ECD May/Jun 2014

Page 1



ECD SOLUTIONS

MAY/JUNE 2014

CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR

The solar industry isn’t happy with the Abbott government’s first Budget - and rightly so. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has been scrapped. The government’s one million solar roofs program has been dismantled and the industry now fears

4

Solar: an unwritten future

8

How to choose the right job management software

10

Tax planning

the RET may go the same way. The industry may be worried and frustrated but solar expert Daman Cole believes the industry still has a bright future - visit page 4 to find out why. On a positive note, the government has established the $2.5bn Emissions Reduction Fund:

11 Comms + Data

“The fund will provide an incentive-based ap-

13

NBN - where to now?

the economy to contribute to Australia meeting

20

Next-gen copper cabling systems

year 2000 levels by the year 2020.”

25

Singlemode vs multimode optical fibre

proach to support abatement activities across its target of reducing emissions to 5% below In Australia, around 30-60% of local government greenhouse gas emissions are from

29 Automation + Security

31

Benefits of network video surveillance standards

37

Security 2014 coming to Melbourne

street lighting, according to the Department of Industry, Commonwealth of Australia. The annual electricity cost of public lighting is more than $250m, including maintenance. Different councils across Australia are working towards reducing their costs and emissions. For example, the City of Sydney is replacing 6500 conventional lights with LEDs that are

39 Efficiency + Renewables

said to consume 40% less power and gener-

44 A new frontier in lighting

achieved a great deal in terms of cost savings

ate 40% less pollution. Although we may have and emissions, we still have a long way to go. On the cover: Solar Tree, created by Ross Lovegrove, and developed and produced by

Cover: ©frenk58/Dollar Photo Club

Artemide in collaboration with Sharp Solar, is a light fixture combining an innovative design

49 Electrical Distribution

51

Photoluminescent exit signs not viable

Artemide. The tree has an embedded artificial

59

Types of energy storage

intelligence that controls energy and light.

with the technical performances of LED lighting systems using solar energy, according to

The LED lights are switched on automatically when night falls and the artificial intelligence balances the light intensity, depending on the batteries’ energy level and the natural nightlight conditions, according to the company.

READ ONLINE!

Mansi Gandhi - Editor mgandhi@westwick-farrow.com.au

This issue is available to read and download at http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/latest_issues Proudly sponsored by http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

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SOLAR: AN UNWRITTEN FUTURE

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This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


The RET review may have cast a cloud of insecurity over the viability, investment options and future of the renewable energy industry, but Daman Cole*, Yingli Solar, believes that solar energy has a bright future. Read on to find out why.

I

t is impossible to write about the solar energy sector in Australia without acknowledging the current levels of political uncertainty in the market. Many pundits are waiting for a review of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) to be completed which would determine the state and future of Australia’s clean energy industry. While this has cast doubts over the future of the industry, we believe that solar energy still has a pivotal role to play in Australia for many years to come. Australia has seen a significant uptake in the renewables market in the last few years. According to the Climate Council, over one million rooftops (representing over 2.6 million Australians or 10% of the population) now contribute solar power towards residential and commercial use. This is a staggering jump from the 8000 rooftops which had a solar photovoltaic (PV) system just five years ago. In addition, according to solar energy consultant SunWiz, there has been a growing shift to commercial PV with 17% of recently installed capacity falling into the 10-100 kW range as businesses wake up to the power of solar PV to reduce their operating costs and mitigate business risk. All these statistics challenge critics who attempt to position solar energy as an unreliable energy source for Australians. The RET was designed to deliver the equivalent of 20% of Australia’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and it comprises schemes for businesses and home owners to support an increase in renewable energy generation. The RET has certainly created a positive impact for Australia’s renewables industry, providing a level of certainty in the marketplace for investors and developers to place a value on their investment in renewable energy technologies such as solar PV systems. But solar’s growth has been driven by many other factors as well as government support. Retail electricity prices have been rising steadily over the last five years, and according to the Australian Energy Market

Commission, retail electricity rises will increase by an average of 1.2% a year between 2012/2013 and 2015/2016. However, in some states like Queensland, prices are tipped to go up by as much as 8.6%. This has forced consumers and businesses to think about how they can protect themselves from these increases. According to two separate studies, bill shock and individual and corporate environmental impacts are key contributors towards the uptake of solar PV. Recent Roy Morgan Research found that the proportion of Australians with solar panels has more than doubled in the past three years, with nearly one in six Australians having installed solar panels in their homes. With nearly all government feed-in tariffs (FiTs) having been phased out for new residential solar PV systems over the last few years, Roy Morgan’s findings suggest that households are turning to solar to realise cost savings. On the other hand, a study by the Alternative Technology Association has shown the motivations behind Australians purchasing solar power systems go beyond cost savings. Nearly half of those surveyed said they wanted to increase renewable energy generation in Australia, while only 19% installed solar power or solar hot water systems to reduce their electricity bills. Together these findings indicate that solar PV ownership is likely to weather the storm of the RET uncertainty. Over the past few years, increasing consumer demand, technology efficiencies and market competition have all played a part in reducing the price of solar PV technology. The Australian Photovoltaic Association (APVA) revealed the cost of installing a solar PV system is less than a quarter of what it cost 12 years ago. This has made Australia one of the few countries in the world well positioned to achieve grid parity in the near future - where the cost of electricity generated by rooftop solar is equal to the retail cost of power generated from the grid.

© stock.xchange.com/vrrusse

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

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RENEWABLE ENERGY

© iStockphoto.com/visdia

SOLAR POWER IS NOW VIEWED AS A ‘DE-RISKING’ STRATEGY THAT PROTECTS BUSINESSES FROM UNPREDICTABLE SHORT-TERM POWER PRICES AND BUFFERS INCREASES IN THE FUTURE.

We are already seeing the next wave of demand coming through Australia’s commercial sector. According to the Clean Energy Regulator, the demand for solar PV from the commercial sector has expanded rapidly over the last five years to offset peak demand and it now contributes almost 15 times the electricity generated since 2007. Businesses that have heavy electricity usage during peak daytime periods are increasingly considering an investment in solar as they realise how much more affordable it is to generate their own electricity instead of purchasing this from retail providers. Solar power is now viewed as a ‘derisking’ strategy that protects businesses from unpredictable short-term power prices and buffers increases in the future. This has established a base of confidence for the investment in solar PV for the years ahead. Many customers we speak to, whether they are small, medium or large businesses, have expressed their endorsement for solar PV as it offers a solid return on investment, with low operational and maintenance costs. For example, Exquisine, a dessert manufacturer in Thornbury, Victoria, relies on solar power from its rooftop installation to provide 300 kW hours per day of electricity. The company’s investment in solar PV is expected to provide an ROI of between 20 and 25% per annum. An APCO service station in Albury, New South Wales, has recently claimed to have the world’s largest solar PV installation on a rooftop and it expects its investment in solar to be paid off in less than four years. The annualised return on investment for solar PV installations can be up to 25% for businesses and this makes solar an attractive option. The availability of financing such as leasing models, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and environmental upgrade agreements (EUAs) means businesses and commercial property owners can finance environmental improvements,

6

such as energy reduction or efficiency programs, to their buildings with a greatly reduced upfront cost. This will expand in future as more players enter the market to offer a wide range of commercial leasing options to help businesses overcome the financing barriers associated with solar PV investments. The network infrastructure for electricity distribution continues to play a significant role in determining electricity pricing. According to the Clean Energy Council, as much as 50% of the cost for retail electricity goes towards meeting the cost of Australia’s network delivery infrastructure. The distance between energy generators, homes and businesses often means it is costly to build and maintain the infrastructure. CSIRO’s Future Grid Forum has painted scenarios in the future where it would be possible for communities to go off the grid. In the future, off-grid communities will present new opportunities for the electrical industry looking to pitch their expertise to potential customers by incorporating a combination of technologies to meet the peak and off-peak energy requirements of these communities. Many of these scenarios will drive a perfect storm for the rise of solar - the rising cost of delivering electricity through a network infrastructure, a future where the price of fossil fuels and gas required to run generators will escalate and improvements to battery storage technology will increase the viability and demand for off-grid solar PV systems. A recent Morgan Stanley report has suggested that the falling cost of both solar modules and battery storage presents a potential tipping point that will encourage huge numbers of home owners and businesses in the US to go off-grid. This is likely to have a flow-on effect for Australia. While the government has made some inroads in encouraging the adoption of Australia’s solar PV industry, we agree that there is still much to be done. It is clear

that solar PV has a strategic role now and into the future in tackling climate change. The rapid uptake of solar PV by Australian consumers and businesses has already made a significant impact on households, business returns and reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. It is also playing a major role in increasing awareness of optimal electricity usage, and the possibility for efficiency gains. The challenge is to enhance recognition of Australia’s enormous renewable energy potential and convert it into acceptance that investment in renewable technologies, such as solar power, is a great long-term investment. To use that ever-present solar industry cliché, the future is bright despite the shadow of uncertainty we are facing right now. Yingli Green Energy Australia Pty Ltd www.yinglisolar.com

*Daman Cole is the Managing Director for Yingli Solar in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. He is responsible for establishing the Yingli Solar brand and business in the Oceania region, as well as selecting and supporting industry partners and projects to increase the company’s market share and profitability in the region. Cole brings a wealth of experience to this role, with previous roles including national sales and commercial manager in the energy, technology and construction industries. His skills include end-to-end contract management, project management in complex tenders, strategic development, identifying new product opportunities and relationship building for business. He started at Yingli in October 2012, fuelling his passion for solar design, energy-efficient products and renewable energy systems. Cole is passionate about Yingli Solar’s innovative products and an attitude that he believes sets the company apart from its competitors.

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


Cable Assembly @ Ampec

Local manufacturing capabilities for cable assembly with a fully equipped factory

Ampec Technologies specialises in manufacturing of custom design cable assemblies at our local factory in Sydney. We also have overseas manufacturing partners to cater for high volume production. Our experienced team is at your service.

e sales@ampec.com.au w www.ampec.com.au

Production team trained to IPC/WHMA-A-620A

Fully automatic cut, strip and crimp machines

High mix low volume and quick turnaround

+61 2 8741 5000


© iStockphoto.com/Federico Caputo

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT

JOB MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Brad Halcrow, Communications Manager

Choosing the right job management software can take hours of research. This article highlights the key points to consider for finding the right job management software to match your business objectives.

J

ob (or business) management software becomes integral to your daily work process. It is, therefore, important to make the right choice in order to minimise disruption to the business and staff. Shop wisely and be sure to choose the tool that’s going to be with you for the long haul. By taking the time to define and understand your key objectives, the right choice of software for your business will become clear.

Know your goal Any software vendor who has an understanding of your industry will want to understand your business first. A question you’re likely to encounter is “What is your end goal?” or “What are you hoping to achieve?” The answers vary greatly from business to business. Typically, three primary reasons are: to make more money, free up more time or prepare an exit strategy. Understand the reason for your purchase and it’s much easier to align the software to your own business objectives.

Understand your business You know your own business better than anyone. By being mindful of the services you offer and your own process, you’ll find it much easier to align your requirements to the software’s feature set. Ask staff for ideas on how their job could be made more efficient through software. Remember, it’s the productivity of the business as a whole you’re looking to improve.

Consider the following: Staff numbers: Consider the size of your business and projections for future growth. A small outfit with one or two workers on the road and one or two in the office may get away with a cheaper option as long as there are no plans for growth. Type of work: Service, routine maintenance or project. Look for flexibility in case you need to shift your focus from one type of work to another. Estimates and quotes:­ Project work requires accurate estimates and detailed quotes. You’ll want flexibility over those margins in order to create a tender which is both competitive and profitable. Inventory tracking: Tracking materials in each van will help determine what’s been used and what needs to be picked up. Catalogue and ordering:­ The ability to import price files from suppliers keeps your prices up to date. Multiple entities:­Often businesses will treat their various interests as separate companies but you wouldn’t want two disparate systems

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under one roof. Ask about the multi­company capabilities on offer. Reporting: This one is substantial - it differentiates the cheaper options with those that cross into business management. Take this opportunity to get a clear picture of the health of your business so you can understand where you’ve been and the direction you need to take. Access to comprehensive data provides the information required to make sound business decisions. This is the ideal time to reassess everything you do. Look for a software vendor who will take the time to demonstrate how the prospective new system will improve the way you operate and satisfy your objectives.

Field service management Once the office processes have been considered, it’s time to turn your attention to the field. Efficient management of time in the field becomes critical to increasing profitable hours. Proper integration of the field and office removes duplication of data, increases transparency and creates a business-wide workflow which is appreciated by both the staff and clients. Once field activities and the back-office operations are working in unison, the advantages of a sound business management solution become immediately obvious. The field app Research the field app and the feature set. Check what configuration options are available to tailor the app to the workflow of your field staff. Ask if the app simply details information about the job or whether it has GPS, JSA and/or field payment options.

Research the vendor Look for the story behind the software. Check the company website to see who’s behind it and how long they’ve been in the game. Browse their blog to see what activities they’re involved in. Find what other services they offer. The ideal choice is going to be one that offers more than just software. Consider services such as: implementation and training - be sure to understand who’ll be responsible for configuring the software, training and implementation once you’ve made the purchase; support options - check what support is available in case staff have questions. Consider the dollar value but don’t forget the time and people involved. Narrow your list, then talk to the vendor to ensure the solution you decide to build into your daily workflow aligns with your goals. simPRO Software www.simPRO.com.au

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings



FOR TAXA MAL B LE S LY E R L B R VE PAYA O I O V GAI RAT REC BEHA N E WITHD E RAW ION OM N INC TRANSACT LOWER NT GOVERNME ARC DERIVES ED HET EXPLOIT BASIC YPIC AL JUD ICIAINVALIDATE CE N A T L S B SU COURTS ES CAPITAL RETIR AC METHO D TIO ACCOSANCTIONED U N NS T RTED O P R A S U C P T W IVITY LA EST R E INT

X A T

R E T L E SH

TAX PLANNING Mid-tier accounting firm RSM Bird is advising business owners to review their tax liabilities before 30 June to maximise tax opportunities.

T

he end of financial year presents opportunities for business owners to reduce their tax liabilities and ensure they are in the best position for the new financial year, said Andrew Graham, national head of business solutions, RSM Bird Cameron. Below are key opportunities for business owners to reduce their tax liabilities. Superannuation: The minimum super business owners must pay is 9.25% of each eligible employee’s ‘ordinary time earnings’. Payments must be made at least four times a year within 28 days after the end of each quarter, including the quarter ending 30 June 2014. Business owners can generally claim a tax deduction for super contributions that are paid on time. However, super is one contribution that can’t be claimed until it is paid. Business owners need to pay the contribution in sufficient time so it is banked by the fund before 30 June to claim it in the 2014 year. Personal super: Business owners need to pay their personal super contributions so that it is banked by the fund trustee prior to 30 June to get a deduction. The fund trustee needs to be notified of the intended deduction as well. Bad debts: Business owners should go through their debtors list and write off anything that is not collectible. These should

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be written off prior to 30 June to be eligible for a deduction. Review carrying value of assets: Business owners should review the carrying written down value of assets on the business’s depreciation report and if applicable write off any assets which are no longer used in the business. Stocktake: A 30 June stocktake is required to determine the correct value of closing inventory and find any obsolete or damaged stock. Business owners can choose to value the stock at cost, replacement or market sale price depending on what is lower. Stock that is obsolete or damaged can be written off or reduced in value for tax purposes and claimed as a deduction. Bring forward expenses: Business owners should undertake forward planning and look at expenditure for the next few months. There may be some expenses, such as training, repairs, maintenance or prepaying interest (only for Small Business Entity taxpayers), that would be better brought forward. Shareholder loans: Ensure that loans are set up properly or repaid by the end of the financial year to avoid a deemed dividend and unexpected tax. Trust distributions: If operating a trust, make sure the trustee decides how the profit will be distributed prior to 30 June and that this is recorded and signed off before the end of the financial year.

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

© iStockphoto.com/paisan191

TAX PLANNING


COMMS + DATA

Experience new Warren and Brown Integrated Cabling Solutions in an exciting new virtual world www.warrenandbrown.com.au



NBN AND SECURITY

NBN - WHERE TO NOW? John Fleming, General Manager

Since the election of the Abbott government in September 2013, debate has raged over technologies to be used by the NBN Co to provide the necessary infrastructure to meet Australia’s future needs in a global economy.

F

ibre to the premises (FTTP) is the best solution, but the rollout timeline and cost blowouts have seen the new government looking for alternative solutions. The NBN Co plans to upgrade the current telecommunications network in the most cost-efficient way using best-fit technologies and existing infrastructure. It is understood that it will take another 12 months to review alternative strategies around a hybrid solution. One technology touted is use of the hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) network. This would bring Telstra back to the negotiating table regarding access and price. The use of new technologies will vary from place to place, but will include fibre to the node (FTTN), FTTP and fibre to the basement (FTTB), fixed wireless and satellite. While all this is being played out, the NBN continues to roll out across Australia. The first major milestone in the journey is the permanent disconnection of copper networks in 15 areas on 23 May 2014. In the areas where FTTP is being rolled out, NBN will replace most existing landline phones, ADSL internet and Telstra internet services. The NBN will also replace Optus cable internet and cable phone services. Typical legacy services that currently run over a phone line include: personal alarms; security alarms; fire alarms; EFTPOS terminals; lift/elevator phones. The disconnection of copper services will continue throughout 2014. After NBN declares an area ready for service, an 18-month copper disconnection notice is sent to end-users’ premises in that area. Telstra is then obligated to cease sale of any copper connections to that area. This will drive customer connections to the NBN. Important points to remember include: the NBN Co does not do any internal wiring within the customer’s premises beyond the network termination device (NTD); customers order a service from the retail service provider (RSP); the security industry can test their products in a test facility known as Plug Bench in Melbourne; review your NBN migration options for your customers. Do you know which devices/products are expected to work? Installation firms should be prepared to answer questions from their customers and they should also ensure that their staff members are

fully briefed on what to say to customers. Typical questions from customers will include: Will my landline be disconnected?; Will my alarm system work?; Do I really need to move to the NBN?; Where should I have the NDT installed?; Will there be any costs involved? ASIAL recommends that installers take the opportunity of contacting the NBN Co for a list of addresses of premises that will be disconnected. They will be asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before receiving the information. The installers will then be able to match this list of disconnections against their database and identify customers that will be affected. They can then communicate with these customers and advise them what they need to cover with the RSP when they contact them, including: • tell the RSP you have an alarm system • ask if the RSP will be providing a UNI-V voice port • order a back-up battery • confirm where the NTD is to be installed It is important to note that: • not all RSPs will offer a UNI-V voice port • not all RSPs will offer an on-site install (from the information we have received, Telstra offer a professional install service) • some RSPs will just send out the router to be plugged in by the customer to the NTD The above will potentially leave customers without a connection to existing wiring and may result in customers incurring costs for remedial wiring. The NBN rollout remains a work in progress. While there is uncertainty regarding the technologies the NBN Co will use, it is important to understand that the rollout will still continue. As the saying goes, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It is important to get on the front foot with your customers by contacting them now and advising them of what is happening and how you can assist them. If you don’t, one of your competitors will. ASIAL www.asial.com.au

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

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COMMS + DATA

Power cords B&R Enclosures’ range of locking IEC power cords provides protection against accidental power loss of attached IT equipment when used with any Enlogic or APC AP8000 Series PDU. The locking IEC plugs into the PDU outlet with a locking tab feature similar to the method used in standard ethernet cables to positively secure the connection. Meanwhile, the cord connector positively locks into the attached equipment power inlet without the need for supplemental retaining clips. Features include: double protection against accidental power loss; secure attachment when used with B&R’s intelligent PDUs and APC AP8000 series; locking IEC plugs with locking tab feature; and secure locking at PDU and equipment without the need for supplemental retaining clips. B&R Enclosures Pty Ltd www.brenclosures.com.au

19″ wall-mounted cabinets RS Components has available the CamRack QX series of 19″ wall-mounted cabinets from CamdenBoss. Designed to house rackmount equipment for cabling, telecommunications, IT, industrial and home installations, CamRack QX cabinets are supplied flatpacked, which eases access to the installation site

DC energy meter

while reducing logistics costs and providing greater

Eaton’s Direct Current (DC) energy meter is suitable for telecommunica-

protection during transit.

tions and infrastructure operators who monitor and bill co-located tenants

Fast and efficient ¼-turn lock fixings allow users to assemble the cabinets without the aid of tools in

for DC energy and power consumed. The meter features a colour LCD front panel interface and is designed for power systems operating at 24 V and 48 V DC. It measures cumula-

just 3 min. The cabinets are available in five models, each

tive kWh, minimum and maximum power, and other parameters of up to

offering a selection of five standard corner colours

eight independent circuits. It operates stand alone and can work with any

(red, blue, orange, white and black). A further five

DC power system. The company also has available a range of special

colours - yellow, green, purple, lilac and grey - are

non-contact DC current sensors designed for cables and bus bars that

available on request. The five models are 6U , 9U, 12U,

can measure current from tens to thousands of amps. The sensors are

15U and 18U, all in a standard 19″ width (580 mm).

powered from the meter to simplify installation and deployment.

For fast, easy access to the equipment, the cabinets

Communication with the meter is via several physical interfaces, includ-

feature a quick-release door with tempered, smoky

ing ethernet, RS232 and USB. A built-in web server also allows users

safety glass and removable side panels with two

to easily access the data and to make system configuration changes.

¼-turn locks.

User’s SNMP-based monitoring systems can also access the data.

Easily drilled plastic blanking covers for cable entry

A USB port allows local access for management and configuration.

ensure that all cables are stored neatly and securely.

Security is handled via several login, front-panel and authentication options,

The cabinets feature a maximum recommended

including remote radius user management. Alarms can be established

load capacity of 45 kg and are epoxy paint finished

to alert the owner if sensors fail or power circuit errors occur. The meter

in RAL 7016 grey.

has a number of spare I/O ports that can be used to manage or control

RS Components Pty Ltd

site parameters like temperature, door alarms or intrusion detectors. The

www.rsaustralia.com

power to drive the meter comes from dual 24/48DC sources to ensure maximum system reliability. Eaton Industries Pty Ltd www.eatonelectric.com.au

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This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings



CONNE

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALA

The leading brands in the Australia & New Zealand cabling market,

KRONE and AMP Netconnect, together under one company - TE Connectivity.

TE Connectivity is the sole manufacturer in Australia & New Zealand providing ITC solutions from Data Centre to Enterprise buildings. Data Centre Infrastructure Management systems Choice of media and application speed Cabling for Building Automation Systems Designed for low operating cost Local design and project support 25 year system warranty

Contact us call 1800 TE INFO (1800 83 4636) | email infoanz@te.com www.te.com/enterprise-au | www.te.com/enterprise-nz

317268


ECTING

AND FOR OVER 30 YEARS

KRONE has been in Australia & New Zealand for more than 30 years designing & manufacturing products such as the ever-lasting disconnect module for all telephone systems, to the locally-made RJ-45 outlets for australian faceplates. With local technical expertise and manufacturing we are able to provide custom solutions and tailored products for the Australian and New Zealand market. A country wide network of distributors and a large central warehouse near Sydney, means we can support your projects as needed.


COMMS + DATA

100G multiprotocol test module The VeEX UX400 100G module, with its physical interfaces for OTU3, 40GE, OTU4, and 100G Ethernet testing, is a suitable complement to the UX400 Platform. The UX400 modular platform offers a full range of link and service testing capabilities for a complete DS1 to OTU4 and 10 Mbps to 100 GE, transport and Carrier Ethernet testing in a single compact unit. Installation, commissioning, monitoring and maintenance of OTN and Ethernet networks is simplified thanks to a combination of intuitive features and powerful test functions. Using an intuitive interface, fast troubleshooting and comprehensive analysis of transmission problems can be performed. Novice users benefit from the easy-to-use GUI, while experienced users will appreciate an array of advanced features including OTL/PCS, CAUI/XLAUI Lane BERT, overhead monitor/control, Tandem Connection Monitoring, capture/decode, BERT, throughput test.

Oscilloscopes

General features include: CFP port compliant to MSA standards; up to two 100G modules

Micsig’s MS-200 and MS-300/500

in one UX400 can be coupled for full bidirectional testing; SCPI-based remote control and

series oscilloscopes are suitable for

scripting commands OTN; OTN testing for OTU3 and OTU4; complete multistep mapping/

field service or laboratory testing

multiplexing; Ethernet over OTN, ODU0 and ODUflex; service disruption measurements;

applications.

tandem connection monitoring; overhead monitoring and byte decoding; payload and line

Features include: multifunctional

through monitor modes; per-lane optical power and frequency measurements; external clock

(oscilloscope, multimeter and record-

interface. Ethernet features include: 100G and 40G Ethernet testing; Optical Lane BERT and

er); 1GSa/s sampling rate; 2-channel

CAUI/XLAUI Lane BERT; PCS layer testing with skew generation/monitoring; service disrup-

oscilloscope, 1-channel multimeter;

tion measurements; RFC2544 testing; multistream testing up to 32 independent streams;

5.7 inch TFT touch screen; isolated

IPv4 and IPv6 traffic generation; Q-in-Q (VLAN stacking) and multiple MPLS tag support;

inputs 1000 V CAT II 600 V CAT III on

BER testing at Layer 2 and Layer 3; smart Loop mode for Layer 2 and Layer 3; coupled

MS-300/500 series; 190,000 wfms/s

operation (two modules); one-way latency measurement; line rate packet capture with

refresh rate on MS-500 series; serial

Wireshark decode SDH/SONET; STM-256, OC-768, STL256.4; line rate or as OTU3 payload.

data decode for UART/RS232/RS422/ RS485, LIN, CAN, SPI, I2C, 1553B

TelecomTest Solutions

and 429 on MS-500 series; three-

www.telecomtest.com.au

year warranty Emona Instruments Pty Ltd www.emona.com.au

Next-gen chassis switches Allied Telesis has announced a significant upgrade to its SwitchBlade x8100 Series next-generation intelligent chassis switches via its new CFC960 controller card. The controller card offers 960 Gbps of switching capacity, delivering throughput of 1.92 Tbps per chassis. Dual CFC960 controller cards deliver 160 Gbps, per line card slot, doubling the throughput of the existing Allied Telesis CFC400 controller card. In addition, the card unlocks new features such as Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) Lite, and Virtual Chassis Stacking (VCStack) Plus, which allows two chassis to be stacked to form a virtual switch for increased reliability and reduced management overhead. The new features are suitable for large-scale enterprise and hosting environments. It also supports Allied Telesis Management Framework (AMF), a tool for simplifying network management and reducing everyday network operating costs. The CFC960 can either be a member of an AMF network or can act as a master for up to 120 nodes. It features a quad-core 1.2 GHz CPU, which is suited for the most rigorous applications. With the increased use of virtualisation and hosted or cloud-based applications, networks are now more dynamic than ever. The CFC960 features four 10 GE SFP+ ports on the front panel to provide additional uplink capacity. Alternatively, they can be used with VCStack Plus for high-capacity dedicated stacking - allowing two SwitchBlade x8100 Series chassis to be stacked together with up to 160 Gbps stacking bandwidth. VCStack Plus is built using the same stacking technology that Allied Telesis uses for its AlliedWare Plus 1 RU switches, for a feature-rich, stable, and consistent user experience. Allied Telesis International (Aust) Pty Ltd www.alliedtelesis.com.au

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This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings



© iStockphoto.com/tunart

© iStockphoto.com/Marco Hegner

NEXT-GEN CABLING SYSTEMS


40/100 Gbps

Today’s servers are shipping with 10 Gbps copper ports while power consumption and heat dissipation have been reduced to acceptable levels. As global demand for higher speed and additional data bandwidth continues unabated, the IEEE and some cabling groups have started a project called ‘Next Generation Ethernet’, or in simple terms - 40 Gbps over copper.

R

emember the endless discussions and development steps for 10 Gbps over copper? There have been heated debates about whether or not we need it, how it works, power consumption, heat dissipation and the UTP v STP discussion. Now, that’s all resolved and working well. The cabling industry has developed two new cabling classes, EA and FA, and the acceptance of shielded systems has increased significantly.

Latest IEEE and ISO/IEC updates IEEE and ISO/IEC recently held meetings and announced a first technical framework. Their proposals assume frequencies between 1200 and 2000 MHz, resulting in the following considerations: higher frequencies allowing for easier coding; the higher the frequency, the higher the attenuation; greater length results in lower frequencies; the length is reduced to a 30 m channel. The cabling standard working groups are considering two scenarios: the first is called Class I or Cat 8.1 (depending on the standards body) based on Category 6A style components; and the second is Class II or Cat 8.2, based on Category 7A style components. Both scenarios extend requirements up to 2 GHz, with the latter being the more demanding. Both include the internal layout of the active equipment for channel modelling: taking the influence of the internal elements of the active equipment (magnetics, track layout, etc) into consideration in the cabling model. Doing so during the requirements definition stage will help with signal integrity requirements and consequently reduce power consumption for data post-processing. No doubt many will be tricked into thinking that Cat 8 has better performance than Cat 7A, when in fact the opposite is true. Proof that Cat 7A has higher NEXT (near-end crosstalk) performance is shown in the following graphic. The TIA proposal for Cat 8 is an extrapolation of Cat 6A values and in fact yields much lower performance than Class FA systems. The difference at 1000 MHz for NEXT is 10 dB better than the proposed Cat 8.

To remove some of the confusion, ISO/IEC was forced to reconsider their naming system. This resulted in the current new terminology: Category 8.1 (RJ45 based) and an extrapolation of Cat 6A values; Category 8.2 (Category 7A based) and an extrapolation of Cat 7A values. The development of Cat 8.1 product/systems represents serious challenge, with the biggest issue being the RJ45 connector. However, 8.2 systems will meet all current requirements and expectations of IEEE as power consumption is one of the key design considerations. In addition, ISO/IEC JTC1/SC25 WG3 instructed a project team to investigate the feasibility of 40 Gbps on existing cabling classes. This team is expected to launch a report with the title ISO/IEC 11801-99-1 ‘Guidance for balanced pair cabling in support of at least 40 Gb/s data transmission’ in mid-2014. The report will include information on how to run 40 Gbps over existing cabling classes. The findings are distinctive: only Class FA systems are capable of supporting 40Gbase-T; Class EA systems will not be able to do so owing to electrical limits. The second group is investigating and proposing technical details for the two new projected cabling classes, 8.1 and 8.2. Currently it is difficult to foresee which one will become the main ‘standard for the future’. Logically, technically and economically it would be the 8.2 standard. However, the past has shown that the more obvious standard is not necessarily always the successful one. In fact, today’s high-end Class FA limits may meet the requirements for Cat 8x. One reason discussed behind the scenes is the consideration that a higher performing cable provides more futureproofing abilities. Class FA systems and current Class 8.2 systems are based on S/FTP cable with superior cross-talk performance and the highest available bandwidth on the market. Proposed 8.1 systems would use F/UTP with a lower bandwidth and lower crosstalk capabilities. Another driver is the connector preference. The RJ45, of course, has been the standard connector for more than a decade, and customers

Figure 1: Evolution of ethernet standards. This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

21


40/100 Gbps

Figure 2: Backwards compatibility and upgrade path.

Figure 3: Upgrade in a EoR scenario via patch cords.

prefer backwards compatibility. This is why current 8.1 proposals use the RJ45 connector. Cat 8.2 systems use different concepts, usually chamber designs with a connector performance of 1500 MHz and above. Even here, backwards compatibility is supplied by hybrid patch cords. This is the usual way in the fibre-optic world. Figure 2 shows how it works. Today’s configuration for 1 and 10 Gbps would be Cat 7A connectivity with a hybrid patch cord (eg, TERA to RJ45). A change to a full 8.2 system performance can be achieved simply by changing the patch cords at both ends. The superior design of the four-chamber connector allows the operation of much higher frequencies than the backwards-compatible IEC 60603-7-71 (RJ45) interface. This results in some design advantages as well as futureproofing for next-generation services. As the intended application is an end of row (EoR) or middle of row (MoR) for data centres, the practical scenario is shown in Figure 3. As mentioned, a simple change of patch cords is needed for any 40 Gbps system, either RJ45 or any other interface. This is the same as with 10 Gbps and Class EA. In order to upgrade from 1 to 10 Gbps the patch cords must be changed to Cat 6A patch cords. The fibre-versus-copper questions usually arise with any new application. In the past 15 years the outcome has always been the same, a mixture of both where the ratio may change slightly. A similar outcome is to be expected for 40 Gbps as both media types have pros and cons and customer requirements, even in the data centre area, differ.

Field testing

22

During the last IEEE meetings, some vendors showed field testing devices with a capability of 2000 MHz and above. A principal feasibility has been demonstrated and should not represent a barrier for the 40 Gbps implementation. All the capabilities shown have been based on Class FA systems. Various test companies have shown and demonstrated capable testers out to 2000 MHz, and others will soon follow.

Conclusion Class FA systems (ISO Category 8.2) have the highest capability while requiring the lowest levels of complexity. It is the only performance class on the market that is available, reliable and fully backwards compatible with all other existing cabling classes. An upgrade can be achieved easily with a simple patch cord change. The other path (Cat 8.1) is unknown and still uncertain. Further steps and developments will be needed to use RJ45 technology at such high frequencies. Be cautious about claims around the TIA and ISO/IEC names and definitions, they are misleading and confusing at this point in time. Customers should trust the technical reality that there is no substitute for bandwidth, except more bandwidth. A decision to invest in the highest performance class will result simply in the longest and most reliable cabling infrastructure lifetime. TE Connectivity www.ampnetconnect.com.au

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COMMS + DATA

Integrated cabling solution Warren & Brown Technologies’ HypaConnect brand offers an extensive range of high-performance solutions for high-speed networks. The solutions include: optical fibre ducting raceway, fibre patch panels and subracks, optical distribution frames as well as CAT6A and CAT6 copper cabling infrastructure including patch panels, cords, LAN cable and cable management products. They are suitable for installers, network designers and data centre and network builders. The HypaConnect brand will include the option of a 25-year integrated cabling solution (ICS) warranty on data and structured cabling products, maintaining a high level of customer service and support for customers globally. The IC S has been designed to support multiple applications including security, access control, building automation, voice, data, security and others over a simplified cabling infrastructure. It incorporates both fibre and copper cabling infrastructure and ensures that the specified link is designed, installed and tested to the highest ISO/IEC standard. The solution, included with a certification program, provides the end user with the confidence in the installed products, which are backed up by Warren & Brown’s components and warranty. Warren & Brown Technologies www.warrenandbrown.com.au

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23


COMMS + DATA

Portable converged networks test set The VeEX VePAL TX300S portable converged networks test set is a multi-

Cable fault locator

service test solution for OTN, SDH, SONET, PDH, DSn and Mobile Backhaul

Available to rent, the Megger

networks. Equipped with SyncE, 1588v2 PTP and CPRI/ OBSAI test options,

TDR2000 cable fault locator is

the unit offers good synchronisation turn-up and troubleshooting test func-

capable of identifying and locat-

tions for mobile operators migrating to 4G LTE.

ing a wide range of faults on metallic cables. It has 11 fault

The test set’s high-resolution colour touch screen is viewable in any lighting conditions with a graphical user interface.

location modes and a minimum

The device features: test set connectivity via 10/100Base-T Management

resolution of 0.1 m, and a maxi-

interface, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or Data Card for back-office applications; fast and

mum range of 20 km at 0.9 VF

efficient test result transfer to USB memory stick, Bluetooth or FTP upload;

and 16 km at 0.65 VF.

interchangeable Li-ion battery pack extends field testing time; single or dual

The handheld instrument can

test port configuration available for all test rates; dual test port configuration

also perform single- and dual-channel measurements. The active

enables two test applications to run simultaneously; VeExpress system for

channels can be compared with each other, or with previously

asset management, maintaining instrument software and test option sharing.

stored traces from memory. Differential channel measurements are

The device supports R-server system for centralised workforce manage-

possible and cross-talk between channels can also be identified.

ment and test result analysis/archiving. It features an optical atomic clock

Applications include 300 V CAT III power circuits (415 V phase

for high stability applications where 1 ppb is required. An optional GPS

to phase) with fused leads and telecom TNV-3 circuits. No blocking

receiver is available for one way latency measurement and use as a refer-

filter required for direct connection to live systems up to 300 VAC.

ence clock source.

Features include: dual cursor measurement; intermittent fault

Additional features include: RS232C interface to an external GPS device to

location; output pulse amplitude and width control; Trace Master

extract ToD and 1 PPS synchronised clock; built-in microphone and speaker

PC software included.

for VoIP, VF and ISDN PRI applications.

TechRentals

TelecomTest Solutions

www.techrentals.com.au

www.telecomtest.com.au

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DATA CENTRE CABLING

SINGLEMODE VS MULTIMODE OPTICAL FIBRE Currently, 10 Gbps is the going data rate in enterprise networks, with state-of-the-art data centres introducing 40 Gbps. Ongoing development of high-speed ethernet means development of 100 Gbps is well underway and 400 Gbps options are already being explored.

T

oday’s enterprise customer is faced with a constant challenge - to build a network not only with the latest capabilities, but with the capacity to adapt to increased data speeds within a reasonable future time frame. Designing these flexible, budget-wise, future-ready solutions is a core concern to most involved in the industry. In this article, AFC Group answers some key questions.

What is the difference between singlemode optical fibre (SMOF) and multimode optical fibre (MMOF)? Singlemode fibres have a small core size which supports a single mode or path of light at any one time. This small core requires precision alignment to inject light from the transceiver and means that SMOF has virtually no limits to potential bandwidth and performs excellently over long distances. Multimode fibres have larger cores that guide many modes simultaneously and make it easier to capture light from a transceiver. MMOF gives high bandwidth at high speeds over short to medium distances.

Which system can do what we need it to do? The most crucial aspects are distance and protocol support. SMOF has the distinct advantage over longer distances and should be used for anything requiring 10 Gbps over more than 550 metres. But most enterprise networks do not require this

distance, and MMOF can support 10 Gbps up to 550 m and support 100 Gbps up to 150 m. AS/NZS 3080:2013 Table F.3 ‘Supported applications using optical fibre’ shows every ratified fibre standard to date, with the distances and fibre types over which they can be carried. In addition, active equipment manufacturers specify supported distances on their datasheets that may well improve on those stated in AS/NZS 3080:2013 because of the design of those active components.

Can your system adapt to greater speeds as development continues? SMOF would seem on the surface to be the ‘futureproof’ option, with the allure of ‘unlimited’ bandwidth. Currently, SMOF systems use wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), where four lasers operating at 10 Gbps, and transmitting at four different wavelengths, achieve 40 Gbps. But the reality is, for distances less than 550 m, MMOF offers exactly the same capability. Capability for 100 Gbps over LOMMF (laser optimised multimode fibre) is just around the corner and the development of 400 Gbps Ethernet over OM4 LOMMF has already begun.

What is the most cost-effective system? SMOF cable and connectors are less expensive than MMOF, due to lower cost of manufacture and higher volumes of production. However, the cost of the transceivers and switches for an

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25


© stock.xchange.com/Martin Simonis

DATA CENTRE CABLING

SMOF solution typically cost more than twice as much as the comparable multimode optic electronics. Similarly, the precision lasers required for SMOF are much more expensive than the LEDs or VCSELs required for MMOF. This cost differential is predicted to be even greater with 100 Gbps demands/capabilities. There are also consequential cost differences. MMOF is easier to install and terminate in the field. SMOF also requires more power - 100 Gbps MM transceivers are expected to draw less than 6 watts, while an SM transceiver draws about 20 W. The reduced power requirement means that more MM transceivers can be mounted into a rack unit. For example, 16 or 32 MM ports vs 4 SM mode ports in a single rack unit.

Summary Many people will lean towards SMOF in the pursuit of futureproofing their network when, in fact, customers can make their networks ‘future ready’ by using MMOF to achieve the same network performance at lower cost. Too often SMOF systems are specified that will never take full advantage of that fibre type, when an MMOF system could have delivered the same performance at a lower system CAPEX and OPEX. The option of using hybrid MM+SM cables is underutilised and can be an ideal option to cover all potential applications. Correct fibre selection is key to the implementation of a network that is future ready and within budget. AFC Group Pty Ltd www.afcgroup.com.au

COMMS + DATA

Mini OTDR for FTTx/PON and Metro fibre networks The Sunrise Telecom SunLite OTDR is a lightweight, handheld mini OTDR optimised for the installation and troubleshooting of FTTx, PON, CATV, Mobile Backhaul and Metro fibre networks. The power meter, light source, fibre inspection probe and VFL test options add versatility to the unit. The OTDR has a robust, compact handheld design for demanding field test environments and a high-resolution, 3.5″ TFT colour touch screen viewable in any lighting conditions. It features a fast boot-up time, essential for fibre restoration. The intuitive display, simple function keys and touch screen allow for fast navigation and easy operation. Its high-capacity internal data storage (>1000 traces) is expandable with the optional internal SD card. Other features include: USB-A Host Interface for USB flash drives and fibre inspection probe connection; USB-B Client Interface to transfer OTDR test data or perform software upgrades; rechargeable Li-Ion battery with capacity indicator, low-voltage alarm and auto-off function; continuous operation of >9 hours exceeding Bellcore TR-NWT-001138 recommendations; Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) and Active Sync support to transfer fibre test data, upgrade software and remote control; Bluetooth USB dongle support for pairing applications with mobile smartphones and tablet PCs. Key features include: FTTx/PON optimised parameters for best dead zones for 1xN splitters and normal reflective events; live OTDR port for in-service measurements and live fibre detection with embedded power meter; dynamic range up to 38 dB; event dead zone <1m, attenuation dead zone <4m; single, dual, triple and quad wavelength options - 850, 1300, 1310, 1490, 1550 and 1625 nm; Telcordia GR-196 and SR-4731.sor file formats; generate and save traces in .sor or pdf format; novice mode with automated trace diagnostics, one-button set-up and events detection; manual OTDR mode - the user controls all set-up and measurement parameters manually; dual markers for distance, attenuation and splice loss measurements; universal 2.5 mm optical interfaces with interchangeable optical adapters (SC/FC/ST/LC); power meter, light source, fibre inspection probe and VFL options. TelecomTest Solutions www.telecomtest.com.au

26

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Government | Enterprise | Transportation | Mining | Utilities | Public Safety

FREE EXHIBITION ENTRY

Sydney 18 – 19 June 2014

to qualified industry professionals with pre-registration

Australian Technology Park Highlights: Rod Gilmour Chairman, NSW Telco Authority

Training Workshops (included in conference package):

Shane Fitzsimmons AFSM Commissioner NSW Rural Fire Service

• Advanced radio over IP • Mobile broadband & LTE for critical communications • Ensure network migration success with change management

Inspector (Ret.) Lance Valcour O.O.M. Chair, Law Enforcement Information Management, International Association of Chiefs of Police Digital partner:

In association with:

Exhibitors include:

Asia Pacific

Magazine partner:

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Supporting associations and media organisations:

In conjunction with the NSW ARCIA networking dinner, 18 June @ Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf

Interested in exhibiting or sponsoring?

CALL PAUL OR NARELLE ON

+61 2 9487 2700

www.comms-connect.com.au


COMMS + DATA

Wireless device servers Advantech's EKI-1361 and EKI-1362 wireless device servers are 1- and 2-port RS232/422/485 to 802.11 b/g/n WLAN serial device servers. The lightweight servers have been designed for use in areas where signal strength and reliability may be affected. To counteract these issues, they use MIMO 2x2 technology that transmits two signals simultaneously, which ensures greater efficiency by ensuring they are not jammed by other devices. To further aid reliability, they have a fast roaming design. This means that when moving from one access point to another where signal strength can weaken, these switches can quickly switch to a new access point without degrading the data. The sensors weigh 800 g each, have a small footprint and provide a range of mounting options and antenna extensions. In industries where the models are fixed, they can have a peer-to-peer connection without using wireless access points, therefore making it cost effective in areas that would otherwise need to have a long wired connection. Advantech Australia Pty Ltd www.advantech.net.au

Hybrid console manager and remote network power switch The RSM-8R8-2 provides secure remote access to RS232 console ports as well as the ability to power cycle remote IT equipment. The RSM-8R8-2 provides eight RJ45 serial ports and eight reboot power outlets. Suitable for small to medium-sized server rooms, the device delivers security, accessibility and control of critical network equipment via a secure ethernet connection. Power switching capabilities include outlet sequencing with delays, scheduled outlet switching or rebooting and ping-no-answer monitoring with auto rebooting. Security options include: SSHv2 encryption, address-specific IP security masks and multilevel passwords. Remote authentication is also supported. The RSM-8R8-2 monitors network equipment, constantly watching for significant changes. Network managers can be notified via SNMP trap or email if invalid access attempts occur, temperature limits are exceeded, port buffers are full, ping-no-answer and other events are detected. Models with optional current monitoring and dual ethernet ports are also available. Interworld Electronics and Computer Industries www.ieci.com.au

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© iStockphoto.com/Mike Zakharov

SECURITY STANDARDS

BENEFITS OF

NETWORK VIDEO SURVEILLANCE STANDARDS Wai King Wong, Country Manager, South Pacific

There are many services and functions in society that would not be able to function without well-defined standards. Despite the clear benefits of standards, some industries are yet to develop their own standards. The security industry has addressed its own shortfall in standardisation.

S

tandards also give users the flexibility to choose between different products that in one way or another meet their preferences, not just because they are technically compatible with the required service or function. Standards exist in several forms and are promoted by different players in the industry. In the technology field, the most common form is by technical alliances that are formed by manufacturers coming together and specifying usage of one or several common specifications. An example for this is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It has a strong influence on computer networking. These types of standards are often referred to as de facto standards. Other standards are developed by official standardisation bodies like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The use of official standards could be mandatory or voluntary. Typical mandatory standards are those that control safety of products. Most countries have their own standardisation office which represents their respective country in the IEC. International standards enable and support trade. If a product is compliant with an international standard, it can be deployed everywhere the standard is recognised, without restrictions.

Security industry driving its own standards The security industry has been accustomed to standards being mandatory, voluntary, official and de facto for a long time. For several years, the rapid growth of IP-based products in the secu-

rity market led to a lack of a common standard that could offer interoperability. This in turn created operational silos that offered little alternatives to the end users. In 2008, the network camera manufacturers Axis, Bosch and Sony joined forces and formed ONVIF. This open industry forum is developing global standards for interfaces of IP-based physical security products. ONVIF provides a common interface for achieving interoperability between products and systems of different manufacturers. For network video, this is defined by Profile S that includes specific features such as pan, tilt, zoom control, audio streaming and relay outputs. In December 2013, ONVIF released Profile C to include physical access control products.

How standardisation will benefit the surveillance industry ONVIF’s vision is that all security systems share one interface. It is working to standardise and promote this interface for effective interoperability of IP-based security products. This enables seamless integration of ONVIF-conformant security products regardless of manufacturer and will make it even easier for end users, integrators, consultants and manufacturers to take advantage of the possibilities offered by IP-based security solutions.

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31


SECURITY STANDARDS

STANDARDISATION WILL ALSO OFFER END USERS A GREATER LEVEL OF FUTUREPROOFING FOR THEIR INVESTMENT. THE STANDARD WILL ENSURE THAT INTEROPERABLE PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM A LARGE VARIETY OF VENDORS, NO MATTER HOW THE MARKET DEVELOPS.

End users The biggest beneficiaries of standards are end users. Instead of being locked into proprietary solutions, standards allow them to pick and choose best-of-breed components from different manufacturers with confidence that all the pieces will work well together. Freedom of choice tends to increase competition between vendors, ultimately speeding delivery of better products to the market at a lower price as the market expands at an ever-higher rate. Greater product demand, higher production volumes and lower integration costs for vendors and manufacturers will also translate into lower costs for the end user. Standardisation will also offer end users a greater level of futureproofing for their investment. The standard will ensure that interoperable products are available from a large variety of vendors, no matter how the market develops.

ants to offer their customers cost-effective and simple solutions. Installation will be simplified, regardless of brand, and there will be greater freedom to specify a system with products from different vendors, thus making it easier to fully meet the specific needs of each customer.

Manufacturers and software vendors Manufacturers will benefit from a standard as efforts can be spent on developing unique features with high value to the user community knowing that the very basic functions are being interoperable through the standard. The benefits offered by standards to end users, integrators and consultants will result in increased interest in network video products and IP-based security solutions. This means that the development of an industry standard is an important spur to the growth of the network surveillance industry as a whole.

Integrators and consultants The interoperability between different vendors’ products, aided by the standard, will make it easier for integrators and consult-

Axis Communications (S) Pte Ltd www.axis.com

Stand – B8 Live video verification solution Stand – A23 Rugged high-speed camera

Risco Group’s VUpoint live video verification solution provides security with live video monitoring capabilities for both monitoring

360 Vision’s Predator range of cameras combines virtually silent

stations and end users.The solution seamlessly

and smooth operation with accurate preset positioning to a full

integrates IP cameras within its professional

360° pan and tilt field of view.

security systems, powered by the Risco Cloud.

The cameras operate in zero lux environments and are made

With VUpoint, users can ‘look in’ on

of ballistic-resistant material. All have auto-configuration set-up

their premises on demand to view live

as well as intelligent on-screen display access. They

video clips of their premises of up to

also feature ‘white light’ capabilities, enabling the

30 s in length through an intuitive iRISCO

camera to display full colour images in low light

smartphone app. In addition, video clips can

conditions. Of particular benefit to law enforcement

be viewed in response to a wide range of

and security personnel, the LED white light lamps

triggers (detector alarm event, panic alarm or

are bright and a spotlight effect follows the camera

system disarm by code), providing peace of

lens as it moves. This feature is proving popular as a

mind for end users and enabling monitoring

deterrent to unwanted behaviour as the person of interest

stations to simply verify false alarms, saving

immediately becomes aware that they are being watched. The Predator high-definition (HD) camera also combines a full 1080 pixels with 25 fps/30 fps HD auto focus and integrated

on unnecessary visits to the premises and wasted resources. VUpoint is compatible with Agility 3 and

30x optical zoom - providing clear images both day and night.

LightSYS 2.

It is also able to consistently provide a full HD image at 2 MP

RISCO Group Australia Pty Ltd www.riscogroup.com

resolution throughout the optical zoom. TDSi Australia / VisioTech www.tdsi.com.au

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Stand – F20 Building energy-efficiency software Schneider Electric has launched Predictive Optimisation software for

Stand – F42 Camera positioning systems The Helios series of ruggedised positioners, featuring the CohuHD 3960HD, is designed for the performance requirements associated with critical infrastructure applications, from environments that are wet to corrosive, to polluted and hot. By combining HD resolution image sensors with powerful HD zoom optics, the ability to see further is increased when compared to fixed megapixel or standard-definition camera systems. Key features of the system include: HDTV 720p/1080p image resolution; motorised 30x optical/12x digital zoom; sensitive day/night technology; auto/manual focus and iris control; electronic image stabilisation; dual H.264/MJPEG video CODECs; hybrid IP/analog operating mode; web server configuration/operation; ONVIF Profile S; NTCIP 1205 over IP communication; variable-speed positioning system; presets, tours, sector/privacy zones; and IP67/IP66 and NEMA TS2 rated. Infratherm Pty Ltd

optimal energy efficiency that is said to assist building owners and facility managers reduce HVAC energy use by up to 25%, and improve NABERS ratings and occupant comfort. The software continuously monitors real-time weather forecasts, energy prices, tariffs and demand response (DR) signals, then makes small automatic changes in HVAC operations to provide tangible energy saving. The software can be used to collect building data then use the information to automatically create a thermal model. Proprietary algorithms calculate and respond to the best set points to optimise comfort and energy utilisation. Once the initial model is set, the software continues to adapt to changes to uncover new opportunities for energy savings. The system also diagnoses and prioritises the most critical building management issues to help facility managers quickly identify and remediates problems that are generating the largest amount of energy waste. The solution remotely leverages data from an existing building management system (BMS) or power monitoring system to self-optimise 24 hours a day across the building enterprise. The software is suitable for applications in the healthcare, education, commercial offices, hotels, retail and life science industries. The solution is smartgrid ready and provides performance measurement and verification (M&V) efficiency results for green building certification, including NABERS. Schneider Electric Buildings Australia Pty Ltd www.schneider-electric.com.au

www.infratherm.com.au

Stand – A21 Safety

Stand – E14 Dome network camera

boots

The Axis P5415-E PTZ dome network camera is suitable

range of footwear at the Security Exhibi-

for use in city and perimeter surveillance, car parks and

tion and Conference 2014. The boots

schoolyards.

are designed to specifically meet the

Steel Blue is exhibiting its Response

The HDTV 1080p PTZ dome with 18x optical zoom also

footwear needs of first responders,

has a direct drive pan/tilt system for mechanical endurance.

including security professionals, po-

Departing from the traditional wall mount, the camera’s design, which incor-

lice officers and emergency services

porates a wall bracket, allows the camera to be at one with the building. The

officers.

built-in bracket eliminates the need for a separate accessory and makes installation easier and

The boots are tough, lightweight, slip-

quicker. In addition, the camera can be easily repainted in the same colour as the building for

resistant and feature pathogen-resistant

a more aesthetic and discreet installation.

leather and antibacterial lining. Available

The camera is directly attached to the drive shaft of two motors - one for panning and another

in sizes 6-14, including some half sizes,

for tilting the camera. The camera also has a light-sensitive image sensor that enables it to

the boots also feature: a high-tech,

deliver better image quality in low-light conditions than many other HDTV 1080p PTZ cameras.

shock-absorbing Poron insole to ensure

Axis P5415-E - like the previously launched Axis P5414-E with HDTV 720p - has an integrated

comfort; 150 mm lace and zip-up ankle

sunshield that is designed for easy removal, allowing it to be repainted to match the wall colour.

boot with padded collar and tongue;

With the ability to pan 270°, the camera can also be mounted on the corner of a building

pathogen- and water-resistant full-grain

with the use of a corner mount bracket, enabling wide area coverage and 18x optical zoom

waxy leather; antistatic nitrile outsole

for detailed surveillance in HDTV 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels).

that is heat resistant to 300°C; a 30-day

The camera also supports Advanced Gatekeeper, which enables the camera to automati-

money back comfort guarantee; and

cally pan, tilt and zoom in to a preset position when motion is detected in a predefined area.

a six-month manufacturer’s warranty.

Axis Communications (S) Pte Ltd

Steel Blue

www.axis.com

www.steelblue.com.au

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Stand – J2 Video screening and analysis technology

Stand – C14 Sliding gate motor BFT Australia has launched

Cognitec’s FaceVACS-VideoScan detects and identifies persons of interest in real time

the Oberon TRI A2000 INV, a

while computing demographic and behavioural data, supporting security staff, marketing

high-speed sliding gate motor. The Oberon technology

departments and operations management in one application.

is designed to provide customers the ability to give ac-

The scanner detects people’s faces in live video streams or video footage and stores

cess, as well as secure their site from external threats.

video sequences of cropped faces (face streams) for each appearance in front of a

A powerful sliding gate operator, the Oberon can open

camera. Anonymous analysis of all face streams over time allows the software to compute

gates of up to 20 m at a speed of 650 mm/s. The

people count, demographical information, people movement in time and space, and to

Oberon’s 400 VAC three-phase motor is controlled with

detect frequent visitors and crowds. The product also performs real-time identity checks

a Toshiba inverter, which controls the adjustable speed

against image databases to find known persons and alert appropriate staff. The FaceVACS-

through a built-in control board. This control board is

VideoScan provides support to: business intelligence - count visitors by zone within a

compatible with any access control system as it offers a

facility; detect repeat visitors and frequency of visits; detect age, gender and ethnicity

vast array of inputs and outputs with programmable logic

distribution; intelligent signage - detect age, gender and ethnicity of the audience and

for safety and security. To avoid damage or interference,

deliver tailored messages and displays; security - screening of public and private places

the Oberon unit is protected by a 700 x 520 x 300 mm

(eg, malls, banks, airports, business centres, real estate); border control; VIP recognition.

steel enclosure with a security key lock.

Cognitec Systems

BFT Automation Australia Pty Ltd

www.cognitec.com

www.bftaustralia.com.au

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

35


T

oday’s IP video management systems (VMS) must deliver new services and features to a large and ever-growing class of new users, whose roles go beyond the traditional security mission. Scaling a VMS to provide these new services becomes increasingly complicated across multiple independent systems. System aggregation offers a path to scalability with improved ease of administration and better overall system performance. Savvy organisations have recognised that video system data can inform all kinds of decisions. Growing businesses are hungry to consolidate and put this information to good use, providing oversight and driving optimisations across their organisations. VMS camera and data feeds are now being used to manage daily operations, ensure policies are being followed and ultimately make organisations run more efficiently. Demands are being made from marketing, operations, facilities and other industry professionals to leverage the information captured by the security deployment, requiring more effective ways to manage and distribute access to video data. Additionally, an increased expectation of connectivity, driven largely by expanding networks and the proliferation of mobile technology, is placing new demands on systems that previously could have been close-looped. Users need access to pertinent information, often from multiple systems available whenever and wherever they happen to be. Administrators need to ensure that the right people have access to the right information at the right time. An influx of untrained and non-security operators is placing new demands on user interfaces, driving the need for customisation and simplification. Traditional video management systems were optimised around the security and surveillance user - supporting CCTV-style keyboards and calling up cameras by camera number or selecting a camera from a lengthy list of cameras, sophisticated search queries for finding and retrieving recorded video, and even more complicated export processes to ensure the authenticity of evidence. While these systems continue to evolve to further incorporate the needs of security operators, the resulting interfaces and architectures are becoming unbearable for non-security operators. For example, finding and displaying a megapixel camera on a monitor in the security operations room is one problem. Serving up a view of that camera and all other related cameras from 20 different stores for the regional produce manager of a grocery chain working on a laptop from his hotel room is quite a different problem. To meet these diverse needs, Pelco by Schneider Electric is pursuing an approach using proven, standards-based technologies to provide the necessary structure to manage geographically and logically distributed systems. By treating the VMS as an information system and grouping disparate VMS system information together, employing an aggregated architecture similar to those used by news aggregators and web-hosting companies, critical information can be centrally managed and accessed by the expanding user base.

36

An aggregation solution An aggregated architecture approach decentralises the actual information, by keeping it local, while centralising its flow, or the access to it. The aggregated approach brings reduced overall system complexity, reduced cross-traffic due to synchronisations, less concern over link failures creating database synchronisation problems, more efficient latency management and improved load-balancing opportunities. The introduction of the aggregation layer also provides an effective way to provide access to new feature enhancements for a legacy install base. Traditional VMS systems have had the ability to connect to multiple, independent systems for several years. The Digital Sentry system from Pelco by Schneider Electric, for example, uses the ControlPoint client to connect to any number of systems and display the cameras and recorders from those systems. However, if a given user’s permissions change to where that user needs to now see a new camera or be prevented from seeing an existing camera, it is important to have a method of updating clients and servers with new credential information. Active directory and LDAP interfaces help, but still require a considerable amount of synchronisation information to be exchanged between different servers. This problem is also present in traditional federated solutions, which attempt to coordinate access across systems by sharing, synchronising and replicating database information. An aggregation approach, on the other hand, treats each system as an independent entity, pulling from the relevant systems at run time, through the client interface. Aggregation architecture enables centralised access to and management of the broader organisation by providing and facilitating access to the relevant local systems rather than storing a representation of the full organisation of systems and attempting to keep that synchronised. Each site can be effectively managed locally as an independent entity. When an organisation determines that it is necessary to see across all its installations, the aggregation server software can be installed, creating the aggregation layer. The aggregation layer is accessed via the same user experience interface being distributed with Pelco products today. There is no waiting period while the local databases synchronise with some central authority or with each other. The only difference the user sees is that they now log in to the aggregation server. By not having to store information from the local system databases, the aggregation server becomes easy to scale when system load increases due to the expanding user base. Pelco’s aggregation server software can be placed behind any third-party load-balancer, similar to those employed in the standard web-hosting model. This allows an administrator to monitor usage and plan to add additional hardware as needed. Furthermore, the use of a standard load-balancer implementation creates an implicit failover redundancy model. © stock.xchange.com/Martin Simonis

CASE STUDY

IP VMS scalability through aggregation

Schneider Electric Buildings Australia Pty Ltd www.schneider-electric.com.au

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


SECURITY 2014

COMING TO MELBOURNE

T

he annual security industry event Security Exhibition and Conference will be held from 4-6 June at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. With more than 160 brands showcasing the latest innovations in security systems and solutions available, the event is expected to attract more than 4500 security industry professionals from more than 20 countries. Local and international service providers - including SCSI, Canon, Pelco by Schneider Electric, Intelogix, Sony, Honeywell and Hills - will be on the exhibition show floor presenting the latest in the industry and addressing emerging risk and issues for business, operations and public safety. Highlights include new developments in access control, surveillance, fire and safety, biometrics and IP networking. The event will also feature a dynamic seminar series program offering industry professionals with key insights to help develop their market intelligence. Spanning three days, the program kicks off with ‘Innovation Day’, with presentations from a range of industry innovators including Nidac, Fullnet, Flir and Pelco by Schneider Electric. Day two of the seminar series - ‘Education Day’ - will feature a host of industry experts speaking on a range of security topics

and contemporary issues. Chris Buckley and Dave Neal will be providing an insightful talk on ‘Delivering a world class access control and accreditation solution for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Sri Lanka 2013’. The third day of the seminar series will focus on hiring and recruitment in the security industry and is a must attend for anyone seeking professional development in the industry. In addition to the seminar series, this year’s ASIAL Conference features an impressive line-up of local and international names. There will be live crosses from international security experts such as Microsoft Chief Security Officer Mike Howard and IHS Research Senior Research Analyst Blake Kozak. Other key highlights include: the return of the new-product showcase, giving visitors the chance to see 10 of the best security products to hit the Australian market in the last 12 months, including demonstrations and a live presentation for each new innovative product; the opportunity to join industry leaders at social events, including a cocktail reception and gala dinner held in conjunction with ASIAL; and the return of Security World, recreating real-world scenarios on the show floor with product demonstrations based on everyday situations including an airport, bank and car park, plus guided tours so visitors can see products in situ.

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

37


Video surveillance manager Cisco’s video surveillance manager 7 (VSM7) provides capabilities that enable central or multiple operations management of intelligent video surveillance and an open platform for analytics and metadata. VSM7 provides highly secure and scalable video surveillance architectures with the following capabilities: Federator helps organisations to centrally manage millions of IP cameras from a single user interface across globally distributed video surveillance deployments; Dynamic Proxy uses network bandwidth to deliver quality video to multiple users accessing the same video streams from any location;

Dome network cameras

Enhanced medianet capabilities simplify management, operations and trouble-

Axis has added nine robust, high-quality, high-

shooting with end-to-end visualisation of video flows and on-demand Mediatrace

speed pan/tilt/zoom cameras to its Q60 PTZ Dome

from the camera to the video client; Zero Data Loss ensures that video can be

Network Camera Series. The cameras, the Q6042/-

preserved. In mobile environments, like transportation when network connectivity

E/-C with Extended D1 resolution and 36x optical

is often interrupted, cameras can store video locally until network connectivity has

zoom, Q6044/-E/-C with HDTV 720p and 30x optical

been restored, then automatically transmit the video to the media server.

zoom, and the Q6045/-E/-C with HDTV 1080p and

The product adapts to evolving business needs and provides an easy way

20x optical zoom, are suitable for wide-area surveil-

to manage video, resources, troubleshooting and business intelligence. Cisco

lance in indoor, outdoor and desert environments.

VSM7 is delivering three new scalable video architectures providing flexibilities to

The cameras, with up to HDTV 1080p resolu-

manage millions of endpoints to meet the challenges increasing business risk.

tion and high optical zoom, have improved image

It also has IoT solution capabilities for business intelligence with analytics and

quality, light sensitivity and enhanced capacity for

metadata. Cisco IP cameras are now smart endpoints providing an application

intelligent video. They are suitable for use in city

development platform.

and perimeter surveillance, airports, train stations,

Cisco

harbours, along pipelines, at construction and

www.cisco.com/web/ANZ/index.html

manufacturing sites, and in stadiums. The Q6044/-E/-C PTZ domes have 30x optical

EN 50155 IP cameras

models. In addition, their light sensitivity is said

MOXA has launched the VPort P06HC-

to be nearly three times better than the industry

1MP-M12 series of rugged IP cameras

standard. They also support electronic image

that support 720p images with an ad-

stabilisation and automatic defog.

vanced constant bit rate control function.

The Q6045/-E/-C PTZ domes also have better

The cameras have an anti-vibration ether-

light sensitivity than the Q6035/-E/-C predecessors.

net connector and a built-in microphone

Furthermore, they have additional built-in video

for implementing an intercom function

analytics such as highlight compensation, object

as well as an IP66-rated housing.

removed, fence detector, object counter and enter/

An optional decorative plate is also avail-

exit detection. The nine cameras are equipped with

able for flush wall-mount installations.

powerful CPUs and co-processors. They enable

Featuring a metal housing with IP54 water and dust protection, the

better image quality, with lower noise, higher light

camera’s rectangular form factor is suitable for applications requiring an

sensitivity for sharper images and more efficient

unobtrusive flush wall-mount installation. The cameras are also compliant

video compression with H.264 Main Profile. They

with EN 50121-3-2 (EMC), EN 61373 for shock and vibration, and essential

also provide improved support for simultaneous

sections of EN 50155, with standard models designed for T1 temperatures.

streaming of multiple, individually optimised video

CBR Pro is an advanced bit rate flow control technology that limits the

streams. In addition, there is more processing power

transmission bit rate based on a user’s network bandwidth. This function

and capacity for intelligent video applications, which

is designed to secure the video stream transmission to provide the best

are helpful in alerting and enabling operators to act

image quality by eliminating the dropped packets that occur when the peak

on potential and actual alarm situations.

bit rate exceeds the bit rate allowed by the network bandwidth.

38

zoom, compared with 18x in previous HDTV 720p

Additional features include shock detection and

The camera has one microphone for audio input, allowing operators

adjustable day/night functionality. The outdoor-ready

to both see and hear what’s happening on-site. To increase the reliability

Q6042-E/Q6044-E/Q6045-E models have better

of video transmissions over networks in high-vibration environments, the

surge protection, fulfilling EN/IEC 61000-4-5, EN

series features a 4-pin M12 D-code ethernet connector to ensure network

55024, EN 50121-4 (railway), IEC 62236 (railway)

connectivity.

standards.

Madison Technologies

Anixter Australia Pty Ltd

www.madisontech.com

www.anixter.com

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings



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CASE STUDY

NSW aged care facility switches on to solar power

Y

© iStockphoto.com/Kondoros Eva Katalin

ass Valley Aged Care (YVAC), a regional NSW aged care facility, has switched over to solar power. Solar Max, through its installation partner, Ygrene Energy, has provided six 15 kW 15MT2 grid connected inverters and one 10 kW 10MT2 inverter for YVAC’s solar PV system. The completed 100 kW solar PV system is expected to generate an average of over 448 kWh of solar power daily and is said to reduce the energy bills for YVAC by over $52,000 each year. YVAC will also reduce its reliance on drawing electricity from the grid and the installation will reduce its carbon emissions by 150 tonnes annually. Impressed by a similar solar PV installation at the Yass Soldiers Club that used SolarMax’s MaxMonitoring and MaxMetro Systems, the YVAC board decided to invest in a similar-sized solar system using SolarMax to enjoy the cost savings and reduced carbon footprint for its aged care facility. Rowena Abbey, Mayor of Yass and a board member of YVAC, said, “Yass Valley Aged Care has faced increasing energy costs over the last two years and the board wanted to implement a financially viable energy solution that would help reduce our overall energy cost. The benefits and the cost savings the Yass Soldiers Club was able to achieve was a driving factor in our decision to appoint Ygrene Energy and use SolarMax inverters. “Using funds generously donated by the local community and the Yass Aged Care Foundation, the board knew that solar power would greatly benefit our operations in the long term. Having recognised the savings Yass Solders Club has achieved from their

solar installation, we were convinced that a solar PV system would be a sound investment that would assist with our future capital expenditures and meet our energy requirements.” Timothy Davaris, owner and CEO of Ygrene Energy, said, “Yass has seen a growing interest in solar PV systems and the work we’ve done for the Yass Soldiers Club has fuelled the desire for solar PV systems. Having developed a proven track record as a solar installer, we are proud of the solar PV system we developed for the Yass Valley Aged Care facility. The installation was completed with no disruptions and on time. Without a doubt, this installation will deliver significant cost savings and be environmentally sustainable. “It has been a simple decision for Ygrene Energy to preference SolarMax as it produces worldclass inverters that consistently deliver high energy yields and offers terrific value for customers. We have made SolarMax inverters the core product for all our projects.” SolarMax’s MT series inverters are suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations. The MT series inverters satisfy the safety requirements stated in AS/NZS 5033:2012 standards (IEC 621091/-2) as well as the AS 4777.2 and AS 4777.3 standards. SolarMax products are accredited by the Clean Energy Council (CEC). All SolarMax string inverters have a five-year standard warranty which can be extended up to 25 years. Sputnik Engineerings Australia & NZ Pty Ltd www.solarmax.com/au/en/

EFFICIENCY + RENEWABLES

LED high-bay luminaire The Pierlite HL LED is an energy-efficient 150 W LED high-bay luminaire rated at IP65, with a good LER performance of over 106 lm/W. The high bay has a rated average design life of 30,000 h @ L70 and is designed to be a functional replacement for the traditional 400 W MV high-bays. Manufactured from durable die-cast aluminium with an efficient

LED area light

spun aluminium reflector, the luminaire is

enLighten Australia has launched the Zorro range of high-

the suitable choice for industrial interior design

performance LED area lights that complement the company’s

in warehousing, storage areas, workshops and factories.

existing car park lighting and radiofrequency controls solutions.

Features include: Luxeon M LED chips, CCT 5700K CRI>70; die-

Suitable for external security lighting, roads and pathways,

cast aluminium gear housing with cooling fins for thermal manage-

parks and car parks, the expansive range of 35-265 W lights

ment; spun aluminium reflector for increased efficiency; IP65-rated

can suit all needs. The company says the lights offer up to

gear housing and LED chamber; supplied with mounting hook and

70% energy savings as a retrofit solution to traditional HID

3-pin flex and plug.

lighting and the lights deliver up to 95 lm/W.

Pierlite Australia Pty Ltd

enLighten Australia Pty Ltd

www.pierlite.com.au

www.enlighten.com.au

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

41


EFFICIENCY + RENEWABLES

LED dimmer The introduction of LED lighting within the home is becoming more prevalent as the cost savings are clearly obvious. With the vast amount of LED lighting now entering the market, choosing a dimmer that is guaranteed to work

Commercial installations Legrand has introduced a range of products for residential, mobile dwelling and commercial installations. Designed for kitchen, laundry, bedroom or living areas is the Circular LED Oyster Light 17W Cree. The general-purpose, highquality domestic oyster light can be wall or ceiling mounted, making it suitable for most domestic

with a particular brand or model has become more complicated. The Hager LED dimmer is designed specifically to work with LED lights and therefore is compatible with more LEDs than a standard trailing or leading edge dimmer. An easy-to-read LED light manufacturer compatibility table that can be downloaded in PDF on a smartphone, tablet or computer is available from http://www.hagerelectro.com.au/6322.htm. The company recommends the following: when dimming multiple lamps make sure all the lamp loads are the same and are from the same manufacturer; dimming of lights is a simple and effective way of reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint; a minimum LED load with 10 W is required for dimming stability - dimming LED lights with iron core transformers is to be avoided due to dimming irregularities. Hager Electro Pty Ltd www.hagerbr.com.au

installations. The unit is fitted with long-life Cree LEDs for good colour

LED floodlights

and to maximise energy savings.

Clipsal by Schneider Electric has developed two stylish LED floodlight

Its light output is approximately

ranges to suit a wide range of applications in domestic, commercial

equal to that of a 100 W GLS

and industrial environments. Housed in a black powder-coated, die-cast

lamp. The 280 mm diameter light

aluminium, IP65-rated casing, the new-look Clipsal FL LED floodlights are

has a white die-cast base with a

suitable for commercial buildings that require security or accent lighting.

choice of a PC or glass visor and

Wiring of the integral electronic control gear is made easy through a

is non-dimmable.

hinged front cover, while the adjustable trunnion arm, once aimed cor-

As the NBN rollout continues,

rectly, is held in place with stainless steel locking screws.

Legrand has released a surface

The FL LED series is available in 30, 50 and 100 W versions. The

metal enclosure for fibre-to-home

product has 30,000 h L70 lamp life and a lamp temperature of 6500K.

installations. The unit is fully compliant with NBN Co specifications and includes a door, double GPO and mounting tray for NBN Co devices. Designed with the end user in mind, the enclosure provides space for additional end-user equipment. It can also be flush mounted using optional brackets

Replicating a more traditional look, the FLP LED floodlights make the replacement of older technology products, like halogen lighting, easy. Suitable for a wide range of applications in domestic, commercial and industrial environments, this range provides increased efficiency without compromising on the light output. The FLP LED series is available in 10, 20 and 50 W versions. It comes in a grey powder-coated, die-cast aluminium body and has an IP65-rated casing. Schneider Electric Clipsal Partner www.clipsal.com.au

to make the most of restricted areas. It is available with an 8-port Cat 6 patch panel (NBNPPBOX). Offering three speeds, the Legrand Excel Life Fan Controller 100VA Rotary 3 Speed can accommodate a maximum load of 100 VA and is available in a single mechanism size, suitable for multigang plates. HPM Legrand www.hpmlegrand.com.au

Dimming photocell The ALC-DD dimming photocell automatically adjusts the light output of luminaires depending on the amount of natural light available to maintain constant brightness (maintained illuminance) using either DALI or DSI digital dimming protocol. An optional manual control (using a switch input) allows the user to override the dimming levels and turn the output on and off. In addition to changing the output level, the photocell can be set to turn lighting on when the ambient light falls below a preset level. The lighting can also be set to turn off when the total light level rises above a separate preset level. An integral, adjustable time delay prevents nuisance switching caused by, for example, dark clouds. All functionality is fully programmable using an IR handset, UHS5. This product is also available in a non-dimming version, ALC-PRM. CP Electronics Australia www.cpea.com.au

42

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A NEW FRONTIER IN LIGHTING Erik Zimmerman*

With the development of high-efficiency LEDs, lasers and new light-conducting materials, which can miniaturise the form and transmission of light, lighting devices are no longer used just to fill the void of darkness.

N

ew lighting technologies have opened a whole new world of visual communication, contributing to safety, wellbeing, transport, entertainment, traffic control, sport and signage. These technologies offer an array of benefits including: cost reduction, vibrant colours, long-distance visibility and intensity, controllability and exciting and practical applications. Some lighting developers have released, or are refining, LED and LED/laser-based devices that will deliver previously impossible savings in energy costs. For example, in some European cities, power providers are able to monitor the output of lighting systems as well as adjust lighting levels as and where needed. Energy savings of up to 70% compared with the old technology are being achieved in these city applications. In the Dutch city of Eindhoven, smart street lights turn off when nobody is there and can provide atmosphere by changing colour according to residents' preferences. Smart lighting can also be remotely adjusted using wireless technology to illuminate areas as small as a street corner. An Italian restaurant, for example, will be able to adjust the street lanterns around it to create a more Italian atmosphere. Lightning-fast pace of development The pace of development in LED lighting is so fast that traditional sockets and fittings will no longer be needed. However, electricity supply is still dependent on the system to which we have

44

been accustomed for most of our lives, so it’s a case of the new technology having to adapt to the constraints of the old. In time, systems designs and engineering will ultimately evolve to a point where you will not recognise the old wire and socket infrastructure. The applications and the impact of new lighting technology are only limited by one’s imagination. We have seen some innovative companies that have successfully experimented with the speed and rate at which light can be used to transfer and communicate information. These experiments have demonstrated that a visible light communication system can be produced from laser pointers to transfer data even more efficiently than with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. With a new level of control over the location, programmability, type and intensity of lights will come far-reaching effects on food production. Even with today’s new lighting technology, one does not need to think too hard about the near future where it will be cost effective to undertake cropping around the clock.

Light tuning We have always known that the many characteristics of lighting can influence a person’s wellbeing, productivity and general state of mind. So, the new lighting technologies have the potential to recalibrate a person’s biometric status to keep them at an optimum state of concentration and focus.

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


LEDs

will be looking at some of these innovative lighting solutions to add excitement and appeal, as well as adding value and differentiation to their properties. As with any new technology, buyers need to be careful about the experience and credentials of their supplier, so it is good practice to check out sites where the lights are already installed. It is also important to review the supplier’s test and approval certificates and check that products are marked with the Australian mandatory Registered Compliance Mark (RCM). In evaluating the potential return on investment from retrofitting LED lighting systems, check for eligibility for financial incentives offered by the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) and the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS), and demand reduction incentives offered by Energex in Queensland.

©frenk58/Dollar Photo Club

Experience counts

Tunable lighting characteristics such as colour, hue and warmth can be adjusted to change a person’s environment and mimic different times of day to compensate for changing natural light patterns. That’s why airlines such as Virgin Atlantic are already using seductive LED mood lighting to minimise the effects of stress and jet lag on passengers. There has been considerable work done by examining the use of lasers to deliver lighting to enable more radical lighting configurations based on new technologies. This is where just a few point sources of laser light on a building may be transmitted throughout a site by using fibre-optic cabling that has the benefit of being directed anywhere.

A major payoff for commercial properties Because of the speed at which LED technology has advanced, it is no surprise that property owners have been treading cautiously in terms of retrofitting LED lighting. We are seeing more property managers taking a serious look at the return on investment of retrofitting LED systems, as the latest products have proved to deliver equal or better performance, while producing up to 80% in electricity cost savings. As the established and reputable suppliers of LED systems prove themselves in the market, facility managers will be more prepared to embrace both the performance and cost-saving benefits that come with this new technology. And beyond the cost savings, owners

If you are a business owner operating from your own premises, or are responsible for the lighting fittings, the decision to install LED lighting is the first step for achieving some significant cost savings on your electricity bill. While new installations are relatively straightforward, if you are replacing original halogen downlights it is recommended you employ a contractor who has experience in installing LED systems. For example, property owners may think they can use existing transformers or dimmers; however, this decision may not deliver optimum performance or long-term cost savings. It also pays to deal with a lighting supplier that only sells LED lights certified to Australian standards and who provides a minimum two-year warranty on all its lighting products. Reputable suppliers will also decommission old bulbs in accordance with Australian regulations.

Government incentives Several Australian state governments have recognised the huge potential for both residential and business owners to save on their power bills. There are currently a number of incentive plans in place which enable the cost of LED lighting installation to be either subsidised or spread over a longer period, such as the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme and the NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS). Cherry LED www.cherryLED.com.au

*Over a 20-year career, Erik Zimmerman has worked in most aspects of business, for both large corporations and small entrepreneurial businesses. In 2006, Zimmerman watched a movie at the Melbourne Film Festival - A Crude Awakening - that invoked his entrepreneurial spirit and he founded renewable energy company Rezeko Pty Ltd (acquired by AGL in 2011). More recently, he has invested in LED Lighting business Littil with a focus on energy efficiency. Australian owned and managed, Littil provides LED lighting exclusively for the residential, commercial and industrial sectors through carefully selected channel partners. Zimmerman has worked in many parts of the world including Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, UK, Germany, US and India.

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

45


EFFICIENCY + RENEWABLES

LED light contractor web portal

Energy management device

Offering a solution to existing fluorescent tube lighting with no controls, the Chamaeleon LED light from enlighten

Renewable Energy Solutions

can deliver up to 93% energy savings.

Australia’s VoltLogic energy

The light is designed for areas that are long-lit, including building common areas that have

management device has been

emergency lighting requirements, such as fire stairs, car parks, service corridors, plant and

awarded Australian certification.

utility rooms and car park lift lobbies.

The AS4777 certification, the

The patented dual circuit allows for delivery of a standby level of light when an area is unoc-

Australian standard for grid-

cupied (average 8.5 W), which increases to full light output (average 30 W) once a presence

connected inverters, means

is detected via integral microwave sensor. Contractors can access enLighten’s Chamaeleon

VoltLogic is now ready to con-

light web portal, which offers product turnaround times below the industry standard of 6-8

nect to networks across the

weeks from placement of order and the potential for contractor rebates on reaching sales

country, bringing its export

volumes. Via the web portal, on submission of a web form with project details, enLighten

control capability to renewable

Australia will prepare a cost-benefit analysis for contractors outlining the energy savings and

energy systems Australia-wide.

project payback of a Chamaeleon light upgrade vs an existing light replacement.

The export control capabil-

enLighten Australia Pty Ltd

ity solves one of the biggest

www.enlighten.com.au

challenges to increasing the size and number of solar PV systems around Australia.

IP65 emergency lighting luminaire

The intermittent and variable inflows of power from solar PV

Designed to meet the ever-changing expectations of emergency lighting applica-

commonly leads to voltage

tions in the commercial, industrial and mining sectors, the modular Fire Fly Pro IP65

spikes, power outages and

is a non-maintained LED emergency luminaire with D40/D40 classification, compliant

stress on the utility distribution

to AS/NZS2293. The luminaire is suitable for commercial and interior applications,

network, with utility compa-

coastal environments, apartments, shopping centres, hospitality, prisons and

nies reacting by restricting the

hospitals. With secure IP65 weatherproof and IK10-certified ratings and coupled

amount of power exported to

with minimal wattage and overall dimensions, it is suitable for almost any

the grid and in many cases

emergency lighting application. The luminaire can be retrofitted to weather-

any installation at all.

proof/vandalproof battens and several specific mining luminaires to achieve simplicity

VoltLogic limits power ex-

of maintenance with maximum classification. Features include: energy-efficient, high-output

ported to the grid where such

3 W LED; easy installation via 3-pin flex and plug; recessed surface-mount option; non-corrosive

restrictions apply through its

polycarbonate housing and reflector; high-performance lens system, providing D40/D40 spacing;

unique export control func-

low power consumption and maintenance; fully self-contained control circuit, complete with flex

tionality.

and plug; optional DALI maintained systems available; circuit rated system life 50 000 h; modular - simply push the small head through the outer rim and install in a small 50 mm cut-out.

Renewable Energy Solutions Australia Holdings Ltd

Pierlite Australia Pty Ltd

www.ecowhisper.com.au

www.pierlite.com.au

Fluorescent high-bay lighting Suitable for high-rack warehouse lighting, factories, loading docks, retail stores, gymnasiums and other service areas, the Clipsal by Schneider Electric range of T5 fluorescent high-bay lighting is designed with a special high-efficiency reflector system for optimum light output. This optimisation means that more of the lamp’s output is directed towards the work plane where it is needed. T5 fluorescent high-bay lighting has a lumen per watt measurement which exceeds 100, compared to 80 for metal halide equivalent products. This means the Clipsal 54 W high output T5 fluorescent lamp can produce up to 5000 lumens, which, when combined with the reflector system, allows for the fitting to be mounted at ceiling heights of up to 7 m, while still outputting a good level of light. The range is available in 2, 4 and 6 lamp versions and has instant start-up with no restrike delay. To maximise potential energy and cost savings, the company can provide many complementary options for a T5 fluorescent high-bay lighting solution. From sophisticated C-Bus and DALI lighting control systems, through to basic motion and daylight sensors, these devices produce a level of intelligence that means the fitting is only activated when required - making the lighting system more energy efficient. Schneider Electric Clipsal Partner www.clipsal.com.au

46

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


15 – 16 OCTOBER 2014

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© iStockphoto.com/Anssi Ruuska

COMMERCIAL LIGHTING

PHOTOLUMINESCENT EXIT SIGNS NOT VIABLE Lighting Council Australia, electrical contractor representative bodies and fire industry representative bodies, amongst others, have expressed concern over the recent introduction of photoluminescent (PL) ‘glow in the dark’ exit signs to the National Construction Code of Australia (NCC).

“O

ne of the major concerns is the confusion amongst electricians, building owners and building managers as to how PL exit signs may be used. If installed in accordance with the NCC amendment, PL signs will cost considerably more to install and maintain than the current electrically powered LED exit signs,” says Lighting Council Australia Chairman Russell Loane, OAM. “The installation of a PL exit sign typically requires the installation of two additional luminaires. Firstly, the NCC amendment requires that a PL exit sign must have a dedicated, uninterrupted light source continuously illuminating 100 lux onto the face of the sign. Secondly, the NCC already requires, via AS/NZS 2293.1, that an emergency luminaire must be installed within 2 m of an exit door or typically where exit signs are located (AS2293-1 clause 5.4.1). “In practice, this additional emergency light is not required where an electrically powered exit sign is used as almost all internally illuminated exit signs already have sufficient light output to be also classified as emergency luminaires. PL material cannot achieve a light output to obtain this classification, so the additional emergency luminaires will be essential.” This comes at a cost. “The expected supply and install cost of a standard LED exit sign is in the order of $250, with ongoing energy costs of $3.16 per year. The supply and install cost of a PL exit sign and accompanying emergency light and separate luminating light source is in the order of $550, with ongoing energy costs of $21.56 per year.” There is also a legal requirement to comply with the NCC and AS/NZS 2293.1. Emergency and exit lighting is an essential life safety device, and the non-compliance with regulations regarding its correct installation and maintenance jeopardises the safety of building occupants. It is therefore surprising the number of people who are not aware of their exposure to significant penalties for non-compliance with regulations regarding exit signs and emergency lighting. Penalties are imposed for non-compliance with the proper installation and maintenance of exit and emergency lighting, on building

owners, building managers and employers, under Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws, OHS legislation (which applies in Victoria and Western Australia where the WHS laws have not been adopted) and under state building regulations. The WHS legislation treats a serious breach as an indictable offence and carries a maximum penalty of AU$3 million for a corporation, and significant financial penalty and up to five years imprisonment for individuals. In Victoria and Western Australia, the maximum penalties for a corporation are AU$1.3 million and $625,000 respectively, and significant financial penalties and possible imprisonment are imposed for serious breaches by an individual. Also of concern are the safety issues associated with the use of PL exit signs (even when installed correctly). Loane says, “Even with the additional luminaires that must be installed with PL signs, there is a strong consensus view across a number of industry bodies, experts and academics that the use of PL signs significantly compromises safety. Exit signs have over 30 years of test and empirical data supporting the worldwide view that the safety of an exit sign is determined by its luminance level, and that the appropriate luminance level to ensure safe egress in an evacuation scenario (irrespective of the type of sign emitting it) is between 8 cd/m2 (candela per square metre) and 15 cd/m2. The amendment to the NCC provides for a luminance level for PL exit signs of 30 mcd/m2 (millicandela). One candela is 1000 times brighter than one millicandela. Loane adds, “This 30 mcd/m² figure is essentially 1/250th as bright as an existing electrically powered exit sign needs to be. The level is adopted based on a test process used in the US, called The Observer’s Visibility Test, which purely tests the visibility of PL signs, without regard or relevance to evacuation requirements or emergency considerations. One of the many submissions to the Australian Building Code Board opposing the amendment to permit PL signs was by The Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Building Code and Audits Division in Melbourne. That submission states:

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

51


COMMERCIAL LIGHTING

IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO EVALUATE THE COMPLIANCE OF A PL SIGN DURING ESSENTIAL SERVICES AUDITS, AND FIRE BRIGADE FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS. ISSUES MAY SURFACE WITH INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT REGARDING THE REQUIREMENT FOR 100 LX OF ILLUMINATION ONTO THE FACE OF THESE PL EXITS AND AS TO WHETHER THE SIGNS PROVIDE THE REQUISITE MINIMUM LIGHT OUTPUT.

“When firefighters are in a smoke affected environment, the visibility of exit signs is an important safety aid, which will be compromised by the lower level of brightness of PL exit signs. It will be difficult to evaluate the compliance of a PL sign during essential services audits, and Fire Brigade Fire Safety Inspections. I foresee issues with inspection and enforcement regarding the requirement for 100 lx of illumination onto the face of these PL exits and as to whether the signs provide the requisite minimum light output. It is not difficult to envisage situations where a much cheaper, stick on, glow in the dark exit sign will be used in a noncompliant way. Essential life safety devices should not be put in a situation where they can be compromised in this way. The type of premises that tend to be attracted to cheaper alternatives, also tend to present fire services with the biggest challenges when it comes to public safety and the maintenance of essential services, for example: backpackers, nightclubs and budget accommodation. High visibility [of exit signs] - from a distance and in smoke con-

ditions [-] undoubtedly aids occupant survivability.” Although the additional price tag, and ongoing additional energy costs, should deter the use of PL signs, Loane says that simply allowing their use is of concern as safety is compromised, and the potential for confusion and misinformation presents a risk that the PL signs may be used without the additional luminaires and therefore without the financial deterrent. Lighting Council Australia is the representative body for members in the lighting industry, including emergency lighting. The council’s goal is to encourage the use of environmentally appropriate, energy-efficient and quality lighting systems. The council works with and advises the government on policy and strategy and has representation on numerous Australian and international standards committees. Should any building owners, facility managers or employers be concerned about their current or proposed emergency lighting options, they can contact Lighting Council Australia for further advice.

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

LED spotlights Verbatim’s LED spotlights - PAR16 GU10s and MR16 GU5.3s - employ single-focus diamondcut lenses to mimic the warmth and dimming characteristics of halogen lamps. The spotlights provide good beam management and high brightness. Diamond cutting is used to achieve © iStockphoto.com/Ivan Stefanovic

precision-finished optical surfaces that allow light to be dispersed in a defined manner, avoiding glare, stray light and hotspots. Suitable for accent lighting in retail, hospitality and gallery settings, all the new spotlight lamps employ the latest chip-on-board (COB) technology, where the LED die is mounted directly onto the circuit board, to improve thermal resistance, lumen output and efficacy. A family of three 7.3 W PAR16 GU10 spotlights offer various lumen and colour temperature options. Delivering 390, 420 or 440 lm (equivalent to 60 W or greater), the lamps offer a 36° beam angle and produce a corresponding luminous intensity of 720, 800 and 830 cd at colour temperatures of 2700, 3000 and 4000 K respectively. The lamps have a lifetime over 35,000 hours and offer improved compatibility to dimming controllers. Additionally, a family of three 7 W MR16 GU5.3 downlights with a 40° beam angle also benefit from the diamond-cut optics. Delivering between 400, 410 or 490 lm and luminous intensity of 680, 700 and 800 cd, the LED lamps also offer colour temperatures of 2700, 3000 and 4000 K. The lamps have a lifetime over 30,000 hours and are said to offer easier compatibility to dimming controllers and many combinations of transformers. Verbatim Australia Pty Ltd www.verbatim.com.au

52

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


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ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

The cornerstone for a safer industry

Surface-mounted LED lights

Malcolm Richards CEO

Brightgreen has expanded its Curve

As many of us are aware, the electrical industry can be a high-risk work environment. This is why it is important to have appropriate work health and safety laws to protect electrical contractors and their workers. While Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has always supported regulations to ensure the safety of all who work within our industry, it is important that this is conducted in a fair and reasonable way. MEA believes recent changes to workplace health and safety laws in Queensland will ensure genuine safety concerns are given the highest priority without being abused for industrial purposes. These new laws, which were passed in parliament following the findings from a government review, will mean: • At least 24 hours’ notice is required before WHS entry permit holders can enter a workplace to inquire into a suspected contravention. • Increased penalties for non-compliance with WHS entry permit conditions and penalties introduced for failure to comply with the entry notification requirements. • Health and safety representatives will no longer be able to arbitrarily call a halt to work. • Codes of safe work practice in Queensland can be approved or changed without requiring national consultation as currently required by the WHS Act. These laws also increase the maximum penalties for breaches of the Electrical Safety Regulation. In the past, our industry has sadly seen its safety regime turned into a tool for union bullying and industrial point scoring. Often, building unions have created significant delays to major projects by enforcing obscure parts of the law. As we have witnessed in the past, these delays have significant flow-on effects for electrical contracting businesses and small subcontractors. It is important that industry remembers the main purpose of these laws - to keep our workers safe and ensure they get to go home to their families at the end of the day. It is MEA’s belief that these new laws will create safer, more productive work sites, and it is a relief to finally see a practical, common-sense approach to workplace safety. For more information on changes to the WHS laws, contact MEA’s Workplace Relations Team on 1300 889 198.

ing to include two surface-mounted

www.masterelectricians.com.au

range of round-beam interior lightdownlights - the D900 SH Curve and its smaller counterpart, the D400 SH Curve. The D900 SH Curve downlight provides 900 lumens of high-quality Tru-Colour light in an evenly spread 45° beam. It delivers efficacy of 59 lm/W. It also delivers a focused 36° 400 lm beam of Tru-Colour light that is suitable for illuminating alcoves and highlighting design details. Both surface-mounted downlights feature an integrated driver and come in a warm, flattering 3000K colour temperature in either a black or white finish. The surface-mounted collection delivers efficiency, brightness, longevity (70,000 h) and quality, including Tru-Colour light quality with a CRI rating of 93. Key product features include: surface mount that is suitable for hard-tocut ceilings and walls; white finish matches Dulux Lexicon HLF STR PWIG9H, Wattyl Wiltshire E14w and Taubmans Moonlit Snow paints; integrated driver; durable aluminium body; recessed lens for minimal glare; 7-year warranty for the luminaire and 5-year warranty for the driver. Brightgreen Pty Ltd www.brightgreen.com

Single-function temperature calibrators Fluke has introduced two single-function calibrators for simulating process temperature sensors. For technicians who do not want the complexity of multifunction test tools yet need highly accurate temperature calibration, the Fluke 712B RTD and 714B Thermocouple Temperature Calibrators let instrument, process and plant maintenance technicians quickly and easily test process temperature instrumentation. The 712B measures and simulates 13 different resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) types and resistance, and the 714B measures and simulates 17 different thermocouple types as well as millivolts, to verify process sensors by direct comparison of measured versus reported temperatures. The calibrators also measure 4-20 mA signals with 0.001 mA resolution while simultaneously sourcing a temperature signal with both readings displayed on the large, backlit display for easy transmitter calibration. They can scale the measured mA to the programmed 0 and 100% temperature settings to verify the 0 and 100% values scaled in a temperature transmitter. They also feature linear ramp and 25% step auto-ramp based on 0 and 100% settings. Settings at power down are saved for easy restart of tests when the calibrator is powered back up. Both calibrators have built-in magnetic hanging tools for easy mounting while taking measurements. Fluke Australia Pty Ltd www.fluke.com.au

54

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

USB charging HPM has released the HPM 10A Power Centre with RCBO protection and 4.2 A USB charging capacity.

Power supplies The PULS CPS20 series of DIN railmount power supplies from Control Logic are compact with a width of only 65 mm. The power supplies are available in 12, 24, 36 and 48 V versions and power is available over a wide temperature range from -25 to +60°C. Additionally, there are power reserves of 20% included, which may even be used continuously at temperatures up to +45°C. For short-term peak loads with a maximum length of 15 ms, the units can deliver four times the nominal output current. The units are equipped with a wide-range input circuit from 100 and 240 VAC and have 94% full-load efficiency and good partial-load efficiencies. Other features include active power factor correction, DC okay LED indication and the high lifetime expectancy. All models in the CPS20 range have IECEx approval and there are also dedicated DC input versions that can take voltages between 88 and 360 VDC. Control Logic Pty Ltd

Tough and mobile, the device is suitable for construction sites and workshops. Along with two power points, it has two USB ports for simultaneously charging up to two tablets at maximum speed. Designed with safety in mind, the unit has built-in RCBO protection: a residual current device (RCD) provides a fast power cut to reduce electrocution and a miniature circuit breaker (MCB) protects the power centre from damage under overload conditions. The unit also features double pole shuttered outlets for extra safety and has an orange 1.8 m heavy-duty lead for high visibility. The unit is compliant with AS/NZS3012 and has an IP33 rating and a 2-year warranty. The multidevice USB charging range also includes a single adaptor with USB charger and a twin USB charging station with 1.5 m lead. HPM Legrand www.hpmlegrand.com.au

www.control-logic.com.au

FLIR’s T-Series Thermal Imaging Cameras Now Have More Built-in Features for Even Greater Efficiency You need troubleshooting tools that can help you find and report equipment problems fast. That’s exactly what FLIR T-Series cameras do. They let you see invisible heat caused by electrical resistance and mechanical wear early enough to help you head off expensive downtime and potential danger. • Touchscreen & Simple Buttons – As intuitive as a smartphone’s • GPS & Compass – Automatically embeds pointing direction and geo-location • Annotation – Add voice or text comments to images or use the touchscreen to sketch • Illumination – LED lights up dark areas and laser pointer adds markers for visible images

Find out more at www.flir.com.au/ecd-solutions 1300 729 987 NZ: 0800 785 492 info@flir.com.au

The images displayed may not be representative of the actual resolution of the camera shown.

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

55


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Connectors Molex’s Flexi-Mate connectors are designed

NMI-compliant DIN rail electricity meter Electricity meters used for submetering are

for standard room-lighting applications and LED TVs requiring the placement of LEDs on interconnecting panels across the full width of the display or lighting fixture.

now required to comply with NMI testing

The Flexi-Mate design meets the need for

standards for energy meters. From January 2013,

flexibility and space savings and includes

the exemption for energy meters used for trade (billing

coplanar board-to-board connectors used to

customers) was lifted, meaning energy meters used in residential, commercial and other

snap together small panels containing LED

businesses environments must now have NMI (National Measurement Institute) approval.

lights. The system includes a wire-to-board

SATEC (Australia) has introduced a multifunction, DIN rail-mounted, 0-100 A direct con-

option to connect the LED boards to the

nected electricity meter that complies with NMI Pattern approval requirements. The EM133

main power board; a terminating connector

incorporates many advanced features with Accuracy Class 0.5 S performance, and offers

is available and is used as a shorting device

extensive capabilities in a compact design. With this meter, the company has achieved

to complete an open-loop signal.

many challenging requirements of the NMI standard, including 12 kV impulse testing.

Key features of the 3 mm mated height con-

The meter provides full multifunction metering capability’s combined with 2 digital

nector family include a dual-contact terminal

inputs, 1 digital output, IR communication and battery backup for the real-time clock

design for secure electrical contact, space-

(RTC). The device is fully compatible with all PM130 PLUS modules. It provides mul-

saving positive side locks for wire-to-board

tifunctional three-phase power metering, in addition the EM133 can be configured as

connections and mating guide features that

3 x single-phase meters. The EM133 NMI Meter incorporates tariff revenue metering and

help facilitate mating and protect terminals

basic power quality information. It features on board non-volatile memory for event and

during mating and unmating.

data logging. The device includes 16 set points and 4 counters that operate the built-in 2 DI/1RO or the various analog and digital I/O add-on modules.

Currently, the system is available in a two-circuit, 26-28 AWG design. In addition,

The EM133 offers a wide range of network configurations and versatile voltage and

preassembled 24 AWG cable harnesses, cer-

current connections: 57 to 400 VAC, 100 A direct current measurement. Other features

tified to IEC60838-2-2, are available. Further

include RS485 communications and Ethernet module option, along with Modbus, TCP/

components, such as a wire-to-board adapter

IP protocol support.

that allows a signal line to be carried from one

All SATEC metering include licence-free PAS software for configuration, data down-

LED panel module grouping to another, are

loading in addition to providing analysis of PQ data such as PF, harmonics, real-time

in the planning stages to add even greater

waveform and vector analysis.

flexibility to the system.

SATEC (Australia) Pty Ltd

Molex Premise Networks Pty Ltd

www.satec-global.com.au

www.molexpn.com.au

ProTag PrimeTest Elite Australia’s Most Advanced Test & Tag System

High Definition

Colour Display

In-Built Camera with Flash

USB for Data

Up/Down Load

Bluetooth For

Printer & Scanner

The new ProTag Elite System tests portable appliances & RCDs, takes asset photos, prints Elite UV resistant test tags & downloads results to PC. Mains & battery powered. Faster testing & asset management for mining, construction, factories & workshops.

Sydney

Melbourne

Tel 02 9519 3933 Tel 03 9889 0427 Fax 02 9550 1378 Fax 03 9889 0715 email testinst@emona.com.au

56

Brisbane

Tel 07 3275 2183 Fax 07 3275 2196

Adelaide

Perth

Tel 08 8363 5733 Tel 08 9361 4200 Fax 08 83635799 Fax 08 9361 4300 web www.protag.com.au

EMONA

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Energy-saving rectifier The Eaton NPR48-ES Energy Saving Rectifier has been designed for telecommunications network operators aiming to cut energy costs across the network and who have aggressive carbon footprint reduction targets. The rectifier has intelligent digital signal processing for enhanced control, producing peak efficiency in excess of 96% for typical operating load, while also maintaining a high minimum operating efficiency of 95 to 96% over a wide range of loads. According to the company, the rectifier produces at least 50% less waste energy than most other modern rectifiers and offers potential greater savings over older infrastructure. It harnesses the technology of the APR48-ES 2 kW rectifier to offer 3 kW of output power. In addition, the high power density, short depth and flexible mounting options make the rectifier suitable for limited space applications such as ETSI and roadside cabinets. The product is fully compatible with the existing Eaton SC200 system controller and offers simple plug-and-go insertion. it operates under a range of AC power conditions and in temperatures of up to 70°C. Eaton Industries Pty Ltd www.eatonelectric.com.au

Core alignment fusion splicer Available to rent, the Fujikura FSM70S is suitable for singlefibre, core alignment fusion splicing. The unit comes in a transit case with work table and CT30A cleaver. The large, high-visibility 4.73″ colour screen and onboard instructional videos are said to make optical fibre splicing simple. The device allows fully automated wind cover and heater operation, with typical splice losses of 0.02 and 0.01 dB on single and multimode fibre respectively. Features include: automated tension test; long-life battery provides 200 splice/heat cycles; 7 s splice time and 14 s heat time; fibre holder and FuseConnect compatible. TechRentals www.techrentals.com.au This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings

57


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Load correction device The Clipsal 31LCDA load correction device is designed to improve the

Device circuit breakers with Germanischer Lloyd certification

dimming performance for most dimmable LEDs/CFLs. The device is suitable for use with Clipsal and Schneider Electric 2-wire, mains-powered dimmers that use phase-controlled (LE, TE or Universal) dimming. It is not used with 3-wire dimming units. The device provides improved dimming performance and load stability for low-power dimmable CFL or LED lighting loads across a wide dimming range. It also provides a positive off-state for phase-controlled dimmer channels controlling electronic lighting loads and is designed to reduce flicker with dimmable LED lights. The device is designed for dimmers connected to 220-240 VAC, 50 Hz mains voltages and has two non-polarised fly leads with stranded conductors. It must be installed in a containment box (for residential installations) or inside a service panel

All device circuit breakers from the Circuit Breaker product

box (for DIN rail dimmer applications).

range from Phoenix Contact have now been certified by

Clipsal Australia Pty Ltd

Germanischer Lloyd (GL).

www.clipsal.com

Circuit breakers are used wherever precise protection against overload and short circuit is needed for loads. GL approval is required in an increasing number of sectors. This involves testing in special environmental conditions,

Ute canopy

such as shock and vibration or salt spray tests. The de-

The Flexiglass WorkEzy canopy is designed for

vice circuit breakers have passed all the tests and have

maximum space and features an in-built frame

therefore been granted approval. They can now be used

for strength and durability. The fibreglass shell

in shipbuilding and in maritime systems, both onshore

is easy to maintain and keep secure, with gas

and offshore, as well as in all other areas which require

strut-assisted doors rear and side.

GL certification.

Features include: three easy access doors; fully lined;

Phoenix Contact Pty Ltd www.phoenixcontact.com.au

lightweight; LED tail lights; door activated internal light; suits both dual- and single-cab utes; single handle lock system; front, side and rear window options; racks and vents available; tools box and

Power analysis platform The Livingston Dent ELITEpro XC is a solution for accurately monitoring electric energy usage and recording key

internal fit-outs available; colour coding available. Flexiglass www.flexiglass.com.au

performance metrics. It is capable of logging, storing and analysing power consumption data derived from voltage and current inputs with accuracy levels of <0.2% typical. 80-600 V phase-to-phase (AC or DC) services, this quad-

Copper cabling with mini distributors

channel analysis tool can deal with currents up to 6000 A.

Networks that have a small number

It has configurable input ranges for voltage (0 to 10 VDC) or

of subscribers require simple and

current loop (0-20 mA and 4-20 mA) transducers. A waveform

cost-effective distributors without 19″

sampling frequency of 12 kHz is supported - allowing real-

racks and separate EDP rooms. For this reason

time display of voltage and current waveforms, as well as

WBT has developed distributors which are suitable as cable

harmonics. User-selectable recording intervals can be set as

distributors or as connection devices for groups or participants at their work desk.

short as every second, thereby giving test engineers a high

Up to 12 subscribers can be connected using shielded or unshielded installation

degree of flexibility. The 16 MB non-volatile memory provides

cabling at one time.

Suitable for both single- and three-phase systems using

months of recording time (enough to take measurements at 2 min intervals for up to 160 days). The intuitive Windowsbased ELOG software package that accompanies it enables rapid, easy data retrieving and scrutinising. The device is supplied in a rugged, compact (21.6 x 6.3

The products can also be used as optional consolidation points in a permanent link to provide even greater cabling flexibility. The company has a wide range of copper cabling floor/mini distributors to suit many data requirements with 6-, 8- or 12-port options available. Most of the Mini distributors come in CAT6A; however, the option of AMJ/UMJ connections

x 4.7 cm) and lightweight (340g) package.

in models MPD8, MPD12 and MPD8 CP is also available.

Celemetrix Australia Pty Ltd

Warren & Brown Technologies

www.celemetrix.com.au

www.warrenandbrown.com.au

58

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


Š Giuseppe Porzani /Dollar Photo Club

POWER SUPPLY

TYPES OF ENERGY STORAGE Energy storage is important for maintaining reliable supply, reducing wastage and lowering costs.

T

he method of energy storage depends on the source of energy. In this article, Masoud Abshar, Managing Director, Magellan Power explains types of electrical energy storage.

Pumped hydro storage This constitutes the majority of installed electrical storage around the world, which is currently about 3% of the global generation capacity. This system uses two reservoirs of water at different elevations. Water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the higher reservoir during off-peak times and then used to run a turbine at peak time. Typical discharge times range from hours to days and the efficiency is in the range of 70-85%.

Compressed air In this system, air is compressed in a natural underground structure or above-ground vessels and, when needed, it is mixed with natural gas and used in a gas turbine. The advantage of such a system is it is large scale. The disadvantage is its efficiency is typically less than 50%.

Flywheel storage In flywheel energy storage, the energy is stored in an accelerated rotor and maintained by keeping the rotor at a constant speed. The higher the speed, the higher the energy stored. Electricity is extracted by reducing the speed. The main advantages of such a system are: long life, low maintenance and high power density.

The disadvantages are self-discharge due to air resistance and bearing losses. Efficiency can range from 20-85%, depending on the construction and type of bearings.

Electrochemical energy storage (secondary batteries) Lead-acid batteries This is presently the most commonly used battery globally. These type of batteries are used in UPS, stand-alone systems with PV, wind power, and many other applications. Typical service life is 5-15 years and the cycle life ranges from 500-1500 cycles at 7080% depth of discharge. The cyclic efficiency is 80-90%. They are reliable, easy to use and low cost. Some of its disadvantages are its life and its usable capacity at elevated temperatures.

Nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride (Nicad, NiMH) batteries NiCADS have been in commercial use since 1915. They are reliable, robust and have higher energy density and cycle life compared with lead acid. Their disadvantage is their toxicity (cadmium) and their cost. Originally developed to replace NiCad, NiMh batteries have all the advantages of NiCad batteries and have much higher energy density but cannot be made at higher capacity.

Li-Ion batteries This has become the most important storage technology in the area of portable and mobile applications. They have higher cell voltage

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59


POWER SUPPLY

which means one lithium-ion battery can replace three NiCads. Other advantages include: high energy density, small size and weight, higher operating temperature, higher cyclic life (2000-5000), low self-discharge, high efficiency - typically 95-98%.

Sodium sulfur (NaS)

unlimited cyclic life, high power capability as well as high storage capability compared with conventional capacitors. Advantages of this technology are high capacitance, long cyclic life, durability and reliability. Their disadvantage is that the capacity is low compared with batteries.

This battery consists of liquid (molten) sulfur at the positive electrode and liquid (molten) sodium at the negative electrode. The battery temperature is kept at 300°C to keep the electrodes molten. This battery has a cycle life of up to 4500 cycles and an efficiency of about 75%. The drawback is the energy required to keep the batteries at high temperature. This energy comes from the battery itself.

Magnetic coil

Flow battery

Thermal energy storage

In the Redox flow battery, two liquid electrolytes containing metal ions are pumped to opposite sides of the cell to form positive and negative terminals. Theoretically, these batteries can be recharged within a few minutes by pumping out the discharged electrolyte and replacing it with charged electrolyte. These batteries have a low energy density and rely on pumps for its operation. They have a long life and are suitable for large-scale storage. Disadvantages include: complicated compared to other battery technologies, maintenance, and low energy density.

Electrical supercapacitor Supercapacitors have been around for 60 years. The technology fills the gap between conventional capacitors and batteries, and has a high development potential which can lead to much greater capacitance and energy storage capability. Supercapacitors have almost

These devices store energy in the magnetic field created by flow of DC current in a superconducting coil kept at a low temperature (-200°C). The main advantage of this device is quick response time, high reliability, high overall efficiency (depending on the refrigeration system) and high power output. Thermal energy storage systems store heat in insulated storage tanks for later use. Thermal storage can be subdivided into different technologies: storage of sensible heat, storage of latent heat and thermo-chemical storage. For electrical storage systems it is mainly the sensible and latent heat storage that are applicable. A practical two-tank system for a solar power plant uses one single molten salt as heat transfer fluid and storage medium. The molten salt is heated by solar radiation in the solar tower and then transported to the hot salt storage tank. To produce electricity, the hot salt passes through a steam generator which powers a turbine. Subsequently the cold salt is stored in a second tank before it is pumped to the solar tower again. Magellan Powertronics Pty Ltd www.magellan-power.com.au

ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Lighting towers The Allmand Mine-Spec lighting tower has six 1250 W metal halide lamps on an adjustable head, powered by a 1.5 L Caterpillar engine driving a 15 kW generator. Built to withstand a range of arduous mining operating environments, the lighting tower features heavy-duty components, a 265 L fuel tank and can safety illuminate an area the size of one and a half tennis courts with a total light output of 900,000 lm. The lighting tower uses a six-section, hydraulically actuated automatic lift mechanism to elevate the lamp head to almost 8 m above the ground. Intuitive adjustment of the lamp head allows accurate positioning of the lights before extending towers, with the tower able to be raised to its full height in 25 s. While the sectional tower is a typical design, both towers incorporate nylon guide sleeves which give smooth operation and help stabilise the tower when extended, enabling the unit to withstand wind gusts of up to 100 km/h. An integrated cable drum allows safe and neat extension and retraction of the power cable. The units are built in the US and comply with all Australian regulations and standards. The company says the units have environmental fluid containment systems, battery isolation and emergency stop buttons as standard along with other options including fire extinguishers and auto start/stop controllers. CAPS Australia Pty Ltd www.capsaust.com.au

60

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Monoblock inserts Harting’s monoblock inserts for higher contact densities in the Han-Eco series are expanding deployment possibilities. The

Surge suppression and filtering package

Han-Eco series comprises robust con-

The Eaton PSFI is an all-in-one surge suppression and

nector housings made of glass-fibre

filtering package. With a three-stage protection surge filter

reinforced high-performance plastics.

suitable for use in Class III/Cat A locations, the PSFI is

The monoblocks E, which have been

suitable for a number of applications including plug-in

developed primarily for use in housings

UPS systems, servers, portable instrumentation, point of

from the Han-Eco series, have seen the

sale and small office systems, as well as industrial and

Han-Eco ‘click and mate’ snap-in function

rural surge-prone sites. The PSFI is designed to provide

retained, ie, the simple and completely tool-free

secondary protection against power surges caused by

mounting of the insert. A feature of the monoblock inserts

external sources such as lightning strikes and substation

is that they achieve up to 67% higher contact density compared to Han E

switching. It also provides a measure of protection from surge

standard screw inserts of the same size. The inserts feature a pre-leading

events generation on the secondary side of the filter.

PE contact (ground) and the possibility of a six-fold coding system. This results in contact numbers of 10, 14, 20 and 28+PE for the four sizes.

In addition, the filter complies with AS3100, AS1768, IEC61643-1, IEC61000-6-1, 2, 3, 4 and other standards and codes as ap-

Moreover, it is also possible to combine a monoblock E with modules

plicable. Being a three-stage protection unit, the PSFI utilises

from the Han-Modular series in a housing from the Han-Eco series. Another

primary and secondary MOV protection in conjunction with a

possibility for use is in the Han-Modular docking frame. The new contacts

Low-Q LC filter. The unit features filtering of line harmonics, as

are based on the Han E contacts with screw termination.

well as noise and RF transmitters with a cut-off frequency of

The monoblock inserts have a rated voltage of 500 and a rated cur-

less than 10 kHz and a minimum attenuation of 40 dB above 1 MHz.

rent of 16 A. The cable connection cross-section is 0.75 mm2 (AWG 18)

Additional features include protection fail indicators; three-mode,

minimum and 2.5 mm (AWG 14) maximum.

three-stage protection; and enclosure in an IP24 painted metal housing.

HARTING Pty Ltd

Eaton Industries Pty Ltd

www.harting.com

www.eatonelectric.com.au

2

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61


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Railway cable conduit protectors Railway electrical installations, whether in infrastructure or rolling stock,

Test and measurement tools

are made up of a vast number

FLIR’s new line of test and measurement tools was engineered from

of components connected using

the ground up to include capabilities - advanced diagnostics, enhanced

electrical cable, which is often ex-

productivity and increased connectivity - that address real-world needs.

posed to severe stresses, whether

The product line-up includes an advanced digital multimeter, two

dynamic, static or environmental.

clamp meters, an NCV detector, a moisture meter and a videoscope.

Such stresses unfortunately cause the cables themselves to deteriorate, ultimately resulting in failures (train stoppages) and considerable costs to replace cables and restore correct operation. The PMA AG corrugated polyamide conduits provide resistance

The DM93 is a digital multimeter offering good accuracy, METERLiNK, and Bluetooth connectivity to Android devices. Designed for complex diagnostics, the CM83 is an industrial power clamp meter with METERLiNK, and Bluetooth connectivity to Android devices.

to ageing caused by UV exposure and thermal cycling, and are certified by LAPI meeting the limits for risk category LR4 in accordance with the UNI CEI 11170-3 standard (2005). Features include: wide operating temperature range (-40 + 105°C); retention of elevated mechanical strength at low temperatures; high resistance to flexural fatigue (more than 4 million cycles for PA12); self-extinguishing with no release of toxic gases; high impact and compressive strength; abrasion resistance; resistance to chemicals and oils; resistance to ageing when exposed to UV radiation; high IP rating - IP66, IP68, IP69K; fire and fume classification in ac-

The CM78 is a 1000 A clamp meter that combines a True RMS digital multimeter and non-contact clamp meter with temperature

cordance with UNI CEI 11170-3-2. The IP69K protection rating means that the fitting can be exposed to pressurised jets of fluid (up to 100 bar) without any ingress of fluid into the fittings. The fittings are available in two versions - the first manufactured entirely from polyamide and the second with a metallic thread for more demanding applications. Other features include: high-strength connection to system,

measurement capabilities. The VP50 is a Cat IV-rated NCV detector bringing quick voltage checking and area lighting to the user’s fingertips. The MR77 is a feature-rich moisture meter, designed to tackle critical restoration jobs and features METERLiNK, and Bluetooth connectivity to Android devices.

rodent repellent, impossibility of accidental disconnection and

The VS70 is a videoscope which brings hidden problems into clear

possibility of magnetic field shielding. The conduits are supplied

view by accessing extremely tight areas and offers voice annotations

with an extensive range of terminations and accessories enabling

to clarify findings.

versatile use under the most varied conditions.

FLIR Systems Australia Pty Ltd

Treotham Automation Pty Ltd

www.flir.com.au

www.treotham.com.au

Power analyser series element14 partners with leading brands from around the world to provide good-quality products. One such brand is Tektronix, a test and measurement equipment supplier. element14 is the master reseller of the PA1000 power analyser. The product provides highly accurate power measurements on single-phase power-electronic products. The device features: high measurement accuracy; dual current

www.krausnaimer.com.au SYDNEY MELBOURNE Tel: (02) 9797 7333 Tel: (03) 9720 9777 Fax: (02) 9797 0092 Fax: (03) 9720 9766

BRISBANE ADELAIDE Tel: (07) 3252 8344 Tel: (08) 8371 1443 Fax: (07) 3252 1497 Fax: (08) 8371 0901

Linked with an Australian Wide Distribution Network

62

shunts; full suite of power measurements; high crest factor tolerance; fast autoranging for voltage and current inputs; application-specific test modes; USB and LAN interfaces; GPIB option. The unit is accurate and versatile. element14 au.element14.com

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Network power switch Critical network elements such as routers, servers and firewalls often lock up or hang, needing a simple flip of the power switch to bring them back online. The NPS-4HS15-2 network power switch allows users to remotely control four power outlets,

Fluorescent lights for hazardous areas

eliminating the need for costly service calls.

R. STAHL’s light fittings for use in Ex zone 1/21 and 2/22 hazardous areas are

With the NPS-4HS15-2, network administrators have complete

said to achieve better energy efficiency than comparable devices and provide

power on/off/reboot control of remote equipment. Users can

approximately 10% more luminous intensity. The EXLUX 6001 luminaires also fea-

access the network power switch via HTTPS, SNMP, external

ture a design that is more compact, stable and torsion-resistant than their EXLUX

PSTN, satellite or 3G modem and choose which outlets they

6000 predecessors. Depending on their performance class, the 6001 luminaires

want to power on, off or reboot. The NPS can also completely

are a quarter to a third lighter than their predecessor models.

eliminate equipment downtime by automatically rebooting outlets

These robust, slimmer and narrower units can, unlike most lights, be operated at

when a network device ceases to respond to ping commands.

extremely low ambient temperatures (as low as -30°C). In many cases, this amounts to a extension of the application range, making extra specifications unnecessary. The installation of the units remains fully compatible with the predecessor series and the swiftly removable replacement parts ensure quick and easy maintenance. The lights are available with customer-specific modifications on request. Models are available with a power consumption of 18, 36 or 58 W. Featuring

The NPS includes a robust selection of monitoring and alarm

4 mm2 cage clamp terminals, 5-core through wiring and a full-phase safety shut-

features. The device can let you know: the rack temperature,

down, the models are adequately equipped for the majority of typical applications.

excessive invalid password attempts, devices that fail to respond

The series fully complies with the requirements of all current industry stand-

to ping commands and when power is lost. Event alarms and

ards and the silicone-based foamed gasket has been optimised for maximum

SNMP polling can be used to help keep tabs on vital network

durability, as stipulated by IEC 60079. This sealing solution, which is resistant

elements. NPS Series models are available with 3, 4, 8 or 16

to various chemicals as well as UV radiation, the fitting’s hinge and the central

10 A outlets and with single or dual 240 VAC power inputs.

lock ensure IP67 protection.

Interworld Electronics and Computer Industries

R. STAHL Australia Pty Ltd

www.ieci.com.au

www.stahl.com.au

LED POWER BY MEAN WELL

21 GARDEN BLVD DINGLEY VILLAGE VIC 3172 AUSTRALIA T +61 3 9551 6922 F +61 3 9551 6977 E SALES@ADMTECH.COM.AU

LDH-45 SERIES

LCM SERIES

HLG SERIES

Run LEDs directly from a battery

Choose your own output current

LED power for inside and out

• • • •

• 25W to 60W AC/DC drivers • Constant current • DALI control option • Dimmable

• 40W – 320W AC/DC drivers • IP67 water protection • Constant voltage output • Dimmable options

45W DC-DC boost driver Constant current output Dimmable Up to 95% efficient

SEE THE FULL RANGE AT WWW.ADMTECH.COM.AU Australian safety approved

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63


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

Building management system

Low-loss high-voltage transformer The Powerstar HV MAX, a low-loss high-voltage transformer with an amorphous metal core, complements the Powerstar voltage optimisation units that come with fixed input voltage. The HV MAX system uses electronic-dynamic intelligent technology that automatically adjusts voltage to a user-defined, optimum voltage output. The stabilised voltage output makes it an important feature for sites that require high levels of reliability and security that may need to contend with high levels of fluctuating voltage, heavy night loading and critical operations. Example sites include data centres, supermarkets, hospitals, hotels, clubs, education facilities and retailers. It is also suitable for new build developments that need to achieve sustainability marks and high energy-efficiency ratings. The system has no load losses, delivers greater efficiency and increased savings over older transformers - whether placed inside or out - and is suitable for applications in commercial building sites such as factories, storage, warehousing,

Honeywell has updated its building management system

manufacturing and production facilities.

Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI), enabling facility

The system can also be adopted by utility companies and for installation in

personnel to view and enhance core building technology

general building premises such as office buildings. Users of HV MAX can obtain

with ease and precision. The software now incorporates

claimed savings of up to 75% compared to conventional steel core transformers.

features common to consumer applications, such as

Powerstar HV MAX is said to be the only world-patented HV voltage optimisa-

drag-and-drop interaction, that make day-to-day tasks

tion unit available. Powerstar MAX uses the triple-wound Powerstar transformer

and training easier.

which boasts efficiency of 99.91%.

EBI R430 helps improve efficiency and reduce energy and operational costs by simplifying set-up, scheduling

EMSc (UK) Ltd www.ems-uk.org

and control. The product includes a simplified approach to facility-wide integration, comprehensive mobile access and a redesigned user interface designed to accelerate both routine and advanced tasks. The latest version addresses the growing trend of smart, integrated buildings - facilities where automated

Cable assemblies

systems are merged and managed across the enterprise

Connector-Tech ALS has available com-

network, which can reduce energy usage by 20-40%.

plete cable assemblies with Phase 3’s

This provides a more comprehensive view of equipment

10-pin Socapex-compatible connectors

and activity, helping boost productivity every day and

for entertainment lighting applications.

deliver savings over the life of a building. Operators can

The leads have the technical features

program and coordinate facility-wide systems - including

of the P3-19 series - machined shells with

HVAC, lighting, security and life safety - in minutes using

wear-resistant anodised finish, integral

the revamped automation engine and scheduling. They

insulation sleeves and heavy-duty coupling rings available in black

can also implement tablet-based connectivity, which

or blue - with the convenience and safety of a ready-made cable

provides access to all building information. The system

solution. The P3-19 connectors are also available with a 6-way

gives users a single point of access and consistent view

spider clamp.

of information and resources that enhance the ability

The 18 core (x 2.5 mm2), flexible cable designed for stage use

to monitor, manage and protect a facility, campus or

will not deform, degrade or tangle in the rough handling typical of

multisite operation.

a live performance space, the company says. Standard lengths

The system is compatible with many common web

(10, 15, 20 and 30 m) are available as a stock item with custom

services to provide users with new ways to customise how

lengths provided in three to four weeks. Header and tail breakouts

building systems import and mine data, and synthesise

with spiders or M40 glands can be made to order in two weeks.

the information into recommendations. It communicates

The 700 VDC, 500 VAC connectors have gold-plated contacts and

with open protocols like BACNet, OPC and LonWorks,

operate in temperatures from -55 to +125°C. Rated IP67 when mated,

helping users integrate with third-party software and

the connectors have thick wall section backshells with locking screws

hardware and benefit from the scalability and flexibility

and an easy grip, heavy-duty coupling ring. The ROHS-compliant

that come with an interoperable architecture.

connectors include inserts marked with lighting circuit wiring.

Honeywell Limited

Connector-Tech ALS Pty Ltd

www.honeywell.com.au

www.connectortech.com.au

64

This issue is sponsored by — Schneider Electric — http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers/65875-Designing-a-metering-system-for-small-and-medium-sized-buildings


ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION

1 W DC/DC converters and R-78 switching regulators RECOM has expanded its product portfolio with seven DC/DC converters called the E-series, which are lower-cost versions of the most popular converters in the company’s industrial products portfolio. Quality has been maintained by optimising the design, streamlining the manufacturing process and by high-volume production on the company’s SMT-production lines. The E family includes seven converters: the R1SE-0505 (1 W unregulated in SMD case), the REE-0505S & RBE-0505S

Work light

(1 W unregulated in SIP7 case with different pin-outs), the ROE-

ABL Lights Group has released

0505S (1 W unregulated in SIP4 case), the RKE-0505S/H (1 W

a powerful 3000 effective lumen

unregulated in SIP7 case with 3.75 kVDC isolation), the R-78E5.0

version of its compact 500 LED

(500 mA switching regulator in SIP3 case) and the ROF-78E5.0

series - the ABL 500 LED 3000

(500 mA switching regulator, open frame SMD construction).

heavy-duty work light.

The 1 W isolated converters feature 5V input/output and

The ABL 500 LED series work

operate with efficiencies up to 75% at ambient temperatures

lights are designed to exceed

from -40 to +85°C. Such converters are often used for isolation of interfaces or bus sys-

everyday demands in all applica-

tems and the company offers five different case and pin-out styles for drop-in compatibility.

tions. Features include: 36 W or

The E-series 1 W converters are fully UL60950 certified.

1.5 A (24 V), IP69K, overvoltage

The R-78E and ROF-78E series offer all the advantages of a switching regulator (high ef-

and reverse polarity protection.

ficiency, wide input voltage range and accurate output voltage regulation). The regulators need

The work lights have a four-year

no external components and due to their high efficiencies of 92%, heat sinks are superfluous.

warranty.

RECOM Asia Pte Ltd www.recomasia.com

APS Lighting and Safety Products www.aps-supply.com

Once you’ve experienced the BMP®21-PLUS Label Printer you’re not going to want to share. Rugged: Rubber bumpers, drop tested Fast: Automatic label setup Durable: Long lasting material quality Dependable: 2 year warranty

FREE label cartridge included See how it works at www.bradyID.com.au/bmp21plus

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65


CASE STUDY

Brazil’s football stadiums install LED lights A.B.N. 22 152 305 336 Head Office Cnr. Fox Valley Road & Kiogle Street, (Locked Bag 1289) Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia Ph: +61 2 9487 2700 Fax: +61 2 9489 1265 Editor: Mansi Gandhi mgandhi@westwick-farrow.com.au Assistant Editor: Alice Richard Chief Editor: Janette Woodhouse Publisher: Geoff Hird Art Director/Production Manager: Julie Wright Art/Production: Tanya Scarselletti, Odette Boulton, Colleen Sam Circulation Manager: Sue Lavery circulation@westwick-farrow.com.au

R

oyal Philips is lighting 9 of 12 stadiums that will be used as venues for this summer’s soccer tournament in Brazil. The facades of five stadiums will be lit highlighting the architecture of these landmarks, while the pitch lighting at five out of 12 stadiums will ensure that TV watchers can see every moment, emotion and detail of the beautiful game. Pitch lighting will be provided at Fonte Nova (Salvador), Castelão (Fortaleza), Arena Pantanal (Cuiaba), Arena da Baixada (Curitiba) and Arena das Dunas (Natal) and facade lighting at Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro), South America’s largest stadium, and Arena Pantanal (Cuiaba), Beira Rio (Porto-Alegre), Fonte Nova (Salvador) and Arena da Baixada (Curitiba). Philips will provide ArenaVision pitch lighting that enables HDTV, 3D and super slow motion replays, making sure viewers do not miss one moment. At various venues, Philips will also light areas around the stadiums, such as the stadium facade, conference areas, shops, hospitality suites, changing rooms and the players’ tunnel. Philips knows that lighting is essential for high-quality TV broadcasts of soccer and other sporting events across the world, said Flávio Guimarães, commercial director of Philips Lighting Brazil. In Brazil, we will use the latest innovations in lighting to make the event for fans in every seat around the pitch and for billions of viewers at home even more enjoyable, said Guimarães. LED lighting for Brazil’s Maracanã stadium Stadiums are not just about football; they are beacons to the cities and countries that host major sporting events. A great stadium can galvanise support, attract tourists and reflect a city’s place on the world stage. Philips has installed the facade lighting for Rio de Janeiro’s 78,000-seat Maracanã stadium, Brazil’s most famous football venue. The indoor and outdoor technical lighting project for the stadium was created by Mingrone Iluminação, a company with a high level of expertise in lighting projects. With colourful and dynamic LED lighting, stadiums can be transformed into iconic landmarks. Stadiums can be lit in the colours of the two teams, can flash when a goal is scored or even change colour to reflect the atmosphere inside - there are endless possibilities to create sporting statements and enhance the overall stadium experience. Also, such technologies can be used for non-sporting events such as pop concerts. At Maracanã stadium, LED lighting will reflect in the roof the colours of the national flags for each of the teams involved in the match. Today, more people watch soccer on HDTV than ever before. There are stringent lighting requirements by broadcasters which are all the more important since the advent of HDTV, 3D and super slow motion replays. The global viewing figures for the 2010 tournament, hosted by South Africa, topped 3.2 billion viewers and it is expected that even more viewers will tune into the world’s greatest sporting event of 2014. Philips Lighting Pty Ltd www.philips.com

66

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September 2013 Total CAB Audited Circulation (Aust + NZ) 7,149 (69% personally requested) ECD Solutions: ISSN 2201-2702 Printed and bound by Bluestar Print +61 2 9748 3411

All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

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