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CONTENTS
PUBLISHER
Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER
Anita Salchert ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Jerry DiChiara jerryd@epsmag.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Derek Gaylard CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Rich Nicol • George Heidekat CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Pam Fulmer
CASE STUDY 6 A Dual-Axis Tracker for Homes By Rich Nicol
FEATURE 16 Before You Purchase a UPS System: Five Questions You Must Ask Your Vendors By George Heidekat
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DEPARTMENTS 24 28 40
Industry News Product Focus Ad Index
ON THE COVER Mitsubishi Electric UPS System
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
Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric PRINTED IN THE USA
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CASE STUDY • AllSun Tracker
A Dual-Axis Tracker for Homes
By Rich Nicol of SolarTech
SOLAR ELECTRIC INSTALLATIONS
come in a few different forms, and as a PV installer for several years, I used mainly roof mounts and fixed pole mounts. My business was doing well, and my customers were satisfied with our work. Interest in a tracking system would come up occasionally, but living in the Northeast with a rough climate most of the year, I didn’t trust the reliability of the tracker systems that were available in the past. 6
But one day I was asked for a quote from a customer on a PV system to meet the electricity needs of their home. I and another local installer had come up with the same number. To our surprise, we were out-priced by the dual axis AllSun Tracker. For the power production, ease of installation, and functionality, there was no way we could compete. What was this tracker? How was it such a good deal for both installer and
Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
customer? I wanted to know more and this was as easy as a visit to the manufacturer of these tracker systems, AllEarth Renewables. It turned out they were interested in new dealers and I was interested in their product. But I needed to play with the numbers first: cost per watt to install vs. a standard pole mount; design time; installation time; power production. In sum, I wanted to know the Continued on page 8
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CASE STUDY • AllSun Tracker
Continued from page 6
The numbers proved it: yes, we would all benefit. My experience installing several tracker systems verifies that the cost of a tracker is nearly the same as a fixed pole mount. There’s no design time because the AllEarth engineers figured out the system completely. The installation time is definitely less than fixed pole mounts because the whole system ships as a complete package directly to the job site. Very soon the customer is producing power from the sun. Lastly, electricity generated from the tracker is 35-40% more than a roof mount or a fixed pole mount because the array follows the sun throughout the day. Furthermore, the reliability of this tracking system exceeded my expectations. Unlike other trackers, the AllSun models have been designed to be “intelligent” systems with GPS and wireless technology that responds to any harsh cost per first year kW hrs because this Would installing this product work for my weather. In high winds, they lay flat tracker was going to cost a bit more but business? Would it benefit our cus- rather than stand up like a big sail. In produce more power than a fixed mount. tomers? Continued on page 12 heavy snowfall, they
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CASE STUDY • AllSun Tracker
Continued from page 8
tip and dump the snow load. The trackers also come with a monitoring system through which their performance is displayed online for the life of the tracker. It is then monitored by the manufacturer, customer, and installer. My business has grown by 25% as a direct result of adding these trackers to my design options. Customers want to reduce their reliance on traditional methods of power production, but they also want the best product they can have to produce the most power possible. When they learn about a cost-effective tracker, they go for it.
Easy Installations For the installer, one of the best things about a complete tracker package is the time saved getting a job done. From project proposal to job completion, my planning and installation time is significantly reduced. Installation time is shortened because the tracker install is predictable. Though there are two models, Continued on page 14
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CASE STUDY • AllSun Tracker
the installation process is the same. As a business owner, this is great. I have more time to devote to more systems during the construction season here in the Northeast, and so my business has grown. My planning and design time is also reduced when I go with a tracker. There’s less planning time because my proposals
Continued from page 12
for customers are easy to write and explain. And there is no design time. When I plan a custom design, I have to source and purchase all of the individual parts and pieces, checking and rechecking my orders from multiple suppliers. With an AllSun Tracker, I call AllEarth, order the model I need, and the next day it ships to
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Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
my business. Overall, I save about six hours of design and planning time per job. That’s six hours I can add to sales and installation for another job. Another benefit of installing this dualaxis tracker comes from the perspective of liability. As an industry, PV engineers devote considerable effort to ensuring a roof mount does the least amount of damage to a home. And in many cases, roof mounts really won’t work for the customer because the roof is old and will need to be replaced soon or, even more common, is the fact that very few rooflines face south. With a tracker, there’s no roof work. And no roof work means no scaffolding, no penetrations, no obstacles like dormers or skylights—being off the roof with a complete system to install makes a job easy and productive. The trackers simplify and streamline solar: from design and installation right through to a working PV system with a good return on investment that customers can rely on for years to come. ❏
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FEATURE • Mitsubishi Electric
Before You Purchase a
UPS System: Five Questions You Must Ask Your Vendors
By George Heidekat
A BLANK SHEET OF PAPER and two words: quality and efficiency. That’s where the design for the just-completed Data Realty, LLC, data center got started.
In selecting mission-critical facility systems, “We had the rare opportunity to work from the ground up,” says Tom Panozzo, chief technical officer for the South Bend, Indiana-based provider of
colocation, cloud computing, data analytics and disaster recovery services. But a free hand in specifying vital hardware —such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) — doesn’t eliminate the hard grind of evaluating technologies, vendors and products. Panozzo and his team spent more than a year on the road, visiting manufacturers and touring installations, before selecting a UPS supplier for the greenfield project. Eventually, Panozzo found himself working closely with Jim Hughes, the veteran sales manager for central US, Canadian and strategic national accounts at Mitsubishi Electric Power Products. This fall, with two 500-kW Mitsubishi 9900B units in place, and 16 more on track for installation, Panozzo and Hughes both expressed satisfaction with the Data Realty selection process and its outcome. They agreed to share a few lessons with EPS readers, and together came up with a short list of questions that any manager in the market for a UPS system should ask before cutting a purchase order.
Question 1: You say your product is efficient, But, specifically, at what loads does it start to get efficient? Tom Panozzo: “This is a great way to start the conversation. We insisted on an efficiency curve demonstration from every vendor we talked to. A lot of UPSs are efficient when fully loaded, but in the data center world they never are fully loaded. Other industries might load them up to 80, 90, 100 percent; in our industry they seldom get above 60. Whatever industry you are in, ask the vendor, “Do your efficiency numbers Continued on page 18
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FEATURE • Mitsubishi Electric
Continued from page 16
apply to the loads I’ll actually be running at my facility?” Jim Hughes: “A related concern is that every potential supplier is going to show you graphics that indicate high efficiency. The real question is, ‘Can you prove it?’ “Your vendor should be able to bring you to a test facility (like ours, in western Pennsylvania) and show you how his UPS performs under realistic conditions. You should have access to case studies and client contact information, for further proof. And you really want to ask for an efficiency guarantee.”
Question 2: Are your UPSs really 100 percent load-rated? Tom Panozzo: “A lot of manufacturers might describe their product as a 500kW UPS, but if you actually ran it at 500 kW you might find yourself very unhappy. Just for example, I know that Mitsubishi’s units are slightly underrated, so you could run them at 100 percent load all day long. Continued on page 20
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FEATURE • Mitsubishi Electric “Whether that’s practical or not is a side issue; sometimes we find ourselves doing things we don’t want to do. Sometimes you end up in situations you couldn’t anticipate. But I’m confident that if we ever — against our better judgment — had to run our Mitsubishi UPSs at 100 percent load, they would hold it, because they’re rated to do so.”
Continued from page 18
Jim Hughes: “There’s a lot of marketing hype out there. Be careful. What some published data really indicate is that, when push comes to shove, the product may meet the requirement. Before you buy, you need a warranty, you need guarantees, you need to see failure data. “You want a product that’s conservatively engineered to perform to specifica-
tion all the time. That has to be baked into the technology — into the IGBT, logic, and sensing capabilities. “Step load performance can tell you a lot, even if it’s unlikely to happen in the field. Ask how the UPS would perform going from 0 percent load to 100 percent. You should see little to no disruption on the load sine wave. If the technology you’re looking at can do this without borrowing from the battery, you’ll get better battery life.” When selecting a UPS, you need to test the UPS to verify that the technology does not rely on the battery system during a step load. Below is test data depicting 9900B UPS step load response with the battery disconnected. (insert graphic: StepLoadOutputVoltage.jpg)
Question 3: Power factor: Does your UPS operate at unity? Tom Panozzo: “On other projects, I’ve run into nominally 300 kVA UPSs that were actually rated at just 260 KW, so they weren’t unity. The data center world lives by the number of kilowatts we can sell, and our calculations usually come down to the amount of power you’ll be able to deliver, and how much computing power you can support. UPS manufacturers usually publish the bigger number — ‘Our UPS is 300 kVA.’ — but that becomes quite irrelevant if the other number is only 260 KW.” “The Mitsubishi 9900Bs, for instance, are unity power-factor UPSs, so their 300 kVA really does mean 300 KW. And when it all comes down to dollars and cents, the kilowatt number is the one that matters – it’s critical, and it makes a big difference to your bottom line.” Jim Hughes: “Tom nailed this one. If the design is at unity, your UPS will provide more KW to the load. That’s what mattered to Data Realty. They didn’t care about kVA — they wanted to know how much power they could get.”
Question 4: What can you tell me about your operating failures? Tom Panozzo: “I was impressed by the fact that Mitsubishi actually publishes their UPS module operating failures. That speaks volumes. I can think of a lot of UPS manufacturers who, if they published their failures, would be Continued on page 22 FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 44 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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FEATURE • Mitsubishi Electric
Continued from page 20
Data Realty adopted a modular buildout model, developed by Environmental Systems Design, Inc., of Chicago, in designing its new 50,000-square-foot data center in South Bend, Indiana. It features: • Unlimited power capacity with redundant generators and backup support in a 200 w/sq. ft. configuration • Two substation feeds, each with multiple 138 kv lines powered by American Electric Power • A hydroelectric/nuclear/coal power mix (less than 60 percent coal-based) • A location adjoining the nation’s second-largest transcontinental fiber infrastructure • Last-mile connectivity via Indiana’s Metronet Zing fiber optic network. The installation’s first phase includes nine 500-kVA UPS units, to be followed later this year by a nine-unit second phase. out of business tomorrow. “So don’t hesitate to ask the vendor, ‘As a company, do you track your failures? Is that information available to me as a client? And can I see it before I buy anything?’ These are key questions. Everybody has failures. “Quite frankly, the Mitsubishi documentation was a key component of our decision to buy from them. First of all, they’re up-front enough to provide it. In fact, they offered it before I could ask for it. And second, it’s just damn impressive, because their failures amount to almost none.” Jim Hughes: “We trust our machines so much that we showed Tom exactly what’s gone on over the last eight years. That’s unique in the industry: failure analyses for every unit in the field, every failure we’ve had since 2006. It might involve a device, a human interface, an LCD screen, a capacitor, things like that. “At the end of the day, our failure rate is extraordinarily low. And, more important, none of the few failures that we have had ever dropped or even jeopardized a client load.”
ways ask. Service is so vitally important — you need to have confidence in it before you close the deal. Your supplier should be able to quantify his level of service by answering follow-up questions like these: ‘How long does it take to get me a part I might need?’ ‘How long will a service technician take to reach my site?’ ‘Can we buy a spares kit?’ ‘Can you recommend which parts your tech will want us to have on hand when he arrives, so we can pre-buy them proactively?’ ‘Do your techs travel with parts on the truck, or do they show up and then have to call in and have them sent out?’” Jim Hughes: “This tends to be a front-loaded business, where the focus is on the initial design and installation. What happens frequently is the customer gets a lot of attention before the purchase. And then, once you buy, all those vendor people who were so interested sort of disappear. “The Data Realty team, for instance, had a very short lead time, so we all knew that when the equipment came to the site, they’d have to install, start up, and commission it to meet a deadline. Question 5: How is your To do that, they were going to need sigsupport service? nificant support from their partners on Tom Panozzo: “This is the one I al- the manufacturing side. That would hold
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Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
true all through the total life of the system — in service support, parts support, and engineering support. “So Tom asked about customers who could vouch for us. And we were able to give him contact information for several high-profile clients, and they were more than excited to talk about what we’ve done.” ❏ About Mitsubishi: Headquartered in Warrendale, Pa., Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc., is the subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric US that supplies electrical and electronic products, systems, and services for the North American and global power systems, metals production, rail transportation, and water treatment industries. Working as a comprehensive business partner, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products offers application assistance, engineering studies and analysis, and after-sales services. We set new standards for quality, reliability, delivery, and installation while meeting customer requirements with the very latest technologies, products, and systems. Full information about Mitsubishi appears at www.meppi com.
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Industry NEWS
The Ericson Manufacturing Company Introduces
Web-based Product Selection Productivity Improvement Tools
ERICSON MANUFACTURING is pleased to announce the launch of our Product Selection Tools encompassing a broad range of products including Wiring Devices, Mini and Micro Cable Assemblies, and Wire Mesh Grips. Product identification has never been easier thanks to intuitive drop-down menus that guide users through the selection process with error free precision. Similar products can be compared and contrasted, with the click of a mouse, eliminating the guess work typically associated with device identification and selection. “Our new web-based product selection tools greatly simplify the process of accurately identifying thousands of products,” said Jon Semancik, Ericson’s Product Manager. “This approach saves our customers time and effort, and is just the beginning of Ericson’s transition to a new generation of customer productivity tools”. Adopting a logical, step-by-step, menu driven approach delivers significant time savings and accuracy improvements. Wiring Devices is a broad category including plugs, connectors, receptacles, adapters and accessories; moreover, product selection requires knowledge of multiple selection criteria including electrical and environmental ratings, NEMA configurations, device compatibility and safety listings making these products an ideal selection tool fit.
These improvements are just as significant when specifying Wire Mesh Grips which include grips, pulling grips, strain relief grips with a variety of different eyelet and mesh styles. Likewise, Mini and Micro Cable Assemblies and Accessories are also a perfect candidate due to the wide range of available configuration styles, poles, electrical ratings and keyways. For more information please visit: http://eselect.ericson.com/❏
About Ericson Manufacturing Ericson Manufacturing Company is a world-class leader in portable electrical power distribution and temporary lighting solutions. Our commitment to delivering safe and innovative products, which is demonstrated by UL, ETL, CSA listings and NEC/CEC and OSHA Code compliance, is incorporated into every design. ISO 9001 certification, 24/7 emergency customer support, and professional application engineering support ensures that our customers receive the highest quality products and customer experience possible. Since 1918 the company, based in Willoughby, Ohio, has delivered unsurpassed service and solutions to industrial and commercial customers Ericson’s solutions energize, illuminate, protect and connect. For additional information please visit www.ericson.com.
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Industry NEWS
Rosendin Electric Earns Spot on 2012 InformationWeek 500 List of Top Technology Innovators Across America Launch of New CRM Infrastructure and Procure-to-Pay System Place Leading Electrical Contractor in the Top 500 for the Second Year ROSENDIN ELECTRIC, one of the nation’s largest private electrical contractors and a 100% employee-owned company, today announced that it made this year’s InformationWeek 500, an annual listing of the nation’s most innovative users of business technology. This is the second year in a row that Rosendin Electric has been named to the InformationWeek 500 as the company continues to bring technological innovation to construction to improve operations both at headquarters and on the job site. The annual list was revealed last night at a gala awards ceremony at the exclusive InformationWeek 500 Conference which took place at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, CA. Over the past year, Rosendin Electric has engaged in a number of new technological initiatives, including deploying a new companywide CRM system. The company also expanded “point of construction” wireless data access, arming project managers and field employees with mobile technology to deliver paperless access to specifications, bills of materials, blueprints, BIM models and other critical materials. Rosendin Electric has also been expanding use of wikis, social networking, and blogs to interact with partners and clients. In addition, Rosendin Electric completed an initiative to streamline the ordering, delivery, and payment for the enormous amount of materials used at their construction sites with a new procureto-pay system. The newly deployed EDI platform has significantly reduced the manual materials ordering process, automating the purchase order and invoice exchange using electronic product mapping. It also gives Rosendin Electric a repeatable standard for communication between internal and external data systems, and a sustainable procurement system capable of supporting the company’s anticipated growth. Rosendin Electric also extended the same e-business processes to integrate with its employee benefits
providers, which will save an estimated $80,000 annually in thirdparty transaction processing fees. “Technology is just one element that keeps Rosendin Electric ahead of the competition,” said Sam Lamonica, CIO of Rosendin Electric. “Our new EDI platform takes the guesswork out of ordering and tracking material and equipment, which means we can more accurately project costs and deliver projects on time. And harnessing wireless technology to provide the field personnel with untethered access to critical project documents via mobile devices reduces the amount of paper they need to carry and dramatically improves productivity. Being named to the InformationWeek 500 for the second year in a row is a tribute to our ongoing innovation and success.” “The InformationWeek 500 has recognized the most innovative users of business technology for 24 years, and this year’s innovations were particularly impressive,” said InformationWeek Editor In Chief Rob Preston. “What the editors looked for are unconventional approaches—new technologies, new models, new ways of grabbing business opportunities and solving complex business problems with IT.” InformationWeek identifies and honors the nation's most innovative users of information technology with its annual 500 listing, and also tracks the technology, strategies, investments, and administrative practices of America’s best-known companies. Past overall winners include PACCAR Inc., The Vanguard Group, CME Group, National Semiconductor, Con-Way, and Principal Financial Group. The InformationWeek 500 rankings are unique among corporate rankings as it spotlights the power of innovation in information technology, rather than simply identifying the biggest IT spenders. Additional details on the InformationWeek 500 can be found online at www.informationweek.com/iw500/. ❏
About Rosendin Electric Rosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a 100% employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider and is one of the largest privately held electrical contractors in the United States. With over 2,500 employees and experience nationwide, Rosendin Electric has built upon a 90-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit www.rosendin.com. About InformationWeek Business Technology Network (http://www.informationweek.com) The InformationWeek Business Technology Network provides IT executives with unique analysis and tools that parallel their work flow—from defining and framing objectives through to the evaluation and recommendation of solutions. Anchored by InformationWeek, the multimedia powerhouse that looks across the enterprise, the network scales across the most critical technology categories with online properties such as DarkReading.com (security), NetworkComputing.com (networking and communications) and BYTE (consumer technology). The network also provides focused content for key IT targets, such as CIOs, developers and SMBs, via InformationWeek Global CIO, Dr. Dobb's and InformationWeek SMB, as well as vital vertical industries with InformationWeek Financial Services, Government and Healthcare sites. Content is at the nucleus of our information distribution strategy—IT professionals turn to our experts and communities to stay informed, get advice and research technologies to make strategic business decisions.
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Product FOCUS Cooper Lighting Expands its Popular Lumière Line of LED Architectural Products The Eon family’s unmatched optical performance provides solutions for general, accent, wall wash, pathway, sign lighting and wall-mounted security indoor and outdoor applications. Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, has introduced the Lumière Eon line of architectural indoor and outdoor LED luminaires. Featuring a sleek, low profile design and unmatched optical performance by way of Cooper Lighting’s patented AccuLED Optics™, the Eon family includes wall- and ceiling-mount fixtures, sign lights and bollards. The versatile line satisfies solutions for general, accent, wall wash, pathway, sign lighting and wall-mounted security applications, providing up to 30 percent in energy savings over traditional lamp sources. The Lumière Eon LED luminaires are amazingly thin (3/4-inches) and provide efficient and controlled LED illumination in three distinct beam patterns: forward throw, lateral throw and flood. Available in three warm white LED color temperatures of 2700K, 3000K and 4000K with no sacrifice in lumen output, the family features optical efficiencies as high as 95 percent. The Lumière Eon 303-W1 and 303-W2 LED wall luminaires easily mount directly to any wall surface over a standard 4-inch junction box. The Eon 303-W1 can be mounted either as an uplight or downlight and the Eon 303-W2 provides both uplight and downlight solutions simultaneously. The fixtures also feature a unique edge-lit lens option to accentuate the fixture’s aesthetics and style. The family of LED bollards includes the single head Eon 303-B1 and the 303-B2 with two opposing heads. The LED bollard’s outstanding optical performance from the patented AccuLED Optics™ results in spacings up to 24 feet apart in some configurations while still maintaining a continuous minimum 0.5 foot candle light level when mounted at 36inches using the Type II optics. The patented Lumière LumaLevelTM leveling system provides quick installation, easy adjustment, secure mounting and protection from vibration. Offering the same thin profile look, the Eon 303-A1 accent luminaire features 360-degree rotation and 180-degrees vertical aiming, while the 303-P1 pathway luminaire offers downlight illumination from a fixed head. Both ground-mount directly to a supplied, in-ground junction box. The Lumière Eon 303-S1 sign light and ceiling-mount luminaire attaches to a wall or a ceiling-mounted straight arm over a standard 4-inch junction box and delivers full vertical adjustment (180 degrees) for easy aiming. An optional 24-inch or 36inch straight arm is available in lieu of the standard 12-inch arm. The fixture also features the unique edge-lit lens option and can be used to accent, wall wash or as an indirect luminaire for general area lighting. High quality construction materials include a choice of aluminum, bronze, brass, copper and stainless steel. The aluminum can be brushed or powder coated in a wide variety of colors. All luminaires are dimmable, may be used indoors or outdoors and carry an IP66 rating. The bollards, pathway and wall luminaires are also ADA complaint. For all luminaires dimming is achieved with a standard ELV reverse phase dimming driver. Some models also offer an optional 0-10V dimming driver. All models come standard with a universal input LED driver (120277V, 50/60 Hz). Cooper Lighting has made a significant investment in people, resources and technology to ensure the company provides first-class solutions to its customers’ lighting challenges. The Company offers a range of indoor and outdoor LED lighting products and controls, all of which are specifically designed to maximize energy and cost savings. For more information, visit www.cooperlighting.com 28
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Product FOCUS IDEAL Introduces Value-Priced Compression Tool for Coax Cable Captive linear stroke provides consistent compression results and easy operation IDEAL has expanded its industry-leading line of coaxial cable termination products with the new Linear X1 and Linear X3 compression hand tools, bringing added value to contractors installing CATV, CCTV and other audio/video systems. "Linear X incorporates several of the outstanding qualities of our award-winning OmniSeal™ Pro Series of compression tools into a smaller, simpler, value priced design," said Jeff Meader, Business Unit Manager for IDEAL DataComm Tools & Supplies. "These are perfect for installers that are migrating from traditional crimping tools or those who only occasionally work with coaxial cable terminations." Quality made in the USA, the Linear X1 and Linear X3 are manufactured using all metal components, resulting in a longer service life because there are no plastic pieces to wear out or crack. The zinc-coated, die-cast body and embossed logo are qualities typically found only on tools costing several times that of the Linear X. The handle has a double dipped textured cushion grip for comfort and all-day use, plus has a shorter spread distance in the open position for a comfortable compression cycle for all users. One handed operation is possible with all compatible connectors. A hinged hasp keeps the tool in a compact closed position when not in use. Linear X1: Specially Designed for F Connectors The Linear X1 is a fixed model designed solely for F connectors. It is factory calibrated and set to compress industry standard 21mm F compression connectors, including the entire family of IDEAL F connectors for RG6/RG6 Quad/RG59. No adjustments to the tool are needed. The Linear X1 is the right answer for installers who work primarily with F connectors and who want a consistent stoke length and compression cycle without the worry that the tool is set incorrectly. Linear X3: Adjustable for More Flexible Usage The Linear X3 features an adjustable post that can be raised or lowered to accommodate different sizes and types of F/BNC/RCA compression connectors. No separate or loose adapters are required for BNC or RCA connectors, eliminating the frustration of lost adapters. The Linear X3 is perfect for CCTV, Audio/Video, and CATV/SATV installers who work with multiple types of coax connectors but who want an economical allin-one product as an alternative to traditional crimping tools. The Linear X3 is compatible with all IDEAL F/BNC/RCA compression connectors for RG6/RG6 Quad/RG59. For more information, visit www.idealindustries.com FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 45 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
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Product FOCUS Acuity Brands Expands Portfolio of LED Renovation Solutions with the Introduction of VTLED Relight Assembly Kits from Lithonia Lighting Long-lasting LED technology results in reduced maintenance and disposal costs. The Lithonia Lighting® VTLED Relight assembly kits from Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) feature long-lasting LEDs with a service life of up 50,000 hours, reducing maintenance requirements and disposal costs compared to conventional lighting. The VTLED kits' advanced LED light engine and driver consume less energy than older, less energyefficient lamps. VTLED Relight kits can be assembled completely below the ceiling plane. Universal end brackets and a one-piece plug-in light engine, coupled with a below-ceiling assembly capability, make the VTLED kits simple and quick to install. Kits are available in both 2’ x 4’ and 2’ x 2’ configurations. “The VTLED Relight assembly kits are a high-quality, affordable, attractive and easy-to-install solution for lighting renovations,” said Dave Ranieri, Acuity Brands Lighting Vice President and General Manager, Indoor Lighting. “The enhanced lighting experience from the VTLED Relight kits gives the appearance of a complete lighting redesign while using far less material and labor costs as compared with installing new fixtures.” The VTLED Relight kits create balanced and uniform illumination by eliminating shadows and cave effects for an enhanced aesthetic appeal. The kit’s reflectors soften and distribute light into the space while minimizing luminous contrast between the fixture and ceiling. Sloped end plates provide a smooth transition between fixture and ceiling. Advanced optical film provides superior LED concealment and even illumination across the diffuser. For more information, visit www.lithonia.com
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Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
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Product FOCUS Joslyn® Surge Protection Products Available with Stainless Steel Enclosures Thomas & Betts Product is Applicable in Corrosive Environments Joslyn® AC surge protection devices (SPDs) from Thomas & Betts, which includes more than 1,300 standard configurations, now are available with stainless steel enclosures for corrosive applications, such as wastewater treatment facilities. Other applications include oil and gas processing, civil construction, utilities, pulp and paper manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and mining. Available through Thomas & Betts’ network of distributors, Joslyn® SPDs protect operations from the damaging effects of electrical power surges, transients and noise, from the service entrance to the equipment level. Suitable for protecting single, split and three-phase applications ranging from 120 V to 600 V Delta, Joslyn® SPDs are capable of handling highsurge energy from 20 kA to 400 kA per phase and are suited to meet the many requirements of industrial, commercial, institutional and residential applications. The stainless steel enclosures are standard in Type 304 stainless steel, an alloy of iron, chromium and nickel. Enclosures in marine-grade Type 316 stainless steel, which contains molybdenum in addition to the metals contained the Type 304 stainless steel alloy, are available through special order. For more information, visit www.tnbpowersolutions.com
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Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
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Cooper Lighting Honored with a Prestigious Lighting for Tomorrow Award One of only four winning LED lighting fixtures, the IRiS 3-inch LED recessed series combines interchangeable optics with energy efficiency and long life. Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, is pleased to announce that its IRiS™ Lighting Systems P3LED directional series has been recognized as a winner in the prestigious tenth annual Lighting for Tomorrow competition. The awards, which recognize the best-designed, energy-efficient solid-state lighting (SSL) products in the residential market, were announced at the American Lighting Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. on September 11. The Lighting for Tomorrow competition, which is organized by the American Lighting Association (ALA), the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), continues to challenge manufacturers to improve their design of SSL fixtures to meet consumers’ expectations. The 2012 judging panel reviewed a total of 124 products, including 67 SSL lighting fixtures at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) University in Research Triangle Park, N.C. Of the 30 companies that submitted SSL fixtures, 14 products received recognition, four winners including the IRiS P3LED luminaire, nine honorable mentions and one special recognition. Entries, which were judged on the basis of lighting performance, marketability and energy efficiency, included LED lighting fixtures, replacement lamps, fixture retrofit kits and lighting controls. “We are honored that our IRiS LED series has been recognized for its performance qualities by such a prestigious awards program,” said Cooper Lighting President Mark Eubanks. “We continue to strive to develop innovative and reliable products that meet the lighting and aesthetic needs of both our residential and commercial customers.” For more information, visit www.cooperlighting.com
Eaton Launches Online Authentication Tool to Combat Counterfeiting at First South American IP Crime Conference Involvement in Panama Canal expansion and other initiatives underscores Eaton’s commitment to the region Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation today introduced the first online tool to promote awareness and detection of counterfeit electrical products. Eaton made the announcement at the 2012 International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property (IP) Crime Conference held from Sept. 11-13 in Panamá City, Panamá, the sixth annual conference, co-hosted for the first time in Latin America by INTERPOL and the National Police of Panamá in partnership with Underwriters Laboratories. Common counterfeit electrical products such as circuit breakers can lead to costly repairs, property damage and even serious injury or death because they have not been properly manufactured or tested. Eaton’s new online Circuit Breaker Authentication (CBA) tool is designed to enable customers to identify counterfeit molded case circuit breakers up to 400 amperes in an attempt to thwart potential danger and allow for authorities to be informed of fraudulent distribution. By entering the bar code, part number and date code found on the circuit breaker, CBA is intended to immediately detect a counterfeit. The tool is accessible via any web or mobile browser at www.eaton.com/counterfeit. “As a global energy management leader, Eaton is committed to providing reliable, efficient and safe electrical power to a broad range of customers in Latin and South America,” said Ramiro Alvarez, business unit manager, Central America and the Caribbean. “Our sponsorship of this conference enables us to expand awareness of electrical safety and, more specifically, the dangers of counterfeit electrical products.” For more information, visit www.eaton.com October 2012 • epsmag.net
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Product FOCUS Orbit Introduces BCHS-10, Versatile Box & Conduit Hanger Support System Orbit Industries introduces BCHS-10, a box and conduit hanger support system with an octagonal plate that holds the metal electrical box and multiple conduit lines. Model BCHS-10 is constructed from 15-gauge pregalvanized steel and the plate measures 10.75” x 10.75” in diameter. It accommodates 4” and 4-11/16” square electrical boxes with ½” to 1-¼” knock-outs. Up to eight lines of conduit (½” to 1-¼”) can be connected to the electrical box. BCHS-10 allows conduit installation from any angle and pre-drilled pin holes facilitate strap installation. The octagonal plate also has pre-stamped markings that provide installation guides. Saving time and labor, BCHS-10 is especially useful for pre-fab construction, trimming assembly and material costs. Orbit Industries is a leading manufacturer of electrical products for the professional installer. All Orbit products are UL or ETL listed and include: NEMA enclosures; steel boxes; weatherproof products; emergency/exit signs and lights; photoelectric controls; HID fixtures; fasteners, fittings and grounding devices; landscape lighting fixtures and accessories. For more information, visit www.orbitelectric.com
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Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
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Carlon® Retractable Work Surface Receptacle Places Power Outlet Conveniently on Desktop New Product from Thomas & Betts Hides Outlet When not in Use In response to the need for easy access to power for a variety of home and office devices, Thomas & Betts places power outlets within reach with the new Carlon® Retractable Work Surface Receptacle. When the outlet is not in use, the Carlon® Retractable Work Surface Receptacle can be recessed below the work surface by pushing down on its cover; the outlet becomes accessible by pulling up the integral grip on its cover. A hole saw, which is included with the receptacle, attaches to a standard power drill and enables the Carlon® Retractable Work Surface Receptacle to be mounted quickly on a desktop, counter or other work surface. No wiring is required, as a six-foot cord connects the receptacle to an existing outlet. “Electronics and other powered devices, such as phone chargers, laptops and small appliances, are used mostly on work surfaces,” said Chad Smith, director, product management for Thomas & Betts. “Outlets, on the other hand, are typically located underneath. The Carlon® Retractable Work Surface Receptacle offers the convenience and safety of placing the outlet on the work surface.” Other features include a compact design that occupies minimal space, a rotated receptacle orientation that accommodates oversized adapters, and a locking collar that secures the assembly to the work surface. The black, polycarbonate cover compliments most home and office décor. For more information, visit www.tnb.com
Platinum Tools® New Coax Clarifier™ Layout/Fault Finder Now Shipping Tester is Designed to Help the Field Technician Qualify and Quantify ‘Dark’ Coax Systems; will Determine Individual Run Quality as well as the System’s Capability to Deliver Good Quality Video at Both Standard and High Definition Levels Platinum Tools®, the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation and hand termination of wire and cable, is proud to announce that the new Coax Clarifier™ (p/n TCC200 / 220) layout/fault finder is now shipping. “The Coax Clarifier system has been designed to qualify and quantify ‘Dark’ coax systems,” explained Lee Sachs, Platinum Tools, Inc. president and general manager. “The field technician often comes across ‘Dark’ unpowered coax systems that give no clue as to their design, condition, or configuration. Made in the U.S.A, the Coax Clarifier helps solve this problem.” The Coax Clarifier determines individual run quality as well as to determine the ability of the overall system’s capability to deliver good quality video at both standard and high definition levels. With an easy-to-read large backlit LCD, the Coax Clarifier shows loss levels on each coax cable run and displays a bar graph of quality for each. Detecting and testing splitters for quality, shorts/opens, etc. is also done on each test. Finally, the Coax Clarifier uses inexpensive wiremap remotes that allow the technician to singlehandedly “map” an entire system easily and quickly. Cable length measurements, signal quality measurements, and wiremapping all in one compact, rugged tester. In addition, separate wire mapping sets allows a technician to map out the entire coax system and measure the quality and characterization of the overall network for carrying services, such as high grade video, surveillance data, and HD programming. It also has the ability identify the testing remotes through splitters, showing the end location of multiple runs off of installed splitters. Additional Coax Clarifier features and specifications include: • Measures cable length up to 1,500 ft. (457 meters) • Four unique tones to distinguish between respective outlets • Wiremaps up to 12 coax locations • Size: 6.8 x 3.15 x 1.3 inches • Weight: 12 oz (with battery) • MSRP: $329 - $449 USD (depending on kit configuration) For more information, visit www.platinumtools.com October 2012 • epsmag.net
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Product FOCUS Red•Dot® Code Keeper® Universal While-In-Use Covers Meet NEC® Extra-Duty Requirements Thomas & Betts Product Accommodates GFCI, Single, Duplex or Switch Configurations Red•Dot® Code Keeper® Universal While-In-Use Covers from Thomas & Betts now meet National Electric Code® (NEC®) requirements for extra-duty applications, as well as receptacle installation in wet locations. The covers comply with Section 406.9 (B) (1) and 590.4 (D) (2) for extra-duty outlet box hoods, which are now required for any installation other than one- or two-family dwellings. Features include the following: • Preconfigured for GFCI with adapter plates to accommodate single or duplex receptacles and switches; • Available in a range of cover depths and receptacle configurations for almost every common plug and cord size; • Most sizes include keyhole mounts for the back to make installation quick and efficient; • Combination box or device-mounting design provides flexibility in installation; • Durable latching covers prevent accidental equipment disconnects, reduce tampering and deter theft; • Lockable covers comply with OSHA lockout/tagout requirements; • Clearly visible UL® and CSA markings for easy inspection and speedy approval; • Two adapter plates are included with single-gang covers and four adapter plates are included with two-gang covers. For more information, visit www.tnb.com
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Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
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Ream conduit and install fittings in a fraction of the time Klein Tools, for professionals since 1857, introduces the Conduit Reaming Drill head (Cat No. 85091) designed to reduce the amount of time to ream and install conduit runs. Fitting into power drill chucks and quick release adapters, the precision engineered replaceable blade reams ½”, ¾” and 1” conduit using a standard power tool. This tool is perfect for the commercial electrician and the only drill head of its kind on the market. “Klein Tools continually looks to create tools that benefit the professional tradesperson. This new tool reduces the time to ream conduit and install fittings while easing the wrist strain experienced using hand reamers on long conduit runs. ” states Jon Ginsberg, product manager. “Saving time and fatigue means saving money on the job.” Made in the USA, the Conduit Reaming Drill Head includes a replaceable #2 square recess bit for installing conduit fittings. Replacement blades and bits are available. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com
SolaHD Introduces Next Generation of SHP Series® Modular Power Supplies with Increased Output Power & Flexibility New Design Gives Customers Flexibility to Configure Up to 24 Output Voltage Combinations Ranging From 2Vdc to 60Vdc SolaHD, an innovative force in power quality solutions, today introduced the next generation of its SHP Series of heavy-duty power supplies, now featuring an enhanced modular design that allows customers to configure up to 24 output voltage combinations ranging from 2Vdc to 60Vdc; along with a maximum of 4,920W of increased power capability per case; and intelligent modules that let customers choose between I2C or CANBUS/RS485 communications to monitor and control many attributes of the power supply. The high reliability and ultra-flexible modular design of the new SHP Series meets the criteria of demanding process control, automated service equipment, and semiconductor fabrication applications, explained Natalia Boyce, Product Marketing Manager, SolaHD: "The new SHP line positions SolaHD to grow market share by offering a specialized product with improved features over its predecessor. The SHP has the modularity to let customers configure a one-of-a-kind solution for virtually any high-power application that would be difficult -- if not impossible -- to do with a competitive power supply." Other key features of the SHP are: • Single phase and three phase inputs • End mounted intelligent fan (speed control/fault status) • Voltage adjustment on all outputs (manual or I2C) • Overload protection on all outputs • Power factor correction (.99 typ.) • Configurable output UP/DOWN sequencing • Configurable input and output OK signals and indicators • Programmable voltage, current limit, inhibit/enable through I2C • Three year limited warranty. In addition, Emerson's I2C GUI-based configuration software provides OEM's and end-users with the value-added feature of monitoring real time performance of the power supply. Available accessories include: USB to PC adapter; mating connector kit for control and signals (J1); and mating connector kit for PC interface (J2). For more information, visit www.solahd.com October 2012 • 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 AEE SOLAR AEMC INSTRUMENTS ARPI OF USA BRADY WORLDWIDE BYTE BROTHERS CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS COPPER WIRE STRIPPER/RACK-A-TIERS E-Z METER EXTECH INSTRUMENTS FLIR GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES GENSCO HATICON SOLAR HIOKI USA ICC KRENZ & COMPANY MEGGER MH RHODES/CRAMER COMPANY
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Electrical Products & Solutions • October 2012
Company MINUTEMAN UPS MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC NATIONAL WIRE & CABLE NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS PG LIFELINK PHASE-A-MATIC PLC MULTIPOINT SNAPNRACK SOKKIA STEELMAN INDUSTRIES STRIP-TEC SUMMIT TECHNOLOGIES THE HOME DEPOT TOSHIBA INTERNATIONAL UNDERGROUND DEVICES UTILITY METALS YOKOGAWA CORPORATION
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33 21 30 31 25 38 14 17 5 32 8 29 13 27 12 10 23
22 16 45 21 18 53 42 14 7 46 40 20 12 19 41 10 17
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