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CONTENTS
18 PUBLISHER
Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER
Anita Salchert
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Derek Gaylard
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Pam Fulmer
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
John Steele Bill Plageman
COVER STORY 6
Transitioning from Legacy to Modern UPS Systems ART 1
P
BY JOHN STEELE
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 16 New Technology Improves Accuracy of a Familiar Tool for Electricians: The Stud Finder
FEATURE 18 Cogeneration Solution Provides 100% of Campus Power
COMPANY PROFILE 20 Griplock® Systems:
The Art of Suspension®
FEATURE 22 7 Lighting Techniques to Divide a Space BY BILL PLAGEMAN
DEPARTMENTS 26 NEW PRODUCTS 40 AD INDEX
Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric |
Electrical Products & Solutions
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2009 Eagle Ridge Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 phone: 205.981.4541 fax: 205.981.4544 www.epsmag.net danny@epsmag.net Electrical Products & Solutions™ is published twelve times a year on a monthly basis by ABD Communications, Inc., 3591 Cahaba Beach Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed to qualified readers in the electrical contracting 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 ABD Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 382885 Birmingham, Alabama 35238-2885
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cover STORY Mitsubishi
transitioning from legacy to Modern UPS Systems PART 1 BY JOHN STEELE, INSIDE SALES MANAGER
introDUCtion There is a growing trend in the UPS industry to create a highly efficient, more lightweight and smaller UPS system. Data centers across the world are constantly searching for new ways to maximize reliable UPS power while minimizing the UPS and associated equipment footprint. In addition, operating costs for large data centers always will be a priority. In applications that require a smaller capacity UPS (less than 200 kW), true on-line double conversion transformerless UPS systems have emerged as the topology of choice since the early 2000’s.
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In larger applications, most legacy UPS systems consisted of a UPS with a transformer, or multiple smaller UPS power modules paralleled together to achieve the required (Continued on page 8)
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cover STORY Mitsubishi (Continued FROM page 6)
Figure 1: 6 pulse rectifier with optional transformer
Figure 2: 12 pulse rectifier with optional transformer
sor and a field programmable gate array as opposed to waiting for a zero crossing. When the gate signal is removed, the IGBT turns off. The combination creates a series of pulses to re-shape existing voltages (conversion from AC to DC and from DC back to AC). As with any switching power electronic, the device itself has power losses. For the IGBT, the two primary losses are the conduction losses and the switching losses. Since the IGBTs are being turned on and turned off much faster, the switching losses will increase creating a less efficient system. This is a challenge most manufacturers were unable to overcome in larger capacity UPS systems up until just a few years ago. For this reason, many UPS manufacturers remained using thyristors as opposed to IGBTs in the converter section of the UPS (rectifier section) for many years. Although there are many benefits in using IGBTs in the converter section, a decrease in efficiency prevented them from being a preferred option for most in larger UPS kW rated systems (above 200 kW) for quite some time. In the UPS inverter, the benefits of the IGBT switching speed have far outweighed the decrease in efficiency. It is important to note that a transformer serves many purposes in the UPS system. Even if the UPS utilizes IGBTs for switching, a transformer would still have a purpose. Other technologies such as the IGBT switching controls and fault detection still need to be considered. This paper will discuss the new technologies used in transformerless UPS systems and the advances in the Mitsubishi 9900 series UPS systems. Background
Figure 3: Diode Bridge rectifier with optional transformer
capacity. Most UPS manufacturers were finding it difficult to create a true on-line double conversion transformerless UPS system larger than 200 kW due to factors such as ground faults, high frequency noise and efficiency. Transformerless UPS systems utilize 8
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Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) for all power conversion processes (AC/ DC converter, DC/DC chopper and the DC/AC inverter). IGBTs are much faster than the traditional thyristor and can be controlled by simply toggling an on/off gate signal using a digital signal proces-
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Before the advances in UPS controls and the benefits of the IGBT in the converter and inverter can start to be appreciated, the primary and secondary purposes of the transformer in traditional UPS systems must first be discussed. Converter Section:
The main purpose of the converter section of the UPS is to convert the AC utility power to DC power. The most popular power electronics used for this process are the Diode (6 pulse), the thyristor (SCR 6 pulse and (Continued ON page 12)
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cover STORY Mitsubishi (Continued FROM page 8)
Figure 4: IGBT converter with optional transformer
Figure 5: Filters for the rectifier section (left) and inverter section (right)
Figure 6: Input current harmonic comparison
SCR 12 pulse) and the IGBT. Until recently, the 6 pulse and the 12 pulse SCR rectifier had been the most popular. As shown in figure 2, the 12 pulse SCR rectifier uses an isolation transformer in combination with two 6 pulse SCR rectifiers (figure 1 shows a 6 pulse SCR rectifier). The 30 degree phase shift 12
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provided by the transformer is the main purpose of the isolation transformer. The two 6 pulse SCR rectifiers will alternate to create twice as many pulses. The 12 pulse SCR rectifier will produce fewer harmonics than the single 6 pulse SCR rectifier allowing for a smaller harmonic filter.
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The diode bridge converter (figure 3) is similar to the 6 pulse SCR rectifier, except the diodes are natural commutation (natural on and natural off). The benefits of the diode bridge are better efficiencies and lower harmonics compared to a traditional SCR rectifier. Every rectifier, regardless of the technology or power electronics used, will produce harmonics. For all technologies but the IGBT (figure 4), these harmonics are greater than desired for most electrical systems, including the backup generator. Therefore, an input filter is required to reduce the harmonics to less than 10% iTHD. As shown in Figure 5, the input filter is comprised of an inductor with a parallel capacitor. The transformer, in this case, helps add inductance to the line to further reduce the harmonics. Figure 6 shows reflected harmonic distortion on input current waveforms from their respective rectifier or converter technology. Finally, the isolation transformer used in the converter section of the UPS system will provide isolation between the UPS module and the utility. This isolation helps protect against DC ground faults caused by the batteries and will minimize damage to the upstream distribution system due to a separation in the transformer input and output windings. Although some manufacturers have started using IGBTs in the converter section, most vary in the switching speed of the IGBTs. The benefit of using a slower switching speed for the IGBT converter is a higher efficiency (less switching means less switching losses). In this case, the IGBT converter will still produce larger amounts of harmonics, which will require a lower frequency input harmonic filter (similar to the harmonic filter for the SCR rectifiers). The problem with lower frequency input harmonic filters on the UPS converter is the leading power factor at small loads. When the UPS system is operating at a reduced load, the ratio of capacitance in the input filter to the load becomes very large and will produce a leading power factor from the UPS. This leading power factor can result in generator compatibility issues. To eliminate these issues, an active input filter (switching harmonic filter capacitors in and out of the circuit (Continued ON page 14)
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cover STORY Mitsubishi (Continued FROM page 12)
Figure 7: IGBT switching 2-level (top) and 3-level (bottom)
depending on the load) will need to be used or the input filter would need to be disconnected both resulting in an increased harmonic content. Digitally controlled IGBT converters:
IGBT converters offer many benefits over SCR type rectifiers if applied correctly (see figure 4). The IGBT converter can switch at speeds in the kilo-hertz range as opposed to the slower SCR rectifier, which fires pulses in the hundreds-hertz range. The reason the SCR rectifiers can not be switched faster is because the thyristors are turned on by a gate signal, but turned off by natural commutation (zero crossing of the AC input sine wave) or by a snubber circuit. If used properly with a digital signal processor and a Field Programmable Gate Array, the IGBT switching can be controlled to minimize the harmonics normally produced by a converter, thus eliminating the input harmonic filter. As stated above, the problem exists with the UPS efficiency. If the IGBT converter is turning on and off in the kilo-hertz range, and the IGBT inverter is turning on and off in the kilo-hertz range, the switching losses will quickly add up creating a less efficient UPS. 14
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Inverter Section:
Most manufacturers have recognized the importance of using IGBTs in the UPS inverter. The faster switching capabilities of the IGBT, if controlled properly, will result in a less distorted sine wave and will offer better response to various steps in the output loads and improved compatibility with downstream static transfer switches. The IGBTs are fired in a series of pulses, which are used to invert the DC from the converter (or batteries) into a clean sine wave (refer to figure 7). Since the pulses are not continuous, high frequency noise is generated from the inverter. The high frequency noise and harmonic content on the output side of the UPS is filtered using an output filter and an output isolation transformer. In addition, the isolation transformer on the output of the UPS provides a means to re-establish a neutral ground bond for the downstream distribution. The Mitsubishi 9900 series transformerless UPS systems As mentioned earlier, there are many different factors that need to be considered when designing a transformerless UPS system. Ideally, the UPS should be designed with minimal losses throughout the conversion processes (high effi-
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cient UPS). This was one of the design goals for the 9900 series UPS. After researching the available power conversion technologies, it was concluded that the three-level topology offered the most benefits while improving the reliability of the system. The three-level topology reduces the switching losses associated with IGBTs. The result is a more efficient True OnLine Double Conversion UPS system that maintains this higher level of efficiency at loads as low as 10% on the UPS system (reference “The Power of Green: Mitsubishi 9900A Series High Efficiency True On-Line Double Conversion Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)”). Adding to the efficiency improvements of the 9900 series is the reduction of the filtering requirements. The input current harmonics of the 9900 is controlled to less than 3% at 100% load without the use of a low frequency harmonic filter. Only a small high frequency filter is required for the input of the UPS. Generator compatibility issues due to harmonics and leading power factor are eliminated by reducing the overall input capacitance by eliminating the low frequency harmonic filter. On the output, since the Three-Level Topology generates pulses that more closely resemble a sine-wave (see figure 7), the output filter is also minimized. The combination creates a highly reliable and efficient True On-Line Double Conversion UPS system. Reducing the size of the UPS filters and eliminating the transformer will also reduce the size and weight of the UPS system and increase the efficiency. To further enhance the improvements in technology, the 9900 series UPS systems are designed with the newest, most advanced generation of Mitsubishi designed IGBTs. Mitsubishi UPS systems are using fifth and seventh generation IGBTs which offer better efficiencies, improved reliability and a lower gate voltage. Although these are all great benefits for the customer, the UPS control techniques and the UPS response to different types of faults that can occur must now be considered. o Be sure to read Part 2 of this article in next month’s issue.
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product SPOTLIGHT Franklin Sensors
New Technology Improves Accuracy of a Familiar Tool for Electricians: The Stud Finder Advanced stud finders with more sensors and a wider, horizontal display identifies the full width of the stud Electricians understand the value of having the right tool for the job. However, many are dissatisfied with traditional stud finders that require multiple steps, “error-out” frequently and provide inconsistent readings. Although there is no shortage of stud finders in the market, traditional units with one or two sensors may not delineate the location of studs clearly enough. Even higher priced options with LCD screens typically utilize the same one or two sensors as lower-end models and thus offer similar sensing technology. Another problem with conventional electric stud finders is the multiple steps required for calibration and then locating the stud. Electricians are usually required to slide the unit from left to right until a stud is identified by a single LED light and an audible beeping sound. “Traditional stud finders with one LED light do not show you the full width of the stud,” says Randy Cruise, a licensed electrician, general contractor and owner of California Coast Home Remodeling. “Without knowing where the center is, we might attach something to the edge or miss the stud completely, and whatever we were attaching would not be securely fastened to the wall.” The problem is so prevalent that some electricians resort to alternative techniques like tapping into drywall with a small drill bit or finishing nail or rapping on the walls to physically locate each of the studs. Fortunately, more advanced units are now on the market that incorporate six times the sensors along with more sophisticated processing technology to accurately locate studs. Because these units are also available in a horizontal configuration, the sensing and display area is much wider and 16
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can identify the full width of the stud. For some electricians, the increased accuracy and clear delineation of studs is speeding jobs, preventing costly errors,
minimizing drywall damage and even contributing to more accurate project estimates. Improving Accuracy and Ease of Use To expedite electrical and remodeling work, Cruise and his work crew turned to a stud sensor from Franklin Sensors that utilizes up to 13 sensors. The 7-inch, horizontally oriented device includes LEDs spaced across the entire width of the product that illuminate to show the full width of the stud – usually 3 lights for standard 2x4s. “The stud finder serves one purpose: to find the studs,” says Cruise. “I prefer the wider models with multiple LEDs, because it shows you where the stud starts and where it ends. You can pick your ‘center’ and screw right into it without
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guessing what is behind the wall.” For electricians, accurately knowing where the studs are – and are not – is critical for completing a job without serious complications. “If we are remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or office space, we often need to re-route the electrical lines as part of the job,” explains Cruise. “As an electrician, you need an accurate picture of what is behind the wall without having to break it. A more accurate stud finder can tell you how much room there is to work with, if the studs are plumb or are running horizontally, etc.” By eliminating unnecessary wall damage, Cruise explains that his company can save quite a bit of time and labor even for minor repairs. “It might cost us four to eight hours to fix wall damage, including plastering or texturing and then waiting for all the materials to dry before applying primer and paint,” explains Cruise. “A clean job without unnecessary repairs is less expensive for the client and more profitable for us, so everyone is happy.” According to Cruise, the advanced stud finder even helps him produce more accurate estimates that, in some cases, also reduces the cost for the customer. “The Franklin Sensors stud finder helps me to more accurately estimate the time it will take to complete a job,” explains Cruise. “There is less guesswork as to what is going on behind the drywall, and I don’t have to charge for worst-case scenarios to cover potential extra work. This allows us to give the client a better price, which often helps us to win the bid.” o For more info, call (208) 918-2405; visit www.franklinsensors.com; or write to Franklin Sensors Inc., 6675 N Pollard Lane, Meridian ID 83646.
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feature ARTICLE
CAT® Energy Solutions
COGENERATION SOLUTION PROVIDES 100% OF CAMPUS POWER Brock University is a public research university in St. Catharines, Ontario, located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an ecosystem that promotes the conservation of biodiversity through sustainable use. Due to the rising cost of power from the electric grid, 25 years ago the university commissioned a 6.4 MW district energy plant, to produce heating, cooling, and electricity, all from one fuel source.
Last summer, Brock began replacing eight existing Cat® G3516A workhorse engines with four Cat 3516H engines, which produce 2 MW of electricity each, to significantly reduce the university’s carbon footprint. The new plant provides 100 percent of campus energy demand, is 20 percent more efficient, and reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 95 percent and carbon monoxide by 93 percent. The increased efficiency of the new G3516H gensets will help meet their goal of a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2023. Brock has numerous sensitive research-intensive facilities. As an additional benefit, the cogeneration plant can operate on island mode, so Brock is able to protect these valuable facilities with a reliable energy supply in the face of power outages or severe weather. Cat dealer Toromont Power Systems performs annual maintenance and provides technical expertise for any operational issues. For more than 25 years, Toromont has provided reliable, cost-effective energy to the campus community. Toromont and Brock University conduct research together to find ways to make the plant even more sustainable. “Sustainability is at the core of all we do at Brock,” says Scott Johnstone, Brock’s associate vice president of facilities management. “This project is taking us to the next level of performance efficiency and represents the beginning of bigger things to come.” o
“This project is taking us to the next level of performance efficiency and represents the beginning of bigger things to come.” —Scott Johnstone 18
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company ® PROFILE GRIPLOCK SYSTEMS
Griplock® Systems:
The Art of Suspension®
Griplock Systems prides itself on providing quality cable suspension products at a price everyone can afford. When it comes to cable suspension, Griplock® Systems is second to none. Griplock® Systems, a market leader since 1992, has been designing cable gripper suspension systems to fit the needs of any project or environment. These systems have been used for architectural and industrial lighting, shelving, displays, signage, art, HVAC ducting, and more. The aircraft cable available from Griplock Systems ranges from 1/32” in diameter, with a safe working load* of 15 pounds, up to 5/16” diameter, with a safe working load of 1200 pounds, in either galvanized or stainless steel. The key component, however, to these systems is the Griplock® Cable Gripper. There are hundreds of varieties of grippers offered, varying in size and style. From threaded ends to rings and hooks, you are sure to find the perfect gripper for your application. And all of Griplock’s cable grippers are engineered in-house and meet strict safety and quality requirements. Reliability and safety are of paramount concern, which is why the company has such rigorous quality control standards. “When you have an object suspended from the ceiling, hovering over the heads of your customers, you have to make sure that it’s safe,” states Ryan Kwast, VP of Sales and Engineering. “We test all of our systems to their breaking point and then set their safe working load at 20% of that point, an industry standard, so there is no doubt of their safety.” Griplock Systems’ easy to use, compact, failsafe design and low profile make it a favorite and reliable tool for use among many of the top lighting OEMs, as well as, in Trade Shows, Motion Pictures, and Theatrical Rigging applications. 20
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Griplock Systems also offers a wide variety of other components like couplers, canopies, power cord, safety tethers, and now new to their lineup - a Portable Fuse Cutter, which is a fraction of the cost of a standard tabletop fuse cutting machine and you can easily take it into the field. Along with the dependability of Griplock’s cable suspension systems, they are some of the most stylish and modern looking hanging systems on the market. But don’t let their looks fool you; through design, engineering, and sourcing of materials, they have been able to drive costs down, while still maintaining the highest quality standards. “Just because our products don’t look cheap, doesn’t mean they’re expensive,” explains Bryan Shamblin, Sales Director. “We have a lot of contractors who think our product must be expensive because it looks so nice and that’s just not the case. We offer both a PREMIUM and a STANDARD line of cable grippers. The ZF Standard line has a slightly lower safe working load, but is a great low cost alternative to other hanging systems … and still has the quality look that everyone expects from Griplock.” With Griplock Systems’ cable suspension, you can suspend nearly anything and easily make the slightest height adjustments without tools. Faster installa-
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tion means less time on the job, which means lower labors costs, which means YOU SAVE MONEY and PROFITS INCREASE! Griplock® Systems is committed to providing high-quality, high-performance, and budget-conscious products, backed by outstanding customer service and engineering expertise. State-of-theart components and elegant, functional designs, combined with rigorous quality control are the keys to their success. This is The Art of Suspension®. If you’re not familiar with Griplock Systems or maybe you haven’t checked them out in a while because you thought they were too expensive, visit their website www.griplocksystems.com or give them a call at 866-636-2981 and speak to one of their friendly customer service representatives. *Safe working loads are 20% of the minimum break strength of the gripper / cable combination.
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feature ARTICLE
7
Amerlux
Lighting Techniques to Divide a Space By Bill Plageman
Open concept spaces are all over the place— offices, hotels, restaurants, stores and our homes. The design philosophy behind these open architectural spaces has several benefits, but there are a few challenges.
A hanging fixture over a table or seating area draws the eye to the center of the space and communicates the message that something happens here. A center-mounted pendant also gives people a subconscious indication of how large that zone is. We see how far the pendant hangs from the wall and we immediately imagine the area continues an equal distance on the other side of the pendant. In this way, pendants clearly define a space and create a focal point for it.
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Put the spotlight on what is important
Just because the space is open doesn’t mean there isn’t a need to subdivide it. Creating different zones guides people through the space and sets areas apart for different tasks. A key challenge is simulating rooms and dividers in a space that doesn’t have walls. In an open office, it’s useful to separate meeting space from the employee lounge and the lounge area from the workstations. In retail, it’s always important to guide shoppers to the high-margin merchandise. For residential applications, it’s healthy to delineate sleeping quarters from a home office or living room area so people can mentally turn off from work and play when they rest. Of all the tools in your toolbox, lighting is one of the best ones you have at your disposal for directing behavior and dividing a space. Here are seven ways you can use lighting to break up an open space without building walls:
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Separate workspaces from avenues of egress
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Draw a line with linear lighting
Linear lighting can quite literally draw a line around a space. In a store, for example, installing recessed linear lighting in the ceiling around a particular display or product section creates a clear differentiation for the space. It says, “buy X products here.” The same technique could be used to encircle a meeting area in an office.
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Make pendants the center of attention
Dividing workstations from hallways is especially useful for offices because
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it helps manage pedestrian traffic and it makes it clear that certain areas are designated for getting work done. In a hallway, a row of downlights or lengths of recessed linear lighting subconsciously guide people down the path to their destination. Using different fixtures or a different arrangement of the same fixtures over the workspace will help employees mentally transition from the hallway to their desk and focus on work.
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Pendants are an excellent way to define a space without using walls or barriers.
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It’s likely that not everything in the space you’re working on is going to have the same level of importance. This is especially evident in retail: in supermarkets, the fresh perimeter departments are more valuable than the dry goods aisles. In a clothing store, the clearance section doesn’t need the same lighting treatment as the displays by the entrance. In an office or hospitality space, this means putting obvious sources of light in areas where activities take place or where groups meet. This can include wall washers and track lighting to give the space ambience and differentiate it from the typical downlights often used in those environments. Our eyes are always drawn to what is brightest. It’s why the spotlight goes on the star of the scene in a play. Lighting creates the narrative structure for the room with a visual hierarchy. Lighting clearly directs our gaze and our brains interpret what is illuminated to be more important than what isn’t.
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Break up large workspaces with lighting
Use light to create different zones in a large open office space. If you know what the uses for the space will be, you can logically break up the area by the purpose (Continued ON page 24) of the space—
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feature ARTICLE
Amerlux (Continued FROM page 22)
collaborative workstations, focused workstations, meeting spots, and so on. You can also break it up by the teams that will work there. For example, a company can install bright lighting for the accounting department who deal with a lot of paperwork and a different lighting scheme for sales and marketing. Even if the space is intended for one purpose and one department, breaking up a large area will give the space some variety and help it to not feel like a cavern.
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Tell people where to go with the lighting
Most people, when they are confronted with a barrier to entering a room, will move to the right to go around it. The exception is when the left side is brighter. In that case, people will follow the light. Lighting creates focal points for the space and directs wayfinding directly and on an unconscious level. Use your lighting design to direct people where they
should go—whether it’s to the meeting room or the high-margin retail displays.
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Fill in any discrepancies between light levels with indirect lighting After you create your lighting scheme to illuminate different areas with different fixtures or types of light, the next step is to ensure there is enough ambient light in the space. Different building codes have different requirements and a great way to bring up the ambient light levels if needed is through indirect lighting. In one recent project when Amerlux supplied lighting, the designers were working with 18,000 square feet of office space. The architects created “neighborhoods” in the space with the furniture systems and the lighting designers complemented these zones with diverse lighting that included decorative pendants and linear direct pendants. To complement these downlights, the designers used our indirect linear system
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to increase the ambient light. The result was a comfortably lit office that’s flexible enough to change as the company in the space changes over time. Lighting is a powerful way to identify and separate smaller areas within a larger space. It can carve an open space into distinct “rooms” without building any walls. Good lighting isn’t usually seen; it’s felt subconsciously. But when it does its job well, the lighting design isn’t noticed. Instead, people notice they feel good and retailers notice their sales are up. Good lighting can rescue a poor design while bad lighting can sink a beautiful design. o Bill Plageman is the vice president of marketing and product management at Amerlux, an award-winning design-and-manufacture LED lighting company. Amerlux has been on the forefront of lighting technology since the 1980s and has designed some of the finest lighting solutions ever developed.
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new PRODUCTS AEMC® Introduces an Upgrade to Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472 AEMC’s Ground Resistance Tester Model 6472 now includes two additional test voltages of 10 and 60 Volts that can be manually selected. This optimizes it’s use in sensitive areas and improves its ability to test in poor soil conditions as well as conduct deep soil resistivity testing. Other features include: • Bond/Connection Resistance (2-Pole and 4-Pole Kelvin sensing) • Ground Resistance (3-Pole or 4-Pole) • Ground Coupling Resistance • Selective Resistance • Soil Resistivity (Wenner or Schlumberger method) • Ground Potential • Ground Resistance with 2 clamps (no auxiliary rods) • Ground Resistance of Pylons with the GroundFlex® Adapter Model 6474 and Ground Flex® sensors allow the system to measure leakage current and ground resistance of tower legs without disconnecting the overhead ground conductor. The Model 6472 measures from 0.01 to 99.99KΩ and is auto-ranging, automatically seeking out the optimum measurement range, test frequency, and test current. The adjustable test frequency (either manual or automatic) from 40 to 5078Hz test voltage provides rejection of high levels of interference, allowing it to be used under difficult conditions such as the presence of high stray currents that normally affect accuracy. Up to 512 test results can be stored in internal memory for later recall to the display or downloaded to a PC using DataView® software (included) for Automatic Report Generation, Automatic Fall-of-Potential Plot Generation, Frequency/Resistance Plots, and much more. For more information, visit www.aemc.com
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new PRODUCTS AFL Adds FlexScan® FS300-325 Quad OTDR to Portfolio AFL, a manufacturer of fiber optic cable, accessories and equipment, is launching the FlexScan FS300-325 Quad OTDR. The FS300-325 Quad OTDR is designed specifically for contract installers and network operators deploying and maintaining both single-mode and multimode networks, including Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Passive Optical Networks (PONs), Passive Optical LANs (POLANs) and point-to-point networks. The new FS300-325 Quad OTDR includes many of the same capabilities found in AFL’s award-winning FlexScan FS200 family of single-mode OTDRs: • Rugged, pocket-sized package; • Fast power on, plus easy setup and easily understood results; • SmartAuto® multi-pulse testing for both high resolution and long range; • LinkMap® icon-based view of the tested network with clear pass/fail indications; • Internal and external results storage with USB and wireless communications; • Bluetooth® interface to AFL’s award-winning FOCIS connector inspection products. In addition to new multimode test capability, the FS300-325 further enhances FlexScan ease-ofuse with a larger, higher-resolution (800x480) gesture-recognition touchscreen display, integrated user-configurable Print-to-PDF, longer battery life, plus improved Bluetooth/WiFi communications. Commenting on their choice of OTDR, Shawn Fouts, Project Engineer at Petrospec Engineering Inc. noted, “We chose to add the FlexScan Quad OTDR to our toolbox due to its compact and robust design, user-friendly features and easy-to-navigate touchscreen, ability to test single-mode and multimode fibers with a single unit as well as ease of downloading diagnostic traces for desktop computer viewing and permanent storage.” For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com
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JUNE 2019
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new PRODUCTS Topaz Launches Low Profile Canopy Luminaires Designed for Performance & Built to Last
Topaz has introduced new round and square LED Canopy Luminaires. These new fixtures are available in 40 and 50 watt options to replace 175 and 250 watt Halogen lamps. LED Canopy Luminaires offer a high lumen output, improved efficacy, and surge protection. The durable lens is constructed with impact resistant polycarbonate. These fixtures are easily installed with a convenient hinged mounting plate, and contain a ¾” threaded hub for applications where pendant mounting is preferred. Canopies are wet location rated, making them ideal for use in parking garages, stairwells, exterior canopy settings and carports. The square canopy is available in bronze, and the round canopy is available in white and bronze to coordinate with the application. Michael Neary, Topaz Senior Lighting Product Manager said, “Canopy fixtures have come a long way in size and durability. The new low-profile design is great for applications where clearance height is a concern. These fixtures are also DLC® Premium listed for use where energy efficiency is a priority.” As an added incentive, Topaz’s LED Canopy Luminaires are rebate-eligible in major markets across the country including: New York City, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Antonio, and Las Vegas. All rebates must be verified by the local utility provider. Please visit https://www. topaz-usa.com/rebate-finder to see if rebates are available in your market. For more information, visit www.topaz-usa.com
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Enespro PPE Expands Selection of Arc Flash Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with 55 and 65 CAL Kits Enespro PPE, 2018 NECA Showstopper Award winner and manufacturer of innovative, USA-made personal protective equipment (PPE) for the electrical industry has today announced an expanded selection electrical PPE with the introduction of 55 CAL and 65 CAL Arc Flash Kits. “We are ecstatic to expand on our already extensive line of Arc Flash PPE Kits,” said Mike Enright, CEO at Enespro PPE. “Following the industry excitement over the comfort, breathability and mobility of our 8, 12, 20, and 40 CAL suits, we knew it was necessary to expand our line to cover 55 Cal and 65 Cal levels with the performance our customers have come to expect from our products.” Enespro PPE Arc Flash line now includes 8 CAL, 12 CAL, 20 CAL, 40 CAL & 40 CAL AirLite™, 55 CAL and 65 CAL full kits.
Enespro 55 CAL Arc Flash Kit The Enespro 55 CAL Arc Flash Kit is arc rated for up to 55 Cal/cm2 and meets ASTM F1506, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 and NFPA 70E-2018 PPE Cat 1,2,3&4 standards. This made in the USA product includes a Jacket and Bib Overalls, an OptiShield™ Hood with Dual Fans, an MSA V-Gard® Hard Hat, safety glasses and silicone ear plugs along with an Enespro custom electrical PPE gear bag to protect your gear during transport or storage.
Enespro 65 CAL Arc Flash Kit The Enespro 65 CAL Arc Flash Kit is arc rated for up to 65 Cal/cm2 and meets ASTM F1506, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 and NFPA 70E-2018 PPE Cat 1,2,3&4 standards. This made in the USA product includes a Jacket and Bib Overalls, an OptiShield™ Vented LiftFront Hood, an MSA V-Gard® Hard Hat, safety glasses and silicone ear plugs along with an Enespro custom electrical PPE gear bag to protect your gear during transport or storage. For more information, visit EnesproPPE.com FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 44 ON REadER SERvICE CaRd JUNE 2019
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new PRODUCTS Klein Tools’® Dual IR/Probe Thermometer Increases Measuring Capabilities Klein Tools, for professionals since 1857, introduces the Dual IR/Probe Thermometer (Cat. No. IR07). The IR07 is a pocket-sized meter designed to provide air, liquid and surface temperature measurements. Klein Tools continuously introduces new jobsite solutions to the Test and Measurement line, helping tradespeople across all jobsites measure common parameters. Dual IR/ Probe Thermometer (Cat. No. IR07) • Measures temperatures ranging from -40 to 572°F (-40 to 300°C)
o Infrared Thermometer (DS ratio 8:1) measures surface temperature o Temperature probe measures air, liquid and surface temperatures • Target laser for IR temperature doubles as a laser pointer •C alculates differential temperature for both IR and probe temperatures • P robe with nub prevents temperature transfer when opening • B acklit display with Hold, Max/Min, APO and Low Battery functions • S tainless steel probe is FDA GRAS compliant •C ertified to IEC EN 61326-1:2013; EN61326-2-3:2013 • I ncludes carrying pouch, instruction manual, and 2 x AAA batteries “Across all jobsites, there is a need for additional Test and Measure equipment,” says Sabrina Kalsi, product manager at Klein Tools. “Klein Tools’ newest product provides key measurements for a variety of jobsite applications. The pocket-sized IR07 is an infrared thermometer designed to measure hot spots in electrical wires and panels as well as monitor air quality HVAC measurements.” For more information, visit www.kleintools.com/ new-products FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 45 on Reader Service Card 32
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Electrical Products & Solutions
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JUNE 2019
FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 21 on Reader Service Card
new PRODUCTS KOHLER Offers Additional Installation Flexibility for its Residential Generators New enclosure allows for installation closer to the home and can sustain extreme, hurricane-force winds
KOHLER is now offering a new enclosure option for its popular 14kW and 20kW residential generators. The durable, corrosion-resistant enclosure provides homeowners with additional installation flexibility and is an ideal solution for homes located in hurricane-prone areas. Capable of withstanding 181 mph winds, the aluminum enclosure allows a KOHLER automatic standby generator to be installed as close as 18” from most structures while maintaining compliance with national building codes. The new enclosure is also designed for easy installation and maintenance with panels that can be removed without tools for easy access. “We anticipate our new aluminum enclosure being a popular choice for homeowners with tight lot lines as well as those living near the coast, where hurricanes and other extreme wind conditions are prevalent,” said Melanie Tydrich, senior channel manager – residential generators. “These enclosures incorporate the same aesthetically-pleasing design as our existing enclosures and the generator itself continues to offer homeowners the same levels of performance and reliability they’ve come to expect from KOHLER generators.” Every KOHLER automatic standby generator delivers high-quality power by offering advanced voltage and frequency regulation along with ultra-low levels of harmonic distortion. This results in excellent power quality to protect delicate electronics and expensive appliances. In addition, KOHLER’s exclusive Powerboost™ technology provides advanced startup power to handle heavy loads like a central air conditioning unit and can power up in as little as ten seconds. KOHLER automatic standby generators are permanently installed outside a home similar to a central air conditioning unit. They attach to a home’s existing natural gas or propane lines and turn on automatically within seconds when the power goes out; homeowners do not need to be present to operate. Standby generators can power an entire house, from essentials like the refrigerator, sump pump, lights and water heater to conveniences such as TVs, computers and more. For more information, visit www.KohlerGenerators.com
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Electrical Products & Solutions
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JUNE 2019
FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 22 on Reader Service Card
new PRODUCTS Fluke’s new 1000 volt insulated hand tools integrate safety and all-day comfort for electricians and technicians working in hazardous environments Fluke ruggedness, safety, and ergonomics are now available in its new line of 11 premium 1000 volt-rated insulated hand tools
Electricians and facility maintenance technicians should ideally work on de-energized electrical equipment, but that isn’t always possible, so their hand tools should provide as much protection as possible. The new Fluke™ 1000 V Insulated Hand Tools are designed to keep workers safe in hazardous areas and are rugged enough to use in the toughest environments without breaking. Fluke Insulated Hand Tools are manufactured using state-of-the-art German steel to Fluke’s exacting standards for quality, ruggedness, and reliability. The 11 new tools include all the basics electricians and technicians need to do their jobs safely and efficiently, including an assortment of pliers/cutters and screwdrivers. The premium hand tools are rated at 1000 volts, but individually tested to over 10,000 volts. They are compliant to globally-recognized safety standards established by European regulatory agencies to ensure the greatest safety when working in live environments. Multi-layer insulation combined with their ergonomic design make these tools comfortable to use all day without strain or fatigue. The Fluke 1000 V Insulated Hand Tools area available individually, in multi-tool kits, and in bundles with the Fluke Pack30 Professional Tool Backpack, the T6 Electrical Tester, 117 Electrician’s Multimeter or 87V Digital Multimeter. All insulated test tools are backed by a lifetime warranty. For more information, visit www.fluke.com/insulated-hand-tools
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Electrical Products & Solutions
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JUNE 2019
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new PRODUCTS
AFL Expands ADSS Cable Line with New Flex-Span® Option
AFL, a manufacturer of fiber optic cable, accessories and equipment, is expanding its single jacket ADSS portfolio with the introduction of a new configuration for the Flex-Span ADSS family of fiber optic cable. Flex-Span designs are optimized for a broader combination of fiber counts and span lengths, providing ADSS system designers more flexibility in their product selection. Flex-Span’s new core configuration contains five buffer tubes with 24 fibers each for a total of 120 fibers. This allows higher fiber counts in a very small diameter (<0.475”) while still maintaining the span length capability. A smaller diameter can lead to less loading on the poles while also providing the same hardware size. Flex-Span ADSS requires no support or messenger wire so installation is achieved in a single pass. The cable is suitable for use on distribution lines and necessitates using formed wire dead ends. Flex-Span utilizes dry core technology and as a result, messy flooding compounds are not used. Fiber counts for Flex-Span ADSS are 12 up to 144 with any type or combination of single-mode or multimode fibers within the cable. Operating temperature spans from 40˚C to +70˚C. Pole-to-pole span lengths range from 50 feet (15 meters) to over 1,000 feet (305 meters). AFL has a robust fiber optic cable product line that includes Optical Ground Wire, ADSS, Loose Tube, Premise, Harsh Environment cables and more. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com
FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 51 on Reader Service Card 38
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Electrical Products & Solutions
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JUNE 2019
Bosch GBH18V-26D 18V EC Brushless 1 In. SDS-plus® Bulldog™ Rotary Hammer Combines Light Weight, Power and Safety Cordless rotary hammer weighs in at 5.8 Lbs. and delivers impressive 1.9 Ft.-Lbs. of impact energy to ensure strong performance on the jobsite
The time is always right to combine cordless performance with power and safety in a jobsite-tough rotary hammer. That’s what Bosch has done with the GBH18V-26D 18V EC Brushless 1 In. SDS-plus® Bulldog™ Rotary Hammer with CORE18V battery, which combines corded-like performance with next-generation Lithium-ion 21700 cell technology. The Bosch GBH18V-26D rotary hammer weighs 5.8 Lbs. (tool only, not including battery) and delivers 1.9 Ft.-Lbs. of impact energy (EPTA) for superior impact-to-weight ratio and advanced performance in heavy-duty drilling and chipping applications in concrete. The EC Brushless motor maximizes battery runtime for extended applications. Click to Tweet: .@BoschToolsNA GBH18V-26D 18V EC Brushless 1 In. SDS-plus® Bulldog™ Rotary Hammer is all about cordless power thanks to impressive power-to-weight ratio. #BoschBulldog The GBH18V-26D cordless Bulldog is engineered with Bosch’s KickBack Control technology, which reduces the risk of sudden tool reactions in bit bind-up situations. An integrated acceleration sensor automatically shuts the tool off to help prevent potential user injury. And this ergonomic Bosch cordless rotary hammer offers a jobsite-proven in-line design. In addition to providing horizontal power transmission for optimized overhead, horizontal and downward drilling applications, the rotary hammer offers a soft-grip handle. The Bosch cordless Bulldog rotary hammer is compatible with Bosch PRO+GUARD™ dust solutions, options that provide end-to-end dust collection that helps users move toward OSHA silica dust compliance. The GBH18V-26D is compatible with an optional GDE18V-26D 18V cordless dust-extraction unit, which offers a self-contained HEPA dust solution for maximum mobility. For more information, visit www.boschtools.com
FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 48 on Reader Service Card JUNE 2019
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advertiser INDEX This advertiser index is compiled as a courtesy to our readers. While every effort is made to provide a complete and accurate listing of companies, page numbers and reader service numbers, the publisher is not responsible for errors.
Company
PG# RS#
2019 NECA SHOW
25
18
AEMC INSTRUMENTS
IBC
2
Company
PG# RS#
HERCULES INDUSTRIES, INC
10
10
IPEX USA
27
19
AMPROBE
9 9
KING INNOVATION
28
42
AMTEC CORPORATION
37
23
KOLBI PIPE MARKER COMPANY
40
49
BERGEN INDUSTRIES
24
40
KRENZ & COMPANY
40
50
BRANDON INDUSTRIES
23
17
MEGGER
IFC 1
BREX LIGHTING
33
21
MILLER SAFETY CONSULTANTS, LTD
BC
3
CHALFANT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
3
5
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
1
4
CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS
4
6
MOBILE DESK
35
22
CONTRACTOR LIGHTING & SUPPLY
39
48
COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
7
8
PENTA ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRODUCTS, LLC
15
13
RANDL INDUSTRIES
19
15
5
7
COST LESS LIGHTING
29
20
SP PRODUCTS INC
ELECTRI-FLEX COMPANY
36
47
SPERRY INSTRUMENTS
30
FRANKLIN SENSORS, INC
17
14
TCP
32 45
GARDNER BENDER
26
41
TIMCO INSTRUMENTS, LLC
38
TOPAZ
31 44
USA LED SOLUTIONS
11
GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES
13
12
GREAVES USA
34
46
GRIPLOCK SYSTEMS, LLC
21
16
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Electrical Products & Solutions
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JUNE 2019
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