighting swap out with 4.5 million kWh saved in just two years of a just over three-year payback – still the leading project so far – the former ARC building, as well as a hospital and the University of Waikato, in Hamilton.

Singer has also developed an energy-efficient solution for lighting fire-escapes – one of the biggest wastes of power in any building.

“The latest EECA market research shows business attitudes

to energy-efficiency have hardened from October 2009 to December 2010. Over this period ‘rejectors’ of the energy-efficiency message have doubled from 20 to almost 40-percent, and those considered ‘ambivalent’ and ‘open’ have dropped in numbers. With the exception of those already committed to energy management, it is not seen as a high priority.

“Especially the perceived high cost of energy-efficiency technologies represents a barrier to investment, resulting in low-cost opportunities not being implemented -- even when they have a payback period of less than two years.

“It’s clear the current financial situation is strongly influencing business to focus on survival and that inevitably means a short-term focus on cost-cutting. We believe something or ‘some-three companies’ have to give to break the logjam,” he says.

Singer CEO, Jeff Mclaren believes that the impetus this partnership could bring to the stagnant, “waitand-see” commercial and industrial property sector will quickly attract the lending market which does not appear to be aware of the potential of these opportunities.

“We only have to look at what has happened in the motor vehicle market in a very short time. The gas-guzzlers have been dumped, virtually given away, so their previous owners can get into smarter fuel-efficient transport and stop wasting money and polluting the place.

“The change has to and will take place. Once we have done a number of deals and built up a substantial ‘book’ we will have those reputable finance companies, the ones which survived the cleanout in that industry, banging on our doors to have a piece of the action.

“I cannot speak for our partners, but Singer will certainly not want to be in the financing game for any longer than we have to. We are showing that we believe so strongly in this opportunity that we are prepared to put our money where our mouths are, and nothing less.

SINGER “There is a good business niche here for those professionals who can see it. We are experts in our field, but want to get on with what we do best, as New Zealand’s top industrial electrical company, delivering powerful solutions through our collective applications of skills and knowledge.”

Chris Morris, national projects manager for Philips in New Zealand is equally enthusiastic.

“As an EECA partner, we are already very much committed to promoting and now facilitating the use of the most appropriate energy-efficient lighting for as many New Zealanders as possible. And we have a longestablished record of working with companies like Singer and Ideal to familiarise them with the developments in our field, particularly within the fast-moving digital and LED field.

“This three-way partnership ties it all together, to ensure the very best possible outcome.

“Now it comes down to the fact that the sooner business consumers adopt modern, energy-efficient lighting, the sooner they will start saving – and the country will too. That’s why we are prepared to step-up financially, where needed, and ensure that local business and industry get moving, with the correct advice and the most efficient tailored solution for their lighting needs -- and their backpockets.

“What is encouraging is that there is an appreciation that this needs to happen and our joint, creative solution is the way to go.

The sheer business sense of the bottom-line effect, now backed by flexible financial and movable payback times is already breaking through,” says Morris.

Kevin Thomas, currently national sales manager for Ideal Electrical, is stepping across from his current duties to manage the Ideal/ Rexel Lighting involvement, backed by a team of 20 specialists, and the company’s 70+ branches nationwide. The three head offices

of the partners are tightly clustered around Spaghetti Junction in Auckland, which they believe will make for good communications.

“With outlets strategically located throughout New Zealand and supported by industry-specific supply hubs, Ideal Electrical has the supply network, technical expertise with more than 80 qualified electricians and company resources to be everywhere we could be needed: when we are needed, and with the right gear,” Thomas says.

“We understand that industry today demands a total 24/7 commitment from supply partners – and that will be especially so in this partnership -- to react to and meet any contingency in the field. That’s all part of our recognised ‘can-do’ attitude we have built up over the years.

“Our new parent company, RexelSA of France, which has incorporated the old GEC company and has more than doubled in size in just four years, is a 12-billion, international power-house, which New Zealanders have recently become aware of via its stake in Ideal Electrical. If you need a quick indication of its commitment, to energy-efficiency generally, take a look at their website: www.energyefficiency.com . Some 40-percent of its sales last year were in renewable energy products,” says Thomas, who is totally confident that partnership will prove a winner.

Rexel operates in 36 countries with 2,200 branches, a distribution network of more than 40 banners and 28,000 employees.

Some 40-percent of the products it carries are It is the number one electrical products distributor in North America and Asia-Pacific and number 2 in Europe and is said to be “the preferred partner of all professionals in the electrical chain from electricians to key industrial accounts and equipment manufacturers”.

EECA’s energy-efficient goal for New Zealand lighting usage Each year New Zealand spends about $660 million on electricity for lighting and it takes an estimated 2.65 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions to keep the lights on. EECA’s efficient lighting programme aims to help change this by encouraging people to choose more efficient lighting options - at home and at work.

Work in this area was supported by the

Efficient Lighting Group - a partnership between the Electricity Commission, EECA and the Lighting Council of New Zealand.

The Group comprised of representatives from the partner organisations as well as those from the Department of Building and Housing and other lighting industry representatives.

www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

19

HAzArdOUS ArEAS

New Zealand’s hazardous areas fixer has concerns about spray booths plus the fire, security and printing industries

Terry Clarkson

Mention hazardous areas and all eyes turn to Terry Clarkson, the epitome of professionalism and modesty. He’d hate being compared to being our local equivalent of Red Adair, best remembered for his role as fixer of the burning oil wells left in Kuwait by the retreating Saddam Hussein.

His response would be that as long as you have only people qualified in the specific areas they are competent to be in, there shouldn’t be any problems.That’s the major cause of any problem.

But that’s his modesty talking, because when Electrical Technology caught up with him he’d just come

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back from a relaxing-but-thrilling African safari, which included riding an elephant, seeing all the “cats” , flying through the Victoria Falls in a helicopter and being very close to an SUV being rammed by a rhinoceros.

You have to suppose it is all relative when compared to his day job!

Clarkson is one of the country’s few Competent Hazardous Area Inspectors, as well as being on the AU/NZS standards committee for Hazardous Areas.This enables the company he founded in 1997 (after beginning his electrical career in 1963), Clarkson Electrical, to provide a full appraisal of any electrical

September/October 2011

installation and its compliance with hazardous area standards – 24/7 if it’s an emergency.

He prefers to talk about the company he has now grown to a head office in Auckland and branches in Wellington and Christchurch (they’ve had to move to Riccarton) than himself.

“We have considerable experience on projects in hazardous areas.

Recent accidents highlight the risks companies take in storing hazardous or highly flammable materials, including printing inks, thinners, paints, chemicals, petroleum, LPG and CNG.” He hastens to add that the oil and chemical companies, in particular, are deeply schooled in being responsible custodians of their products, although the printing and the fire and security companies tend to be far too casual with compliance regulations – often making their own assumptions on what meets requirements and what doesn’t.

“Businesses using or storing volatile or inflammable materials (such as printing inks, thinners, paints, chemicals, petrol, gas) need to ensure that electrical design installations and maintenance comply with hazardous area standards and practices.

“Non-compliance can expose a business and its owners to claims under the Occupational Health & Safety Act. Before it gets that far, call us and we can provide a full appraisal of any electrical installation

and ensure its compliance with hazardous area standards.

“Obviously, non-compliance poses enormous safety risks and financial claims against business owners under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and/or with individual insurers. It is very important to have your building or site audited and to make changes to ensure compliance in the hazardous area,” he says.

Clarkson Electrical has and in many cases continues to work with many household names including Air New Zealand, Mobil Oil, Contact Energy, Gull Petroleum, Auckland Airport, and New Zealand Steel, a list sufficiently wide-ranging to reassure anyone that their delivery on reducing risk and ensuring compliance is first-rate.

“All our staff are trained in the AS/NZS 476.1.2008 competencies and are well-versed in the AS/ NZS 60079 set of standards for hazardous areas.”

Key services provided by Clarkson Electrical include: - Hazardous site audit - Design services - Appraisal of electrical installation - Compliance with hazardous area standards - Hazardous inspections - Hazardous area four yearly re-inspections When Terry founded Clarkson Electrical, one of his major reasons was his passion for customers and the ethos of running a family business, which that cares about its

HAzArdOUS ArEAS people and customers. He maintains those values are still core to the business today.

Since his son, David was promoted to GM,Terry has become the “technical expert” in the business, with an open door policy for staff and Clarkson Electrical customers.

It goes without saying that in an illustrious career, he has been involved in the full range of positions from registered electrician to chief electrician; branch manager to GM and, of course, owner/manager.

According to those in the know, in the industry, his breadth of knowledge is vast and he has expertise in a wide range of applications from domestic, industrial and commercial too.

“Since 1984 when I was granted registration as an Electrical Inspector, I have become a specialist in the hazardous areas.You could say I built up the business with a substantial amount of work for Mobil Oil, Gull Petroleum, Auckland Airport and New Zealand Steel, who have all been great to work with.”

He is a member of the Electrical Safety Organisation Inc and Institute of Electricians and has been Auckland President for the Electrical Contractors Association. And you won’t be disappointed to hear that his interests are rugby, family and Triumph Spitfires, as well as being a Rotarian in high-standing.

Having seen it all and done it all, what changes is he seeing which might encourage or alarm him?

“Spray booths. It’s reached a stage where I won’t go in and inspect them anymore. It’s a major problem.

All hazardous areas have to be reinspected and signed-off every four years by a competent hazardous area inspector. And the test certifiers are meant to look for that certificate of re-inspection.

“And a lot of the spray booths won’t have it.They just don’t bother with them.They’re probably just looking away.This is a major concern, with many non-compliant spray booths, which the MTA doesn’t seem to want to address,” Clarkson says.

“Dangerous goods stores, involving paint, glue, carpet glue, stored in hazardous areas, can all get pretty messy. Most of the fuel companies

understand and have addressed it, and that’s fine. But it’s the others who have dangerous goods stores or a working environment where they may be transferring a hazardous, volatile substance, like printing ink, where problems can occur.

“The printing industry is another which is lagging behind in being compliant in terms of hazardous areas.That’s not all of them because some have changed to water-based inks, but others still use the turpsand meths-based, highly-volatile, printing inks.”

According to Clarkson, the correct term to be used is now “explosive atmospheres” – including gas, vapours and dust, which covers everything from milk powder, granulated seeds, bread (with wheat), sawdust and on through coal dust to aluminium filings (“metal shops can be quite hazardous in that”).

“We’ve had massive changes, because we now have joint standards in place. We’ve copied and incorporated the IEC standards, making for big changes for all of us.

“The other area of concern still is the fire industry and the security industry,” he says.

“There are so many cases of their putting normally-rated equipment into a hazardous area, because they don’t know what it is. And because it is extra-low voltage, they think it is safe.

“It’s actually a minefield out there,” he says.

And, in the next breath, his mood is upbeat again as he shares, that Clarkson Electrical has just been audited to its ACC triple level again; which is hardly surprising since their “number one priority has been safety, from the outset”.

Their H & S policy is a simple but effective one: “Nobody Gets Hurt”, and comply with the internationally recognised Loss Prevention System (LPS).

Final word from Clarkson: “I’d like to think we’d be recognised as having the best safety awareness and record of any electrical company in New Zealand.”

You have to doubt anyone would challenge that.

Committing to the future

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With a rotatable display, you can see into any corner: The new testo 876.

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With the new thermal imagers from Testo, you are on the safe side when measuring: Thanks to sharp focus images and the 32° lens, you no longer ever miss a detail. In addition to the intuitive menu structure, you can also rely on a fast and comprehensive analysis of your image data – thus saving money in the long term. The new thermal imagers testo 876 and testo 882: See more and have more security and flexibility when thermographing!

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21

HAzArdOUS ArEAS

Help develop standards for electrical equipment in hazardous areas AS/NZS 60079-13 Ed 1 Explosive atmospheres – Protection by pressurized room “p” AS/NZS 60079-19 Ed 3 Explosive atmospheres – Equipment repair, overhaul and reclamation AS/NZS 60079-29-1 Ed. 2.0 Explosive atmospheres – Gas detectors – Performance requirements of detectors for flammable gases AS/NZS 60079-29-3 Ed 1 Explosive atmospheres – Gas detectors – requirements on functional safety of Fixed gas detection systems AS/NZS 60079-33 Ed 1 Explosive atmospheres – Equipment protection by special protection “s” AS/NZS 60079.15 Explosive atmospheres -Construction, test and marking of type of protection “n” electrical apparatus AS/NZS 60079.2 Explosive atmospheres Equipment protection by pressurized enclosures “p” AS/NZS 60079.26 Explosive atmospheres – Equipment with equipment protection level (EPL) EL-014 Projects AS/NZS 1915 Electrical equipment for explosive “Ga” AS/NZS 60079.29.2 Explosive atmospheres atmospheres – Battery-operated vehicles – Gas detectors – Selection, installation, use and AS/NZS 2229 Fuel dispensing equipment for maintenance of detectors for flammable gases and explosive atmospheres oxygen AS NZS 4114.1 Spray painting booths, AS/NZS 60079.5 Explosive atmospheres – designated spray painting areas and paint mixing Equipment protection by powder filling “q” rooms – Design, construction and testing AS/NZS 60079.6 Explosive atmospheres – AS NZS 4114.2 Spray painting booths, Equipment protection by oil immersion “o” designated spray painting areas and paint mixing AS/NZS 60079.7 Explosive atmospheres – rooms – Installation and maintenance AS NZS 60079.20 Explosive gas atmospheres – Equipment protection by increased safety “e” AS/NZS 80079-34 Ed 1 Explosive atmospheres Data for flammable gases and vapours, relating to – Application of quality systems for electrical and the use of apparatus AS/NZS 60079-0 ED 3.0 Interpretation sheet 1 non electrical equipment AS/NZS 60079.10-2 Explosive atmospheres – Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres – Classification of areas – Combustible dust - General requirements atmospheres AS/NZS 60079-0 Ed 6 Electrical apparatus for AS/NZS 60079.11 Explosive atmospheres – explosive gas atmospheres – General requirements Joint Australian/New Zealand Standards for electrical equipment in hazardous areas and in mines are developed by the EL-014 and EL-023 committees. New Zealand is represented on both committees but is interested in attracting additional members to participate on the 28 sub-committees which are responsible for individual Standards or groups of like Standards. These committees also contribute to IEC technical work and a large percentage of joint Australian/New Zealand Standards are based on these IEC Standards.

If you are interested in contributing to the development of any of these Standards please contact John Kelly at Standards New Zealand on (04) 495 0923 or by email john.kelly@standards.co.nz.

The current projects for the EL-014 and EL-023 committees are as follows:

Equipment protection by intrinsic safety “i” AS/NZS 60079.14 Explosive atmospheres – Electrical installations design, selection and erection AS/NZS 60079.31 Explosive atmospheres – Equipment dust ignition protection by enclosure “t” EL-023 Projects AS/NZS 2081 Electrical equipment for mines and quarries – Electrical protection devices Part 1: General requirements AS/NZS 2290.1 Electrical equipment for coal mines – Introduction and maintenance – For hazardous areas AS/NZS 3007 Electrical installations – Surface mines and associated processing plant – Scope and definitions AS/NZS 3800 Electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres – Repair and overhaul AS/NZS 4240.3 Standards for Mining Electrical Equipment including hazardous areas equipment.

AS/NZS 4871.1 Electrical equipment for mines and quarries – General requirements AS/NZS 4871.7 Earth-moving machinery and ancillary equipment for use in mines – Electrical wiring systems at extra-low voltage AS/NZS 4871.6 Electrical equipment for coal mines, for use underground – Diesel powered machinery and ancillary equipment AS/NZS 60079.35.1 Caplights for use in mines susceptible to firedamp – Part 1: General requirements - Construction and testing in relation to the risk of explosion AS/NZS 62013.2 Caplights for use in mines susceptible to firedamp – Part 2: Performance and other safety-related matters

Upcoming qualification for people working in explosive atmospheres ETITO’s new Electrical Apparatus in Explosive Atmospheres qualification is now registered with NZQA and the training package is expected to become available in early 2012.

The qualification has been developed through consultation with industry and is based on AS/NZS4761 Competencies for working with electrical equipment for hazardous areas (EEHA): Part 1: Competency standards.

The qualification incorporates a great

22

September/October 2011

degree of flexibility that recognises the varied environments practitioners work in. There are a number of different unit standards available covering a wide range of work from installation, maintenance and testing, to verifying compliance of cabling for underground mines.

Registered tradespeople who have been working in this space will be able to achieve parts of the qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning, which matches previous training

and experience with the unit standards in the qualification.

You can view full details of the unit standards and the qualification on ETITO’s website at www.etito.co.nz/hazardous-areas-unitstandards/. To find out more contact Tracey Cooke, ETITO Qualifications Advisor on 09 583 1391 or traceyc@etito.co.nz.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Protection against lightning strikes Lightning is a common cause of damage to electrical equipment.

A damaging surge can occur from lightning that strikes a long distance from the system, but most lightning damage is preventable.

The massive amount of current in a typical lightning strike has a large magnetic field that can get into low voltage circuits. The voltage rise at the strike point can be several hundreds of thousands of volts higher than “remote earth” causing current to flow in nearby circuits in an effor t to equalise

voltages. A strike to a distant power line or phone line can cause a voltage transient surge that enters your building, thus damaging equipment.

This is why you must include an external lightning protection system and protection against indirect strikes.

Installing structural protection to reduce the risk of damage or fire to a building is of little value if surge protection is not installed as well. Chances of a nearby lightning strike entering the build-

ing via an unprotected electrical service and damaging equipment or causing an electrical fire are higher than the risk of a direct strike.

Lightning arrestors and surge protectors, which function in conjunction with effective grounding, are designed to protect vital and valuable electronic equipment by absorbing electrical surges or electrical spikes, and allowing the surge to bypass power wiring and your equipment. Surge protectors should be installed at both

ends of any long wire run that is connected to any par t of your system.

Any electrical circuits that are vulnerable to surges should be protected. SPD installations include, but are not limited to, renewable energy systems, whole house protection, pump circuits, load centres, service panels and a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.

MidNite SPD from Independent Power The MidNite SPD is a welcome replacement for less sophisticated arrestors that have been the mainstay of the industry for many years.

Engineered for both AC and DC electric systems, it provides protection to switch boards, circuit breaker panels or where the SPD is directly connected to the electronic device requiring protection.

The SPD is offered in three different voltages to maximise the protection level. Three models are available to cover a wide range of AC and DC voltages, MNSPD115, MNSPD300, and MNSPD600.

The SPDs are rated for indoor or outdoor installation. Protection is achieved by reducing the clamping voltage to a safe level that your system can sustain without damaging any electronics in said system.

While DIN rail mount SPDs are much better at clamping surges to a safe voltage level that previously available lightning arrestors, they are physically small and typically can only provide 1/8th the protection of the MidNite product.

When exposed to transients above their capability, permanent damage occurs to any SPD. DIN rail SPDs are always mounted inside of a box. When the DIN rail SPD fails from a near lightning strike, it just quits working - and

protecting.

Since it is locked away inside a box, you have no way of knowing it has failed until your next lightning storm takes out all or some of your valuable electronics equipment.

The MidNite Solar Surge Protection Device is a two channel, Type 1 electronic device that clamps surges, including lightning, at voltages well below the level that damages power electronics.

Each channel has 4 fused MOVs independently monitored by a blue LED. If both LEDs are on, both channels are protected. If one or both are off, the SPD has taken a surge strong enough to damage it.

Because the MidNite SPD is mounted in full view, the blue LEDs mounted on either side of the unit are highly visible from a distance to show you that your system is still protected. Most surges will not damage the unit as it is designed to take a 115,000 amp surge.

MidNite’s SPDs are fully repairable in the event of damage and come with a 5 year limited warranty.

MidNite’s SPDs are distributed in New Zealand by Independent Power (NZ) Ltd, a company set up in 1982 by Bruce Page.

The company also imports and distributes a wide range

of alternative energy products including solar panels, solar controllers, DC to AC inverters and inverter/chargers, batteries, system and battery monitors, low voltage DC lighting, wind turbines, water pumps, energy

efficient refrigeration and balance of system components including mounting plates, enclosures, circuit breakers, PV combiners, lightning protection and more.

Go to www.electricaltechnology. co.nz/enquiry quote: E110923

•

www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

23

fEATUrE

Concord does it all: from industrial electrical and automation to car park operating systems, security and high-tech communications solutions

Peter Schnell, Concord CEO

After more than 30-years in the New Zealand electrical and technology industries Concord believes it could have a game breaker on its hands through the establishment of a joint venture company with RTL / Harding Traffic Limited.

Innovative Parking Solutions Limited, “i-Park”, has been awarded a contract for the installation of what they believe is the country’s first licence plate recognition parking solution for Wintec (Waikato Institute of Technology) campuses in Hamilton. “i-Park has developed computer based applications and interfaces to a number of access control applications such as Cardax along with systems for the processing of transactional-

24

A pre-registered i-Park motorist simply drives into an i-Park parking building and their account is debited automatically.

Other payment options for casual parkers include, cash, credit card and text to park.

“Seen from the operator’s point-of-view, the parking enforcement officer receives real time notification of parking infringements via a hand-held PDA or mobile. Concord believes the benefits of this new technology are totally transparent to both parties, says Schnell.”

From the operator’s point-ofview: • Minimised cash handling • No revenue leakages • Minimal machine maintenance • Detailed parking statistics • Real time management • Distinguish motorist profiles • Loyalty schemes And from the motorist’s side: • No need to carry loose change • Ability to remotely top-up paid parking without having to based services,” says Peter Schnell, leave a meeting or appointment • Itemised billing history Concord CEO. • Receive SMS parking expiry “We believe this technology is a world-leader which will provide and clearway reminders • No need to locate ticket New Zealand local authorities, machines. major institutions and governSchnell believes the built-in ment with a modern method of managing parking facilities, utilising flexibility in the system -- from pricing to hours of operation cellular technology; ‘long range’ cashless contact-less parking cards; and on through not needing to have people operating in tiny, or licence plate recognition, as a uncomfortable cubicles and having method for both paying parking to deal with money -- will be fees and the management of highly attractive to most organisaparking facilities.” tions with large-scale parking lots, The Wintec installation will and to the established operating manage parking for staff, students companies. and casual motorists.

Real information is also a “The system is very simple to use from the customer’s viewpoint feature of the wide-range of the traditional high-quality services and delivers excellent manageConcord provides. That’s parment and control features for ticularly appreciated in the water parking operators.

September/October 2011

and wastewater industry, which was one of the particular niches Concord chose to establish itself in at the outset. According to the CEO, this continues to be the case.

Concord has an established reputation within the industry sector, especially in the industrial electricity market, with specialist water and waste water skills, and in recent times its development into the high-tech side of the business has flourished through its expertise with the design, installation and maintenance of security, access control and CCTV systems. Its Communications arm operates the Telecom Tamaki Hub in Auckland with PABX telephony solutions being offered through Concord ICT Limited.

Their engineering division has just completed the upgrade to the electrical, automation and telemetry at the Meremere Waste Water Treatment Plant, under the control of the Waikato District Council. This was one of their typical design/build projects, in this case involving new MCC/ switchboard, a new Allen Bradley PLC control system, interfaced with Qtech Datran telemetry and existing base station Wonderware Intouch SCADA. “The new PLC operation monitors oxidation pond levels and the dissolved oxygen readings, in addition to monitoring daily inlet and discharge flow on the site; plant operation, oxidation, aeration and treatment, via the UV plant; and most importantly, manages the discharge of treated water, via the pump station, either by ultrasonic or ball floats – depending on which mode of level control is selected.”

The plant is monitored and controlled from the SCADA station at the WDC office in Nga-

fEATUrE ruawhia, via the Datran telemetry system, with alarms paged out from the Datran server.

Schnell is very pleased that the Tauranga office has secured a joint venture design/build waste water contract at Maketu with Spartan Construction Limited.

“That is another branch which is doing very well for us right now.

We have specialist hazardous area skills which have growing acceptance in the area.

He is particularly pleased with the strategy of combining the two Auckland branches (Auckland International Airport and Albany) into one Mt Wellington location.

“There is no question that our teamwork has been boosted, along with cross-selling. This teamwork has translated into better organisation and more consistent levels of customer-service.

“Concord has never set out to be a flashy company chasing anything and everything that appears on the horizon. We have focussed instead on being

a financially sound, expanding modern company, which values employees and clients, striving all the while to develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

“We pride ourselves on being a leading edge company and promote leading-edge, proven technology, which is why we have developed long-term partnerships with our suppliers.”

According to Schnell, another key to the company’s success is the way it functions across all branches with a structure where skill-related teams each focus on their respective areas of expertise.

This, he says, allows Concord to focus on specialist skills in each of the diverse range of services they offer, thereby ensuring they continue to provide quality service at competitive prices.

“Our senior managers are experienced in all aspects of the business operations and utilise successful management techniques. Our philosophy is to foster a partnering relationship with our

Specialists in: Electrical engineering, design and automation.

Electrical installation and maintenance.

Security and access control.

Communications.

ICT. 24/7 on-call service back-up.

clients and to work closely with them to develop solutions to technical challenges together.”

While Concord has a wellestablished reputation in the industrial electrical industry, high-tech security, access control, CCTV, PABX systems and communications, Schnell is looking to the fast-growing Concord Consulting to broaden the base for the future.

“Our Consulting company provides end-to-end project management, design and implementation for large NZ and offshore projects. It utilises our in-house skills, business systems and procedures to deliver highquality, timely outcomes for clients across a large number of services, including those we don’t supply, such as civil, construction and mechanical works.

“We’ve taken the lead role on a number of projects utilising the groups strength and skill sets to ensure on time on budget project delivery. Completed projects

range in scope from power stations, water and wastewater treatment plants through to commercial fit-out works.

“Our ICT company is focused on providing a centre of excellence for the provision of telephony solutions. We provide installation and ongoing maintenance on a wide variety of different systems into small and large companies for seven years and more than 700 installed systems, the majority of which are in greater Auckland. We also have many networked customers with branches in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin, Invercargill and other overseas locations.

“So, if your business is a little different and you feel your needs may be somewhat unique, we’d welcome the opportunity to expose you to our “Discover, Analyse, Demonstrate, Audit, Design & Report” process,” says Schnell.

100% New Zealand At Concord we are proud of our exceptional record of success and growth, the management is actively involved in the day to day operations of the business and recognizes that good staff are one of our most valuable assets.

The company has been trading for over 33 years and operates via four trading companies: Concord Communications Limited, Concord Electrical Limited, Concord ICT Limited and Concord Technologies Limited.

The Directors, management and staff of Concord are committed to achieving customer satisfaction. We are focused on the provision of products and services of a high standard. Our aim is to always meet or exceed our customer requirements and expectations. We achieve this aim via the use of innovative leading edge technologies and business systems and via the employment of dedicated and well trained personnel.

Phone 0508 CONCORD or visit us at www.concord.co.nz www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

25

MEASUrEMENT MATTErS

Article by Blair Hall, Measurement Standards Laboratory of New Zealand Blair can be contacted at b.hall@irl.cri.nz

Shortly after I star ted work at the Measurement Standards Laboratory, my boss asked me how I managed to arrive at nearly the same time every morning. He knew that I had quite a long drive to work and expected more variability due to the traffic conditions.

However, in spite of nearly an hour’s drive, there were just a few minutes variation from day to day.

In fact, my morning commute consists of a series of nearly independent stages. In many respects, the time it takes to travel one stage, is unrelated to any other. So, a hold-up in one can be compensated for by a free run in another. Of course, some factors do tend to correlate the travel times: wet weather, for example, will usually make each stage longer.

Modern measurement systems are often composed of a set of elements that co-operate to perform a measurement. So, just like my daily drive to work, fluctuations (errors) in different system elements combine to yield an overall measurement error. We never know what that error is, so an uncertainty statement is repor ted with the measured value. The uncer tainty describes the range in which the quantity intended to be measured probably lies (see: Measurement Matters, July-Aug 2010).

To calculate the uncer tainty of a measurement system, we must evaluate the performance of each element and combine the associated uncer tainties; also taking into account any factors we think will tend to correlate individual errors. The maths is not straightforward. As we saw for my trip to work, the uncer tainty associated with the time to travel each segment does not simply add. Uncer tainties must be combined in a way that allows for the randomness of the

problem: the possibility that a slower segment on one day may be compensated by a faster run in another par t of the journey, while, on a different day, the same segments could be both slow (or fast).

To simplify such calculations, we have developed general purpose software for combining measurement uncer tainties. Called the GUM Tree Calculator (GTC), the software complies with international guidelines described in the Guide to the Expression for Uncertainty in Measurement (JCGM 100:2008 http://www.bipm.org/en/publications/guides/ gum.html) and is freely available from http:// mst.irl.cri.nz. GTC handles the mathematics needed for random and correlated errors; we must simply define the characteristics of each problem element, as well as how those elements combine in the final result.

For example, a simple model for my trip to work is the sum of the stage times: ttot = a (t1 + t 2 +...+tn ) see figure 1 . A weather factor a, equal to 1 in fine weather and greater than 1 in poor driving conditions, scales the time and the variability. To perform a calculation, each stage-time must be defined. For example, consider a three-stage trip where t1 is on average 20 minutes, with an uncer tainty of 1.5 minutes, t 2 is 15 minutes with 2 minutes uncertainty, and t 3 is 19 minutes with 4.5 minutes uncer tainty. The three-stage trip calculation would look like Listing 1, where the GTC function ureal defines the uncer tain stage-times (a simple internal representation is used for uncer tain quantities, in which the value and uncer tainty are kept together).

The overall travel time is 57 minutes.

However, simply adding the individual uncertainties together, and multiplying by, gives an uncertainty of 8.4 minutes, which is too

high. GTC obtains just 5.4 minutes.

Using patented algorithms for uncer tainty propagation, GTC has already solved some problems associated with measurement systems that were previously too complicated to handle. Our new algorithmic approach clearly offers many more interesting applications.

Imagine, for example, a navigation system that can determine its accuracy, so you could know just how far off course you might be, or a process monitoring system where sensor accuracy could be updated in real-time and automatically factored into the uncer tainty associated with the controlled parameters.

Such systems would be more useful, robust and safer than current technology, because they embody the fundamental notion of measurement uncer tainty in their design.

The Measurement Standards Laboratory also offers training in the general principles of measurement uncer tainty and in specific measurement areas (electrical, chemical, RF and microwave, etc). More information can be found on-line at http://msl.irl.cri.nz/trainingand-resources/training-courses. t1 = ureal(20,1.5) t2 = ureal(15,2) t3 = ureal(19,4.5) alpha = 1.05 t_tot = alpha * (t1 + t2 + t3) Listing 1

Coming up in the November/December issue STest Equipment SMotors &Drives STraning Deadl i ne edi tori al 14 th Oc t o be r | D e adline adv e r t is ing 21s t O c t o be r

26

September/October 2011

New Zealand Electrical Institute inc

NZEI-Schneider Electric Award presentation The 2009 NZEI-Schneider Electric award was presented to Michael Foley of Paraparaumu on the 9th August 2011 for the best balanced EWRB examination result for the Electricians Theory marks 86% and Regulations 96%. He was an adult apprentice at the time of the examination, having changed his trade from being a baker.

The award was jointly presented

by Phil Watson from Schneider Electric and Alan Cuthbert National Secretary of the New Zealand Electrical Institute, the presentation being made at his employers workshop, Lines-work/ Stones Electrical of Paraparaumu.

The award was a certificate from Schneider Electric and a test instrument with a cheque for from the NZEI. Changes in the Wiring Rules and the Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 coming There are a number of changes in the Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000) and the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 are expected to be released for use in September/ October 2011.

The first steps of these changes occurred in early August with the release for public comment of Amendment A to AS/NZS 3000.

Public comment closed on the 1st of September, any public comment received will be considered after the closing date, and if necessary, some further minor amendments made to amendment A, which is expected to be published as that it can be cited in the amended Electricity (Safety) Regulations

2010.

An amendment to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 has been under development for some time, and is expected to be approved by the Government for release in mid-September 2011. The changes will become applicable one month after publication.

Amendments to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 are expected to be corrections to known errors and also to provide clarification of the requirements to a number of regulations, in particular to regulation 70 which has caused much confusion since the regulations came into force.

All changes proposed at this time to electrical wiring will be contained in AS/NZS 3000 (as amended by amendment A) and the amendments to the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.

There will be further changes later to cover the recently announced Certification Review, the changes to Regulations for this review will occur in 2012.

is expected that this document will be released for public comments in September / October. It is not expected that AS/NZS 3000 + amendment 2 will be published until late 2011/early 2012.

Photo voltaic and renewable energy series of Standards This specialised area of electrical standards covered by AS/NZS 4777 and AS/NZS 5033 have had major revisions made to them due to rapid changes in the international standards and in the equipment being used for photo voltaic and renewable energy system installations.

AS/NZS 5033 has been to public comment, and the comments received are to be considered at an EL-042 committee meeting in Australia on August 23rd and 24th.

It is expected that this standard will be published late 2011.

AS/NZS 4777 part one is being prepared for release after a major revision for public comments, part one is standard that electricians will be using when installing a renewChanges in Standards AS/ able energy system to an existing NZS 3000 Wiring Rules or new electrical installation. It is There will be two amendments also the standard part to use when to AS/NZS 3000. The first, the surplus energy is exported into New Zealand-only amendment electric lines company network or A, will apply on the coming into uses renewable energy in addition force of the amended Electricity to the mains supply energy from (Safety) Regulations 2010. The second amendment is the AS/NZS the electric lines company network.

AS/NZS 4777 part 2 is still being 3000 amendment 2 to the joint drafted but it is expected to be document with Australia, which is amended when found necessary by available for public comment mid to late September 2011. comments and submissions to the Public comment process joint standards committee, EL-001.

The NZ-only amendment A will be for Standards As part of the consensus proincorporated into amendment 2, it

cess used by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand, there is always a period of public comment on all draft standards. Copies of the draft standards are on the Standards New Zealand website home page and then click the public comments tab. Then open the NZ standards or joint AS/NZS standards page. Download the standard you wish to comment on.

It is possible to do this on-line, just follow the instructions provided.

More electrical industry rule changes The NZ Electrical Institute Inc has recently held meetings with various industry bodies. Discussions centered on the further changes that are coming, following the regulations, wiring rules and registration changes.

EWRB will probably be reverting line mechanics registration back to a more traditional style of: Traction (utilising Kiwi Rail training courses and recognising the issues around trolley buses); Transmission (utilising Transpower courses); and Distribution. They have listened to feedback and are willing to use their ability to modify registration classes to better suit that sector’s needs before year-end. A paper will be issued to all industry for comment in the near future.

They will also be investigating the low 38 percent pass-rate for the electrician’s theory exam and there is an imminent review of national qualifications for EWRB Registration. The NZ Electrical Institute’s view is to certainly retain the examination process.

In Australia the National www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

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NEW zEAlANd ElECTrICAl INSTITUTE INC

Occupational Licensing Association (NOLA) is putting all licensing into a federal system from the various state systems. Classes will be electrician, electrical fitter and three linesman classes – there will be no electrical installer class like we have in New Zealand.

Fees and certification are another hot topic. A fees review by EWRB is underway for government, to be submitted by June 2012. This will also be opened up for industry comment.

The concurrent certification review will see changes introduced in July 2013. Aspects include what work will be notifiable - such as MEN, mains, earthing, hazardous areas or explosive atmospheres, medical locations, periodic inspec-

tion etc - and should all work that requires testing be inspected?

One thing is certain – the current mandatory CoC regime will be phased out. So it is up to us in the industry to comment back to the authorities with solutions based ideas and not be problem focused. This way our comments will carry weight with government.

Even better is for our various organisations to not only represent the interests of its own member, but also put past differences aside and compare notes in order to formulate as strong a case as possible to enhance the position of those in the industry and ultimately benefit our customers.

Amendments to regulations and wiring rules (Amendment AA for

NZ only) are imminent but these are mainly “tweaking wording” to remove ambiguity. One welcome update will be a definition of mains work to clear up the confusion around what requires inspection.

Exclusion zone dimensions around reticulated gas metering, in-situ refillable gas bottles and replacement gas bottles will be increased. And we are told that for existing locations the installation of these gas fittings will not be allowed to impinge within dimensions around electrical fittings.

Peter Morfee of Energy Safety is now responsible for both electrical and gas industries. For electricity project priorities are to complete the aforementioned fixes to regs and wiring rules and amend AS/ NZS 3000 regarding RCDs in areas where young children congregate (schools up to year 8). You will also see further proposed mandates regarding types of downlights permissible and a proposed mandate to install in residential locations with the assumption that thermal insulation will be installed at a future date (see Draft DZ3000 AA and associated Postal Ballot for your responses). Next off the rank are the changes to certification, as this will become Energy Safety’s responsibility for both electricity and gas. The challenges are to iden-

tify high-risk work, make it better for the good sparky and clearly delineate responsibilities, whilst trying to address the work that is done illegally by e.g. non-registered practitioners. I think we will see attempts at more targeted auditing.

Winter woes for Christchurch Unfortunately our Canterbury branch cancelled its monthly meeting set for the 16th August due to the wintery blast and heavy snow falls. Electrical tutor at Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Andrew Massie was to have given an interesting presentation on repairs to the city’s electrical supply industry cables and assets following the earthquake damage. He has spent a lot of time cable jointing in the red zone and has kept people from all over the world updated with his blog http://thunderboltnz. blogspot.com/ having had around 2,500 views! The NZEI Canterbury Branch newsletter has heaps of detail in it from Andrew.

You guys are certainly doing it the hard way at the moment, our thoughts are with you.

New Zealand Electrical Institute Inc c/o 68 Melrose Road Island Bay Wellington 6023 www.nzei.co.nz

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September/October 2011

WHAT’S HOT

New pressure sensor family from Balluff Balluff has recently introduced BPS, a newly developed series of pressure sensors with IP 67 protection for use in gaseous and liquid media. The rugged devices feature a high-quality, long-term stable ceramic load cell and an especially attractive price/performance ratio, simple installation, high operating comfort and high precision.

A large, bright and easily visible display ensures immediate status overview. This shows not only the current system pressure in bar, mbar, PSI and MPa, but also features fast and simple configuration of the sensors according to the VDMA standard, using 2 keys and intuitive menu guidance.

With 11 pressure range versions the BPS sensors cover all the impor tant ranges from -1...0 bar up to 0...600 bar for monitoring process media in factory automation. Typical applications include hydraulics monitoring as well as pneumatics equipment.

The new Balluff pressure sensors, available in the standard model with plastic housing and in the high-end version with stainless steel, offer either two switching points or one switching output plus analog channel (0...10V or 4...20mA).

Thanks to their highly compact design the sensors can be easily located in the control cabinet without taking up valuable space.

The display with operating panel and electrical connection can be rotated independently of each other by 320° with respect to the flange. Adapting to different process terminations using G ¼ internal threads is easily accomplished using optional adapters in various sizes and styles.

The high-end models with their stainless steel housing and expanded temperature range were especially designed for demanding applications in harsh environments, making them ideal for use with wind power turbines, offshore installations as well as HVAC technology.

Go to www. electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110929

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Bright ideas on new lighting website Business owners or managers looking to reduce energy costs and improve sustainability now have a valuable new online resource: www.businesslightingsolutions.com Business Lighting Solutions (BLS) has launched its new website, featuring smar t ways to move to more efficient LED lighting. The website is a rich resource for key decision makers – financial officers, facilities managers, designers and architects – seeking to improve energy efficiency and significantly reduce their carbon footprint and maintenance costs.

Products include New Zealand-designed Ecofluro, a cost-effective LED replacement for fluorescent tubes, along with LED and plasma products from LG electronics, which BLS represents exclusively in the local market.

The Ecofluro product range has been successfully operating in the market for over two years and has undergone extensive professional review from a financial, performance and safety standards perspective. A number of leading businesses and public

sector organisations are already enjoying the benefits of the range.

The Ecofluro LED offers energy savings of up to 60 percent compared to conventional fluorescent lighting, which contributes up to 39 percent of an average office power bill.

Although LED products are more expensive than conventional

systems, Ecofluro provides an annual return on investment of 35-100 percent, depending on hours of operation and the price paid for power.

Where companies are capital constrained BLS provides a fully maintained operating lease, managing the system for the term of the lease and, more impor tantly, providing a cash-flow positive

alternative from day one.

The new website provides detailed technical information to help those wanting to research the benefits of both LED and plasma lighting systems.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110929a

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www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

29

WHAT’S HOT

Fluke 750 series documenting process calibrators Fluke says that its new 750 series documenting process calibrators are similar enough to the existing 743/744 that existing users will be able to immediately start using the 750 series with no required training to get substantially increased performance from the new models.

These field tools calibrate temperature, pressure, voltage, current, resistance, and frequency and have three operating modes: measure, source and simultaneous measure/source.The three operating modes let technicians troubleshoot, calibrate or maintain instrumentation with just one tool.

The 750 Series features an easy-to-follow, menu-driven display that guides users through tasks. Programmable calibration routines let

technicians create and run automated as-found/ as-left procedures to ensure fast, consistent calibrations.The recorded results can then be easily downloaded to a PC via the USB port, eliminating the need for manual transcription.

Improvements over the original model include a graphical display that is now bright enough for readings to be seen in any light condition.The multi-lingual interface displays instructions in English, French, German, Spanish or Italian.

Another popular improvement is the new, rechargeable Li-ion battery pack, which provides enough power for an entire shift and can be charged from within the calibrator. Go to www. electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110930

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Intorq BFK458 spring applied brakes Lenze is a brand that has been in the New Zealand marketplace for several decades with mechanical variable speed drives such as Disco drives and Simpla-belt drives.

Lenze also produced a range of geared motors including worm and bevel gearboxes. In recent times, due to a management buy-out, the brand name has changed to Intorq but the production location remained.

Intorq is represented in New Zealand by Tranz

Corporation, an Auckland-based power transmission and automation specialist supplier.

The mainstay of local Intorq product are the BFK458 spring applied brakes which provide failsafe braking for motors on such application as lifts, cranes, escalators, stage equipment and other industrial equipment.These units can be retro-fitted to most electric motors and provide braking torques up to 600Nm in a variety of DC voltages.

The range of clutch and combination clutch/ brake units can be found in packaging, printing and some forest industry equipment with torque requirements up to 480Nm. If you have Lenze brakes and clutches fitted to equipment within your plant, there is a good chance that they can be replaced by products from the current Intorq product range.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/ enquiry quote: E110930a

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Motion Analyser offers faster analysis Rockwell Automation says that the recent release of its Automation Motion Analyser software helps machine builders obtain the full benefits of a mechatronic design approach by making it faster and easier to analyse, optimise, simulate and select motion control systems.The latest version of the software offers a number of impressive enhancements.

First on the list is support for new products, including MPAI and Kinetix 3. Mechatronics also see greater support thanks to an enhanced SolidWorks interface. More industry standard indexes have also been catered for, including 3rd Order Polynomial (Parabolic), 7th Order Polynomial, Adjusted Sine (Cycloidal) and Modified Trapezoidal. Finally, additional features and fixes include registration for the ‘Pro’ version and multiple language support.

Using intuitive step-by-step data entry fields, users can rapidly build up their motion application including options such as load type (linear, rotary,

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September/October 2011

rotary complex, etc.) and load data (mass, force, friction, inclination, etc.).This data can then be associated with a number of different variable-vs.time motion profiles.

Mechanisms can also be added and adjusted, including belt drives, lead screws, chain and sprocket, rack and pinion and linear motors (for which a further selection and parameterisation page is available). Once the drive has been chosen, the user is then taken to a sizing and selection page before being presented with a number of solutions.The software also offers thermal modelling, system efficiency analysis, supply voltage tolerance analysis, system tolerance analysis, lifetime estimation and system tuning simulation.

Once the primary requirements have been confirmed, users are then presented with a page to help complete an axis Bill of Materials, with items such as communication and power cables.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/ enquiry quote: E110930b

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WHAT’S HOT

Fluke introduces new 2-channel portable oscilloscopes

The new Fluke ScopeMeter 190 Series II 2-channel handheld portable oscilloscopes combine the power of a 2 channel oscilloscope with a 5000 count digital multimeter and paperless recording modes, creating an advanced test and measurement tool that service and maintenance professionals can rely on for troubleshooting equipment performance problems in the field.

The 2-channel models join the recentlyintroduced 4-channel ScopeMeter 190 Series II models to create a full line of high-performance portable oscilloscopes with 2 or 4 independently isolated input channels, rugged sealed case and CAT III 1000V/ CAT IV 600V safety rating.

Fluke says that the ScopeMeter test tools are ideal for service, installation or maintenance tasks on industrial electronics, electrical machinery or control systems and are the only portable oscilloscopes that combine a sealed case that is dust and drip proof tested in accordance to IP51 with a design that is tested to withstand 3g vibration or 30g shock.

With the increase in both robotics and co-gen

systems, many industrial facilities now particularly require the capability to capture, display and diagnose amplitude, time, wave shape or disturbance related problems on signals from motor controls, programmable logic controllers, power supplies, inverters, actuators, sensors and encoders.

Popular enhancements in the new 190 Series II include extended battery life, hot-swappable batteries and a higher safety rating.The ScopeMeter operates for up to 4 hours with a 2400 mAh Li-Ion pack (standard with 2 channel models) or up to 7 hours with the high capacity 4800 mAh Li-Ion pack (standard with 4 channel models optional for the 2 channel models).The battery door makes it possible to quickly swap in a fresh charged battery. Independent electrically isolated inputs safety rated to CAT III 1000 V/ CAT IV make it safe for engineers or technicians to measure everything from low voltage control signals all the way up to a 3-phase mains power supply.

The ScopeMeter 190 Series II is available in 200 MHz and100 MHz, either 2 or 4 channel, plus an additional 2 channel 60 MHz model. With up to 2.5 GS/s sampling rate and deep memory of up to 10,000 sample points per input the new 190 Series II will capture and display just about any waveform or waveform anomaly. With two electrically isolated USB ports, users can conveniently store data to a USB memory device or easily connect to a PC and transfer waveforms or screen images for data analysis or archive.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/ enquiry quote: E110931

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Carlo Gavazzi energy meters

To further complement the NHP energy management offering, NHP has recently released the latest Carlo Gavazzi energy meters – the WM30 and WM40 along with their respective range of optional add-on modules.

One major feature of the range is the modular communications options, including; BACnet IP, MODBUS TCP/IP, MODBUS-RTU and iFIX

SCADA.The BACnet and MODBUS options are also available with or without onboard memory.

The large LCD display can be user configured and all of the most critical parameters are available at a glance.The company says that combined with the touchpad, navigation through the comprehensive parameter list including energy, currents, voltages, frequency, power, power factor and harmonic analysis is taken to a new level of user friendliness.

Complete with Class 0.5 (kWh accuracy, phase asymmetry measurement, temperature input and harmonic analysis up to 32nd harmonics, these new Energy Meters can also be easily integrated into Carlo Gavazzi’s ‘Plug ‘n’ Play’ trending and analysis Software – PowerSoft. Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110931a

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JENLOGIX JENLOGIX INTRODUCES INTRODUCES INTERNET-BASED HIGH-BRIGHTNESS CONTROL SYSTEM PANEL PC FOR FOR REMOTE PRECISION INDUSTRIAL MONITORING DEVICES JENLOGIX has introduced as new family of intelligent controllers which facilitate remote logic control and monitoring.

Industrial Automation and Control systems are only as good as the information they display. For clear and precise display of monitoring information, the PPC-5190A offers a rugged, reliable platform with high brightness 19” LED display, powerful dual-core processor and versatile I/O interface: - an ideal choice for SCADA applications. Protected by an IP65 compliant front bezel, it is resistant to dust and water, making it suitable for panel The WISE (Web Inside, The WISE Controllers’ mounting on the factory floor. features include:Smart Engine) family of

controllers from ICPDAS • Versatile modes, Modbus provide web interface Panel TCP, SCADA integration – The aPPC-5190A PC features and intuitive Rules Engine • Advanced function, 19” display with LEDP2P backlight to •allow rapidLCD deployment status sharing of AIO/ DIO, of •functionality.

Scheduled Resistive touch screen counter values, internal tasks, messaging (email processor • Intel dual-core register and SMS alerts) and • IP65 front panel protection • Wide range of I/O modules CGI commands can all (Simon max?)

Dual Ethernet be•established without connections programming.

• POE ports (Power over Ethernet) • Five serial & six USB • Extra and Schedule • VGA connector for dualTimer display Applications include realfunction • Multiple disk and memory options time Machine Monitoring, Rules logic Factory Automation, • One PCI or PCIEx1• IF-THEN-ELSE expansion slot • No programming, Building Automation, • Optional 24VDC power input no additional software Remote Monitoring and • Rack, arm or desktop mounting requirements Diagnosis.

Ph 09 820 9446

2163 Great North Road New Lynn 0640 Auckland 2163 Great North Rd New Lynn 0640 Auckland sales@jenlogix.co.nz sales@jenlogix.co.nz www.jenlogix.co.nz www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

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WHAT’S HOT

Harting Han GND series now enables pluggable grounding systems Harting, represented in New Zealand by Soanar, has released the Han GND (Han-Ground), an innovative solution for potential equalisation. The new connector series makes it possible to execute grounding systems in a pluggable design for the first time.

The use of connectors is wellestablished in the electrical cabling of machines and systems for many years. The advantage is quick and error-free commissioning. Potential

equalisation lines are still being permanently connected, however, which is relatively time-consuming and can be subject to errors.

Hartings’s solution is the Han GND. The single-pole connector in the robust IP 65 plastic housing is designed for stranded wires from 10-35 mm2 and is optionally available in crimp or axial screw termination. The latter has the advantage that the lines can be

connected without a special tool. A simple screwdriver is all it takes to achieve a quick and easy reliable connection. Extra connector mating security can be

provided by the use of additional locking elements that prevent unintentional opening.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/ enquiry quote: E110932

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IEI launches D525 series mini-ITX SBC IEI Technology, represented in New Zealand

by Soanar, has recently released the new SBC KINO-PV-D4253/D5253, featuring three GbE LANs with ASF2.0 support.

The series is a Mini-ITX form factor Single Board Computer (SBC) with Intel Atom D425/ D525 processor and DDR3 support.The Intel Atom D425/D525 processor series integrates a graphics processing unit and a memory controller supporting 800 MHz DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Its increased processor speed of 1.8 GHz is specifically designed for affordable, entry level computing. Other key features include UEFI BIOS architecture and support for over 2.2TB of HDD storage on a 64-bit operating system.

The KINO-PV-D4253/D5253 features three

One black LED package, two beam angles, five colours The Topled Black Series, distributed in New Zealand by Soanar is a bright, high contrast LED that is legible in all lighting conditions.

The small powerful LEDs in black packages are now available not only in red and yellow but also in blue, green and orange. Osram Opto semiconductors has added three colours to its Topled Black Series 60° beam angle portfolio and now offers all five colours with a 30° beam angle.

The company says that the LEDs are particularly suitable for monochromatic and multicolor displays, such as those in electronic road signs, travel information displays, parking control systems and price information pillars at gas stations.

The most suitablebeam angle for each of these

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September/October 2011

applications depends on the distance from the viewer and on local conditions. On straight roads the LEDs with a 30° beam angle are ideal, whereas the versions with a 60° beam angle are better for the curves on entrances to and exits from highways, for petrol stations and for bus destination displays.

The completely black package of the Topled Black Series reduces reflections considerably.The LEDs also offer high contrast so the displays have good legibility in all lighting conditions.The 30° version of the green LED offers the highest luminance available at present of 7 cd at an operating current of 20 mA. Go to www.electricaltechnology. co.nz/enquiry quote: E110932b

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PCIe GbE connectors, ideal for application in various industrial automation environments. In addition, the KINO-PV-D4253/D5253 is also compliant with 1U chassis.The KINO-PV-D4253/ D5253 comes with complete I/O options including eight USB ports, two SATA 3Gb/s ports, one LPT port, six COM ports and audio connectors.

All IEI Intel Atom D425/D525 SBCs include IEI’s unique One Key Recovery software solution.

The software eliminates the frustration of system recovery after unexpected system failure. One Key Recovery is an easy way to create full system backup on demand and system restoration to a previously made backup with a single click.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110932a

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WHAT’S HOT

Fluke introduces 434/PWR power quality analyser The Fluke 434/PWR power quality analyser helps electricians, field service engineers and maintenance technicians uncover energy waste in commercial and factory buildings as well as in equipment and machines.

The 434/PWR can be used to conduct energy consumption studies and electrical load analysis, and to perform power quality logging and analysis surveys. The power analyser can also help technicians demonstrate the benefits of efficiency improvements by testing energy consumption.

The instrument measures harmonic distortion caused by electronic loads, and analyses reliability problems by capturing voltage dips and swells from load switching.

A full-colour display uses industry-standard, user-selectable colour coding to correlate measurements with actual wiring. It logs incoming data with a unique AutoTrend function that highlights changes of data over time.

The data can then be analysed with Fluke’s Power Log software, which is included with

the 434/PWR. AutoTrend gives quick insight into changes over time. With a single push of a button, the system monitor gives an overview of power system performance. It also checks that incoming power complies with standard limits or custom specifications. Trend analysis is made easier by automatic scaling of the vertical axis, so the waveforms can always be shown on a full display.

Fluke says that the 434/PWR is a complete three-phase troubleshooting tool that measures virtually every power system parameter: voltage, current, frequency, power, energy consumption, power factor, unbalance and harmonics and inter-harmonics.

The instrument captures events like dips and swells, interruptions and rapid voltage changes based upon ½ cycle rms values. Two groups of four channels simultaneously measure voltage and current on all three phases and neutral. The 434/PWR meets 600 V CAT IV, 1000 V CAT III safety standards required for

measurements at service entrance.

A logging function lets users customise measurement selections and provides analysis to find intermittent problems or relate power quality issues to other phenomena/events. The logger provides detailed and user-configurable long-term recording. Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110933

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www.electricaltechnology.co.nz

33

WHAT’S HOT

PowerFlex AC drives now deliver higher power range and Integrated Motion

In the first of several planned extensions, Rockwell Automation has expanded the power range of its Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 AC drives to 450kW while also including Integrated Motion.

A key feature of the PowerFlex 755 drive is its roll-out capability, which allows easy access to the drive for fast installation and maintenance.The drive’s modular design helps simplify replacement of drive components, such as cooling fans, circuit boards and major subassemblies.This modularity

also allows the drive’s converter and control pod to remain in the unit while the inverter is rolled out so control wiring can remain connected.

An added advantage is that the control pod can be mounted remotely for hassle-free access to low-voltage control and diagnostics.

The PowerFlex 755 drive comes equipped with an embedded Ethernet port and five option slots that allow users to tailor the drive to best suit their application. Options include I/O, feedback, safety, additional communications and auxiliary control power input.

The PowerFlex 755 now also supports Integrated Motion, which means that PowerFlex and Kinetix drives can be on the same EtherNet/ IP network and configured, programmed and controlled using RSLogix 5000 via motion instruction sets. Users can enjoy all the benefits and simplicity of Rockwell Automation Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP, while getting complete machine support on a single, flexible EtherNet/IP network architecture.

Configuration is streamlined with motion profiles and instruction sets in the ControlLogix controller, and users can very easily take advantage of motion programming, configuration, commissioning and motion tools within RSLogix 5000, allowing them to configure drive and I/O, configure up to 100 axes, monitor drive status

and time-stamped diagnostics and create user defined data types to easily represent specific application components in one structure.

Application programs can also be developed independent of the drive allowing users to employ PowerFlex 755 drives along with Allen-Bradley Kinetix servo drives, without any application program impact. It supports induction and permanent-magnet motors, including AllenBradley MP-Series, RDD-Series and HPK-Series servo motors.The drive also supports multiple feedback interfaces, including: Incremental, EnDat and Hiperface for Stegmann and Heidenhain high-resolution feedback, SSI and BiSS for rotary and linear applications.

By using Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP, complete machine support on a single, flexible network is achieved, therefore helping eliminate the need for dedicated networks and control modules.The drive and compatible ancillaries take advantage of a single software package — RSLogix 5000 — for complete system support, including motion configuration. Operators will benefit from a common user experience using the same motion instruction sets for configuring, programming, commissioning and diagnosing a PowerFlex 755 within an Integrated Motion application.

Go to www.electricaltechnology. co.nz/enquiry quote: E110934

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Littelfuse 804 series subminiature fuses Littelfuse has introduced the new 804 series of TE time-lag subminiature fuses, designed to protect AC circuits from damaging overcurrent. Littelfuse claims that the new fuse series is the best in the industry in terms of interrupting capacity and inrush current protection in a TE package, and it is a smaller pitch alternative to 5x20mm glass cartridge fuses.

The 804 series has a compact design that meets the requirements of the IEC 60127-4 standard for universal modular fuse-links (UMF). Unlike pigtail-leaded cartridge fuses, the leads on TE- style fuses need no forming prior to mounting, which simplifies assembly.

Although small in size, the 804 series fuses have electrical capabilities that allow them to be used as replacements for 5x20mm glass cartridge fuses that are common in many applications.The 804 Series has a high interrupting rating of 150A at 250VAC that the company says ensures the fuses will open safely under high fault currents. In addition, the series provides high inrush-current withstand comparable to 5X20mm glass cartridge fuses.

The new fuse series is available in a broad range of ratings, from 800mA to 6.3A, and carries approvals from UL, PSE,VDE, CQC, and KC agencies. It is fully RoHs compliant.

Littelfuse products are distributed in New Zealand by Soanar.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110934a

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September/October 2011

WHAT’S HOT

Guardmaster safety relays simplifying safety device selection Rockwell Automation has introduced a new family of Allen-Bradley Guardmaster safety relays that can help machine builders and end users simplify safety relay selection and reduce component inventory and life cycle costs. The line includes basic units capable of supporting a range of safety devices in various applications, such as single and multi-zone configurations.

The relay line features a patented, single-wire communication capability that helps eliminate the need for dual-channel connection between relays. Users can expand and cascade safety functions up to a SIL 3 rating using one single wire to connect devices. This provides a reduction in installation time and effort. In addition, “AND/OR” logic can be set via a rotary switch on the front of the relay, yielding a variety of configurations including regional and global e-stop architectures.

A universal input feature allows devices, such as safety interlock switches, emergency stop switches and safety mats, to use the same set of input terminals on the relay. This helps eliminate the need to employ a specific safety relay for a specific type of input device, helping simplify system design and reduce hardware costs.

The next-generation Guardmaster safety line also features dual-input modules, providing users with twice the functionality of a standard relay in a 22.5mm housing while reducing

wiring for faster commissioning. A single TÜV-approved rotary switch with internal redundancy eliminates the need for double switches, helping to speed configuration while addressing multiple functions such as reset modes and time delays.

The new range of Guardmaster safety relays include: The Guardmaster DI/DIS which consolidates functionality of two safety relays into a single 22.5mm housing and features electromechanical relay (DI) or solid-state (DIS) outputs, “AND/OR” logic between single wire safety input and standard inputs can be configured in a variety of safety functions for zoning and muting, a configurable reset mode and additional outputs with expansion module, connected by a single wire safety connection.

The Guardmaster SI is suited for simple safety applications using one dual or singlechannel safety device and features a configurable reset mode, two N.O. outputs and one PNP auxiliary output and additional outputs with expansion module, connected by a single wire safety connection.

The Guardmaster CI has the same functionality as the SI but terminals on the CI are arranged in a similar layout to legacy AllenBradley Guardmaster MSR safety relays and other brands of safety relays.

The Guardmaster EM/EMD, which users can

add four N.C. instantaneous (EM) or delayed (EMD) outputs to a system and features a single-wire safe connection expands system without using any outputs of base module, selfmonitoring outputs, a time delay configured from 0-300 s and a timer function that includes on delay, off delay and jogging.

The family is designed to meet new functional safety standards such as EN ISO 13849-1 or IEC/EN 62061.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110935

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35

WHAT’S HOT

New controller family simplifies installation, saves costs and time

Machine builders and end users who need a cost-effective control solution for their small applications will benefit from the new family of Allen-Bradley Micro800 componentclass micro programmable controllers and Connected Components Workbench software says Rockwell Automation.

The company says that the controllers and software are easy-to-configure, install and maintain. Designed to be used with other Allen-Bradley component class products, such as drives, motion control and operator interface products, the controllers are part of a solution bundle that offers machine

builders easy selection, installation and commissioning of their low-cost, standalone machines.

Ideally suited for standalone machine applications with fewer than 48 I/O, the initial launch consists of two controllers – the Allen-Bradley Micro810 and Micro830 controllers – and Connected Components Workbench software. Leveraging the controller’s embedded USB and serial ports, machine builders can quickly program the controllers and link them to HMI and other serial devices – ultimately helping minimise selection and installation time for themselves, and the total cost of ownership for end users.

The Micro800 controllers offer a wide range of plug-in modules for analog/digital I/O, communications, and expanded memory.The plug-in modules enable machine builders to personalise the controllers to increase functionality without expanding the product footprint.

The new controller family also offers removable terminal blocks (most models) and simplified communication via point-to-point data exchange.

Complementing the new line of controllers, the new Connected Components Workbench software follows established IEC-61131 standards. A single package that is easy to acquire, install and update, the software makes it convenient and cost-effective for machine builders and end users to leverage one platform for their programming and configuration needs. It allows machine builders to program Micro800 controllers and configure other devices in the system, including PowerFlex drives and PanelView Component HMI products.

The Micro800 range consists of the Micro 810 and Micro830. As the smallest of the Micro800 family, the Micro810 controller features embed-

ded smart relay function blocks that can be configured from a 1.5” LCD and keypad.The function blocks include delay OFF/ON timer, time of day, time of week and time of year for applications requiring a programmable timer and lighting control.

The Micro830 controller provides flexible communications and up to six high-speed counter inputs. It also provides easy incorporation of as many as five plug-in modules on the 48pt models.These off-the-shelf, fully customisable controllers carry global certifications and support.

The Micro810 and Micro830 controllers are available immediately.

Additional plug-in capabilities for the controllers will be available later this year.

Allen-Bradley Connect Components Workbench software comes in two versions: the standard free version, which is available now and an advanced version which features run-time download capability and controller simulation and will available for order through authorised Rockwell Automation distributors in early 2012.

Go to www.electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote:

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E110936

Bahco screwdrivers specifically designed for NZ Bahco has brought out a new ten piece screwdriver set that the company says is specifically designed for Kiwi workshops.

Bahco has more than 125 years experience in delivering tools to the market and although all its tools are European-made, the newest screwdriver set was developed and customised especially for the New Zealand market.

With the resourceful, practical and hard-working Kiwi DIYer and tradesperson in mind, Bahco says that each screwdriver in the set has been built to last, with fine polished vanadium blades, chrome plating and ergonomically

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designed handles.

The ten piece Bahco screwdriver set includes two sizes of Robertsons square drives and eight other popular sizes, which come in a tough-mold polyprop carry case.

The set contains: • Phillips - #1, #2 and #3 • Slotted - 3mm, 5.5mm, 6.5mm and 8mm • Posidriv - 2 • Robertson - 1 and 2 The Bahco ten piece screwdriver set is available at hardware stores nationwide and has an RRP of $50.

Go to www. electricaltechnology.co.nz/enquiry quote: E110936a

September/October 2011

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2011

ENGINEERS, MAINTENANCE MANAGERS, TRADESMEN, LINE MANAGERS, ASSET MANAGERS

Twenty eleven Lifting the Game of Maintenance Engineers in New Zealand Presentations from peers and experts on Lifting YOUR Game in Maintenance Management; Preventative Maintenance, Staff Management, Health and Safety Management, Training, Apprentices, as well as Technical innovations, practical applications and case studies.

Trade Expo representing: engineering suppliers, careers and employment, hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical, bearings, software, preventative maintenance, condition monitoring, electric motors.

November 9/10

@ The Distinction Hotel, Rotorua PRICE: $680 + gst pp (accommodation not included) Bring extra colleagues for ONLY $400+gst pp

FREE PUBLIC ENTRY TO TRADE EXPO: Tuesday 8 November EXHIBITORS: participation from only from $550+GST (small business table top)

Contact Leanne Powley - Admin on Call P: 09 296 1333 | M: 021 134 6315 E: info@adminoncall.co.nz Proudly Supporting MESNZ

EST ABC AUDI

NZ’S LARG

Ma y 20 11 $6

ORS

TURING SECT

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ION TO TH TED CIRCULAT

NZ’S LARGEST ABC AUDITED CIRCULATION TO THE ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING SECTORS June 2011 $6 INCL GST

INC L GST

THE 22 + 11 EXPOSED

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tives iency initia energy effic st e rt a sm r ❏ Ou te ressor upda ❏ Air comp : nce Matters l coatings ❏ Maintena nd industria a s si ly a n a ration includes vib

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www.demm.co.nz

Advertising: Frank Atkinson, Email: frank@adrenalin.co.nz Editor: Glenn Baker, Email:editor@demm.co.nz Subscriptions: Hilary Keen, Email: subs@adrenalin.co.nz