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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
André Rebelo Randy Dollar CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Pam Fulmer
22 FEATURES 6 Plug In for Results Making “Cents” Out of Circuit Problems By André Rebelo
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The Importance of Power Quality and Power Factor
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Bringing Energy Management to Parking Garage Applications By Randy Dollar
DEPARTMENTS 30 Industry News 34 Product Focus 48 Ad Index
ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of Extech Instruments/FLIR Systems
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Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2011
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 • Extech Instruments/FLIR Systems
Plug In for Results Making “Cents” Out of Circuit Problems
By André Rebelo, Extech Instruments, a FLIR Company
“Electrical Wiring is not a Hobby.”
due to power quality problems, wiring problems or errors can lead to a range of You may have seen this message on a issues. Grounding problems can put users bumper sticker or you may even have the at risk for electrical shock. High resistance sticker on your own truck. It’s an impor- in a circuit can cause electrical fires. tant message that cuts to the core of electrical safety hazards. The risk for hazardous conditions goes up dramatically when you factor in installations or repairs done by someone not properly trained to perform electrical repairs. In some cases, it may be incorrect wiring in a simple installation like new decorative GFCI outlets. Perhaps they were installed by someone prodded by a home improvement honey-do list. Or maybe he or she was inspired by the big box stores that chant the mantra, “You can do it, we can help.” In other instances, an older house may have wiring which was partially updated, leaving a mysterious trail concealing where old knob and tube wiring ended and new wiring began.
“Can’t See It from My House!” And, if we’re being honest with ourselves, sometimes, electrical hazards may result from shoddy work by an electrical contractor who performed inferior work. Maybe he was in a rush to get to a bigger job. Perhaps his mind was preoccupied with plans for a week off riding his hog on curvy mountain roads. Or, maybe he was just being plain lazy. No matter what the circumstances are, there is no excuse for not taking electrical work seriously. A careless “You can’t see it from my house!” attitude about overlooking mistakes or shortcuts on the job can result in minor electrical gnomes or catastrophic property damage, if not fatalities. Many of these circumstances result in electrical problems related to poor power quality originating right inside the home or building. Beyond the adverse effects of home or commercial electrical assets operating inefficiently or failing altogether 6
Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2011
Making it Right Troubleshooting such problems can be challenging. When diagnostic work needs to be performed, having tools that are specifically designed to Continued on page 8
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FEATURE • Extech Instruments/FLIR Systems
Continued from page 6
analyze and identify conditions for faults can make it easier than the perennial needle-in-a-haystack search. Now, there may be something wrong with equipment such as an HVACR system. Or it may be in perfect condition and instead, the problem lies in the circuit supplying energy for that equipment. In the latter case, with wiring that is concealed in walls and/or conduit, it may be tough to discern the origin.
A Word about Voltage Drop For electrical contractors, a perennial challenge is how to deal with voltage drop. As current passes through a conductor, some voltage is lost. How much voltage drop occurs in a circuit depends on several factors. How much current is there to begin with? What is the diameter and length of the wire feeding the circuit? And, very importantly, how good is the integrity of any connections along the way? Specific examples of victims to voltage drop include sensitive electronics like computers, laser printers, and for residential customers, even AV equipment. Also factor in many newer Energy Star appliances that use microprocessors to manage electrical use more shrewdly. These may shut down or behave erratically. In some cases, components may overheat leading to a premature demise. Overheating is a perennial factor of voltage drop. Inductive loads, including the likes of motors and ballasts, can overheat. A customer’s equipment ends up yielding a shorter service life and higher operating costs. Resistive loads are everywhere. Heaters and cooking appliances are obvious but don’t forget incandescent lighting which hasn’t by any means disappeared yet. Voltage drops can result in notably inefficient operation. In one test, a voltage drop of ten percent caused an incandescent light bulb to lose thirty percent of its normal light levels. How do voltage drops also make everyone a little hot under the collar? The lost voltage in the circuit is going somewhere. A lot of it is converted to heat which is dissipated into concealed spaces in a structure. That might be nice, if dangerous, in the winter, but it can potentially increase cooling costs in summer, creating compounded degrees of inefficiencies. The National Electric Code discusses 8
voltage drop, describing branch circuit conductors to be sized to ensure voltage drop does not exceed 3%, or a total drop of 5% when factoring in feeder losses.
Right Tools for the Job How do you find the source of insidious power quality problems like voltage drop? Electrical test equipment companies recently introduced a tool designed with one explicit purpose: to analyze circuit and outlet conditions. Before we go any further, this is not your run-of-the-mill, three-light outlet tester available at the
Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2011
hardware store for five bucks. Instead, this new generation of sophisticated outlet circuit testers can be plugged into any available outlet on a circuit to get an instant snapshot of the condition of that circuit, even simulating loads comparable to components that it should be able to support. Outlet circuit testers like the Extech CT70 can provide valuable insights on issues related to grounding. For example, did humidity in a basement or mechanical room cause corrosion of electrical connections on the circuit, diminishing its ground as a result? Or, was a cir- Continued on page 12
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FEATURE • Extech Instruments/FLIR Systems cuit absent-mindedly grounded to a copper pipe that itself was connected to a plastic main? It’s safe to say there won’t be much of a ground in that scenario. If wiring has deteriorated or was never installed properly, power quality might suffer causing electronics to fail prematurely or blower motors in an air handling unit for example to operate at slower or intermittently variable RPMs. Solid state motor controls can malfunction due to flicker in the electrical signal. Electrical contractors investigating circuit-related problems routinely discover that a lot of facility assets are plugged into existing outlets (versus hard-wired). They may not require dedicated circuits and instead are equipped with a power supply cord and use standard NEMA 5-15 or 520 outlets.
Why a Circuit Outlet Tester Makes Sense
Continued from page 8
meter at the ready for any job. A circuit outlet tester will perform many of those tools’ functions as well. But, it eliminates inserting test probes into an outlet or accessing a junction box, and then going mode by mode on the multimeter to get at different variables. Instead, the Extech model mentioned offers a safer plug-and-play approach that instantly performs a comprehensive analysis and provides results on a range of factors, helping to immediately determine if an issue is circuit-related and what that issue is. Extech’s CT70 quickly inspects and detects circuit and wiring problems such as poor ground impedance, false grounds, missing ground fault protection, low voltage availability under load, and high ground-to-neutral voltage. In addition, the CT70 tests GFCI and EPD circuits.
Real Time Savings
with using standard test equipment is significant. But, the Extech CT70 also stands out compared against existing outlet circuit testers as well. Many older models rely on a combination of LED lights for a display which forces the user to decipher color codes and constantly check a chart of color codes. In time, these decals invariably wear out from use. Earlier models also lack specific onefunction buttons for direct access to certain settings, relying instead on fewer buttons and a lot of scrolling through different modes each time a test is performed. Having all readings in a plain-language, easy to read format coupled with direct access to all major test functions helps users get readings more quickly, making it easier to test all outlets at a jobsite without losing time.
Real-World Examples
As an AC load tester, the CT70 from It’s a no-brainer that electrical contracBy using a circuit outlet tester, the sig- Extech Instruments provides selectable tors should have a multimeter or clamp nificant time savings when contrasted loads of 12, 15 and 20 Continued on page 14
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FEATURE • Extech Instruments/FLIR Systems
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amps. Both loaded and unloaded AC line voltages are measured as well as voltage drop percentage, line impedance, peak line voltage and frequency. Outlet tester functions include: GFCI trip time and current measurements; neutral-to-ground voltage testing; hot, neutral and ground impedance testing; and open or reversed wiring detection. For a convenient at-a-glance sense of outlet and circuit conditions, the CT70’s color-coded display changes from blue to a flashing red, providing a visual alert when a problem is detected. For example, in the photo of the outdoor two-gang GFCI outlet (page 8), the display was flashing red to indicate that the hot and neutral were reversed. In the instance of the photograph showing outlets located underneath a sub-panel and mounted to a wooden backboard (cover photo), the CT70’s blue display demonstrates the results of a GFCI test, indicating a tested time of 142 milliseconds before the circuit was interrupted (along with the sample load value). This test conforms to UL-1436 by interrupting the electrical supply when a properly functioning GFCI is encountered. Unlike a pesky personal computer, a blue screen on the Extech CT70 usually means good news: In the photo of a bathroom GFCI outlet (page 6), no issues were found and the tester displays 123 VAC at 60 Hz.
Make “Cents” & Up-Sell Customers If you are not sold on adding an outlet circuit tester to your tool bag, remember that they can also help you identify undiscovered problems at a customer site. Electrical contractors can use testers like the Extech CT70 as a valuable tool for increasing business and improving your reputation for service by offering a quick, thorough inspection of all circuits while at a job site. Your customer will be happy to have the added complimentary inspection and you have an opportunity to identify additional repairs throughout a home or facility. You may find faulty wiring, improperly installed or slow-responding GFCIs, a swapped hot and neutral, or a bootleg (false) ground. Use the tester to apply a 12, 15 or 20 amp load to the circuit and check the corresponding voltage drop. 14
In residential work, you might find several circuits that exceed the NEC's 5% recommendation. Sometimes, even without a layman’s explanation of the problems you find, simply showing a customer the flashing red screen of an Extech CT70 will tell the whole story that something is wrong. More importantly, it will get you the okay for additional work. On the extreme side, while few homes will present a circuit that exceed a 10% voltage drop, it is very plausible—especially as larger homes are built. A CT70 will help you find it. Longer cable runs with increased resistance can lead to prob-
Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2011
lems that can only be remedied with larger, right-sized wiring. Longer runs also generally imply more connections along the way. Stab-back connections on receptacle outlets are notorious sources of high resistance. The cumulative resistance can have a negative impact on voltage levels. Having an outlet circuit tester is a useful to more quickly and efficiently find problems in circuits. As you can see, it can also be a visually high-impact tool to show customers about other repairs they should consider. An outlet circuit tester can help you make sense of concealed problems and help you “make cents” out of every customer site. ❏
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FEATURE • Yokogawa
The Importance of Power Quality and Power Factor POWER GENERATION, transmisPower quality is a term that refers to the sion, distribution and consumption affect overall performance of our electrical grid. our daily lives like it has never before in Many various parameters compose power our life time. Why is that? As the cost of quality and allow us to identify opportunienergy has increased due to its wider spread ties for improvement. At a high level, use across our planet due to geographic de- safety and reliability are the two overriding velopment and prodconcerns. The reliauct innovation, we bility or integrity of For an ideal have become more the electrical power sinusoidal signal, aware about the actual grid is being stressed energy source (coal, power factor can also and tested as never begas, oil, geothermal, fore as overall demand be determined by hydro, nuclear, solar, and peak demand contidal, wind) and its measuring the phase tinues to increase and potential effects on more non-linear loads angle difference our planet. We more are being supported, between the AC closely monitor how especially during the voltage and current summer as electricity much energy we consume in our homes and taking the cosine typically peaks due to and at work since enincreased air condiof that angle. ergy cost is becoming tioning usage. Power a larger percentage of generation sources can our personal and company’s budget. We create transient conditions such as voltage can reduce the amount of energy we gen- dips, sags, spikes, surges, and swells and erate and consume thru conservation and/or frequency variation which not only affect efficiency. This article will focus on the stability of the electrical grid but end user latter and how power quality and power fac- equipment as well. Non-linear loads can tor play a role in accomplishing that. be more dramatically affected by these con-
Figure 1. Voltage and Current are in Phase; Power Factor = 1.0
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ditions as opposed to linear loads if not protected externally or internally. The end user can improve power quality in most instances by proper wiring and grounding. This will enhance safety and reduce the occurrence of power quality related downtime. A proxy term for efficiency in the electrical world is power factor. Power factor is the ratio of real power flowing to the load compared to the apparent power in the circuit or at the source. For an ideal sinusoidal signal, power factor can also be determined by measuring the phase angle difference between the AC voltage and current and taking the cosine of that angle. The former method is much more popular when using electronic instrumentation. Power factor can vary between 0 and 1. The closer that the ratio is to one, the more efficient is the circuit in converting apparent power to real power. For a low power factor rating, more current must be generated to support or drive the load. In turn, more expensive transmission and distribution equipment is required to support higher current requirements. Therefore, optimizing the electrical system and end user equipContinued on page 18 ment to achieve a
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Figure 2. Voltage and Current are out of Phase by 45 degrees; Power Factor = .707
power factor rating of .9 or greater results in higher efficiency, less demand for energy generation, lower operating costs, etc. So how does one achieve a high power
factor rating? One starts by measuring the ratio of real power to apparent power or the phase angle difference between the AC voltage and current. If they are in phase,
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Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2011
the power factor should be 1. If they are out of phase by 90 degrees, the power factor will be zero. To measure this, a portable test instrument like a power monitor or analyzer can be used or installing a power meter. This type of equipment can typically identify and or measure voltage dips, sags, spikes, surges, swells, current, power, harmonics, power factor, etc. This diagnostic equipment troubleshoots issues and easily pays for itself in terms of preventing and reducing downtime and reducing energy consumption. To minimize the phase angle difference and therefore maximize the power factor, a capacitive bank may be placed in parallel to loads that are typically non linear inductive loads found in industrial setting such as single or three phase motors used in a variety of different applications, welders, data centers, etc. For non-linear loads in the homes such as consumer electronics (televisions, personal computers, modems) and modern day appliances (washing machines, air condiContinued on page 20 tioner, dishwashers),
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power factor correction technology is being built into these devices to make them more efficient in converting AC into DC. In being more efficient, they consume less energy and power which means they draw less current and generate less heat. On a single home basis, the energy savings is on the order of approximately 100 kWhrs/mo but multiplied by the number of households
for a given region or country, the savings become quite significant when we start talking about gigawatts or terawatts. In industrial settings, the savings add up very quickly as well since usage and savings should be on the order of megawatts per site when optimizing for power factor. If you assume the cost per kWhr is $.10, reducing energy consumption by 100 kWhrs/mo
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Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2011
saves the typical consumer $10/mo. If energy consumption is reduced by 10 megawatt hours/mo in an industrial setting, that equates to $1,000/mo saved. To illustrate the effects of power factor, refer to the diagrams below. Figure 1 exemplifies a perfectly linear or resistive type load in which all the apparent power is converted to real power at the load. Apparent power is measured in volt-amperes, VA, while real power is measured in watts, W. The voltage and current are in phase. The power factor is calculated by taking the cosine of the angle between the voltage and current waveforms. In this case, voltage and current are in phase which means the angle is zero; therefore the power factor is 1. The minimum amount of power and current is generated to drive the load. The simplest type of linear load to imagine is the incandescent light bulb but is a very inefficient light source which is why alternative light sources are being developed such as LEDs which are non-linear. Even though the incandescent light bulb may have a power factor close to one, one should not equate power factor with efficiency when it comes to an incandescent light bulb since much of the consumed power is converted into heat instead of visible light. Figure 2 illustrates a situation where the current lags the voltage by 45 degrees. When this happens, we are experiencing a loss in apparent power to real power. The cosine of 45 degrees is .707 which in turn is the power factor. To deliver the same real power to the load, the current must be increased which results in greater power demand on the utilities and the grid. In the real world, loads are not purely resistive and voltage and current wave forms are not perfectly sinusoidal. Losses occur in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity which are not accounted for. Harmonics is an issue that needs to be dealt with as well. However, these other factors emphasize even more the importance of power quality and in turn power factor when analyzing and improving the performance of electrical systems and electronic equipment and having the right diagnostic tools to do so. A high power factor is generally desirable to maximize system efficiency but can be misleading when evaluating alternatives which may have a lower power factor but consume less energy overall. â??
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FEATURE • Universal Lighting Technologies
Bringing Energy Management to Parking Garage Applications
By Randy Dollar
In the U.S. and Canada, there are advantage of “smart” control systems. As a more than 3,000 parking facility manageresult, owners and managers are in a poment companies. It’s an $8 billion insition to achieve dramatic results dustry that has yet to embrace from technologies that are altoday’s high-efficiency lightready commonplace and ing technologies. One reason well established in other is a lack of code requirements market segments. forcing parking structures to When installed as part adopt more advanced lighting of a comprehensive retrosystems. But more important is fit project, these new lighting a simple lack of education about technologies often use less energy-saving options. than half the energy of the sysRight now, standard operating tems they replace. In addition, procedure among parking garages is garage owners and management to leave every light fixture at full power at companies have come to recognize that all times. Only a very small percentage take quality lighting can make a parking struc22
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ture feel safer and more inviting to customers, which can draw in more business. The many different areas within a parking garage provide a wide variety of opportunities for Continued on page 24
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FEATURE • Universal Lighting Technologies
Continued from page 22
operational and energy-saving improvements. Each area can be approached individually with different lighting technologies, but the most cost-effective strategies for energy savings will take a comprehensive approach. These strategies typically have a payback period of two years or less.
Covered Parking Floors The majority of square footage in a typical garage is taken up by parking spaces and driving aisles that are covered on top (by another level of parking above them) and open on the sides. These areas are traditionally illuminated with high intensity discharge (HID) fixtures, especially high pressure sodium and metal halide. The easiest opportunity for energy savings is to replace these ballasts and lamps with fluorescent T8 technology, which is quickly becoming the standard in newly constructed parking facilities. Beyond energy savings, fluorescent T8 lamps and ballasts also offer a significantly lower installation cost than traditional systems; plus, they last longer and require less maintenance. However, since these areas are open to the outdoors, it’s important to 24
remember that the lamp/ballast combination must be able to safely operate in temperatures below 60° F. For additional energy savings, select a T8 ballast with tuning technology. “Tuning” allows the installer to adjust the power level (ballast factor) of the ballast during installation to the specific needs of the application. This helps to eliminate the common problem of over-lighting. Since these areas are open to a great deal of sunlight, there is naturally an opportunity to install photocells for daylight
Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2011
harvesting. Light levels can be reduced by 50 percent or more—or simply be shut off—when sufficient sunlight is available. Automated time-of-day scheduling can also save energy. Both of these technologies can be economically integrated into the Building Automation System (BAS) via a wireless control system.
Top Deck & Exterior Lighting The upper deck of a parking garage is typically uncovered and exposed to the elements. Again, HID Continued on page 26
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FEATURE • Universal Lighting Technologies Continued from page 24
systems are the norm in these areas and for other exterior lighting. Most fluorescent T8 systems are not appropriate for outdoor areas, but there are still opportunities to replace HID lighting with new systems that can provide the same or better lighting at a lower energy cost each month. The best options are typically LED or electronic HID technologies. Both LED and eHID allow for daylighting, which is an obvious opportunity for areas that are uncovered. In most cases, a simple “on/off” control attached to a photocell will be sufficient. If a more sophisticated arrangement is desired, LED and eHID offer a broader range of controllability than traditional HID systems, which should not be dimmed beyond 50 percent. Improved exterior illumination not only has the potential to reduce monthly power bills, but it also makes the parking facility more attractive while enhancing safety and security.
Entries/Exits The entry and exit points in a parking garage require special consideration to minimize visual contrast between the interior and exterior of the building (otherwise the driver may become disoriented by what is known as “tunnel effect”). This is generally accomplished by keeping the lighting fixtures brighter than the rest of building during the day and dimmer than the rest of the building at night. The lighting systems used in these areas are typically the same as those throughout the rest of the covered parking floors. In other words, they are traditionally HID and can be upgraded to fluorescent T8 for energy savings. Tuning and daylight harvesting practices are again ideal opportunities to reduce energy consumption, but they must be programmed separately from the rest of the covered parking area in order to accommodate visibility and safety. Continued on page 28 FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 43 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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FEATURE • Universal Lighting Technologies Lesser Used Parking Spaces In any garage, there are parking spaces that are only occupied when all the others are taken because they are the least convenient to the entry and exit points. If these areas can be readily identified, it may advantageous to add occupancy sensors in addition to daylight harvesting in these out-of-the-way areas that don’t nec-
Continued from page 26
essarily need to be illuminated as often or reliability in unidirectional signage, along as brightly as the rest of the facility. with reduced energy consumption. For bidirectional signage, electronic fluorescent Signage solutions typically cut energy costs as When it comes to both interior and ex- well. Automated time-of-day scheduling terior signage, parking garages are usually can toggle the signs on and off at approfilled with relics from whichever decade priate hours to minimize energy use. they were built. Today’s LED light engines provide much better visibility and Stairwells Bi-level fluorescent lighting systems are ideal for stairwells in parking facilities when attached to occupancy sensors. Light levels can be maintained at 30 to 50 percent for security purposes until the occupancy sensor detects movement, at which point the fixture will jump to full power.
Conclusion Parking garages are built for function, not necessarily beauty. Fortunately, owners and operators are starting to embrace new lighting technologies that make their facilities more inviting to customers. What’s more, these lighting systems can cut monthly energy bills by 50 percent or more. As awareness of energy savings grows in the parking garage industry, more intelligent lighting systems are quickly becoming the norm in new construction. However, the retrofit of an existing structure offers a remarkably quick payback period. Advantages include monthly energy savings, a more attractive facility, less maintenance, and a greater sense of comfort and safety for their customers. While monthly savings and payback periods are the strongest drivers of purchasing decisions for garage owners and property managers when choosing a new lighting system, they are also strongly influenced by additional factors such as initial fixture cost, maintenance costs, appearance, and functionality. In addition, owners and operators in the U.S. should consider the federal EPAct tax deduction when planning for lighting upgrades. These savings will significantly reduce the installation costs of lighting retrofits. Each component can qualify for up to 60 cents per square foot in tax deductions. ❏ Randy Dollar is vice president of systems and marketing development at Universal Lighting Technologies, a member of the Panasonic Group. He can be reached by email at rdollar@unvlt.com or by phone at (770) 262-9203. FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 44 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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Industry NEWS
ILSCO Internal Promotion OEM Marketing Research Manager THE ILSCO® CORPORATION recently promoted Mr. Stephen R. Bruns from within to the newly created position of Marketing Research Manager for the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) division. Stephen was hired in 2005 and has worked in OEM as Quotations Analyst until this recent promotion. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Stephen received his Six Sigma Black Belt at ILSCO in 2008. Stephen Bruns may be contacted at: ILSCO 4730 Madison Road • Cincinnati, OH 45227-1426 PH: 513-533-6239 • FAX: 513-533-6273 ILSCO is your ClearChoice® for electrical connectors.
Solectria Renewables Awarded $2.1 Million U.S. Department of Energy Contract to Develop Integrated Smart-Grid Ready PV Inverters with Utility Communications SOLECTRIA RENEWABLES, LLC, the leading U.S. PV inverter manufacturer, announced today that it has been awarded a $2.1 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) contract to develop integrated smart-grid ready photovoltaic (PV) inverters with utility communications in partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Detroit Edison, National Grid and Xcel Energy. The awarded contract is part of the DOE’s SunShot Initiative which accelerates the development of cost-competitive solar technologies. This program will demonstrate smart-grid ready inverters with grid support functionality and required communication links with utilities to capture the full value of distributed PV. The key objectives of this program are to leverage ongoing investments-in smart grid and related standards-and to expand PV inverter capabilities, which together will enable grid operators to better utilize these grid assets. The main elements in this project are: head-end communications at the utility operations center; integration into the Distribution Management System (DMS); back-end PV plant master controller; and smart-grid functionality built into the inverters. “We are honored to have been selected by the Department of Energy to receive this award, which is a reaffirmation of our leadership in the inverter space,” said Michael ZuercherMartinson, CTO of Solectria Renewables. “Enabling utilities to control our SMARTGRID inverters (SGI) is the next big step towards a smarter grid that can accommodate a very high PV penetration density in a safe, secure, efficient and reliable manner.” Today’s utility scale PV inverters are not well integrated with existing DMS control distribution switches, load-tap changers, capacitor banks, and other circuit operation distributed resources. Under this contract, EPRI and Solectria 30
Renewables will integrate the DMS, enabling utilities to communicate different operating objectives such as a normal mode, with no disturbances, energy conservation mode, demand reduction mode, or grid-level emergency mode. This is essential to avoid operational problems and additional costs while reducing inverter maintenance. Detroit Edison, National Grid and Xcel Energy will supply test sites ranging from 605kW to 30MW. Each of the sites will test different aspects of the aforementioned technologies being developed by EPRI and Solectria Renewables. The completed program will demonstrate end-to-end communication connectivity and control between the utility operations and distributed resources by developing DMS, the communication head-end at utility operation center, substation DER SCADA, (e.g. the communication path), back-end plant master controller and inverters with smart-grid functionality. ❏ About Solectria Renewables, LLC Solectria Renewables, LLC is the leading U.S. based gridtied photovoltaic inverter manufacturer for residential, commercial and utility-scale solar installations. Our versatile line of high efficiency products provide power solutions ranging from 1 kW residential systems to multi-megawatt solar farms. Solectria Renewables products are backed by more than 20 years of experience in the power electronic and inverter industries and supported by world class warranties. All of our commercial and utility-scale PV inverters are manufactured in the USA, ARRA compliant, Ontario FIT Content Compliant, and listed to UL 1741/ IEEE 1547. To learn more about Solectria Renewables, please visit http://www.solren.com
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Industry NEWS
Siemens Upgrades West Chicago Plant To Produce Photovoltaic Solar Inverters Multi-Million Dollar Investment to Support U.S. Growth of Clean Energy Initiatives SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC. is celebrating the production of its SINVERT solar inverters at its recently-updated manufacturing plant located in West Chicago, Ill. The company invested approximately $10 million upgrading two buildings at the location, one of which will support the growing demand for solar power in the United States. Siemens is currently producing SINVERT PVS inverters in West Chicago to support a 20MW solar project in the Southwest United States. This multi-million dollar contract was secured in early 2011, with commissioning of the inverters slated for October of this year. “This is a proud day for Siemens as our West Chicago operations will continue to position the company as a leader within the solar industry, and further support the demand for new, clean sources of energy in the U.S.,” says Raj Batra, president, Industry Automation division, Siemens Industry, Inc. “The production of our solar
inverters is helping to transform the American manufacturing landscape from one of blue-collar to ‘green-collar’ jobs.” Siemens West Chicago manufacturing facilities, comprising 200,000 square-feet in two buildings, employs 350 people. In addition to producing solar inverters, Siemens also manufactures motor control centers, enclosed motor starters, switchboards and control cabinets at the facilities. Siemens has renovated and modernized both buildings at the location, implementing a number of employee suggestions designed to improve
Siemens Industry Siemens Industry, Inc. is the U.S. affiliate of Siemens’ global Industry Sector business-the world’s leading supplier of production, transportation and building technology solutions. The company’s integrated hardware and software technologies enable comprehensive industry-specific solutions for industrial and infrastructure providers to increase their productivity, sustainability and profitability. The Industry Sector includes six divisions: Building Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility, Drive Technologies and Osram Sylvania. With nearly 204,000 Siemens Industry Sector employees worldwide, the Industry Sector posted a worldwide profit of $4.7 billion on revenues of $47.3 billion in fiscal 2010. www.usa.siemens.com/Industry
productivity and efficiency. “Siemens has been committed to the solar industry as early as the 1950s, and now we can better support our customer’s need through our local manufacturing combined with our extensive portfolio of products, solutions and services,” says Dale Langston, vice president for Siemens Industry’s Control Components and Systems Engineering business unit. Siemens photovoltaic (PV) inverters play a significant role in the generation of solar power. The technology that Siemens is providing takes DC power as input generated from PV-Modules and converts it into AC power, which is then relayed into the power grid. The West Chicago plant is capable of producing inverters with an annual output of approximately 500MW. The solar industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S., surpassing $6 billion in sales in 2010 with more than 2.6GW of installed solar capacity nationwide. ❏
Industry Automation A division of Siemens Industry, Inc., the Industry Automation Division is a global leader in the fields of automation systems, low-voltage switchgear and industrial software. Industry Automation’s portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industries to enterprise-wide automation solutions for automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value chain of manufacturers - from product design and development to production, sales, as well as a wide range of maintenance services. With nearly 33,000 employees worldwide, Industry Automation posted worldwide revenues of $8.4 billion in fiscal year 2010. www.usa.siemens.com/automation
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Product FOCUS
Hazlux® H3 Fluorescent Emergency Lighting Systems Built to Withstand Adverse Industrial Locations Fluorescent Emergency Lighting is Industry First for Hazardous Locations Built to perform in the harshest environments, Hazlux® H3 Fluorescent Emergency Lighting Systems from Thomas & Betts are the first fluorescent emergency lighting available for use in hazardous locations. The cooler operating temperatures of compact fluorescent lamps result in lower temperature codes. With lower temperature codes, the fixtures can be safely used in a wider range of hazardous locations. Internal components are encased in a rugged die-cast aluminum housing and lamps are fitted with a glass globe and polycarbonate guard for protection. Hazlux H3 Fluorescent Emergency Lighting Systems are designed for wet conditions and meet UL595 for inside, drip-proof marine locations. Their operating temperature range is from 32 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 40 degrees Celsius). The sealed, maintenance-free nickel-cadmium batteries will power the two 13-watt, PLC-type, compact fluorescent lamps for at least 90 minutes, and are rated for seven to 10 years of operation. The fluorescent lamps can be set for continuous operation (first on AC, then on DC) or for operation only during a power failure. The lamps are rated for 10,000 hours of life, reducing maintenance costs. Hazlux H3 Fluorescent Emergency Lighting Systems are rated for UL844 Class I, Division 2 and Class II environments, including adverse industrial locations. They also meet Life Safety Code and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, as well as the broadest range of UL924-listed hazardous fluorescent emergency lighting systems. The bright red epoxy finish enables Hazlux H3 Fluorescent Emergency Lighting Systems to be recognized quickly for maintenance and testing. For more information, visit www.tnb.com
Conergy launches SunTop IV pitched-roof solar power mounting system SunTop IV provides key technology upgrades for significant time and cost savings • Code-compliant software for simple, fast and comprehensive installation planning • Designed to reduce learning curve, installation time and inventory • Only four rail profiles needed to meet all design requirements • Locally manufactured in Sacramento, CA USA and Ontario, Canada With more sloped-roof installations world-wide than any other mounting system, Conergy's SunTop solar energy mounting system is now even more advanced. Conergy has leveraged its eighteen-years of mounting system product design, manufacturing and nearly 14 years of installation experience, including 1 GW of mounting systems installed in 27 countries, to develop the SunTop IV, an advanced pitched-roof mounting system. From SunTop IV’s product development stage, Conergy focused on improving efficiency throughout the entire value chain. The SunTop IV system includes key upgrades that simplify inventory management, shipping, design planning and installation. Competitively priced, the SunTop IV reduces and eliminates hidden costs throughout the entire solar energy value chain. Version IV of the SunTop mounting system offers several key product line upgrades. Conergy has expanded the number of available rail profiles: with light-weight; mid light weight; “all purpose;” and maximum strength rails, SunTop IV economically meets any design requirement. In addition, SunTop IV is now offered with tilt units for mounting on low-angle or flat roofs. The SunTop IV employs several unique features that simplify and speed the installation process. The Quickstone, also known as “the intelligent nut” speeds installation by simplifying component assembly and requires only a single tool for complete array installation. The splice is a high-strength rail connection that maintains full-structural strength across the splice and, like all the other Quickstone-equipped components, is supplied fully pre-assembled. The SunTop IV's telescoping end-pieces achieve millimeter rail length precision without any cutting or drilling. These technology advances and features shorten the installation learning curve and make it easy to standardize on one system for all types of installations. In addition, with all Quickstone components being fully pre-assembled, the complexities of inventory, shipping and installation are dramatically reduced. For more information, visit www.conergy.com 34
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Product FOCUS Cooper Lighting Introduces a Series of Metalux Retrofit Kits Offering Significant Energy and Labor Saving Solutions New contractor-friendly fluorescent retrofit families save time and money while improving light quality. Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to delivering innovative products and driving transformational technology in the lighting industry, has introduced a series of four contractor-friendly Metalux fluorescent retrofit kits designed to meet and exceed today’s energy needs and guidelines while improving light quality. The Metalux Commercial, OpticaHP, Archos™ and Cruze™ retrofit kits consists of architecturally-inspired designs that update a building’s look and value, while offering a wide range of features and benefits that save energy, time and money when compared to similar new construction T8 or T5 luminaire offerings. Featuring Cooper Lighting’s Advanced Retrofit Technology™, the retrofit kits include unique construction features, such as one-piece tool-less reflectors with “squeeze and fit” mounting capability and Ready-Set™, the industry’s first patented captive and secure self-tapping screws. Additional contractor-friendly features include pre-wired ballast and assembly, no parts bag, and fast, easy installation in less than 10 minutes. These new retrofit kits fit into most existing luminaires and can upgrade troffers and parabolics as shallow as 3-1/2 inches. Available in 2' x 2' and 2' x 4' sizes with T5/T5HO and T8 lamp options, these kits can provide up to 60 percent energy savings over standard three- or four-lamp T12 or T8 luminaires. Metalux’s Commercial, OpticaHP, Archos™ and Cruze™ retrofit kits were developed around one platform that combines the latest optical, energy-saving lamp and ballast technology to create an environment that consumes less energy without any loss in effective lighting. In addition, Cooper’s retrofit kits offer an optional WhiteOptics™ reflector. This highly reflective substrate improves light output, quality and distribution over existing luminaires that use specular aluminum in many educational, office and retail environments today. For more information, visit www.cooperlighting.com.
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Product FOCUS Legrand/Pass & Seymour Expands Plugtail™ Wiring Device Offering with Surge Protected Receptacles Legrand/Pass & Seymour (P&S), a leading provider of electrical wiring devices and home systems, announces a new addition to its award-winning line of PlugTail™ wiring devices – the P&S PlugTail Surge Protected Receptacle. These devices help contractors be more competitive on projects while offering facilities a safer, more convenient solution. Available in Isolated Ground, Hospital Grade, and Tamper-Resistant models, the PlugTail Surge Protected Receptacle ensures the security of valuable electronic devices and equipment – preventing damage from voltage surges and lightning strikes. A steady green LED indicator confirms the equipment plugged into the receptacle is adequately protected against transient surge voltage. If the device is not protecting against transient surge voltage, an audible alarm (if equipped) will sound, and the LED indicator will change to a flashing red simultaneously. The alarm can be turned off, but the LED will continue to flash red until the device is changed out. This intuitive indication method tells a maintenance electrician or facility technician precisely when transient voltage protection has been compromised, saving troubleshooting time while increasing the likelihood of quick device replacement. In addition, the 500V VPR (Voltage Protection Rating) is currently the lowest in the Type 3 surge protective receptacle marketplace. The lower the intercepting surge voltage, the higher the degree of protection. The Surge Protected Receptacle installs like any PlugTail device. At rough-in simply connect the pre-stripped P&S PlugTail connector leads. It’s easier than pigtailing, doesn’t require a wire caddy, and the polybag keeps the connector free of dirt, dust and joint compound until trim-out. At device installation just click in the connector, and tighten the mounting screws. It takes less than a minute – three times faster than a conventional device installation – and the UL-listed connectors are keyed to ensure consistent, reliable connections every time, regardless of the installer’s skill level. This saves time at the end of the project, when every minute counts. For more information, visit www.legrand.us FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 47 ON READER SERVICE CARD
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Product FOCUS LENOX® Offers New Soft Storage Tool Bags Storage bags provide organization, durability and comfort LENOX®, a leading manufacturer of premium power tool accessories, hand tools and band saw blades, has introduced a new line of contractorgrade Soft Storage Tool Bags for tradesmen to transport, store, organize and protect their hand tools, power tool accessories and torches. “Tradesmen have told us that they need a better way to store their tools on the job. What they want is a bag with more room, that’s strong enough to hold multiple tools and can stand up to vigorous use,” said Lisa Koliopoulos, associate product manager, LENOX. “LENOX has been developing and supplying the best tools to users for years, and now we’re fulfilling an industry need for better, more robust tool storage solutions. Our bags were dragged, dropped and beaten to stand up to the test.” LENOX put the Soft Storage Tool Bags through multiple rounds of field testing and a series of in-house destructive tests to simulate real-world situations and extremely destructive abuse. The bags were dragged more than 2,000 feet, dropped from 10-foot heights, filled with 145 lbs. of weight and hung by the strap, and exposed to extreme elements. The testing demonstrated that the bags are able to exceed loaded weight requirements and withstand extreme use conditions. LENOX offers four Soft Storage Tool Bags. The Electrician’s Tote has eight interior pockets, 12 external pockets, five open storage areas and 16 elastic loops. It includes a tape measuring clip, key clip, tape holder loop and small parts bin. A clip-on handle allows the tote to be hung anywhere. The Bucket Tool Organizer has 22 exterior pockets and 12 internal pockets. It includes a hammer loop, tape-holder loop and side clips. The Plumber’s Tote has nine exterior pockets, 14 interior pockets and 10 elastic loops. It includes a hacksaw pocket, tape measuring clip and tape holder loop. The Contractor’s Tool Bag has a large open mouth and 14 interior pockets. It includes hammer loop and small parts bin. The LENOX Soft Storage Tool Bags are available at plumbing, electrical and construction distributors nationwide with a suggested retail range of $29.99 to $65.99, depending on style. For more information, visit www.lenoxtools.com
SMA Provides Solar Installers Increased Flexibility with New 30-48 kW Sunny Tower Configurations Inverter System Ideal for Commercial-Scale PV Systems SMA has expanded the capacity of its Sunny Tower inverter system, which is ideal for commercial-scale PV arrays, to include 30 through 48 kW configurations. With the Sunny Tower, solar professionals can now install any combination of SMA Sunny Boy 5000-US, 6000-US, 7000-US and 8000-US inverters to create a custom power output based on the overall PV system design. These Sunny Boy models are certified to UL and CSA standards and meet domestic-content requirements for the U.S. and Canada. “The ability to mix-and-match Sunny Boy inverters with the Sunny Tower increases design flexibility while providing leading reliability and world-class efficiencies,” said Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. “It also allows installers to apply their existing experience and tools in the residential market to attract commercial-grade projects.” In addition to providing an exceptional degree of design flexibility and an increased energy harvest, the Sunny Tower allows installers to apply a decentralized approach to commercial systems, which results in less labor, reduced DC cabling, and lower operation and maintenance costs. Sunny Tower features include a sealed electronics enclosure and rugged stainless-steel, outdoor-rated structure; Opticool™ temperature management system; and a modular design that eliminates the need for costprohibitive heavy machinery for installation. Prewired for three-phase utility interconnection, it has an integrated load-breakrated lockable AC/DC disconnect switch and fused-series string combiner. A 10-year warranty also is included. For more information, visit www.SMA-America.com 40
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Product FOCUS Steel City® Adjust-A-Box® System Easily Adjusts To Any Wall Thickness Patented Design from Thomas & Betts Enables Depth Adjustments by Turning Screw The patented design of the Steel City® Adjust-A-Box® System from Thomas & Betts enables installers to adjust the receptacle box to any depth desired with the turn of a screw, after the wall covering has been installed. The Steel City Adjust-A-Box System adjusts to any wall thickness, and is available in single-gang and double-gang models. Once installed, the receptacle box can be removed easily to enable inner-wall access. “To install, you simply attach the box’s bracket to the stud,” said Dan Michaelis, product manager for Thomas & Betts. “By turning the adjustment screw, the box will move in or out to any wall thickness. It’s been designed to mount squarely and securely every time it’s installed.” The Steel City Adjust-A-Box System includes one-half-inch knockouts for MC cable and EMT, and clamps for non-metallic cable. For more information, visit www.tnb.com
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Product FOCUS
Low Voltage Starter Tool Kit from IDEAL is Affordable Solution for New Hires and Apprentices Despite a slowdown in construction spending, low voltage installations, such as home theater and network wiring, have remained a profitable area for electricians. To help new hires, basic technicians and apprentices succeed in the low voltage field, IDEAL today introduced its new Low Voltage Starter Kit. Housed in a rugged mechanic's bag, the kit is an essential selection of professional tools for both coaxial cable and twisted pair wiring. Anyone who does work in a telco closet, network infrastructure or basic video/coax maintenance in residential and commercial buildings will appreciate this kit. The Low Voltage Starter Kit (#33-920) includes: Telemaster crimper for RJ-11 and RJ-45 connectors; an economy F-connector compression tool; a cable/satellite/CCTV coax stripper; a non-impact Turn-Lock™ style punch down tool with replacement blades; a Data T-Cutter; a Crimpmaster crimp tool for CATV; and a UTP/STP ringer stripper with blade. For more information, visit www.idealindustries.com
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Product FOCUS No External Bonding or Disassembly Required withThomas & Betts Rigid Conduit Expansion Coupling Easy and Quick Installation Saves Time and Labor Costs Compensating for thermal expansion and contraction on long conduit runs is now easy with the XJG-TB Rigid Conduit Expansion Coupling from Thomas & Betts. The only fitting of its kind to feature a true internal bonding jumper, the Rigid Conduit Expansion Coupling saves time by reducing installation to a few steps. No disassembly is needed during installation, requiring fewer tools and reducing the possibility for lost parts. “The XJG-TB Rigid Conduit Expansion Coupling answers the need for an easy-to-install, cost-effective expansion coupling” said Bogdan Diaconescu, product manager for Thomas & Betts. “The three-step installation process requires no disassembly or reassembly, saving time and labor costs. In addition, the exclusive internal bonding jumper is tamper proof and offers excellent protection from the external environment.” Installation of the XJG-TB Rigid Conduit Expansion Coupling is a three-step process. First, the installer simply slides the fitting onto the conduit until it stops at the internal sliding bushing and tightened. Then, the gland nut is tightened with a wrench to compress the Teflon-coated packing, which seals the conduit from rain. Lastly, the next length of conduit is threaded into the other end of the fitting and tightened. The installation is then complete, without the need to reassemble parts. The exclusive internal bonding jumper, a tinned copper braid, is tamper proof for protection from the external environment. The body of the XJG-TB Rigid Conduit Expansion Coupling is made of malleable or ductile iron, plated internally and externally with zinc, and painted with aluminum acrylic. PVC coating also is available. For more information, visit www.tnb.com
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Pentair Technical Products, Hoffman QUICK TRAY PRO™ Cable Tray Offers Enhanced Aesthetics and Expanded Design Flexibility Pentair Technical Products, Inc. announced the Hoffman QUICK TRAY PRO™ line of cable tray featuring enhanced aesthetics, numerous size offerings and diverse accessories. The line of cable tray features a non-snagging T-weld design, eliminating hazardous sharp edges and catch points, and ensuring reliable cable organization and protection. QUICK TRAY PRO cable tray is available in 2”, 4” and 6” depths and widths from 4” to 24” to suit a broad range of design specifications. Fill ratings range from 122 to 2,200 cables, based on a standard CAT 6 cable diameter. Custom sizes are available to suit specific requirements, and accessory splices and connectors allow for integration and compatibility with other cable tray brands and/or legacy installations. In addition to a broad selection of straight sizes, the QUICK TRAY PRO line includes a comprehensive offering of supporting components, user-friendly accessories—including splices and connectors—brackets, cable guides and supports. Tray and accessories are engineered to consistently distribute cable weight, reducing stresses and pressure points, which can cause performance problems. Cable tray are UL and cUL listed as well as NEMA and NFPA approved. For more information, visit www.hoffmanonline.com
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Advertiser INDEX This advertisers index is compiled as a courtesy to our readers. While every effort is made to provide a complete and accurate listing of companies, page numbers and reader service numbers, the publisher is not responsible for errors.
Company
PG#
RS#
Company
AEE SOLAR AEMC INSTRUMENTS AMERICAN TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS ARPI OF USA BURNDY BYTE BROTHERS CALIFORNIA TURBO CBM LIGHTING CNJ LIGHTING SOLUTIONS CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS CONTINENTAL CONTROL SYSTEMS COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION COPPER WIRE STRIPPER ERICSON MFG EXTECH INSTRUMENTS/FLIR SYSTEMS E-Z METER GARVIN INDUSTRIES GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES GENSCO HIOKI USA ICC KRENZ & COMPANY
11 IFC 28 44 38 20 41 27 45 15 42 31 48 37 3, 9 44 4 7 18 21 17, 19 46
11 1 44 50 47 42 26 19 28 13 49 21 55 24 5, 9 51 6 8 41 16 14, 15 52
LAPP USA LOCK-N-CLIMB MEGGER MH RHODES/CRAMER COMPANY MINUTEMAN UPS NEPTUN LIGHT, INC. NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS PG LIFELINK PHASE-A-MATIC PLATINUM TOOLS SCHNEIDER RENEWABLES SOKKIA STEELMAN INDUSTRIES STRIP-TEC TASCO, INC. TASK LIGHTING UNDERGROUND DEVICES UNIVERSAL LIGHTING TECHNOLOGIES UTILITY METALS VERVE LIVING SYSTEMS YOKOGAWA CORPORATION
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PG#
RS#
10 36 1 36 33 25 29 IBC 46 23 13 5 42 12 47 48 35 26 43 BC 39
10 46 4 45 22 18 20 2 53 17 12 7 48 40 54 56 23 43 27 3 25
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