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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 WRITERS
John A. Meuleman • Greg Shaughnessy
16 FEATURES 6
North Carolina Hospital’s Emergency Power System Carries on Tradition of Excellence By John A. Meuleman
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Seismic Bracing 101 By Greg Shaughnessy
DEPARTMENTS 26 32 40
Industry News Product Focus Ad Index
ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of Russelectric
PRESIDENT
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 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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Electrical Products & Solutions • November 2013
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FEATURE • Russelectric
North Carolina Hospital’s Emergency Power System Carries on Tradition of Excellence
By John A. Meuleman
Rex Hospital, in Raleigh, North Carolina, now has a cutting-edge emergency power system designed to accommodate the facility’s anticipated growth over the next 30 years.
R
ex Hospital’s recently upgraded backup power system is designed to ensure the seamless delivery of both normal and emergency power to all loads, today and for the next 30 years. Rated one of the top 100 U.S. hospitals by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2012, the 660-bed facility treats nearly 34,000 inpatients every year in Raleigh, North Carolina. The new comprehensive power system provides the hospital with more reliability, more redundancy, and more flexibility. Taking into account anticipated growth, the system has enough emergency capacity (8.25 MW) for a seven-story heart center currently on the drawing board as well as for a future cancer center addition. Rex now has what is called an N+1 arrangement — it could lose one generator and have adequate capacity remaining. Three 1.25 MW generators were
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Rex Hospital’s new central energy plant houses generators, switchgear, and HVAC equipment for the complex. The transformer yard (at right) is linked to four new underground utility feeds provided by Duke Energy/Progress, the local electric utility.
replaced with two new 3 MW generators, and an existing 2.25 MW generator was retained. Fuel capacity has been increased from 60,000 to 80,000 gallons. With all tanks full, the hospital could meet its own peak demand (about 5,200 Kw) for almost six days.
Electrical Products & Solutions • November 2013
However, since that peak is reached only for short periods on the warmest of summer days and peak demand in winter months ranges from about 3,800 to 4,500 Kw, the hospital could probably operate under its own power for more than nine days, depending on the time of year. Continued on page 8
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FEATURE • Russelectric
Continued from page 6
(Above) Russelectric switchgear manages the seamless closed-transition transfer to emergency power (generators or other utility feeds), ensuring minimal or no interruption of power to Rex Hospital’s life safety and patient care loads when both sources are available. The system also allows load curtailment and utility paralleling control schemes that can significantly reduce the hospital’s normal power costs. (Right) Rex Hospital’s three emergency/backup generators (photo taken prior to relocation of third generator) have a total capacity of 8.25 MW. If the utility feeds are lost, the generators can supply all of the hospital’s loads.
Both Sides Hot The utility’s transformer primaries for the hospital are served by two 25 Kv utility feeders from separate distribution systems. Though both are energized, the hospital can draw from only one at a time. The system also employs a “both sides hot” strategy that feeds utility power to both sides (normal and emergency) of every automatic transfer switch. If a breaker trips and any downstream feed is lost, power is immediately transferred to the alternate side of the switch. This arrangement allows the auto8
matic transfer switch to quickly transfer to the alternate source without starting the generators. It also lets the power plant staff test switches without starting the generators. “It is unlike any other system I’ve ever seen,” says Mike Doggett, territory manager for Robert W. Chapman & Co., sales
Electrical Products & Solutions • November 2013
representatives for Russelectric Inc., the supplier of design assistance, power control switchgear, transfer switches, the SCADA system, and implementation support. The new system, which came online in the spring of 2013, was designed by a dedicated team who knew Continued on page 12
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FEATURE • Russelectric
Continued from page 8
A sample screen in Rex Hospital’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.
what they wanted and fought for it. Facility Services Director Mike Raynor and his colleagues convinced the hospital’s cost-conscious management that the extra cost of a reliable system with superior equipment would be worth it in the long run. Before the dust had settled, Raynor had added Director of Construction Services to his job title — a testament to his persuasive prowess. Raynor and his associates were already familiar with the dependability of Russelectric equipment; the company had designed and built most of the hospital’s previous system in the mid-1980s. Based in Hingham, Massachusetts, Russelectric designs, builds, commissions, and services onsite power control systems for hospitals, data centers, Internet service providers, airports, and other mission-critical facilities. All Russelectric systems are supported by the company’s factory-direct, 24-hour field service.
Don’t Blink The previous backup power system at Rex Hospital was the closed-transition type — no one wanted a “blink” (a brief interruption of service) when the feed had to be switched from utility power to generator power. Yet the engineering firm the hospital first hired for the upgrade in 2011 recommended a modified open-transition system that would have meant numerous outages throughout the hospital, not only during construction but also thereafter. Furthermore, this proposed cut-rate system relied on generators and fuel tanks on flatbed trucks to provide additional capacity during construction or when adequate power could not be delivered to the hospital load. In addition, it would have provided no paralleling, load curtailment, peak shaving, or 12
Russelectric’s custom supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system allows interactive monitoring and remote operation of Rex Hospital’s state-of-the-art power control system as well as real-time and historical trending, comprehensive reporting, distributed networking, and alarm management. The system’s simulator lets the hospital’s facilities team evaluate and plan responses to various power outage scenarios.
redundant energized feeders. Raynor and his team argued against the proposal and in favor of the fail-safe, forward-looking system they envisioned. They presented their case to all stakeholders, including the hospital’s executives and medical staff and a constellation of officials at various regulatory agencies. Raynor, who remembers “a lot of jumping up and down at meetings, a lot of talk, a lot of phone calls, and a lot of bumps to get over,” is candid about the plan he opposed: “People would have noticed a difference when the power went out — BANG! — or came back on — BANG! — like when there is an outage at your house. There is just no need for a hospital to go through that in this day and age.” “It would have taken us back many years,” agrees Raynor’s longtime engineering consultant Travis Jackson, PE. “We like closed transition, and we already had the capability to do paralleling and load curtailment. We certainly didn’t want to give those up.” Jackson continues, “We also knew that Russelectric equipment has welded construction and is sturdy, durable, and extremely reliable. The engineers in the other firm were not familiar with our configuration. Eventually, even with budget constraints, the administration came around, and we were able to make it all work out.”
Electrical Products & Solutions • November 2013
According to Raynor, Russelectric was the only supplier that could meet his team’s specifications. The design that was implemented meant replacing the utility substation and making it more reliable as well as relocating the switches and switchgear from cramped quarters in the main hospital building to a newly constructed central energy plant. The entire project and system switchover was completed with only a single, planned 10-second outage.
Up and Running Now that the system is up and running, Raynor’s crew can do peak shaving, supplying some of the hospital’s power while the utility is supplying the rest, thereby saving on utility demand charges. Although the system does not contribute power to the grid, through its load curtailment capabilities it can quickly respond when the hospital is asked by the utility to reduce demand on the grid by a specified amount. The resulting contractual rebates lower the hospital’s overall energy costs. “Load curtailment is a huge relief to the utility if, for example, they’ve got a reactor down or they are experiencing an unusually high demand for power [for air conditioning] during a heat wave,” says Raynor. “For whatever reason, they can ask us under the contract we have with them to generate our own power for a Continued on page 14
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FEATURE • Russelectric
Continued from page 12
specified amount of time. Usually they give us about 30 minutes’ notice, and we run the generators no more than 8 hours at a time. One year, we did this five or six times, but in an average year it happens only once or twice.” Very important to the hospital’s power control system upgrade was the installation of the new Russelectric state-of-the-art SCADA system with software and screen displays customized for the hospital’s needs. The system includes a simulator, which shows trainees what to expect when they lose a feed, open or close a breaker, add or remove load, etc. The simulator also comes in handy for troubleshooting, system improvements, preview testing, and tours. Jackson, who has spent many hours learning the simulator, sometimes late into the night, praises it for its “many, many great features,” adding, “It’s almost like a really nice video game; you can look at any situation that might occur, including any kind of outage. It’s like real life, but without the consequences. It’s totally safe.”
“It’s a great system to begin with, but Travis has improved it many times,” says Raynor. “Beyond the basics of the simulator, there are nuances built into it that Travis discovered by working with it.” Yet another selling point that led to the decision to choose Russelectric is full manual backup. If the touchscreen on the control panel fails, operating personnel can manually open and close breakers, synchronize and parallel the generators onto the bus, and add or shed load. Other manufacturers’ systems do not provide for full manual operation. “We’ve had such good support and training from Russelectric for many years,” says Raynor. “That’s why we are where we are today. We feel very fortunate to have their people supporting us. They are always available, always competent, and always helpful.”
As Good As It Gets Looking back, Raynor has the luxury of summing up a job well done.
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Electrical Products & Solutions • November 2013
“The hospital needed a new and modern system that built on what we had already,” he begins. “Working closely with Russelectric, we came up with a very sophisticated system, and we’re at a point now where it is functioning as we expected — all the hospital’s electrical needs are covered.” “The bottom line is that Russelectric understood what we wanted,” Raynor continues. “If you envision your destination, you need a company like Russelectric to keep up with you and help you over the speed bumps. It’s a hospital, after all — everything has to work right. This system is as good as it gets.” ❏ For more information, contact: John A. Meuleman, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Russelectric, 99 Industrial Park Road, Hingham, MA 02043-4387, Toll-Free: 800-225-5250, TEL: (781) 749-6000, FAX: (781) 749-4205, www.russelectric.com.
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FEATURE • TOLCO™ Seismic Bracing
Seismic Bracing 101
By Greg Shaughnessy, product line manager, TOLCO™ Seismic Bracing, Eaton’s B-Line business
C
ontrary to popular belief, seismic activity affects millions of individuals all across the United States. Beyond major portions of California, affected areas include Washington, Nevada, parts of the Midwest, including Illinois and Missouri, and a large portion of the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to the Carolinas. To address these concerns, manufacturers have developed a range of products to help brace any non-structural component or system. Given the wide array of products and
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services available, understanding the ins and outs of seismic bracing products, needs and codes can be a bit cumbersome. To help provide some clarification and starting points in the process, the details outlined below examine what exactly seismic bracing is; why bracing is important; and what products and codes need to be considered.
pipes, air ducts, cable trays, etc. – moving with the building structure during an earthquake. To do this, bracing is required in two horizontal directions. First, lateral bracing is installed perpendicular to the system and then longitudinal bracing is placed parallel to the axis of the system being braced. This braces the system against all horizontal movement, reducing damage to the system and the building, as Understanding Bracing Basics well as reducing the potential for injuries In a nutshell, bracing is designed to due to failed system supports. keep the non-structural systems – such as In addition to Continued on page 18
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FEATURE • TOLCO™ Seismic Bracing horizontal bracing, some instances may also require vertical bracing be included to address the vertical movements of nonstructural systems during an earthquake. This is accomplished by strengthening the hanger assembly at the brace location. Often, rod stiffeners and seismic anchors are used to accomplish this.
Types of Bracing Now that it’s clear why seismic bracing solutions are needed, it’s important to understand what types of bracing products are available. Normally, bracing products fall into one of two categories: rigid or cable bracing. Both solutions offer end users a range of benefits depending on applications needs, but let’s explore a little more about each below.
Rigid Bracing
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direction, or one structural attachment. Because of this, rigid bracing can help decrease material and labor costs. However, it is important to understand that certain limitations do exist with rigid bracing, most importantly the brace length. The maximum length for a rigid brace of B22 strut is 9 feet, 6 inches (L/r = 200). And, while most rigid braces are shorter than this, if a longer length is required, then rigid bracing may not be practical. Also important to note is that rigid bracing cannot be used with spring hangers or with vibration isolation. For projects where rigid bracing may be installed, manufacturers offer a variety of sway brace solutions that may include features like break-off bolts or nuts to ensure a secure connection and visual verification.
In general, rigid bracing tends to be a Cable Bracing
at each brace location. Due to its tension only support, cable bracing provides added flexibility with a vibration isolation system, making it the ideal – and sometimes only choice – for instance, where long braces are required or vibration isolation is installed. While cable bracing systems do offer a secure connection, its main drawback is an increase in materials and labor that often translates to an increase in overall cost. Much like rigid bracing, cable bracing products are available from manufacturers with the same type of visual verification, using break-off bolts and nuts for proper installation and visual inspection, often available for cable sizes ranging from 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch.
Decoding Industry Standards and Requirements
more economical solution that is easier to Unlike rigid bracing, cable bracing Beyond simply understanding the difinstall when compared to cable bracing. works on tension alone, requiring two ferent bracing products, it’s equally, if not This is due to the fact that it only has one seismic brace assemblies and two anchors more, important to Continued on page 22
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FEATURE • TOLCO™ Seismic Bracing understand the specific building codes associated with their use. And with a range of industry codes and standards based on specific regions, applications and markets, it can become extremely confusing for end users. Knowing that, a good starting point is to understand the IBC code that regulates seismic bracing and mandates that it be installed in specific applications to minimize damage and meet specific safety measures. Within the IBC requirements, ASCE 7 is referenced to provide guidance specifically when and how mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, should be braced. To understand the ASCE7 requirements and how to determine whether or not bracing is required, the standard considers two major factors described below to indicate whether or not it requires seismic bracing in a particular environment. Those two factors are the Seismic Design Category (SDC) and the Component Importance Factor (Ip).
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Seismic Design Category (SDC) The SDC serves as a classification assigned to a structure based on its occupancy category and severity of earthquake ground motion at the determined site. Based upon these measures, the site is then placed into an SDC category, A through F, with A representing the least likely to require bracing, and F showing the projects that will always requiring bracing. This metric is typically found on the project S-1 drawing or the project specifications.
Component Importance Factor (Ip) Conversely, all non-structural components are also assigned a value called the Importance Factor, which ranges from 1.0 or 1.5. The Ip defaults to 1.0 unless any of the following criteria applies: The system is required to function for life-safety purposes after an earthquake, including fire protection sprinkler systems.
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Electrical Products & Solutions • November 2013
The system contains hazardous materials. The system is in or attached to an Occupancy Category IV structure (defined as an essential facility [for example, a hospital, fire station or police station] in ASCE 7-05 Table 1-1), and the component is needed for continued operation of the facility or its failure could impair the continued operation of the facility.
Additional Approvals Prior to starting work, the IBC, along with other applicable codes and standards, determines whether seismic bracing is required for a project. However, it is common for certain project specifications to also require additional compliance with third-party testing and approval agencies. Knowing that, it’s also important to gain a better understanding of two of the most well-known compliance agencies used, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Factory Mutual (FM) Global. Continued on page 24
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FEATURE • TOLCO™ Seismic Bracing Underwriters Laboratories An independent testing agency that follows the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard, UL created the UL 203A test outline for seismic bracing. This monotonic (static) test examines tension and compression, and the standard for passing is an examination of load capacity, ensuring that deformations do not exceed 1/8-inch and experience zero slippage. When a product has been submitted to UL and has passed the testing criteria set forth in UL 203A outline, then it is identified as UL “Listed.” Due to UL’s reputation as a certification body, UL Listed products are often specified for use in many state and city building codes.
Factory Mutual Global (FM) In addition to UL approval, codes may also require FM approval. This is done through a testing agency owned by FM Global that follows a different test standard than that performance by UL. The
Continued from page 22
organization has created its own dynamic test standard, FM 1950, which subjects the tested product to forces in multiple planes and repetitive motion replication. Due to this cutting-edge test criteria, FM has become the standard required for seismic bracing products by the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD). This organization oversees every healthcare facility construction project, new or retrofit in California. Because buildings like hospitals fall under this category and are considered “essential” facilities, OSHPD is often looked to as the worldwide leader in seismic bracing standards. OSHPD issues system approvals referred to as OSHPD Pre-Approval of Anchorage (OPA or OPM). These are approvals of a pre-engineered system for bracing all types of non-structural systems, including fire sprinklers and MEP systems. For additional information about these codes and standards, visit www.iccsafe.org.
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Electrical Products & Solutions • November 2013
Choosing an Industry Partner With such complex, specialized devices, it is important to choose equipment and service providers carefully, taking into consideration whether or not a global footprint is needed. This can help not only when weeding through codes, but also throughout the installation and walk through phases. Beyond just product, it is also important to consider a supplier that provides both products and coordinating engineering services. In such a niche field, it’s integral to be able to rely on a proven partner who can leverage its technical expertise and conduct the specialized tasks, such as engineering calculations and certifications. All in all, with such a rapidly changing landscape, customers want to ensure they enlist a knowledgeable provider. One who is immersed in the field and understands the latest developments to deliver innovative technologies that enhance safety, create efficiencies and provide a helping hand throughout the project. ❏
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Industry NEWS
Albér Introduces the Latest Battery Monitor Designed for Utility Industry to Predict Battery Failure NERC COMPLIANCE SYSTEM allows proactive battery replacements Albércorp introduces their real time battery monitor designed for utility bulk power systems that alerts of battery failures by trending over time to allow proactive battery replacements. The Albér UXIM – Universal Xplorer Industrial Monitor – will enable the utilities industry to comply with NERC regulations requiring battery monitoring by automatically documenting complete and accurate maintenance records. Batteries are the weakest link in any backup power chain and can fail abruptly and without warning. The cost of failures makes the cost of monitoring relatively insignificant, especially in large electric utilities where a power failure can result in millions of dollars in losses. The Universal Xplorer Industrial Monitor (UXIM) will automate the NERC PRC-005 standard for battery maintenance, which will extend maintenance intervals and provide an excellent ROI.
The Albér UXIM with patented DC resistance testing technology uses embedded web software or extreme battery detailed software (Battery Xplorer Enterprise) and allows for multiple remote communications and alarm options. “UXIM with its predictive software is poised to revolutionize battery monitoring for the utility industries, by automating the NERC required tasks to ensure compliance and maintain complete records for audits,” said Jeff Albér, VP of Sales for Albércorp. Key benefits of the UXIM include: • Low cost • Ease of use software package • Easy installation • No onsite computer is required for data collection and storage • Easily integrates to building management systems • 24x7 data collection, analysis, and remote alarm notification
“With automated remote battery monitoring, utilities can increase reliability, avoid abrupt battery failures, contain maintenance costs and mitigate any potential fines for NERC noncompliance,” Albér added. ❏ About Albércorp Albércorp, founded in 1972, is the most established manufacturer of battery test and monitoring equipment for the standby battery market. Albér engineers and manufactures a wide variety of battery monitoring products. Today, the Albér battery monitoring system is becoming the standard among utilities for determining their batteries state of health. Albér is committed to furthering the utility industry and offers battery training and NERC compliance seminars as well as manages the largest stationary battery conference and trade show, Battcon. Electric utilities, nuclear, data centers, and other mission critical facilities rely on Albér equipment to eliminate critical load loss due to bad batteries.
Nuheat announces partnership with OJ Electronics Nuheat today announced that it has entered into a partnership with OJ Electronics—one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Under Floor Heating and HVAC controls. Nuheat, an industry leader in electric radiant floor heating systems, will partner with OJ on an industry-first next generation thermostat for floor heating systems. Dedicated to innovation, the collaboration allows Nuheat to further advance its product line to meet the continuously evolving needs and expectations of homeowners and contractors. “We are pleased to partner with such a reputable controls manufacturer,” said Wally Lo, Nuheat Product Manager. “OJ was the clear choice for us to partner with given the company’s superior dedication to quality and experience manufacturing thermostat controls. They have broad in-house expertise with software and industrial design and are a natural fit for Nuheat.” Nuheat’s next generation thermostat is due to release in spring 2014. ❏ About Nuheat Based in Vancouver, Canada, Nuheat is the leading manufacturer of electric floor heating systems and distributor of Fujikura freeze protection products for pipes, roof & gutters and slab. Nuheat products have been included in such celebrated projects as the Shangri-La Tower in Vancouver, the Hyatt Grand in Aspen, the Plaza Hotel in New York, Montreal’s City Hall and will soon be included in the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice facility being built near Vancouver, British Columbia. About OJ Electronics OJ Electronics was established in 1964 and is today one of the world’s leading manufacturers of Under Floor Heating and HVAC controls. Headquartered in Sønderborg, Denmark, OJ’s products are available through distributors worldwide. OJ holds a strong international position with subsidiaries and sales offices placed in global markets, including US, UK, Russia, and Poland.
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Industry NEWS
Train at SMART and Take a Vacation in Sunny Florida IRISS, a leader in the industrial infrared (IR) window for electrical safety and electrical maintenance training market, announced today their newest program to cross promote their SMART Academy and Bradenton, FL, as the premier destination for a Traincation. “We are blessed to be in an area thriving with tourist attractions,” states Martin Robinson, IRISS CEO. “Not to mention the draw of the award
winning white sandy beaches and warm weather for the upcoming winter months.” Robinson continues, “We recognized this opportunity to develop a program to promote our electrical maintenance training in conjunction with highlighting attractions our students would enjoy.” IRISS’ SMART Academy provides electrical maintenance courses that deliver hands-on experience with theory, industry best practices, and safety. Their state-of-the-art training facility features simulated equipment including switchgear and transformers. These labs provide students both inspection and maintenance training to ensure electrical assets are properly sustained. Anyone who registers for a Traincation at IRISS’ SMART Academy will receive a $50 gift certificate for one of 5 Must-Do attractions around Bradenton, FL. Attractions include an elevated adventure course, fishing charter, amusement center and two waterfront restaurants. There are seven courses taught through IRISS’s Safety and Maintenance Academy of Re-
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Electrical Products & Solutions • November 2013
liability Technologies or SMART Academy. These courses provide students and their companies the knowledge and practical experience necessary to complete electrical inspections safely and efficiently. Additional courses include Energized Electrical Maintenance, Level I Infrared Electrical Certification, Level II Infrared Electrical Certification, IRISS Certified Installer, and Customized On-Site Training Solutions Auditing Electrical Assets, Jump-Start IR Window Program, and Installation Support of IR Windows. In addition to training available at the SMART Training Academy, IRISS offers on-site or regional classes. ❏
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Product FOCUS
FLIR Releases New E-Series Thermal Cameras with MSX® New E4, E5, E6 and E8 thermal cameras offer innovative features designed to enhance the electrical, mechanical and building diagnostics of users across key industries and professions FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announces the release of the new FLIR E-Series line of thermal cameras, which offer a unique level of performance and affordability. Compact, rugged and user-friendly, the new E4, E5, E6 and E8 cameras are aimed at professionals who need to track down electrical and mechanical overheating, moisture ingress, missing insulation, air leaks, and a host of other issues that thermal images can detect and quantify. The new E-Series thermal cameras feature a vivid 3” color LCD display, wide-angle focus-free lens, intuitive oncamera button controls, on-board digital camera, and FLIR’s exclusive MSX® technology (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging), which integrates visible details from digital camera photos onto IR images. Along with delivering a much clearer thermal picture overall, MSX makes it much easier to recognize the location of heat issues without obscuring or compromising the integrity of the original thermal scene – a common problem with older image blending modes. Up until this product release, MSX was limited to FLIR’s high-performance T-Series thermal imagers. With the new E-Series E4 model, however, it’s now available for as low as $995 USD – an astounding thermal imaging price-to-performance breakthrough. MSX is ideal for creating an all-in-one thermal image that clearly illustrates an emerging or existing issue, and the bundled FLIR Tools software makes it simple to import, analyze, and incorporate images into easy-to-understand reports to help provide convincing evidence for repairs. For more information, visit www.flir.com/ex-series
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Product FOCUS
Greenlee Communications™ Introduces the 930XC Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Greenlee Communications has launched the 930XC Optical Time Domain Reflectometer, an all-in-one Optical Time Domain Reflectometer that offers fast, accurate, and reliable, solutions for cable acceptance testing and fault locating. All 930XC OTDR models come with an Optical Power Meter (OPM), a Visual Fault Locator (VFL), and a Stabilized Light Source (SLS) as standard. “The 930XC is feature-loaded, but still simple to operate,” said Keith Foord, Lead Engineer at Greenlee Communications. “It has a large, easy-to-read display, single-button test options, and can continuously run for up to 8 hours on a single battery charge. OPM, VFL, and SLS are standard features for all models, making this great features-tovalue proposition for our customers.” The 930XC also comes with software that allows the user to generate cable acceptance reports. These reports can be customized to include trace signature, fiber events and many other test metrics. The unit is GR-196 BellCore certified – a standard requirement for many telecommunications companies. The unit also features a protective rubber boot and a sealed membrane panel for superior drop and water resistance. For more information, visit www.greenlee.com
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Product FOCUS Milwaukee® M18™ Cordless Multi-Tool Delivers Time-Saving Solutions Milwaukee Tool Corporation continues to expand the fastest growing 18V cordless system on the market with the introduction of the new M18™ Cordless Multi-Tool. Designed to increase productivity and ease of use for professional users, the new tool delivers up to 50% faster cutting and 2X longer run-time than the competition, while featuring timesaving solutions like a tool-free blade change and universal accessory adaptor. “We continue to find ways to bridge the gap between the speed of corded options and the convenience of cordless solutions,” says Christian Coulis, Director, Cordless Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool Corporation. “Featuring Milwaukee’s Constant Power Technology to maintain cutting speed under load, the new Multi-Tool truly delivers superior performance with the fastest cutting speeds in its class to increase productivity on the jobsite.” With a variable speed of 11,000 to 18,000 OPM and 12 speed settings, users can match the speed to the application at hand to complete tasks such a flush or plunge cuts, removing grout, grinding thinset, sanding or scraping. Ideal for remodelers, flooring contractors, maintenance repair technicians and electricians, the M18™ Multi-Tool comes complete with a universal accessory adaptor to allow the tool to work with all major competitive accessories on the market, as well as a tool free accessory change that allows the user to quickly move from one application to the next. In addition to the Multi Tool, Milwaukee will also introduce two accessory attachments with this launch that can be purchased separately to further increase productivity on the jobsite. The new Dust Extraction Kit will give users the option to keep their work area clean of debris, and the new Depth Stop Kit will give users the confidence to complete plunge cuts without damaging hidden materials. For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com
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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
PG#
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14 IFC 37 28 38 BC 9 34 4 29 40 28 18 17 7 24 11 IBC 27 22 36
41 1 27 46 51 3 9 49 6 21 52 47 42 14 8 45 11 2 20 43 26
ACScout LLC AEMC® INSTRUMENTS Alber Corporation ARPI of USA BATTCON 2014 Conference Brady Worldwide ByteBrothers California Turbo Inc. Conduit Repair Systems Inc. Copper Development Association Inc. CopperWatcher E-Z Meter eHeat Farho USA Generator InterLock Technologies GENSCO America Inc. HB Brackets HIOKI USA i-GARD Corporation Krenz & Company, Inc. Miller Safety Consultants, LTD
Company Milwaukee Electric Tool Minuteman Power Technologies Mitsubishi Electric Power Products MP global products LLC NABCEP Northwest Lighting Systems Co. Phase-A-Matic, Inc. Platinum Tools Power & Tel Power-One Inc. Quick Mount PV Runtal North America Inc. SmallPC.com SOKKIA Steelman Industries, Inc. The Home Depot Toshiba Corporation Underground Devices, Inc. Utility Metals Yokogawa Electric Corporation
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31 21 19 30 1 33 22 39 15 3 25 20 34 5 14 13 23 32 10 35
23 17 15 22 4 24 44 28 13 5 19 16 50 7 40 12 18 48 10 25
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