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CONTENTS
PUBLISHER
Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER
Anita Salchert ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Jerry DiChiara jerryd@epsmag.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Derek Gaylard CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Pam Fulmer CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Darrell Igelmund • Mike Dooley
14 PRESIDENT
FEATURES 6 Testing Flexibility Proving to Be Important as Jobs Change… and PoE Testing is High on the List Cable Installers are Adding Device Installation to their List of Talents
Danny J. Salchert Executive and Advertising Offices 3591 Cahaba Beach Road Birmingham, AL 35242 toll free: 800.981.4541 phone: 205.981.4541 fax: 205.981.4544 www.epsmag.net • danny@epsmag.net
By Darrell Igelmund
14
Central or Decentralized Inverter Architecture – What’s the Best Approach For Your Project? By Mike Dooley
DEPARTMENTS 20 26 40
Industry News Product Focus Ad Index
ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of Byte Brothers
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
PRINTED IN THE USA
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FEATURE • ByteBrothers
Testing Flexibility Proving to Be Important as Jobs Change… and PoE Testing is High on the List Cable Installers are Adding Device Installation to their List of Talents By Darrell Igelmund
I
n today’s competitive workplace you have to work smart; be flexible; and always be open to change. And many of you are doing just that. It is clear that many low voltage cable installers do a lot more for a living than install and test cables. More and more cable installers are now doing “device” installations… installing IP phones, IP cameras, CCTV equipment. They are working with devices like switches, PoE power, and surround sound speakers. Cable testing is still an important part of the job but only one part of the larger job. Start small and grow big… is how it is supposed to go in the business world. And being flexible and educated on all things new will better the odds of your business doing just that. And you should make sure that the tools you employ in your business can do the same. We all know that a good
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business accounting system should grow as you grow: Handling additional employees easily and adding a payroll or inventory module when required. How about your test equipment? Is it possible for it to do the same? Fortunately, with modern technology, the answer is yes. Take our own Low Voltage Pro family as an example. It operates similarly to your Smartphone … downloading test Apps to expand the power of your tester. I’ll mention it one more time because it is almost unbelievable… you can download “test Apps” to expand the power of your tester. Some of your employees will find that the entry level Model 1 ($149.95) meets their needs… and, when additional test are required, they can choose from a long list of APPs… including the ability to store and print 250 reports. This means that installers now have a product that can grow
Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2013
with them as their business grows. How things change… As an example of why staying flexible and open to change is necessary today, let’s take a look at the rapid acceptance of PoE (Power over Ethernet)) as the preferable method for powering low voltage devices. We know that all electronic devices need power and, up to a couple of years ago, the power line always led to an AC outlet. If there was a power problem, it was a matter of pulling out the voltmeter and checking the AC voltage. Now that is changing fast, as more and more computer and network devices take advantage of the new power scheme called Power over Ethernet (PoE)… putting the power on the same CAT5/6 cable as the data. Not only does PoE save the cost of running a separate AC lines to every device (like phones and cameras), Continued on page 8
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FEATURE • ByteBrothers
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it also make the devices far more portable such as an operating VoIP phone of IP security camera, it will require that the Eththan they have been in the past. ernet cable be connected to both an active PoE becomes Part of the job data device (such as a switch) and a power The advantages of PoE over traditional source (PoE). power sources are growing… and it won’t be long before a knowledge of PoE be- The Mix of Power and Data comes part of the installation job. And, if The first big advantage of PoE is a dethe installation requires a functioning unit vice’s power source can be over 320’
away (the maximum length of an Ethernet run). And secondly, PoE eliminates the need to install a separate power cable, conduit and outlet (and the time that goes with it). It is no wonder that PoE is gaining a tremendous following and is now widely used to power VoIP phones, IP security cameras and network access points. PoE sounds well and good until you realize that it mixes high power (48 volts up to 300ma or more) of PoE on the same cable that transmits high speed data between low voltage Ethernet computer cards, switches and other devices. The CAT5/6 cable can certainly handle it but it does give you reason to pause and pay extra attention to what you are doing. To help keep PoE safe, the IEEE has published standards with numerous provisions: One assures that the device providing the PoE will not provide the power until it sees an appropriate PoE load. But many of the PoE supplying devices in the market today seemingly fail to follow that standard directly. Some devices always have the 48V switched ON. Others seem to trigger with less than the required provocation. And others work very accurately, always waiting for the proper load.
How can I test for PoE during an install? Testing for PoE is more complicated than a AC/DC voltmeter check. To better understand the complication, a Continued on page 12 FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 40 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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FEATURE • ByteBrothers
Continued from page 8
The Right Tool Saves Time
little background is required: An Ethernet cable is made up of 4 twisted pairs of wires. The 4 twisted pairs are terminated to connector pins 1/2, 3/6, 4/5 and 7/8. The PoE standard requires the 48VDC PoE utilize 2 pairs of the Ethernet cable (not a single pair as you might think). If a switch provides PoE power, it must use pairs 1/2 and 3/6 (this is termed “PoE endspan”). If a power injector provides the PoE power (at the patch panel), it must use pairs 4/5 and 7/8 (this is termed “PoE midspan”). To be useful during installation time, a tester should be capable of detecting the presence of both an active data device and a power source for the device. If your tester is the web downloadable Low Voltage Pro you are all set for the task. Just makes sure that the LVPro is loaded with the “PoE Test App.” If you do not currently have the App, just connect the tester to Byte Brothers.com and download the App (credit cards accepted). The PoE Test App works by continually scanning the CAT5/6 cable’s 8 pins 12
searching for PoE voltage (and certain balun camera drive voltages). Once spotted, one of the Low Voltage Pro’s LEDs will alert you to the presence of voltage. This ultrabright LED is the only indication that most users need to see that PoE is available for their device. But there is more to learn from the Low Voltage Pro’s PoE Test App. For instance, the LVPro displays the PoE cable pair location (eg 1,2 3,6) and the amplitude of the PoE voltage (eg “48 Vdc). Note: If you are interested in measuring a PoE devices power consumption order Byte Brothers purpose built Power Panel (P/N POE1000IL). It connects inline between the device and the power source and displays the power consumed (in watts). Other useful information: Equip your LVPro with the “Network App” and the LCD displays the speed capabilities of the device (10, 100, 100, HD, FD) and the cable pair(s) where the transmit pulses exist. And don’t forget, the Low Voltage Pro has an available menu of 14 device APPs with more on the way.
Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2013
Like any installation, the install of VoIP phones, IP cameras, access points and other PoE devices involve more troubleshooting than desired. The Low Voltage Pro is the perfect detective tool because, with the proper Apps, it is designed to test the cable; detect PoE; display its location on the cable; and display the amplitude of the PoE voltage. It additionally detects network devices (indicating 10, 100, 1000, HD, FD). It currently has a total of 14 web downloadable device Apps to choose from. The Low Voltage Pro is available in three (3) preloaded and web upgradable models: The entry level Model 1 with basic cable testing and locating features ($149.95). The midrange Model 2 adds length and impedance/RLQ ($249.95). And the fully loaded Model 3 ($349.95) which adds networking features, CCTV testing and printed reports. Please see more at bytebrothers.com. ❏ ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Darrell Igelmund is the President and CTO for Byte Brothers,Inc. in Newcastle (Seattle, Washington) a manufacturer of test equipment. Before joining Byte Brothers, he worked with NASA-Ames Research (Silicon Valley, CA), Hewlett Packard (Silicon Valley, CA), Honeywell (Seattle), and Datacom Technologies (acquired by Greenlee).
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FEATURE • Advanced Energy
Central or Decentralized Inverter Architecture – What’s the Best Approach For Your Project? By Mike Dooley, VP of Marketing, Advanced Energy, Solar Energy
I
n a perfect solar world, where there are no space or environmental constraints, every photovoltaics (PV) system would look the same. But in the real world, there are a number of factors that will drastically impact how a given solar energy system is designed. Oftentimes these factors reduce how effective a system can be. These factors include shading, soiling,
module mismatch, different module types and orientations, or large temperature fluctuations. In terms of inverters, a central architecture design—utilizing one inverter per installation—has been the most common choice in the U.S. for decades. That said, a distributed design approach—utilizing multiple string inverters throughout a solar array—is gaining increasing popularity. The choice here comes down to a number of factors. The default standard is that for larger, utility-
scale projects, the cost and utility interactive controls lend towards large central inverters, from a plant management perspective, whereas for smaller projects, the ability to install an inverter within the module makes decentralized the ideal approach for carports and multiple azimuth and angled applications. But that is just a general rule of thumb. Every solar installation is different, so a number of considerations come into play.
Key Metrics—Total Cost, Energy Production In general, a decentralized architecture using string inverters enjoy a slight advantage in total cost in smaller arrays, and central architecture has the advantage in larger arrays. Again, while every project is different, there is a fairly clear line at 350 kW-AC projects, with larger projects benefiting from a central approach, and smaller benefiting from decentralized. For projects with design constraints, including voltage and current mismatches, shading, soiling, space constraints, module mismatches, and other factors, a decentralized architecture can increase energy production. This is largely due to having the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) occur at what would be the combiner box level in the central architecture. Multiple array planes also give the decentralized architecture a slight production advantage. As said above, the general rule of thumb has been that large commercial and utility warrant a central approach, whereas small commercial warrants decentralized. That said, these advantages Continued on page 16
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FEATURE • Advanced Energy
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brought on by decentralized in overcoming issues like shading, current and voltage mismatch, etc., apply to projects of all sizes. This means that string inverters might have a financial advantage in larger systems based on energy generation despite costing more than central inverters. Such systems, with multiple arrays in multiple locations, might also have space or weight constraints that favor the use of transformer-less inverters, which are both more compact and lighter than distributed string inverters with transformers.
Other Considerations in an Optimal PV System Design These factors so far would lead you to believe that in general decentralized is the favorable approach, but that’s not always the case, and there are a number of other factors to consider. In PV systems where the total costs and energy production are comparable between decentralized and central architectures, creating an optimal
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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2013
design requires a more detailed evaluation of the specific capabilities or features of the inverter(s), as well as the site, any constraints, and the overall monetary goals of the project. Here are some of the specific factors to consider: • Uptime: The decentralized design reduces lost output in the event of inverter failure. Typically string inverters are replaced with new ones, or repaired offline. In most cases, it’s recommended that spares are kept on site to reduce downtime. While the repair time of a central inverter may take several days, the uptime can be increased with a service plan. The decision between a DG and central inverter (CG) approach can sometimes be driven by the skill of the labor available and by the mean time to repair (MTTR). • Reliability: The comparison between decentralized and central should take into account the respective failure rate and the number of inverters Continued on page 18
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FEATURE • Advanced Energy that will be used in the project to best assess the reliability impact of the system as a whole. A reliability study should be carried out to evaluate these two factors. • O&M: With the decentralized approach, maintenance can be reduced given that string inverters do not require any preventive maintenance as is typical for central, such as inspection of the cooling system and thermographic imaging. • Investment Performance: In order to financially capture all of the advantages and disadvantages of both the decentralized and the central approaches, the system designer may calculate several financial metrics, including return on investment, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), internal rate of return and net present value. • Space constraints: System designers need to consider a range of questions when determining if a decentralized or central approach best fits a project with space limits. For example, is there only
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room for a wall mount, or is there room for a pad? Is there a requirement to mount it on a roof, or is there room on the ground? For carport applications, is there room on the ground, or can it be mounted on a post? • Code Compliance and interconnect requirements: System designers need
to consider the varying codes and utility requirements for each project location and select an inverter that meets those requirements. With the list of factors here, it’s all too clear that each PV system warrants a thorough analysis in determining which is the better architecture. Although PV system size does matter, it’s not the only factor. For many reasons a central inverter could be the better choice in smaller commercial systems, while smaller, distributed string inverters could be better for some utility-scale plants. In the end, the killer solar architecture is a flexible one. ❏
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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2013
Mike Dooley joined Advanced Energy in April of 2012, bringing more than 20 years of leadership and program executive experience. A seasoned veteran in product management, business development, marketing and sales, Mike brings a strong combination of experience with start-ups, solar players, and Fortune 100 companies. Mike has significant solar experience, having most recently led product development and product management at SunPower Corporation. Mike was at the company for 6 years, and helped establish it as the leader in providing solar PV systems for residential, commercial, and utility customers. During his time, his efforts helped revenue skyrocket from $78 million in 2005 to $2.2 billion in 2010. Mike has spent more than 15 years in leadership roles at technology companies to launch new products, drive sales, and increase market share. Mike has a B.S. in chemical engineering from University of New Hampshire, and a MBA in marketing from Golden Gate University, in San Francisco.
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Industry NEWS
USA: Conergy Enables Cost Savings for High Schools through Installation of PV Systems PV Solution Provider Builds 1.2 MW Grid-Parity Plants for Public Schools in New Mexico Students of the V. Sue Cleveland and Rio Rancho High Schools in Rio Rancho, New Mexico will be learning with clean solar power. This learning is made possible by the two solar power plants Conergy is currently installing on the school campuses. The two solar installations will total 1.2 megawatts. PV solution and service provider, Conergy is acting as general contractor for this project and is responsible for the planning and engineering of the project as well as for its construction and the supply of the components. Investor and plant operator is Washington Gas Energy Systems. The two public schools will be self-consum-
ing the generated electricity via a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Washington Gas Energy Systems. The more than 8,200 solar modules installed on 4.7 kilometers of Conergy SolarLinea mounting systems will produce around 4.3 million kilowatt hours of clean solar power every year. That is the same amount of energy as approximately 43,000 laptops running 8 hours a day for a year. When completed the installations are expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to recycling approximately 1,140 tons of waste instead of sending it to a landfill, or taking 632 passenger cars off the road for one year.
USA: High schools to produce 80% of electricity needs with Conergy plant “We are very proud that our two high schools will be supplied with renewable power and that we will be making a valuable contribution to sustainability in our community,” said Al Sena, responsible for building management at the Rio Rancho public schools. “This will allow our students to experience the benefits of clean power generation, first hand. With the solar installations, we cover about 80% of our total annual power requirements while cutting our electricity costs at the same time – without major upfront investment.”
Grid parity achieved – 3rd party financing and local consumption are the future “In many regions of the USA, grid parity has been achieved for end consumers, and solar power is already considerably cheaper today than power from the grid,” said Anthony Fotopoulos, Managing Director of Conergy USA. “Local consumption via power purchase agreements is the future of the American electricity market. With this electricity market model, end consumers benefit from considerable electricity cost savings from the green power – without substantial upfront costs. In the sunshine state of California, for instance, around 70% of all solar plants on private homes are already financed by third parties today; in the case of commercial power plants, the figure is over 40% – and the trend is upwards.”
Washington Gas Energy Systems supports communities on their way to sustainability Thanks to the PPAs, state institutions such as the Rio Rancho schools enjoy an electricity price guaranteed over 20 years that is clearly below the market level of electricity from the grid. The operators and investors of the plants, for their part, receive a Continued on page 22 20
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Industry NEWS reliable yield over the term of the PPA. “This solar array promises to reduce the schools’ carbon footprint and utility costs over the next two decades,” said Sanjiv Mahan, vice president of business development at Washington Gas Energy Systems. “We are committed to working with a variety of academic institutions, from public school systems to higher education, to further sustainable energy as a viable option and a learning opportunity for students.”
“Start it!” – Conergy develops customized systems solution “fit for the solar future” With its global “Start it!” campaign, Conergy has developed customized system solutions for the requirements of the solar market of the future. In the USA, these are based on power purchase agreements whereas in Italy they take into account “Net Metering” where the amounts of electricity
consumed on site, fed into the grid and drawn from the grid are offset against one another. Solar installations are cost-effective in Italy without any state subsidy in many cases after the end of the Conto Energia V scheme. Conergy has also realized numerous grid parity projects in Spain without any feed-in tariffs as well as a plant on a welfare facility in South Africa a few weeks ago and a residential home in Australia. ❏
Kaiser Electric Completes Long Awaited Renovations to MU Mark Twain Residence Hall Kaiser Electric crews have completed renovations to the University of Missouri - Columbia’s (MU) 48-year-old Mark Twain Residence Hall. The hall was closed in December, 2011 for renovations and will reopen in August 2013 for the university’s fall semester. The hall’s dining facility was also included in the $21.7 million project. Kaiser Electric, headquartered in Fenton, MO with a division in Central Missouri, provided new electrical wiring, lighting, branch circuiting, data and communication service, and fire alarm wiring within both the resi-
dence hall tower and dining facility. The general contractor on the project was River City Construction based in Ashland, MO. Renovations to the seven-story hall included a gut-renovation of the main desk area, student rooms and restrooms, lower level spaces and main lounge, as well as relocation of the entrance, the addition of study rooms throughout, restoration of the exterior façade and replacement of the windows and central air conditioning and heating units. The building’s capacity was reduced from 395 to 380 students in order to increase the amount of community space.
Renovations to the Mark Twain dining facility included a new roof, updated finishes, the addition of restrooms, expansion of the seating area and refrigerated, frozen, dry storage and receiving areas. In order to accommodate the dining expansion, the original in-ground swimming pool was removed. The Mark Twain project is part of the university’s Residential Life Master Plan, a fivephase plan designated to replace or renovate all residence halls on the MU campus. Across campus, Kaiser crews completed renovations to Pershing Hall in February 2013. The commons building houses the Mizzou Market (which reopened in August 2012), offices for Residential Life’s Residential Academic Programs (RAP) and various study, computer and meeting spaces for students. ❏ About Kaiser Electric Kaiser Electric has been providing electrical contracting and engineering services to the St. Louis metro area for more than 60 years. The company focuses primarily on industrial, commercial, healthcare, design/build and communications projects and employs 150 field electricians with a fleet of 50 vehicles. Kaiser Electric is headquartered in Fenton, MO with divisions in Central Missouri and Southern Illinois. For more information about Kaiser Electric, visit www.kaiserelectric.com or call 636-305-1515.
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Industry NEWS
Kohler Power Systems® Earns Additional Seismic Certifications Large generators and switchgear are seismic-certified and pre-approved for hospital use by California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development Kohler Power Systems, a manufacturer of generators up to 3250 kilowatts, transfer switches, switchgear and related accessories, has secured pre-approval from California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) for its large generator enclosures and tanks (1250 – 2000 kW), making Kohler the only generator manufacturer with OSHPD pre-approval on standard enclosure and tank packages above 1000 kW. These large enclosure and tank packages are also seismic-certified per the International Building Code (IBC). With these additional certifications, KOHLER generators up to 2000 kW, switchgear and related accessories are preapproved for healthcare facility use by
OSHPD. Generator sets up to 3250 kW, enclosures, fuel tanks, automatic transfer switches, switchgear and related accessories also meet IBC seismic requirements. “Seismic and OSHPD certification is an important consideration for engineers and designers of hospitals and other critical-use facilities in many states along the West Coast as well as throughout the U.S. where earthquake occurrences are very possible,” says Adam Dykstra, product engineer for Kohler Power Systems. “It’s crucial for backup emergency power systems to start and remain operational. KOHLER generators have passed rigorous shake tests conducted at AC156qualified labs led by a reputable third-party agency and approved by structural and pro-
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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2013
fessional engineers to guarantee their reliable performance.” To view video of shake tests on KOHLER generators, go to www.kohler.com/video. ❏ About Kohler Power Systems Kohler Power Systems is a division of Kohler Co. and provides complete power systems, including generators (residential, industrial, and marine), automatic transfer switches, switchgear, monitoring controls, and accessories for emergency, prime power and energymanagement applications. Kohler Power Systems has delivered energy solutions for markets worldwide since 1920. For more information, visit www.kohlerpower.com.
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Product FOCUS Continental Control Systems’ WattNode® BACnet® Meter Receives BACnet Testing Laboratory (BTL Certification) Continental Control Systems announced today that its WattNode® BACnet® meter has received BACnet Testing Laboratory (BTL) certification. The meter has passed a series of rigorous tests conducted by an official BTL facility, earning the right to display the BTL Mark. BACnet, a data communication protocol for building automation and control networks, is an American national standard, a European standard, a national standard in more than 30 countries, and an ISO global standard. For automation and control system designers, the BTL Mark on a product signifies that it is fully compliant with BTL’s demanding performance standards and that it correctly implements the BACnet features claimed in its BTL listing. “As part of the BACnet community, we’re very excited for what this means for our customers,” said Cynthia A. Boyd, director of sales for Continental Control Systems. “When utilizing our WattNode meter, they can be confident that it has been held up to the very highest standard and will deliver exceptional performance for their automation and control systems.” The WattNode BACnet meter complements Continental Control Systems’ Modbus® and LonWorks® meters, providing almost any building automation system with seamless access to electrical system measurements including power, energy, voltage, current, and power factor. Supporting full self-discovery of the meter and all of its objects, the WattNode BACnet meter offers more than 50 electric power-related measurements, 64 addresses, and selectable baud rates of up to 76.8 k baud. For more information, visit www.ccontrolsys.com
General Cable Introduces GenFree® II with 17FREE® Technology General Cable is pleased to announce the introduction of GenFree® II. Utilizing 17FREE® technology, these halogen-free products are designed to be environmentally friendly, without degrading the electrical performance of the cable. “Advancements in technology have enabled General Cable to develop a Low-Smoke, Zero-Halogen insulation and jacket system that possess the critical characteristics that have traditionally been unable to achieve in LSZH designs,” said Peter Goldenberg, Product Manager, General Cable Industrial Cables. “GenFree II cables not only exceed the essential performance characteristics required in today’s industrial and commercial applications, but they are a cost-effective solution when customer specifications require a Low-Smoke, Zero-Halogen construction.” GenFree II Low-Smoke, Zero-Halogen cables have been engineered to provide excellent wet and dry electrical performance at 90ºC, provide flame-retardant properties that allow cables to meet IEEE 1202 flame requirements as well as UL1685 flame/smoke testing, and also be compliant with ICEA T-33-655. GenFree II are also oil-resistant, meet UL 44 cold bend testing at -40°C, are RoHS and REACH complaint, and feature General Cable’s Low Friction (LF) jacket for ease of installation. “There was virtually no demand for low-smoke, zero-halogen products a decade ago from the North American industrial and commercial markets. However, in the past five years, there has been a noticeable increase in awareness of and call-out for cables with LSZH attributes,” added Todd Sweeney, Vice President, Industrial Sales. “General Cable believes that the LSZH product requests will continue to increase steadily as new products such as GenFree II are introduced to the market, allowing users to gain low-smoke, zero-halogen benefits without sacrificing other critical cable characteristics.” General Cable’s GenFree II cables are available in the following designs: • 600 Volt UL Type RHH/RHW-2/USE-2 — dual layer composite insulation (Specification 5075) • 600 Volt UL Type RHH/RHW-2/USE-2 single layer design (Specification 5275) • 600 Volt UL Type XHHW-2 single layer construction (Specification 5125) For more information, visit www.GeneralCable.com 26
Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2013
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Product FOCUS Hubbell Industrial Lighting Defies the Harshest Environments with New Kemlux III LED Series Hubbell Lighting, a world leader in lighting innovation, launched today one of the market’s most durable industrial LED fixtures—Hubbell Industrial Lighting’s Kemlux III LED Series. The energy efficient answer for lighting the most demanding industrial environments, the LED fixture is rated for installation in severe locations and is available for new installation or as a retrofit to existing Kemlux III fixtures. “The toughest industrial locations require the toughest light fixtures—Hubbell is the only name you need to know when it comes to lighting the most challenging environments, while maximizing energy savings,” said Scott Muse, President of Hubbell Lighting. “Our Kemlux III LED Series delivers the performance and durability you need to efficiently light corrosive and harsh areas in chemical, petrochemical, marine, power generation, pharmaceutical, or food processing plants.” Designed to light the most complex environments, the Kemlux III LED Series fixture delivers up to 105 lumens per watt of 5000K light and its modular design provides 6 mounting options. The unique radial design with fins of durable copper-free, cast aluminum allow it to operate in -40˚C to 40˚C ambient environments and keeps the LEDs cool, resulting in an estimated 100,000 hours of life at L70. Plus, the tan Lektrocote® powder polyester paint finish provides excellent corrosion resistance from most chemicals. The Kemlux III LED Series has high output LED counts of 18, 24 and 36 on up to six individual light engines, providing failsafe redundancy. The total wattage ranges from 43-86 watts with a lumen output ranging from 4405 to 9004 lumens. Custom engineered LED optics provides optimally controlled and evenly distributed light with three distinct distributions: Type V square, Type V rectangle and Narrow. The Kemlux III LED Series comes standard with surge protection and universal voltage LED drivers with input from 120v to 277v at 50hz or 60 hz, The fixture is IP56 and has a 5 year warranty. For more information, visit www.hubbellindustrial.com/products/ks_iii_led
Versatile PrepPRO™ Strips All Coax Types Plus Removes Jackets from Twisted Pair Cables IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. has expanded its full line of data communications supplies with a new coax/UTP cable preparation tool that eliminates the need to carry multiple tools or to make frequent tool adjustments based on the type of cable being stripped. Designed to the high standards of security and home theater professionals, the IDEAL PrepPRO™ prepares virtually any coaxial cable — ranging from large RG-6 Quad to RG-59 plenum — with industry-standard 1/4” x 1/4” strips in as few as two turns of its spinner ring. In addition, by replacing the primary blade cartridge with the included UTP/STP cartridge, the PrepPRO can cleanly remove the outer jacket of CAT3/5e/6 cables, doubling its value by replacing the need for a traditional UTP stripper. Key to the success of the PrepPRO is a spring-loaded jaw design that achieves the continuous balanced forces required to cut cables clean and fast. Blade forces will not relax over time as is typical in other types of cable prep tools, assuring contractors of years of productive use. The ergonomic lever can be actuated to set the blade by thumb or palm grip as preferred by the user. PrepPRO cost-effectively provides cable installers with versatile stripping power in a compact and rugged form factor that travels easily from jobsite to jobsite. Its contoured body slips easily into pant pockets or tool pouches, plus can clip onto clothing in between cable preparations. The PrepPRO will prepare coaxial cable for all IDEAL RG-6/6Q/59/6 Plenum/59 Plenum compression connectors. Once prepared, use the IDEAL OmniSeal™ Pro or LinearX™ compression tool to securely terminate the connection and test the new link with the IDEAL Test-Tone-Trace VDV kit sold at IDEAL distributors worldwide. For more information, visit www.idealindustries.com 28
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Product FOCUS
800 Series LED Heavy Duty Work Lights Ericson’s 800 Series of LED Heavy Duty Work Lighting Solutions provide uncompromised safety andperformance by combining cULus wet location listing, rugged construction, and energy efficient LED technology. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use these innovative work lights are lightweight,impact resistant, and designed to deliver years of worry free operation.Cool white LED lighting reduces eye stress and improves visual acuity thus greatly enhancing thework space environment, but also reducing energy costs. The convenient built-in daisy-chain feed thrucapability provides the ability to light large areas with a single power drop, up to twelve lights can bedaisy-chained together, while the rubberized non-conductive handles ensure safe, reliable operation.Additionally, the 800 Series is available in multiple configurations and wattage ratings making thesesolutions ideal for a wide range of applications including: • Tunnel Lighting • Task Lighting • Tent Lighting • Entertainment Venues • Emergency Medical Care • Defense / Safety • Utility Maintenance • Sporting Events For more information, visit www.ericson.com
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Product FOCUS T3 Innovation Launches Cable Prowler™ Cable Tester & Report Management System Now Shipping, the Cable Prowler™ Combines the Functionality of a High-End Cable Tester and Length Measurement Tester with the Capability to Identify Link Status, Link Capability, and PoE Detection, all in Full Color and with Internal Memory to Save Results T3 Innovation, a leading provider of advanced handheld test equipment for the cable/telecommunications, datacom/networking, electrical design and maintenance, and residential/CEDIA custom install markets, is proud to introduce the new Cable Prowler™ cable tester and report management system. Now shipping, The Cable Prowler combines the functions of a high-end cable tester and length measurement tester, with the capability to identify link status, link capability, and PoE detection. All of this in full color and internal memory to save results. “The Cable Prowler provides full cable testing, displaying wire map, numbered ID remotes, and any faults, including shorts, opens, miswires, split pairs, and reverses,” explained Ron Vogel, T3 Innovation CEO. “It also enables quick identification of a network drops link capability and current link status.” The full-featured Cable Prowler measures cable length (using TDR technology) and generates tone levels for signal tracing and cable identification on all pairs, a selected pair, or a selected pin. All of this displayed in a full color graphical display for easy viewing in any environment. Cable Prowler also has the ability to name each cable and save all test results. Cable results can be exported to a computer via micro USB cable for record keeping and printing. Cable Prowler also detects the presence of PoE on the network drop and what class of PoE per IEEE 802.3 af/at with load test for voltage drop. These network tests can also be saved for record keeping. For more information, visit www.t3innovation.com
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Product FOCUS ICC New 8” Residential Combo Enclosure ICC is introducing the new 8” residential combo enclosure in six (6) packs. The combo is designed to act as the central distribution point in a residence for phone and video connectivity; perfect for apartments, condos and small townhomes with 2 to 3 bedrooms. ICC’s 8” combo offers the best value in the market today. Each box contains six enclosures, covers, and voice/video modules. Offering the combo in six packs offers convenience and lowers the unit cost of each enclosure compared to buying them individually. The enclosure is made of UL-rated ABS plastic, and the base is designed to be installed between wall studs or wall mounted. The base has knockouts allowing cables to enter and exit from the top, bottom and sides. The cover snaps on with a tab for padlock to prevent unwanted access.The included voice module has a 110 IDC bridged design with 8-ports, allowing phones to be installed in eight locations. The included 2 GHz CATV module has one input and six outputs allowing video to be connected to six locations. ICC’s 8” combo enclosure is available through a nationwide network of ICC Elite Preferred Distributors™. For more information, visit www.icc.com/distributor
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Product FOCUS Legrand Introduces Fully Redesigned Ladder Cable Tray Legrand has introduced a redesigned all-aluminum ladder cable tray that offers enhanced functionality, faster installation, and easier ordering. Itray, the next generation of the PW line of cable tray products, features an optimized side rail design that allows mid-span splicing while maintaining full NEMA load class. The tray is lighter and stronger than its conventional equivalents, and minimizes total tray width for tight spaces. Itray is the result of a study to simplify the PW cable tray product line. “Once we decided to start from scratch on the design, many new features became possible,” said Bob Crain, Legrand Director of Marketing/Product Development. The sidewall is engineered with structural offsets and a matching splice that makes mid-span splices possible, reducing the number of supports and the amount of attachment hardware needed. The aluminum I-beam design minimizes total tray width and creates a smooth transition between straight sections and fittings. This innovative design also means that each splice snaps in place and stays in place without bolts. Additionally, the midspan capabilities reduce support needs by 30%. “We feel this design will significantly reduce installation time and move the contractor off of the jobsite much sooner,” said Crain, who noted that time studies show Itray can be installed up to 30% faster than standard tray. Itray bottoms have been upgraded to include an I-beam rung design that reduces twist and deflection under load with heavier gauges for wider widths. For more information, visit www.legrand.us
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IDEAL Delivers Leading-Edge Technology to Industrial Electricians with New 490 Series Multimeters IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., an innovator in test and measurement instruments, underscores its commitment to the industrial electrician by introducing the new 490 Series Multimeter, with problem-solving technology and a hardened all-weather housing for harsh environments. With the 490 Series multimeter, electricians can diagnose problems in power distribution systems, electro-mechanical equipment, and motor drives on the plant floor, as well as perform a range of preventive maintenance tasks for maximum productivity and minimum downtime. Building on the success of its PlatinumPro industrial multimeters, the IDEAL 490 is featurerich with True RMS readings for error-free testing, Auto AC/DC voltage (1000V) and current mode with frequency indication, auto selection for resistance/continuity/diode/capacitance, plus data acquisition and logging of up to 20,000 records when used in unattended monitoring of signals over time. High Frequency Rejection (HFR) mode provides accurate voltage/frequency readings on non-sinusoidal wave forms, such as adjustable speed motor drives. Multimeters can be complex and require technical set-up knowledge. However, the 490 Series is extremely user-friendly with its auto-sensing functions, easy-to-read backlit LCD and simple toggle operation. Everything that is needed is in the package, including software, USB cable, test leads with alligator clips, K-Type thermocouple, and a sturdy protective carrying case. When not in use the 490 Series will power itself off to conserve battery life. The 490 Series multimeter is built tough to keep performing in the worst industrial settings. It is safety rated for CAT III 1000 V and CAT IV 600V. Two models are immediately available: the entry-level 61-497 multimeter and the 61-498 multimeter with 100,000 count display and higher accuracies. Both are backed by a 2-year warranty. For more information, visit www.idealindustries.com
Digital Lighting Management Partition Controls Offer Flexibility to Manage Lighting Energy in Multi-use Spaces WattStopper has launched two Digital Lighting Management control devices that offer design professionals elegant, cost effective solutions for managing energy efficient lighting controls in partitioned spaces. Adding just one device to spaces including ballrooms, meeting rooms or training rooms with movable walls enables efficient manual or automatic response when the space is reconfigured. The LMPS-104 Digital Partition Switch is a decorator-style wall switch with four buttons that represent the movable partition walls. To recall the correct control configuration for the space, users simply press a combination of buttons to mimic the space configuration. The switch has removable buttons that can be replaced in the field with custom-engraved button kits identifying the associated walls. The LMPS-104 and the button kits are available in five colors. The LMIO-102 Digital Partition Interface automates the reconfiguration process using contact closure inputs to sense changes to the wall configurations and respond without any user input. The device can be used alone or with a Digital Partition Switch to serve as a status indicator; green LEDs on the switch show whether the walls are open or closed. Both WattStopper partition solutions recall up to 16 complete control configuration profiles, including load bindings for connected switches, dimmers, occupancy sensors and more, and the profiles can be set up on site. This powerful functionality offers designers of today’s intelligent buildings the flexibility to best manage energy according to the specific requirements of every application. Applications include spaces in hotels, conference centers, schools and training centers with up to four movable walls. For more information, visit www.wattstopper.com
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Product FOCUS New! BSL20 Emergency Drivers for High Output LED Lighting Philips Emergency Lighting is pleased to introduce your emergency lighting solution for high output LED applications. The Philips Bodine BSL20LV, BSL20MV and BSL20HV Emergency LED Drivers convert high output LED fixtures into code-compliant emergency lighting sources. The drivers provide 20W of constant output power, a nominal 2000 lumens and a 90-minute runtime. The BSL20LV (low voltage, 20-50V), MV (medium voltage, 50130V) and HV (high voltage, 125-200V) are ideal for use in settings such as big box retail facilities, warehouses, factories and gymnasiums. They are a superior choice for high bay installations. To make testing easier for difficult-to-reach fixtures, the two-wire test switch that accompanies the BSL20 models may be remotely mounted up to 50 feet.
New! B30HV Emergency Ballast for High Voltage Fluorescent Applications The Philips Bodine B30HV Fluorescent Emergency Ballast transforms high voltage high bay fixtures into code-compliant emergency lighting sources. The B30HV is a 347-480V (50/60 Hz) model, in contrast to the traditional 120/277V, and is compatible with the T5HO lamps that have begun replacing HID lighting systems. It provides 1100 to 3500 lumens, operates for 90 minutes in emergency mode and is UL Listed and CSA Certified. For more information, visit www.philips.com/bodine
New IR Quattro HD Presence Detector Provides Adjustable Square Coverage with Ultra High Definition Steinel America has launched the new IR Quattro HD Presence Detector. Unlike other passive infrared sensors, the IR Quattro HD offers a mechanically scalable square detection zone which enables coverage zones to be clearly planned without overlapping or gaps and with no detection in neighboring passageways. The IR Quattro HD mounts on a ceiling and turns lights on and off automatically in response to occupancy and to changes in light levels. Reliable presence detection depends largely on the number and arrangement of the lens segments. The IR Quattro HD features a unique square design which offers the advantage of a square coverage zone incorporating an unprecedented 4 digital pyroelectric sensors. The lens optical design provides 4800 switching zones resulting in much greater precision in detection. With the extremely high-definition lens, even the smallest motion is detected. And the square nature of the detection zone provides the basis for creating optimum configurations quickly and easily. The presence detector is ideal for use in a wide variety of commercial building spaces including medium to large offices, classrooms, auditoriums, warehouses, conference rooms and meeting rooms. For more information, visit www.steinel.net 38
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Convenient Kits Save Time Finishing Wiremold® Raceway Installation Contractors who work with Wiremold® V500 and V700 Series Raceway sometimes burn valuable time finding the right fittings, fasteners, and screws to finish the job. New Wiremold Grab ‘n’ Go Kits solve this problem by providing an assortment of typical fittings in a convenient box with individual compartments. This handy kit eliminates the hassle of ordering and locating material for a quick installation. Each kit provides enough fittings for a typical 30’ installation of Wiremold V500 or V700 raceway drops. Kits include flat, internal, and external elbows; switch and receptacle boxes; mounting straps; and screws, fasteners, and clips. All fittings are separated by part number into individual compartments to make locating raceway accessories fast and easy. Wiremold Grab ‘n’ Go Kits are designed to fit with many service truck racking systems, so they are easy to store and access for better management and faster raceway installations. For more information, visit www.legrand.us
Toshiba Launches Downlight with Higher Lumen Outputs Toshiba International Corporation announced today that it is introducing the TLS-DCA6 and TLS-DCA8 LED downlights, which offer a variety of lumen outputs (2800lm, 5500lm and 8500lm), making LED lighting a viable lighting solution for high ceiling environments such as auditoriums shopping malls, atriums and concourses. “By offering higher lumen outputs, Toshiba products appeal to a broader range of applications,” said Peter DallePezze, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, Toshiba International Corporation LED Lighting Systems Division. “The range of lumen outputs and multiple color temperatures make our new LED downlights highly desirable for lighting designers working to create unique and inviting environments.” The key benefits of Toshiba’s LED downlights over HID downlights are the product’s rated life, low lumen depreciation and high color consistency. Toshiba’s LED downlights last up to 3 times longer than typical HID downlights. The longer LED product life helps create a tremendous savings over HID in replacement lamp costs, particularly when considering both product and labor costs. Additionally, LED technology outperforms HID lighting when comparing lumen depreciation and color consistency over the life of the product. In addition to the range of lumen outputs, the Toshiba TLS-DCA6 and TLS-DCA8 LED downlights also offer 2700K, 3000K and 4000K color temperatures, and have minimal ultraviolet or infrared wavelengths to resist fading artwork or damaging perishable merchandise. For more information, visit www.toshiba.com/tic July 2013 • epsmag.net
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Advertiser INDEX This advertisers 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 ACR SYSTEMS ADVANCED TEST EQUIPMENT AEMC INSTRUMENTS ALBER CORPORATION ARPI OF USA BYTE BROTHERS CALIFORNIA TURBO CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION E-Z METER GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES GENSCO HB BRACKETS HIOKI USA I-GARD CORPORATION ICC KRENZ & COMPANY MAGNEPULL
PG#
RS#
8 40 IFC 35 36 9 34 4 29 36 7 16 21 15 27 17 30 32
40 52 1 23 50 9 48 6 20 51 8 41 16 13 19 14 45 47
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Company MEGGER MH RHODES/CRAMER COMPANY MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL MINUTEMAN UPS NABCEP NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS PHASE-A-MATIC POWER-ONE SOKKIA SOUTHWIRE COMPANY STEELMAN INDUSTRIES STRIP-TEC THE HOME DEPOT TOSHIBA INTERNATIONAL CORP. UNDERGROUND DEVICES UTILITY METALS WINDY CITY WIRE
PG#
RS#
IBC 18 11 25 19 33 30 1 5 BC 18 24 13 23 31 10 3
2 43 11 18 15 22 46 4 7 3 42 44 12 17 21 10 5
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