EPS Magazine September 2015

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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 WRITERS

John Olobri • Dawn Ey

PRESIDENT

Danny J. Salchert

6 FEATURES 6

Criteria for Selecting a Good Service Provider

14

Insulation Resistance Testing Demystified

By John Olobri

PART 2 OF A 2 PART ARTICLE

COMPANY PROFILE 22

iTOOLco, Experts at Pulling and Managing Wire

By Dawn Ey

DEPARTMENTS 26 Product Focus 40 Ad Index ON THE COVER Photo provided by Mitsubishi Electric

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Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2015

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.

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FEATURE • Mitsubishi Electric

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A

Good Service Provider A

fter the time invested in designing your critical power system, and once the data center is turned over to the IT department, you want to ensure the equipment is receiving the best possible service. That raises the question, what makes for a good service provider? Your team spent months – if not years – devel-

6

oping the UPS environment. All that time and diligence can quickly be undone if standards and procedures are not in place.

That’s where a Method of Procedure (MOP), Scope of Work (SOW), and Service Vendors come into play.

A MOP is designed to provide step-bystep instructions to be executed by service

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2015

technicians performing an operation that implies a change in critical components of an installation. The MOP should establish a procedure for any action that could alter the normal operation of your system, while ensuring the desired outcome of those actions. Depending on the type of service or activity, Continued on page 8

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FEATURE • Mitsubishi Electric the MOP can vary. But each of them should contain detailed, written instructions for executing the service and should be followed by anyone operating the equipment.

The procedure should include prerequisites, note unique that will be needed, safety requirements, a back out plan, and procedure sequencing. Prerequisites should include actions to be done prior to service – including approval processes, maintenance windows, and system re-configuration. Any additional tools needed, outside a typical toolbox, should be listed to reduce risk to the data center and make efficient use of your maintenance window. Safety requirements, lockout-tagout procedures, and protective equipment should be named. If a safety administrator’s presence is required, the necessary parties should be notified and proper safety equipment should always be used.

The list of instructions is a crucial part of your MOP – this list describes, in detail, each step and the expected result. Each

Continued from page 6

step should be indicated ‘Complete’ as the operator goes through each step. This provides a log of events in terms of record keeping and can be later used for reference. The user should be able to follow the list of instructions and achieve the intended result.

Your MOP should include the following: a job information section, where general information and service descriptions are made; a back out procedure, in the event of an interruption; a detailed description of activities and the expected outcome; any necessary approval signatures and additional attachments.

A key takeaway from a well-established MOP is the technicians are wholly aware of procedures, expected outcomes, and understanding why the procedures are in place. Once this is achieved, risk of outages can be significantly reduced while increasing workplace safety.

Similar to a MOP, a Scope of Work (SOW) provides a detailed summary of the service to be performed. Before a tech-

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Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2015

nician arrives to site, you can ask for a SOW to know exactly what to expect from the service visit. Typically, SOW’s are used for maintenance contracts (or various service work) and provide clarification for each maintenance trip. Contents of the scope can vary but should include physical, electrical, and operational inspections of the equipment along with follow through and documentation of the technician’s findings. Other aspects of a SOW that should be included are data recordings/measurements – particularly for your battery cabinets, proper cleaning of the system, and a remedial action plan – including any necessary replacement parts.

You should ask yourself a few questions when it comes to selecting a service provider.

• Is the provider OEM certified?

• Do they have access to a spare parts depot?

• Can certified OEM parts be shipped quickly? – Particularly Continued on page 12

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FEATURE • Mitsubishi Electric in emergency situations?

• Is there a 24 x 7 support network in place?

• Will the provider be able to upgrade software?

• Does the provider carry necessary insurance or issue a Certificate of Insurance?

When selecting a service provider, the first question to ask is, ‘Are they OEM certified?’ While OEM’s offer direct service options, they may have an additional network of partners who are certified to provide service on their behalf. These service partners typically have attended training courses held at OEM Headquarters and passed all the training requirements to provide field service.

Options for certified OEM spare parts can vary but having parts readily available is crucial to the continuity of your system. Spare part kits are available, maintenance contracts can include remedial parts / labor, or you may choose to purchase parts as needed.

In the event of an emergency, it’s important to entrust your service provider

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Continued from page 8

lished, with technicians available for dispatch. An often overlooked support feature is the internal support network – Application Engineers, Project Managers, Service Coordinators, and Technical Support Specialists. This support team works in the background to specifically support customers and ensure all commitments are met. Software upgrade periodically become available, your service provider should have access to those upgrades and be included with a maintenance contract. Depending on your data center, you may require specific insurance requirements – the service vendor should comply with those requirements and follow any explicit data center rules when onsite.

Reliability is a paramount factor in any UPS service company. You entrusted your UPS vendor with supplythe responsibility ing continual power to your critical of developing a quick and effecequipment, your service vendor should tive remedial action plan. Your provider provide that same reliability. Following should have a 24 x 7 network estab- the OEM recommended maintenance / replacement schedule can significantly reduce total cost of ownership – a savings that can be passed along to your customers.

An effective MOP can significantly reduce data center outages caused by human error but should be routinely followed and updated when necessary.

When evaluating service providers, you should ask for a Scope of Work; this document(s) provide clarification on the service to be provided. Verify this falls in line with your expectations and ask for revisions when necessary. Particularly SOW’s, it is important to compare on a level playing field. By comparing SOW’s, you can ensure you know exactly what you are paying for and request modifications as needed. Site walkthroughs should be customary to gain perspective, site familiarity, and overall system design. Once you make a decision on a service vendor, they become part of your team; working closely with the Service group is a mutually beneficial relationship for both parties and is the best way to maximize your UPSs uptime. ❏

Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2015

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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments

PART 2 OF A 2 PART ARTICLE

Insulation Resistance Testing Demystified

Dielectric Discharge (DD) Test Process

The Dielectric Discharge (DD) or “reabsorption current” test operates during the discharge of the dielectric.

As all three current components (charging, polarization and leakage currents) are present during a standard insulation test, the determination of polarization (absorption)

By John Olobri, Director of Sales and Marketing, AEMC® Instruments current is potentially confused by the presast month, we discussed the basics ploying spot testing to compare the new ence of the leakage current. Instead of meainvolved with insulation resistance measurement with historical data. Doing so suring the polarization current during an testing briefly. The three currents in- will provide a better picture of the insulation Table 1 - Guidelines for DC voltages to be volved (capacitive, absorption and leakage) resistance properties. applied during insulation resistance test and their effect on the insulation resistance One of the most common uses of a spot measured. The capacitive and absorption test is to check the quality of electrical currents in the insulation are generally dis- wiring on new installations. It is effective sipated in a short period of time leaving the in finding breaks or damaged insulation. leakage current which is what we mostly For example, spot testing will be less efwant to measure to determine the quality of fective on larger devices such as motors, the insulation resistance. We also discussed pumps, valves and transformers, or long cathe common test methods (spot, timed and ble runs where there is capacitive and instep). Spot testing is effective when testing ductive properties to be considered. Timed insulation test, the DD test looks at the dedevices or cables that are resistive in nature testing should be considered with these de- polarization and capacitive discharge curwhere the capacitive and absorption cur- vices. Additionally, the IEEE recommends rents at the end of an insulation test. rents dissipate very quickly. Not taking test voltage ranges to consider for rotating The insulator must first be charged for a these two currents into account can lead to machinery based on their normal operating sufficient time to be “stable” (charging and false low readings on larger equipment or voltage. Table 1 from IEEE-43-2000 shows polarization are complete and the only relong wire runs. It is also best when em- these recommended test voltages. maining component is Continued on page 16

L

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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments leakage current). The insulator is then discharged and the current that flows is measured. This current constitutes the capacitive discharges and the “re-absorption currents”, combining to give the total “dielectric discharge”. The current is measured after a standard time of one minute, which should be greater than the primary time constant of the discharge. The result is not affected by surface leakage, which is effectively short-circuited. The current is dependent on the overall capacitance and the final test voltage.

Dielectric discharge is measured as follows: Dielectric Discharge = I(1 min) / V x C Where I is the leakage current at the end of one minute, V is the voltage measured at the end of one minute and C is the capacitive measurement.

Test results using this equation are evaluated as follows Bad if greater than 7 Poor 4 to 7 Questionable 2 to 4 OK if less than 2 Homogeneous 0

Continued from page 14

DD testing is generally employed to ment process. Figures 2 and 3 show this evaluate the properties of multi-layer insu- effect and placement of the guard lead. lation.

Utilizing the Guard Terminal When measuring the resistance of the insulator it is also important to take into account the potential resistance path of the outer surface of the insulation. It will be part of the measurement result taken by the Megohmmeter. It can be a significant part of the measurement as well if the surface area is contaminated. In some cases the surface leakage current will be five to ten times greater than the leakage that flows through the insulation itself. It, in effect, is a parallel resistance to the resistance of the insulation. The larger the surface area along with the higher test voltages employed to test these devices, the more likely that this parallel surface path will affect the measurement. The solution is to employ the use of the guard terminal of the Megohmmeter to eliminate this unwanted leakage from the measure-

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Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2015

What to Consider When Selecting a Megohmmeter Test Voltage

First and foremost consider the voltage levels you will need to test at on a normal basis. Plan for the highest voltage you need and consider at least one level higher for future use. Megohmmeters are generally categorized by test voltage indicating the highest test voltage they produce.

Common offerings are 50V, 100V, 250V, 500V, 1kV, 5kV, 10kV and 15kV. There are specialized megohmmeters that offer higher voltages as well. A multiple range instrument will provide you with the most versatility.

Test Voltage Generation

The method of generating the test voltage is also important. The three methods are hand-crank, battery operated and AC/DC powered.

Continued on page 18

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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments

Continued from page 16

some sort of over range condition. While this is at least an indication that the insulation resistance is high, it does not allow for comparative data to past measurements to determine if the insulation resistance is deteriorating or not.

Figure 2 Effects of using the Guard terminal

Figure 3 Guard lead placement

Hand-crank units are ideal considerations for spot test applications that only require intermittent use as there are no batteries to replace after long periods of non-use. They are also good work horses to consider when working in areas recovering from a flood where no power or batteries are available.

Battery operated units offer the convenience of portability but have a limitation on the test time. Devices with higher inductive and capacitive properties can take a long time to eliminate the capacitive charging current from the measurement. This time can be beyond the battery’s charge capacity. AC/DC powered units that allow testing while the batteries are recharging could be your best

choice. It provides the versatility of portability as well as the ability to generate the test voltages needed for long test times.

The IEEE recommends that a megohmmeter should have the ability to maintain test voltage throughout the test.

Resistance Measurement Range

Next consider the applications you will be using the instrument on and the expected insulation resistance you will need to measure. Choose a megohmmeter that can measure high enough. Many materials have insulation resistances in the Tera-Ohm (1012) range. An instrument that cannot measure high enough will usually indicate

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Electrical Products & Solutions • September 2015

Test Current

The instrument’s short circuit current gives a good indication of the testing strength for testing large machinery and long cables. The higher the short circuit current, the shorter the time it will take to complete the capacitive charging. A good megohmmeter will have a short circuit current that is at least 2 to 3 times the test current.

The ability to program current limits provide a level of confidence that sensitive equipment will not be harmed by the test.

This can take the form of limiting the current to a specific value, limiting the rate of change of current or allowing the maximum current which can sometimes show a visual sign of insulation failure in the form of a spark.

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Safety Considerations

A good megohmmeter should also function as a volt meter when not performing an insulation test. This will give an indication of the charge on the device at the completion of the test and provide an indication if it is safe to remove the test leads. Megohmmeters should also provide the ability to automatically discharge the device under test at the completion of the test.

Insulation tests should be performed on de-energized devices. Look for megohmmeters that have a test prohibit feature preventing them from generating a test voltage if a voltage above a safe level (user programmable) is detected.

in the design and marketing of instrumentation for over 30 years.

For the past eighteen years, John has been the Director of Sales and Marketing for AEMCÂŽ Instruments where he has been actively involved in About the Author: John Olobri holds the areas of Insulation Resistance, degrees in both Electrical and Ground Resistance, Power Quality Industrial Engineering and has worked Testing and Data Logging.

beneficial and save you time and money in the long run. Knowing how to test properly is key to insuring good results with confidence. â??

Test Leads

Test leads should be rated for the test voltage they will test at. Also consider the insulation material on the test leads themselves. Whereas PVC type insulation material is good, Silicone type insulation is much better in colder conditions and it will not be as stiff to work with.

Other Considerations Back lighting may seem trivial but because insulation testing is conducted on de-energized devices and often in dark areas, backlighting can be of great benefit to the user.

Many megohmmeters available today come with software that provide the ability to configure the instrument thus saving a considerable amount of time on higher end instruments with a broad range of programmable options. Software also provides the ability to run tests and is a benefit where repetitive testing is required like found on production lines. Lastly but equally important is the ability to generate reports eliminating errors associated with transposing numbers or illegible documents. It also saves considerable time when comparing new data to historical data.

Megohmmeters offer a wide variety of capability and choices from the basic spot testing device to the more sophisticated instrument that lets you automate multiple test profiles and store and report data. Choosing the right one for your needs requires some thought to the applications you need to deal with on a regular basis. Picking an instrument that goes beyond your present needs can be FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 44 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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Company PROFILE

iTOOLco, Experts at

Pulling and Managing Wire

By Dawn Ey, Marketing Director, iTOOLco

W

hen iTOOLco expanded their product line last year to include the Cannon 6K™ Puller, the company was building on the success of the revolutionary Cannon 10K™ Puller. Both pullers have patented dual capstans with two speed motors offering users any of four different speeds to match the pull conditions. With many user-friendly features, including easy transportation on jobsites and intuitive set-up, these two innovative products are quickly becoming the most popular pullers in North America.

During 2015, iTOOLco has released four new products –all designed to improve safety and increase efficiency. It is evident when one sees iTOOLco’s products in use that they are unique tools, invented by electricians for electricians. The slogan “Measurable Advantages” is selfevident.

Real Big Jacks™ Moving large heavy spools into place, safely and quickly, has never been easier.

Lighter loads can moved on paved surfaces using the durable wheels. Heavier loads are transported by removing the quick-disconnect wheels and using a fork lift. With properly sized tow motors, lifting can be done from any of the four sides even with a huge spool mounted. Reels spin so freely on the bearings and rollers that there is rarely a need for a wire feeder. Real Big Jacks™ can accommodate spools up to 84” high and 54” wide and up to 20,000 lbs.

Freedom Cart™ “Amazingly versatile” is the term heard over and over. Keeping materials organized on the job is always a challenge. Solving the common need, iTOOLco’s Freedom Cart™ – two years in design and testing –

The Freedom Cart™ keeps valuable wire and materials organized, visible, free of damage, ready for use, and makes for easy transporting anywhere.

keeps valuable wire and materials organized, visible, free of damage, ready for use, and makes for easy transporting anywhere.

Constructed of top grade steel, wheels, and powder coating, the Freedom Cart™ is built for years of flawless service. The six shelves fold up or stay down, and adjust up and down for spacing in countless configurations. In addition, there are 18 spool axles and a lower pipe rack. Perfect for roughingin or for any phase of the job, from start to finish. The shelves hold up to 36 wire packs or data boxes. The axles carry up to 36/each of 500’ wire spools, or 18/each of 2500’ wires spools, and a load of pipe, strut, and threaded rod.

L.I.P.™ (Lock-in-place) Conduit Sheaves L.I.P.™ Conduit Sheaves represent the first real improvement in Continued on page 24

(Above) Moving large heavy spools into place, safely and quickly, has never been easier.

(Right) L.I.P™ Conduit Sheaves are the electrical industry’s first design in function and improvement in conduit sheaves.

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Company PROFILE

Continued from page 22

conduit sheaves since their inception. The L.I.P.™ feature makes it possible to lock these sheaves in place at any angle or inclination. The phenolic resin wheel is more durable than cast and won’t dent or break. Unlike conventional sheaves, L.I.P.™ Conduit Sheaves enable the installer to stay clear of the equipment keeping hands and limbs safely out of the way.

Needle bearing rollers ensure a smooth installation by minimizing drag on the pull and reducing the risk of damaging valuable wire. With a fully adjustable thread depth, these sheaves provide unlimited flexibility on the job and significantly simplify the process of feeding wire.

Ranging in sizes from 2” to 4”, the sheaves can be purchased individually or Window Crimps™ with Sure Grip have a “window” that allows visual inspection of the wire insertion before and after the crimping, making installation foolproof.

as a complete set of five. 5” and 6” also available in non-locking.

Window Crimps™ with Sure Grip Before Window Crimps™ with Sure Grip, installing traditional pulling heads was guesswork with the installer hoping for a strong connection. Installation is now foolproof with Window Crimps™ with Sure Grip. These single use pulling crimps feature a “window” that allows positive visual inspection of the wire insertion before and after the crimping. The installer is assured of always knowing the crimp head is secure and ready for a safe pull. The innovative internal threads and longer bodies, offer more surface area for a stronger crimp. The crimps can be installed by any 12 ton crimper. Still, they work best with the iTOOLco’s WCT1000 Dieless Cordless Crimper. When using the iTOOLco crimper, no nib change or die search is required for any of the eighteen body sizes, from 8 AWG all the way through 1000 MCM. The company is so confident in Window Crimps™ with Sure Grip that they are guaranteed when installed by an iTOOLco certified installer. iTOOLco’s unique and ever growing understanding of electrical contractor needs has informed the research and development of these trailblazing products.

Beta testing with trusted tradespeople confirmed the industry need and potential for success. The company’s array of industry leading products and its unmatched six year warranty have quickly made iTOOLco a contractor favorite. These and other innovative tools are available through the company’s distributor network found at iTOOLco.com or by calling 865.670.3713. ❏ FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 48 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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Product FOCUS Platinum Tools® Expands Structured Wiring Solutions With New Keystone Jacks, Couplers, & Multi-Port Wall Plates Complimenting Such Popular Products as the EZ-SnapJack, Platinum Tools’ Product Catalog has Exactly What the Installer Needs for Virtually Any and Every Application Platinum Tools®, the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation, hand termination and testing of wire and cable, is proud to announce it has expanded its structured wiring solutions to include new Keystone Jacks, Couplers, and Multi-Port Wall Plates for data, voice, and video installations and applications.

“Quite simply, we have complete connectivity solutions for your entire network,” explained John Phillips, Platinum Tools, Inc. product manager. “Platinum Tools has been a leader in providing products and solutions for the structured wiring networking world of data, voice, and video for nearly two decades. Now, with Keystone Jacks, Couplers, and Multi-Port Wall Plates complementing our exiting popular products such as the EZSnapJack, our catalog has exactly what the installer needs for virtually any and every application.”

Platinum Tools’ Keystone Jacks and Couplers for Cat3, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A applications are color coded to make EIA/TIA 568A/B wiring easy. They feature 50 micron gold contacts, meet/exceed EIA/TIA category standards, they are compatible with industry standard wall plates, and are RoHS compliant and UL listed.

“Our Wall Plates are compatible with most industry standard keystone jacks and EZ-SnapJacks and are engineered to prevent possible fracturing from over tightened screws,” added Phillips. The 1-, 2-, and 4-port Wall Plates are also UL & RoHS compliant, one-piece, single-gang, 4.5-inch x 2.75-inch, include color matching mounting screws, and are designed to fit standard single-gang outlet boxes.

For more information, visit www.platinumtools.com

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Product FOCUS T&B® Cable Tray Super-Duty Splice Plate Reduces Number of Required Structural Supports New Product from Thomas & Betts Also Serves as Mid-Span Splice The T&B® Cable Tray Super-Duty Splice Plate™, new from Thomas & Betts (T&B), reduces costs by eliminating the need for additional supports at the expansion joint that the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) would otherwise recommend. It also can be used for mid-span splicing.

“The Super-Duty Splice Plate™ is designed for expansion splicing, which reduces the number of additional supports required for structural integrity,” said Ralph Donati, product marketing director at T&B. “By also doubling as a mid-span splice, it provides the contractor with greater flexibility in the use of materials and further reduces cost by reducing the number of stock-keeping units [SKUs] the contractor needs at the jobsite.”

The T&B® Cable Tray Super-Duty Splice Plate™ also eliminates the need to drill and install additional hardware on the flange, saving additional installation time. It also features nylon washers that facilitate movement by reducing friction and require no lubrication of the side rail during installation or maintenance. The reinforced design of the Super-Duty Splice Plate™ provides rigidity, resistance and strength, and allows for true contraction and expansion under full loads.

Made of high-strength, heat-treated aluminum, the Super-Duty Splice Plate™ is 13 inches (330 mm) wide and rated for 6inch aluminum side rails (Series AH36-AH66). The plate is pre-drilled for expansion and mid-span applications, and is supplied with all hardware needed for both types of installations.

For more information, visit www.tnb.com

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Product FOCUS New Local Energy Partnership Brings Innovative Solar Tracker to Washington State Tracker available for homes and businesses throughout region A new partnership will bring the innovative AllEarth Solar Tracker solar electric system to homeowners and businesses in Washington State. The dealer partnership between local installer West Seattle Natural Energy and solar tracker manufacturer AllEarth Renewables was announced recently. West Seattle Natural Energy installed the first American-made solar tracker last month at a home in Port Orchard. From its office in West Seattle, West Seattle Natural Energy is a family and veteran-owned and operated company providing design, installation, and maintenance for solar PV systems in Washington State. Designed and manufactured in Williston, VT, AllEarth Solar Trackers use innovative GPS and wireless technology to follow the sun throughout the day to boost solar energy production by up to 45 percent over roof-top installations and more than 30 percent of fixed ground-mounted systems. The pole mounted, grid connected solar systems are designed for homes, businesses, non-profits, and commercial-scale installations. A single 6 kW solar tracker will produce enough to power most of an average Seattle-area home.

“There is an old Buddhist saying, ‘If you light a lamp for someone, it will also brighten your own path.’ At West Seattle Natural Energy, we view our work as a mission that goes beyond a simple profit motive. We truly believe that providing solar energy is a vital part in securing everyone’s future,” said Keith Hughes, owner of West Seattle Natural Energy. “We are excited to be partnering with the team at West Seattle Natural Energy and to be able to provide our product to Washington State.

Designed to produce more energy from the sun, our trackers make an investment in solar practical and affordable for homeowners and businesses,” said David Blittersdorf, president and CEO of AllEarth Renewables.

For more information, visit www.allearthrenewables.com

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HELUKABEL Publishes First-Ever Aluminum Cable Catalog HELUKABEL, one of the world’s leading cable manufacturers, has published its first-ever aluminum catalog, which presents its extensive range of aluminum cables and conductors, as well as information about proper processing techniques and the associated connection technology. It is the first catalog of its kind to appear on the market. With more than 100 pages, everything readers need to know regarding aluminum as a conductor material and the extensive product range is clearly presented.

Aluminum cables have a long history at HELUKABEL. Thanks to the POWERLINE ALU-series, HELUKABEL has even been able to offer a finely stranded aluminum cable for several years now. Once developed for wind power applications, other industries are also benefitting from this highly flexible cable product.

Traditionally used in ground and medium-voltage applications, aluminum cables are increasingly being used in industrial sectors such as the automotive industry, aircraft manufacturing, rail technology, media technology, solar technology, plant engineering, combined heat and power plants, or in power generation and storage applications.

The catalog discusses the advantages and special characteristics related to the use of aluminum cables, and provides important facts that might facilitate a switch to this lighter and more cost-effective metal, such as aluminum being approx. 70 percent lighter than copper. Catalog users also learn about the lower conductivity of aluminum, which requires a conductor cross section that is about one-third larger than that of a copper cable. Skeptics will find themselves being convinced that the often prevailing opinion - aluminum is not flexible enough – is no longer a valid point due in part to new production capabilities, and that the aluminum conductor certainly offers an interesting alternative to copper in today’s industrial world.

For more information, visit www.helukabel.com

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Product FOCUS LaMar Lighting Introduces LSL Series of Premium Recessed LED Lensed Luminaires Fixtures Feature Field Replaceable LED Modules, Provide Even Illumination LaMar Lighting Company has expanded its collection of premium LED luminaires with the introduction of the LSL Series of recessed lensed fixtures designed for commercial applications, including offices, healthcare and education. The LSL offers the performance and maintenance features expected of traditional lighting sources but with the benefit of the latest LED technology.

The LSL Series features linear array LED modules that can be replaced in the field, allowing building owners to easily service the fixtures and ensure their longevity. The units provide even illumination without LED hot spots, and high-reflectance components deliver main beam focus through the optically designed prismatic haze or flat frosted acrylic lenses.

Customers can specify the LSL Series in 2’ by 2’ and 2’ by 4’ sizes in a range of lumen outputs and color temperatures, delivering up to 103 lumens-per-watt efficacy, and with a CRI greater than 84. The LSL Series is made in the USA using high-quality components from the leading manufacturers with standard 0-10V dimming and a rated life of over 50,000 hours. The luminaires are suitable for use in standard 15/16” inverted T-bar grid ceilings.

All LaMar fixtures are UL-listed and are made by members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union. The LSL Series is DesignLights Consortium® (DLC) approved, and LM 79 and LM 80 reports are available upon request. All electrical components carry a five-year warranty.

For more information, visit www.lamarlighting.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

2015 NECA SHOW AEMC INSTRUMENTS ALLEARTH RENEWABLES, INC AMERICAN CONNECTORS AMERICAN TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS, INC. CALIFORNIA TURBO CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS CONNOMAC CORPORATION CONSTRUCTION INNOVATIONS CONTINENTAL CONTROL SYSTEMS, LLC CONTINENTAL INDUSTRIES COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION DABMAR LIGHTING E-Z METER ELECDIRECT.COM LLC FACILITY RESULTS GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES GENSCO GREAVES CORPORATION HARTMAN PRODUCTS HB BRACKETS HERCULES INDUSTRIES, INC. HIOKI USA INNOVATECH INTERNATIONAL INC. ITOOLCO

28 IFC 31 40 24 34 4 18 34 37 32 15 37 37 30 8 7 26 36 35 11 38 1, 9 16 20, 21

21 1 23 62 48 52 6 45 53 56 24 13 46 47 50 41 8 49 55 54 11 59 4, 9 43 16

K-SUN CORPORATION KOLBI PIPE MARKER CO KRENZ & COMPANY “MARKTIME” MILLER SAFETY CONSULTANTS, LTD MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTS, INC. MP GLOBAL PRODUCTS LLC NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS ORBIT INDUSTRIES, INC. PHASE-A-MATIC PLATINUM TOOLS POWER & TEL POWER-ONE RANDL INDUSTRIES REDFISH INSTRUMENTS INC. ROLL-A-REEL SP PRODUCTS STOUT TOOL TCP TG INDUSTRIES THE HOME DEPOT TITAN LED TRIPLETT/BYTE BROTHERS UNDERGROUND DEVICES UTILITY METALS

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RS#

IBC 38 8 38 5 3 C4 25 19 30 33 27 C6 29 40 37 17 38 23 39 13 BC C5 C3 10

31 61 42 60 7 5 3 19 44 51 25 20 30 22 63 57 14 58 18 26 12 32 29 2 10

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