EPS Magazine, January 2011

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CONTENTS

PUBLISHER

Danny J. Salchert OFFICE MANAGER

Anita Salchert NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

Jerry DiChiara jerryd@epsmag.net CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Derek Gaylard CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

André Rebelo, Ken Whiteside CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Pam Fulmer

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FEATURES 6 True RMS 101

By André Rebelo

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The Solar World Is Far From Flat

By Ken Whiteside

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT 14 Yokogawa CA450 Process Multimeter for Process and Maintenance Environments

DEPARTMENTS 24 Industry News 32 Product Focus 40 Ad Index ON THE COVER Cover photography provided by Extech/FLIR Systems

PRESIDENT

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

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

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

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABD Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 382885 Birmingham, Alabama 35238-2885 PRINTED IN THE USA

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Electrical Products & Solutions • Janaury 2011

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FEATURE • Extech

True RMS 101

By André Rebelo

Let’s be honest: when you last bought a multimeter or clamp-on meter, did the importance of True RMS capabilities even cross your mind? Many electrical contractors have seen the term “True RMS” stamped on test and measurement equipment, but might have given it short shrift.

The skeptical questions come fast and furious: Is it a must-have? A gimmick?

An upgrade to get you to spend more? Is it something I’d even use?

Plus, in this day and age, where budgets are still tight, the premium expense of a True RMS meter may not seem worth it. You may be looking at two nearly identical meters in an electrical supply house, except one says “True RMS” and costs 30-50% more.

Driving Home a Point Many electrical contractors still doubt whether True RMS is really important.

Consider this story: While I was at a major electrical contractor trade show last fall, an attendee stopped at the Extech booth to take a look at some multimeters and clamp meters.

He picked up each one, looked at them, tried the dials, and held them in his hand to gauge the weight and heft of each one.

Then, the electrician smiled and pointed at one of the DMMs on display and, with a chuckle, he said to me, “That True RMS label reminds me of cars from the 1980s.”

I was thoroughly puzzled by this comment. Was he suggesting that he was holding a multimeter with an outdated design? So, I took the bait and asked him to explain. His answer turned out to be an amusing but insightful story: “Remember when fuel injected engines first went mainstream in the 80s? All the car companies were bragging about it by 6

putting a badge on their cars that said “Fuel Injection.” With the badge, you could announce to the whole world what kind of fuel system your car had. To me it didn’t make sense to go on and on about something like that.”

“Even if it was new at the time, it was like putting a sign on your car that said ‘power windows!’ They were trying to make the car stand out by touting something that was nice, but that didn’t deserve to be mentioned on the car’s exterior. In the 90s, it was the same thing with antilock brakes. ABS badges everywhere.”

Now I understood where he was going

Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

with this. I got it. To him, True RMS was an intrinsic part of a meter. You can’t have a meter without it and so, it didn’t need to be overstated. It would be as if we had a label on our meter that said ‘LCD screen’ next to the LCD screen.

For this gentleman at the tradeshow, it was a no-brainer that he needed True RMS capabilities in his test equipment and it didn’t need to be trumpeted. Still, there are many, many electrical contractors and technicians in other industries that don’t know what it is, or why it may be important for them. And, since it’s a feature that usually comes Continued on page 8

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FEATURE • Extech

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True RMS meters accurately measure mains power with clean sine waves (left) and irregular wave forms (below) modified by microprocessors or other components. Averaging meters work well only with the former.

with a higher price tag, many casually dismiss it as a nice-to-have and not a musthave.

RMS Basics Let’s take a closer look at True RMS with simple, easy-to-understand language.

The goal of this article is to equip you with useful information to decide if True RMS may be important for the work that you do. You will find meters that are not True RMS meters and they are very useful for many electrical applications, hence the label on the meter to distinguish the two types. Still, if you’re thinking about upgrading your meter, it’s essential for you to decide for yourself if your day-today work is impacted by not using a True RMS meter.

Let’s start with Alternating Current, AC power, it’s everywhere. If we were to graphically illustrate alternating current, we’d use a sine wave to show one cycle of the alternating pattern of current traveling back and forth on a conductor (see sine wave image).

Generally speaking, a clean electrical supply comes in that nice linear waveform. The more basic, non-True RMS meter, also called an “averaging” meter always assumes the waveform is a clean sine wave. It uses a mathematical averaging formula to accurately calculate readings that are comparable to a higher-end True RMS meter.

If you want to know the shortcut used by non-True RMS meter, here’s how it works: The meter approximates RMS readings by multiplying the peak voltage or current by 0.707 (the peak value di8

vided by the square root of two). Like a True RMS meter, the averaging meter displays the correct value because, when the current wave is a clean sine wave, the averaging formula works accurately.

Now, the second you introduce components in the circuit that alter the shape of that nice sine wave, you get into trouble with an averaging meter.

In other words, when a non-linear load draws current, the sine waveform can get distorted and change shape into a variety of different wave forms that fall under the category of non-sinusoidal waves. These include square waves, triangle waves, rectangular waves, sawtooth waves, ramp waves, trapezoidal waves, clipped waves, rectified waves, and other irregular forms (see irregular wave image).

In these cases, the averaging formula that worked so well on a linear sine wave is no longer useful. Instead, it will cause the multimeter to display inaccurate readings that can be under by as much as 3540%, or over by as much as 8-10%,

Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

depending on the waveform.

So, how does a True RMS meter get it right? It performs a more sophisticated calculation that results in correct readings regardless of waveform. This formula is where root mean square, or RMS, gets its name from. To get a little more technical for a moment, here’s how it works: • All the values over a complete cycle on the sine wave are squared.

• Then, the average (mean) of these square values is calculated • Finally, the square root of this average results in the RMS value.

Your DMM calculates all this in real time, ensuring you have accurate readings regardless of what is modifying the electrical signal’s waveform up the line.

Do You Need True RMS? What is important to remember is this: Non-linear loads are everywhere. Think of any system—power; lighting fixtures, ballasts, controls and Continued on page 12

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FEATURE • Extech

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• MCC /Motor controls • High efficiency HVAC systems • Controller boards • Low-voltage systems • Phase-control dimmers • Power supplies • Industrial motors • Pumps • Elevators • Conveyors • Machine tool drives • High-tech/IT-intensive environments • And any scenario where a linear waveform will be distorted by intermediary components.

lamps; HVAC; mechanical; and industrial. Nowadays, more and more of these have electronically programmable components, with microprocessors, or solidstate components controlling their systems and subsystems. In other words, electronics are getting into the act so that systems can control electrical current more precisely.

Microprocessor-controlled systems such as variable-frequency-drive controllers that use a rectifier, offer the potential to increase energy efficiency typically by evaluating and adjusting an optimized electrical supply for the job.

Plus, they reduce wear on equipment and enable integration with larger, networked, computer-controlled systems which are increasingly prevalent in everything from 12

manufacturing facilities to home HVAC systems.

True RMS multimeters or clamp meters are unfazed by the irregular waveforms generated in these scenarios. If you work in any of today’s many solid-state-intensive environments, using a True RMS meter is not an option but a requirement.

Let’s take a look at some very specific examples where nothing but a True RMS meter will do. Hopefully this checklist of examples will answer the question of whether you need a True RMS meter. Do you routinely work on any of these systems or components?

• Solid state electronics • Variable frequency drives (VFD) or variable speed drives (VSD) • Fan controls

Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

Electrical work on circuits supplying unmodified mains power only requires an averaging meter. If you’re likely to be performing tests in any of the above environments however, you really do need a True RMS meter instead of an averaging model. Otherwise, you are asking for trouble resulting from inaccurate readings— personal hazards and potentially hazardous installations or repairs.

This is not the place to save a buck.

Some users have hesitated to upgrade to a True RMS multimeter or clamp-on meter because of the price premium. The good news is that, in recent years, the price gap has narrowed considerably making True RMS meters more affordable than ever.

Yes, by and large, in apples to apples comparisons of meters, the True RMS models will cost more. In the big picture however, the additional dollars you spend will quickly be recouped. How? More accurate readings and fewer diagnostic errors mean your job is done right the first time. Plus, test equipment makers like Extech Instruments offer a wide range of True RMS meters, providing models designed for every application and budget.

Remember the electrician at the trade show who was amused by the True RMS label on a multimeter? To him, going with that model was such a no-brainer that the feature didn’t even need mentioning. Unless you are already thinking like him, be sure to do the homework: evaluate whether you should be using a True RMS meter for your day-to-day work. ❏ André Rebelo, Global Communications Manager, Extech Instruments, andre.rebelo@extech.com

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT • Yokogawa

Yokogawa CA450 Process Multimeter for Process and Maintenance Environments Yokogawa Meters and Instruments case, and various current clamp probes. has recently developed and released the The following are the CA450 key feaCA450 Process Multimeter. This unit inte- tures: grates the functionality of a digital multi- ■ Loop check functions meter like the TY500 series with a 4-20mA • Simultaneous 24V loop power and loop calibrator such as the CA11 into a sinmA measurement gle instrument for calibration and mainte• HART mode setting with loop power nance of process instrumentation across (250 Ohm resistance) multiple industries including oil & gas, ■ Generation functions electric utilities, chemical, water treatment • SIMULATE (SINK) function and food processing. simulates transmitters The CA450 allows technicians and main• 4 to 20mA span/step/auto-step/ tenance personnel to source and measure sweep function with one hand held tool, minimizing the ■ Measurement functions amount of equipment to carry and enabling • High accuracy signal measurement: the same functional capability. Given the DC mA 0.05% 30.000 mA various equipment carried by technicians, • True RMS DMM function the CA450 can eliminate one potential tool • Dedicated sensor modes for direct required while accomplishing the task at input of sensor such as AC /DC clamp hand in less time. As with the TY500 and probe TY700 digital multimeters, a 3 year war- ■ Safe design ranty is provided and the CA450 maintains • Current terminal shutters prevent the same form factor as a TY500 multiincorrect connections • Conforms to 600V CAT IV, 1000V meter. Standard accessories provided with CAT. III safety standards the unit are 4 AA batteries, test leads, lead cables, an additional fuse and an instruc- ■ Linking with a PC ( with optional tional manual. Optional accessories indedicated adapter) clude 1-5V adapter set, communication • Transfer data to a PC via package, alligator test leads, hard carrying IR-USB Continued on page 16 14

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT • Yokogawa

This process multimeter contains three unique features as well. First, Peak/Hold function measures peak-topeak in DC voltage measurement mode when inspecting a DCS as an example.

Second, a sensor mode allows the user to measure current with AC/DC clampon current probe and enables scaling to any measurement unit. Third, an addi-

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tional accessory is available to convert a As the application examples above demonstrate, the CA450 is a multifunctional 4-20mA signal to 1-5V. Safety is a serious consideration when and versatile portable test instrument that using a portable test instrument in an in- process and maintenance personnel can use in dustrial environment. With that in a variety of settings and situations. mind, the CA450 conforms to 600V CAT. IV and 1000V CAT. III stan- current measuring limit is 100mA when dards. The instrument is CE rated and using test leads to reduce potential inis intended to be UL as well. The DC jury. Clamp on current Continued on page 18

Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT • Yokogawa

probes are required for measuring currents over 100mA. Last, a safety feature unique to Yokogawa portable test instruments such as the CA450, TY500 and TY700 series is terminal shutters are incorporated to prevent improper connections.

Devices that the CA450 would be used to monitor, calibrate and /or inter-

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face with are transmitters, flow meters, The CA450 is a versatile, multifunctional loop powered indicators, HART com- portable test instrument that can be used in municators and other industrial control a variety of settings and situations by process instruments, all products that Yokogawa and maintenance personnel as illustrated in designs and manufactures as well. A the examples above. typical application example would be a loop check function to power a trans- be to source current to check the loop mitter and verify the output current. circuit and span, step and/or sweep the Another process related example would output current from 4-20mA. ❏

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Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

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FEATURE • Ontility

The Solar World Is Far From Flat

Livermore Cinemas installation shows Solyndra’s ability to be installed in virtually any orientation.

By Ken Whiteside / Photos courtesy of Solyndra

Solar PV modules are no longer just the flat rectangular panels we’ve become accustomed to seeing on rooftops. Some of the most rapid advances in and innovative applications of PV technology are coming from the thin-film and micro-PV parts of the industry. These emerging technologies represent some exciting innovations which could radically change solar energy production.

Standard PV modules, with their gridlike appearance and aluminum frames, are built around either single- or multi-crystalline silicon wafers which are 150-200 microns think. To become solar cells, these rigid wafers go through several processing steps before they are integrated into a module. Even though prices have plummeted in the last year, material and processing costs continue to make silicon-based modules relatively expensive at an average late 2010 sales price of around $2 per Watt.

Thin film cells, on the other hand, use super-thin semi-conductor material in the 2 20

micron thickness range. Today there are three primary types of commercially available thin-film cells: amorphous silicon (aSi), cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS).

Amorphous silicon cells were the first thinfilm technology and while the technology is mature and production costs are very low, a-Si cells are the least efficient with conversion rates in the 5-7% range. Cd-Te cells are more efficient (9-10%), but are available only in rigid glass-on-glass modules which have many of the same structural characteristics as standard PV modules.

Plus, UL listed modules are available from only two manufacturers. CIGS cells developed at the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) were the first to break the 20% efficiency benchmark and commercially available modules generally run in the 911% range. Because production of thin film modules uses highly efficient, high speed processes and relatively inexpensive equipment, sales prices at the end of 2010 are

Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

around $1.40 per Watt.

In CIGS development, arguably where the thin-film action is these days, two companies provide good examples of leading edge development, SoloPower and Solyndra.

SoloPower uses a high-speed, roll-to-roll process to produce its CIGS material on a thin, flexible foil substrate Continued on page 22

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FEATURE • Ontility

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suitable for a variety of building-integrated (BIPV) applications. One of the most promising products from SoloPower is film designed specifically for metal roof panels. These 85W strips, available in various lengths are configured specifically to fit between the seams of metal roofing panels. One of the most effective installation methods is attachment by adhesive directly to the metal roof panel as a final step in the roll-form process. This same PV material is also available in a larger 200W size designed for flat commercial roofs. Both of these products achieve conversion rates in the 10.5-11% range and are helping lower the cost of solar electricity through advanced production processes, lower materials costs, minimal materials waste and potentially faster, lower cost installation when compared to rigid module installation.

Solyndra has taken a novel and unique approach in the quest for greater production and lower cost per Watt. Solyndra modules are essentially thin-film material rolled into a cylinder between two layers of glass. The tubular shape allows them to make use of both direct solar radiation, regardless of the angle of the sun, and reflected light from below. Solyndra modules are specifically designed to work in conjunction with light colored “cool” roofs.

When Solyndra modules are mounted on a white TPO roof, for example, their production per square foot is greatly enhanced by the reflected light. The combination of the energy efficiency provided to the building by a cool roof and solar electricity production provided by a Solyndra array has a significant impact on building operating

Solyndra’s cylindrical modules collect direct, refracted and reflected light.

cost and presents a quite attractive ROI for property owners. In addition, the Solyndra shape presents such a small profile that wind loads are minimal. A Solyndra array can be installed on TPO and other membrane roofs without roof penetrations or heavy ballasting.

Unlike thin-film PV which has been readily available for some time and has a proven track record of commercial viability, spray-on solar is just now emerging from field tests and approaching commercialization, with good potential:. It has long-been thought that applying solar electric material to windows and glass surfaces of buildings and homes could be a true market game changer. The snag has been transparency –

Solyndra’s panel design allows the wind to flow through.

how do you coat clear glass with PV material and not obscure the view? New Energy Technologies announced in November that it is ready to commercialize a spray-on solar product which accomplishes the goal with the help of micro-PVcells and soon-to-be patented non-metallic conductors. The PV cells, the smallest ones known, are one tenth the thickness of thin-film cells and have a surface area about one quarter the size of a grain of rice. According to computer models developed by the Florida Solar Energy Center, a leading research and testing organization, the application of a spray-on PV array to the windows of a typical 40 storey skyscraper would result in 30% greater return on investment compared to a standard roof-top PV array.

Innovation is crucial to the future of the solar energy industry. The work of companies like New Energy Technologies, Solyndra and SoloPower is pushing the limits of basic PV technology and prompting the development of more efficient lower cost production methods. These efforts will have the impact of more renewable energy at lower cost per Watt. This in turn will lead the industry toward becoming an ever expanding contributor to the energy production mix worldwide. ❏ Ken Whiteside is the Director of Education at ONTILIY. He can be reached by e-mail at ken.whiteside@ontility.com. www.ontility.com

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Industry NEWS

City of Virginia Beach Selects Cooper Lighting for Interior and Exterior LED Lighting Upgrades Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau to save energy, reduce maintenance requirements and improve lighting quality through energy-efficient lighting retrofit.

A

s part of an ongoing sustainability initiative, the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia has selected Cooper Lighting, a division of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), for a range of interior and exterior LED lighting upgrades to its Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau.

With the intention of reducing energy and maintenance costs, as well as improving lighting quality, the city is in the process of replacing the Visitors Bureau’s existing High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) lighting with more energy-efficient LED fixtures from Cooper Lighting. Upon completion of the retrofit project, a mix of Cooper Lighting LED products will help the Visitors Bureau achieve its goals.

On the exterior, Cooper Lighting McGrawEdison Concise LED Canopy fixtures, Talon LED Area Luminaires, and Lumark LED Wal-Pak fixtures will illuminate the building and parking lot, providing security lighting to both the perimeter and parking lot areas. On the interior, HALO Stasis LED Track Luminaires will brighten a glass mural and HALO LED Recessed Downlights will be in the facility’s interior.

Sure-Lites LED exit signs will also be installed throughout the building.

“The resulting energy savings and return on investment associated with switching to LED lighting make it a practical choice for facility owners looking to save money while improving light levels,” said Mark Eubanks, Vice President and General Manager at Cooper Lighting. “We’re pleased the city of Virginia Beach recognizes the benefits of Cooper Lighting LED products.”

This complete assortment of LED fixtures represents Cooper Lighting’s ability to meet today’s multi-faceted indoor and outdoor lighting needs. The company offers a range of LED lighting options, all of which are specifically designed to maximize energy and cost savings.

For additional information, visit www.cooperlighting.com/led. ❏ 24

About Cooper Lighting Cooper Lighting, a subsidiary of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), is the leading provider of innovative, high quality interior and exterior lighting fixtures and related products to worldwide commercial, industrial, retail, institutional, residential and utility markets. As lighting technologies have advanced over the years, Cooper Lighting has been at the forefront of the industry in helping businesses and communities leverage the latest technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enrich the quality of the environment. For more information, visit www.cooperlighting.com.

About Cooper Industries Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global manufacturer with 2009 revenues of $5.1 billion. Founded in 1833, Cooper’s sustained level of success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation, evolving business practices while maintaining the highest ethical standards, and meeting customer needs. The Company has seven operating divisions with leading market share positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products. With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety. In 2009, sixty-one percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and thirty-nine percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2009. For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.

Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

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Industry NEWS

Fulham Welcomes Larry E. Smith as Vice President - Lighting Renovation Smith to Drive Customer and Channel Partner Adoption of Fulham Energy Efficient Lighting Solutions

F

ulham Co, Inc., a global manufacturer and supplier of electronic ballasts, lamps, and other lighting solutions, announced that Larry E. Smith has joined the company as Vice President of Sales - Renovation Market. Smith brings more than 25 years experience in

sales and sales management in the lighting industry. For the past 16 years, Smith has been a successful business development executive helping major lighting companies enter the lighting renovation marketplace.

Smith most recently held the position

Larry E. Smith

of Director of Sales at Digital Lumensa developer of LED lighting systems.

Smith was responsible for developing strategic partnerships and for creating the sales channel for this new technology.

Previously, Smith held management positions with Cooper Lighting, Acuity Brands Lighting and Amtech Lighting Services, and was instrumental in establishing two startups in the energy and lighting renovation market.

“We are very pleased that Larry has joined the Fulham Team,” said Dennis Wells, Chief Operating Officer of Fulham. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the lighting renovation marketplace. His leadership will be instrumental in helping Fulham achieve our growth objectives in the coming years.”

Fulham has illustrated its commitment to the implementation of energy efficient solutions through the development and investment in emerging energy efficient technologies and, talent and infrastructure.

Fulham is pleased to be part of the global energy conservation movement. Using the technology of the future, Fulham potentially reduces costs and aligns companies with possible government incentives and rebates.

“Developing energy focused divisions within major lighting manufactures has been a cornerstone of my recent success,” said Larry Smith. “Fulham has a great reputation for energy efficient products and systems. I look forward to helping the company develop and implement strategies to enable customers to save energy while reducing operating costs.”

For more information on Fulham, visit www.fulham.com or contact our sales services team at 1.323.500.5999. ❏ FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 32 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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Industry NEWS

LENOX Manufacturing Plant Earns Prestigious OSHA “Star” LENOX continues its elite certification for promoting worksite-based safety and health

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Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

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ENOX®, a leading manufacturer of premium power tool accessories, hand tools, torches, solder and band saw blades, announces it has been recertified for an additional five-years in the prestigious “Star” Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) of the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). LENOX has maintained this elite health and safety certification for more than 10 years.

OSHA’s verification for the “Star” certification includes an application review and a rigorous onsite evaluation by a team of OSHA safety and health experts. LENOX originally earned this honor in 1997 as the first cutting tool company in the country to receive such an honor. Since then, LENOX has earned recertification in 2000, 2005 and now again in 2010. Sites that make the grade must submit annual self-evaluations and undergo periodic onsite reevaluations to remain in the programs.

“At LENOX, we take just as much pride in the environment in which our products are produced as we do in the quality of our products,” stated Mike Avery, Director, Safety and Security, LENOX. “This prestigious certification recognizes the outstanding efforts of all LENOX employees.

Because of the teamwork of each and every person here, we are able to maintain the highest levels of OSHA certification for more than 10 years.”

The LENOX plant, which employs 720 workers, manufactures power tool accessories and blades including band saw blades, hack saws, hole saws, utility knives and reciprocating saw blades at the East Longmeadow, Mass. location. This most recent “Star” recertification allows LENOX to remain a part of an elite corps of just over 2,200 workplaces nationwide that have earned VPP recognition.

The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) promotes effective worksite-based safety and health. In the VPP, management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system. ❏

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Industry NEWS

Select WAGO EPSITRON Power Solutions UL/cUL Certified UL and cUL Certification is complete for 27 models within WAGO Corporation’s EPSITRON family of advanced power supplies. Certification applies to select models within the EPSITRON Electronic Circuit Breaker, PRO-Power Supply, Uninterruptible Power Supply and Redundancy module lines.

offer remote resetting of harmonic distortion and outages). Features: tripped channels. free configuration and monitoring software and LCD/keypad and RS-232 interface.

787 Series EPSITRON-PROPower Supplies:

1- and 3-phase Primary Switch Mode PRO Power Supplies process power peaks in systems with high-output requirements.

Features: 93% efficiency, PowerBoost and TopBoost functions; select models also of787 Series EPSITRON Electronic fer free configuration/monitoring software Circuit Breakers (ECBs): and Line Monitor capability.

4-channel ECBs separately protect up to four current paths (up to 10A at 787 Series EPSITRON 24VDC max each) for power supplies Uninterruptible Power Supply without “topboost.” Ideal for multiple (UPS): loads from a single power supply, ECBs UPS modules shield complex automaindependently program load-appropriate tion systems and components from comcurrent ratings and trip times. ECBs also mon disturbances (e.g., voltage fluctuations,

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Electrical Products & Solutions • January 2011

787 Series EPSITRON Redundant Modules The 787 Series redundancy modules safeguard two power supplies that are parallel-connected, providing system redundancy or additional power.

WAGO is the leader in spring pressure connection technology that eliminates loose wires resulting from vibration and temperature cycling, while providing highly reliable, corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free connections. Products: DIN-rail, PCB and chassis mount terminal blocks; signal conditioners; the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM and more.

For additional information, visit www.wago.us. Contact WAGO at 1-800DIN-RAIL or info.us@wago.com. ❏

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Product FOCUS AFL Releases New FC FuseConnect™ AFL announces the addition of the FC connector to its FuseConnect family. Utilizing a fusion splicer, AFL’s FuseConnect consist of just four components, simplifying the field installation process. With a pre-polished ferrule, the termination process eliminates polishing, adhesives and crimping, and minimizes operator error and excess connector scrap. AFL’s FuseConnect connectors are also available in SC, LC, and keyed LC. AFL is also introducing a new LC Duplex Clip designed specifically for AFL’s FuseConnect and FAST connectors. AFL’s FAST connectors are pre-polished, field installable connectors that also eliminate the need for hand polishing in the field. This connector encompasses a translucent wedge enabling the use of a VFI to provide a pass/fail signal once contact is achieved. FAST connectors are available in SC, ST and LC versions only. The FC FuseConnect and new LC duplex clip are now available.

For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com

RGB Color Changing Tape Light Newest LED Offering from Nora Lighting A new RGB Color Changing Linear LED Tape Light that offers smooth transitions of colors to create “mood and ambiance” is now offered by Nora Lighting. Designed for placement in discreet locations, such as coves and cabinets, or concealed within displays or wall features, Nora’s RGB Tape Light performs at the push of a button with synchronized displays of tone and intensity.

Measuring just 9/16” wide by 1/16” high, the new RGB Tape Light features an auto-changing fade or strobe that creates intriguing LED light shows in either a public setting, such as a restaurant, lounge, hotel or retail center, or in a private installation.

RGB is the newest addition to Nora’s expanding line of tape lights. A new LED High Output Tape Light and Standard LED Tape Light are also available.

Featuring the basic colors of red, green and blue, plus a dramatic rainbow of variant tones, the RGB tape light can be selected and programmed to run as a single color or as a series of rotating colors. Multiple RGB runs can also be synchronized to change colors simultaneously.

A hand-held remote is available and can be used to program the RGB Tape Light to specific color configurations and sequences. It operates up to 22 feet away from the RGB Controller.

Designed for energy savings, as well as a decorative accent, the RGB tape features nine LEDs (2.5W) per foot. Standard roll size is 16 feet with 40W of illumination and 192 LEDs. Each roll has sixteen 12-inch sections that are linked together and which can be disconnected without soldering. The silicone-encapsulated tape can also be cut every six inches without affecting the circuitry. A shrink-wrapped tube is included to conceal the cuts.

The RGB tape is available with three-in-one SMD LEDs and 120° viewing angle. Designed for durability, the RGB tape light has operating temperatures of -25° C to 60° C (-77° F to 140° F). The tape is cETLus listed for wet locations.

Maximum run is two rolls (or 32 feet) and each RGB run requires a driver, controller, and power line interconnector.

In addition to LED tape lights, Nora Lighting manufactures LED downlights, LED track heads, LED under cabinet lightbars, LED step lights and LED emergency/exit lighting, In business for more than 20 years, Nora is an industry leader with an extensive line of interior lighting products, including incandescent, fluorescent and HID sources in track and rail systems, recessed lighting and multiple lighting systems.

Nora products can be seen in professional electrical distributorships and lighting showrooms nationwide.

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Product FOCUS Emerson Network Power Surge Protection Launches Liebert SH Hybrid Series for Coordinated Multi-stage Surge Suppression Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR) and the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™ today announced its launch of the Liebert SH Hybrid Series Surge Protective Device. This is the first hybrid product in the industry to offer a true, coordinated multi-stage system of suppression.

The Liebert SH Hybrid Series, available globally, integrates the fast response time of the Silicone Avalanche Diode (SAD) with the high-energy capability of the standard Liebert SI Series (Interceptor™) MOV (Metal Oxide Varistor).

“This new series offers the highest surge current capability and survivability in the industry,” said Sarah Beadle, director of marketing, for the Surge Protection business of Emerson Network Power. “We’re also the only surge manufacturer with a built-in test circuit that monitors MOV/fuse link status.”

The Series offers patented component level monitoring, including neutral to ground. It also delivers a unique sand-packed silver fuse network that’s UL Rated at 200kAIC for maximum safety. All of the product’s surge suppression components are computer-tested and matched for optimum reliability and long life.

Most “hybrid” products are grouped into two basic categories: self-sacrificing or oversized. Self-sacrificing systems significantly degrade or fail with nominal fluctuations or high-energy events, which is extremely inconvenient to customers, and leaves room for critical load upsets/failures. Oversized components allow the system to deal with the nominal line voltage – as a result, clamping levels increase, defeating what it is designed to do.

The Liebert approach is the Transitional Method, which involves a closely regulated amount of energy that is transitioned between the primary SAD module and the secondary MOV module. This primary/secondary hybrid design takes advantage of the tight clamping and rapid response characteristics of the SAD – while incorporating the high-energy handling characteristics of the MOV module.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/hm8B68 or www.EmersonNetworkPower.com

Jennings Technology® CFC Series Capacitors Feature Cylindrical Electrodes for Higher Voltage Ratings The new Jennings Technology® CFC Series Capacitors feature cylindrical electrodes that enable voltage ratings as high as 40kV, with capacitance values ranging from 10 to 2,000pF. The cylindrical electrode design enables the capacitance and voltage of the capacitor to be modified for rapid prototyping, and to provide custom solutions.

“We offer engineering solutions, not just catalog items,” said Jose Frias, lead engineer for Jennings Technology. “Some applications call for unique configurations that customers would have difficulty finding if their selection is limited to a catalog, or if they must purchase large minimum quantities. With the Jennings CFC Series Capacitors, we have the ability to meet our customers’ demanding application needs.”

The CFC Series Capacitors are designed to meet the high-current requirements of matching networks that are typically used in equipment to manufacture products in the semiconductor and solar and flat panel industries. The capacitors are also suitable for use in broadcast transmitters.

CFC Series Capacitors also offer low internal inductance. Popular sizes are in stock.

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Product FOCUS

Bridgeport Introduces Self-Aligning, Raintight Conduit Couplings Mighty-Align™ couplings’ self-aligning design ensures a 360° watertight seal every time Bridgeport Fittings announces Mighty-Align™ Raintight Couplings with a self-aligning design that ensures a 360-degree watertight seal whenever a contractor needs to join two lengths of threaded rigid or IMC conduit in wet locations. Besides its raintight seal, the new Mighty-Align™ couplings leave conduit ends smooth and even, preventing damage to conductors. The patented, three-piece couplings range from ½” to 4” and are UL Listed.

Bridgeport’s durable, malleable iron couplings provide a reliable and easy access point into a raceway system for maintenance or repair. The couplings’ neoprene gasket O-ring design maintains a long lasting, reusable raintight seal.

The new Mighty-Align™ couplings are part of Bridgeport’s Mighty-B™ family of innovative, high-performance products focused on getting a contractor’s job “done fast, done right.” Mighty-B™ solutions are labor saving or problem solving devices – some unique in their design – that cover a full range of connectors, couplings and other innovative product categories.

The new Bridgeport product line is represented by Mighty-B™, the “might man” superhero, who stands for the products’ innovation, speed and maneuverability. Mighty-B™ can be followed on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/CallMightyB).

For more information, visit visit www.bptfittings.com

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VMP’s New “Extra Medium” Flat Panel Flush Wall Mount Now Shipping Easy-to-Install and with Only a 1-Inch Profile Off the Wall, the FP-XMFB Holds Most 32- to 52-Inch Flat Panels up to 150 lbs.

Video Mount Products (videomount.com), a leading provider of mounting solutions for the residential, CI, commercial, security, and pro audio/video markets, is proud to announce its new FP-XMFB “extra medium” flat panel flush wall mount is now shipping. With an MSRP of $66.95, the low profile FP-XMFB holds most medium-sized flat panels from 32- to 52-inches and up to 150 lbs.

“The FP-XMFB is the result of broadening our existing popular low profile wall mount line,” explained Keith Fulmer, president of Video Mount Products. “As new and exciting flat panels are being sold throughout multiple markets, the ‘mediumsized’ category has become a broad term that includes a wide range of screen diameters. As a result, we crafted this new wall mount to handle all flat screens within the medium category.”

Installed at only .85 inches off the wall, the aesthetically complementary FP-XMFB has been designed with new thin and light LCD and LED panels in mind. “The FP-XMFB incorporates specific capabilities that cater to the precise specifications of each particular flat panel, as well as each customer’s unique demands,” added Fulmer.

Additionally, the FP-XMFB has a maximum flat panel hole pattern of 640mm x 430mm and comes in a black powder coat finish. A silver powder coat finish is also available (FP-XMF).

“Backed by VMP’s years of industry acclaimed product design and customer service second-to-none, the FP-XMFB makes mounting nearly all medium-sized flat panels as quick, easy, and reliable as the rest of our mounting solutions,” Fulmer continued.

For more information, visit www.videomount.com

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Product FOCUS WAGO’s High Accuracy Solar Positioning Function Block WAGO Corporation’s free Solar Positioning Function Block (SPFB) increases concentrated solar arrangement efficacy. SPFB achieves this by enabling dynamic solar mirrors to track the sun’s arc within +0.02o via WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM. Sunnyside Up: For precise East-to-West tracking, SPFB relies on multiple variables and inputs.

These include atmospheric pressure, site elevation, azimuth, latitude, longitude, date and local time. Calculations are then paired with the internal clock of a WAGO Programmable Fieldbus Controller, optimizing mirror position. Data is communicated to a connected WAGO DC Motor Control Module and encoder, or other component (e.g., variable frequency drive) for alignment.

Unlike many traditional sensor-driven systems, WAGO SPFB provides remote access and manual control by linking to a central PC via fieldbus. System status/alarms are available via e-mail, and a “stow” feature positions panels horizontally (wind) or vertically (snow), reducing stress during inclement weather.

SPFB was developed in-house utilizing data from both the U.S. National Resource Energy Laboratory, and the 2011 Astronomical Almanac produced by the U.S. Naval Observatory and H.M. Nautical Almanac Office.

PV Panel Positioning Block: WAGO’s free Solar Tracking Function Block is also available. It allows the WAGO-I/O-SYSTEM to align PV panels with the sun, for 30% more energy production than fixed panels.

For more information, visit visit www.wago.us

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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 AEMC INSTRUMENTS ALBER CORPORATION ARPI OF USA BATTCON 2011 BRADY WORLDWIDE BYTE BROTHERS CALIFORNIA TURBO, INC. CONTINENTAL CONTROL SYSTEMS COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION ELECTRIC WEST SHOW 2011 EXTECH INSTRUMENTS/FLIR SYSTEMS E-Z METER GARVIN INDUSTRIES GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES HIOKI USA KRENZ & COMPANY

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RS#

Company

15 IBC 25 37 30 5 26 19 36 23 28 3, 9 37 4 7 11 38

13 2 18 37 34 7 32 15 36 17 33 5, 9 38 6 8 11 39

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PG#

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NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS ONTILITY LLC PG LIFELINK PHASE-A-MATIC SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC SESSION SOLAR SMARTGUARD PRODUCTS SOKKIA SOLAR UNIVERSE STEELMAN INDUSTRIES STRIP-TEC THE HOME DEPOT

10 21 IFC 38 33 17 13 27 29 36 18 1

10 16 1 40 22 14 12 19 20 35 31 4

UNDERGROUND DEVICES UTILITY METALS VERVE LIVING SYSTEMS YOKOGAWA CORPORATION

31 39 BC 35

21 24 3 23

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