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Contents
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18 6 FEATURE 6
Flipping the Switch Test Equipment Users Speak Out Written by Andre Rebelo
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Optimizing Financial Returns and State Incentives in Solar Electric (PV) Systems Written by Peter Hoberg, Solmetric Corporation
COMPANY PROFILE
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12
Arc Flash Hazards
18
Respect for Humanity & Contribution to Society
31
California Turbo: Commitment, Quality and Confidence
IN EVERY ISSUE 22
Industry News
26
Top Products
ON THE COVER Extech EX840 1000A AC/DC Clamp Meter 2
The Electric Current September 2010
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Ad Index
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Publisher’s Letter
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+ PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Glen Hobson 205-733-1341
We hope everyone will enjoy the premier issue of
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W
e plan for this magazine to be an informative and enjoyable read for people in the electrical contracting industry. We would like to thank all of the companies who placed advertisements in this first issue. In up coming issues we will provide informative editorial along with some more personal and human interest stories. We hope to find out what problems keep electrical contractors up at night so we can hopefully provide solutions. We welcome input from our readers and advertisers. Our staff has over 70 years of combined experience in the publishing industry and we plan to use the knowledge we have gained to better serve this industry. As I write this letter I can’t help but remember the events of 9/11. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families who lost loved ones 9 years ago. And to the families of service men and women who have lost their lives we offer our deepest condolences and our prayers those currently serving in our military. I believe that hard times make people stronger and I believe in the determination and will of the American people. We have gone through some tough times in the past, just as we are now and I firmly believe we will come out a stronger country. Again I hope that you will enjoy this first issue and the staff at The Electric Current looks forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Glen Hobson Publisher
SALES DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Hank Underwood 205-733-1343 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Bart Beason 205-733-1342 CIRCULATION DIRECTOR/WEB DESIGN Jacklyn Hobson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Gaylard ART DIRECTOR David Todd Executive and Advertising Offices 2070 Valleydale Rd, Suite # 6 Hoover, AL 35244 toll free: 866.981.4511 phone: 205-733-1341 fax: 205-733-1344 www.theelectriccurrent.com
The Electric Current is distributed free to qualified subscribers. U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. The Electric Current is distributed to to qualified owners and managers in the electrical industry. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Electric Current 2070 Valleydale Rd., Suite #6 Hoover, AL 35244 PRINTED IN THE USA
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The Electric Current September 2010
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Feature Story
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Flipping the
Switch TEST EQUIPMENT USERS SPEAK OUT Written by Andre Rebelo
Extech’s EX540 DMM permits users to safely monitor electrical readings from a distance.
6
The Electric Current September 2010
FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, THERE ARE CERTAIN MUST-HAVE, ELECTRICITY-101 TOOLS THAT YOU’LL FIND IN EVERY TOOL BOX. In addition to all the hand tools that help you complete every installation, repair or replacement properly, a big part of the job is related to testing and diagnostics. Let’s face it, electrical troubleshooting, more often than not, involves finding subtle variations on any number of operating factors that can point to a not so subtle problem. When it comes to diagnostic work, some of the most important tools in the toolbox arsenal are electrical testers and meters—principally among them, a digital multimeter (DMM) or clamp meter. Depending on the meter, it can provide a digital readout of voltage (VDC and VAC) and current (A). More sophisticated models may also measure duty cycle (%), capacitance (nF), frequency (Hz), offer diode and continuity testing, and temperature readings via Type K (thermistors) probes. The market is flooded with meters in a range of capabilities and prices. When you exclude the ones that aren’t relevant for industrial electrical work, you’ll still find scores of handheld digital multimeters and clamp meters that could be a good fit for your needs as an electrical contractor. When it comes to choosing a new DMM, some electrical contractors shop “on autopilot” and they will only buy one brand. It could be nostalgia— ”My father or uncle used the same brand.” Some rely on the advice of colleagues in the business, or brands they first discovered as an apprentice or at a
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technical school. How do you decide what’s the right brand and model of electrical meter for you and your line of work? Sometimes, the words of fellow electrical workers and contractors can be incredibly helpful in evaluating new meters and new brands. We rounded up feedback from a variety of test equipment customers around the country who told us what they liked about their meters and why they switched from one brand to another.
“Drop-proof”
meters mean a lot to Jonathan T. from Texas: “I’ve been with Fluke for the last ten years and in those ten years, I’m not going to lie, I have had them fall off ladders and break. I also use a bucket bag and I’d stick it in there sometimes. When I did so, a screwdriver or something would fall
and bang it and, it’s over with.”
George N., is a former Fluke user from New York. He was planning on purchasing a Fluke clamp-on meter, but after seeing all the features on the Extech EX840 1000A clamp meter, he decided to get the Extech. He comments, “I especially like the rugged CAT-IV rating, the built-in IR thermometer, and the other features.” In fact, for many users, having the added convenience of a built-in infrared thermometer means one less tool in the tool bag and never having to worry about leaving an additional meter behind. George explains how he uses his EX840: “I use it for general troubleshooting and for verification of new test installations in our plant. The EX840 enables all these tests with one instrument, instead of lugging around multiple meters. The EX840 is packed 8
with features normally found in meters at twice the price.” Clearly, the advantages that stand out are ruggedness, value, and a mix of functions that are actually useful on a day-to-day basis. Many customers enjoy the appeal of having one tool that does the work of many. Brian F. is a former Greenlee user from Ohio. You could say that he gave Extech the green light: “I use the Extech for troubleshooting traffic signal equipment. I switched to Extech because I can carry one piece of test equipment that does the work of three. Get rid of all your meters and get one, the EX840.” Many meter makers talk about being rugged. For electrical contractors, this attribute can take many forms. Is it dropproof? If so, from what distance -- one meter? Two meters? Is it splash-proof or water-proof? For Mac M., a former Fluke 87 user in North Carolina, there is a very big difference between the two: “We make personal watercraft performance electronics. When you are talking about an environment that is always wet, the Extech EX570 was the only meter tough enough to satisfy our requirements and fit in our budget. We use it for checking sensors and circuits on personal watercraft and the EX570 is tougher than the competition for less money!” “Drop-proof” meters mean a lot to Jonathan T. from Texas: “I’ve been with Fluke for the last ten years and in those ten years, I’m not going to lie, I have had them fall off ladders and break. I also use a bucket bag and I’d stick it in there sometimes. When I did so, a screwdriver or something would fall and bang it and, it’s over with.” Having an IP67 rating which ensures waterproof protection is also important to Jonathan: “I’m outside checking a condenser unit and then it starts to rain. Poof, the meter has been hit with water and does not seem to work anymore. The Extech is convenient and handheld – that’s why i like it so much. I’ve dropped it a few times. I’ve thrown it in the bucket bag and it’s survived! I bought the same model for my best friend and he said he loves it!” In Mississippi, Ken M. was focused on the importance of True RMS accuracy. Meters without True RMS readings can be significantly inaccurate when
The Electric Current September 2010
working with equipment connected to solid state controls such as variable frequency drives—off by as much as 30%. Ken comments, “I switched because of the durability and the True RMS capabilities with the built in Infrared Thermometer. I use my EX840 for preventive maintenance and the testing of electric motors and switch gear systems. The EX840 is compact with the different capabilities built into one meter. Best buy, I have used Amprobe, Fluke and Fieldpiece, and I like this meter better than the other brands.” It’s important to focus on quality multimeters and clamp meters. Sometimes however, even the most basic electrical tools such as a voltage detector, or “ticker” or “sniffer” can make a lasting impression. David L. in North Dakota explains: “A coworker was using the Extech DV30 [voltage detector] and I liked the durability of the detector over the Greenlee model and the wider voltage range versus the Fluke. I use the DV30 for troubleshooting and maintenance of cathodic protection systems, low voltage controls, and electrical equipment.” David considers his Extech to be “a very durable, reliable, high quality product for a very reasonable price.” Juan E. works for a big-three car company in Kentucky and is a former Fluke 80 and 90 user. Here’s how he uses his Extech multifunction clamp meter: “I liked the versatility of the EX613 and the toughness when it was compared to Fluke products…I use the Extech for current readings to calculate load on motors and to help determine load curves to correctly size fuses, breakers and ITR's. The advantages of the EX613 are the versatility to change from one type of tool to another, and the wide range of values you can work with.” Versatility is a need we frequently hear about from many electrical workers who would simply rather do more with less. Lewis T., a former Ideal and Greenlee user in New Jersey put it this way: “I was looking for a product to do more than the usual DMM [digital multimeter]. I had to use three different tools before. Now I only need one to do all three jobs. I use the EX623 for current and voltage readings on plant equipment. I use the IR [infrared thermometer] for motor and breaker temps to
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ensure components are worksues related to older meters. ing properly. I also like the For example, many older meNCV [non-contact voltage deters may not comply with curtector] feature.” What does rent overvoltage protection this mix of useful functions ratings. Focus on safe, usable add up to? “The best meter i durability. Curt M. in Missishave ever used.” sippi put it this way: “For any Keep in mind that not all doubters out there, I own an test and measurement compaExtech EX830 clamp-on meter. nies offer a wide enough This is my primary meter, range of test equipment opwhich gets heavily abused by tions that will accommodate weather, manhandling, truck, your unique, particular needs. etc. I have had this meter for Take, for example, the story about 3 years. My meter took a of a United States Marine plunge in a deep puddle this based in North Carolina who spring (it was there several needed to take current meaminutes completely subsurements in tight quarters. merged). I thought the meter While he previously used was gone. I dried it out, tested it Fluke clamp meters, he exwith another meter, and it is plains why he switched to an still plugging along. Now that’s alternate tool, the Extech what I call a tough meter.” 380941 which is a 200A It’s easy to see why techniAC/DC mini clamp meter: cians rely on the versatility, “Extech was able to offer a ruggedness and accuracy of A patented built-in infrared thermometer helps find hot spots quickly. complete solution in one their testers and meters. package. Where the Fluke was Whether it’s 3-in-1 versus 5only capable of offering four functions, role in day-to-day electrical work de- in-1, or the indispensible use of non-conExtech was able to offer six. Fewer sep- pending on the types of systems typi- tact tools such as IR thermometers and arate tools were necessary to complete cally installed or maintained. Martin E. voltage detectors, the test equipment jobs.” Why is this Marine now “semper in California previously used Protek and market has changed dramatically in refidelis” for Extech? “The Extech was Triplett but standardized his company cent years. And, in the current economy, perfect for reaching tight spaces due to with Extech multimeters and thermo- electrical professionals in the market for the narrower design and thinner clamps.” couple thermometers. test equipment are looking for ways to Martin discusses how some functions make their budget dollars stretch as Again, look for a meter or tester that has specifications, both in terms of mea- are particularly useful for electronics-re- much as possible without compromising surement capacities and physical dimen- lated work: “On the EX330, it can mea- quality or durability. sions that make it work for you, your job sure as low as 1pF, not available on any While some buyers will always shop and also, where you are in your electri- other meters with capacitance measure- by brand, many more are taking a closer cal career. A recent major survey of ment.” This type of stand-out capability look at side-by-side comparisons of electrical contractors once again verified led Martin to add more and more Ex- product specifications before opening that the American electrical workforce tech’s to his operation: “For the last few their wallets. With this collection of user is getting older. This writer included, months, we have been so happy with the feedback and anecdotes, buyers can use one of the first things to go as we get Extech meters, that all the ones we have the words of their colleagues to identify older is our vision. Having a meter that gotten since then, have been Extech -- key functions and specs that should be helps you see readings clearly can be a about 8 to 10 meters (EX330’s and on everyone’s must-have list. After all, big plus. Listen to Anthony M., in Con- MN16’s) in the last 6 months!” for many technicians, shopping for new At the end of the day, having the right test equipment not only means finding a necticut, who switched from Greenlee to a meter that is “easy on the eyes”: “The functions simply doesn’t matter if the smart tool but a smart buy. ❑ André Rebelo, Global CommunicaExtech EX430 is a great tool. It has a meter you choose isn’t up to the roughlarge clear LCD display with large digits and-tumble treatment you’ll give it over tions Manager, Extech Instruments, a so it is easy to read for us older people. I the next several years. In other words, FLIR Company. André enjoys talking use the EX430 for many things: voltage it’s important to find a brand of meters with customers about how Extech testers measurements, continuity and many that are made to last. While some elec- and meters are helping them get the job trical workers boast of owning a multi- done. To share your story or questions, other tasks.” As mentioned above with regard to meter that’s lasted over a decade, it’s email andre.rebelo@extech.com or call the need for True RMS accuracy, more also important to balance that desire for +1-781-434-3901. Follow André on and more electronics components play a longevity with an awareness of safety is- Twitter: arebelo. 10
The Electric Current September 2010
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Arc Flash
Hazards IT IS CURIOUS THAT WHEN WE SOLVE ONE PROBLEM WE CREATE ANOTHER! THE LATEST NFPA 70E STANDARD FOR ELECTRICAL WORKPLACE SAFETY DEALS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRACTICES FOR MAINTENANCE, INSTALLATION, AND REPAIR ACTIVITIES. It specifically requires the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as gloves, visors, and fire-retardant clothing when working on electrical equipment. The problem is this: while PPE protects workers against Arc Flash hazards, wearing PPE is cumbersome, claustrophobic, and uncomfortable. Heavy suits and thick gloves restrict the workers ability to move and handle tools. Visors interfere with the ability to see clearly. It’s harder to perform testing and other tasks effectively when wearing PPE that look like space suits! This article describes a solution to this problem when using power meters and data loggers. New meters are available with Bluetooth wireless communications to allow workers to perform testing several feet away from high voltages, safely and without wearing entire PPE suits.
NFPA 70E COMPLIANCE NFPA 70E (CSA Z462 in Canada) addresses work safety for electrical workers. It provides guidance on employee training, how to implement an effective electrical safety program, and for work planning and procedures such as lockout/tagout rules. Employers, employees, engineers, electricians, their supervisors, and new hires such as apprentices should be aware of and fol12
low NFPA 70E. OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) bases its electrical safety mandates on the NFPA 70E standard. To comply with NFPA 70E owners of electrical equipment and systems must display warning labels on equipment that electrical workers maintain, inspect, or repair. The labels shall indicate the en-
The Electric Current September 2010
ergy level of Arc Flash hazards at each location in calories/cm 2 (see label example) and the recommended level (or category) of PPE when working on the equipment (see table below). Non-compliance is not an option. In the event of an accident there is the potential for legal liability that can result in citations, work shutdown, fines, or other sanctions.
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+ The choice of a test meter, power monitor, or data logger must take safety standards into account.
Protective Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) As Defined in NFPA 70E-2004 Flash Hazard Category 0 Cotton underwear Long sleeve cotton shirt & pants Safety glasses or goggles Flash Hazard Category 2 Cotton underwear and T-shirt (short-sleeve) FR shirt & pants (or FR coverall) Hard hat Safety glasses or goggles Arc–rated face shield Hearing protection Leather gloves and shoes Voltage rated gloves and tools Flash Hazard Category 4 Cotton underwear and T-shirt (short-sleeve) FR shirt & pants (or FR coverall) Hard hat Safety glasses or goggles Hearing protection Leather gloves and shoes Voltage rated gloves and tools Multilayer flash suit and flash suit hood (> 40 cal/cm2)
CAT SAFETY RATINGS FOR TOOLS The choice of a test meter, power monitor, or data logger must take safety standards into account. When selecting electrical testing tools users should keep in mind the following safety and performance considerations: 14
• Does the meter meet existing safety standards? • Does the meter meet both my company’s or organization’s safety and measurement goals? • Does the meter improve worker safety? • Does the meter deliver a satisfactory user experience? Test tools must be designed to protect the worker during use from surges that could create an arcing flash-over, fire, or explosion. Described below are the four CAT safety ratings that specify the maximum transient over-voltages that testing tools must withstand (as per IEC/EN 61010-1 for phase to ground). CAT (Category) I refers to electronic equipment and circuits. CAT II covers outlet receptacles and their plug-in loads such as appliances and portable tools. CAT III deals with distribution level wiring, 480-volt and 600-volt circuits such as 3-phase bus and feeder circuits, motor control centers, load centers and distribution panels. Also included in CAT III are switchgear, motors, transformers, and similar fixed loads, as well as loads that can generate their own transients. CAT IV refers to power lines at the utility connection, the origin of installation, or service entrance. It includes outdoor overhead and underground cable runs that could be affected by lightning, as well as utility meter locations, and primary breakers or fuses. Higher rated CAT IV tools have improved protection circuitry. CAT IV 600V instruments are the best choice and
The Electric Current September 2010
are suitable for test environments at 600V or below.
BE SAFE WITH BLUETOOTH Power studies involve connecting probes to power conductors to sense voltage and current, often on live circuits, so wearing PPE is mandatory. When clad in PPE the hood or visor impairs clear vision of a meter display and keypad legends (especially in poor lighting) while “thick-fingered” leather gloves eliminate the tactile feel necessary for locating and operation of small buttons on a keypad. How then can workers deal with these operational difficulties when wearing PPE? Bluetooth wireless communications elegantly solves the problem of safely using a test meter under these conditions. Bluetooth wireless communications allows operation of the meter remotely, either from a PC or PDA. After installing the probes and meter the user can retreat several feet to a safe zone and take off the visor and gloves to perform testing with less stress. The worker can check probe connections, view real-time power meters for spot-checks, view waveforms, phasors, and harmonic spectra, initiate a monitoring session, plus download and retrieve logged data. All may be done well away from high voltages, safe from Arc Flash hazards via Bluetooth.
NEW POWER MONITORS WITH BLUETOOTH Remote operation of a testing meter is ultimately the safest practice. There
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are three new PowerSight meters from Summit Technology (www.powersight. com) that are ideal for complying with NFPA 70E safety programs: The PowerSight model PS2500 Power Logger, PS3500 Energy Analyzer, and the PS4500 Power Quality Analyzer. All combine the safety benefits of Bluetooth communications and CAT IV safety rat16
ing while also meeting the rigorous measurement requirements for energy studies, harmonics, and power quality investigations. They also have removable SD memory card slots for storing measurement data and disturbance events. This data can be transferred to a PC either by the memory card or wirelessly by Bluetooth.
The Electric Current September 2010
The safety requirements under NFPA 70E / CSA Z462 specify that PPE or Personal Protective Equipment shall be worn according to the Arc Flash hazard severity level. An aspect of NFPA 70E is that a warning label shall be posted at each location (panels, transformers, switchgear etc.) to inform the worker of the Arc Flash risk. The label must show the required PPE, Arc Flash energy, safe approach distances, and voltage levels. PPE involves wearing cumbersome suits, thick gloves, hoods, or visors which interfere with the worker’s freedom of movement, vision, and control of tools. Thus, the latest electrical testing tools (meters, power monitors, and data loggers) have been designed to take these operational challenges into consideration. Since test tools are also PPE PowerSight meters are designed to withstand transient over-voltages to protect the user. A CAT IV 600V/8000V rated tool means that it is suitable for use in all locations for conductors up to 600V phase to ground, and can withstand an 8000 volt transient over-voltage event. A CAT IV rating is the highest safety rating for hand-held tools and is therefore recommended when buying or renting a power monitor. The PowerSight models PS2500, PS3500, and PS4500 are all CAT IV 600V/8000V rated. Bluetooth wireless communication for a test meter provides the best safety practice. Bluetooth remote operation allows the user to remove the visor and gloves and safely operate the meter at a safer distance (up to 20 feet away) using a PC or PDA. This approach provides a better user experience since the user can take advantage of the larger size and higher resolution of a PC display. Then with the PC software provided the user can view waveforms more clearly, take waveform snapshots, and save data on the PC. The user can expand graphs for detailed analysis, export the data to Excel, and generate professional-looking final reports as Word or pdf documents. Whether performing “spot checks” on conductors to balance panels, or data logging for power quality, harmonics, and energy consumption, PowerSight meters combine comprehensive power measurements with Bluetooth for the ultimate in safety. ❑
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&
Respect for Humanity Contribution to Society
ESTABLISHED IN 1935, HIOKI HAS GROWN TO BE A LEADING DEVELOPER AND MANUFACTURER OF ADVANCED TEST AND MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTATION FOR USE BOTH IN THE FIELD AND LEADING EDGE FACILITIES AROUND THE WORLD.
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The Electric Current September 2010
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Corporate campus headquarters is located on a 23-acre site in the suburbs of Ueda City, Nagano, Japan. In addition to the headquarters and numerous local sales offices, Hioki has affiliates and joint venture worldwide including Hioki USA Corporation in Cranbury, New Jersey, Hioki China in Shanghai, China, Hioki Forest Plaza Corporation in Nagano, Japan, Hioki Engineering Service Corporation in Nagano, Japan, TKK Hioki Co., LTD. in Taiwan and Hiking Technology Co., LTD. in China. Hioki’s pledge to its “quality first” policy is second to none having earned the international standards ISO 9001 (Quality) and ISO 14001 (Environment) certifications. The use of HiQS Quality Control System and HiPS Production System techniques ensure a timely and swift release of high quality products. By employing over 160 engineers in the R&D department Hioki continues to develop an ever growing offering of state-of-the-art instruments to meet the needs of tomorrow. Hioki believes that the voice of the customer is of the utmost importance and thus must be heard throughout the entire organization. As Hioki serves a global customer base of 38 plus countries generating as many as 50,000 product/application requests annually, we implemented the Hioki Information Network System which allows our customer requests and needs to be shared promptly among the development, production and sales & service departments, so that we can propose the best possible solutions to our customers. The product offering from Hioki continues to grow each year. The products are separated into one of eight categories: 1. Power Measuring Instruments both portable and bench top for high level performance applications, for PQA analysis, Power Demand Metering and for managing power lines. 2. Recorders and Memory Recorders which serve a primary purpose for servicing and maintenance recording, simultaneous recording of multiple signals, waveform capture of high-speed signals, and for power line fault monitoring. 3. Electronic Measuring Instruments for low resistance measurements, battery testers, inductance, capacitance, impedance meters, signal sources, waveform generators, bench type
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The Electric Current September 2010
DMM’s, leakage current and withstanding voltage test equipment. 4. Environmental Measuring Instruments for temperature measurement, speed rotation meters, light meters, magnetic field meters, non-contact temperature measurement, data loggers for temperature, humidity, DC voltage, AC voltage, AC current, leak current, illumination & 2D thermo testing. 5. Clamp Sensors for wide-band frequency, high precision, waveform observations, power lines and power meters. 6. Clamp On Testers for basic AC current in average & TRMS styles and multifunctional AC/DC average and TRMS current clamp styles. 7. Field Measuring Instruments such as analog multimeters, LAN cable testers, optical power meters, line voltage & current noise loggers, DMM’s both bench & handheld type, phase rotation meters, voltage detectors, insulation testers and earth testers. 8. X-Y In-circuit tester for ultra high speed PC board inspections. Hioki products serve the needs of many market areas such as transportation, aviation, utility, manufacturing, hospitals, automotive and facility management. Our customers include electrical contractors in both commercial and residential fields, maintenance personnel, linesmen, mechanics and engineers alike. Applications vary from power quality testing, power demand testing, voltage & current testing, battery testing, event recording, LCR testing, insulation testing and more. Whatever the application may be, check out Hioki for your solution. Following the slogan “Seek to Be Unique,” the 600+ employees of Hioki strive to achieve new and significant advances, instead of being satisfied with the status quo. Hioki considers its mission to deliver the utmost value to the customer in a timely fashion. Hioki product and assistance is available through your local distributor and/or a sales representative office in your area. Or you may visit www.hiokiusa.com for further information. ❑
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Industry News
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Company Supports Race Driver’s Efforts to Encourage and Inspire Severely Wounded Veterans HENKEL ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP OF RACING FOR OUR HEROES: PROGRAM HOSTS WOUNDED SOLDIERS AT AMERICAN LE MANS EVENTS SINCE 2006, American Le Mans Series race car driver and former marine Jason Carter has hosted nearly 500 severely wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghan wars and their family members at American Le Mans Series racing events. During the 2010-2011 race season, Henkel Corporation and the Loctite® brand have joined this effort, committing as a title sponsor of Carter's Racing For Our Heroes program. Designed to tangibly express appreciation for the sacrifices of American soldiers, Racing For Our Heroes invites groups of wounded warriors and their families to join race teams at American Le Mans Series events, and gives the veterans full access to the race cars, race teams, drivers and facilities. In addition, Racing For Our Heroes provides career training and job placement assistance to any wounded veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom who is interested in pursu22
ing a career in motor sports. The first Henkel-sponsored Racing For Our Heroes event took place at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn., on Saturday, July 24. The full schedule of events for 201011 is available online at http://rfoh.org/ projects.htm. “Sponsors like Henkel Corporation are critical to the ongoing success of this program,” explains Jason Carter. “Since 2006, we have received more than 1,000 requests from wounded warriors and their families. Due to this overwhelming response, I am unable to personally provide all the funds needed to host our participating heroes -140 in the 2010-11 race season. I am very grateful to Henkel and all participating sponsors for their support of the Racing For Our Heroes program.” “Racing For Our Heroes encourages and inspires our wounded veterans as they endure lengthy and difficult recovery and re-
The Electric Current September 2010
habilitation procedures,” said Mike Shannahan, Henkel's director of marketing for the general industry business. “At Henkel, we are proud to do everything we can to support their fight to heal.” For more information on Henkel, visit www.henkelna.com/rfoh. Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries and Adhesive Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with wellknown brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs about 50,000 people and reported sales of $18.86 billion and adjusted operating profit of $1.84 billion in fiscal 2009. Henkel's preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX and the company ranks among the Fortune Global 500. ❑
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Industry News
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RIDGIDConnect™ Sweepstakes Winner
Receives $25,000 Prize Package RIDGID® announces the winner of its RIDGIDConnect™ Sweepstakes promotion. A single grand prize winner, Pat Grogan, a Topeka, Kan. resident, and owner of Pat the Plumber, was randomly chosen to receive a prize package valued at more than $25,000. The prize package included: • Subscription to RIDGIDConnect Online Business Tool for One Year • RIDGID LT1000 Laptop Interface • RIDGID Mini-SeeSnake® Plus Inspection System • Dell® Ruggedized XFR Laptop Computer with RIDGID software • SeekTech® SR-20 Locator and ST-305 Transmitter • microReel Pipe Inspection System • microEXPLORER® Inspection Camera • DVDPak Monitor with OLED Display
• RIDGID RP-210 Press Tool with ProPress® Jaws • Olympus® Stylus Tough Digital Camera • Flip® UltraHD Video Camera • GlobalSat Bluetooth GPS Receiver • SeeSnake® Interconnect Cable • Various Articles of RIDGID Gear RIDGID representatives delivered the prize package to Grogan’s plumbing services business on July 29, 2010. “I stumbled across the contest when I was researching product information on the RIDGID website, and decided to enter on a whim,” said Grogan. “I am incredibly thankful to RIDGID, and completely overwhelmed that I won. These RIDGID prizes couldn’t have come at a better time!” The contest, which ran from February 1 through June 30, 2010, was created to pro-
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The Electric Current September 2010
mote RIDGIDConnect, a subscriptionbased, online business tool designed for service professionals and contractors who create or use digital information. It was open to professional contractors throughout North America. Participants entered the contest online or via mail. Grogan was randomly chosen out of several thousand entries. ❑ For more information, please visit www.RIDGIDConnect.com, call toll free: 1-800-769-7743.
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Top Products
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THE NEW CYBERKEY VAULT 20 ELECTRONIC KEY CABINET
KEEPS MANAGEMENT INFORMED
V
idex announces CyberKey Vault 20, a smart key cabinet that offers a whole new level of accountability and key control. Unlike other key cabinets, electronic keys that are stored in the Vault contain no permissions to open any locks in a facility. When an employee needs a key, their RFID card or PIN must be entered to open the Vault and request a key to be programmed and released. The key that is released contains the access permissions specific only to that person so they can do their job: what locks they may open and when. The Vault keeps management informed through the audit reports and alerts that are automatically sent to them. At the end of the work day, when the employee returns their electronic key to the Vault, an audit report of their entire key activity, lock openings, and exceptions such as unauthorized
attempts to enter is automatically sent to management. As soon as the Vault reports back to management, the key’s memory is cleared. It remains in an un-programmed state until another authorized employee presents the required RFID card or PIN identification. The economics of the CyberKey Vault are
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The Electric Current September 2010
very attractive. Inexpensive RFID cards are used to access the Vault and the electronic key. An electronic key can be shared by any number of employees, shift-to-shift. This sharing of keys and dispensing them automatically is an efficient, cost-saving way to manage a company’s resources while at the same time increasing security. In addition, a ring of mechanical keys can be attached to an electronic key for safekeeping in the Vault. CyberKey Vault communicates with CyberLock access management software and installs in any location that has a network connection so a key can be quickly updated with an individual’s access schedule. A company can manage their electronic keys and access to locks at multiple on- and off-site locations from one central office. ❑ For more information, visit: www.cyberlock.com.
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IT LOOKS SAFE, BUT IS IT? We all know milk expires, but what about your safety tools? Do you know the expiration date on your safety products? A worker’s safety on the jobsite is dependent on the ability of the worker to work safely
and trust in the safety products that are employed. Many workers, no matter what occupation, have safety guidelines and procedures to keep them safe. Safety products have been utilized to better protect a
worker so they can get the job done correctly, efficiently and most importantly, safely. With all these safety products in the world today comes numerous standards and regulations that must be met and followed when workers are required to be placed in dangerous situations to complete a job; hence, the certification of products. Certified safety products allow workers to perform their duties efficiently and confidently. But how long do these certifications last? With such a high level of importance, the recertification of safety products is a practice that should not be forgotten. The use of certified safety products protects both the worker and the company. The worker can confidently perform his/her job, and the company can be self-assured that the task at hand is being completed correctly. With all the standards and regulations these days, there have been countless safety products that are available for numerous situations. The use of safety products could range anywhere from entering a confined space using an ANSI compliant manhole guard retrieval system, or having fall protection using a composite fall arrest tower anchored to an I-beam on top of an electrical transformer. When you or someone else’s life is dependent on certain products or equipment, making sure that it is correct working order is of the utmost importance. With new standards and regulations being written and revised constantly, new products are being created or evolving to meet those new conventions. Depending on the level of danger or complexity, some products may require more attention than GO TO WWW.THEELECTRICCURRENT.COM AND ENTER 22 ON RS CARD
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others. It is important to identify which products need to be recertified and which do not. The recertification process can catch small issues before they become a major disaster. Products may need to be recertified due to age or amount of normal wear and tear. There should be a set routine for checking and ensuring the products integrity and full dexterity of its capability. Recertifying a product may not always mean repairing a broken part or missing component. The product may just need routine maintenance to keep it performing at its full potential and functionality while maintaining its level of reliability. Visible problems with safety equipment can range from broken welds to deformations in the metal itself; however, it is imperative to get safety products recertified because not all issues or problems can be seen with the naked eye. For example, when the safety product is mechanical with moving parts, like a personnel hoist, it is very important to get these inner workings of the hoist inspected. In common cases involving hoists or winches, the equipment would likely in-
clude a hoist line (cable), gears, brakes, etc. These components can be compromised by over usage, improper usage, improper storage, chemical exposure, etc. In most cases, the products just need a routine check up and maintenance by having the components of the hoist be re-lubricated or brakes replaced. There are certain areas that an untrained person should not attempt to do visually. It may be best to have the equipment recertified under the original manufacturer, or under an approved dealer of the manufacturer. Recertifying equipment can avoid major problems which can cause injury or even death caused by a missed routine maintenance. The use of safety products is allowing us to expand our vertical limits. Whether it is building enormous structures stretching for the sun, or descending into the depths of manholes toward the center of the earth, a worker’s trust in their products could mean the difference between a job succeeding or not. Certifying a safety product ensures the well being of the worker and the workers around them. It is up to the user to ensure
that their equipment can perform and maintain standards in which it was originally intended to do. Internal deficiencies may impose greater concerns and problems than external signs. The product must be routinely examined, tested, and recertified by a qualified technician if not the original manufacturer themselves. The ability of the user is somewhat limited to the capability and the functionality of the user’s equipment. The common phrase “If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it” comes to mind. This is not the case when it comes to safety. Ensuring that there is not a problem of fixing a problem before it turns into a major catastrophe is the safest thing one can do. Recertification of safety products is as important if not more important as using a completely new certified product. ❑ About author: Andrew Chau is the lead safety design engineer at T.A. Pelsue Company. T.A. Pelsue has over 40 years of experience in the telecom and industrial safety fields. Andrew can be reached at andrewc@pelsue.com
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Company Profile
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California Turbo: Commitment, Quality and Confidence
C
alifornia Turbo was founded in 1967 to serve the needs of the underground utility industry by supplying innovative solutions for underground vault ventilation. Over the next several years a line of transformer cooling fans and confined space blowers were added. Today we are proud to offer a full line of transformer cooling fans and accessories; and both positive pressure and negative pressure underground vault blowers and accessories. California Turbo supplies these proven products to original equipment manufacturers, utility companies and contractors throughout the United States and around the World. Thanks to our loyal customers we have experienced steady growth. In 2002 we moved to our new 40,000 square foot headquarters in Fontana, California. We are conveniently located near major highways, air and sea ports, allowing efficient shipment of your orders. Customer service has been the basis of our business from the very beginning. We stock a wide array of components for our standard lines of fans, blowers and accessories. We have cultivated an unequalled team of suppliers who can help us meet your exact needs. Special requirements are our specialty. In 2005 in our quest to better serve our customers, we began to document and improve our long-established procedures for quality manufacturing and continual improvement. Based upon the ISO 9000-2000 model, our quality program documents staff training, continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, product realization and corrective actions. Our active quality program is our assurance to you, our customer, that our products and service are second to none. ❏ 10721 Business Drive, Fontana, CA 92337 Phone: 909-854-2800 or 800-448-1446 Fax: 909-854-2801 E-mail: websales@californiaturbo.com www.californiaturbo.com
California Turbo’s Quality Program We Are Committed to Quality What does this mean for our customers? California Turbo created its quality program based upon the principals of ISO 9001:2000. This guides the Company’s efforts to control our quality and maintain a means for continuous improvement of our service, processes and our products. Through implementation of a formal Quality Management System, California Turbo is prepared to more precisely focus our processes, which will mean increased value for you, our customer. Our Quality Manual and Process Documentation are all available for inspection upon request. WE ARE A WORLD LEADER IN THE MANUFACTURE OF: • Transformer Cooling Fans • Portable Blowers for Confined Spaces and Focused Cooling • Utility Vault Fans and Blowers • Blowers for above and below ground spaces OUR PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS PURSUING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BY: • Giving customers the best value, which enhances their success and status; • Continually improving our process efficiency and the effectiveness of the Quality *Management System (QMS); and • Providing a framework for establishing, implementing and reviewing quality objectives.
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Feature Story
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Optimizing
Financial Returns and State Incentives in Solar Electric (PV) Systems Written By Peter Hoberg, Solmetric Corporation
Abstract: WHEN EVALUATING A SOLAR ELECTRIC PROJECT, THE FINANCIAL RETURN WILL BE DETERMINED BY MANY FACTORS: IN ADDITION TO LOCATION’S LATITUDE AND WEATHER PATTERNS, THE SELECTED EQUIPMENT, PANEL ORIENTATION, AND OTHER FACTORS CAN DETERMINE THE ENERGY PRODUCTION. WEATHER PATTERNS CAN CAUSE SEASONAL AND DAILY FLUCTUATIONS IN SOLAR INSOLATION. AND SHADING FROM TREES, MOUNTAINS, BUILDINGS, OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT DEGRADATION IN ENERGY PRODUCTION. THESE FACTORS COMBINE AND INTERACT TO DETERMINE THE SOLAR ENERGY INCIDENT ON THE PANELS OF AN ARRAY AND THEREFORE IMPACT THE FINANCIAL RETURNS AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. In addition, Federal and state financial incentives can make a large difference in how the systems pencil out financially. This article gives an overview of some of the incentives, and describes some tools and techniques used to optimize the incentives – and the energy production. 32
Return on Solar Investment Like any project, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are subjected to financial scrutiny, and therefore solar installers need to be conversant in the details to put forward a convincing proposal for their client. Expenses will include the equipment – modules, in-
The Electric Current September 2010
verters, racking, wiring, conduit etc. – as well as the labor to put it all together. Estimating costs for a solar job can be a challenge, so organizations will likely need to rely on excellent costing tools for estimation, and build a knowledge base of experience to win jobs and execute them successfully. But estimating costs may be the easy part. Estimating the financial benefits may be even more challenging. The financial benefits of a solar PV system may include the following: Value of energy produced. With netmetering, now available in over 40 states, the solar kWh has real financial value whether it is used on-site or fed back into the grid. If used by loads on-site, then the value is the avoided cost of paying for that kWh from the utility. If it is fed back into the grid, then the customer is credited with the value of the kWh. The value in this case may be determined by the utility rate, which may depend on the time-of-day, and the local regulations. Federal incentives. The US federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) was extended in October 2008 to enable a tax credit of 30% of the system’s installation cost. Because of the tough economic conditions at that time, many organizations did not have the taxable income to take advantage of this, so in February 2009, the 30% incentive was also available as a cash grant. The tax credit will apply for many years to come, but the grant will apply only to systems installed before the end of 2010. State and local government incentives. A variety of state and local government programs are available, including cash rebates
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Figure 2. Sun Path charts for Portland, Oregon in (a) rectilinear, and (b) polar formats.
Sun Paths
Figure 1. Grid-tied PV installed capacity in 2009 by state. (Source: Interstate Renewable Energy Council)
(latitude/longitude, area, roof pitch, azor payouts when the system is installed, imuth, etc.) state tax credits, or “pay-per-kilowatt” in• Measurement of solar access and imcentives that may last for many years. Perpact of shade-causing obstructions, and kilowatt programs can be evaluation of shade-reduction strateperformance-based incentives, or the Solar gies, such as tree-trimming or removal Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) pay• Identification of issues that could cause ments which are becoming increasingly imextra work and implementation cost, or portant with activity in sixteen states. jeopardize the viability of a solar inState programs may provide 20 to 50 stallation, such as: percent of the total cost of the installation. • Wiring paths, trenching, inverter locaThese programs have big impact — the top tion ten solar states in the US have substantial • Roof integrity, age, beam spacing, loadfinancial incentives (see Figure below). ing characteristics A comprehensive database of state and • Safety concerns, access issues local solar incentives for Renewable En• Direct contact with client to discuss ergy programs (DSIRE) is funded by the other issues, including neighborhood US Department of Energy and maintained concerns, financing plan, aesthetics, etc. by the North Carolina Solar Center. For more information, and for links to proThe benefits of this early homework can grams at your location, please see lead to better system designs and in turn: http://www.dsireusa.org/solar/. • Increase energy production by picking The Importance of Site Evaluations the best location for solar at the site Leading solar installers invest significant • Improve accuracy in the energy proefforts into on-site data collection and evalduction estimates by being able to acuation, especially early in the process durcount better for shading and other ing customer qualification, initial design, site-specific issues and proposal preparation. With this infor• Optimize incentives such as state remation, they can better estimate energy probates (many state incentives adjust for duction and optimize rebates and incentives. panel orientation and shading) The site information gathered includes • Improved cost estimates the following: • Increased customer satisfaction and • Measurement of location parameters confidence leading to repeat business
For any location, the solar access will depend on the sun’s location – defined by elevation angle and azimuth direction — as it varies through each day and throughout the year. This can be plotted for a given latitude and longitude. An example sun path chart is shown below in both rectilinear and polar charts. The sun path is a function of latitude and longitude. As you change longitude or latitude, the sun path shifts. This can be seen in Figure 2 for two different locations. Notice that as you move North toward higher latitude, the annual sun path shifts, that is, the sun is at lower elevations. If you move South, the chart will shift to higher elevations. As you move to the West toward higher longitude, the sun’s path is the same, but the time shifts so that the sun appears at a given location sooner in the day. Note that a latitude shift of two degrees North (138 miles) shifts the noon elevation angle by less than two degrees. A longitude shift of 2 degrees (108 miles at 38.6 degrees N) causes a time shift of about 10 minutes at noon. When making measurements at a site, using exact coordinates is desired, but it is normally sufficient to use the sun paths for locations within 50 miles and in the same time zone.
Shading Analysis Shade can have dramatic impact on solar production, so it is critical to evaluate it before getting too far into the design process. Various on-site techniques can be used, including viewing reflections from a mirror
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FIGURE 3. Polar sun path charts for Sacramento, California (blue) and shifted in location (gray) by (a) two degrees latitude to the North and (b) two degrees longitude to the West.
dome, stitching together multiple digital pictures, or using a fisheye lens and digital camera to capture the whole sky in a single image. The result is information about the shading obstacles’ elevation vs. azimuth. The sun path information described earlier can be overlaid directly on these views, so that the impact of shading can be determined, either graphically or numerically. An example of a polar chart taken with a fisheye lens is shown in Figure 4. Shading data can also be shown as elevation vs. azimuth as shown in the graph below, using the same data as Figure 4. Sun elevation and azimuth are also shown. Several states have on-line energy calcu-
34
lators that require this data for their energy production estimates. Normally a subset of the data is required, for example, Pennsylvania requires seven readings, which are the average over seven thirty degree azimuth “windows”. An alternative way to specify shading is by its “shadefree” hours, for example 10am until 2pm or 9am until 3pm. In this case, obstructions are allowed to cast shadows only at times before or after the specified time period. An annual sunpath measurement showing this time window is shown in Figure 6.
Figure 4. Example solar access measurement, and computed solar access results. SunEye Skyline viewing in Google Earth™
ing degrees of inspection, verification, and monitoring. Verification of PV system performance during installation and annual maintenance can increase confidence that financial goals will be met. The signature “I-V curve” measures current versus voltage in the array. Comparing measured results to a model shows how the system is doing compared to what it should be doing. If there are issues, such as mismatch or series or shunt resistance, Verification and Monitoring they can be identified and addressed. An Many state programs also require vary- example measurement using the Solmetric
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Figure 5. Obstruction Elevation example. Elevation vs. azimuth for a profile with both morning and afternoon shade profiles. Sun paths are also shown.
Figure 6
Figure 7. Time-windowed solar access shown in red.
PV Analyzer is shown in Figure 7.
The Solar Bottom Line
Monitoring Laboratory, Sun Chart Program at http://solardat.uoregon.edu/SunChartProgram.html and Polar Sun Chart Program at http://solardat.uoregon.edu/PolarSunChartProgram.html. Photovoltaic Performance Calculator PVWATTS. By National Renewable Energy Laboratory, http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/codes_algs/PVWATTS/. Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE). Funding by US Department of Energy and maintained by the North Carolina Solar Center. http://www.dsireusa.org/solar/.
performed as part of the sales process with a more detailed analysis after a contract is signed. Location, panel orientation, weather, and shading all interact to influence solar access and therefore energy production potential. Energy production, utility rates, and financial incentives will combine to determine financial returns. With the right tools and techniques, solar installers can dramatically improve the chances of their project’s suc- Peter Hoberg is VP of Sales and Marketing at Solmetric Corporation and has over 20 cess. â??
The financial plan for the solar energy system involves costs and benefits. Knowing the costs and benefits is critical. Contractors, investors, and end users will all benefit from an open, honest review of the solar access data upfront to avoid unwanted surprises during or after project implementation. The site assessment itself is a cost. Depending on the size and complexity of the site, it can be a few hundred to a few thou- Additional Reading sand dollars to do a thorough site assessNational Renewable Energy Laboratory, ment. In the pre-contract phase, contractors TMY3. are typically not getting paid for this work, http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/19 so quick results with sufficient accuracy are 91-2005/tmy3/. critical. Often a preliminary site analysis is University of Oregon Solar Radiation
years experience in marketing and business development with Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies. Mr. Hoberg holds a Green MBA degree from the New College of California and has an BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
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Advertiser Index
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Company Name Alber Corp. ARPI of USA Bierer & Associates California Turbo Cementex Condux E-Z Meter Extech Instruments Hioki USA Krenz-Vent KVAR Noren Industries Ontility Pelsue Phase-A-Matic Ram Mount Smiddo Solmetric Steelman Industries Summitt Technologies Superior Phase Converters Utility Metals Zitos
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The Electric Current September 2010
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