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CONTENTS
PUBLISHER
Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER
Anita Salchert NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Jerry DiChiara jerryd@epsmag.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Derek Gaylard CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Richard Holder, John Olobri, Tim Fox CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Pam Fulmer
FEATURES 6 Working in Partnership Against a Common Threat By Richard Holder
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Grounding Electrodes Part 2 of 2 By John Olobri
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Selecting the Right Solar Mounting System Understanding landscape versus portrait solar panel orientation options By Tim Fox
TOP PRODUCTS 18 This year’s Top Products in the Electrical Industry market
DEPARTMENTS 33 Industry News 40 Ad Index ON THE COVER Cover photography provided by AEMC® Instruments
PRESIDENT
Danny J. Salchert Executive and Advertising Offices 3591 Cahaba Beach Road Birmingham, AL 35242 toll free: 800.981.4541 phone: 205.981.4541 fax: 205.981.4544 www.epsmag.net • danny@epsmag.net Electrical Products & Solutions™ is published twelve times a year on a monthly basis by ABD Communications, Inc., 3591 Cahaba Beach Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed to qualified readers in the electrical contracting industry. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABD Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 382885 Birmingham, Alabama 35238-2885 PRINTED IN THE USA
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FEATURE • Eaton Corporation
Working in Partnership Against a Common Threat By Richard Holder, president, electrical components organization, Eaton Corporation
knock-off luxury goods, bootleg movies and music trading. Without proper awareness of the repercussions and potential hazards of counterfeit safety-related products, many consumers are attracted by their low prices. Counterfeit electrical products can have a significant negative impact on many people. These knock offs are unable to meet even minimum quality specifications and fail to perform even the most basic requirements for electrical circuit protection. Instead, these sub-standard, unsafe products often overheat or cause short circuits, leading to fires, shocks or failures that can cost people considerable property damage or even their lives. Counterfeiting has been a growing problem worldwide for more than a decade and has increased by 10,000 percent over the past 20 years. In 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reI recently gave a keynote feits are luxury goods, there is a growing ported that electrical products repreaddress at the Certification Industry trend of counterfeit safety-related prodsented 13 percent of all Against Counterfeiting (CIAC) North ucts such as electrical articles, pharcounterfeit products American Summit in Arlington, Va. It maceuticals and critical technologies. seized – the secondwas an enlightening conference that In many cases, counterfeit products highest total of any brought together the certification indus- can produce unfair competition and category. try, the Department of Homeland Secu- financial harm to the industry as a A counterfeit rity, Interpol, brand holders, and industry whole, but do not pose any signifiproduct uses, without experts to discuss the health and safety cant dangers to the customers authorization, the risks that counterfeit products pose. Op- themselves. In the case of the trademark, service mark portunities like these, where minds can safety-related products, the or copyright of another come together in one room and share is- threats to consumer health and product, with the intent to sues, solutions and collaborate on future welfare become real. deceive prospective cusendeavors, are vital to the successful fight As a whole, tomers into believing that against counterfeiting. Every solution pre- consumers the product is genuine. sented, by individuals and industry experts have been deCounterfeiters prey on recogalike, made one thing clear: we cannot ad- sensitized to nized brands with a large indress issues like counterfeiting without a counterfeiting stalled base. This is especially well coordinated collaboration of govern- by bargaintrue of high volume, relatively ment, law enforcement, and industry. priced low cost products with high marThere were many bright minds who ket demand. Types of fraudulent presented on the issues of counterfeiting. electrical products include: control The case studies, panel discussions, and relays for industrial equipment; cirexpert presentations all confirm that councuit breakers; receptacles; ground terfeiting is prevalent in many industries. fault circuit interrupters; power strips; While the most frequently seized countersurge suppressors; Continued on page 8 6
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FEATURE • Eaton Corporation
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Legitimate manufacturers, like Eaton, make their electrical products harder to counterfeit by enhancing products with covert technologies as well as visible markings and using unique moldings and cartons. and power cords. As access to illicit manufacturing and distribution via the Internet increases, it becomes easier for these counterfeit products to find their way into the marketplace. Eaton has collaborated with the electrical industry and governments worldwide to prevent the flow of counterfeit products at borders and halt production at its source as well as with electrical manufacturers, suppliers and governments on enforcement and best practices. Eaton’s global task force has dedicated itself to the anti-counterfeiting mission, developing programs and methods to help thwart counterfeiting through education and training of customs groups, law enforcement, distributors and customers. Legitimate manufacturers, like Eaton, make their electrical products harder to counterfeit by enhancing products with covert technologies as well as visible markings and using unique moldings and cartons. There is no magic bullet for anticounterfeiting technology. Authentication programs, many with tracking and tracing capabilities, also help to ensure products are being sold and distributed properly. But the effort must be constant if we are to stay a step ahead of the counterfeiters. In order for governments to be effective at blocking the proliferation of counterfeit products at customs and borders, laws need to be enforceable while supporting the victims and not the criminals. There also need to be stronger deterrent penalties against manufacturers, importers and traders of counterfeits, especially where safety issues are concerned. Consumers can also help tackle counterfeiting by avoiding such products. Al8
ways purchase from the manufacturer’s authorized distributors or resellers and ensure that there is a traceability of purchases to the original manufacturer. Also avoid products that lack any identifying branding label or that have evidence of tampering and “bargains” that seem too good to be true. The attention we devote as professionals, and as members of our communities, to stopping the proliferation of counterfeit products can help ensure the future health and safety of our families. CIAC is an international network of certification organizations committed to stopping the worldwide proliferation of products bearing counterfeit certification marks that may endanger public health and safety. For more information, visit www.ciac.info. Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and industrial automation products and services. Eaton’s global electrical product lines, including Cutler-Hammer®,
Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2010
Moeller®, Powerware®, Holec®, MEM®, Santak®, and MGE Office Protection Systems™ provide customer-driven PowerChain Management® solutions to serve the power system needs of the data center, industrial, institutional, government, utility, commercial, residential, and OEM markets worldwide. Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. ❏
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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments PART 2 OF A 2 PART ARTICLE
Grounding Electrodes By John Olobri, Director of Sales and Marketing, AEMC® Instruments
Multiple Rod Spacing Parallel multiple electrodes yield lower resistance to ground than a single electrode. High-capacity installations require low grounding resistance. Multiple rods are used to provide this resistance. A second rod does not provide a total resistance of half that of a single rod unless the two are several rod lengths apart. To achieve the grounding resistance, place multiple rods one rod length apart in a line, circle, hollow triangle, or square. The equivalent resistance can be calculated by dividing by the number of rods and multiplying by the factor X (See Figure 20). Additional considerations regarding step and touch potentials should be addressed by the geometry. Placing additional rods within the periphery of a shape will not reduce the grounding resistance below that of the peripheral rods alone.
still not obtained, the use of shielded cables may be required. The shield acts to protect the inner conductor by capturing the voltage and draining it to ground. (See Figure 28)
Continued on page 14
are equally spaced. (See Figure 21) In multiple electrode systems, the 62% method electrode spacing may nolonger be applied directly. The distance of the auxiliary electrodes is now based on the maximum grid distance (i.e. In a square, the diagonal; in a line, the total length. For example, a square having a side of 20 ft will have a diagonal of approximately 28 ft). Three readings, minimum, are still required for proper testing.
Tech Tips Excessive Noise
Figure 22
A single driven grounding electrode is an economical and simple means of making a good ground system. But sometimes a single rod will not provide sufficient low resistance, and several grounding electrodes will be driven and connected in parallel by a cable. Very often when two, three or four grounding electrodes are being used, they are driven in a straight line; when four or more are being used, a hollow square configuration is used and the grounding electrodes are still connected in parallel and
Excessive noise may interfere with testing because of the long leads used to perform a Fall-of-Potential test. A voltmeter can be utilized to identify this problem. Connect the “X”, “Y” and “Z” cables to the auxiliary electrodes as for a standard ground resistance test. Use the voltmeter to test the voltage across terminals “X” and “Z”. (See Figure 25) The voltage reading should be within stray voltage tolerances acceptable to your Figure 25 ground tester. If the voltage exceeds this value, try the following techniques: A) Braid the auxiliary cables together. This often has the effect of canceling out the common mode voltages between these two conductors. (See Figure 26) B) If the previous method fails, try changing the alignment of the auxiliary cables so that they are not parallel to power lines above or below the Figure 26 ground. (See Figure 27) C) If a satisfactory low voltage value is
Figure 20
Figure 21
Multiple Electrode Systems
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Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2010
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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments
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commercial frequency and high-frequency noise. Voltage is detected by c oils wound around the injection CT which is then amplified, rectified, and compared by a level comparator. If the clamp is not closed properly, an “open jaw” annunciator appears on the LCD.
Examples: Typical In-Field Measurements Figure 31
Pole Mounted Transformer
Figure 32
Remove any molding covering the ground conductor, and provide sufficient room for the Model 3711 & 3731 jaws, which must be able to close easily around the conductor. The jaws can be placed around the ground rod itself. Note: The clamp must be placed so that the jaws are in an electrical path from the system neutral or ground wire to the ground rod or rods as the circuit provides.
Figure 28
1. Float the shields at the auxiliary electrodes 2. Connect all three shields together at (but not to) the instrument 3. Solidly ground the remaining shield to the ground under test
Clamp-On Ground Resistance Measurement This measurement method is innovative and quite unique. It offers the ability to measure the resistance without disconnecting the ground. This type of measurement also offers the advantage of including the bonding to ground and the overall grounding connection resistances. This method requires connection of utility Figure 33 neutral or another grounding system so that the signal goes out to the other sysTherefore, E/I = Rx is established. If I tem and returns to the test point through is detected with E kept constant, meathe earth. sured grounding point resistance can be obtained. Refer again to Figures 31 and Principle of Operation 32. Current is fed to a special transUsually, a common distribution line former via a power amplifier from a grounded system can be simulated as a 2.4kHz constant voltage oscillator. This simple basic circuit as shown in Figure 32 current is detected by a detection CT. or an equivalent circuit, shown in Figure Only the 2.4kHz signal frequency is am33. If voltage E is applied to any mea- plified by a filter amplifier. This occurs sured grounding point Rx through a spe- before the A/D conversion and after syncial transformer, current I flows through chronous rectification. It is then disthe circuit, thereby establishing the fol- played on the LCD. The filter amplifier lowing equation. is used to cut off both earth current at 14
Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2010
Select the current range “A.” Clamp onto the ground conductor and measure the ground current. The maximum current range is 30A. If the ground current exceeds 5A, ground resistance measurements are not possible. Do not proceed further with the measurement. Instead, remove the clamp-on tester from the circuit, noting the location for maintenance, and continue to the next test location. After noting the ground current, select the ground resistance range “Ω” and measure the resistance directly. The reading you measure with the Model 3711 & 3731 indicates the resistance not just of the rod, but also of the connection to the system neutral and all bonding connections between the neutral and the rod. Note that in Figure 33 there is both a butt plate and a ground rod. In this type of circuit, the instrument must be placed above the bond so that both grounds are included in the test. For future reference note the date, ohms reading, current reading and point number. Replace any molding you may have removed from the conductor. Note: A high reading indicates one or more of the following: A) Poor ground rod B) Open ground conductor C) High resistance bonds on the rod or splices on the conductor; watch for buried split bolts, clamps and hammer-on connections. Continued on page 16
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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments
Figure 34
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Continued from page 14
Figure 35
Service Entrance or Meter
the ground circuit. Care must be taken to find a conductor with only one return path to the neutral. Both the fall-of-potential and the clampon test method can be effectively used to measure a grounding electrode system by just observing a few simple rules. Ground resistance testing can be quick and easy and completed with the confidence that the test has been conducted properly by following the steps outlined here. Also modern day Pad Mounted Transformer instruments can take all of the guess work Note: Never open transformer enclosures. out of testing and provide the ability to print They are the property of the electrical utility. out professional reports. ❏ This test is for high voltage experts only. Observe all safety requirements, since John Olobri holds degrees in both Figure 36 dangerously high voltage is present. Electrical and Industrial Engineering Locate and number all rods (usually only and has worked in the design and a single rod is present). If the ground rods marketing of instrumentation for over are inside the enclosure, refer to Figure 36 35 years. He began his career designing and if they are outside the enclosure, refer to Oscillographic chart recorders in the Figure 37. If a single rod is found within mid 1970s. Since then he has held the enclosure, the measurement should be positions of Service Manager, Product taken on the conductor just before the bond Marketing Manager and Sales Manager on the ground rod. Often, more than one for several instrument manufacturers. ground conductor is tied to this clamp, loopFor the past fourteen years, John has ing back to the enclosure or neutral. been the Director of Sales and In many cases, the best reading can be Marketing for AEMC® Instruments obtained by clamping the Models 3711 & where he has been actively involved in 3731 onto the ground rod itself, below the the areas of Insulation Resistance, point when the ground conductors are atGround Resistance, Power Quality tached to the rod, so that you are measuring Testing and Data Logging. Figure 37 Follow basically the same procedure as in the first example. Notice that Figure 34 shows the possibility of multiple ground rods, and in Figure 35 the ground rods have been replaced with a water pipe ground. You may also have both types acting as a ground. In these cases, it is necessary to make the measurements between the service neutral and both grounded points.
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Top Products
2010 TOP PRODUCTS
Each year we choose what we believe are Top Products in the Electrical Industry market. This year is no different. The products and services chosen are each unique, beneficial and reliable in their own right. Having the ability to choose the tools and services that best fits your job description and your work style is what it’s all about. We hope you agree with our choices.
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Top Products MTX Mobile Multimeters AEMC’s new high end, hand-held graphic MTX Mobile Multimeters stand apart from the competition, offering 100,000 count resolution and a basic accuracy of 0.02% at a bandwidth up to a 200kHz. Their unique design, featuring a multi-position graphic display and electronic push button function selections makes this range of multimeters ideally suited for both bench top and hand-held and hands free use. It is 600V CAT IV rated and UYL approved. Unique features include: • Automat recognition of live voltage or current inputs • Programmable math functions • Digital readout with trend graphing • Data storage of up to 6500 measurements
These multimeters come equipped with PC-compatible analysis software. Measurement results may be exported in real-time or deferred mode, enabling the ability to store, analyze, document and transfer data to a standard spreadsheet program (e.g. Word or Excel). For more information, visit www.aemc.com
Thousands of Applications. Hundreds of Labels. ONE label printer. Brady’s new BMP® 71 Portable Label Printer is our most versatile labeler for on-the-job printing. It prints on more than 400 different label parts, and has a convenient handle and rechargeable battery - so you can easily take this printer on the job site, even if there’s no access to electricity. The New BMP® 71 Label Printer can handle all your applications like; wire & cable identification, terminal block and patch panel labeling, electrical panels (rating, voltage, disconnect labels), face plate identification, arc flash labeling, equipment identification, barcode labeling, plus general and other safety identification. For more information, visit www.bradyid.com
Cummins Onan Residential Standby Generator Quietest of Four Brands at All Load Levels
2010 TOP PRODUCTS
The Cummins Onan RS20A/AC residential generator was quieter at every load in a side-by-side sound comparison with similar-size Kohler, Briggs & Stratton and Generac generators. The rigorous test procedures were certified by SGS Testing (http://www.sgs.com), the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certifying company. The Cummins Onan RS20 generator runs on either natural gas or LP and includes: • Patented all climate enclosure • Durable installation pad so no concrete slab required • Easy maintenance access • In-home display • Email notification • Remote monitoring via the internet • Five-year, 2,000-hour warranty • Cold or warm climate versions • Meets U.S. EPA and CARB For information, visit www.cumminsonan.com/residential 20
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Top Products
Extech BR250 Wireless Video Borescope Extech’s remarkably affordable BR250 Wireless Video Inspection Camera (borescope) can not only access tight spots but also offers the added capability to record 2GB of video or digital images. The BR250’s adjustable dual-LED lighting and 50° viewing angle are invaluable for documenting inspections and simplifying diagnostics.
For added versatility, the large 3.5” color display detaches so you can hold it in your hand while positioning the camera as needed. Or, take the monitor and inspect remotely from up to 30’ away. Extech BR250 includes a 3ft (1m) flexible gooseneck shaft with 9mm diameter camera, 60-76mm bend radius, and can be exposed to water, diesel, gasoline, brake fluid, antifreeze, oil and other liquids. Already a best-seller, the BR250 is indispensable for increased safety and improved ease-of-viewing in limited access areas. For information, visit Extech.com/br250
Southwire SIMpull® Stack
2010 TOP PRODUCTS
Southwire’s patent pending SIMpull® Stack allows you to combine multiple pulls on one single reel. One reel can hold up to five phases, for up to four pulls, depending on the size of the cable and length of the pull. Save time and money, increase safety and simplify your pull with cut lengths of colored parallels, separated by stretch wrap, combined on one reel in the order of your pulls. For more information, visit www.southwire.com FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 30 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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Top Products
FLIR i5 Thermal Imager: 80x80px Resolution for $1595 With the FLIR i5, electrical contractors can now afford to use infrared thermal imaging as part of effective electrical diagnostics. The FLIR i5 is a powerful yet compact IR camera with useful 80x80 (6,400) pixel resolution, +/-2% thermal accuracy and a wide –4 to 482°F (–20 to 250°C) temperature range. Only FLIR can offer an infrared camera with capabilities typically found in cameras costing several times as much. The 2.8” color display renders images in 3 palettes: iron, rainbow, and blackand-white and displays images using a spot measurement mode. The i5 offers a 5,000 image storage capacity (with microSD card) and uses FLIR’s versatile, patented, radiometric JPEGs--one file format that stores temperature data for analysis and can also be easily shared in emails and Word files like an ordinary JPEG. A 5+ hour Li-Ion battery, one-hand operation, and 12ounce weight ensure ergonomic, all-day performance. For information, visit www.flir.com
Garvin Industries Energy Saving Temporary Work Light Garvin Industries Energy Saving Temporary Work Light uses 70% less energy than competing HID type fixtures and weighs 90% less (only 3 lbs) than competing fixtures. Its unrivaled “light weight” yet durable construction makes portability to any area of the jobsite quick and easy. A Versatile Snap hook securely attaches the fixture to numerous structural members without added strain to the installer’s arms or back. Ballast free fixture design virtually eliminates repair, replacement & recycling costs! This fixture comes standard with High Output 105 Watt CFL Bulb which provides 6300 lumens of brightness, but it also offers installers the ability to control light intensity on various areas of the jobsite. From Super Bright to Low Light….Garvin has the solution you have been looking for! Fixture with 105 Watt CFL Lamp…$ 59.00 each or 30%-40% less than comparable models. Offer expires 3/31/11 For information, visit www.garvinindustries.com
2010 TOP PRODUCTS
HELUKABEL® TOPFLEX® 600 VFD The HELUKABEL® TOPFLEX® 600 VFD is a flexible, extremely oil-resistant motor supply cable for modern VFD drives. The robust cable structure provides superior electrical performance and reliability in these particular operating environments that are characterized by high voltage spikes and high noise levels. A double-shielding with special aluminum foil (100% coverage) and tinned copper braid (approx. 85% coverage) safeguards against electrical disturbances and consequential failures. Due to its specially formulated jacket compound it is extremely resistant to oil, coolants and solvents. The TOPFLEX® 600 VFD comes with UL, CSA and CE approvals and is therefore suitable for domestic and international markets. It complies with NFPA 79 2007 and is approved for the open, unprotected installation on cable trays and from cable trays to machines. A version for continuous flex applications is available as well. For information, visit www.helukabel.com 24
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Making Sense of the Complicated CAT5/6 Cable Installing network devices (VoIP phones, IP cameras, access points) always had 2 steps: 1) Plug in the network cable and 2) shove the power plug into an AC outlet. That’s changed now that many devices are powered from the network cable using a method defined as Power over Ethernet (“PoE” for short). This change has caused frustration and confusion during the install process… not knowing whether power or a data path is available…. and no way to find out because the measurement process is complicated. Plus, most VoIP and IP camera installers are experts in the fields of phones and security… not networks. The Power Panel CAT5/6 DVM is the right tool at the right time because, once connected, it goes to work scanning each pin on the connector and displaying both activity and pair location. Whether it be network devices, phones or PoE, the installer has the information he/she needs for a successful and quick installation. For more information, visit www.bytebros.com
Connect Generators with the InterLock Kit Connect portable and standby generators to home panels with the InterLock Kit. Safe and easy-to-use, the InterLock Kit is designed to provide contractors and homeowners a low cost alternative to a transfer switch. The InterLock Kit is a safe and legal device that allows users to connect their generators to existing panels for quick and convenient use of all original circuits. The InterLock Kit retrofits to any existing panel and requires no additional wall space. Listed to UL Standard 67, the InterLock Kit meets NEC article 702.6 and NFPA 70 requirements. The InterLock Kit is a much-needed product that will save your business time and increase over-all sales. Make more money today by offering your customers the InterLock Kit. Generator InterLock Technologies offers same day shipping on all 30 models. For more information, visit www.interlockkit.com
Cable Supports The BNT family of cable supports from Underground Devices meets power utility needs for a manhole cable support system that is nonmetallic and nonconductive. These cable supports are an ideal replacement to steel cable racks since they will not rust or corrode, eliminate the need for grounding the cable supports and make the use of insulators unnecessary. Additionally, BNT arms and stanchions have loading capacities comparable to similar heavy duty steel cable racks. Arm installation is safe and simple for the BNT family of cable supports. The arms are secured in place with nonmetallic pins, allowing for installation and removal of the arms without disturbing any cable. The BNT arms also mate with many existing steel stanchions, allowing for a gradual retrofit of existing manholes. Due to the extreme strength and rigidity of the BNT stanchions, most installations require only two bolts to secure a stanchion to the manhole wall. For more information, visit www.udevices.com December 2010 • epsmag.net
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Top Products
Hioki Model 3490 Insulation Tester Hioki proudly announces its newest design in handheld insulation and continuity testers. The easy to use multi-range model 3490 is so user friendly that you need only flip the cover, select the range and test. This rugged unit is built for the field. It is built tough to withstand a 1 meter drop onto a concrete floor! Features include a luminous scale for use in those hard to see locations, the ability to check for live circuits (The LIVE CIRCUIT LED will light up in red whenever the voltage exceeds 20V AC between the LINE and EARTH terminals and when at least 20V DC is still remaining during the auto discharge), a check of the internal battery status, an ergonomic design that allows you to start and stop tests with a single press or perform continuous measuring with a simple flip of a switch. An optional remote control switch includes a built in bright white LED light to illuminate the test location. The multi-measurement testing voltage is from 250VDC, 500VDC and 1000VDC. The rated resistance is up to 4000Mohms and the rated measurement current is 1mA. For information, visit www.hioki.com
Gorilla Nuts Feel Better The way you see and feel electrical connections will never be the same; Gorilla Nuts™ cushion grip connectors have raised connector technology to a whole new platform. King Innovation President Frank Vlasaty notes, “In side by side comparisons to other connectors on the market, virtually everyone chose Gorilla Nuts.” Designed for comfort, Gorilla Nuts are equipped with over-molded material that forms a flexible cushion grip. A Torque Performance Exterior (TPE) means that Gorilla Nuts out-perform comparable wire connectors when it comes to really tightening down connections. The patented Gorilla Nuts design is the first to feature Sharp Wire Technology™ (SWT) combined with our dual-performing WorkSkirt™. The spring is square cut and expertly designed, using a maximum edge for more secure connections. The Gorilla Nut WorkSkirt not only protects over-stripped wires, but also allows connectors to contract and fit tight spaces. The three wire connectors in the Gorilla Nuts line cover the entire orange/blue, red/yellow, and blue/gray wire ranges for both solid and stranded wire. For more information, visit www.gorillanuts.com
2010 TOP PRODUCTS
Megger MIT1020/2 10-kV Insulation Tester The Megger MIT1020/2 is the most popular 10-kV insulation tester in the world. This instrument was designed based on Megger’s extensive knowledge of insulation testing (100+ years of experience) and significant feedback from actual end users. It includes Megger’s patented digital/analog display with realtime pointer movement, industry best measurement sensitivity and an industry best CATIV 600V safety rating. The MIT1020/2 meets the recommendations of IEEE43-2000. The MIT1020/2 is used to test the quality of insulation on a wide range of electrical equipment to reduce the possibility of electric shock and/or electrically induced fires, to extend the useful life the equipment and to prevent unscheduled shutdowns. General applications include checking the insulation of newly manufactured equipment, checking the insulation of newly installed equipment before turning on the power, detecting faults periodically during working life, checking the insulation before putting equipment back into service and checking insulation during prolonged shutdowns. For more information, visit www.megger.com 26
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LabLink Family of Laboratory Products Expands – PG LifeLink introduces the LabLight The LabLink LabLight is a streamline LED solution for laboratory workbenches. The high power, white LED light source directs up to 95% of illumination to the work surface. The LED output is 25% higher than existing 2-tube fluorescent fixtures. PG LifeLink’s LabLight is made from 95% recycled materials and Energy Star rated components. The specially designed polycarbonate lens provides maximum light dispersion for uniform task lighting. The aluminum housing efficiently manages the heat of the LEDs and helps extend the lamp's lifespan and lower its operating cost. The 50,000 hour LED service life makes the LabLight virtually maintenance free. The LabLight is easily attached to metal, plastic or wood furniture by several connection choices including magnet, brackets or directly to the bench. We offer a selection of sizes that will accommodate any bench length. For more information, visit www.pglifelink.com
Philips Bodine ELI™ Series ELI-S-20 Emergency Lighting Micro Inverter The Philips Bodine ELI™ Series ELI-S-20 Emergency Lighting Micro Inverter from Philips Emergency Lighting is unit equipment that transforms LED and fluorescent fixtures up to 20 W into code-compliant emergency lighting sources. ELI-S-20 is ideal for Edison-base (screw-base) LED lamps and features an LED-friendly sinusoidal waveform. The Philips Bodine micro inverter supplies a minimum 90 minutes of code-compliant illumination and powers the designated fixture at full brightness throughout the runtime. It may be mounted on or up to 250 from the fixture and is suitable for indoor, dry and damp applications. ELI-S-20 provides auto select (120/277 V), which automatically detects the input voltage and sets the output voltage accordingly to reduce installation errors. ELI-S-20 carries a five-year warranty and is UL Listed for field or factory installation. For more information, visit www.philips.com/bodine
Schneider Electric Xantrex™ XW MPPT 80 600 Solar Charge Controller The MPPT80 600A is an innovative solar charge controller from Schneider Electric. The product accepts PV array voltages up to 600 volts and converts to 24V or 48V battery charging voltage. Traditional solar charge controllers typically offer input voltages up to 200V. By making the jump to 600V input, wire gauges and conduit sizes are dramatically reduced; minimizing installation costs. In off-grid applications, the use of high voltage input allows customers to site a PV array hundreds of feet away from the controller; opening up more installation possibilities. Installers can deploy clean PV string configurations typically used in grid-tie applications now in battery-based systems. The MPPT80 600 features on-board data-logging, PV ground fault protection, and can be used in positive, negative, and ungrounded arrays. The unit uses Schneider’s XANBUS communications protocol to allow the daisy-chaining of multiple controllers, and seamless integration into a Schneider Electric XantrexTM XW Inverter/Charger System. For more information, visit www.schneider-electric.com December 2010 • epsmag.net
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Top Products
SnapNrack Metal Roof Seam Clamp SnapNrack PV Mounting releases the newest addition to its Metal Roof Seam Clamp product offering. This new wide opening seam clamp will fit a broader range of metal roof profiles and also incorporates improvements that make assembly even faster. With its patent-pending single-bolt design, the SnapNrack Metal Roof Seam Clamp takes less time to install than competitive products. The same simple design also increases the pull-off strength. When an uplift force is applied to the attachment, the bolt transfers the force to the cam and it grips the seam even tighter. The SnapNrack Metal Roof Seam Clamp will not damage the metal or seam. For more information, visit snapnrack.com
Phase Converters
2010 TOP PRODUCTS
Phase converters are used to run three-phase equipment at any singlephase location when three-phase electric power lines are not available or are cost prohibitive. PHASE-A-MATIC, INC. phase converters range from 1/3 to 500 HP or more. Product lines began 45 years ago with the well-known STATIC CONVERTER, the workhorse for regular shop machines such as mills, lathes, etc. The ROTARY CONVERTER FULL POWER line is jointly developed with Baldor Electric, built with stringent specifications for high performance and proven long-term dependability. For more information, visit www.phase-a-matic.com
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9900 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Series At Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc. we understand that in today’s digital world, critical downtime can cost your company millions of dollars. That is why we have developed the 9900 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Series, the most innovative and efficient true on-line, double conversion UPS. The 9900 UPS Series uses the most advanced IGBT, Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors in both the converter and inverter. This unique combination means our 9900 UPS offers both superior reliability and efficiency in the industry. The small footprint and lightweight design of the 9900 Series saves on precious floor space, as well as providing the flexibility of adding or removing UPS modules at minimal cost. The 9900 UPS Series delivers as much as 96.5% efficiency at unity power factor. This substantially reduces operating and cooling costs by several thousands of dollars annually when compared to its competitors. The result: reduced cost of ownership and improved power usage effectiveness compared to conventional UPSs. For more information, visit www.meppi.com
Sokkia’s new X Series SRX Robotic Total Stations Sokkia’s new X Series SRX Robotic Total Stations feature cutting-edge laser technology, optimized optical design, a newly-developed motor drive mechanism and a further refined tracking algorithm that extremely improves autotracking capability. The X Series constantly tracks a moving prism even in strong backlight or with repetitive interruptions in the line-of-sight, dramatically reducing the possibility of losing a prism lock. Even if the lock is lost, the advanced on-demand remote control system allows the X Series to instantly recover the prism, ensuring increased productivity in all robotic surveying and setting-out tasks. The new RED-tech 800 EDM provides increased accuracy and range in distance measurements with or without reflectors and allows for a reflectorless measurement range of up to 1,000m (3,280ft.). The X Series SRX is the new generation of technology. For more information, visit www.sokkia.com
Digital Lighting Management Watt Stopper’s Digital Lighting Management (DLM) is a suite of plug-together lighting controls with self-configuring occupancy and daylighting sensors, switches and other components. DLM saves more energy, and is faster and easier to install than conventional controls. Engineered to meet and exceed energy codes, DLM streamlines installation for both new construction and retrofit projects. For instance, this all-digital system features fully-automatic configuration capability, so systems operate in the most energy-efficient way possible out of the box. Contractors appreciate labor-friendly features that slash installation time and callbacks, including plug-in connections using Cat 5 and RJ45 plugs and freetopology wiring so there’s no wrong way to connect components. Innovative, ladderfree configuration tools simplify the process of personalizing system settings. For more information, visit www.wattstopper.com December 2010 • epsmag.net
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FEATURE • Cooper B Line
Selecting the Right Solar Mounting System Understanding landscape versus portrait solar panel orientation options By Tim Fox, Solar Market Manager, Cooper B-Line
(D) and (H) are described in Figure 2 on the next page. As is apparent in the calculation of (D), the row spacing is dependent on the height of the panel and the degree of tilt. Therefore, to correctly calculate which orientation will optimize efficiency, both landscape and portrait orientations must be evaluated to determine the relationship that the panel height (H) has on the number of panels that can fit into a given area. To do this, it is appropriate to determine the maximum number of panels (n) that can fit into a given area (A) in both landscape and portrait orientation. The end result is equivalent equations for both landscape and portrait layouts, where which shows no correlation between the number of panels in a given space and the orientation of the panel. In summary, panels can be oriented in the landscape or portrait orientation with virtually no affect on the quantity of panels that can be installed. Therefore, there is no difference on array efficiency over a given rooftop space or given ground space. Maximizing the efficiency of solar panel installa- Due to this fact, efficiency optimization decisions should be tion hinges on the ability to install as many panels as possible in based on optimizing panel efficiency and rack- Continued on page 32 a given area. Often, the question of whether to install the panels in landscape or portrait orientation arises, and common thought Figure 1 suggests that choosing one orientation over the other will lead to the ability to install more panels over a given footprint.
Landscape Versus Portrait There are two primary issues that result in the debate between which orientation is optimal. The first issue is the number of panels that can be installed in a given length. Figure 1 shows the layout for a given row length and the difference in the number of panels that will fit and may be installed. It is possible to fit more portrait panels within a given row length. This leads to the second issue of how many panels can be installed within a given height. The primary consideration in answering this is the amount of shading provided by a given row. The shading distance is the minimum distance allowed between rows; thus dictating minimum row spacing and ultimately the total number of rows available over a given space. To calculate shading distance, and therefore row spacing, the Solar Energy Handbook suggests using the equation D=Sin (α +Θ) * as a method to determine the distance from the front edge of a panel in one row to the front edge of a panel in the next row. The variable (Θ) is the tilt of the panels while the variable (α) is a function of the latitude of the installation and the optimal sun elevation. The sun elevation (α) can be found from a sun chart similar to the one published by the University of Oregon at: http://solardat.uoregon.edu/SunChartProgram.php. The variables 30
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Continued from page 30
Figure 2
sic wind speeds, roof structure and other project variables to determine the type of mounting required for each particular system. There are also ballasted and positively tied options available to provide added flexibility, while the system’s hinged design allows for rooftop maintenance without having to disconnect panels. The primary benefit of this new system is time and labor savings since there are so few parts to install. But, in addition, it is an environmentally responsible choice, with the use of recycled materials, such as the ARISTA™ system’s DURA-BLOK™ supports which are made of 100 percent recycled rubber. This makes them eligible for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) credits For assistance in determining the correct mounting system and components for your Solar PV commercial rooftop application, contact the Cooper B-Line Solar Team. For more information regarding solar panel orientation, please visit www.cooperblinesolar.com. ❏ ing systems rather than on the number of panels dictated by a particular orientation.
Selecting a Mounting System The new ARISTA™ Mounting System from Cooper B-Line, for example, is flexible enough that it can accommodate either landscape or portrait orientations. Key factors to consider are ba-
Tim Fox is a Solar Market Manager for Cooper B-Line, a subsidiary of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), is a global provider of innovative, labor-saving support systems and enclosure solutions for engineered facility subsystem applications. Cooper B-Line's products are used in a variety of settings for the commercial, industrial, utility and OEM markets. For more information, visit www.cooperbline.com.
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Industry NEWS
Legrand Names Bausch Electrical Wiring Systems Regional Vice President of Sales for the Northeast Legrand, the world specialist in products and systems for elecScott Bausch trical installations and information networks, has promoted Scott Bausch to regional vice president of sales for the Northeast in its Electrical Wiring Systems Division. In his new role Bausch will lead the company’s sales teams for electrical wiring products in New England and the northeastern United States. Bausch joined Legrand/Pass & Seymour in 2004 as a product line manager, and he most recently served as the marketing manager for commercial and industrial products and the director of product marketing. “Scott has held a number of key positions with Legrand, including his most recent assignment as director of product
marketing, where he was instrumental in revitalizing the Pass & Seymour product line,” said John Hoffman, executive vice president of sales and market development for the Legrand Electrical Wiring Systems Division. “This experience,
combined with his leadership ability, will be extremely helpful as he takes on this key position in the Northeast.” Bausch earned his bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College and his M.B.A. from Franklin University. ❏
About Legrand: Legrand is the global specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks where people live and work. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for use in commercial, industrial and residential markets makes it a benchmark for suppliers worldwide. Legrand has a strong presence in the North American market, with a portfolio of products that includes Cablofil, On-Q, Ortronics, Pass & Seymour, Vantage, Watt Stopper and Wiremold. The company is actively expanding its market divisions that include Electrical Wiring Systems, Home Systems, Lighting Controls and Commercial Datacom. Innovation for a steady flow of new products with high added value is a prime vector for growth. Legrand reported sales of $5.0 billion in 2009. The company is listed on Euronext and is a component stock of indexes including the SBF120. FTSE4Good, MSCI World and ASPI (ISIN code FR0010307819). www.legrand.us
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Industry NEWS
The Road to Savings: East Cleveland and GE Lighting Partner on Northeast Ohio’s First Major LED Street Lighting Installation The City of East Cleveland is decreasing energy costs by replacing 45 standardtechnology municipal street lights with GE’s award-winning Evolve™ LED roadway street lights. The project grows out of a long partnership between GE Lighting and East Cleveland, which has been the home of the unit’s headquarters for close to 100 years. A one-mile block along Noble Road serves as a demonstration to other municipalities of the benefits of a higher-efficiency lighting system. The U.S. Department of Energy’s national laboratories predicts that LED lights reduce energy needs by more than 50 percent and maintenance costs by more than 80 percent compared to traditional lights. It’s estimated that the new GE Evolve
LED street lights will reduce the city’s energy use by 28 million watts a year. “For nearly a century, GE Lighting has had a powerful, positive impact on our community and on northeast Ohio, in general,” said Mayor Gary Norton, Jr. “We’re elated to be among the first cities in the Cleveland region to work with GE to have its new LED street lighting system in place. This installation allows East Cleveland to set the standard for other communities seeking economical, energy-efficient municipal lighting.” Mayor Norton said that the GE LED street lights give city residents the enhanced security associated with this highperformance lighting system. The system shines a bright, more uniform light across
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Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2010
the entire area it illuminates, versus spotty, hot spots of light typical of certain other lighting technologies used in roadway lighting. Even with less lumens, or light level, compared to a high-intensity discharge street lighting system, the LED system better directs the light to where it is needed due to its advanced optics. The GE LED street lighting system is more precisely focused, which reduces light pollution and limits glare. “Our new GE Evolve LED street lights are the perfect fit for the needs of urban municipalities,” said Michael B. Petras, Jr., President & CEO of GE Lighting. “With this project, East Cleveland is deploying aesthetically-pleasing, high-technology street lights that offer excellent
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illumination similar to evenly dispersed, bright moonlight. The quality of the light also boosts safety in a high-traffic area of the city, while significantly reducing the city’s energy usage.” Earlier this year, GE Lighting and its LED unit, GE Lighting Solutions, earned more awards than any other company in the 2010 Next Generation Luminaires™ (NGL) Competition, including a Bestin-Class award for the GE Evolve™ LED street lighting system. GE LED lighting products for refrigerated display, architectural and outdoor applications were also recognized in the competition. The event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America and the International Association of Lighting Designers for “excellence in the design of energy-efficient LED luminaries for general illumination lighting.” A global industry leader, GE Lighting has provided more than 20 million feet of LED signage and architec-
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tural lighting around the world and in- largest installed base of LED refrigerstalled over six million LED traffic and ated display lighting in the world – a catrail signals globally. GE has the world’s egory the company invented. ❏ About GE Appliances & Lighting: GE Appliances & Lighting spans the globe as an industry leader in major appliances, lighting, systems and services for commercial, industrial and residential use. Technology innovation and the company’s ecomagination(SM) initiative enable GE Appliances & Lighting to aggressively bring to market products and solutions that help customers meet pressing environmental challenges. General Electric (NYSE: GE), imagination at work, sells products under the Monogram®, Profile™, GE®, Hotpoint®, Reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Tetra®, Vio™ and Immersion® commercial brands. For more information, consumers may visit .
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Industry NEWS
DRIFIRE® and Quanta Services Team Up to Deliver Product Innovation to the Electrical Services Market DRIFIRE®, maker of Comfortable FR Wear™, has partnered with Quanta Services companies to develop innovative garments that meet the safety and comfort needs of electrical workers. DRIFIRE®, a leading manufacturer of comfortable flame-resistant and arc rated garments is collaborating closely with Quanta Services, one of the nation’s largest providers of electric power services, to develop innovative garments that ensure the safety and increase the comfort of electrical workers and workers exposed to arc-flash hazards. The close relationship between the two companies was instrumental to the development of DRIFIRE’s new line of permanent FR, high-visibility garments, which launched at the end of 2009 and has been well-received in 2010. This line
of garments was developed with the input of end users from various Quanta companies. Gathering user feedback on a continuous basis is critically important to DRIFIRE, as evidenced by its recent interviews with Quanta linemen, supervisors and safety directors at a recent safety meeting held by North Houston Pole Line.“Staying close to our endusers is necessary to ensure that we develop garments that meet their needs and that they’ll want to wear,” said Dustin Cohn, Chief Marketing Officer for DRIFIRE. “The team at North Houston Pole Line faces a lot of the issues that DRIFIRE garments are made to address, including excessive heat and sweating, and they have embraced our line of moisture-wicking, fast-drying, hi-viz garments as a great option that helps them
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Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2010
stay more comfortable and safe in a very challenging work environment.” The success of the collaboration between DRIFIRE and Quanta Services led to the launch of an innovation council that recently convened to brainstorm ideas for new products and designs for the electrical services and oil and gas markets. Wilson Yancey, Vice-President of Safety for Quanta Companies and a council participant, commented “we are thrilled to have a company like DRIFIRE take the initiative to gather our input and feedback as they develop products for our market. The safety of our employees is paramount for Quanta Companies, and we know that products like DRIFIRE can help to increase our employees’ compliance and protection. Knowing that they care about our input and are working to increase the safety and comfort of our workforce really means a lot to us.” To learn more about DRIFIRE’s full line of comfortable FR commercial garments, visit www.drifire.com. ❏
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Rosendin Electric is Awarded Tustin Metrolink Parking Structure Contract with New Solar Energy System Photovoltaic Installation Will Provide Power Needs for New 250,000 Square-Foot Garage Rosendin Electric, the nation’s largest private electrical contractor and a 100percent employee-owned company, today announced the start of construction of a new 250,000 square-foot parking structure for the Metrolink Station in Tustin, California, including a photovoltaic power system. Rosendin Electric’s La Palma office will be responsible for the electrical installation of the new parking structure. The Rosendin Electric Solar Division will install the photovoltaic canopy, which will
provide shade for the rooftop parking level, and will deliver almost 85 kilowatts of AC power. The solar energy system is expected to have an annual output rating of approximately 166,000 kilowatt hours, which should be more than enough to offset the parking structure’s lighting requirements and other electrical demands. “Rosendin Electric’s Solar Division continues to attract new projects because of our reputation for innovation, delivering solar projects on time at a competitive price” said David Lincoln, Division Man-
ager, Solar Operations, for Rosendin Electric. “Solar power is clearly the future, and Rosendin Electric continues to prove that commercial use of solar power is cost-effective as well as environmentally friendly.” The $12.3 million, six-story parking structure will have 732 parking stalls, which is twice the number of spaces in the existing open-air lot. Bomel Construction Company of Anaheim Hills, California, is the Prime Contractor, and Watry Design of Redwood City, California, will serve as architect and structural engineer. About Rosendin Electric Rosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a 100% employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider and is the largest privately held electrical contractor in the United States. With over 2,000 employees and experience nationwide, Rosendin Electric has built upon a 90-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit www.rosendin.com. ❏
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Industry NEWS
Corning Cable Systems Fiber Optic Training Program TS LAN 500 Hands-On Comprehensive InstallationTechnology Course forMultimode and Single-Mode Optical Local Area Networks gram to meet the needs of designers, installers and users of fiber optic products. Courses are structured for each application’s unique needs: telecommunications, Corning Cable Systems has developed cable television, access, local and wide a comprehensive, integrated training pro- area networks, wireless networks, intelli-
Corning Cable Systems TS LAN 500 Fiber offered at Walton Career Development Center
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makes the school very convenient for Seating for the training program is limcompanies and adults who desire training ited to 8 students per course. from all parts of the panhandle. For more information please contact Funding may be available to cover 50 Kevin Crystal at 850.951.9667 or to 75% of this training through Workforce crystalk@panhandlenetworks.com. ❏ Florida. For details please visit: Training Dates: http://www.workforceflorida.com/employ ers/qrt.htm and http://www.workforce Nov 29 – Dec 3, 2010 florida.com/employers/iwt.htm. Dec 6 – Dec 10, 2010
gent transportation systems (ITS) and power utilities. Walton Career Development Center is located at 761 N. 20th Street in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. This central location
Course Description TS LAN 500 is a five-day course that prepares crafts-people for all aspects of fiber optic cable installation in a local area network environment. Both multimode and single-mode fiber types are covered. Cable placement, fusion and mechanical splicing, cable termination (connector installation and pigtail splicing) and acceptance testing are taught with extensive hands-on practice. Students build, test and troubleshoot complete systems in this class. Also covered is the use of equipment, hardware and procedures pertaining to building distribution and campus applications. FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 43 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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Advertiser INDEX This advertisers index is compiled as a courtesy to our readers. While every effort is made to provide a complete and accurate listing of companies, page numbers and reader service numbers, the publisher is not responsible for errors.
Company
PG#
RS#
ACR SYSTEMS
34
36
AEE SOLAR
15
AEMC INSTRUMENTS
Company
PG#
RS#
GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES
10
10
13
GENSCO
32
32
IFC
1
HIOKI USA
17
14
ARPI OF USA
36
39
KRENZ & COMPANY
34
35
ARROW FASTENER COMPANY LLC
28
31
MITSUBISHI ELECTRICAL POWER PRODUCTS
7
8
BRADY WORLDWIDE
5
7
ONTILITY LLC
31
18
BYTE BROTHERS
22
30
PG LIFELINK
1
4
CITEL, INC.
21
16
PHASE-A-MATIC
33
34
CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS
11
11
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
38
42
COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
13
12
SOLAR UNIVERSE
4
6
ELECTRIC WEST SHOW 2011
39
43
STEELMAN INDUSTRIES
35
38
EXELTECH
23
17
STRIP-TEC
37
41
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS/FLIR SYSTEMS
3, 9
5, 9
UNDERGROUND DEVICES
IBC
2
E-Z METER
33
33
UTILITY METALS
40
44
FRONTLINE ENERGIES
35
37
VERVE LIVING SYSTEMS
BC
3
GARVIN INDUSTRIES
19
15
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