EPS Magazine July 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

Derek Singleton CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Pam Fulmer

6 FEATURES 6 Green Skills You Need to Become an Energy Contractor

By Derek Singleton

CASE STUDY 16 Standby Power System at Florida VA Hospital Covers All Electrical Loads

DEPARTMENTS 28 Industry News 34 Product Focus 40 Ad Index ON THE COVER Installation of solar panels at a solar farm in Central Valley, California

PRESIDENT

Danny J. Salchert Executive and Advertising Offices 3591 Cahaba Beach Road Birmingham, AL 35242 toll free: 800.981.4541 phone: 205.981.4541 fax: 205.981.4544 www.epsmag.net • danny@epsmag.net Electrical Products & Solutions™ is published twelve times a year on a monthly basis by ABD Communications, Inc., 3591 Cahaba Beach Road, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices.

Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed to qualified readers in the electrical contracting industry.

Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.

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FEATURE • Green Skills

Green Skills You Need to Become an Energy Contractor

By Derek Singleton

T

WO YEARS AGO, Software Advice

reported that growth in the green construction market would require electrical contractors to become energy contractors. We based this theory on a widely distributed report which predicted that electrical contractors would be in high demand for renewable energy and energy conservation projects. In 2012, it appears that our theory is playing out.

Although economic activity in the construction market remains Continued on page 8

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FEATURE • Green Skills

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in hard times, green construction is an industry bright spot. Nonresidential green construction has grown from generating only two percent of market revenue in 2005 to 41 percent — or $58 billion — in 2011. The growth in the green construction market presents electrical contractors with a lucrative opportunity to become energy contractors.

In fact, recent research by McGraw Hill indicates that the electrical trade is among the trades in highest demand in the green construction market. Here are some of the skills that electrical contractors need to become an energy contractor.

Energy Contracting Requires Continual Skills Development Anyone interested in “greening” their skill set needs to understand that they’re entering a nascent industry. In the United States, we’re just starting to develop technologies that will help energy contractors complement green construction efforts.

As these technologies evolve, the skill set needed in the industry will change in lockstep.

$150

$120

$90

$60

$30

$0

SOURCE: MCGRAW HILL CONSTRUCTION, 2012

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Sal Ferrara, Owner of the Electrical Training Center on Long Island, sees this as one of the biggest challenges facing individuals who want to capitalize on the green opportunity. “What’s happening is that electrical contractors are having to stay on the bleeding edge of technology, and having to learn entirely new systems such as photovoltaics, building management systems and wind turbines.”

To make things even more challenging, Ferrara says that individuals often have to learn multiple systems so that they can be a skilled worker flexible enough to work on multiple types of projects. This broad knowledge is also helpful since, as Michele Russo of McGraw Hill Construction notes, “general contractors working on green projects are increasingly looking for individuals that can collaborate and provide input across an entire project.”

While the types of projects that individuals will work on vary, the skill set can Continued on page 12 be broken into two

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U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/LANCE CHEUNG

FEATURE • Green Skills

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general groups: renewable energy installation and energy management projects.

For each project category, I’ll provide an example professional to illustrate how the green skill set might be employed.

Skills Required for Renewable Energy Installations Currently, the two major types of renewable energy projects that require an electrician are solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine installations. While there is some 12

PV installer, visit the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ website.

Wind Turbine - The installation of wind turbines has its own set of challenges. Namely, the electrician needs to be able to install connections at high altitudes and connect and distribute power from low, medium and high voltages. Additionally, these electricians need an understanding of hydraulics, torquing and gearing. To help individuals obtain this overlap between the skills needed to install blend of electrical and mechanical skills, a these systems, each requires unique skills. variety of industry-specific degrees and Solar PV - Working on these types of training programs have cropped up to supprojects requires a deep understanding of port the wind industry. photovoltaic materials, equipment and codes—particularly article 690 of the Skills Required for Energy electrical code, which addresses safety Management Projects procedures. Beyond that, individuals need Of course, there is significant opportuto know how to re-configure panels while nity beyond installing renewable energy maintaining functional modules, invert- systems. Many green projects that electriers and wiring. To get a detailed idea of cians will be asked to work on will be in the daily tasks and skills expected of a making an existing Continued on page 14

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FEATURE • Green Skills

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building more energy-efficient or creating an energy-efficient building from the ground up. These types of projects require slightly different skills.

Energy Auditing - Energy auditors require analytical abilities to understand how small changes impact overall consumption. Since HVAC and lighting generally represent the biggest chances for reduction, familiarity with lumens per watt ratios for common lighting types such as incandescents, CFLs and T8s is helpful. Additionally, an understanding of how to integrate electrical and communication systems is useful.

Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS) - These profes-

Familiarity with LEED - Roughly 40 percent of LEED certification is covered by the work of an electrical contractor.

Clearly, this requires extensive knowledge of LEED certification standards. However, it also requires an ability to connect the dots of how energy retrofitting and monitoring, materials and lighting selection, and on-site renewable energy work together to meet standards.

To help electricians understand the skills and technical process that goes into achieving energy efficiency, the US Green Building Council publishes extensive information on LEED certification. Meanwhile, the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) offers a green jobs training program that helps electricians obtains the skills needed in the green construction industry.

Because green energy systems are becoming more complex, it takes more time to develop the skills that green construction projects demand. Furthermore, according to the McGraw Hill report I cited earlier, green contractors are demanding that their workers have more educational experience than before.

So if you’re interested in getting in on the opportunity, start developing your green skills today.

What are your thoughts on the best way to capitalize on this shift? If you have any advice to offer for electrical contractors looking to become energy contractors, please leave your thoughts below. ❏

sionals need knowledge of integrated Derek Singleton is a graduate of Occidental systems and an ability to work with things College in Los Angeles, CA where he like programmable logic controls and mostudied Urban and Environmental Policy. tion-activated sensors. Because of the As the ERP Market Analyst, Derek reports complexity of these systems, electricians Start Developing on technologies, topics and trends in the that work with BMS need to know how Green Skills Now construction industry. He is especially to install and configure highly computerIt’s important to understand that develinterested in the intersection of technology ized systems. oping these skills will not happen overnight. and sustainability.

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CASE STUDY • Russelectric

Standby Power System at Florida VA Hospital Covers All Electrical Loads

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida, boasts one of the most advanced emergency backup power control systems of any hospital in the United States.

F

EW IF ANY HOSPITALS have a bet- adjacent University of South Florida Col- four-county area in which it also runs four

ter power system than the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida, thanks to its recently renovated power plant. Completed at a cost of $47 million, it includes SCADA and a backup system capable of covering all electrical loads for 120 hours (without refueling) in the event of an outage.

A teaching hospital affiliated with the

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lege of Medicine, Haley Hospital provides a full range of patient services with stateof-the-art technology and research. It has 548 beds, plus another 118 beds in an onsite long-term care and rehabilitation facility — the Haley’s Cove Community Living Center. The busiest of four U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) polytrauma facilities in the nation, Haley serves a

Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2012

outpatient clinics.

After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, the VA called for bids to upgrade emergency/backup power systems at VA hospitals in hurricane zones — upgrades that could ensure continuous air conditioning, not just the operation of life-safety and other critical equipment.

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CASE STUDY • Russelectric

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For Haley Hospital, the winning bid for power control switchgear, transfer switches, and SCADA was from Russelectric, based in Hingham, Massachusetts.

Russelectric designs, builds, commissions, and services on-site power control systems for hospitals, data centers, Internet service providers, airports, and other mission-critical facilities. Systems can provide sophisticated control functions such as emergency/standby power, peak shaving, load curtailment, utility paralleling, cogeneration, and prime power. All Russelectric systems are supported by the company’s factory-direct, 24-hour field service.

Extra Layer of Confidence The hospital’s administration is pleased with the new power system, which provides many more capabilities than the previous system. Although there has not been an unexpected utility outage since the system became fully operational in May 2010, Byron Taylor, the hospital’s Lead Power Plant Operator, appreciates the extra layer of confidence. At Taylor’s side to oversee the system, as they were throughout the planning and installation process, are Engine Technician Kyle Graley and Electrical Shop Supervisor Bill Hagen.

SCADA screen displaying a one-line diagram of the state-of-the-art power system at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Tampa, Florida.

“We’ve had some storms come through, and it has been really nice because we do not have to worry,” says Taylor. “One time, we saw the storms coming and TECO [Tampa Electric Company] asked us to drop off the grid. We fired up our

One of two switchgear rooms at Haley Hospital, housing the medium voltage generator/utility switchgear furnished by Russelectric.

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generators, and we operated on our own power for 17 hours, while TECO concentrated on restoring power to its residential customers. That sort of thing has happened several other times for shorter periods, and there has never been a problem.”

Hagen particularly appreciates the quality of the power from the backup system.

“We get more blips from TECO than we do from our system,” he quips. “It is exceptionally smooth.”

The hospital’s former backup power system included nine on-site generators, yet it could only cover life-safety loads — 45% of the hospital’s total load — in the event of a utility outage.

Hagen has no fond memories for the old system, which he calls “a major headache,” least of all for the system’s dynamic matrix control.

“We had nothing but problems with it,” he recalls. “We never got it to work in parallel. It couldn’t even generate a monthly testing report.”

In contrast, the new backup system covers everything — every load for nine buildings, 15 trailers that make up an oncampus clinic, and a parking garage — with just seven new 13,200-VAC Caterpillar diesel generators. Supplied by Ring Power, the generators produce 2,200 kW each.

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CASE STUDY • Russelectric Another improvement is the hospital’s renovated fuel system. The former system had a capacity of 22,000 gallons, and the storage tanks were spread out over several locations. Today, a new tank farm has four 12,000-gallon tanks. With another 6,000-gallon tank under each generator, the system has a capacity of 90,000 gallons.

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Still more improvements are in the works. As of now, Haley Hospital receives no rebates or preferred rates from Tampa Electric Company, and the agreement between the entities does not allow the hospital to feed power back to the grid. But that agreement could change someday. On the roof of a parking garage, the hospital will be installing pho-

tovoltaic cells expected to generate another 500 kW of power. Newly installed solar panels in the adjacent parking lot near the long-term care facility (Haley’s Cove) will supplement that building’s utility feed by up to 500 kW, so the new cells will boost Haley’s photoelectric output to a total of 1 MW, enough to illuminate two parking lots. Although feeds from the solar panels are lost when the hospital’s generators take over, under everyday conditions the new panels might provide surplus power that would enable the hospital to sell some power back to TECO. A peak-shaving arrangement with the utility is also likely in the near future, according to Taylor.

The Power of Information Also very important to the power control system upgrade is the new state-ofthe-art Russelectric SCADA system, which includes software and screen displays that Russelectric customized for the hospital’s needs. It provides interactive monitoring, real-time and historical trending, distributed networking, alarm management, and comprehensive reports around the clock for every detail of the entire power system, not just for the backup components.

In addition to monitoring power quality, the SCADA system’s many functions include continuous monitoring of fuel consumption by each generator and the level of fuel in every tank. With Russelectric SCADA, an operator can easily monitor and control a facility’s entire power system using full-color “point and click” interactive computer-screen displays at the system console. For example, the operator can access and change the system’s PLC setpoints, display any of the analog or digital readouts on switchgear front panels, run a system test, or view the alarm history. A dynamic one-line diagram display uses color to indicate the status of the entire power system, including the positions of all power switching devices. Operating parameters are displayed and updated in real time; flashing lights on the switchgear annunciator panel also flash on the SCADA screen. Event logging, alarm locking, and help screens are standard.

“The SCADA is so sensitive that it detects and explains even the slightest anomaly, including those in Continued on page 22 FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 42 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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CASE STUDY • Russelectric

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One of two Russelectric panel boards in the control room at Haley Hospital’s power plant. The boards include a custom Russelectric SCADA system that allows remote monitoring and control of all aspects of the hospital’s power system and provides extensive information for analysis and planning. Operators normally access the system through desktop workstations.

the utility feed,” says Taylor. “A number of times we’ve called TECO because we saw something happening, and they had no idea they even had a problem yet! The stuff the system does is phenomenal. It gives us more data than we ever need for an average day, but it’s tremendous that we have it when we do need it.”

Freedom to Test the System In accordance with state and federal regulations, the backup generators are tested every month. Thanks to the new system’s capability for closed-transition transfer, the tests Continued on page 24

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CASE STUDY • Russelectric

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With full tanks, Haley Hospital has enough fuel for 120 hours of backup power if utility feeds are lost. The 2-MW load bank in the foreground facilitates testing of generators.

inconvenience no one. Because there is no interference with hospital loads, there is no “blip” (power interruption).

The system gives Taylor and Graley the luxury of carrying out the tests in two different ways. They can parallel the output of all seven generators to the utility feed, or they can test one generator at a time, up to its full output, by way of a special 2MW load bank that has an independent control panel. Testing can be initiated manually or through SCADA. “It’s so much easier now,” says Hagen.

“We’ll never again have to pay a testing firm to come out and test an engine to make sure it meets all the requirements.”

Unlike most hospitals, Haley has the luxury of four utility feeds. On a normal day, it draws from Continued on page 26

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CASE STUDY • Russelectric two of these (primary) feeds. This means that, except for testing, Haley does not have to start its generators until it loses three or more utility feeds.

With advance notice from the utility that an outage is likely, Haley’s power plant personnel can now parallel the utility feeds with their own generators, then switch to on-site power seamlessly (closed-transition transfer). But if there is an unexpected outage (and when the automatic transfer switches are tested), there will be a “blip” of 1 to 10 seconds, depending on the load. For life-safety and other critical loads, the “blip” is only 1 to 3 seconds.

“Blips” for other loads are adjustable; most are set for 8-10 seconds.

Technical Support Taylor and Hagen have high praise for Russelectric’s field support services. They recall working hand-in-hand with Jim Bourgoin, Russelectric’s local Field Service Engineer, for seven months.

“During installation, Jim helped the

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contractors interpret the design whenever they were puzzled,” Hagen says. “Afterwards, he stuck around to help us get things up and running. It took a lot just to understand everything this system can do.

I already had a background in this, but it took quite a bit of training to really get up to speed.”

Taylor recalls, “There has not been one time when I have called Jim for an alarm or with questions about the system — whether at midnight or later — that he didn’t answer the phone and help me. And on two occasions, he drove here at 3 or 4 in the morning to correct something that had gone wrong. But it’s not just his responsiveness that’s impressed us. The service he provides is exceptional, and it has been that way since day one. To me, that’s worth just as much as the system itself.”

Taylor adds that Tom Crider, the local Russelectric sales representative, was also deeply involved throughout the project, answering questions, facilitating the installation, and training Taylor’s staff. Re-

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Electrical Products & Solutions • July 2012

cently, with Taylor’s cooperation, Crider has led personnel from two other Tampa hospitals on tours of Haley’s power system. One of those hospitals is installing a similar system. The other is considering such an installation.

Onward and Upward The fact that the system is designed to allow for modifications as the hospital continues to grow has Taylor thinking.

“With this new power system, we have seen what is possible,” he notes. “It provides us with the information we need to analyze our power usage and consider new possibilities — opportunities we never would have considered before.” ❏ For more information, contact: John A. Meuleman, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Russelectric, 99 Industrial Park Road, Hingham, MA 02043-4387, Toll-Free: 800-225-5250, (781) 749-6000, FAX: (781) 749-4205, www.russelectric.com.

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Industry NEWS

10.5 MW: Conergy builds the Saarland’s largest solar park on historic estate Von Boch investor family chooses Conergy quality “Made in Germany”

Hot on the heels of the opening of its 8 megawatt solar park in Grimmen in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Conergy announces a new project in the Saarland region. The 10.5 megawatt power plant that the system supplier is building on the historic Linslerhof estate, owned by the von Boch investor family, will be

the Saarland's biggest solar installation.

The solar park is being built near the French border, on an area of land alongside a railway line. Just like at the headquarters of their porcelain manufacturing company, Villeroy & Boch, 40 kilometres away, the family has opted for 100% German quality: Conergy will act as main

contractor and will be responsible for the installation of the park as well as the supply of Conergy components.

“The planned changes to solar subsidies naturally had an influence on our decision,” says Wendelin von Boch. “We are on a tight schedule, as the park has to be finished by the end of June. We therefore needed to find extremely reliable and professional partners, and that’s why we have turned to Conergy. We are looking for high quality, not only in planning and implementation, but also in the components – we know from experience that quality always pays off.”

Conergy Board Member Alexander Gorski comments: “We are delighted to have won this challenging and prestigious project. Our customers trust Conergy and highly regard our years of experience and the quality of our installations. As a company, Conergy is in a strong position. In Germany, but also abroad, where we are enjoying a lot of success in our sales. In 2011 we set a new course for Conergy's future with the successful refinancing and numerous restructuring measures. We are already starting to reap Continued on page 30

Bridgeport Provides Solutions for Common Problems Contractors Face on the Job New product selection guide offers a full range of transition fittings to help get a contractor’s job ‘done fast, done right’ Bridgeport Fittings has published a new product sition couplings. The handy guide also provides brochure showing a selection of Mighty-B™ transieasy-to-order part information, as well as helpful tion fittings designed to solve common problems illustrations depicting specific applications. many contractors encounter on the job site – like Bridgeport’s Mighty-Merge® transition fittings coupling together two dissimilar systems. are part of Bridgeport’s exclusive and innovative In their broadest application, Bridgeport’s transiMighty-B™ line of high-quality, high-performance tion fittings convert two different types of raceway products known, like Mighty-B™ himself, for their while maintaining the appropriate physical strength innovation, speed, and maneuverability. and electrical continuity as required by the National Bridgeport Fittings is a leading supplier of quality Electrical Code (NEC). Bridgeport’s solutions are fittings to the industrial, commercial and residenwhat contractors need to safely and quickly transitial channels of the electrical industry. Nearly threetion between systems, allowing them to do get the quarters of Bridgeport’s product volume is job ‘done fast, done right.’ manufactured in the U.S. The new, four-color, 6-page brochure illustrates Bridgeport’s full For more information, contact: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc., 705 Lordline of transition fittings, from Mighty-Merge® raintight EMT to rigid ship Blvd., Stratford, CT 06615; Tel: (203) 377-5944; Fax: (203) combination couplings, to Mighty-Merge® duplex MC to EMT tran- 381-3488; or visit http://www.bptfittings.com.

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Industry NEWS

Conergy

Continued from page 28

the benefits of these measures. Not only through an improved cost structure, but also through the number of projects that we are winning, such as this one for the von Boch family.”

Along with a focus on quality, for many years the von Boch family have concentrated on environmental issues at their historic hotel. Food, drink and equipment are all from Germany, mostly, actually, from the immediate surrounding area. Water for non-drinking purposes is drawn from the estate's own well in order to save water. Alongside the 500 kilowatt rooftop installations, the idyllic 815-acre property now boasts a solar power plant. 44,000 Conergy PowerPlus modules on Conergy SolarLinea mounting systems will produce clean energy from this summer onwards, which will then be fed into the grid by 30 Conergy IPG 300C central inverters. In total, the solar installations on the property will generate more than 10,000 megawatt hours of solar power per year – enough electricity to supply 90% of the townspeople in Überherrn with electricity or 20 times as much as the needs of the hotel and spa complex on the estate.

It is not only the Linslerhof that is setting a precedent: Überherrn's mayor, Bernd Gillo, has also been promoting alternative energy sources in his community since 2008 by having all public buildings fitted with solar installations. “We are responsible for the next generation, therefore sustainable, emission-free energy is very important, especially where tourism is concerned. That is why we are delighted about the new installation being built on the Linslerhof estate,” says Mayor Gillo. “The local community can play an active role in the shift towards alternative energy – they can take a share of the Linslerhof solar plant via a small citizens’ solar park.” ❏ FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 46 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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Industry NEWS

WattStopper Names Two New Regional Vice Presidents WattStopper Vice President Sales and Marketing Jim Young announced the promotions of Brent Streck to North Central Regional Vice President and Jeff Payne to South Central Regional Vice President.

Streck and Payne, both two-time recipients of Circle of Excellence awards for outstanding sales achievements, were previously District Sales Managers. “Adding two new RVPs will help WattStopper best serve the many local markets in the central regions where demand for energy efficient lighting is accelerating now that the Department of Energy has adopted a national energy code reference standard,” explains Young. “Brent and Jeff have proven track records at WattStopper serving customers and driving business results and we’re eager to see them take their ideas and vision to these new positions,” he adds.

Brent Streck joined WattStopper in 2008 and is based in Danbury, Iowa. He holds an electrical degree from Western Iowa Tech College and has nearly 20 years’ experience in lighting controls.

Streck has a comprehensive understanding of the challenges encountered by design and construction professionals, having worked as an electrician early in his career, as well as gaining experience as an electrical distributor and manufacturer’s representative prior to coming on board with WattStopper.

Streck’s North Central region includes the Plains States, Midwest, Great Lakes and Ohio River Valley districts. The new RVP looks forward to the challenges ahead, saying, “I am honored to have been given the opportunity to lead my already successful colleagues in the region, and look forward to helping them introduce WattStopper’s innovative control solu-

Brent Streck North Central Regional Vice President

Jeff Payne South Central Regional Vice President

tions to an even larger audience.”

Salt Lake City, Utah-based Jeff Payne first joined the Legrand group of companies in 2005 with Vantage Controls and moved to WattStopper in 2007. He graduated from Utah Valley University with a BS in Business Management and has 10 years’ of lighting control experience, beginning with a sales position for an electrical contractor. Recently Payne was instrumental in Weber State University’s decision to adopt WattStopper controls for its campus-wide energy efficiency program covering the university’s 2.5 million square feet of interior space.

Payne’s South Central region includes the Four Corners, South Central and Mid Central districts, and he anticipates helping his sales team communicate the benefits of controls as well as new code requirements. “I look forward to expanding the brand into new channels and markets. Through education we can help customers become more comfortable using lighting controls. And they can rely

on WattStopper support throughout their projects,” says Payne.

“Sales opportunities are increasing across all regions as the transition toward LED fixtures continues to accelerate, and energy codes mandate more control solutions,” comments Young. “WattStopper is a trusted and preferred brand, and our strengthened support of local markets demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our customers,” he concludes.

WattStopper (www.wattstopper.com), a Legrand group brand, is a leading manufacturer of energy efficient lighting controls for commercial and residential use. We help customers find convenient ways to save energy, meet green initiatives, and comply with energy codes with our comprehensive range of products, programs, and services.

Legrand (www.legrandelectric.com ), located in Limoges, France, is the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, offering solutions for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. ❏

If you have industry news that you would like published in

Electrical Products & Solutions magazine please email it to danny@epsmag.net for review.

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Product FOCUS Channellock Re-Launches Code Blue® Line Featuring American-Made Grips Channellock, Inc., a worldwide leader in the manufacture of high-quality pliers, announces the re-launch of its CODE BLUE® line of pliers, as well as the return of manufacturing from overseas to a Meadville, Pa., partner. Thanks to this manufacturing shift, CHANNELLOCK’s entire CODE BLUE® line now features newly designed American-made grips.

The New CODE BLUE®

CHANNELLOCK’s popular CODE BLUE® line of pliers, designed for long-lasting durability and gripcomfort, has been improved with redesigned grips that feature composite thermoplastic elastomer cores and over-molds that deliver a more secure hold, greater durability and comfort. Like all CHANNELLOCK® pliers, the improved CODE BLUE® line meets the exacting demands of both professionals and discerning DIYers alike.

“CHANNELLOCK® is committed to delivering the best pliers in the industry, even when that means taking an already great product line and making it better,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing at Channellock, Inc. “It’s an exciting moment for us because we’re offering professionals and DIYers a great selection of quality pliers that is now 100 percent manufactured in the United States.”

For more information, visit www.channellock.com

VMP Features New ER-S1U4P Rack Shelf at InfoComm 2012 Now Shipping, the ER-S1U4P is a One Space Adjustable, Four-Post Vented Rack Shelf Fitting Components up to 16.85-Inches Wide with a Load Capacity of up to 200 lbs.

Video Mount Products (videomount.com), a leading provider of mounting solutions for the commercial, residential, security, and pro audio/video markets, is proud to announce that it will feature its new ER-S1U4P Vented One Space Adjustable Four Post Rack Shelf at InfoComm 2012, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from June 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth N2540. Now shipping, the ER-S1U4P has an MSRP of $129.95.

“We designed the new ER-S1U4P for both form and functionality, especially for the installer who also seeks a rugged rack shelf solution,” explained Keith Fulmer, president of VMP. “The unique four post design and 200 lb. load capacity make it the ideal choice for installing today’s larger and heavier racked-mounted equipment.”

Additional features of the ER-S1U4P include: • Fits components up to 16.85in. wide (17.4in. when shelf is inverted) • One space rack height (1.75in.)

• Adjustable tray depth – 14.75in. to 25in.

• Includes 10-32 and 12-24 rack screws • Black static resistant powder coat finish For more information, visit www.videomount.com

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Milwaukee® M12™ Heated Jacket Line Expands- New Colors, Features & Accessories Milwaukee Tool Corporation continues to expand their with the introduction of new warming features, accessories and jacket colors. In the fall of 2012, Milwaukee will offer the M12™ Heated Jacket in (2340 & 2341), (2342 & 2343) and a highly anticipated (2344 & 2345) option in sizes S-3XL. The new jackets provide unmatched warmth and performance with a new fleece inner liner and durable heating elements in not only the chest and upper back, but now in lower pockets that are controlled independently of the core heating elements to provide extra warmth to the hands. Each durable heating element is composed of sewn in carbon fiber heating zones that can be set to high, medium, or low with a simple touch of a button on the lapel.

Powered by M12™ , the new jackets are compatible with the entire , now offering over 40 cordless Lithium-Ion products. Hidden in a sleek back pocket, which can expand to hold an XC battery, an upgraded battery holder now includes a battery fuel gauge and a powered USB port for charging portable electronic devices. The M12™ RED LITHIUM™ battery delivers superior runtime, with up to six hours of continuous heat on a single battery charge.

For users that are operating heavy machinery or riding recreational vehicles equipped with a standard 12v power outlet, Milwaukee will also introduce the Heated Jacket (49-24-2301) in the Fall of 2012. Compatible with all Milwaukee® Heated Jackets, the adapter utilizes a 7-foot coil cord for neat cord routing throughout the vehicle and will provide unlimited run-time.

For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com

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Product FOCUS Platinum Tools® Features Tele-Titan™ Modular Crimp Tool at 2012 InfoComm Now Shipping, the Tele-Titan is the “Little Giant” of Modular Crimp Tools Platinum Tools®, the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation and hand termination of wire and cable, is proud to announce it will feature the new Tele-Titan™ modular crimp tool (P/N 12507c) at InfoComm 2012, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from June 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth C5038. Now shipping, the Tele-Titan has an MSRP of $34.95.

“This new, rugged, and very compact tool fits easily in a pocket as well as the hand,” said John Phillips, Platinum Tools product manager. “The straight action termination delivers even pressure on each of the modular plug’s pins ensuring precise termination. Its superior fit and function consistently meets performance requirements…just add scissors and you’re ready to tackle the modular plug crimp jobs for your next data and voice projects.”

Additional features of the Tele-Titan include: • Compact, balanced and easy to use – fits hand well • Crimps with minimal hand force • Crimps RJ45 (8x8) RJ12 (6x6), RJ11 (6x4), standard style modular plugs – solid or stranded • Uses true parallel vertical crimp force for precise termination • Precisely seats, or terminates, all pins to industry specified crimp heights • “Gun safety lock-style” design • Built-in cable cutter and strippers for round & flat cables • Easily adjust and control depth of the blade when stripping Cat 5e/6 cables • Built for professional use & reliability.

For more information, visit www.platinumtools.com

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Carlon® Recessed Dual Voltage 3-Gang Old Work Plate Simplifies Flat-Panel Display Installation Thomas & Betts Product Features Exclusive Template To Facilitate Accurate Drywall Cutting The Carlon® Recessed Dual Voltage (RDV) 3-Gang Old Work Plate from Thomas & Betts has been designed to make installing wall-mounted flat panel displays easier and faster. Designed to accommodate the highand low-voltage wires, cables and cords used with flat-panel display installations, the Carlon® RDV 3-Gang Old Work Plate features a two-gang, low-voltage opening and a one-gang opening for a Carlon® B114R or B120R old work box (not included).

The Carlon® RDV 3-Gang Old Work Plate has an exclusive template feature to facilitate mounting. A ridge on the front of the panel, when placed against the drywall and tapped with a hammer, provides a template for accurate cutting of the box opening. The plate has a high-gloss, recessed design that blends with any décor and conceals unsightly wires, cables, cords and plug heads.

The Carlon® RDV 3-Gang Old Work Plate design combines a pre-assembled box and frame that reduces installation time and saves cost. It also includes four swing-out clamps that lock the plate securely to the wall and offers a horizontal or vertical mount. The Carlon® RDV 3-Gang Old Work Plate features a shallow design that provides ample room behind drywall and between studs, while accommodating cable bend requirements. Constructed of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) for strength, it is lightweight and easy to handle. A Carlon® B114R box is included in RDV kit no. SC300PRR. For more information, visit www.tnb.com

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Product FOCUS

General Cable Colors Your World with SunGen® Brand General Cable (NYSE: BGC), a cable solutions provider for solar applications from the sun to the outlet, is pleased to announce that its SunGen® PV UL 4703 Wire is now available in an array of sunlight resistant solid colors in all gauge sizes. Recent changes to the National Electric Code (NEC®) require that photovoltaic (PV) source, output and inverter circuits must be identified at all points of termination, connection and splices. Therefore, General Cable has engineered new colored UL 4703 PV Wire to provide installers with properly colored wire, eliminating the need for marking tape or tagging as a means of identification ― saving time and money.

Quality wire and cable is one of the most critical components for solar PV system performance and lifetime. SunGen® colored jacket PV Wire is the ideal value-add solution for ease of installation over wire that is only identified with a colored stripe.

Engineered to withstand the harsh operating environments of solar power applications, General Cable’s SunGen line of fully-colored PV Wire offers superior resistance to UV sunlight, while providing stable electrical properties for temperatures ranging from -40°C to 120°C. General Cable’s full line of PV wire is the only product on the market today that is made in accordance with both UL 4703 and CSA RPVU90, and meets the requirement for direct burial.

“The new SunGen line of sun-resistant colored PV Wire aligns with our commitment to solar energy and puts General Cable at the forefront of change, delivering product solutions to meet customer needs,” said Carrie Vidal, Product Manager, General Cable Construction Cables. “Giving contractors the ability to install colored PV Wire improves efficiency by allowing them to meet NEC and UL requirements in a one-step process with wiring that is manufactured with the very latest technology.”

For more information, visit www.GeneralCable.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 AEE SOLAR ALBER CORPORATION ALCAN CABLE AMERICAN PIPE& PLASTICS ARPI OF USA BACKWOODS SOLAR BYTE BROTHERS CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION COPPER WIRE STRIPPER EXTECH INSTRUMENTS/FLIR SYSTEMS E-Z METER GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES GENSCO HIOKI USA ICC KRENZ & COMPANY MEGGER MH RHODES/CRAMER COMPANY

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Company

11 27 BC IBC 36 35 20 4 31 26 3, 9 36 7 22 39 21 38 IFC 26

11 19 3 2 52 51 42 6 21 48 5, 9 53 8 43 23 16 56 1 49

MITCHELL INSTRUMENTS NATIONAL WIRE & CABLE NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS PG LIFELINK PHASE-A-MATIC PHILIPS CAPRI PLATINUM TOOLS PRUF LED SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SNAPNRACK SOKKIA STEELMAN INDUSTRIES STRIP-TEC T3 INNOVATION THE HOME DEPOT UNDERGROUND DEVICES UTILITY METALS YOKOGAWA CORPORATION

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29 30 25 19 38 1 33 37 15 17 5 35 14 40 13 24 10 23

20 46 18 15 57 4 22 55 13 14 7 50 40 58 12 44 10 17

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