EPS Magazine February 2017

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CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER

Anita Salchert ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Bart Beason bart@epsmag.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Derek Gaylard CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Pam Fulmer CONTRIBUTING WRITER

John Olobri

14 COVER STORY 6 Basic Thermography for the Occasional User

By John Olobri

PRESIDENT

OF A PART 1 ARTICLE 2 PART

CASE STUDY 14 SimplexGrinnell Emergency Communications System Protects Missouri Southern State University Against Fire, Severe Weather and Other Emergencies

DEPARTMENTS 22 Industry News 28 Product Focus 40 Ad Index ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of AEMC Instruments

Danny J. Salchert Executive and Advertising Offices 2009 Eagle Ridge Drive 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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cover STORY

AEMC Instruments

OF A 1 T R A P TICLE R A T R 2 PA On the lower end we find infrared cam-

Basic Thermography for the Occasional User

By John Olobri

T

his article is on basic con- is on the other side. This is a fallacy. cepts and use of infrared Thermal imaging cameras detect and thermography. I will address it measure thermal radiation received on its

from my perspective as a fairly new user (within the last year) of the technology. I am sure that those more knowledgeable and more trained than I may have a somewhat different or a better perspective on some of the points addressed in this article. My intent is to provide some basic understanding of the technology and some good practices that will as- FIGURE 1 sist the reader in providing good quality measurements with the right instrument selection for the application.

Thermal imaging cameras are an effective tool to quickly locate electrical hot spots in wiring, circuit breakers, motors and more.

Electrical maintenance contractors and technicians find them to be a useful and safe tool as they are a non-contact device that can be used in detecting problems on live circuitry.

Prior to spending the time to understand how infrared cameras function and taking a certification class on the subject I had a very basic and simple, sometimes incorrect, understanding of the technology. My philosophy was “how complicated could it be? Just point and click and you have your results”. This was far from a correct concept.

I will attempt here to discuss some of the things that I now have a better understanding of as well as some operational characteristics along with features and functions that make successful operation of a thermal imaging camera more effective for electrical maintenance work.

First of all let’s address some basic understanding of how a thermal camera works. There is a common misconception that thermal imaging devices emit a signal or some sort of radar in order to detect temperatures and thus also have the ability to penetrate solid objects to see what

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surface, much like your eye does with visible light, not the other way around.

Heat is transmitted by conduction, convection and radiation. See Figure 1. Thermal imaging cameras work by measuring radiation.

Let’s take a look at a basic functional diagram of a thermal camera. In the diagram shown in Figure 2 we see a thermal camera pointed at a motor. The motor gives off (radiates) thermal information that is actually based on several characteristics.

These are the radiated, emitted and reflective properties which we will discuss the importance of later.

These values are detected by the measuring elements on the cameras’ thermal lens which is called a microbolometer.

A microbolometer is a specific type of detector used in a thermal imaging device which is made up of many detectors (pixels) known as a Focal Plane Array.

FIGURE 2

Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

eras with 80 by 80 or 160 by 120 pixels.

Higher end cameras have 640 by 480 and higher pixel arrays. The higher the pixel resolution the clearer the thermal image will be. As you can imagine as you go up in pixel count you also go up in price.

For this article I will be addressing the lower end cameras that are adequate for electrical maintenance and are also cost effective for that work. One nice characteristic of microbolometers used in thermal imaging is that they do not need to cool down between measurements. As you point the camera to different areas of interest the measurements appear essentially in real time.

Infrared radiation occurs in a spectrum just below visible light. These wavelengths between 700-1000 nanometers strike the detector material, heating it which changes its electrical resistance.

This resistance change is measured and processed into temperatures which can then be used to create a thermal image.

The conversion process also takes into account other influencing quantities such as emissivity, environmental temperature and relative humidity. Once this information is processed by the camera’s electronics, a thermal image is presented on the color graphic screen for the user’s view and analysis. This thermal image is called a Thermogram, See Figure 2.

Thermography makes it possible to see the measurement environment with or without visible light. The amount of radiation Continued on page 8 emitted by an object

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cover STORY

AEMC Instruments Continued from page 6

increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows you to see variations in temperature. When viewed through a thermal imaging camera, warm objects stand out well against cooler backgrounds and hot spots in electrical equipment become easily visible against the environment, day or night.

Cameras with auto focus or focus free capability makes the task of capturing good thermal images a lot easier and faster.

A typical thermogram will show a color coded temperature scale as well as the thermal image. This scale will usually be on the left or bottom of the image and is a necessity in determining the temperature at different points on the object. Figure 3 is a typical thermogram.

Most Thermal cameras will also capture the real image, using a separate lens, and provide the ability to overlay the thermal image on the real image which delivers a better analysis tool for troubleshooting and reporting.

Figure 4 shows the thermogram, real im-

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

age, and overlayed images.

Once the Thermal image is captured it is now time to analyze and make decisions about the measurement and the quality and accuracy of what was captured.

First, let’s talk about the quality of the data. To accurately produce the thermogram

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Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

you need to know the emissivity of the object you are pointing at and adjust the camera accordingly. Secondly, it is important to be sure the captured data does not contain a lot of reflective thermal data which can alter the thermogram. Finally, ambient conditions need to be taken into account. Most cameras will allow you to make emissivity corrections after capturing it either on the camera or from the accompanying software once the data is transferred from the camera. Many infrared cameras incorporate built-in emissivity tables which can be quickly used for this purpose. Alternatively, a sample specimen of known emissivity can be placed on or next to the device under test to facilitate actual comparison. This provides the ability to manually adjust the emissivity to ensure that the device under test and the sample specimen provide the same temperature on the thermogram.

Regarding reflective temperatures, it is important to understand and visually survey the objects around what you are testing including yourself. Continued on page 12

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cover STORY

AEMC Instruments Continued from page 8

All of these will reflect tem- FIGURE 5 perature changes to what you are measuring. Shiny objects will include more reflective temperatures than matte or flat finished objects and often include the body temperature of the technician holding the camera. Here we can see an object on the wall being measured that also includes a reflective image of the technician doing the measurement. In this case the reflected temperature is higher than the specimen that the technician is trying to measure.

Most cameras also provide the ability to adjust for ambient temperature and humidity in the camera itself. If this is not possible, the application software provided with the camera usually will give you this capability as well.

There are many tools provided in the camera and accompanying software that help you analyze the captured data. One that

I find very useful is selectable cursor types that provide visual location and digital readout of the temperature at the cursor point.

The particular camera that I use offers six different cursor types that can be employed with the thermogram. The three that I find most helpful are called Point, Square and Min/Max as shown in Figure 5.

Point, as you would expect, is a single cross hair that moves around the thermal image on the camera using the cameras navigation keys to obtain the temperature at a particular point.

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Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

Min/Max on the other hand affixes the cursor at the lowest and highest temperature point in the thermogram and displays the corresponding temperatures.

Square allows you to construct a square around an area of the thermogram which in turn will display the min/max and average temperatures within the square.

These tools make life easier in analyzing and tracking thermal radiation in electrical maintenance applications.

There are other very useful features and functions that are available in infrared cameras and their accompanying software that will provide quality data capture, analysis and reporting.

We will discuss these and some understanding of specifications as well as some analysis interpretation in the second part of this article which will appear in next month’s issue. ❏

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case STUDY

Tyco SimplexGrinnell

SimplexGrinnell Emergency Communications System Protects Missouri Southern State University Against Fire, Severe Weather and Other Emergencies Highlights • Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) utilizes Tyco SimplexGrinnell technologies for fire protection, life safety and severe weather emergencies • MSSU’s voice-enabled SIMPLEX fire alarm system is the cornerstone of a multi-layered emergency communications solution that enhances protection and response • MSSU’s tornado alarm system is connected through “smart city” technology, enabling the system to sound sirens when the City of Joplin’s alarms go off • Cost-effective approach leverages existing life-safety infrastructure investments • Emergency messages can be delivered inside buildings and in exterior areas • Smart addressable technology improves operational efficiency and reduces costs • MSSU is a model of excellent safety and currently serves as a Red Cross safety facility

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Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

Missouri Southern State Emergency Preparedness The development of advanced fire protection and emergency communications systems has long been a priority for Missouri Southern State University (MSSU), a Tyco SimplexGrinnell customer since opening in 1972. Around 2000, MSSU began a concerted effort to upgrade these systems, introducing voice capability and leveraging newer technologies to improve overall protection and strengthen emergency communications and response. The tragic shootings at Virginia Tech University in 2007 further Continued on page 16

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case STUDY

Tyco SimplexGrinnell Continued from page 14

convinced university leaders of the importance of this effort. Over time, MSSU safety and facility personnel worked closely with SimplexGrinnell to plan, develop, install and operate updated systems that enhance safety and support the university’s emergency plan. What has evolved from this years-long process is a comprehensive life-safety solution that leverages the combined power and capability of integrated fire detection and alarm, emergency communications and security systems. It’s a key part of MSSU’s commitment to safety, a strong selling point for the university and an important resource for the surrounding community.

A Multi-Year Process MSSU’s relationship with SimplexGrinnell is ever-evolving, as leaders seek to collaborate and bring the newest technologies to the university. Currently, the University’s Simplex voice-enabled fire alarm system is the Continued on page 18

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case STUDY

Tyco SimplexGrinnell Continued from page 16

cornerstone of the entire emergency communications solution. This approach leverages existing investments in the university’s life-safety infrastructure and brings the built-in, code-driven survivability and back-up capacity of the fire alarm to the emergency communications system. Over the years, the university has gradually replaced older panels in campus buildings with newer Simplex fire panels and an advanced life-safety information management workstation. Of the 42 buildings on campus, 75 percent are now equipped with upgraded Simplex voice panels.

In addition to providing advanced fire detection and notification, the university’s system is a model example for other schools and private companies in its use emergency communications capabilities.

MSSU’s system enables emergency messages to be transmitted in campus buildings through fire alarm speaker devices.

To provide emergency communications coverage for outside areas, SimplexGrin-

Of the 42 buildings on campus, 75 percent are now equipped with upgraded Simplex voice panels.

Connected Severe Weather nell worked with the university to place Protection in Action speaker arrays in strategic locations around the campus. The addressable emergency notification systems enable staff to identify precise locations of activated devices, helping emergency personnel can respond more quickly. The outside speakers are activated by the fire alarm system’s audio output capabilities. With each array possessing 1200-1600 watts of power, emergency messages can be heard far and wide on campus and the surrounding city, up to two miles away, providing additional notification off the campus.

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The operational benefits of the addressable technology used in the university’s fire protection and emergency communications solutions are significant.

The intelligent, fully-addressable notification appliances can provide better protection as well as lower long-term maintenance costs.

Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

MSSU’s emergency preparedness was put to the test in May 2011, as an EF-5 category tornado packing 200-mile-perhour winds bore down on Joplin, Missouri. During the crisis, the value and importance of Missouri Southern State University’s investment in a Tyco SimplexGrinnell fire alarm and emergency communications system became clearer than ever.

Fortunately for the university, the MSSU campus was not impacted by the tornado that devastated much of the City of Joplin. But in the Continued on page 20

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case STUDY

Tyco SimplexGrinnell Continued from page 18

eyes of university officials, the emergency communications system was invaluable in warning people across campus to find shelter in preparation for the approaching twister, in fact, the night the tornado struck there was a high school graduation in process and warning messages were quickly sent out.

The efforts to maintain extreme weather

preparedness have continued at MSSU. The emergency communications system is integrated into the City of Joplin’s tornado system, so university buildings and exterior areas’ sirens are automatically activated at the same time as Joplin’s.

The automatic connection between MSSU and Joplin’s tornado systems is critical in times of danger, notifying the

campus and surrounding areas to react with as much notice as possible. Faster notification times give students and staff extra time to take shelter. The tornado system is tested monthly during class hours, playing the school’s fight song so all can easily distinguish between tests and an actual emergency. Students and faculty are also alerted via automated email messages ahead of the test so they can plan accordingly.

“Our severe weather emergency system reflects years of commitment to safety for our on- and off-campus communities,” said Bob Harrington, Director of the Physical Plant, at MSSU. “We are prepared for emergency events, thanks to our technology and integration with the City of Joplin and are proud to serve as a resource for our local community.”

The fire and communications solution at MSSU plays a key role in the protection of both students and the nearby public.

The university holds a recently-completed 11,000 square-foot Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shelter that offers protection to over 2,000 people from both the university and its neighboring area. The site is integrated with the tornado siren system so when the sirens sound in Joplin, the shelter doors automatically unlock for access.

A Model to Follow MSSU served for over a month as a disaster recovery center for the City of Joplin and as base of operations for law enforcement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, the National Guard and other authorities following the 2011 tornado. The historically smooth operation of MSSU’s support led to its recognition as a model for safety facilities. Today, the university serves as an official Red Cross shelter site and some of the university’s training policies and procedures have been incorporated by the Red Cross.

MSSU’s experience in getting the system in place and working together with SimplexGrinnell has been nothing but positive. “We have been working with SimplexGrinnell to keep our campus safe for over forty years. We are thrilled with the service and partnership they’ve given us and look forward to a strong future with their technology and partnership,” said Bob Harrington. ❏ FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 44 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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industry NEWS

Eaton’s Innovative Solutions Help Noted Actor and Environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. Attain LEED Platinum Certification

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OWER MANAGEMENT company Eaton recently announced that the company’s lighting, residential and wiring devices solutions have helped actor and environmentalist Ed Begley, Jr. build one of North America’s greenest, most sustainable homes. The home, completed in late 2016, received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Very few people go for the LEED Platinum certification in residential construction,” said Begley. “We were able to reach the Platinum level with the help of Eaton and all of the wonderful and efficient products they brought to the table.”

Eaton will be highlighting the completed home from January 10 to 12 during the 2017 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando, Florida. The Eaton booth, W3490, will showcase a series of videos demonstrating the products and services that help improve the efficiency, safety and reliability of the home, including Halo H4 light-emitting diode (LED) lighting products, arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupters, loadcenters and surge protection devices.

“Homeowners are increasingly looking for the innovative solutions Mr. Begley used in his home – energy-efficient products that do not sacrifice safety or reliability,” said Joanne Edwards, senior vice president, Residential and Wiring Devices Division, Eaton. “This project demonstrates that safe, reliable residential homes can be built to maximize efficiency with Eaton’s products.”

Visitors to Eaton’s booth can view the videos throughout the show and learn more about today’s connected products,

including compatible wireless solutions for tech-savvy homeowners, new featurerich solutions and products to help homeowners live safely and securely with minimized energy costs.

To learn more about the Eaton’s residential building and lighting solutions, visit the company’s booth at IBS, W3490, or www.eaton.com/residential and www.eaton.com/lighting. ❏

Eaton delivers a range of innovative and reliable indoor and outdoor lighting solutions, as well as controls products specifically designed to maximize performance, energy efficiency and cost savings. Eaton lighting solutions serve customers in the commercial, industrial, retail, institutional, residential, utility and other markets.

Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services.

Eaton is a power management company with 2015 sales of $20.9 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably.

Eaton has approximately 95,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

Miller Safety Consultants, Ltd of Manassas, Virginia, a leading distributor of arc flash safety equipment, clothing & apparel has changed it’s website address to www.electricalsafetysupply.com. Please take a minute and come visit us.

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industry NEWS

Female Executive Shines As Leader In Electrical Contracting Industry April Pelletier Appointed Executive Vice President of Newington Electric Co.

April Pelletier of Bristol and owner Ed Ingalls stand in front of a portrait of Newington Electric Co. founder Richard E. Ingalls. Pelletier has been appointed Executive Vice President and General Manager of the company and its subsidiaries.

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HEN APRIL PELLETIER answered a help wanted ad at Newington Electric Co. in 2006, owner Ed Ingalls was instantly impressed with her experience and confidence as a female electrician working in the maledominated electrical contracting industry.

Now Ingalls is pleased to announce the promotion of Pelletier to Executive Vice President and General Manager of Newington Electric Co. (NEC).

Ingalls says he has no intention of stepping down anytime soon, “But when I do, April has earned the right to take the reins and lead the company into the third generation,” explains Ingalls. “Just as I became President and CEO when my father Richard E. Ingalls stepped down, it gives me great pleasure and satisfaction in knowing that April has the knowledge, commitment and dedication that it takes to continue the NEC legacy into the 3rd generation and beyond.”

Not only will Pelletier of Bristol, lead NEC, but she will also oversee the company’s subsidiaries; CT Electric Car, CT

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Home Generator Systems, CT Generator Repair and the brand new division - CT Roof and Gutter Ice Melt Systems.

Pelletier started her electrical career fresh out of E.C. Goodwin Tech in New Britain in 2000 as an electrical apprentice working for a commercial electrical contractor on large projects. In 2005 she became one of only a few women in CT to obtain her E-2 Journeyman’s license.

When April joined NEC, she was an assistant in the Billing and Estimating department. Within 2 years she was promoted to the Commercial Service dept. as acting Commercial Service Dept Manager. Shortly afterwards, she returned to school in preparation for the E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractors License exam.

In 2009, Pelletier became one of only a handful of women in Connecticut to obtain her E-1 Unlimited Electrical Contractors Masters License.

“Over the past several years, April has worked with me side by side, learning all aspects of the electrical trade,” notes Ingalls, “From estimating, to project management,

Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

to business management, she has become my right-hand, go-to person. At this point, April runs and oversees the day-to-day operation of the entire Electrical department and has become a strategic person in the operation of NEC.” Pelletier acknowledges, “It has always been a challenge to earn respect from male professionals in the industry, as well as my coworkers. However, we have formed a very close family that takes pride in our work and service to our customers. I am very honored and grateful to have this opportunity.”

“April has proven time and time again that a young female can certainly reign in a man’s world,” adds Ingalls. “April has the maturity, discipline, and charisma to head such a large company like NEC. I feel very proud and fortunate to have April Pelletier as my successor and it is my hope that her success will inspire other woman to pursue their dreams as April did.”

Newington Electric is a 60-year old second generation electrical contracting company originally founded in 1958 by the late Richard E Ingalls. Ed Ingalls is the current owner and Richard Ingall’s son. NEC is one of the most recognized electrical contractors in the state of Connecticut, offering statewide service. Newington Electric specializes in commercial industrial and residential service and repairs, as well as new construction and design build projects. NEC has a professional staff ready to serve customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with around the clock telephone coverage and dispatching.

Newington Electric Company is the parent company of CT Home Generator Systems, CT Generator Repair, CT Electric Car and CT Roof and Gutter Ice Melt Systems.

Newington Electric CO is State licensed by the state of CT and registered with the State of Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection. For more information visit www.newingtonelectriccompany.com or call 860-667-1948. ❏

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industry NEWS

Good Visibility Makes for a Safe Journey LED Lighting Improves Safety in the Schallberg Tunnel transition zone luminaires together generate the recommended average carriageway luminances of 45 cd/m2 in the entrance zone and 3 cd/m2 in the interior of the tunnel, providing a comfortable, safe and energy-efficient lighting solution for the Schallberg tunnel.

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Innovative Drivers for Reliable Operation OLLOWING RENOVATION WORK, 100 transition zone luminaires and 150 in-

the Schallberg tunnel on the Simplon Pass is now a much brighter place thanks to LED components from Tridonic.

The extensive work took around two and a half years and has transformed the old dark 1970s construction into a modern tunnel packed with state-of-the-art technology.

The 45 km long Simplon Pass between Brig and Iselle is one of the most important transit routes in the Swiss Alps. This Swiss national highway, which is open all year round, is used by an average of about 2,500 vehicles every day. The route features numerous tunnels, galleries and bridges, most of which have been in operation since the 1960s or 70s and are now in great need of renovation.

Rejuvenating the Schallberg Tunnel Renovation of the 500 m long Schallberg tunnel at the start of the pass not far from Brig could not be delayed any longer in view of its advanced age. “This was a complete renovation job, involving all the tunnel elements. Among other things, we repaired the two galleries, built a new escape tunnel, lowered the road in some places to provide adequate clearance for trucks, and put down a new road surface”, said Mark Siegenthaler from ASTRA, the Swiss Federal Roads Office. Also renewed were the operational and safety equipment, the ventilation system, the power supply, the control system and the lighting. All these were once state of the art, of course, but that was back in the 1970s.

Focus on Safety, Visual Comfort and Energy Efficiency The Schallberg tunnel with its new lighting is now bright and inviting. A total of 26

terior zone luminaires from Swiss tunnel lighting specialist Rigamonti in combination with the white reflective tunnel walls create a pleasant atmosphere. The “inner workings” of the luminaires come from Tridonic. And the emergency lights on the walls, the escape route lights, the escape route indicators and the escape exit signs are all equipped with LED components from Tridonic.

The transition zone luminaires in the entrance and exit zones feature new LED modules based on the high-efficiency RLE series and developed specifically for tunnel lighting in accordance with specifications supplied by Rigamonti. The entrances to and exits from tunnels are high-risk areas for accidents because the lighting conditions change so abruptly. The risk can be reduced, however, with the right artificial lighting.

Each of the transition zone luminaires contains two LED modules. They are supplied with an operating current of 350 mA, have a power draw of 112 W and generate a luminous flux of 18,350 lm. Only the last three luminaires in the transition zone are equipped with only one LED module, providing a gentle transition to the interior zone. A striking feature of the luminaire housing is its low-profile design, made possible by LED technology. The luminaires are 1,550 mm long and 170 mm wide but only 40 mm deep.

For lighting in the interior zone new customised LED modules were developed on the basis of LLE modules, with five being accommodated in each luminaire. At an operating current of 300 mA the interior zone luminaires need 38.25 W and provide 6,365 lm. With an emission angle of 120° and a light colour of 6,500 K, they and the

Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

Drivers from the PREMIUM series ensure optimum operating conditions for the LEDs. The 1-100% dimmable constant-current LED Drivers feature adjustable output currents and have integrated overtemperature, short-circuit and overload protection.

The one4all interface provides superior dimming performance via DALI, DSI, switchDIM and corridorFUNCTION and also has the ready2mains digital interface.

While the transition zone luminaires have one driver per LED board, the tunnel interior luminaires only need one driver per luminaire.

Forward-looking Concept The new LED solution from Rigamonti for the Schallberg tunnel is a high-performance lighting system that offers a high level of visual comfort and has a positive effect on the sense of safety among vehicle drivers. The system ensures compliance with the current standards of the Swiss Engineers and Architects Association (SIA) and will lead to a noticeable reduction in energy consumption and maintenance costs.

For example, the LED inserts can be replaced without the need for any tools. Long life is another benefit. Tridonic specifies a life of up to 100,000 hours for the components. This translates into eleven and a half years of continuous operation for the interior zone luminaires. And there is another pleasing factor – the project enjoys a high level of acceptance among the population.

The Swiss Federal Roads Office ASTRA invests around 30 million Swiss Francs each year on maintenance and optimisation measures at the Simplon Pass, especially in the area of safety, and has completed numerous projects on this route in the last few years. ❏

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new PRODUCTS

The V12™ 40 Cal Ultralight Hood System 1. V12™ High-Volume Ventilator with ArcSense Interrupter™ • Patent-Pending ArcSense Interrupter™ shuts off airflow after an arc flash, preventing further inhalation of manganese fumes • 35 CFM blower fan• Snap-in design, removable in seconds 2. Ergonomic hood design allows for full rotation and movement 3. 1:1 Balance: Perfectly balanced back-to-front 4. Paulson face shields and brackets 5. Hood Handle for easy removal or transport 6. LED Head Lamp and ArcSense Interrupter™ ready For more information, visit www.electricalsafetysupply.com

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new PRODUCTS Platinum Tools® Multi-Award Winning Next Generation Termination System Now Shipping The Patented ezEX-RJ45 System Provides a Modular Solution to Make the Termination of Larger Diameter Twisted-Pair Cables Easy and Error-Free Platinum Tools®, the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation, hand termination and testing of wire and cable, is proud to announce the launch of the next generation termination system. The winner of the Residential Systems Magazine “Best of Show” CEDIA 2016 award and the 2017 BICSI Winter Conference & Exhibition Category Winner for Connectors and Connectorization, the ezEX-RJ45™ Termination System with the new EXO Crimp Frame™ is now shipping with an MSRP of $90.00 (p/n 100061C).

“In today’s networks, twisted pair cables are demanding more speed and bandwidth,” explained John Phillips, Platinum Tools, Inc. product manager. “To help meet these requirements, Cat5e/6/6A cables have increased in size. Both the outer diameter of the cable and the insulation diameter of the conductors are larger and vary by manufacturer, making cable and connector compatibility a challenge. Platinum Tools new patented ezEX-RJ45™ Termination System is the solution…providing greater cable to connector compatibility to meet higher performance demands.”

The included EXO Crimp Frame features tool-less replacement of dies to minimize down times due to damaged or worn dies. Interchangeable and ambidextrous dies for left and right-handed operation, clean and precise flush-cut connectors. The connector tab locks into the die port for one-handed operation and ensures that the connector is locked in place for proper crimping. Push button gun-style lock (patented) for easy storage, and the precisely aligned contact drivers provide reliable and repeatable crimping.

For more information, visit www.platinumtools.com

Douglas Lighting Controls IntroducesBluetooth® Wireless Lighting Control System Douglas Lighting Controls, a member of the Panasonic family of companies, has introduced a complete, stand-alone wireless system to control lights in a variety of commercial applications using Bluetooth® wireless technology. The system devices include Douglas Lighting Controls’ Bluetooth® Fixture Mounted Controller & Sensor, Bluetooth® Fixture Controller, Bluetooth® Sensor, Bluetooth® Switches, and Bluetooth® Dialog® Gateway. A complimentary Smartphone App provides commissioning and control capabilities for the devices and lighting control system.

Each Bluetooth-enabled device is its own wireless node for sending, receiving and sharing control commands through a wireless mesh network. The system can expand reach and control throughout the network, as each device passes information to the next device.

“With our Bluetooth wireless solution, Douglas continues to provide lighting specifiers the reliability and operability that is so critical to the success of a well-designed lighting control system,” said Rob Mahaffey, director of product market development for Douglas Lighting Controls. “Additionally, the system is easy to commission, saves on installation, employs a high level of encryption, and significantly reduces electrical consumption by providing the right amount of light when needed.”

Douglas Lighting Controls Bluetooth Fixture Mounted Controller and Sensor The Fixture Controller & Sensor provides automated individual and group control of light fixtures using onboard sensors and Bluetooth technology. It is easily installed for ON/OFF or bi-level light functionality. The daylight sensor provides additional energy savings by adjusting the lights to work with the amount of natural daylight available in open-sided parking garages or from windows.

For more information, visit www.douglaslightingcontrols.com 30

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new PRODUCTS New Milwaukee® Laser Distance Meters Provide Easiest Measurements Milwaukee Tool introduces new Laser Distance Meters. Designed to provide the easiest measurements from all orientations, the new Laser Distance Meters feature an array of new functionality such as intuitive user interfaces, 2 and 3-position auto-detecting levers, and an industry-first digital auto-level feature. Both the 150’ and 330’ Laser Distance Meters have 2” color screens for maximum visibility in low light conditions. Each features a simplified user interface that has been designed from the ground up for fast navigation so users can quickly choose their function and take a measurement with minimal downtime. Exclusive to the 330’ Laser Distance Meter is the digital auto-level feature. This new functionality allows for a measurement to be automatically taken when the meter reaches a level position, increasing accuracy when measuring long distances. This feature is unlike anything available on the market today.

For additional ease of use, the 150’ Laser Distance Meter includes a built-in 2-position auto-detecting lever so users can easily measure in corners, while the 330’ solution provides a 3-position auto-detecting lever that allows for measurements from corners and edges.

Each of the Laser Distance Meters offer several different measurement functions that allow users to add and subtract values and calculate linear distance, indirect height and length, surface area, total area, and volume. In addition, each tool includes memory storage for 30 readings and impact-resistant overmold for protection from tough jobsite conditions.All three Meters also feature a side shot button for an easier, more ergonomic experience when measuring in all directions.

The new Laser Distance Meters are a testament to Milwaukee’s unrelenting commitment to listening to its users and providing solutions that solve key industry frustrations, while increasing jobsite productivity. All are backed by Milwaukee’s limited lifetime warranty.

For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com

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new PRODUCTS AFC Cable Systems Announces Expansion to Line of High Quality Fittings New products include Liquidtight connectors and couplings and flexible metal conduit fittings AFC Cable Systems and sister company KafTech, both leading manufacturers of electrical products headquartered in New Bedford, MA, announce an expansion to their high quality line of electrical metallic tubing (EMT), flexible metal (Flex) and Liquidtight fittings for the electrical distribution industry. More than 150 new fittings items have been added. The new product offering is the first phase of a multi-phase fittings product extension, with many more items expected to be added in 2016.

The new products increase the number of applications for which fittings are now available. Many new items have been added to the Liquidtight category, including malleable Liquidtight fittings with aluminum or copper grounding lugs in insulated and uninsulated versions, tubular steel Liquidtight fittings (both uninsulated and insulated), as well as combo couplings to connect Liquidtight conduit to rigid conduit.

New AC/MC cable Flex products include 90° saddle type connectors with insulated throats, and double bite saddle type set screw couplings, which are ideal for connecting Flex, AC, MCI, MCI-A and HCF cables to outlets. Also new are combo couplings to connect flexible metal conduit to rigid or IMC conduit.

The expanded range of fittings is good news for those already purchasing cable from AFC Cable. Instead of multiple vendors shipping at different times, customers purchasing cable and Liquidtight products can now have access to a wider range of fittings – all shipped from the AFC warehouse so supplies arrive together. In addition to the convenience factor, customers are also expected to achieve freight savings.

For more Information, visit www.afcweb.com

NSL announces SWITCHEX® LED Driver + Dimmer Switch In One Specialty Lighting announces the SWITCHEX® LED Driver + Dimmer switch from Elemental LED. SWITCHEX combines an LED dimmer switch and LED power supply into a single integrated unit.

The SWITCHEX Dimmer + Driver accepts 120V AC and converts it to low voltage DC, all within a standard electrical box. SWITCHEX is compatible with most solid colour 12V and 24V DC tape lights and fixtures with power options up to 100W. SWITCHEX is truly a revolutionary step forward for power and control of LED applications.

“National Speciality Lighting has long been servicing the lighting needs of the US market with an outstanding reputation for quality and service” said Jim Puchbauer, Elemental LED’s VP of Strategic Alliances. “We designed SWITCHEX to increase the performance and simplify the installation of low voltage LED lighting. We are proud to have NSL as a partner and to support their tradition of delivering solutions leveraging the latest in LED technology.”

For more Information, visit nslusa.com

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new PRODUCTS Little Beaver Attachments Make Horizontal Boring Clean and Easy for Electrical and Cable Installers Little Beaver, manufacturer of high-quality earth drills, augers and accessories, offers earth drill attachments to create clean, horizontal bores for burying cable and wire under paved surfaces. With two styles of Horizontal Boring Kits, wet and dry, Little Beaver turns Mechanical and Standard Hydraulic Earth Drills into versatile machines for precise horizontal boring applications, including installing wiring, cable and telephone lines. Little Beaver’s Horizontal Boring Kits save time and effort when compared to physically forcing a pipe through soil by hand, and the kits are more cost effective than purchasing or renting expensive hydraulic or pneumatic moles or directional drills, especially for those who already have Little Beaver Earth Drills. Little Beaver’s Dry Boring Kit attaches to the earth drill to efficiently create bores as long as 5 feet. The kit includes a 3-inch by 5-foot auger, a horizontal drill key, and a 5-foot extension with a universal wiggle joint. With the extension connected to the auger by the wiggle joint, users can stand while boring. The earth drill provides the torque necessary to drill smoothly through the soil from one side of a sidewalk to the other. Due to the low drilling load, Little Beaver’s safety-enhancing torque tubes are unnecessary with the horizontal boring attachments. Instead, users attach a horizontal drill key to the torque tube connector on the power unit to engage the safety interlock and bypass the engine kill switch.

For more information, visit www.littlebeaver.com

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Vertiv™ to Offer Lithium-Ion Battery Option With Large Size UPS Systems Lithium-ion batteries can reduce replacement frequency, footprint and Total Cost of Ownership Vertiv™, formerly Emerson Network Power, today announced the availability of new energy storage solutions for several of its Liebert® Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, using lithiumion batteries from proven suppliers. Lithium-ion batteries designed specifically for UPS applications are smaller, lighter and last longer than traditional valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries, presenting an alternative for organizations seeking to leverage the benefits offered by these advanced battery technologies.

Available now in the Americas, the lithium-ion solutions are fully tested, UL listed and compatible with the Liebert NXL, Liebert EXL, Liebert NX 225-600 kVA and Liebert Series 610 UPS systems.

“While mainstream use of lithium-ion batteries is relatively new to the data center, we have been engineering UPS solutions with lithium-ion battery backup for customers for some time,” said Peter Panfil, vice president of global power for Vertiv. “By offering lithium-ion configurations from multiple suppliers, we are providing a broad spectrum of battery technologies that have been vigorously tested for safety and performance in multiple applications and environments.”

Lithium-ion batteries have been commonplace in consumer electronics for decades, providing compact, lightweight, long-lasting energy storage for cell phones, laptops and tablets. More recently, those same characteristics have driven expanded applications of the technology in cars, airplanes and, increasingly, data centers.

The benefits are substantial. Lithium-ion batteries are considerably smaller and lighter than VRLA counterparts, significantly reducing the footprint of the battery cabinets and in some cases enabling in-row battery storage.

For more information, visit www.VertivCo.com

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new PRODUCTS Award-Winning SYLVANIA SubstiTUBE® LED Product Line LEDVANCE has expanded its award-winning SYLVANIA SubstiTUBE® LED product line making it even easier for companies to save money by either replacing traditional tubes to reduce their energy costs or in new construction that want the latest lighting products, in addition to lower labor and recycling costs. SubstiTUBE LED solutions have a long rated life up to 50,000 hours (L70), reduce energy usage by up to 40 percent, contain no mercury or UV emissions, and provide instant light. New additions include a dimmable glass LED T8, a LED T5HO which offers the highest efficacy on the market of its kind, an LED Ubend replacement for traditional fluorescent T8 lamps, and DULUX L LED TT5 lamps. These are ideal for a wide range of applications including general illumination, cove lighting, display cases, parking garages, warehouses and tunnels. In North America, LEDVANCE offers SYLVANIA advanced LED lamps as well as a wide range of traditional light sources, standardized luminaires and connected lighting solutions.

“We are focused on giving the electrical industry high quality SYLVANIA branded options to help them meet the growing needs of their customers,” said Fernando Ulloa, product marketing manager, LEDVANCE. “Our goal is to always find ways to better serve our distributor and contractor customers when they want to replace traditional tube lighting with LED.” SYLVANIA SubstiTUBE IPS LED T8 Lamps are available in a 4ft version delivering 1650 lumens, 3ft version delivering 1650 lumens, 2ft version delivering 1100 lumens, and a new dimmable 4ft glass version delivering 2200 lumens. All 4ft and 2ft lamps are DLC qualified. SYLVANIA SubstiTUBE LED T5HO Lamps were recognized in the recent IES Progress Report for having the highest efficacy for a T5HO LED, delivering 3200 lumens using only 25W. SYLVANIA SubstiTUBE DULUX® L LED TT5 Lamps use 17W to deliver 2200 lumens. Both SubstiTUBE LED T5HO and SYLVANIA SubstiTUBE DULUX L LED TT5 Lamps have an optimized glass design. SYLVANIA SubstiTUBE CURVALUME® IPS LED T8 Lamps are Ubend replacements for traditional fluorescent T8 lamps and offer full illumination from end to end.

For more information, visit www.sylvania.com

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Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

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Conduit & Copper Tube Carriers • US Tube Doors offers Aluminum Carrier Kits, Doors/End Caps and U-Bolt Assemblies • Made from top quality cast aluminum • Available in 4”, 6” & 8” for Schedule 40 PVC Pipe • Steel Latch Spring provides a snug fit • Padlock Tab provides for greater security • Hinged Cover for convenient access • Attached Rubber Door Gaskets for tighter weather seal • USA Made — US Tube Doors a Division of Street Smart Solutions For more information, visit www.USTubeDoors.com

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advertiser INDEX

FEBRUARY 2017

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#

ADVANCED TEST EQUIPMENT 37 50 AEMC INSTRUMENTS IBC, 7 2, 8 AMTEC PULLING GRIPS 29 20 BARRON LIGHTING 1 4 CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS 4 6 COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 17 14 DABMAR LIGHTING 23 17 ECLIPSE TOOLS 28 45 EZ BOX ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS LLC BC 3 EZ METER 36 48 FACILITY REULTS 32 46 GARDNER BENDER 16 42 HB BRACKETS 35 23 HERCULES INDUSTRIES, INC 39 53 HIOKI USA IFC, 9, 25 1, 9, 18 HYLITE LED LIGHTING 3 5 ITOOLCO 27 19

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Electrical Products & Solutions • February 2017

Company

PG#

RS#

KRENZ & COMPANY MEGGER MILLER SAFETY CONSULTANTS, LTD NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS ORBIT INDUSTRIES, INC. PHASE-A-MATIC PLATINUM TOOLS POWER & TEL RANDL INDUSTRIES ROLL-A-REEL SONEL TEST & MEASUREMENT INC. SPERRY INSTRUMENTS TCP TOPAZ LIGHTING TYCO SIMPLEXGRINNELL U-MARK, INC. UTILITY METALS

36 13 11 33 40 32 5 15 19 38 12 8, 18 31 20 21 39 10

49 12 11 22 55 47 7 13 15 51 41 40, 43 21 44 16 54 10

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