EPS Magazine, December 2012

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CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER

Anita Salchert ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jerry DiChiara jerryd@epsmag.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Derek Gaylard CONTRIBUTING WRITER

John Olobri CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Pam Fulmer

PRESIDENT

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Danny J. Salchert

FEATURES 6 Data Loggers – A Useful Tool for Monitoring Power & Energy Part 2 of a 2 part article

By John Olobri

TOP PRODUCTS 16 This year’s Top Products in the Electrical Industry market

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DEPARTMENTS 38 40

Industry News Ad Index

ON THE COVER Inset photo courtesy of AEMC® Instruments

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 • AEMC® Instruments

Data Loggers – A Useful Tool for Monitoring Power & Energy Part 2 of a 2 part article

By John Olobri, Director of Sales and Marketing for AEMC® Instruments

Last month, we dealt with the features, benefits and attributes of using data loggers to monitor power and energy and the advantages and cost savings associated with reviewing and analyzing the data associated with them.

As we continue this article, we will examine what is needed to select the proper logging features, functions and specifications to properly collect the data you need.

Data loggers are available in a wide variety of formats and pricing levels. When you are planning for your requirements it is important to think beyond your immediate need. Planning for future usage will provide you with a solution that will give you many years of service from your investment.

Let’s start with the basics, the first thing to consider is the number of inputs (also referred to as channels) you need. Looking at the networks you will be working with, will give you a quick indication of how many inputs you need for your data logger. If you are doing primarily single phase work you need a minimum of two inputs, one for voltage and one for current. If it is a split phase network then you need four inputs, two voltage and two current. Do your needs also require monitoring of both neutral current and voltage?

Then you will need two more inputs. If you are doing industrial work you will need at least six inputs, three for voltage and three for current. Finally, if you plan to log neutral voltage and current on a three-phase network you will need a data logger with eight inputs. Several power and energy loggers available today can calculate neutral current rather than measure it. This will save on the number of inputs as well as the cost. If you are doing single phase residential work requiring four inputs, you would be better off in the long run looking at a three phase system Continued on page 8 with at least six inputs.

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Figure 1

Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2012

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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments

Continued from page 6

Figure 2

Your investment will provide you with more utility down the road. Figure 1 shows a typical power and energy logger with eight inputs.

Now that we have determined the number of inputs, we need to look at what voltage and currents will be measured.

Voltages are generally measured directly by the data logger while the current measurements are measured through the use of clamps, sensors or transducers. Ideally, the voltage inputs will handle at least twice the normal voltage you need to measure. Most commonly, current clamps and sensors are iron core ridged jaw types or air core flexible sensors. The choices and considerations are too vast to cover here. Here are a few points to con-

sider. The iron core current probes offer good accuracy and phase shift specifications. Models are available that measure AC as well as DC currents. They tend to be large in size making it difficult to close the panel cover in many applications.

Flexible probes on the other hand have good phase shift specifications, are slightly less accurate than their iron core cousins and can get into tight spaces.

They will not saturate like iron core models when excess current is applied and will allow the panel cover to be closed in many applications.

Will the logger be used as an on-site diagnostic tool or as a remote data collector or both? If on-site diagnostics is important then a display will be required,

if not then a blind (no display) logger will fit the bill. If a display is required you should consider whether a full graphic display is needed to look at waveforms or whether a multi-line text type display will do to show the measured values.

Text type displays will be less costly and will be more than adequate for power quantity applications measuring volts, amps, power and energy usage. On the other hand, if power quality analysis is required you will be better off with a full graphics display capable of showing individual waveforms , harmonic spectrums and transients, as well as the power quantity measurements just mentioned.

Figure 2 shows typical graphic and text type displays.

Continued on page 12

The industry has evolved to the use of some standard terms to represent power and energy.

The terms used today to display are: P ...................................................................................................................................................................................Active Power measured in Watts S ...................................................................................................................................................................................Apparent Power measured in VA Q....................................................................................................................................................................................Reactive Power measured in var EP ....................................................................................................................................................................................Active Energy measured in Wh ES ...............................................................................................................................................................................Apparent Energy measured in VAh EQ ...............................................................................................................................................................................Reactive Energy measured in varh EQ1 ........................................................................................................................................................1st quardrant Reactive Energy measured in varh EQ3 .......................................................................................................................................................2nd quardrant Reactive Energy measured in varh EQ3........................................................................................................................................................3rd quardrant Reactive Energy measured in varh EQ4 ........................................................................................................................................................4th quardrant Reactive Energy measured in varh Quadrant energy indication provides the ability to determine both direction as well as its inductive or capacitive properties as shown here.

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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments Next, we need to look at the sample rate and storage rate. These two parameters are often wrongfully used interchangeably. The sample rate deals with how often the data logger looks at each input signal and takes a measurement whereas the storage rate deals with how often the results are stored to the loggers memory. Typical sample rates found on

Continued from page 8

power and energy loggers are 64, 128 and 256 samples per cycle. The higher the sample rate, the more capability the logger will have in detecting and storing anomalies such as surges, sages spikes and motor inrush data. Storage rates are generally user programmable from rates as fast as every cycle, to as slow as once per day with a wide variety of choices in

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Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2012

between. Some of the more common rates used are 1 per second, 1 every 10, 15 or 30 minutes and 1 per hour.

An often overlooked specification is what the data logger is doing with the input signals when not storing data. Lower cost loggers tend to only sample the inputs when they are about to store data thus missing all the data in between. Data loggers suited for power and energy measurement monitor every cycle (no missing data points) at their sample rate and will store the RMS average, as well as the min and max values since the last stored data point.

When considering the parameters to be recorded for power and energy work, the major recorded variables include Volts, Amps, Watts, VA, vars, power factor, displacement power factor, kWh, Vah, varh, THD, individual harmonics and phase angle. The ability to determine source and load characteristics are valuable as well typically referred to four quadrant measurement capability.

See side bar article for this and the current standard terms used for power and energy.

Next let’s review the data storage and communications capability required for your application.

With the cost of memory relatively inexpensive today you can’t go wrong with lots of it. The drawback is the amount of time it takes to download the data stored.

It is not uncommon for example to take several hours to download data stored in 2 gigabytes of memory. Typical applications look to store data for a day, a week or a month. In most case 1 to 2 gigabytes of memory will be sufficient to handle a months’ worth of recording at storage rates as fast as 1 per second.

The more common communication methods available today include direct connection using a USB cable, wirelessly via Bluetooth or WiFi or through a network through the use of an Ethernet connection.

When considering Bluetooth you have a choice of either a class 1 or class 2 for practical use in industrial applications.

Class 1 devices typically have communication ranges up to 300 feet in open space where as class 2 devices have ranges up to 30 feet.

A distinct advantage of Ethernet comContinued on page 14 munication is the

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FEATURE • AEMC® Instruments ability to look at the information in the data logger from remote locations within the facility or over the internet from anywhere. Good data logging instruments provide the ability to see the measured parameters both in real time, as well as downloading the stored data. This can be a major troubleshooting and time saving option. Adding WiFi to this capability provides another degree of flexibility in installing the logger for data collection.

Let’s take a brief look at software.

Now that you have recorded your power and energy data, you need the ability to analyze it, store it on your computer and generate reports. Most, if not all, data logger manufactures provide software with their products for this purpose. The simplest form provides the ability to download the data, store it and tabular list it in a spreadsheet type program.

Therefore, leaving the task to you to provide analysis tools using additional software. More comprehensive software

Continued from page 12

Good data logging instruments provide the ability to see the measured parameters both in real time, as well as downloading the stored data, which can be a major troubleshooting and time saving option. packages provides the ability to configure the data logger’s functions as you would from the instrument itself, as well as provide the analysis tools. Important tools to look for include the ability to zoom into sections of data for more accurate analysis, the ability to label data points with time date and value and to show the data in trend graph, as well as tabular listings.

Finally, report generation can be a tremendous help documenting the work and providing analysis for future reference. Look for the capability to generate

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reports from built-in templates, as well as the ability to create your own reports using tools provided within the software.

As you can see there are many variables, features and functions to consider when deciding on a data logger to measure power and energy. We have attempted to cover some of the more important ones here. The key is to give considerable thought beforehand on both what needs to be measured and how the data will be used after the fact. This will be time well spent when making a choice for a logging device. ❏

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Top Products

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

Each year we choose what we believe are Top Products in the Electrical Industry market.

This year is no different. The products and services chosen are each unique, beneficial and reliable in their own right. Having the ability to choose the tools and services that best fits your job description and your work style is what it’s all about. We hope you agree with our choices.

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Top Products

AEMC®’s Introduces Two New Single/Three-Phase Power & Energy Data Loggers Models PEL 102 & PEL 103 The PEL 100 series is a low cost, simple to use, power and energy data logger for single and three-phase use. It is available in two models, Model PEL 102 (no display) or Model PEL 103 (with a backlit digital display). Energy and cost can be monitored over the internet from anywhere in the world. USB and Bluetooth communication is also standard.

This product is ideal for electricians, engineers and contractors doing work in the area of building and system monitoring and upgrades, as well as residential energy audits. All vital energy data is easily measured, recorded. Reports can be generated with confidence and with minimal configuration time and effort.

The instrument’s design enables it to be installed inside a load center panel (including the current sensors) and still allow the door to close on most panels. The PEL 100 series offer all the essential functions for logging power/energy data from most electrical power networks in use today.

For more information, visit www.aemc.com

BURNDY® Announces Y6NCP Series of Pneumatic OEM Crimping Tools BURNDY is pleased to announce the release of their new Y6NCP series of pneumatic OEM crimping tools. The Y6NCP pneumatic tools are designed for medium volume OEM production and offer a UL Listed connection for a wide variety of BURNDY connectors and splices ranging from #22 - #4 AWG. The Y6NCP1 offers an extended wire range from #22 to #4 AWG while boasting pull-out forces that exceed MilSpec/SAE. As a result, the Y6NCP1 is suited for applications requiring higher wire pull-out forces such as high vibration environments. The Y6NCP1 utilizes the BURNDY J-Die system.

The Y6NCP1-SD offers an industry Standard Die envelope capable of crimping #22 to #10 AWG insulated and uninsulated terminals and splices. The Y6NCP1-SD provides customers with the same profile as the BURNDY MRE- Ergonomic hand tools for customers seeking an affordable UL Listed “system” termination solution.

The Y6NCP tools are packaged with the pneumatic tool, air hose, clear safety guards, fittings and jaw assembly. The Y6NCP1-SD also includes the two (2) die sets capable of covering the #22 - #10 AWG wire range for both insulated and uninsulated terminals and splices. J-Dies are sold separately.

For more information, visit www.burndy.com

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

Low Voltage Pro Whole Job Tester The Low Voltage Pro is the first tester that recognizes that many low voltage cable installers do a lot more for a living than install and test cables. More and more cable installers are now doing “device” installations… installing IP phones, IP cameras, CCTV equipment. They are working with devices like switches, PoE power, and surroundsound speakers. Cable testing is still a major part of the job buy only one part of the larger job. The LVPro is the “Whole Job Tester.”

Start small and grow big… the Low Voltage Pro uniquely allows test apps to be downloaded from bytebrothers.com to expand the power of your tester.

You can start with the entry level Model 1 and grow to the robust Model 3 complete with the ability to store and print 250 reports. This means that installers now have a product that can grow with them as their business grows.

For more information, visit www.bytebrothers.com 18

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Top Products

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

FireBlok™ Fire Suppression Gasket Awarded “TheMost Innovative Product of the Year” As voted on by the AIA for the 2012 Healthcare Facilities Symposium Innovative Technology, along with consultation from industry leaders in engineering, manufacturing and construction has combined to produce “FireBlok”. FireBlok is the only fire suppression gasket in the industry that is listed with both UL and Intertek for 2 hour assemblies as a “Wall Opening Protective Material” for use in metallic boxes with plastic face plates in all wall configurations. FireBlok meets all NEC code requirements dealing with visual inspection of the ground wires ensuring “metal to metal contact” and accessibility to all wiring without Before the need to cut or remove material from the insert.Additionally, the FireBlok gasket is warranted for the life of your building removing the inherent life span issues associated with Putty Pads. The FireBlok gaskets are designed to fit easily into electrical boxes providing a 95% labor savings over Putty Pads. With an STC rating of 52 the benefits truly outweigh the cost.

After

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For more information, visit www.FireBlok.net

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Top Products

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

Philips Capri QuickLights 180 The Philips Capri QuickLights 180 is a revolutionary downlight that anticipates possible ceiling interference and addresses it with a patented movable junction box. With the simple press of a tab, the junction box can be moved from the right to the left side and vice versa –making it ambidextrous. The movable junction box allows for easier below-ceiling splice inspection and maintenance while satisfying most installation challenges facing today’s electricians and contractors.

With its innovative design, QuickLights 180 dramatically reduces the time required to install and wire traditional downlights from an average of 4 minutes to a mere 30 seconds. Plus, it fulfills all IC/Non-IC and Airseal™ requirements, ultimately saving the customer energy costs and money. The QuickLights 180 product offering will accommodate LED, CFL, low voltage and incandescent sources in 4” and 6” apertures.

For more information, visit www.caprilighting.com

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Top Products

Extech MG300 Insulation Tester & Multimeter with Wireless Datalogging The Extech MG300 is a true RMS multimeter and built-in insulation resistance tester with the added safety of wireless datastreaming for remote monitoring and datalogging. By adding insulation testing capabilities to the multimeter, electricians are always equipped for insulation testing, making it a more routine part of predictive maintenance with faster troubleshooting and repairs -- with fewer tools. The rugged and waterproof (IP67-rated) meter includes a digital insulation resistance tester (or megohmmeter) with 4 different test voltages for measuring resistance up to 4 GΩ with 0.001MΩ resolution.

The true RMS digital multimeter includes useful extras like duty cycle measurements and milliamp readings for analog 4-20mA current loops in industrial process controls. Wireless datastreaming enables safer troubleshooting and maintenance on dangerous equipment and one-person operation of remote switches. Technicians can focus on finding problems by monitoring readings on a computer screen from a safe 10m away.

For more information, visit www.extech.com/mg300

FLIR i-Series Point-and-Shoot Infrared Cameras The next generation FLIR i-Series entry-level infrared cameras feature higher resolutions and wider field-of-view choices - three rugged models that help electrical contractors find problems faster and more accurately. Starting under $1,200, the affordable FLIR i3, i5 and i7 make it easy to upgrade from a spot IR thermometer. All i-Series cameras capture thousands of temperature measurements in every image to immediately reveal where hot spots and other heat-related anomalies may be present - issues that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. The next-gen i7 now offers 36% more thermal resolution. The i-Series is tough enough to withstand a 2-meter drop and stow right alongside other tools. FLIR's industry-leading warranty provides 2 years of complete coverage, 5-year battery coverage, and 10-year infrared detector protection. The new FLIR i3, i5, and i7 infrared cameras are the most affordable, highest performance and toughest entry-level cameras on themarket today.

For more information, visit www.flir.com/breakthrough

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

Connect Generators with the InterLock Kit Connect portable and standby generators to home panels with the InterLock Kit. Safe and easy-to-use, the InterLock Kit is designed to provide contractors and homeowners a low cost alternative to a transfer switch. The InterLock Kit is a safe and legal device that allows users to connect their generators to existing panels for quick and convenient use of all original circuits. The InterLock Kit retrofits to any existing panel and requires no additional wall space. Listed to UL Standard 67, the InterLock Kit meets NEC article 702.6 and NFPA 70 requirements. The InterLock Kit is a much-needed product that will save your business time and increase over-all sales. Make more money today by offering your customers the InterLock Kit. Generator InterLock Technologies offers same day shipping on all 30 models.

For more information, visit www.interlockkit.com 24

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Top Products

Hioki USA Corporation FT6380 Clamp on Earth Tester Series HIOKI proudly introduces its new family of FT6380 clamp on earth testers.

The super slim jaw coupled with its lightweight design allow for easy two finger clamping even in the narrowest of locations. The FT6380 series offers a quick start function and its advanced circuit design eliminate the need to zero adjust. Added features include a bright back light display and the magnetic shields eliminate the leakage flux between the two cores that often affect measurement accuracy. An alarm function provides both visual and audible notification in the event that the resistance or current value exceeds the threshold. The large storage capacity allows for storage of up to 2,000 measurement values in the field that can be later recalled in the friendly confines of your office. Model FT6381 includes an Automatic Report Generation that can create reports instantly in the field using the Android TM phone via Bluetooth wireless technology. The report includes the Measurement Value, Date and Time, Map with GPS information and Pass/Fail information. The automatic report generation process allows you to view it on the Android TM phone or email the data to your PC. For more information, visit www.hioki.com

Megger Insulation Resistance Testers Megger’s new 5- and 10-kV Insulation Resistance Testers are designed based on significant feedback from actual end users.

The new range consists of three models: two 5-kV units (MIT515 and MIT525) and a 10-kV unit (MIT1025).

A key productivity feature is the ability to take measurements while connected to line power when battery is fully discharged. The units feature a lithium-ion battery with an ultra-fast charge time. Two and one-half hour full battery charge time significantly increases efficiency.

Our units offer 5% accuracy all the way up to 1 TW at 5 kV and 2 TW at 10 kV, ensuring the highest accuracy where it matters most. A CATIV 600 V safety rating on all terminals allows for safe use in the widest range of applications.

They are built into a unique dual case design for fire-retardant protection while maintaining ruggedness.

The case is rated to IP65, preventing water/dust ingress.

For more information, visit www.megger.com

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

The DiamondPlusTM 1100: UPS Superior Technology The DiamondPlusTM 1100 UPS Series is the latest generation UPS system offered by Mitsubishi Electric. With efficiencies up to 93.4%, a high 0.9 output power factor, and lightweight, compact design, the DiamondPlusTM 1100 is both green and smart. Higher efficiencies translate into reduced operating and cooling costs which can add up significantly over the lifetime of the UPS. Upgradeable in 10 kVA increments up to 50 kVA within the original enclosure, the smart design of the DiamondPlusTM 1100 provides room for growth without requiring additional floor space. The integral digital IGBT converter and inverter prevents downtime due to power irregularities by conditioning incoming AC power and delivering smooth uninterrupted power to the load. The 1100 features a fully digital screen for easy monitoring. Its ergonomic design also includes convenient frontal access to its power and battery modules, which are also “hot swappable” for maximum flexibility and minimal mean-timeto repair (MTTR).

For more information, visit www.meppi.com 26

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Top Products

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

ELI-S-20 Emergency Lighting Micro Inverter from Philips Emergency Lighting The award-winning Philips Bodine ELI-S-20 Emergency Lighting Micro Inverter has been upgraded from 20W maximum to 25W maximum. The unit operates up to 25W at 0° C to 45° C. It operates up to 20W at 0° C to 50° C. The ELI-S-20 allows LED and fluorescent fixtures to serve as emergency lighting. It is ideal for – but not limited to – Edisonbase lamps. ELI-S-20 produces an LEDfriendly sinusoidal wave output similar to that produced by utility-supplied electricity. A sinusoidal, or sine, wave is characterized by low harmonic distortion and makes the ELI-S-20 a good choice for even sensitive LED applications.

The increase from 20W to 25W permits increased versatility. ELI-S-20 can run more lamp types, higher wattage lamps and a greater variety of lamp combinations. For example, ELI-S-20 is now compatible with the Philips 22W TLED linear LED lamp.

For more information, visit www.philips.com/bodine

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Top Products

Cable Supports from Underground Devices

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

The BNT family of cable supports from Underground Devices meets power utility needs for a manhole cable support system that is nonmetallic and nonconductive.

These cable supports are an ideal replacement to steel cable racks since they will not rust or corrode, eliminate the need for grounding the cable supports and make the use of insulators unnecessary. Additionally, BNT arms and stanchions have loading capacities comparable to similar heavy duty steel cable racks.

Arm installation is safe and simple for the BNT family of cable supports. The arms are secured in place with nonmetallic pins, allowing for installation and removal of the arms without disturbing any cable. The BNT arms also mate with many existing steel stanchions, allowing for a gradual retrofit of existing manholes.

Due to the extreme strength and rigidity of the BNT stanchions, most installations require only two bolts to secure a stanchion to the manhole wall.

For more information, visit www.udevices.com

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Top Products

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

Outdoor Lighting Poles and Brackets Utility Metals is known in the industry as a leading manufacturer of outdoor lighting poles and brackets.

Our line of stocked adapter, reducers and custom fabricated solutions have solved field problems for many contractors and lighting manufacturers throughout the years, saving many dollars in returned materials or the threat of liquidated damages.

Our knowledgeable sales and engineering team collectively can solve most common problems our customers face on the job.

We have the capacity and innovative ability to rectify a troublesome project or manufacture a custom product to your drawings and specifications.

Please visit us online or call us toll free at 1-800-627-8276 with your comments, concerns, or any needs you may have. We would be delighted to assist in solving any issues on your job!

For more information, visit www.utilitymetals.com

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Top Products

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

Digital Lighting Management Watt Stopper’s Digital Lighting Management (DLM) is a suite of plug-together lighting controls with self-configuring occupancy and daylighting sensors, switches and other components. DLM saves more energy, and is faster and easier to install than conventional controls. Engineered to meet and exceed energy codes, DLM streamlines installation for both new construction and retrofit projects. For instance, this all-digital system features fully-automatic configuration capability, so systems operate in the most energy-efficient way possible out of the box. Contractors appreciate laborfriendly features that slash installation time and callbacks, including plug-in connections using Cat 5 and RJ45 plugs and free-topology wiring so there’s no wrong way to connect components. Innovative, ladder-free configuration tools simplify the process of personalizing system settings.

For more information, visit www.wattstopper.com

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Top Products

The Reel Payoff™ by Encore Wire Let the Reel Payoff work for you! We’ll deliver the Reel Payoff to your job site or warehouse, just the way you like it. All you have to do... is pull. Our self-spinning reels are as simple as that, and when you're done pulling, the reel is yours to keep and reuse. Keep your Reel Payoff secure and in place with our reel legs. No jack stand or additional crew needed.

Make an investment that literally…pays off.

2012 TOP PRODUCTS

For more information, visit www.encorewire.com

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Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2012

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Emergency Lighting Control Panelboards from Schneider Electric LifeSpace Schneider Electric’s Emergency Lighting Control Panelboards are the first centralized, self-contained solution for emergency egress lighting control.

The factory assembled circuit breaker panelboard with onboard automatic load control relays allows facilities to streamline maintenance operations while ensuring safe emergency egress lighting in situations of power loss. A test button for each circuit allows testing of the entire system at the panelboard while a “switch test” provides diagnostics, allowing facility personnel to easily identify issues and make repairs. When normal power is lost, all control devices are bypassed automatically to the emergency lighting power source. Controls on the circuit automatically return to normal as normal power is restored.

For more information, visit www.schneider-electric.com

PowerPact with Micrologic Circuit Breakers The new-generation PowerPact™ with MicrologicTM circuit breakers provide reliable protection, integrated metering, and energy management capabilities to improve safety, optimize energy costs, and develop an effective preventive maintenance program. Schneider Electric is the first to offer integrated energy metering from 15 A to 3000 A, offering new performance in a remarkably compact device.

Cost-effective metering allows users to monitor, analyze, and adjust energy consumption: • Reduce energy consumption by identifying large consumers in the facility • Optimize energy costs by managing peaks and avoiding penalties • Improve energy availability by recognizing overloaded equipment and power reserves Benchmarking data allows simpler maintenance and optimization of facility planning: • Receive tripping information to reduce time troubleshooting and enhance safety • Collect load profiles to reveal extra capacity or fully loaded circuits at each point in the system • Obtain contact wear indications drive a circuit breaker replacement schedule For more information, visit www.schneider-electric.com December 2012 • epsmag.net

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1212EPSp38-40_Company Spotlight 12/7/12 1:31 PM Page 38

Industry NEWS

Appleton Redesigns and Expands the Mercmaster LED™ Series of Energy-Efficient Lighting Fixtures Complete Range of new LED fixtures to meet all industrial and hazardous lighting applications Appleton, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electrical products for hazardous industrial locations, is positioning itself aggressively for leadership in the LED lighting market by announcing today a major expansion and redesign of its Mercmaster™ LED series, the most efficient and advanced line of LED fixtures for industrial and hazardous environments. Appleton introduced the original Mercmaster LED fixture almost three years ago, bringing its energy-saving benefits to customers worldwide. The newly expanded Mercmaster LED series builds upon these advantages and sets an even higher bar for the lighting industry in terms of a lower weight fixture, shock resistance, cold start capabilities, minimal heat production which improves service life, and overall safety. In addition, the new fixtures offer a more flexible, modular design that allows retrofits and plant expansions to meet unique installation requirements. “Our expanded Mercmaster LED series covers all global needs for Class I, Division 2 / Zone 2 task lighting applications and delivers the best photometric performance on the market,” explained Jean-Baptiste Trollé, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Appleton and its ECM business unit.

“With the best efficacy (lm/W) in the industry, Mercmaster LED lighting fixtures truly generate the energy savings our customers have grown to expect.” Five Lumen Output Versions Merging superior LED technology into the decades-old Mercmaster tradition of rugged industrial design was the driving force behind today’s introduction. For example, the fixtures now feature a single-piece, lightweight aluminum

body that accommodates upgraded LED arrays generating light outputs from 2,300 to 9,455 lumens, an equivalent of 70W HID to 250W HID lamps. Five distinctive lumen output versions are available with universal drivers covering voltage requirements from 120-277 Vac and 347-480 Vac. Faster, Easier LED Installations Ideal for retrofitting existing Mercmaster HID luminaires, the new LED models utilize the same mounting hoods as the Mercmaster III Series and the same wiring as HID fixtures with lower electrical ratings. A total of six different types of mounting hoods are being made available, all featuring a minimal profile for low clearance areas. To assist in installation and maintenance, each fixture is supplied with terminals to assure straightforward wiring, along with a threaded impact-resistant lens for faster removal. A unique hinge design promotes safety during installation and servicing, while also providing 360° compression on the ballast housing gasket. In addition, the new heatsink design prevents dust and debris from accumulating on the fixture, while an improved silicone rubber gasket seals out moisture, dirt and dust. Mercmaster LED fixtures comply with current NEMA, UL and CSA applicable standards for a wide range of industrial areas where flammable gases and vapors are present, as well as marine and wet locations subject to severe weather, excessive moisture and corrosion. Also, the entire line meets Dark Sky™ specifications for low glare, focused beam and avoidance of overlighting. For more information, call 800-621-1506. Email On the web at www.appletonelec.com. ❏

Kaiser Electric Constructing New 6-Level Parking Structure in Columbia, MO Construction is underway on a new $12 million, multi-level parking structure in Downtown Columbia, MO. The six-level garage is being built on Short Street and Walnut and will include 410 parking spaces that will be leased to nearby Stephens College, businesses, residents and a new Double Tree by Hilton Hotel at Broadway and Short streets. The city plans to use funds from its parking utility fund in addition to budgeted funds to construct the garage.

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Kaiser Electric is the electrical contractor on the project and will be installing the LED lighting, power distribution, closed circuit television, fire alarm system and emergency phones throughout the garage.

Twelve feet on the east side of Short Street will be closed for construction, which is expected to be completed in July 2013. Killian Construction of Springfield, MO is the general contractor on the project. ❏

Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2012

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Milwaukee® Announces Double Duty Upgrade™ Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation announces the largest accessory overhaul in the company’s history with the complete transformation of their Metal SAWZALL® Blade line. Aptly named Double Duty Upgrade™ for delivering over 2X more life than our current generation blades, the new blades will be available in both a THIN KERF profile for fast, flexible cuts and a DEMO blade profile, known as The TORCH™, for tough, straight cuts.

“When blades break at the tang and buckle under stress, users have to waste valuable time on the job replacing them to continue the task at hand,” says Dan Wolfgram, Sr. Product Manager for Milwaukee Electric Tool. “As a result of this frustration, Milwaukee has created several new-to-world solutions that strengthen the blade at its weakest points, delivering the longest lasting blade on the market today.”

The Double Duty Upgrade™ TORCH™ blades feature a tooth form

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optimized for long life and maximum durability. They also feature a new stamped honeycomb pattern throughout the body of the blade called Grid Iron™ that greatly increases the rigidity of the blade, making it the stiffest metal cutting SAWZALL® blade on the market. These blades are ideal for making tough, straight cuts.

The Double Duty Upgrade™ THIN KERF blades feature a tooth form that is optimized for long life and speed. Maintaining a short profile and thin body, these blades are ideal for making fast, flexible cuts.

Both of the blade profiles feature a deep stamp design in the tang of the blade, where it connects to the tool, appropriately named Tough Neck™. Engineered to protect against breakage, Tough Neck™ delivers the strongest SAWZALL® blade tang on the market.

The launch of these new SAWZALL® Blades demonstrates Milwaukee Electric Tool’s continued commitment to delivering innovative accessory solutions to save time and increase productivity on the jobsite. ❏

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December 2012 • epsmag.net

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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 ACR SYSTEMS AEE SOLAR AEMC INSTRUMENTS ALBER CORPORATION ARPI OF USA BATTCON 2013 CONFERENCE BRADY WORLDWIDE BYTE BROTHERS CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS CONTINENTAL CONTROL SYSTEMS, LLC COPPER WIRE STRIPPER / RACK-A-TIERS dESCO, LLC E-Z METER ENCORE WIRE CORPORATION EXTECH INSTRUMENTS FIREBLOK FLIR GARDNER BENDER GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES

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Company GENSCO HIOKI USA KRENZ & COMPANY MEGGER MINUTEMAN UPS MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTS, INC. PG LIFELINK PHASE-A-MATIC PHILIPS EMERGENCY LIGHTING RANDL INDUSTRIES SNAPNRACK SOKKIA STEELMAN INDUSTRIES STRIP-TEC SUMMIT TECHNOLOGY, INC. THE HOME DEPOT UNDERGROUND DEVICES UTILITY METALS

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Electrical Products & Solutions • December 2012

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