ECD Solutions Nov/Dec 2012

ECD SOLUTIONS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome to the first issue of ECD Solutions, covering electrical + comms + data. We’re excited about our new look and hope that you will enjoy the expanded content and new format.

6

State of the nation

I’m thrilled to be filling in for Mansi Gandhi

8

Call for reform

while she is on maternity leave and thank

12

Surviving the slowdown

the new magazine and online platform

14

egulatory changes imminent R for electricity metering

before taking off.

18

Labelling in electrical environments

her for all the work she put into planning

When designing ECD Solutions, we looked at detailed research, including the results of our reader surveys for Electrical Solutions and Voice+Data. In short, we decided to let you be our guide.

19 Automation + Security

The magazine is divided into four topic areas,

21

future business growth. In every issue you’ll

24 Smoke detectors and security systems - what you should know

Big Brother is watching ... isn’t he?

as defined by you in terms of opportunity for see content on Efficiency + Renewables, Comms + Data, Automation + Security and Electrical Distribution. We’ve broadened our subject matter to cover topics including renewable energy sources, building automa-

29 Comms + Data

36

Three things to look for when purchasing wire

the fundamentals.

37

A structured solution

Our planned features program covers your

tion and integration, telecommunications and security. Of course, you’ll still find plenty on

industry from every angle including: Smart Buildings, Green Energy, Electrical Safety,

Cover: ©iStockphoto.com/Pedro Castellano

Connectivity and more. We’ll also be includ-

47 Efficiency + Renewables

49

Enhancing the emotional impact of sport

54

Who’s going off the grid?

56

Green thumbs up for site office

ing comment from industry associations and checking out changes to standards, legislation and compliance requirements that affect your business.

We’ll still provide all the latest information on new products and technologies and general business tips and tricks, as well as detailed technical articles and case studies.

57 Electrical Distribution

We love to receive your contributions and

59

Grid Stability System to minimise power fluctuations from solar plants

new look and focus. If you have a story to

66

Self healing’ key to meeting smart grid promise

74

Standby power energy savings

are eager to hear what you think about our tell, would like to suggest a topic for publication or just want to give us your feedback, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line. We want ECD Solutions to be the voice of your industry and welcome

NOW in DIGITAL!

your comments.

Your copy of ECD Solutions is now available as an online eMag.

Dannielle Furness - Editor ecd@westwick-farrow.com.au

http://www.ECDsolutions.com.au/latest_issues

STATE OF THE NATION WHY YOU SHOULD BUY LOCAL

©iStockphoto.com/Sjoerd van der Wal

Dannielle Furness

4 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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It seems obvious enough - buying Australian made supports local business, keeps money in our economy and ensures your installs meet the mandatory safety standards. Whether apparent or not, the problem and, let’s face it, the reality, is that tougher economic conditions tend to make cheaper overseas alternatives more attractive, creating a hard-to-ignore temptation, in some cases, to forgo quality for the sake of winning the job.

T

hat’s not to suggest that all product made outside of Australia is of lesser quality ... far from it in many cases, but an increase in ‘cheap’ imports has resulted in a push

by Australian manufacturers to educate the domestic market and encourage local purchasing.

So ... Australia is headed towards the inevitable end-point for developed nations in the information age; local manufacturing will slow as companies look offshore in an attempt to reduce overhead. More and more production will move to nations that enjoy lower labour costs, particularly in the case of high-volume product. We will shift to a service and information-only economy and most of the world’s fabrication will be carried out by poorer, less-developed locations with a high population willing to work for less.

Really? Well, that’s the economic theory, which in the longer term may or may not prove to be true, and it’s certainly the impending scenario that is preached continually in Australia. The problem with this thinking is that it bears absolutely no reflection on the situation as it stands today, particularly within the electrical and electronics manufacturing industries.

Australia has a long history of giving it a go. We have a seemingly disproportionate and enviable list of world-changing technological inventions to our credit.

You’ve heard it all before: the orbital engine, black box recorder, spray-on skin, ultrasound, power board, Wi-Fi ... the list goes on. No doubt about it, we’re an entrepreneurial lot.

From that very industrial spirit, we bred many local manufacturers across a range of industries that supply the electrical, data and communications markets: electronics, lighting, controls, distribution, cable. Sure, the landscape may have shifted slightly

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in the last few years; the maturity of the industry and a number of previously privately Australian-owned and -operated businesses looking to take it to the next level came on to the market and were snapped up by large multinationals. Some of the more high-profile acquisitions in recent times were Clipsal (now Clipsal

by Schneider Electric), HPM Industries (now HPM Legrand) and Dynalite (now Philips Dynalite). While many decried the death of Australian industry at this change, the reverse appears to be true.

In all three named cases, the new parent company invested substantially in the local business and pledged a commitment to keeping manufacturing and, by nature, jobs within Australia. That’s encouraging stuff and confirmation of the state of the nation ... our industry is alive and well.

That may well be, but the long-term viability is only as good as the purchasing mentality of the local market. In 2011, the Australian Cablemakers Association (ACA) was founded with a view to campaigning against non-compliant cable entering Australia. The group was established with three original members and has since expanded to include others: Advance Cables, Olex Australia and Prysmian Power Cables & Systems Australia welcomed Tycab Australia, Australia Pacific Electric Cables, Bambach Wires & Cables Pty Ltd and Triangle Cables, bringing the total membership number to seven. The ACA successfully lobbied the government for an enquiry into the alleged dumping of cable exported out of China into Australia.

Ultimately, the investigation determined that product was not dumped, but the ACA continues to represent local manufacturers in interaction with government and industry bodies, calling for independent testing of product in order to stamp out non-compliant goods hitting our shores.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 5

LOCAL FOCUS

M O ST O F T H E R E C E N T M A N U FAC T U R E R - D R I V E N INDUSTRY EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS CENTRE ON THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH

©iStockphoto.com/Feng Yu

USING CHEAP IMPORTS.

That this type of action is warranted is a very clear indicator of the pressures that local manufacturers are facing.

The strong Australian dollar doesn’t help - while it’s great news for consumers when it comes to buying clothes, books, music and IT equipment online from the US or Europe, it’s not so hot for anyone trying to make a buck exporting product overseas or to legitimately compete on the home front.

Most of the recent manufacturer-driven industry educational campaigns centre on the risks associated with using cheap imports. Rightly so, as the risks are real and the penalties steep. Importing and using product that does not comply with Australian standards can get you into considerable hot water; there are significant financial consequences, potential criminal charges, nullification of insurance cover and licence termination to consider. Under Australian Electrical Safety law, the importer of the product is recognised as the distributor, so it’s more than just a few mouse clicks and saving a dollar here and there.

Unfortunately, that’s not the worst of it. Trademark infringement is another matter - if goods are found to be counterfeit, the associated repercussions are ugly: legal action, prison time and hefty fines. The practice is way more common than you may think. So much so that the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) released a report in 2011

titled ‘Piracy in electrical and electronic products: anti-counterfeiting best practice and strategies’.

The commission estimates that the annual global counterfeiting and piracy business exceeds US$650 billion and advises that electrical and electronic products are number two on the list after pharmaceuticals. In short, it’s big business. More alarmingly, the IEC is able to draw direct links between counterfeiting and international organised crime, suggesting that participation helps finance other forms of criminal activity.

The report cites a study commissioned by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICCWBO), which found that 80% of consumers in developed and developing nations regularly purchased counterfeit product with little awareness, remorse or fear of consequences. Presumably a Rolex knock-off bought on the streets of Bangkok doesn’t pose the same potential safety issues as electrical products for installation in Australian homes or businesses, but that particular statistic indicates a lack of mindfulness in purchasing behaviour that is too easily transferred from one scenario to the next.

The IEC makes many recommendations to combat the process. Some are aimed at manufacturers including suggestions around the establishment of trademark, copyright, design and patent registrations, as well as implementing quality control and inspection processes. Other ideas ad-

6 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

dress the consumer end of the spectrum.

The IEC nominates the most powerful deterrent to the end user as an understanding of the risk and dangers to themselves, their families and their communities. It also states that “consumers look for evidence that the government views counterfeiting as a serious problem which has consequences”. This suggests that there may be room for a government-funded program to educate the end user here in Australia.

At a business level, why then does the counterfeiting industry still thrive? If it’s not for a lack of ready information or equivalent locally made alternatives, can it really only come down to price? If so, the sad truth is that a single purchase to save a bit of cash can have catastrophic consequences, endangering lives and worse. The best-case scenario isn’t much better either - the impact on local industry starts with a decline in competitiveness, followed by reduced profit and an inability to reinvest, eventually making offshore manufacturing a more attractive alternative … and it’s a slippery slope from there.

As members of Australian industry, we owe it to ourselves to take steps to support local manufacturing, particularly during times when things may be a little tougher financially. Maintaining the integrity of the local market will go a long way to ensuring a sustained healthy and buoyant economic future for our industry and every purchase counts.

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©iStockphoto.com/Robyn Mackenzie

CALL FOR REFORM TO CUT RED TAPE

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is calling for policy and regulatory reforms to cut the increasing amount of government red tape that is costing electrical and communications contractors both time and money.

NECA made the call following the publication of a survey by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) that showed the burden of complying with regulation is rising and costing a large number of small businesses up to five hours a week and $10,000 a year.

NECA’s Chief Executive Officer James Tinslay said, “What this survey shows is that NECA members - many of whom are small businesses - are being slowly strangled by the growing amount of bureaucratic red tape they have to struggle through to keep their businesses going.

“A lot of this red tape is not essential and the cost and time taken up in dealing with it is restricting the growth of our members and disencouraging them from investing in their business and jobs. Action needs to be taken now to tackle the impact of regulation with the administrative burden reduced to that which is strictly necessary.”

A good example of the sort of unnecessary red tape that is burdening NECA’s members can be seen by the recently introduced requirement for businesses in the building and construction industry to report to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) annually on payments made to other contractors in the industry.

“Electrical contractors already have massive reporting requirements for taxation and electrical safety purposes without this new process,” said Tinslay.

“Essentially, what our members are now doing is carrying out the ATO’s work for them. The government should instead be focused on cutting red tape to assist business owners increase productivity and not on introducing initiatives that will force many electrical contractors to spend more time on reporting.”

The ACCI National Red Tape Survey was conducted by ACCI members - including NECA - in August and September and

8 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

secured responses from 870 businesses with findings related to federal, state/territory and local regulations.

The survey follows a meeting of the COAG Business Advisory Forum earlier this year where it was agreed that government and business needed to do more to combat productivity-sapping red tape.

Among the key findings of the survey were: almost half of all businesses (44%) spend up to five hours a week complying with government regulatory requirements; over 70% say that the amount of time they are spending on red tape has increased in the last two years; 60% say red tape has a moderate to major impact on their business; and just over 54% say that complying with government regulations has prevented them making changes to grow or expand their business.

The survey shows that most regulated aspects of business are: workplace health and safety, employment conditions and the hiring of workers.

The feedback from the majority of the companies surveyed was that much of the bureaucratic burden could be lifted by better communications and consultation.

Sixty five per cent said that the burden would be reduced if communications about how to comply with regulations was improved and 61% believe more consultation with business in developing regulations would help.

NECA/National Electrical & Communications Association www.neca.asn.au

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©iStockphoto.com/DNY59

BUSINESS BITES

SURVIVING THE SLOWDOWN It’s that time again - the end-of-year rush when customers make lives a misery with demands for project completion. The big wind-up can be stressful to say the least, but what about the traditional downtime that follows?

A

s a nation, we’re well known for loving our summer break, but for small business, that forced time off can be difficult to manage. While the temptation is there to down tools and forget everything, a few simple actions can make the world of difference when facing a new working year. Here are some tips for keeping your eyes on the road ... well, one eye at least.

Keep an eye on the competition

Take a backward look

Utilise your memberships

Has this year panned out the way you expected? Take a quick look in the rear-view mirror to see how you’ve fared. Think about your triumphs and those not-so-successful outcomes with a critical eye - what would you change if you could and why? Did you make the most of every opportunity? Were your resourcing levels suitable for market conditions? Did you have enough flexibility to change when circumstances demanded?

Brush up on your skills

Do a financial check Start the new year with a clear picture of your current economic performance. Reviewing midway through the financial year gives you a greater chance to right any issues before tax time hits and a sixmonthly check will provide a clearer vision when setting budgets and overall business expectations. Involve your accountant and develop a set of high- and low-side numbers, so fiscal surprises are kept to a minimum.

Plan ahead Know where you want to be at the end of 2013? Not everyone has a clear plan for the upcoming year, so this is a good time to starting thinking about your business goals and plans for the next 12 months.

If you have staff and apprentices, talk to them as well - they could provide valuable insight that will help shape your business for the coming years.

10 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

It makes business sense to know what your competitors are up to, especially those you lost work to. What are they doing that you aren’t?

Can you emulate their success under your current business structure?

Be reasonable in your analysis - no use trying to compare if you’re a single-man operation losing projects to a much larger organisation.

Do you belong to a professional association or network? Ensure that you get value from your membership and be aware of the ways these associations can assist you. Familiarise yourself with the benefits of your membership and take the time to read detailed information on their websites. They may be able to provide just the boost you need!

Will new skills expand your options? Many tertiary institutes and colleges offer short courses over the summer break - use the downtime to take a refresher or to master something new. It’s easier to commit when the day-to-day pressures of running your business aren’t competing for your time and energy.

Do some housekeeping How do you rate your in-house business skills? Do your systems need improvement? Are you on the ball when it comes to accounts and invoicing? Do you implement any kind of marketing or ongoing customer contact? Satisfied customers can be one of your greatest assets - develop a channel of communication that means you can call on them for testimonials or referrals.

Relax Most importantly, be sure to take some time out. It’s a good idea to get a firm handle on the state of play, but you’ll need some time to do absolutely nothing as well. Enjoy!

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REGULATORY CHANGES IMMINENT FOR ELECTRICITY METERING

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) plans to lift the current exemptions for electricity meters and will introduce new legislation on 1 January 2013. The new legislation will remove the current exemption for some categories of electricity meter under the National Measurement Act 1960.

T

he legislation will have a significant impact on the selection of meters to be installed on projects where those meters are to be used for trade, in particular for embedded metering systems where electricity is on-sold by landlords to tenants in shopping centres, commercial office buildings and multiresidential developments.

The lifting of the exemption will apply to meters with a throughput of less than 750 MWh per annum and meters in use, or intended for use, for trade.

The exemption will only be lifted for meters installed after a certain date, currently anticipated to be 1 January 2013.

This means that meters intended for trade use must not be supplied and/or installed unless they are of an approved pattern, and that meters must not be used for trade unless they are verified.

Under the National Measurements Act 1960, you will be committing an offence if you supply and/or install meters or submeters which are used or intended to be used to bill tenants, calculate monetary transactions (bills, invoices, cost centre allocations) or calculate taxes (think carbon tax) if these meters are not pattern approved and verified.

Any existing non-pattern-approved meter that is used for trade will have to be replaced with a pattern-approved meter when it

12 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

fails. This is a great incentive to install NMI pattern-approved meters initially, as it may well be difficult to integrate pattern-approved meters into a non-pattern-approved metering system at a later date, as very few pattern-approved meters have typical BMS or EMS protocols. Furthermore, meters that are not pattern approved cannot be relocated and meters that are pattern approved but not verified must be verified if they are relocated.

What is pattern approval and verification?

Pattern approval is a process of evaluating the performance of a type or model of meter under various influences and disturbances such as temperature variations, electrical interferences, voltage fluctuations and harmonics. The requirements for pattern approval are set out in NMI Specification NMI M-6, which has been harmonised with the recommendations of the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (www.oiml.org). NMI-M-6 is a direct reflection of OIML-R-46.

Verification is the process of assessing whether an individual meter operates within the specified limits of error. To be verified, a meter must be of an approved pattern and comply with the certificate of approval. The verification must be performed by an appointed utility meter verifier.

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REGULATIONS

©iStockphoto.com/jonathansloane

THE AIM IS TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENERGY FOR CONSUMERS AND INDUSTRY.

developments with submeters may not be covered. In addition, the NER do not require verification so even if a meter is of an approved pattern, and covered by the NER, there is no requirement for that individual meter to be verified.

Billing errors remain a significant reason for consumer complaints to jurisdictional energy ombudsman schemes. The reasons for these complaints vary and can be related to such issues as unseasonal or unusually high demand, retailer error and quite often metering errors due to poor quality metering. In a large number of cases it is necessary for the meter to undergo testing for accuracy, at the customer’s cost, if there is no error subsequently identified.

It would, therefore, be valuable to know whether a meter which is the subject of a complaint had already been tested and verified.

Submetering and embedded networks

Meters manufactured overseas must be tested in the country of manufacture by an accredited testing and calibration laboratory.

Sample testing of a batch of imported meters must be carried out in Australia by an appointed utility meter verifier.

Verification ensures that each meter is individually tested by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and supplied complete with traceable calibration certificates. This leads to cost savings where non-utility meters are for National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) certification purposes because each meter is individually calibrated, so there is no need to further prove the meter accuracy; unlike meters designed to comply with IEC testing standards only, which are generally not individually tested or validated.

Why is the exemption being lifted?

Lifting the exemption will bring the requirements for the metrological control of electricity meters into the Australian system of weights and measures under the National Measurement Act in the same way that other industries are regulated. The aim is to increase confidence in the measurement of electrical energy for consumers and industry.

The changes will also introduce national consistency of metering requirements since the National Electricity Rules (NER) do not cover all of Australia and do not cover all meters used for trade within regions covered by the National Electricity Market (NEM).

For example, tenants in apartments, commercial buildings and retail

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NMI makes no distinction between meters and submeters. Submeters (sometimes called ‘private’ meters) are installed downstream from a metered connection point to the local distribution network.

When the exemption is lifted, the National Measurement Act will apply equally to submeters, so if you are designing and installing embedded metering networks in buildings and precincts where energy consumption is charged to tenants based on the submeters installed, you must comply with the Act.

Which meters can electrical contractors use?

Many electricity meters are already of an approved pattern and are verified.

The exemption has been in place for nearly eleven years to allow manufacturers and distributors of metering and billing systems to get their meters NMI pattern approved, and to sell existing stocks of non-pattern-approved meters.

The NMI (formerly the National Standards Commission) has provided services for the pattern approval of electricity meters since 2001 and has established the system for verification.

The National Electricity Regulator makes reference to pattern approval for meters installed in the National Electricity Market (NEM), and it has become common practice for utilities to specify that meters must be of an approved pattern in their purchasing contracts.

Many pattern-approved meters are available with multiple communications options including: ZigBee Mesh and ZigBee Smart Energy Profile, RS232 (includes modem power from meter), RS485 Multi-drop, GSM/GPRS Push (initiated by the meter) and Modbus RTU to allow 3rd Party BMS system integration.

Additionally, some pattern approved meters are supplied with large non-volatile memory capacity and, in some cases can store up to 24 years of half-hourly interval data (two channels), removing the requirement for external data logging and ensuring that consumption data is never lost.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 13

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What does this mean for electrical contractors and designers?

Primarily, you will need to consider the spatial requirements for the installation of the meters. At this stage, there are no smart DIN railmount or panel-mount meters (96 x 96 mm) that have NMI pattern approval. Why? Because you can’t easily fit the necessary electronics required to make a compliant meter into a 96 x 96 mm case.

There are a number of manufacturers currently working hard to try to get a pattern-approved DIN rail meter designed, but it is a difficult task.

Therefore, switchboard metering enclosures will need to be increased in size, and where meters are installed in subswitchboards or to meter final-circuit distribution boards, riser and electrical cupboards spaces will have to be reconsidered.

If you already have an existing non-compliant metering system, for instance, using non-complaint panel-mount meters or DIN railmount meters, and one of those meters fails after 1 January 2013, legally you will have to replace it with a pattern-approved meter.

This may cause some installation headaches as it is unlikely that the replacement meter can be fitted in the same space or that it will ‘talk’ the same protocol/s. You may also have some issues interfacing the new meter to an existing system as there are very few pattern-approved meters which have Modbus or BMS interfaces. Most use highly secure proprietary protocols as required by the utilities.

ry

©iStockphoto.com/Rüstem GÜRLER

REGULATIONS

Energy Efficiency Council National Conference 2012 Date: 5-6 December 2012 Venue: SMC Conference and Function Centre, Sydney Organiser: The Energy Efficiency Council Category: Conference www.eec.org.au/events/National_Conference_2012

AuSES 50th Annual Conference: Solar 2012 - the first 50 years Each year AuSES presents the Annual AuSES Solar Conference. This year’s conference will celebrate the 50th anniversary of this highly regarded industry event.

Date: 6-7 December 2012 Venue: Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus Organiser: AuSES Category: Conference www.auses.org.au/event/auses-50th-annual-conference-2/

SPARC International Lighting Event 2013 Summary The proposed lifting of the exemption on electricity meters will have significant implications for electrical designers and contractors installing submetering systems for multitenanted developments where there is the intent to onsell electricity to the tenants.

It will become a legal requirement to supply and install patternapproved and verified meters, and consideration must be made in both building and switchboard design for the increased space required to install these meters.

However, the benefits, in terms of increased confidence in the accuracy and long-term reliability of energy metering systems, outweigh the impact of the increased physical dimensions of the meters.

Smart Building Services

For more information, visit the International Organisation of Legal Metrology at www.oiml.org.

A full list of pattern-approved electricity meters is available here: http://www.measurement.gov.au/Publications/CertificateOfApproval/OtherInstruments/Electricity_utility_Meters/ Pages/default.aspx.

14 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

SPARC 2013 is an opportunity to experience the latest in lighting technology through a world-class lighting exhibition by local and international companies.

Date: 4-6 June 2013 Venue: The Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay, Sydney Organiser: Lighting Council Australia Category: Exhibition www.sparcevent.org

CEDIA Expo 2013 The 19th annual exhibition from CEDIA Asia Pacific is said to be the only dedicated and focused event for the custom electronic systems industry in Australia.

Date: 10-12 July 2013 Venue: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre Organiser: CEDIA Asia Pacific Category: Exhibition www.cediaexpo.com.au/catalog/Home.aspx

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NEWS

According to the ETU, Endeavour’s asbestos policy relies on information issued in 1988, instead of the more recent 2005 advice which provides higher protection. The union says the 1988 standards are one fifth of the level of the 2005 standards.

Endeavour Energy said its most recent safety alert to its workforce requires workers to wear protective face masks when opening or working on meter boards installed prior to 1988 to avoid the risk of inhaling friable asbestos.

“We are providing this safety advice as a prudent step in the event that customers need to check or commission work on their switchboard over the next few weeks,” said Endeavour CEO Rod Howard.

On 1 November, the ETU said Endeavour instructed its employees to “wear a P2 mask and a full asbestos protection suit when working on meter boards installed before 1988.”

“We are now in the situation where Endeavour staff will be asked to work in full asbestos hazard suits,” said ETU NSW Secretary Steve Butler. “This is a shocking failure of management.”

“We need to see evidence that the government takes this matter seriously or we will be forced to consider all industrial options.”

According to the latest pitt&sherry Carbon Emissions Index (CEDEX), the demand for electricity supplied by the National Electricity Market (NEM) generators has continued to decrease steadily. CEDEX has been providing the most accurate early indicators for key greenhouse gas emission trends in Australia since 2007.

Demand for electricity supplied by NEM generators continued the steady fall in September, which has now been continuing for two years. The latest CEDEX indicates that the downward trend continues to be lead by lower consumer demand.

By the end of September, all business electricity consumers would have received two monthly bills at the higher price, including the cost of greenhouse emissions. Most household consumers would have received one bill with a substantial proportion of consumption at the higher price.

According to Dr Hugh Saddler, Principal Consultant, Energy Strategies, pitt&sherry, “If consumers respond to clear evidence of higher prices, then we should expect to see further reductions in seasonally adjusted consumption over the next few months.”

“In Victoria, brown coal generation fell to its lowest monthly level since December 2001 and the average capacity factor for all brown coal generators for the month was only 67%,” he added.

In NSW, total output from black coal generators fell to the lowest monthly level since December 2010 and the average capacity factor for the month was only 57%. Even so, imports from both Victoria and Queensland also fell.

South Australia’s Northern Power Station came back online in September, earlier than had been expected when it went offline in early July. However, it supplied only 6% of the state’s demand, compared with 65% from gas, 28% from wind and net zero from interconnectors.

For the year in South Australia, 26% of energy demand was provided by wind; 18% by local coal, 49% by gas and 7% by the interconnector from Victoria.

Queensland’s coal-fired annualised power generation has remained roughly constant for the past year during which time the capacity factor for all coal power stations together has averaged only 55%. ©iStockphoto.com/Ravi Tahilramani

©iStockphoto.com/Alistair Forrester Shankie

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has questioned Endeavour Energy’s policy on asbestos meter boards, claiming that its policy relies on out-of-date workplace safety advice.

Demand for electricity declines

Concerns about apprenticeship levels The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is deeply concerned at the likely detrimental impact that the substantial reduction in apprenticeship incentives revealed in the media will have on apprenticeship numbers.

ACCI's Director of Employment, Education and Training at ACCI, Jenny Lambert, said: "Of all the areas to target for funding cuts, apprenticeships and traineeships should be the last.

"An apprenticeship is an effective and valuable training model where both the employer - through wages, and the government - through training funding and incentives, invest in highly regarded qualifications that deliver skills to the economy and the prospect of excellent career earnings to the apprentice.

Apprenticeship and traineeship numbers are already struggling, with trade apprenticeships on a downward trend in the last two years. Positive action including incentives is important in a softening labour market.

16 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

©iStockphoto.com/Lisa F. Young

ETU calls for asbestos audit

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PowerStruxure exceeds traditional power management Building on our years of innovation in electrical distribution, PowerStruxure is an advanced family of integrated solutions that allow you to monitor, analyse, and control your entire power distribution network and act quickly to make effective decisions. As part of our EcoStruxureTM offer that delivers optimised systems across your enterprise to bring up to 30% energy savings, PowerStruxure brings clarity to your power networks to help you improve reliability and save money.

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LABELLING IN ELECTRICAL ENVIRONMENTS

P

rofessional labelling is essential for clear assignment of components and cables in electrical systems for building installations. Efficient and flexible printing systems are now replacing prefabricated labels or manually applied labelling.

In the building installations sector, time is a crucial factor, just like in any other branch of industry. Industrial buildings, office complexes and other functional buildings are being built faster and faster. This trend is also affecting the electrical installation industry: whoever can make control cabinets the fastest will win the contract.

Choosing the right printing system Every customer-specific building system design requires custom labelling. In the past, manufacturers would often order pre-labelled materials, but nowadays there is no longer time for this. With flexible printing systems, components can be custom-labelled in the factory or directly at the customer’s site prior to operation. Labelling volume is the key factor in choosing a printing system, and two different systems are used: individual labelling materials inserted manually or labelling materials automatically inserted in either roll form or in cartridges.

Thermal transfer printers for small to mediumsized labelling jobs Traditionally, labelling plotters have been a popular choice for marking terminals and equipment used for small to medium-sized jobs.

Plotters use solvent-based ink, which hardens when the solvent evaporates. This simple method has a disadvantage in that the labelling pens can easily dry out.

This problem is prevalent in all ink-based printing systems.

Either the pens dry out or the printers must be thoroughly cleaned before they can deliver satisfactory results. The medium itself is problematic as ink-based systems contain solvents that give the ink the necessary viscosity. Solvents such as alcohol, oil or water evaporate into the air, leaving behind just the ink, which becomes a permanent part of the substrate. This process is difficult to control because evaporation depends on many different factors.

Ambient temperature, humidity and long intervals between operating times can also cause problems. Continual monitoring of the printing process is time-consuming and makes ongoing operations expensive. In addition, printer cartridges and dried-out pens pollute the environment.

Advantages of fixed-ink printing One alternative to solvent-based labelling systems is thermal transfer printing, a method in which the ink is directly applied to the labelling material. The thermal printer head is a key element of these systems and is comparable to a pin-style printer head. The distance between the pins, which serve as heating elements, determine the print resolution. The current standard is 300 dpi (dots per inch),

18 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

which allows for font sizes up to 0.5 mm. The ink is applied to the print medium wherever the heated elements contact the ribbon. The printed result is smudge-proof, resistant to alkalis and acids, and can withstand temperatures up to 150°C. This fixed-ink printing system has several advantages including: low procurement costs, a compact design enabling mobile applications and constant availability, even during downtimes. Due to these advantages, thermal transfer printing is now widely used for printing labels and heat-shrink tubing in industrial environments.

Flat roll-form materials are typically used as they are easy to feed through the printer and their flat shape makes them excellent for thermal transfer printing.

Contact-free printing for high-volume labelling UV-based printing is no longer a new technology for labelling plastics or paper and has been used in offset printing since the 1950s.

After printing, the printed area is illuminated by several UV lamps and the fluid on the labelling material is hardened by a high-energy, short-wave UV light (typically between 200-380 nanometres) in a process called polymerisation.This contact-free printing method has the following advantages: there are no drying times, the end result is smudge-proof and resistant to abrasion and to chemicals, as well as being solvent-free and environmentally friendly.

After the UV exposure, the surface of the labelling material is cool enough to touch. The material can be immediately processed after printing and is not placed under any thermal stress. If any part is missed, the material can be reinserted and printed.

In summary, the ideal printing system for labelling components in electrical environments is chosen based on workflows and print volume. Requirements regarding materials and the durability of the print result are determined by the application, with both ink-based and thermal transfer systems designed to meet the varying requirements of any project.

Phoenix Contact Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/S125

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

FREE

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Exhib entry ition all day profes to qualified s * pre-re ionals with gistrat ion

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Utilities | Government | Enterprise | Transportation | Public Safety

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SECURITY

©iStockphoto.com/Brian Jackson

BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING ... ISN’T HE?

There has been enormous focus on the importance of CCTV in crime solving of late; the tragic case of Jill Meagher’s disappearance and a subsequent arrest based on footage obtained from a boutique in inner-city Melbourne, the attempted vigilante-style investigation by social media when intruders broke into the Annandale Hotel in Sydney’s inner west and, of course, the widely publicised death of a youth on his first visit to Sydney’s notorious Kings Cross. In all three cases, CCTV played a role, and lead to a public call for increased monitoring.

A

s far back as 2005, former Prime Minister John Howard declared surveillance vital to public safety. He saw it as an imperative action to combat terrorist attacks and referred to the practice as “a real plus in catching people."

His opinion was largely based on a visit to the UK, where surveillance levels are significantly higher than those in Australia, shortly after the successful identification and arrest of four individuals involved in devastating terrorist attacks on the London transport system, an outcome derived largely from CCTV footage evidence.

The theory that increased monitoring will lead to more crime solving may be misguided if statistics are to be believed. Britain boasts a reported total of four million cameras, but a recent report issued by the Metropolitan Police showed that “for every 1000 cameras in London, less than one crime is solved per year.”

Not a particularly positive indicator, but there is still a general consensus that the presence of street CCTV equipment will deter crime, albeit not necessarily provide a foolproof method for identifying wrongdoers.

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The networked British surveillance system is far more comprehensive and coordinated than anything in place in Australia today and has been founded for the better part of a decade.

While traditionally the remit of our state governments, local councils have commenced taking matters into their own hands in response to public calls for increased safety and security.

After a series of high-profile crime events, the City of Sydney council stepped into the debate and established a network of cameras with the aim of assisting police. The council has installed 81 cameras covering densely populated areas and nightlife hotspots such as Darlinghurst, Kings Cross, Surry Hills and Glebe. Council says a funding application for $500,000 was rejected by both state and federal governments, but they are determined to continue with a plan to make the streets safer.

In contrast, the Victorian state government recently pledged $3 million in funding for local council CCTV camera installations. The Jill Meagher case prompted an audit of the existing network and the promise of additional surveillance equipment is said to have been well received by members of the public.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 21

SECURITY

THE THEORY THAT INCREASED MONITORING WILL LEAD TO MORE CRIME SOLVING MAY BE MISGUIDED IF STATISTICS ARE TO BE BELIEVED.

Enthusiasm for public monitoring is not as widespread in the UK, it would seem, where campaigner group and self-proclaimed “defenders of civil liberties and privacy protection” Big Brother Watch has produced and issued a report titled “The Price of Privacy”. The report highlights the claimed disproportionate cost of surveillance against successful crime solving. The group was ostensibly formed to challenge policies that threaten privacy and freedoms and their Price of Privacy report calls for five policy changes which they believe will improve the accountability of CCTV. Two of the key recommendations were: • Require any publicly funded CCTV installation to refer to crime statistics or demonstrate a significant risk of being harmed before being commenced.

• Require public bodies to publish the instances where their CCTV cameras have been used in securing a conviction and for what offences.

The group suggest that, if such data was made available, the public would be able to see for themselves whether surveillance is an effective tool or an unwarranted intrusion on their privacy.

Closer to home, in 2009 the Western Australian Office of Crime Prevention set up the Blue Iris project, calling for voluntary registration of CCTV cameras within the state. The aim was to compile a database of map locations that could be identified as potential sources of footage at or near a crime scene, which would be significantly faster that manual detection of those sources.

The expectation was for registration of around 6000 cameras, but a recent report indicates the final number was closer to 450.

Low participation rates were initially regarded as a sign of public indifference, but a report by the Auditor-General found that the register “is not functional as the data is not accurate, complete, accessible or useful to investigators. Considerable further development and a commitment to adequate administration is needed before the system can reach its full potential.” Apparently plagued by technical constraints, over 7300 attempted entries could not be added to the database, as they lacked the required GPS coordinates. That certainly doesn’t indicate any reluctance by businesses and individuals to take part. In fact it suggests the opposite, with attempted registrations exceeding original estimated participation levels by more than 20%. Advice from the department suggests that existing technical limitations are being addressed, with Phase II of the Blue Iris project currently in development.

So, why such outrage in the UK, when back on home soil we embrace CCTV as an important safeguard against crime?

22 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

Is it the sheer volume of camera devices in Britain, or the impact of exposure to a much longer surveillance programme?

Maybe it’s just timing - Australians in 2012 are used to being monitored, from our internet footprints to quasi-voluntary GPS tracking through smartphone use. Who knows? There is nothing to suggest that the industry in Australia is unmonitored; the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) publishes a CCTV Code of Ethics that establishes ground rules for the installation and implementation of surveillance systems. Aside from commercial considerations around warranty, suitability for purpose and maintenance requirements, the code outlines the purpose and practice of CCTV including the following: • CCTV is focused on providing an extra "set of eyes," particularly where hazards or difficulties apply to continual personal monitoring. These difficulties may relate to access constraints, environmental constraints or cost constraints.

• The primary objective of deployment of CCTV equipment should be to: act as a deterrent against criminal activity or unruly activities; provide assurance, security and safety to people occupying the spaces covered and to maximise the deterrent value; and, consistent with privacy requirements, camera usage should be notified in public areas.

No promise of crime solving there, so how did it become public expectation that this is a crucial and intrinsic benefit of CCTV installation? When did surveillance become the bulletproof, caped crusader of the security industry?

Amidst the call for increased observation, it’s worth reiterating that the most significant recent instance of CCTV being used to track down and charge an offender in Australia involved a private installation, rather than a government-funded street system. This fact has seemingly escaped the notice of the public or has been deemed insignificant, and the demand for CCTV as a deterrent device is unlikely to wane as business owners and individuals attempt to protect themselves against incidents of theft or violence through private installations.

Essentially, that’s good news for the security and automation industry. While the general population remains receptive to the concept, CCTV and associated monitoring will continue to enjoy ongoing demand. Whether our appetite for an increasing program of government-run monitoring throughout public areas remains at this level in the long term remains to be seen.

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

SMOKE DETECTORS AND SECURITY SYSTEMS WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

These guidelines have been agreed between the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC) and the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL). They are intended to assist a security company to install, service and monitor smoke detectors/sensors connected to security alarm systems in an appropriate manner, without requiring detailed knowledge of fire alarm standards, individual state regulations or building codes.

O

utside of installed fire safety systems engineered to the requirements of Australian/New Zealand Standards, the purpose of a smoke detector is to detect the presence of smoke and alert persons on site only. It is important to note that smoke detectors/sensors that are connected to a burglar alarm have not been designed to meet the specific technical requirements of a system intended to respond to the fire brigade.

These guidelines are prepared on the basis that the intent of including smoke detectors/sensors in a security system is to provide some additional protection in addition to any mandatory fire safety requirements. Including smoke detectors in a security system may not fulfil mandatory legislative requirements for hard-wired smoke alarms in premises.

1. If the security company is unsure of the legal/regulatory requirements for the installation concerned, it should request that the customer obtains clarification from an appropriate fire professional before proceeding. If the building to be protected is a new or recently constructed building, the customer should obtain a specification for the smoke detection requirements before proceeding.

24 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

2. As a general rule, a security company should never install smoke detectors/sensors if the installation is required by legislation, as the installation by the security company may not meet the requirements of that legislation. If the customer advises that the detectors/sensors are required by legislation, they should be directed to an appropriate fire professional for advice before proceeding.

3. A security alarm system should never be used as the primary monitoring method for buildings that are required under legislation/ building codes to have a monitored smoke detection system.

4. A request to call the fire brigade should always be at the discretion of the customer and a cost may be incurred when the fire brigade attends a false alarm. Security companies should ensure their customers are aware that fire brigades in many states may charge either the security provider or their clients for callouts to false smoke alarm activations.

5. Smoke detectors/sensors connected to security systems should only be supplementary systems and, as such, if large numbers of detectors are required (eg, more than 5) or the number of smoke detectors/sensors is greater than the number of security devices,

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ŠiStockphoto.com/svengine

SMOKE DETECTORS

the client should obtain advice from an appropriate fire professional.

6. The security system should never be used to control other functions as a result of the detection of smoke (eg, activation of door closers, smoke exhaust or shutdown of air conditioning). If this is required, the customer should be advised to obtain advice from an appropriate fire professional.

7. If after providing this advice to the customer they still wish to proceed with monitoring of the smoke detectors/sensors connected to a security alarm system, it is recommended that the security company should have the client sign an appropriate disclaimer. This disclaimer should contain the following as a minimum: 7.1 - the installation is not intended to meet any requirements of any Act, Regulation or Building Code in regards to a fire detection system including any legal requirement to have hard-wired smoke alarms in the premises; 7.2 - security alarm monitoring centres are not approved fire alarm monitoring centres and, whilst they carry out their instructions to the best of their ability, they cannot guarantee that the fire brigade will attend any specific alarm; 7.3 - if the client requests attendance of the fire brigade or authorises the monitoring company to request attendance

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of the fire brigade, any costs associated with this attendance will be the responsibility of the client.

8. If the security company is required to service existing customers, or customers at whose premises they did not install detectors/ sensors, they should obtain a similar waiver, as per item 7, before commencing work.

9. In normal circumstances, it is recommended that heat detectors not be connected to security alarm systems. However, if suitable for a semi-external environment, they may be used in an attached garage.

The security company needs to ensure that their sales, installation and service staff have been appropriately trained in the correct use of the products they install as follows: there are various types of smoke detectors/sensors available, from the battery-only version to the mains-powered type installed by electricians; the security industry uses the power from the alarm panel as the primary source and must have a separate battery supply onboard or on the system; the selection of the correct detector/sensor is based on the purpose of the installation; the type of transmission path used to monitor the alarm system, which may include smoke detectors/sensors, should be based on the risk rating of the premises and, therefore, the Class from 1 to 5 (covered in AS/NZS2201.5:2008 - Alarm Transmission Systems); for fire monitoring systems, it is important to know that constant monitoring is available. This is normally relevant to Class 3, 4 and 5 in the above Standard; monitoring of smoke detectors/sensors in an intruder alarm system when coded for regulatory or insurance reasons should be performed by a monitoring centre independently graded to AS 2201.2:2004, Monitoring Centres.

10. Recommendation should be made to the client to maintain the system to the manufacturer’s recommendations, even if maintenance is not requested by the client. AS/NZS 2201.1:2007 recommends maintenance be carried out but it is not mandatory. Where smoke detectors/sensors are installed the client should be made aware of their responsibility to test the whole system if maintenance is not performed by the security company.

11. All smoke detection/sensor cabling must be performed in compliance with Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulations.

12. The security company should maintain a log of all smoke detector work performed, as is required under AS/NZS 2201.1:2007, Intruder alarm systems - Part 1: Client’s premises - Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance.

13. All customer cabling associated with the above service must be in compliance with AS/ACIF S009:2006 (telecommunications cabling Wiring Rules) and all other requirements of the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) Cabling Provider Rules.

Special note: In some circumstances the fire alarm panel may also be monitored by a security monitoring centre as a failsafe feature. A fire technician working on the system should notify the facility manager, isolate the alarm signalling equipment (ASE) and also notify the security monitoring centre to avoid unnecessary false alarm responses from the fire brigade. Details of the security monitoring centre should be kept on the front of the fire panel log book.

Reproduced with permission.

ASIAL Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R851

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 25

NEW PRODUCTS

Fans The iCon 15 axial fans are suitable for use in

Fire control and indicating equipment

bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, utility rooms and

Brooks’ range of Intelligent analog addressable control

small windowless rooms, recessed into the

and indicating equipment (CIE) is based on Panasonic

wall or ceiling. The iCon 30 and iCon 60 have

Fire Technology. All company analog addressable CIEs

a mixed centrifugal/axial flow fan technology

are constructed and built to comply with AS7240.2 (CIE),

which makes them compact, efficient and quiet

AS7240.4 (Power Supply), and AS4428.3 (Fire Brigade

in operation and suitable for larger rooms and

Panel) and NZS4512-2003. The Firetracker series panels

for when longer runs of ducting are required.

are available as a single-loop CIE (FT128) or 4-loop

iCon’s iris shutter opens silently and elegantly,

CIE (FT512) with a capacity of 128 analog addressable

expelling moisture from a room and when the

devices per loop. The series of panels provides the user with early warning and is capable of

fan is turned off, the shutter closes, helping to

supporting a number of plug-in or stand-alone modules including occupant warning (OWS),

prevent back draughts and heat loss from the

1668 fan controls and gas extinguishing activation. User-friendly, Windows-based software

room and reducing unwanted outside noise.

(Win128 for FT128 and Win512 for FT512) is used for site-specific data editing, downloading,

The fan mechanism uses ball-bearing drives

uploading and backup of site-specific data and for programming.

for a longer working life. All of the company’s fans come with a 3-year warranty.

Whether an installation requires a pull cord, timer, PIR, two speeds or humidity control, this

Brooks also has available the complete range of Panasonic analog addressable detectors and devices.

Brooks Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R317

can easily be achieved or retrofitted later, by simply plugging in an interchangeable module designed to fit into any iCon fan. As well as the 230 V range, an energy-efficient, low-voltage

Audio distribution over IP

fan is also available for use in wet zones as

The AU320 is a networkable audio solution that integrates messaging playback and background

well as offering additional energy savings to

music in retail outlets and other commercial settings. All content storage, management and sched-

a project.

uling is done from one central location.

The iCon range offers a series of inter-

The BrightSign AU320 is suitable for retail outlets and businesses that want to set a mood and

changeable coloured fan covers, designed

create a positive auditory experience for their customers through networked commercial audio

to coordinate with the decor of the room and

distribution and management. It is a scalable solution that enables everything from simple back-

allowing the owner to update the fan when-

ground music to single-zone audio.

ever they redecorate. Available in sandstone,

Features include: single-zone enhanced audio playback or dual-zone standard audio playback

anthracite and silver, and with a chrome option

of music and messaging, support of licensed and custom audio playlists, scheduling of content

for the iCon15 fan only, these covers are easily

playback to target messaging, comprehensive audio format compatibility including MP2, MP3, AAC

clipped into place, instantly transforming the

and WAV, instant playback of a message or announcement, network enabled for remote content

look and feel of the fan.

updates, compatible with mobile app integration/geo-fencing to trigger audio playback - suitable

Electrical Supply Corporation Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q451

for retail and tour bus applications, solid state - no PC downtime.

Anyware Corporation Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R911

Now working with the

Industry Capability Network to maximise Australian content in major projects To find out more, or to register to use the Australian Made logo, visit www.australianmade.com.au or phone 1800 350 520 5809AM

26 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW

AD_ECD_half_Vert_Layout 1 9/20/12 11:09 AM Page 1

PRODUCTS

Fixed dome indoor security cameras Panasonic Business Systems Group has launched two fixed dome indoor security cameras, the WV-SF549 and the WV-SF548, for use in shopping malls, retail environments and entrances to commercial buildings.

The i-PRO SmartHD Full 1080p HD cameras incorporate the company’s Enhanced UniPhierR LSI Processor, which delivers functions such as variable image quality on specified areas (VIQS) and lens distortion compensation (LDC), providing a natural image without distortion when viewed through a wide-angle lens. VIQS enables up to two areas in an image to be encoded at a lower

8

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g r e nv

eIT

™

resolution to save bandwidth while maintaining maximum detail, such as the entrance to a car park where visibility of number plates is required.

The Enhanced UniPhierR LSI Processor employs a H.264 codec engine to provide additional image compression, lower bandwidth and storage needs, when used in combination with VIQS. Both cameras offer high-resolution full 1080p video with Mega Super Dynamic picture quality.

Other features include detection of the position of a human face for clear facial images and a sequential

V CON

ERG

ED

RT SMA

BUI

LD

CAB ING

LING

cropping function that displays the whole image and part of the image at the same time. The dual streaming func-

A structured cabling solution

tion provides 1080p Full HD images up to 30 fps and 360p

that is truly a building asset

images up to 30 fps, simultaneously. Construction features a vandal-resistant mechanism for high reliability even when installed in demanding locations.

The units provide a picture-in-picture function, enabling

must be synergistic, efficient, reliable, and durable.

a selected cropped area to be monitored in a single image screen and 3x extra optical zoom applied at 360p resolution, for

• Voice & Data

extra detail. Super Dynamic and ABS (Adaptive Black Stretch)

• A/V (Audio & Video)

technologies deliver 128x wider dynamic range compared to

• Energy Management

conventional cameras.

• Lighting Controls

The WV-SF549 features the ability to record on an SDXC/ SDHC/SD memory card, additional audio compression and

• Security • Fire/Safety

mic adjustment options, extra alarm terminals and record up

• HVAC

to 5000 alarm logs when using a memory card, compared

• Wireless Devices

to 1000 without.

Panasonic Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R302

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

W W W

.

S I E M O N

.

C O M

.

A U

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 27

NEW PRODUCTS

iPad in-wall docking solution The iRoom iPad in-wall docking solution is designed for residential and commercial installations of the iPad. It has iPad security and access control features, enabling users to control who can remove the iPad. Each of iRoom’s five models complement the installation of automation systems such as AMX, Crestron, CBUS, Push Controls, Savant or wherever an iPad app is available for controlling popular features such as video, music, climate control and intercom or security systems. Using iRoom as part of hi-fi, Apple TV or a multiroom audio such as Sonos can add a level of sophistication to any installation. iRoom is suitable for installations of IP Intercom, meeting room booking systems, board room facilities and hotels. It can be installed in wall and desktop surfaces.

Linear rail system

All motorised and manual models are available in black and white and in 12 V, PoE and 240 V configura-

Haydon Kerks BGS04 Linear Rail

tions. Aluminium bezels are also available, enabling iRoom to complement sophisticated interior designs.

System is designed specifically for high moment loads. The roll, pitch

iRoom Asia Pacific Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R696

and yaw moment load capability of the BGS04 allows the system to maintain tight accuracy and repeatability, even in applications

LED troffer lighting

requiring significant cantilevered

The Velorum troffer from enLighten is suitable for replacing existing T8 and T5 fluorescent

loading.

lighting in grid ceiling applications. The troffer is claimed be up to 70% more efficient than traditional fluorescent lighting.

The troffer’s design provides a similar light output to a T5 troffer and is designed to be upgraded as LED efficiencies improve. Its built-in efficiencies may reduce the lighting contribution of a building’s heat load by up to 70%. High-performance LumiLeds Luxeon R single bin LEDs are used in the troffer, along with LED driver technology developed by enLighten. The internal reflective surface maximises light output and direction, while the high-efficiency diffuser reduces glare and helps minimise light loss.

Some models are available with ceiling in-fill panels in a range of decorative colours.

The Velorum is also available in a radio frequency occupancy sensing (RFOS)-enabled version, giving users the option of occupancy sensing. The enLighten Power Module (EPM)

The product is designed to

manages the performance of the LEDs and the driver, giving the potential for the troffer to

maintain accuracy while mov-

self test its operation status and report faults through enLighten’s decentralised intelligence

ing heavy loads. Maximum roll,

protocol (DIP) gateway.

pitch and yaw moments are 7.75,

enLighten Australia Pty Ltd

6.60 and 7.70 Nm respective-

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q726

ly. Maximum horizontal load is 100 N. Stroke lengths are 25 to 460 mm, with screw pitches ranges from 0.635 to

Servo controller The ESCON 36/3 from maxon motor allows the set-up of drive systems using Hall sensor feedback (no encoder necessary), without waiving 4-quadrant operation capabilities. It is designed for efficient control of brushless DC motors with Hall sensors up to approximately 100 W. The unit features a fast digital current controller with an large bandwidth for optimal motor current/torque control. The drift-free speed behaviour enables a speed range of 0 to 150,000 rpm. The controller provides a wide range of functions with fully configurable digital and analog inputs and outputs and can run in various operating modes including speed controller (closed loop), speed controller (open loop) and current controller.

The servo controller has been designed specifically with easy start-up and user-friendliness in mind, requiring no in-depth knowledge of drive technology by the user.

The ESCON 36/3 requires no additional external filters or motor chokes.

Maxon Electronics Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R767

28 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

25.40 mm/rev.

At the heart of the product is a Haydon linear actuator driving a Kerk 303 stainless steel precision lead screw. The screw is coated with Black Ice TFE coating, providing a permanent wear-resistant dry lubrication. The lead screw drives an anti-backlash nut embedded in a machined aluminium carriage mounted to a stainless steel ball rail. The result is a rigid, smoothoperating motion system.

Motion Technologies Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R636

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

ConvergeIT™ A structured cabling solution that is truly a building asset must be synergistic, efficient, reliable, and durable.

S

iemon’s ConvergeIT TM struc-

cessed, and managed

tured cabling solution features

by IT administrators.

proven technology and sup-

Asset control: Con-

ports voice, data, video, audio, wire-

verging multiple ap-

less, building automation, security, and

plications over one

other low-voltage applications over one

integrated cabling

integrated network.

system enables real-

In many cases, a ConvergeIT net-

time control of assets

work can also dramatically reduce

and information; a

the number of unused cabling pairs;

critical component of

thereby reducing the cost of cabling

regulations such as the

and wireless systems in commercial

Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act, the Health

Supports green building initiatives:

and residential buildings. ConvergeIT

Insurance Portability and Accountability

Strategies that decrease labor and

makes any building a greener building

Act (HIPPA), the Real ID Act, the Home-

deployment times, optimize material

by reducing materials and waste and

land Security Presidential Directive, ISO

utilization, and maximize energy ef-

providing greater control of systems

17799 code of information security,

ficiency are key factors in designing

to optimize energy efficiency.

and the Information Technology Infra-

sustainable buildings and obtaining

Robust and flexible technology:

structure Library (ITIL) for information

“green” building certification.

ConvergeIT features Siemon’s entire

technology management.

Planning: ConvergeIT turns your

family of 20-year warranty-backed ca-

Rapid deployment and reduced labor

network cabling infrastructure into a

bling solutions and eliminates the need

costs: ConvergeIT reduces labor costs,

building asset!

for proprietary cabling and connectivity.

construction time, and installation ex-

Robust and flexible technology

Category 5e, 6, and 6A UTP and F/UTP

penses because one structured cabling

True network management:

and category 7A S/FTP media support

provider installs and services all low-

vergeIT supports low-voltage building

delivery of all low-voltage building auto-

voltage, voice, and data applications.

automation and A/V systems being

mation and A/V applications, including

MAC (moves, adds, and changes)

linked to the data network resulting

those supported by PoE (Power over

work is significantly simplified and the

in simplified infrastructure manage-

Ethernet) and PoE Plus. Multimode and

redundancy associated with separate

ment and reduced complexity. This

singlemode optical fiber solutions may

pathways is eliminated.

In addition,

also provides a migration path for

be deployed as part of a ConvergeIT

the low-voltage cabling, which was

IP-enabled devices that can be moni-

solution if prior consideration is given to

traditionally left unmanaged after the

tored, accessed, and managed by IT

the need to power low-voltage devices.

installation, is now part of the admin-

administrators.

True network management: Con-

istered network infrastructure.

Device management facilitates initia-

vergeIT supports low-voltage building

Reduced number of unused pairs:

tives to minimize energy waste (e.g.

automation and A/V systems being

ConvergeIT eliminates this waste by

automatic lighting and HVAC control)

linked to the data network resulting in

supporting cable sharing; a strategy

and capabilities that can enhance build-

simplified infrastructure management

whereby multiple low-speed, high-

ing security and emergency response

and reduced complexity.

This also

density applications are deployed

time (e.g. motion and audio detection).

provides a migration path for IP-enabled

over one TERA category 7A/class FA

devices that can be monitored, ac-

channel.

Siemon Australia www.siemon.com.au

Con-

CABLING

©iStockphoto.com/lionvision

THREE THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING WIRE

Those purchasing building wire should be aware that wire manufactured ‘on the cheap’ may come in the same sizes as high-quality wire and may nominally meet required standards, but that does not mean it will perform as well as better quality wire.

T

o ensure that the wire you buy can be easily installed and get the job done, look for three key factors that signal high-quality wire: the wire is produced using length control techniques to make sure you get what you paid for; insulation is applied using co-extrusion; and, the wire is inspected with quality control equipment that measures dimensional control, detects defects and tests for PVC insulation integrity.

Length control It’s important to check if you are you getting exactly what you are paying for in your building wire. The question can be answered if the wire is manufactured using length control.

When wire contains an accurate footage mark, it allows for quick identification of the reorder point, guaranteeing the full purchased

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

wire length and reducing random lengths. This better controls end-of-reel scrap and prevents the need to carry excess cable inventory, providing precision length, accurate footage and cost control. The accurate footage mark allows for quick identification of the reorder point, guaranteeing the full purchased wire length and reducing random lengths. This better controls end-of-reel scrap.

For example, Cerrowire’s True Sequential Footage uses a footage mark to document remaining wire, beginning with zero at the bottom of the reel and ending with the finished length at the top.

Tandem extrusion versus coextrusion One of the key features of quality wire is insulation/jacketing that is smooth and consistent. There are two main methods for applying multiple layers of insulation/jacketing to wire: tandem extrusion and coextrusion. With tandem extrusion, in-

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 31

©iStockphoto.com/ lionvision

CABLING

sulation/jacketing layers (for example, PVC/nylon) are put on one at a time and the finished product is placed in a cooling bath. With coextrusion, the two layers are applied simultaneously. This gives an advantage in diameter control. The PVC and nylon layers adhere to each other much better, and when the product is cooled and finished, as it bends the two layers bend together better.

With tandem extrusion, the PVC and nylon layers tend to separate from each other, especially in colder weather. The nylon can crack and fall off, so the wire might lose the resistance to gasoline and oil added by nylon. The product is said to ‘horse-collar’, a term that refers to the ripples that form along the inside of the tight circle when wire is bent. When wire horse-collars, the ripples may rip right off as the wire goes around a corner if it is tight in a conduit, exposing copper. In the process of installation, you lose the physical protection of the nylon layer and the insulation function of the PVC layer.

Use of coextrusion rather than tandem extrusion to apply the PVC insulation and nylon jacket ensures a tight, yet flexible, nylon jacket that will not horse-collar or wrinkle and hang up or tear during installation. Even as the wire is cornering, the cable remains smooth and the two layers stay together. The method results in more consistent properties and a more durable product, far less susceptible to brittleness at low temperatures, and stress cracking, which is prevalent with tandem extrusion.

Although the end product may look similar, the coextruded insulation will have better abrasion resistance and the nylon jacket will be more likely to remain intact. The coextruded jacket will be tighter and the nylon will adhere better to the PVC. Issues associated with faulty installation can lead to aborted installation if severe. The wire may have to be pulled out, causing loss of time and delay to construction schedules. If installed, it might be rejected by the owner on a job. If really acute, it could lead to damage to the PVC layer, failure of dielectric and a wire shorting out. In most cases, installers spot torn away nylon at the leading end, where the wire comes out of the conduit during installation, and the job is stopped while the wire is pulled out.

Equipment and testing - watch out for dimensional control, spot defect detection and high-voltage testing for PVC insulation integrity The third tip centres on ensuring that the wire you buy makes use of quality control and inspection technology. First up is ensuring dimensional control of PVC and nylon wall thickness.

If the wire does not have adequate wall thickness, it may be subject to the chance of insulation penetration, which could cause a failure. Also, the wire’s dialectic strength is automatically reduced by reducing the thickness; there is more protection with adequate wall thickness. To ensure dimensional control, the wire should be manufactured using a laser micrometer to monitor the wall thickness of the PVC insulation and nylon jacket as it is being extruded onto the wire and microproces-

32 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

sors control the process to ensure that every foot of wire has the correct thickness of PVC and nylon. Laser micrometers are extremely effective in maintaining a consistent wall thickness.

A variation of the laser micrometer can also be used to include spot defect detection. The same sensors, processing the information differently, can spot defects and eliminate them before they could become a problem during installation. The sensors are like multiple curtains of light, crisscrossing the wire from different angles, taking thousands of samples per second over many feet of wire. Measuring the average wall thickness by how much light is blocked out, the computer microprocessor processes this data to calculate and compare with preset wall thicknesses. It also uses information from the same sensors to locate any instantaneous change in wall thickness, using other software to spot defects like high or low spots, or bumps.

The wire machine can be programmed to reject the spot.

(In fact, the defect may or may not cause a failure, but installers pulling wire who see a deformity have to assume the wire would result in a probable failure, stop the installation, pull out all the wire and reinstall, leading to a great deal of lost installation time.) When the laser results in a lot of rejections, operators can stop and take action to prevent further defects and correct the problem. The laser micrometer therefore prevents bad wire from going out, helps diagnose and correct problems, and results in an extremely high quality level.

Another manufacturing step that improves wire quality is conducting a high-voltage test to ensure there are no defects in the insulation. Copper conductor being insulated is grounded at the beginning of the process coming off a reel or coil.

After the insulation is applied, it goes through a ‘bead chain’ curtain, which is energised to test a voltage, from 7.5 kV for smaller sizes to 15,000 V for larger sizes. If there is a hole or weak spot in the insulation, as that section goes through the bead chain, the potential on the bead chain will arc out to the grounded wire inside. When this occurs, it sets off a visible and audible alarm and also ejects the package to one side as having a defect. In some cases, the operator manually rejects the section and sends it off to be reworked (the defect area is cut out) or scrapped.

Quality manufacturing techniques will lead to quality wire In short, within the general category of compliance, there is wire that barely meets the specification and wire that is well above it. And this definitely relates back to the performance of the cable in the field. The key is to have excellent control of manufacturing processes so there is not a great deal of variation. When selecting wire for your next building project, look for some of the extra product benefits and quality measures taken during the manufacturing process. Asking questions on the three key factors that establish that wire was manufactured correctly will prevent problems from happening during installation and end up saving you money.

Cerro Wire http://www.cerrowire.com/

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NEW PRODUCTS

Embedded monitoring National Instruments has released two new products to help engineers monitor machines, heavy equipment and ageing infrastructure. Engineers can integrate the wireless sensor network (WSN) strain node and C Series module with NI CompactRIO for predictive maintenance to predict faults, analyse fatigue, lower operating costs and decrease downtime.

With NI wireless sensor networks and the WSN strain node, critical structures can be monitored without excessive cables. Programmable WSN nodes are used with LabVIEW for onboard analysis of strain data to achieve an in-depth understanding of structural response.

Features for the WSN-3214 strain node include: four analog input channels that support quarter-, half- and full-bridge completion, two digital I/O channels for event detection and programmatic control, and the ability to perform onboard data processing, save data locally or predict fault conditions with the NI LabVIEW

Ethernet switches

WSN Module.

Hirschmann has added two unmanaged gigabit

The NI 9232 C Series Module includes a Âą30 V input range, 4 mA IEPE cur-

ethernet switches to the Spider family. The

rent excitation and 41 kHz bandwidth, as well as screw terminals and open/

Spider II Giga EEC Pro, available with either

short sensor detection for use in permanent industrial monitoring applications.

five twisted pair ports or two additional SFP

The NI WSN-3214 strain/bridge completion node features hardware-timed wave-

slots for fibre-optic transceivers, supports

form acquisition and is suitable for wireless structural health

quality of service (QoS) compliant with IEEE

monitoring of bridges, buildings and equipment.

802.1D. This allows prioritisation of data pack-

With expanded voltage range, faster sampling rates and

ages and means that the switch supports the

higher integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE)

actions of managed switches elsewhere on

excitation, the NI 9232 C Series module is a

the network.

data acquisition card opti-

The Spider II Giga EEC Jumbo is also avail-

mised for industrial accel-

able in two different 5-port versions, with or

erometers, tachometers

without SFP slots. Because both versions can

and proximity probes

handle Jumbo Frames with up to 9014 bytes

in condition monitoring

of user data, they are particularly suitable for

applications.

video applications.

National Instruments Australia

industry standards for shock and vibration

All switch versions conform to relevant

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R891

resistance as well as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and are built to comply with cUL508 safety requirements. Further features include 12/24 V power supply, IP30 protection rating, fanless cooling and an extended temperature range of -40 to +70°C.

Silicone clamp for cable management

The switches can be cascaded as often as required, permitting implementation of locally

IT solutions company 4Cabling

structured networks with short transmission

has introduced the CableDrop

paths to the terminating equipment. The

to its line of cable management

twisted pair ports have RJ45 sockets and

products.

support autocrossing, autonegotiation and

With easy-to-apply self-adhe-

autopolarity. The fibre-optic transceivers can

sive 3M backing, the re-usable

bridge distances of up to 0.5 km (multimode)

silicone rubber mounts allow us-

or 120 km (singlemode).

ers to attach cables to virtually

The switches are designed for mounting

any surface, keeping them fixed

on DIN rails and can be rapidly set up for

in place and out of the way.

operation using the plug-and-play principle.

CableDrop clamps are available in packets of six. They are

With a compact housing they can be easily

easy to use - just peel off the self-adhesive backing and stick

installed in any location. LEDs on the front

the silicone mount to any surface.

panel indicate the device and network status.

4Cabling Pty Ltd

Daanet Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q986

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/

34 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NEW PRODUCTS

Performance cable handbook app The Olex Handbook just got handier, with the release of the Handbook App, suitable for smartphones and tablets.

The Handbook App offers access to product and technical information including a full list of cable characteristics and dimensions, electrical characteristics and current carrying capacity.

The Handbook App is fast, easy to use and accurate, and is constantly updated to ensure it is current. Information can be viewed in HTML or a PDF and emailed to other users. The Olex Handbook is available for download from the iTunes and Android app stores.

Olex Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R913

Mini CAT5E and CAT6 patchcords With rack space increasingly becoming an issue in data centres, cabling can become congested and unmanageable. Inflexible cross-patching creates difficulties for maintenance, storage and airflow.

The mini CAT5E and CAT6 patchcords from Warren & Brown are 3.5 mm in diameter, compared with the standard 5.5 mm, yet maintain the same technical and functional specification. The cables are said to have a greater bending radius than regular cables, allowing them to be routed and bound more easily. Available in male-to-male and maleto-female configuration, the patchcords are part of a full mini cabling solution available with a range of patch panels, outlets, distributors and couplers to suit.

Warren & Brown Technologies Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R635

Optical contractor test kits Vicom’s fibre contractor test kits package all items required to install and maintain fibre networks in a single, easy-to-transport solution.

Combining a pair of Shineway OLT-55 Intelligent Optical Loss Testers for automatic bidirectional tests with OCI-20B fibre probes, the test kit enables recoding and saving of connector images, as well as test results for later use. For those working on PON networks, the OLT-55 can be replaced with the PPM-50 PON power meter.

A cleaning kit is included as standard and options include OTDR or Splicer Calibration or training.

Vicom Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R892

36 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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CASE STUDY

A structured solution

M

ary MacKillop Care (SA) Ltd (MMCSA) provides a valuable service running a group of aged care facilities in South Australia. As a facilitator for care of the elderly, fast and efficient communications networks are imperative to MMCSA, as outdated and ineffective systems can essentially put people’s lives at risk.

MMCSA had found that it had outgrown its existing phone system, which lacked desired contemporary features.

An additional driver was the requirement for a new wing to house staff, after administrative consolidation of the group.

One of the major challenges faced was that existing areas of the facility were cabled for telephony using a simple 2-pair telephone cable. This meant that implementation of a system with IP handsets was out of the question. In addition, the cost to retrofit Cat-5 to all of the necessary outlets was prohibitive due to the expanse of the site. MMCSA therefore needed a new telephone system that was able to provide digital handsets over 2-pair cabling across the site, inclusive of desired features such as intercom, transfer, messages-on-hold and voicemail for every extension.

While IP handsets had been identified as unsuitable, the client desired a voice over IP (VoIP)-ready system to enable calls via the internet. After investigating a number of options, MMCSA CEO Marcia Fisher decided on a system proposed by A-COM Solutions.

A-COM Solutions offered a system that serviced requirements for the new wing, while ensuring the same level of communications agility to the rest of the facility. The solution included a Cat-5 Structured Cabling System (SCS) and a Matrix GE Telephone System housed in a new communications/server room.

The Cat-5 SCS was implemented throughout the new administration area, housed in a heritage-listed building known as ‘The Old Convent’. This building presented many challenges from a cabling perspective due to its age and construction. The area was multistorey, adding complexity.

A-COM Solutions applied ingenuity and lateral thinking to establish a new server room in the heart of The Old Convent.

They created a cabling architecture that ensured future developments could be carried out with minimal disruption to the IT and telecommunications infrastructure. Skirting duct was used extensively throughout the facility, as all walls were solid bluestone and over 600 mm thick. Decommissioned fireplaces were also used as cable paths. Multimode fibre-optic

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backbone cabling provided a high-speed link between the new infrastructure and the rest of the facility. Works undertaken included: a new communications/PBX/server room within The Old Convent building; relocation of all active IT equipment including servers, modems, switching equipment and UPS; new power feeds; installation of lighting to the server room and installation of main distribution frame (MDF); and associated lead-in and backbone cabling to the server room. Additional

cabling works included: fibre-optic to satellite communication cabinets, structured Cat 5, 240 V power and an energy-efficient lighting system to all offices in The Old Convent building.

The A-COM Solutions system meets the immediate needs of the client, considers the heritage of the project and future-proofs for any additional requirements.

A-COM Solutions http://www.a-com.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 37

NEW PRODUCTS

Digitiser The Adlink Technology PXIe-9848, is an 8-channel, 14-bit, 100 MS/s digitiser, delivering high-accuracy measurement results and high dynamic performance.

With a PXI Express bus interface and ample onboard acquisition memory up to 512 MB, the PXIe-9848 can easily manage simultaneous 8-ch data streaming. High-density and high-speed digitiser features position the PXIe-9848 for applications such as LIDAR, radar signal acquisition and PSU (power supply unit) testing applications.

The PXIe-9848 provides a set of input ranges from ±0.2 to ±2 V, software selectable 50 Ω or 1 MΩ input impedance, a wide variety of triggering options and tight synchronisation capability. In addition, users can synchronise multiple PXIe-9848 digitisers to mount a test system providing up to 64 channels in a single 9-slot PXI Express chassis.

PXIe trigger functions enable all channels to sample simultaneously and sync to each digitiser. Each PXIe-9848 digitiser has built-in memory up to 512 MB for massive data storage, enabling users to extend acquisition for preset durations.

The PXIe-9848’s performance makes it especially powerful in PSU testing applications.

High-density 100 MS/s 14-bit sampling capability caters to sampling complicated QC test parameters, including rise time, overshoot and turn-on delay.

ADLINK Technology Inc Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R562

Energy chains The igus micro flizz MF10 energy chain allows even cable diameters up to 16 mm with bending radii up to 75 mm to be routed compactly. The energy chain supplies moving media and control signals via a carriage or slide within a metal guiding channel.

Wings keep the chain safely in the channel; when the chain bends in the radius, the wings lie flat so the chain can leave the groove. This results in mechanical separation of upper and lower runs, minimising friction, wear and noise.

The unit is completely enclosed and thus insensitive to dirt, dust and humidity, as well as tough environmental conditions. Since the energy chains can bear loads of up to 59 kg, they can be used for manual workstations.

It is suitable for automated applications including sliding or folding doors as well as camera and studio equipment and can be used to replace calbe drums in sewage treatment plants.

The previously available design sizes, MF06 (inner width 10 mm) and MF08 (inner width 18 mm), are supplemented by the new size MF10 (inner width 20 mm). The MF10 uses energy chains with a radius of 75 mm for more flexible filling with larger cable diameters of up to 16 mm.

Treotham Automation Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R355

40 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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Some of your best work will never be seen.

FTTH just got a whole lot easier* To create a data networking environment all encased in one tidy package, Clipsal’s range of Home Distribution Units (HDU) offer a solution for every application.

The only downside is that everything is so neatly hidden away, nobody will appreciate what a great job you did.

For more information or to obtain a brochure, speak to your Clipsal Representative, call 1300 2025 25 or visit clipsal.com

*Image for illustration purposes only.

Internal products not included unless specified.

CLIPCOM 25567

© 2012 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved.

• • • • • • • •

Cat. No. 3105PEN7440 House all your FTTH and StarServe requirements Flush or surface mount Vented door for air circulation Twin keylock Plastic construction Wi-Fi friendly Dimensions 750mmH x 405mmW x 150mmD

NEW PRODUCTS

UPS for small-to-medium enterprises Eaton Corporation has launched the Eaton 9E UPS power quality solution, suitable for Australian SMEs who require an energy-efficient and compact power solution for their data centre and other applications requiring consistent power protection.

The Eaton 9E UPS employs a transformer-free design with sophisticated sensing and control circuitry to achieve up to 98% efficiency rating and provide maximum load protection in its High Efficiency mode. It provides surge suppression for the load, detects the location of faults and takes appropriate action. The UPS switches to double-conversion operation in less than 4 ms.

Eaton’s Hot Sync technology makes it possible to parallel up to four UPSs to increase availability or add capacity. This enables load sharing without any communication line, eliminating the potential for a single point of failure.

Organisations seeking space savings may also benefit from the 9E UPS consuming up to a 35% smaller floor space footprint than similar solution. Its 600 mm wide UPS cabinet enables seamless ‘in row’ integration with IT racks, Eaton claims.

The 9E’s user interface includes a large LCD which graphically displays UPS status and offers easy access to measurements, controls and settings.The Eaton Mini-Slot connectivity card enables users to monitor, manage and remotely shut down UPSs across the network.

Eaton’s Intelligent Power Software Suite incorporates two applications for ensuring quality power and uptime: monitoring and management of power devices across the network combined with automatic shutdown when faced with an extended power outage.

The 9E UPS is available in ratings from 80 to 200 kVA. Eaton Industries Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R064

THINK IP SURVEILLANCE THINK D-LINK Key IP Camera Features*

Key benefits of D-Link's end-to-end video surveillance solution include:  completely integrated and proven

 single source of support

 certified with leading video surveillance

 full line of latest IP cameras and switches

software

 price performance leading IP storage

• 1/2.7" 2 Megapixel CMOS progressive sensor • Real-time H.264, MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG compression • Full HD resolution up to 1920 x 1080 • Built-in removable IR LED to support dark environments with 0 lux illumination • Power over Ethernet (PoE) • Motion detection • Tamper detection • ePTZ • Micro SD Card slot • 2-way audio support • 3GPP mobile surveillance • IPv6, 802.1x, QoS, CoS • ONVIF compliant *DCS-6113

Wireless Tech (Australia) Pty Ltd +61 2 8741 5080 | sales@wirelesstech.com.au

42 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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Beware of copper-clad aluminium communications cables

Next Generation Ethernet Test

Paul Stathis Copper-clad aluminium (CCA) has been used in electrical cable for many years, being engineered to provide lightweight reticulation solutions appropriate to specific applications.

However, the electrical and communications industries should be aware that CCA is not engineered for use in telecommunications and data cables.

Such a warning goes out because communications cables containing CCA conductors have recently been found in the Australian marketplace.

The fact that this is a concern is highlighted by a recent warning from the telecommunications regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), who has publicly stated that CCA cables do not comply with its mandated industry standards.

As reports about category 5 and category 6 cables containing CCA conductors came into the regulator from the market, the ACMA conducted a series of compliance operations, only to discover the widespread use of CCA communications cables.

Such cables are not from reputable cable manufacturers, who do not use CCA conductors in their communications cables. Typically, such cables have come into Australia from obscure offshore cable manufacturers who have little regard for network integrity, performance or compliance.

The ACMA is emphatic in stating that CCA communications cables are not compliant with Australian telecommunications cabling standards and cannot be used as telecommunications customer cable in Australia.

The ACMA notice states: “Due to the nature of its construction, CCA cable cannot comply with section 5.6.6 of the mandated telecommunications standards (AS/ACIF S008:2006 or AS/CAS008:2010 ‘Requirements for customer cabling products’). As CCA cabling cannot comply with the mandated standards, it cannot be legitimately labelled with the mandatory Australian compliance mark.

“Using CCA cable as customer cabling can have consequences ranging from relatively minor to catastrophic. Due to its higher resistance, compared to copper cable (as mandated by the standards), CCA installations may suffer degraded data throughput for similar length cable runs. With the proliferation of devices powered via ethernet, the use of CCA cable will result in increased power dissipation in the cable that could result in the cable properties degrading and overheating.”

Under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (the Act), there are several offences that apply to the supply or installation of CCA cable for customer cabling, which come with penalities exceeding $10,000.The severity of the penalties makes it clear that CCA communications cable are expressly forbidden for use as customer cabling within Australia. Anyone having information about its supply, use or installation should contact the ACMA.

Simplify Turn Up and Maintenance for GigE/10GigE and Multiservice Networks • High resolution colour screen • Class leading portability • Intuitive results display and GUI • USB and Ethernet connectivity • Fibre Channel Support • OTN/SDH/PDH

New from Vicom The VeEX range of products from Vicom offer portable, intuitive test tools.

For a complete test solution contact us on 1300 360 251 or info@vicom.com.au VeEX leadership – Vicom Support www.vicom.com.au

www.bicsi.asn.au

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 43

NEW PRODUCTS

Open area smoke imaging detection Large open spaces - airports, train stations, stadiums, shopping malls, warehouse and large atriums - pose unique challenges to reliable fire detection due to their environmental nature and odd or cavernous shapes. Xtralis has introduced Open-area Smoke Imaging Detection (OSID) for smoke detection for open spaces. OSID can overcome the limitations of traditional (beam) detection solutions when used in large, open spaces where standard sensitivity detection is required. The detector features dual light frequencies that minimise nuisance alarms - using dual light frequencies (UV and IR) assists in discriminating between real smoke and objects including insects, birds, steam, condensation and dust, thereby reducing nuisance alarms.

The wide viewing angle feature allows for easy alignment and high tolerance to building movement and vibration. OSID uses a CMOS imaging chip with many pixels rather than a single photodiode, providing the OSID detector with a wide viewing angle to locate and track emitters (transmitters). With good tolerance to building movement and vibration, fault or false alarms are not generated.

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iÌÜ À Ê ià } ÊEÊ-«iV v V>Ì

iÀÌ v i`Ê/À> }ÊÌ À Õ} Ê, / 7 Ài iÃÃÊ- ÌiÊ-ÕÀÛiÞ *Ài `i ÛiÀÞÊ v }ÕÀ>Ì ÊEÊ/iÃÌ

ÃÃ }Ê-Õ«« ÀÌÊ iÌÜ À Ê Õ` ÌÃÊ> `Ê/À ÕL i - Ì } `ÕÃÌÀ > Ê*À Ì V Ê-iVÕÀ ÌÞ -iVÕÀiÊ,i ÌiÊ VViÃÃ ,i Ìi ÞÊ > >}i`Ê iÌÜ À Ã iÌÜ À Ê > >}i i ÌÊ- vÌÜ>Ài

Alignment is simple, which results in fast installation and set-up. Exact alignment between the emitter (transmitter) and imager (receiver) is not required, reducing the cost of installation and maintenance.

Brooks Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R316

Updated software for disaster data recovery Eaton Corporation has announced the updated version of its Intelligent Power Manager software designed to enhance disaster data recovery and planned migration within VMware vCenter Site Recovery Manager.

The update is designed to provide automatic virtual machine synchronisation and initiation of a backup site, also known as recovery failover, to avoid data loss and reduce downtime during power outages when shutting down servers is unavoidable. Eaton claims to be the first power management company to offer these capabilities within the VMware platform and to achieve VMware Ready certification.

The Intelligent Power Manager software achievement of VMware Ready certification, VMware’s highest level of endorsement, followed a detailed validation process. The software can be found on the VMware Solution Exchange, a single destination site for compatible VMware applications and cloud infrastructure products.

Traditionally, when a virtualised data centre loses power, technicians must manually initiate the recovery process in a specific sequence, often in the face of intense time pressure. Eaton’s updated version of Intelligent Power Manager software increases productivity and response time by identifying the power failure immediately, initiating a backup site, and triggering VMware Site Recovery Manager’s disaster recovery failover and planned migration processes.

The VMware Site Recovery Manager capability improves on Intelligent Power Manager’s existing VMware integration, which enables IT personnel

,i«ÀiÃi Ìi`Ê >Ì > Þ]ÊV> Ê £ÎääÊ /Ê­£ÎääÊÎÓÓÊÈÎn®Êv ÀÊ Þ ÕÀÊ V> Ê >> iÌÊ` ÃÌÀ LÕÌ À° `>> iÌ°V °>ÕÉÃiÀÛ ViÃ

to view, monitor and administer not only physical and virtual servers, but also uninterruptible power systems (UPSs), power distribution units (PDUs) and other power devices through VMware’s vCenter Server platform.

Eaton Industries Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q974

44 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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NEW PRODUCTS

Module for shielded signals The Harting Han Shielded Module is available for the Han-Modular series, specifically intended for applications in which shielded signal cables need to function free of interference and to mate securely. A hallmark of the system is that up to 20 shielded signal contacts can be connected with a minimum space requirement.

The metallic shielding reduces to zero any interference from directly adjacent power modules. In applications with frequency converters, power cables can often transfer interference to signal cables. Using the Han Shielded Module, signal contacts are protected from such adverse effects, enabling power and

Sealed mini-USB type B connectors Conxall has introduced the Data Con-X sealed mini-USB type B con-

signal modules to be trans-

nectors that can be used to seal and standardise all data connections.

ferred in a connector without

The field-installable sealed mini-USB connectors are sealed to a level

interference, even in extreme

of IP68. They are also made from a UV-resistant thermoplastic in order

electrical signal conditions.

to reduce the effects of sunlight on the assembly.

The Han-Modular series,

They feature a quick-connect, bayonet-style interface and are also

as an open connector system, is capable of flexible adjustment

available with PC tail or solder terminals that allow for easy field

to individual user requirements and offers users the freedom to

installation.

assemble ‘personal’ connectors in the desired configuration.

They are suitable for use in any sealed data transmission application

Harting Pty Ltd

for military or industrial GPS location devices, medical data carts or

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R564

general data logging applications.

Clarke & Severn Electronics Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R177

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 45

NEW PRODUCTS

EtherNet/IP communication adapter module The Flex I/O Dual Port EtherNet/IP communication adapter module (1794-AENTR) includes two EtherNet/IP ports configured as embedded switches that support not only the conventional star and tree topologies but also the daisy chain and Device Level Ring (DLR) topologies. The DLR topology provides a level of communication redundancy that enhances product availability, says its maker, and the DLR also reduces and simplifies network wiring.

It can connect up to eight Flex I/O modules per adapter module. The extreme environment (1794-AENTRXT) communication adapter module operates in a broader temperature spectrum of -20 to 70°C. Flex I/O was designed to be a cost-effective, flexible, modular I/O system for distributed applications that offers the functions of larger rack-based I/O without the space requirement. Users can independently select the I/O type, termination and network; and with more than 110 catalogue numbers and a breadth of specialty modules, Flex I/O offers support for hundreds of applications.

Rockwell Automation Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q235

Network management infrastructure Molex Premise Networks has released the latest version of MIIM, an intelligent infrastructure solution focusing on enhanced network management at the physical layer. MIIM continuously monitors and maps the physical layer, facilitates work order management and enables patch guidance for technicians utilising patch panel LEDs for port indication.

In addition to MAC and work order management, the solution detects network device connect/disconnects regardless of power or broken cables and Event Driven Discovery provides constant information on network devices connected to the work area outlets. MIIM is also simple to implement and manage by utilising industry-standard components (no special construction patch cables, interconnection cables or sensor strips are required), thereby reducing the incremental cost of installation.

MIIM offers true centralised management of the channel not just in the cabinet/comms room, but right out to the work area regardless of LAN topology.

Featured enhancements include support for multiple languages, email and Active Directory integration and support for switch clusters.

Molex Premise Networks Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R839

46 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

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A big THANKS to all our valued readers!

You have helped create TWO fantastic new magazines After analysing the results of over 1000 READER SURVEYS completed earlier this year, we are excited to announce a major transformation for longstanding brands Voice+Data and Electrical Solutions.

The new titles (and their respective websites) reflect the changes in technology markets in recent times and will better service YOUR business information needs.

Voice+Data morphs into Technology Decisions • Content shifts to pure IT • Cloud; security; big data; storage; compliance; mobility;

virtualisation & more • More opinion, analysts, peer talk, case studies & articles • New focus on software, both in magazine and online

Electrical Solutions expands with more comms+data content and becomes ECD Solutions (Electrical+Comms+Data) • 30% increase in circulation • Comms+Data; Efficiency+Renewables; Automation+Security and Electrical Distribution • New perfect bound format with heavy cover and section dividers • More products, case studies and articles • Regular content on regulations, compliance, training and business tips Website launch: November

NOTE: Current subscriptions will continue, but if you want to update your magazine and/or online preferences, simply go to www.ECDsolutions.com.au or www.TechnologyDecisions.com.au

CASE STUDY

Enhancing the emotional impact of sport

E

den Park, New Zealand’s premier sporting ground, has recently been redeveloped to further enhance the experience for spectators. Philips Lighting was asked to provide a floodlighting solution that would cater for the different lighting needs of both rugby and cricket and consider future stadium events. A second project called for a high-impact method of illuminating the new south stand to improve the stadium’s overall atmosphere and ambience.

The challenges Both projects presented challenges - new floodlighting needed to be an energy-efficient lighting solution that met international high-definition television (HDTV) broadcasting standards and fulfilled the requirement to use the stadium roof for mounting the floodlights, rather than traditional towers. Local resident concerns about light spillage and glare also had to be considered. For the new south stand, the lighting solution needed to showcase architectural features of the stand without overpowering its unique design.

The solutions 482 ArenaVision MVF404 floodlights were installed along the edge of the redeveloped stands to illuminate the playing field.

ArenaVision is designed specifically for outdoor sports stadia and offers high light output and optical efficiency, making it the logical choice for Eden Park.

“Ensuring minimal light spillage and glare was imperative given the close proximity of the stadium to residential properties. Using ArenaVision MVF404 floodlights allowed us to provide a highquality uniform lighting system that could be contained within the stadium,” says Philips Lighting Project Manager Allan Stephenson.

ArenaVision MVF404 floodlights use about 10% less energy than conventional stadium lighting systems and require less maintenance, offering a significant reduction in overall running costs.

Controlling the lighting is simple, as the Dynalite lighting control system gives computer-based individual control over all the sports lighting in the stadium. This makes it easy for the Trust to switch between lighting for individual sporting codes.

To illuminate the south stand 24 ColorReach Powercore LED floodlights were used. These provide the vivid changing colours that build up the anticipation, excitement and emotion of the occasion for sports fans approaching the stadium. But they are also a highly energy-efficient solution. Each colour LED only uses 280 W at full output, whereas conventional non-LED lighting would have required 1000 W floodlights, consuming considerably more energy. The LED

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system offers virtually limitless options and allows Eden Park Trust to create spectacular colour-changing light shows, themed to each specific event. “Creating a solution for the south stand that was visually interesting was important to us,” says Tracy Morgan, General Manager Sales & Marketing for Eden Park Trust. “It needed to have the wow factor and Philips delivered exactly what we were looking for. The solution provides a visual spectacle for people passing by or attending the games and adds to the atmosphere.”

Benefits The new lighting - both on the field of play and the on facade - adds to the ambience and experience of going to Eden Park. Sports fans simply love it and the Eden Park Trust is thrilled with the result. “Working with Philips has been extremely rewarding,” says Tracy Morgan. “They are proactive and brought a range of design and capability expertise which added enormous value to the end result. Philips was able to go beyond what we thought was possible while staying within budget and this is a testament to their professionalism and experience.”

Philips Lighting Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R314

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 49

NEW PRODUCTS

NEW White Papers

now available online!

Bring your own device (BYOD): managing the chaos Enterprise computing is shifting with the diffusion of the BYOD (bring your own device) phenomenon - the latest trend where employees use their own personal devices to access work applications. While this may increase employee satisfaction, it can be a challenge for IT departments.

DCIM solution Emerson Network Power has available the first four software applications in the Trellis platform, designed to unify IT and facilities management for improved data centre performance and TCO. This first release includes capabilities in four of the core components in the 451 Group’s DCIM (data centre infrastructure management) capability definition.

Trellis Energy Insight calculates total data centre energy consumption, electrical costs and power usage effectiveness (PUE)/data centre infrastructure efficiency (DCiE) value

Application fluency for a high-quality user experience Today the new converged enterprise network must be fluent in a variety of applications to deliver a high-quality, end-user experience. It must be engineered to remove the communications barriers imposed on users by siloed access networks and fragmented network services.

to allow data centre managers to understand how infrastructure changes impact energy efficiency and, subsequently, the bottom line.

Trellis Site Manager reports the health of the infrastructure, including environmental conditions, to data centre personnel, enabling them to recognise and resolve conditions that impact infrastructure availability and system performance.

Trellis Inventory Manager provides data centre management with the foundation for an accurate and complete model of its data centres globally, the knowledge of where devices and equipment are located, the relationship between components and what resources are being used.

Trellis Change Planner works with the inventory manager to ensure that accurate and

For these and more White Paper downloads, visit www.ECDsolutions.com.au/white_papers

consistent information is used. This ensures that installs, moves and decommissions of equipment are consistently planned, tracked and communicated to team members to

LED lamp for consumer market

streamline operations and minimise the impact of changes on the quality of services delivered.

GE Lighting has developed an LED lamp tailored to the consumer

Working with the Avocent Universal Manage-

market - the LED Snowcone A19. Available in a 7 or 10 W ver-

ment Gateway, these software applications

sion, the company states that the lamps deliver nearly the

deliver real-time infrastructure optimisation

same output as 40 and 60 W incandescent bulbs.

that enables up to a claimed 70% improved

The LED Snowcone A19 lamp is available in various CCT

operational efficiency and 25% improved en-

choices to create different lighting effects: 2700, 3000 and

ergy efficiency. As the intelligence-gathering

6500K. It is claimed that the A19 offers an 80% energy

appliance and software applications share an

savings and has a lifetime of 15,000 h versus 1000 h for

underlying platform, the applications build on

incandescent lamps. UV and IR radiation can also be avoided

one another; allowing capabilities to be added

with the new LED lamp, which gives off no glare and comes

to adapt to change and prepare for the future,

with a standard E27 base, making it a likely direct replacement

offering a flexible and scalable DCIM solution.

in domestic applications. The company says that the A19 will be available in most parts of Asia by the end of the year.

Emerson Network Power Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q319

GE Lighting Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R734

50 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

When it comes to range and delivery, we wrote the book.

Do you have your Rexel Catalogue?

Whatever you are looking for, you‘ll find it at Rexel. There’s no job too big or too small for our friendly staff. Call us on 1300 697 393 or visit rexel.com.au and make an order.

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Search and Order securely, from compatible smartphones Find your nearest branch, from wherever you are Check pricing and real-time stock availability Choose from 150,000+ products on the go Discover more @ m.rexel.com.au

rexel.com.au 1300 MY REXEL

NEW PRODUCTS

LED light fittings Thorn Lighting has added four product ranges (Areapak LED, LED Express, Rhine LED and Shop LED) to its LumExpress LED light fittings.

The Areapak 60 W floodlight provides a

Solar products

lamp life of 50,000 h and a lumen output

Clipsal by Schneider Electric has developed

comparable to a 70 W metal halide. The

a range of solar products designed for

IP65-rated device is suitable for most exterior

residential and light commercial markets,

floodlighting applications.

including single- and three-phase grid-tie in-

Intended for interior environments, the dim-

verters, off-grid inverters/chargers for remote

mable LED Express fitting is available in two

applications and solar charge controllers.

sizes - 11 W 600 lm (70 mm cut-out) and

The Xantrex GT series inverters are for

16 W 900 lm (92 mm cut-out). Using up to 80%

residential applications, with power ratings

less power than traditional halogen solutions,

of 2.8 and 5.0 kW, and are compatible with

the wide beam (60°) fittings come in either

all types of solar panels, including float-

3000K or 4000K colour temperature options

ing, positive and negative grounded types.

and allow a ±20° tilt. Featuring a 30,000 h

They feature conventional fanless cooling

lamp life, no UV and IR (cool beam), this en-

and are designed to operate to an ambient

vironmentally friendly luminaire is suitable for

temperature of up to 40°C, with full power

both commercial and domestic applications.

output and before derating.

The Shop LED solution is designed for retail

The inverters feature an onboard LCD that

applications, with a 120° beam angle, 3500

displays instantaneous power output, daily power output and accumulated power output,

lm output and cool white colour temperature

as well as array voltage and current.

of 4000K. Comprising the same colour ren-

The Conext TL 15 and 20 kW three-phase solar inverters are IP65 rated and suitable for

dering, adjustable face and stippled glass

small commercial building rooftops. These units provide a wide MPPT voltage range of 350

features delivered by the LED Express, the

to 800 VDC and a maximum operating voltage of 1000 VDC, providing design flexibility.

Shop LED is equivalent in output to a 70 W

The user-programmable power factor in the range -0.85 to +0.85 allows the installer to

metal halide luminaire.

balance the power supply to near unity and improve energy use.

The W series photovoltaic charge controllers track the maximum power point of a PV array to deliver the maximum available current for optimum charging of batteries.

The 14W Rhine LED is an oyster fitting suitable for domestic installations, as well as commercial circulation areas such as stair-

The high input voltage operating range of 600 VDC allows a high-voltage, low-current PV

cases and corridors. As the Rhine features

array to be connected to the charge controller. A one- or two-string high-voltage PV array

a simple twist lock diffuser, installation is

configuration can eliminate the need for a combiner box, reducing hardware requirements

achieved without removal of any components.

and associated labour costs.

The lamp replacement frequency is minimised

Clipsal offers training courses for professional installers looking to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in installing grid-tie and offgrid inverter products.

Schneider Electric Aust Pty Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R747

52 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

due to a 40,000 h lamp life.

Thorn Lighting Pty Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R181

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 53

WHO’S GOING OFF THE GRID?

©iStockphoto.com/PLAINVIEW

ENERGY ALTERNATIVES

It’s no secret that energy prices are on the rise, thanks largely to steeper network and distribution costs. These escalating costs are being passed on to Australian consumers, resulting in an increased interest in alternative energy supplies and ways to reduce reliance on the big energy providers but how easy is it to ‘get off the grid’ and who’s doing it?

A

recent report from the REC Agents Association analyses the installation of solar PV and solar water heater (SWH) systems that have claimed Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) under the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme and indicates that four million Australians now have solar on the roofs of their homes and businesses.

Key findings of the report suggest that the commonly held belief that the RET scheme equates to upper- and middle-class welfare is misguided. 53% of solar systems are installed in regional and rural areas, eclipsing major metropolitan area installations.

Of those systems installed in major capital cities, suburbs with a higher penetration were typically located in the outer metropolitan mortgage belt and the relationship between average income and solar penetration is, in fact, inverse.

The Australian Clean Energy Regulator (ACER) advises that it is possible to reduce the cost of a small-scale, off-grid system

54 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

via the Small Scale Renewable energy scheme, which applies to solar panel, wind or hydro systems.

Under the scheme, eligible small-scale, off-grid systems are entitled to a number of tradeable small-scale technology certificates (STCs). This is based on the amount of electricity in megawatt hours (MWh) the system generates over the course of its lifetime.

In addition, such systems may be eligible for Solar Credits, which multiplies the number of STCs the system can receive. Small-scale, off-grid systems are defined as being up to 20 kW and STCs can be assigned to a registered solar panel agent (a retailer or installer) in exchange for a financial benefit such as a discount off an invoice.

Accreditation is the key In order to be eligible, installations must be carried out by a Clean Energy Council-accredited installer. This means that the unit must have been designed and installed by a person accredited for

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

stand-alone (SPS) and/or grid-connected (GC) photovoltaic power systems under the Clean Energy Council Accreditation Scheme.

Non-accredited contractors stand to lose business, as consumers want to take advantage of these schemes and the economic incentives provided.

The system in practice Echoing the data suggesting solar use is on the rise, CBD Solar Manager Jeff Bye thinks Australians now regard solar energy as an increasingly viable alternative to complete grid connection. While Australia ranks 11th in the world on a per capita use of solar energy, it could be moving up the ranks as households in 2011 installed more rooftop solar than in Germany, the world’s solar leader.

Jeff believes that more people were looking for answers around how to ‘ditch the grid’ entirely and that it can be achieved through a combination of solar power and energy storage.

“If people install solar panels and battery storage, they only need the grid as a backup supply,” he says. “Improvements in technology, being driven by the auto industry, are leading to more efficient and effective battery storage, which works well with what can be intermittent production of electricity from solar power.”

Contrary to the direction of electricity prices, the cost of batteries and solar panels is decreasing, as new technology advances and lower materials cost are leading to cheaper and more effective energy solutions.

According to CBD Solar, the average cost of energy is now between 20 and 30 cents a kilowatt hour, reaching 43 cents at peak. By comparison, solar energy is costing between 5 and 7 cents a kilowatt hour to produce, with this level acceptable over the lifetime of a solar system of around 25 years.

Not one to merely spout statistics, Bye installed a solar system in his family home, along with battery backup. The roof has 18 solar panels, sourced from Germany and producing an average of 16 kWh per day, which virtually matches total daily consumption of the house. The batteries store solar power generated during the day for re-use on demand at any time.

Bye said the plan with his solar system and batteries was to receive a quarterly bill recording zero kWh consumption, with the only payment being for a network access charge, which was about 50 cents a day.

“This system will pay for itself in around five years and after that we will have free electricity, despite the effect of the carbon tax and all other costs from electricity distribution through poles and wires,” Bye said.

A five-year payback with a promise of free electricity in the future certainly makes getting off the grid an attractive, and viable, proposition.

What it means for the contractor There’s plenty of opportunity for the contractor, as Australians seek alternatives to escalating electricity prices. Consumers are now more informed and the Clean Energy Regulator recommends sighting documentation certifying that the electrical installation of the unit complies with laws relating to safety and technical standards. They suggest that this could be in the form of a Certificate of Compliance, Installation Report and an Electrician’s Licence.

With accreditation costing less than $1000 for a 24-month period and providing resources to the contractor on topics such as standards, technical information and training, it’s a worthwhile consideration to expand your potential customer base in this burgeoning industry.

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 55

CASE STUDY

Green thumbs up for site office

M

ost site huts occupied by building construction companies are very basic. Kettles and fridges are usually the only concessions to comfort while little consideration is given to conserving energy, as most adopt a “Will the last person shut the lights off?” approach.

But not anymore. Adelaide construction company Built Environs has turned that concept on its head.

The company’s temporary site office at the Edinburgh RAAF Base LEAP (Living Environment Accommodation Precinct) is fitted with state-of-the-art C-Bus lighting control technology, motion sensors, timers and sunset switches. It is designed and programmed to conserve as much energy as possible.

The office even collects rainwater, which is used to maintain a vegetable garden that staff and contractors tend to during work breaks.

“We wanted to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Tony Jachmann, Built Environs Project Manager.

“It’s a culture we decided to adopt even in our construction site huts. Normally in these temporary offices, we would have the lights and aircon going 24/7. Our LEAP Project office is actually five shells bolted together and this project is not due for completion until 2013, so that’s a lot of energy that would go to waste.”

After discussions with Tony Fagan, CIS Sales Manager, Clipsal by Schneider Electric, and C-Bus Approved Installer Andrew Fragnito, from DVise Solutions, the team designed and implemented a C-Bus lighting control system. C-Bus provides master on and off switching, activates designated lighting in common areas, and times out lights with motion sensors in isolated offices, kitchen and lunch areas.

The system cleverly bypasses the staff fridge and times the hot water boiler to activate first thing in the morning. C-Bus even activates air-conditioning units at 5 am, prior to staff arriving for work, and times them out in the evening at 6.30 pm, when the site office is no longer occupied.

“It was an unusual but not a difficult job for our team to wire,” said Fragnito.

“The office shells were already prewired so we had to run surface conduit down the walls to accommodate the C-Bus wiring.

Programming the system was straightforward. We installed a C-Bus Wiser system. This enables Tony to check the status of the lighting and manually override the system via his iPhone.

“It’s a clever app and gives Tony options to control the system and even monitor energy consumption.”

The C-Bus system is very flexible and can be reconfigured and programmed for any future need.

56 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

“These huts we use, we re-use,” said Jachmann. “When we are finished, we will unbolt it and use it again for the next project. It’s worked out well. The system is user friendly and we know we’re saving energy.”

Fagan estimates that Built Environs‘ energy savings are significant.

“We believe at the very least that the client is currently achieving energy savings of at least 30%. Importantly, they are walking the talk and creating a genuine energy efficiency culture.”

As for the veggie patch, which is currently abundant with tomatoes, cucumbers and watermelons: “It was an interesting concept which just started with an idea,” said Jachmann.

“We had the rainwater and decided to start a garden. Not everyone has an iced coffee or smokes during their break; however, they enjoy a bit of time out, watering the garden and looking after the plants. It breaks the day and fits in well with the low-carbon direction we are taking.”

Schneider Electric Aust Pty Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R641

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

Megger reveals hidden transformer faults

S

FRAX 101 is supplied

Features include dual-channel operation, which

with powerful analysis

allows the resistances of transformer primary

and decision support

and secondary windings to be measured si-

software. In addition

multaneously, and bidirectional current output

to supporting the tra-

capabilities that allow users to take advantage

ditional magnitude ver-

of any existing magnetisation in the winding

sus frequency/phase

core to aid rapid current stabilisation.

mall, rugged and easy to use, Meg-

display, this package allows users to present

When used to check the contact resistance

ger’s FRAX 101 sweep frequency

data in an impedance or admittance versus

of make-before-break tap changes and volt-

response analyser (SFRA) is a pow-

frequency view, providing a powerful analytical

age regulators, the MTO210 provides fast

erful tool for revealing potential electrical and

tool for many transformer types.

indication of pitted or misaligned contacts.

mechanical problems in power transformers,

The test frequency range is 0.1 Hz to 25 MHz,

For added safety, circuitry is included that

many of which are difficult or impossible to

which users set to match the needs of the

automatically discharges the winding or wind-

detect using other methods.

application. The default number of test points

ings under test when the test is completed,

Meeting all international standards for SFRA

for each frequency sweep is 1,046, but users

if a lead is accidentally disconnected or in

measurements, this instrument offers a

can extend this to a maximum of 32,000.

the event of a power failure.

larger dynamic range and better accuracy

Typical measurement time is 64 seconds,

The MTO210 offers facilities for demagnetising

than any other test set of its type. For test

but a fast mode delivering results in just

winding cores before or after resistance test-

connections to the transformer, it makes use

37 seconds is available.

ing is carried out and can also be used as

of cabling technology that ensures repeat-

Weighing 1.4 kg, measuring 259 x 169 x

a standalone core demagnetiser. Remaining

ability of results.

52 mm and having an operating temperature

magnetisation will affect frequency response

Bluetooth wireless connectivity is supported,

range of -20ºC to +50ºC, the FRAX 101

measurements on the transformer and may

eliminating the need for data cables between

is ideal for use in the field. It is supplied

also cause high in-rush currents when the

the instrument and the PC used for result

with ground cable, four 3 m braid sets, two

unit is back in service.

capture and analysis.

C clamps, an 18 m generator cable, 18 m

Test results are shown on LCDs and can

The FRAX 101 operates by applying a sweep

test cable, user manual and software, housed

be stored in the instrument’s memory. The

frequency test signal to the transformer

in a robust carrying case.

MTO210 is compatible with Megger’s PowerDB

and monitoring its response. The result is

MTO210 Transformer ohmmeter

Lite software, providing uniform test result

a unique fingerprint which, when compared

Incorporating the latest test technology and

analysis and reporting features for power

with a reference fingerprint for the same

field experience, the MT0210 transformer

equipment tests.

transformer, reveals a wide range of faults.

ohmmeter measures the DC resistance

Weighing less that 13.5 kg and built into a

These include winding deformations and

of all types of magnetic winding quickly,

rugged case with carrying handle, the MTO210

displacements, shorted and open windings,

safely and accurately. The unit is suitable

is suitable for use on site and in the workshop.

loose and broken clamping structures, core

for checking the operation of on-load tap

connection problems, core movement and

changers, one of the most common causes of

Megger

hoop buckling.

transformer problems.

www.megger.com

CASE STUDY

Grid Stability System to minimise power fluctuations from solar plants

S

ome Australian electric utilities operate a substantial number of diesel-fuelled power stations for remote communities that are too distant to connect to the main electricity grids. These communities can include hundreds of residents, along with local commercial activities, and civil infrastructure to support the region. The wet season can make it difficult to access some communities by road for up to one or two months.

Photovoltaic power generation has been identified as the most consistent source of renewable power to cover the daily power consumption profile of these communities.

I n c o r p o ra t i n g a h i g h l e v e l o f photovoltaic power generation into a diesel power station can cause quality of supply concerns when the solar power level changes abruptly, such as from passing cloud on a sunny day, as diesel engines require at least a few minutes to adjust to significant power changes on the local grid.

There can also be short periods when the level of generated solar power gets close to or exceeds the local community consumption level, or where a power distribution feeder fault occurs, which requires the power output of the solar generating plant to be under direct and immediate control of the power station.

Both of these concerns could, if not managed properly, lead to unacceptable l e ve l s o f e l e c t r i c i t y vo l t a g e a n d frequency changes, or possibly even power station outages due to protection devices tripping.

To address this issue, the MPower conversion business designed an inverter system with the ability to generate VARs and include sympathetic responses to changes in local grid frequency and voltage which can greatly assist the stability and quality of supply from the diesel power. Buffer energy storage also needs to be coupled to the solar power inverters to allow the total output power of the solar site to be maintained with a smoothed response profile.

The controlled ramp rates of the solar plant are achieved by short duration charges and discharges of batteries that fill in the deficit or excess of power required over many minutes of rapidly changing conditions.

MPower’s Grid Stability System (GSS) is designed to manage a solar generating plant and incorporate the accommodation and control of the battery energy storage.

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

Techniques and control systems used for the oil and gas industry, along with specialised battery management for remote area applications, makes the GSS a convenient and suitable product for these remote area solar power systems.

The containerised product is the hub of the solar power plant, combining the control and electrical distribution to the

photovoltaic modules and solar power inverters as well as the electrical and fibre-optic point of connection to the diesel power station. Automated processes, and remote communications to MPower’s service group, allow the product to operate within the minimal local maintenance.

MPower Products Pty Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q519

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 59

NEW PRODUCTS

RCD decontactor system Marechal Decontactor systems with RCDs protect against shock and current leakage. They are tailor made to customers’ requirements and are available up to 100 A with trip levels of 30, 100 and 300 mA. Protected decontactor systems are housed in compact BD enclosures which are suitable for use with the DS and DSN ranges of decontactors and the PN range of plugs and socket-outlets.

The eight module-wide enclosures accommodate both 4-module RCDs and 8-module wide MCB/RCD combinations or pushbuttons with indicator lights.

Protected decontactor systems are used in any application where RCD protection is required including: mining, food and beverage, chemical, water treatment, wood and paper processing, port facilities, construction (site equipment) and aircraft maintenance.

Marechal Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R810

Gas detection The FLIR GF306 infrared camera detects and visualises harmful gases including SF6, an insulating gas used in most types of high-voltage switches around the world.

Thermal imaging cameras are more effective for detecting leaks than gas sniffers as they detect, visualise and pinpoint the leak. Operator safety is improved as emissions can be detected at a safe distance and in difficultto-reach places. Thermal imaging can take place during full plant operation, unlike sniffers which typically force operational shutdown.

The camera produces a full picture of the scanned area and leaks appear as smoke on the camera’s viewfinder or LCD, giving the viewer a visible indication of the problem. The image is viewed in real time and can be stored on the camera’s removable SD or SDHC memory card.

The FLIR GF306 can be used for finding leaks, as well as regular maintenance inspections. It is fully calibrated for temperature measurement applications and features embedded GPS data in reporting. The device detects a range of gases including SF6, ammonia, propene, tetrahydroethylene and chlorine dioxide.

FLIR Systems Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R893

Flexible conduit Liquidtight flexible conduit from Flexicon Australia is suitable for demanding applications, including the marine and mining industries.

To ensure a reliable and long-lasting installation, the correct choice of materials can help to prevent corrosion and maintain the IP rating of the system. Flexicon’s range of high-quality fittings are machined from brass and then nickel plated. Stainless steel (grade 316) is also available. The range is now available in metric, PG and NPT threads across 20 variations and nine sizes of Liquidtight flexible conduit.

Flexicon’s range of Liquidtight conduit systems (IP66, IP67, IP68 and IP69K) can be installed at depths of over 50 m or 5 bar pressure.

Flexicon Corporation (Australia) Pty Limited Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R890

60 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Switches Allied Telesis is expanding its range of AT-8100 Series switches.

The new range will include a link of stackable green access edge switches that, it claims, optimise end-user connectivity.

All switches - except the smallest in the series - come with dual fixed redundant power supplies.

The series connects systems requiring advanced Layer 2+ and basic Layer 3 features, combined with a range of connectivity options from copper to fibre. The series supports security features required at the edge of the network and is designed to interoperate with industry-standard platforms like Microsoft Network Access Protection (NAP).

The series includes the compact 24C, for businesses with limited space, and is suitable for applications such as retail point of sales (POS) systems.

The 8100S/16F8-SC, 8100S/24F-LC and 8100S/24F-BiDi are

Universal dimmer

suited to industrial and manufacturing environments where

The Medium Power Universal Dimmer

optic fibre is used, because of its resistance to Electro-

from Clipsal is rated at 800 W and de-

Magnetic Interference (EMI), or any other environment where

signed for universal load compatibility.

fibre is used extensively.

The unit utilises sophisticated dimming

The Power over Ethernet (PoE) versions, including the

technology to provide full control of a

8100S/24POE and 8100S/48POE switches, support the 802.3

wide range of load types, including small motor loads such

at standard and deliver up to 30 W of power per port. PoE

as ceilings and exhaust fans.

capability is suitable for applications such as video surveil-

The dimmer is integrally switched and rotary controlled,

lance, where advanced cameras require additional power

incorporating push-button on/off and rotary dimming control

for pan-and-tilt motion or to heat moving parts, when used

into one mechanism. It is available in Standard Series, 2000

outside in cold climates.

Series, Classic Series, Slimline, Eclipse, Metal Plate and

The 8100S/16F8-SC also enables mixed-media applications

Saturn ranges.

by connecting local copper devices over fibre at distances

Schneider Electric Aust Pty Limited

of up to 2 km, making it suitable for an industrial control or

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R739

video surveillance network, where remote cameras may be located beyond the reach of copper cabling.

Allied Telesis International (Aust) Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/N979

Metal marking system Weidmuller has released a system for creating aluminium and stainless steel markers for use in and around electrical cabinets, as well as to tag cables. Users create metal markers for labelling via the company’s PrintJet PR printer and M-Print software using colour graphics, characters and logos that deliver sharp, multicoloured contrast for easy identification.

The markers can be produced in both rectangular and circular shapes. The rectangular markers are available in sizes from 27 x 18 mm through to 85 x 54 mm, suitable from small equipment to large ratings plates. Round markers feature a diameter of 30 mm.

MetalliCard markers have mechanical characteristics that suit harsh industrial environments; they are resistant to high temperatures, extreme changes to climate and other external influences. Aluminium tags are made from chromal-coated aluminium and are an affordable alternative for many applications. The stainless steel option uses 316 grade stainless steel suitable for use in the process and chemical industries.

MetalliCard markers can be secured to items with rivets, glue, double-sided adhesive labels or stainless steel cable ties or holders. A comprehensive range of plate holders and tag rails is also available.

Weidmuller Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R736

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 61

NEW PRODUCTS

Terminal blocks Phoenix Contact has available three terminal block types for the distribution, measurement and switching of energy.

Plug-in Combi terminal blocks, with a cross-section area of 10 mm², are suitable for the distribution of energy and for modular switching system constructs.

The PTME transducer disconnect terminal is designed for conductor cross-sections of up to 10 mm².

The new short-circuit connector automatically establishes a leading current transformer short circuit. This ensures a high degree of safety and reliability in current transformer measuring circuits. In conjunction with the associated base terminal, incorrect user action, as well as destruction of the connected current transformers, is prevented.

Signals and data from sensors in a energy management system can be switched, in a space-saving manner, using new plug-in, multilevel PT 2.5 terminal blocks; and with several bridging options and switching ranges, a great deal of flexibility is available.

The terminal blocks are equipped with simple push-in connector technology. Conductor contact is made by plugging it in, without the need for any tools, and to remove the conductor, the user needs only to press the release button.

The terminal blocks also exploit the advantages offered by the Clipline complete system, which includes plug-in jumpers, labelling and testing accessories.

Phoenix Contact Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q527

Battery load unit Available to rent, the Megger Torkel 840 Battery Load Unit enables testing of battery capacity by conducting discharge tests on battery systems ranging from 12 to 240 V. Testing can take place at up to 110 A and can also be used in conjunction with the 870 model to provide additional load if required. Tests can be conducted at a constant current, constant power and constant resistance, or in accordance with a preselected load profile.

Testing can also be carried out without having to disconnect the battery from the equipment it serves - measuring the total battery current while regulating it at a constant level via the use of a clamp-on ammeter.

Features include: external measurement input; user-adjustable alarm and shutdown points to avoid excessive discharge; view test parameters/results in ‘real time’ as testing progresses using Torkel WIN software; save results to a PC for analysis, report generation and storage.

TechRentals Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R965

High-temperature cabinet cooler systems Exair’s Dual High-Temperature Cabinet Cooler Systems purge and cool overheated electrical control panels in harsh environments up to 93°C. The coolers circulate -7°C cold air through the electrical enclosure to eliminate high-temperature malfunctions and protect sensitive electronics from hot, dirty environments, such as in foundries, glass plants or steel mills.

The high cooling capacity up to 5600 BTUH is suitable for large electrical enclosures and high heat loads. Models with lower cooling capacities for NEMA 12, 4 and 4X enclosures are also available.

The coolers incorporate a vortex tube that cools ordinary compressed air to cold air without the use of refrigerants. They mount through a standard electrical knockout while maintaining the NEMA 12, 4 or 4X rating of the enclosure. Systems with thermostat control minimise compressed air use, keeping the enclosure at ±1ºC of the temperature setting. An automatic drain filter separator ensures no moisture passes to the inside of the electrical enclosure. There are no moving parts to wear out. Dual High-Temperature Cabinet Coolers are available with cooling capacities of 4000, 4800 and 5600 BTUH and are UL Listed and CE compliant.

Applications include variable frequency drives, programmable controllers, industrial computers, motor controls, microprocessors and robotics.

Compressed Air Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q998

62 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Handheld oscilloscopes Tektronix has introduced the THS3014 and THS3024 handheld oscilloscopes, designed for field test and bench design applications. They are suitable for users requiring true portability and battery operation and for those in power applications making floating and high-voltage measurements.

The 100 MHz THS3014 and 200 MHz THS3024 models have four fully isolated and floating channels. They offer 600 VRMS CAT III rated inputs and 10 Kpoints standard record length on all channels.

Lightweight and portable, the devices give maximum sample rates up to 5 GS/s and offer advanced triggering.

Twenty-one automatic measurements are available, and the FFT function comes standard on all models. The battery gives 7 h of continuous operation. USB host and USB mini ports located on the devices’ side panel enable users to quickly and easily save information onto a flash device or transfer the data directly to a PC. Tektronix OpenChoice desktop software is included. element14 Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R518

True RMS clamp meter range The Fluke 320 series true RMS clamp meters are a complete range of tools engineered to produce noise-free and reliable measurements in tough environments.

Designed to be long-lasting and easy to use, the Fluke 323, 324 and 325 clamp meters are suitable for rugged, all-purpose use in residential, commercial, HVAC/R and light industrial electrical applications.

The meters’ slim, ergonomic design makes them comfortable for all-day use. All models have a large, easy-to-read display, and the 324 and 325 models offer a backlit display, contact temperature readings from 10 to 400°C and capacitance measurements from 100 to 1000 microfarad.

The 325 model also offers DC current measurements up to 400 A, frequency measurements from 5 to 500 Hz and min/max function.

Fluke 320 series meters have CAT III 600 V/CAT IV 300 V safety ratings and true RMS AC voltage and current for accurate measurement of nonlinear signals.

The meters have DC current, frequency and resistance up to 40 kΩ for motor testing.

Fluke Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q893

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 63

NEW PRODUCTS

Thermal imager The Testo 875i Series Thermal Imaging Camera offers thermal sensitivity of <50 mK and image quality of 160 x 120 pixels, which can be increased to 320 x 240 pixels with the SuperResolution technology.

Thermal images can be analysed on the large 3.5″ display and critical temperatures and hot-cold spots are directly shown in the display. Spoken comments on the respective measurement can be recorded using the headset. Other features include: a built-in laser pointer, offers automatic recording of a digital real image and professional analysis software. The automatic storage of the digital image also allows inspection routes with several similar measurement objects to be worked through and analysed. The handling and operation of the imager as well as the PC software offer a number of possibilities: from one-hand operation, speed button programming and the possibility of using exchangeable lenses, up to image overlay of real and thermal images (TwinPix).

Testo Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R320

Fibre wall outlet Warren & Brown Technologies has developed a fibre wall outlet for the National Broadband Network which is intended to be installed in every household around Australia.The customer premise fibre wall outlet (FWO) houses a single A/SC connector for a single fibre service. A spring-loaded shield covers the connector’s end position, which provides dust protection when it is not in use. The unit has a full-height, clip-on cover and mounts on a standard GPO-style bracket for easy installation. The outlet is supplied in these different colours: ivory, white, light grey, beige and cream.

Generally in an FTTH network the FWO is the interconnection point between the external cable from the premise connection device (PCD) and the optical network terminal (ONT). The Warren & Brown FWO has the facility to store excess fibre, fusion splices or direct patchcord connections.

The variety of options available make the FWO a practical device for use in other fibre-optical networks where a single optical fibre port is required such as offices, data centres and other enterprise networks.

Features and benefits include: part mumber TC4025WB1SAA; removable snap-on cover; storage space for fibre with an allowable MBR of 15 mm; indoor cable can feed in from a number of directions; compatible with four types of customer premise optical cables, eg, 3.0 mm dia (polyethylene sheath), 4.8 mm dia (polyethylene sheath), 3M cable (adhesive-backed optical cable), and drop cable/indoor cable (2.0 x 3.1 mm); can be used with a field-assembled A/SC connector; holder for either a fusion splice or a mechanical splice for connecting the cable to a pigtail; mechanical splice or fusion splice sleeve 4 mm 2 x 40 mm size can be stored within the wall plate; various mounting methods are available, eg, screw mount or wall mount; buildout mounting blocks (13 and 35 mm deep) allow for rear cable entry and provide some cable storage; compatible and can mount directly onto a standard HPM or Clipsal wallplate.

Warren & Brown Technologies Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q521

Connectors with extended rear walls The Datamate male and female J-Tek crimps from Harwin are now available with extended rear walls. These walls enable users to seal the rear of the connector themselves as an alternative to overmoulding, for applications where cost is the main imperative. The deeper connector shell means that customers can fill terminated connectors with potting material which also resists the ingress of dust and moisture.

The Datamate connectors are designed to conform to the requirements of BS 9525-F00033 and feature four-finger beryllium copper contacts that ensure integrity of connection without loss of data. Harwin’s products have been used in the Bowman military radio system, the MBDA Seawolf air-to-air missile and the A380 Airbus commercial jet.

Clarke & Severn Electronics Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R127

64 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Circuit breakers

Clamp-on process meter

Phoenix Contact’s latest range of electronic

The Yokogawa CL420 clamp-on process meter from

and thermomagnetic circuit breakers pro-

Madison Test & Measurement is used for measuring

tects devices from surges and short circuits,

control signals and process instrumentation.

even when long cables are used.

The device allows the user to make safe current

The one-channel, pluggable circuit break-

checks of 4-20 mA and 0-120 mA DC process

ers enable modular designs for selective

control signals without breaking the loop. In addition,

power distribution. Coding between the base

the output function provides a simple way to log

element and the plug ensure error-free plac-

and monitor the data. Typical applications include

ing and a new connector catch mechanism

distributed control systems, programmable logic

holds circuit breakers securely in place.

controllers, pressure and temperature transmitters,

Push-in connection terminals make it possible to connect wires without tools and a bridge system allows all circuit breakers to be readily combined, according to requirements.

and loop-powered isolators and indicators.

The product incorporates a range of features: 0.2% accuracy and 0.01 mA resolution from

The thermomagnetic circuit breakers are distinguished by their optimised SFB tripping

0-20 mA DC; mA measurement and % of span for

characteristic. In combination with Selective Fuse Breaking (SFB), the technology in use

4-20 mA; dual LCD numeric display; LED torch light;

in QUINT Power power supply units, the circuit breakers offer high cut-out protection in

data hold function; 6 mm clamp diameter.

case of a fault.

An analog output is available, which can be used

The electronic circuit breakers work with active current limitation. This delays immediate

as an input to the XL120 data logger, TY500/700

cut-outs due to temporary power surges.

multimeters or chart recorders.

Phoenix Contact Pty Ltd

Madison Technologies

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q307

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R639

THINK SAFETY RCD PROTECTED DECONTACTOR™ UP TO 100A

YOUR SAFER, FASTER, EASIER ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WITH MARECHAL TECHNOLOGY

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 65

SMART GRID

‘SELF HEALING’ KEY TO MEETING SMART GRID PROMISE Peter Field

While smart meters receive the hype, reclosers are the true building blocks of the intelligent electrical distribution grid, underpinning its reliability. Smart grids are increasingly touted as a large part of the answer to combating climate change and fossil fuel reliance. By endowing the electrical distribution network with the flexibility to adapt to new patterns of ‘green’ usage and the variability of generation capacity from renewable sources such as wind, wave and solar, engineers hope to reduce wastage and improve reliability.

T

he International Transport Forum - an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) intergovernmental body - reports in its July 2012 Policy Brief ‘Smart Grids and Electric Vehicles: Made for each other?’ that smart grid technologies make it possible for electric vehicles (EV) to proliferate without overloading the electric supply industry.

The report also notes that at the same time EVs, among other green technologies, are driving investment in smart grid technologies, a view echoed by US-based analyst IHS. The research firm says that the US has budgeted US$4.5 billion ($4.36 billion) for investment purposes while China is expected to become the largest smart grid market in the world, with US$586 billion ($568 billion) set to be invested in the electrical power supply infrastructure during the next 10 years.

But to meet this promise of flexibility, smart grids - electrical distribution networks that employ computers and modern communications to improve reliability, efficiency and robustness - must feature ‘self-healing’ properties that ensure rapid recovery from outages.

Traditional power grids are unidirectional and typically, just a single line feeds a suburb or city block. If the power fails, due to, for example, a lighting strike, consumers and industry in the area affected can be without power until the damaged line is repaired.

With current technology it often takes several hours to locate the fault before an engineering team can be despatched and then several more hours to effect a repair.

Smart grids overcome this weakness by utilising bidirectional lines and distribution topologies that ensure a geographical area

66 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

can be supplied from several alternative branches of the network.

This endows the grid with the ability to self-heal; if failure occurs on a particular line, power can be re-routed via a different branch - reversing the flow of electricity if required - minimising the impact on the consumer.

“It’s all very well to talk about how smart grids will help us deal with the variability in supply that comes with increasing the amount of electricity generated from renewable generation capacity,” Neil O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Brisbane-based recloser manufacturer NOJA Power, said.

“That’s important, but even more important is ensuring the grid is totally reliable - no matter what the source of the power.

And nothing underwrites that reliability more than reclosers.”

Reclosers are the ‘intelligent circuit breakers’ that endow the smart grid with its self-healing properties. These ‘computers on poles’ - capable of handling between 10 and 38 kV and robust enough to resist vibration, temperature extremes and inclement weather, yet weighing in at just 100 kg - are mounted on transmission poles at critical points on the grid.

Reclosers are able to immediately cut the power if the line they are on suffers a failure, preventing further damage or a knock-on effect to other parts of the network.

“People like to talk about smart meters as key to this new electrical distribution technology because those are the devices with which the consumer identifies as the enabler for the smart grid,” O’Sullivan explained. “But while smart meters are indeed useful, they are a peripheral part of the infrastructure; reclosers

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

AC271458_MountingBlocks_3rdP_ECD SOLUTIONS

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for Steel Sheds, Work Sheds, Boat Sheds, Garages.....

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FITS VIRTUALLY ALL 64mm TOP HAT PURLINS

are the true building blocks of the technology - although they remain ‘unsung heroes’ because they’re invisible to the public.” Because modern reclosers, like those manufactured by NOJA Power, utilise powerful microprocessor-based electronics and modern communications protocols they can do much more than just isolate a failed conductor.

“In the event of a power outage, because the recloser is linked directly to the control facility and can sense the line in both directions it will immediately inform the supervisor of the location of the fault,” Oleg Samarski, NOJA Power’s Quality and Service Director, said.

“That means engineers can set out to make the repair in minutes.

“In addition, modern reclosers are also able to store useful data such as the time of the outage as well as local usage patterns that can be used by the utility to better manage the grid in the future.”

According to Samarski, reclosers, unlike traditional circuit breakers that remain open until they are manually reset, are able to close and re-establish the power in seconds if the fault proves to be only temporary. Alternatively, reclosers working in groups can open and close in sequence to re-route power to the zone affected by the outage via a different line - giving engineers breathing space to fix the original fault.

“Smart grids are critical in the fight against climate change, as they have enormous potential to improve the efficiency of our electricity sector and transform the way we use energy in our homes and businesses,” Senator Penny Wong (then Minister for Resources and Energy, now Minister for Finance and Deregulation) said on announcing that Newcastle, NSW, would become the site of Australia’s first commercial-scale smart grid.

“If smart grid applications are adopted around Australia they could deliver a reduction of 3.5 megatonnes of carbon emissions per annum,” Senator Wong concluded.

Noja Power Switchgear Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R685

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 67

NEW PRODUCTS

10 A Kelvin probes Time domain reflectometer Megger’s handheld TDR1000/3P time domain reflectometer (TDR) locates faults on low-voltage power cables of all types, including modern concentric types. The TDR1000/3P incorporates an auto set-up feature for inexperienced users.

Auto set-up automatically determines the impedance of the cable under test and sets the instrument accordingly.

It automatically selects the optimum gain and pulse width according to the range chosen by the operator. The need for manual setting is therefore eliminated, although a manual set-up option is also provided for those who prefer to have full control of testing parameters.

In addition, technology used in the TDR1000/3P means that locating cable faults near to the instrument - something that was difficult or impossible with older instruments - is no longer a problem. By using launch pulses with durations as short as 2 ns, the TDR1000/3P claims to accurately determine the location of faults that are less than a metre from the point of connection.

It is rated at CAT IV and the TDR1000/3P incorporates a large high-resolution backlit display. This makes it easy to analyse the traces and to accurately position the cursors.

Megger’s TDR1000/3P time domain reflectometer is designed for use on all cables with impedances of 25, 50, 75 or 100 Ω and velocity factors from 0.2 to 0.99. It has user-selectable ranges from 10 to 5000 m and, in manual operating mode, the gain for each range can be set in four user-selectable steps. Supplied with fused test leads, the instrument features rugged yet lightweight construction and an IP54 ingress protection rating. It is powered from AA batteries.

AEMC 10 A kelvin probes come in two styles for measurements up to 10 A: pistol grip design and pencil point design.

The pistol grip design (Cat #2118.75) with spring-loaded tips is suitable for testing single and multiple points on clean surfaces and has a 3.5 mm probe tip spacing. The pencil point design (Cat #2118.77) with rotating spring-loaded tips is suited for testing single and multiple points on clean and oxidised surfaces. Its tip spacing is 8 mm.

Both probes offer rubber-coated grips that are ergonomically designed for hand use and provide polarity markings at the tip and instrument ends to ensure proper measurement.

These probes can be used with any micro-ohmmeter that has binding posts from 4 to 6 mm in diameter or safety banana jacks 4 mm in diameter. Each probe set comes with recessed safety male banana jacks and a set of screw-on spaded lugs. A safety guard prevents users’ hands slipping into the measurement area. Applications include: resistance measurements on armatures and small transformers, component measurement, electrical cable resistance measurement, mechanical bond tests,

Megger Limited

wire to terminal connections and aircraft

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R441

and rail bonds.

AEMC Instruments Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R000

Portable appliance and equipment tester The multifunction Sigma GT tester from Zedflo is intended to perform all measurements for testing the electrical safety of portable electrical equipment. The instrument has a powerful test data management system, where auto tests and single tests can be stored in approximately 6000 data flash memory locations.

The Sigma GT operates on either mains power or batteries and comes with a built-in battery charger, soft Qwerty keypad and a large backlit LCD graphics display. The extended communication facility supports use of RS232 and Bluetooth barcode scanners and encompasses support for reading and writing RFID tags. The PATLink PRO data management system enables upload to PCs, as well as test result and parameter download for further data handling, trend analysis and test report creation.

Test function options include: portable RCDs and RCD protected cables, simple connection for PRCD test via mains test socket and IEC cord, complete testing (earth bond, leakage, PRCD test and polarity) without reconnection of the tested item, insulation-S and substitute-S subfunctions for testing Class II devices, enabling consistent testing of Class II parts of combined appliances, optional 10 A earth bond test, RCD test and voltage function. The active polarity function allows testing of leads with integrated RCD protection while voltage is applied to the tested item, which enables RCD operation during the test, as most PRCDs must be powered to be switched on.

Key features include: 240 x 128 dot backlit LCD, three ports (1 x USB and 2 x RS232C) for communication with PC, barcode scanner and printer, a built-in real-time clock, preprogrammed test sequences, on-site comparison of old and new test results, as well as on-site printing of test labels.

Zedflo Australia Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R386

68 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Gas insulated switchgear ABB has announced the Australian launch of

Infrared thermometers The Fluke 62 Max and Fluke 62 Max+

its latest generation 245 kV ELK-14 series of

infrared thermometers are both available

gas insulated switchgear (GIS). The footprint of

from element14 Australia. The thermom-

this latest GIS is 40% less than conventional designs

eters are suitable for quick temperature

and uses 20% less sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas compared to the previous

scans of systems to look for anything

generation, making it even more environmentally friendly than its predecessor.

from unusual hot spots in electrical and

The compact design also enables the GIS unit to be delivered as a completely assembled bay, reducing

electromechanical malfunctions to undesir-

installation time by more than 60% compared to traditional construction. The bays feature single-phase

able air intake and output patterns in the

isolation, which is delivered fully tested and mounted on a frame. The intelligent control and protec-

building envelope.

tion equipment installed in the control cubicle directly at the bay is also a smart grid enabling feature.

The thermometers offer rugged perfor-

The bay arrangement is highly flexible, allowing all system configurations, including subsequent expan-

mance, capable of surviving 3 m drops to

sions, to be easily and quickly implemented. The systems have been designed for a rated voltage of

wooden floors. Water and dust resistant,

253 kV and can handle rated currents of up to 3150 A. The versions conforming to the IEC and IEEE

they are IP54 rated to withstand rain,

standards have been designed to protect power networks up to a rated short-circuit (fault) current of up

splashing liquids, dust and dirt.

to 50 kA. The ELK-14 design also facilitates more convenient accessibility to the operating mechanisms

Small enough to carry comfortably on

located in the front of the bay and positioning of the current transformers outside the gas compartments.

a tool belt all day, the digital thermom-

GIS technology is a compact, modular and robust solution for maintaining reliable electrical power

eters measure with a trigger click and the

under challenging conditions with minimum maintenance needs coupled with other key benefits which

multiangle, backlit display makes it easy

include low technical losses and enhanced equipment security. The technology’s minimised footprint

to read. The 62 Max+ has dual rotating

enables installation in locations with space constraints, such as busy city centres and even indoors.

lasers to accurately identify spot size.

ABB’s product range also includes GIS for offshore and mobile applications.

element14

ABB Australia Pty Ltd

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R523

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R914

Sensorless Vector Control Drives

0.75kw to 400kw

• LCD keypad offers a user-friendly operation interface. The display screen can be defined by the user with TP-Editor soft.

• Quick setting, user defined parameter management, and parameter copy functions make the installation fast and easy.

• Modular design for flexible extension and ease maintenance.

• Built-in BACnet and MODBUS. Various optional communication cards such as ProfiBUS-DP, DeviceNet, MODBUS TCP, EtherNet-IP, and CANopen.

• Long-life design.

• The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) coating enhances the reliability and durability.

• Fire mode and Bypass functions provide safe operation in an emergency.

• Useful functions for pump and fan applications, such as: PID control, sleep/wake up functions, flying start, and skip frequency.

• Multi-pumps control functions, such as: fixed time, fixed quantity, circulating controls. The driver can control a maximum of eight pumps at the same time. An optional relay extension card is available depending on the pump quantity.

• Built-in PLC 10K step and Real time Clock.

www.mechtric.com.au Perth 08 92480410 / Adelaide 08 83472499 / Melbourne 03 97064599 Sydney 02 96745511 / Brisbane 07 32743327

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 69

NEW PRODUCTS

Digital multimeters

Weathering tough times: the value of membership

AEMC has introduced two IEC/EN 61010-1, 1000 V CAT III, 600 V CAT IV, rugged, TRMS digital multimeters with a non-electrical contact testing (NCV) function for detecting live electrical circuits (the display turns red).

Designed for safety, the model 5231 and model 5233 multimeters provide a volt, ohm, continuity and diode function. Model 5233 also has a capacitance, frequency, duty cycle and ammeter function. Both

Malcolm Richards, CEO, Master Electricians Australia

include an AC voltmeter function with low input impedance that is capable of finding ghost voltages by adding a burden to the circuit.

It is sad to admit that 2012 has not been the best year for Australian businesses - be they big or small. In fact, the past 12 months have been one of the most difficult years for businesses in recent times.

The economy has been on a slow decline and investors are pulling out of big projects. Industrial unrest such as recent high-profile building industry disputes led to contractors and businesses copping heavy financial losses. In the long run, small businesses can only hope to be able to weather these difficult economic times.

Sadly, in the past year we have witnessed many a business in the wider building sector fall to these economic difficulties.

At the recent Industry Excellence Awards held by Master Electricians Australia (MEA) and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), we tipped our hats to businesses that have endured to this day through hard work and resilience.

Any business that has made it through the past year deserves to be recognised for their efforts.

As always, there is a silver lining to every dark cloud.

MEA and the ECA have found we have further grown our membership despite these difficult conditions. For the sixth year in a row, MEA and ECA have recorded membership growth.

At MEA, we firmly believe that support is the key to weathering tough times. It is now important, more than ever, for businesses to extract the best value of their memberships - to support one another by having a voice within the industry and the economy. Businesses that have survived thus far should be acknowledged, respected and learned from. I believe there is a lot we can share with one another in terms of not only weathering difficult times, but flourishing in them.

It is important to remember that you are not alone in your business’s needs. MEA is here to offer support, aiding in training needs, technical advice, IR requirements, and helping you stand out in the marketplace as a quality business. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the highest levels of safety, reliability and customer satisfaction.

These tough times give us cause to rally around each other. MEA and the ECA offer not only resources, but more importantly, support to industry businesses. Businesses floundering in these difficult times can be assured in the fact they have the support they need available to them.

MEA, the ECA and its associations will continue to work together to build a better, stronger future for our industry. www.masterelectricians.com.au

The Model 5231 performs AC/DC direct reading current measurements up to 600 A with a current clamp accessory plugged in, while the Model 5233 can measure up to 10 A directly and can measure temperature in both °C or °F using K-type thermocouples.

The rotary function switch provides two OFF positions (OFF and OFF NCV). While in the OFF NCV position, the display will turn red if placed close to a live cable, providing a safe and easy way to detect hot wires.

Both meters have a high sensitivity with a resolution of 0.01 mV and can withstand overloads up to 8000 V. The multimeters are suitable for electrical installers, electricians and heating or air-conditioning specialists for general-purpose testing, to detect loose electrical wiring and live circuits and for temperature checking (5233).

AEMC Instruments Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q531

Service outlet The SW18 Series 10 A double pole auto-switched outlet from CMS Electracom integrates soft wiring couplers into the moulding. The connectors, complete with moulded latches, comply to AS/NZ61535.1:2003 and IP4X, so there is no requirement to use safety end caps or toolonly removable connectors.

The SW18 Series requires no tools to install in duct or panel mount, making installation faster. A range of mounting options is available including: thin panel (up to 2 mm thick), thick panel (greater than 2 mm), DIN rail mount, duct mount or free-standing. Only one cut-out is required for thick or thin panel mounting.

Standard colours include black, white, red and silver, with custom colours available on request.

CMS Electracom Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R353

70 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Current measurement ABB's ultra-compact system for measuring circuits in distribution systems identifies power-hungry

Power logger The Fluke 1735 3-Phase Power Logger, available

devices and manages loads at

to rent from TechRentals, is suitable for load stud-

the final sub-circuit level.

ies, energy assessments, harmonics measurement

The current measurement

and voltage event capture. The power logger can

system (CMS) ensures a trans-

be set up in seconds to measure all three phases

parent overview of all power

and neutral with the included flexible current probes.

consumption, even in highly

With colour display, up to 12 h of battery life and the

complex electronic systems. The

ability to record 4320 averaging intervals of data, this

system is designed to measure power flow right at the protective device of the circuit. The

unit can uncover intermittent or hard-to-find issues

compact current sensors are only 18 mm wide and mount directly onto the ABB System

the user may be experiencing.

proM miniature circuit breakers or residual current devices. Up to 64 sensors can be con-

The included Power Log software allows the user

nected to a single control unit via a ribbon cable. One button on the sensor, a touch screen

to display all recorded parameters on interactive

and a cable harness has ensured a system with maximum simplicity.

trends, and the Report Writer function will generate

CMS is highly expandable with its simple wiring via Modbus. The ability to have 64 sensors

reports and view graphs. Other benefits include:

connected to one control unit makes it possible to easily expand the system to 247 control

monitor maximum power demand over user-defined

units on a single Modbus system. This could mean 15,808 measuring points on Modbus -

averaging periods; prove the benefit of efficiency im-

more than enough for even highly complex electronic systems.

provements with energy consumption tests; improve

The sensors of the CMS provide high-level performance with the convenience of a com-

reliability by capturing voltage dips and swells from

pact design. The CMS sensors can measure up to 80 A true RMS in AC or DC currents at

load switching; measure harmonic distortion caused

accuracy levels of less than 0.5% AC. Each sensor is equipped with its own microprocessor

by electronic loads.

and can transmit the readings securely via the bus interface to the control unit.

TechRentals

ABB Australia Pty Ltd

The infrared revolution continues...

ISO No. FLIR20856

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R287

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R916

FLIR i3, i5, i7 The smallest, lightest and most affordable thermal imaging cameras on the market. They are incredibly easy to use and require no former experience. It really is a matter of “point and shoot” to obtain high-quality thermal images that will immediately give you the thermal information you need. ◊ Good quality thermal images:up to 140 x 140 pixels ◊ Detect temperature differences as small as 0.10°C (FLIR i5, i7) ◊ Spotmeter in the centre of the image ◊ Store images on a removable SD card in JPEG format ◊ Extremely rugged, withstands 2 meter drop, IP43 ◊ FLIR Tools software included

www.flir.com FLIR Systems Pty Ltd. 10 Business Park Drive, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168, Australia VIC: 03 9550 2800 NSW: 02 8853 7870 WA: 08 6263 4438 QLD: 07 3861 4862 SA: 08 8274 3747 Tel AU: 1300 729 987 NZ: 0800 785 492 Email: info@flir.com.au

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 71

Well Connected

NEW PRODUCTS

Clamp-on sensor The Hioki CT6590 clamp-on sensor for AC/DC clamps allows measurement of AC and DC currents to 2000 A as pure AC, pure DC, half-wave and full-wave rectified currents.

The sensor works on a range of the company’s instruments, including: Hioki HiCORDER waveform recorders; the Hioki 3290 AC/DC HiTESTER, which provides current measurement to a maximum value of 3000 A peak and at frequencies to 20 kHz; and the Hioki PW3198 power quality analyser.

Power Parameters Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R561

Wide range of Cable Assemblies including: • FFCs and FPCs

LED magnifying lamps OC White has launched

• Custom-Made such as Moulded RS232 Data Communications

its range of Green-Lite

• Automotives

ged construction, a long

• Waterproof & RF Cable Assemblies

reach and strong springs.

• Locally made Cable Assemblies for prototyping 3 Small Volumes 3 Quick Turnaround

put white LEDs are not

LED magnifying lamps, which offer all-metal rug-

The long-life, high-out-

• UL Approved and RoHS Compliant Cable Assemblies

only switchable to allow the choice of lighting angle, but also dimmable (5 to 100%) with up to four times the lumen output of bulbs and tubes.

Semiconductor IC’s Resistors Capacitors Potentiometers Crystals

Oscillators Filters LED’s & LCD’s Relays Sensors

Switches Connectors Fasteners Enclosures GPS Modules

Green-Lite lamps are claimed to have a low total cost of ownership, with the energy-efficient LEDs offering energy savings. The lamps come standard with an auto 4 h turnoff option.

Three sizes are available. The rectangular lamp measures 178 x 133 mm and the two round lamps have diameters of 152 and 190 mm. A range of colours is available, including

Ampec Technologies Pty Ltd

carbon black, silver, medical white, vibrant red, yellow, green

Sydney: Web: E-mail:

clamp or weighted base fixing.

(02) 8741-5000 www.ampec.com.au sales@ampec.com.au

and blue. All lamps are available with screw-down, table-edge An ultraviolet/white LED combination rectangular magnifying lamp is also available that allows for three modes of operation: ultraviolet only, white LED only and combination.

Green-Lite lamps have clear optical-grade 4 diopter lenses that meet standard IPC-A-610E. Bondline Static Control Solutions Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q908

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

NEW PRODUCTS

Gripper The low-contact gripper OGGB from Festo is used for handling highly sensitive solar cells and other fragile items. The gripper transports thin, flexible workpieces with the help of the Bernoulli principle.

Air tool extension

Compressed air is accelerated to supersonic speed through a

To help professionals tackle tough applica-

tiny gap, which produces a powerful vacuum on the underside of

tions in hard-to-reach places, Ingersoll Rand

the gripper. The vacuum is controlled by means of the operating

has introduced extended 3 and 6″ anvil

pressure. Maximum lift height can be precisely adjusted, which

variations of the best-in-class 2145QiMAX

is particularly important when handling sensitive workpieces

3/4″ Impactool. The full QiMAX air tool family

such as solar cells.

A further advantage over conventional suction cups is that

is supplied by CAPS Australia.

The 2145QiMAX has the durability to

no dirt (such as silicon dust produced when a wafer breaks)

withstand the toughest environments and

can get into the system, which means that no additional filter

is claimed to increase productivity. The

systems are required.

2145QiMAX models offer 1350 ft-lb of

Festo Pty Ltd

maximum reverse torque and a forward

Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R451

torque range of 200 to 900 ft-lb. The tools are compact, lightweight and feature a one-hand forward/reverse button, allowing

EMC-protected field cabling with hybrid-multiport distributors

technicians to be even more proficient on

Phoenix Contact has released its EMC-protected field cabling with hybrid-multiport distributors

the job. The extended anvil option allows

and push-pull connectors. With the multiport distribution concept, Phoenix Contact facilitates

access to tight spaces without compromis-

interference-free data cabling using Profinet or ethernet in industrial environments. With the

ing power.

combination of both units, users can implement a simple and EMC-compliant connection based

The 2145QiMAX line features a seven-

on the Profinet cabling directive. To do this, the multiport distributor combines the data and

vane motor that is over 15% more efficient

power interfaces to form one system. The seamless shielding concept prevents interference

than its predecessor, so companies spend

when transferring data, especially in the area of welding robots and conveyor systems.

less money on compressed air usage. The

With high-quality aluminium housings and CAT6A components, the system is rugged and

tools have easy-to-clean inlet pre-screens to

fit-for-the-future, Phoenix claims. The push-pull connector system ensures minimum installation

capture debris, resulting in less downtime

and maintenance costs. The matching push-pull connectors are quickly assembled on site

and better tool performance.

using IDC field connection technology. This connector system with EMC protection expands

CAPS Australia Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/

www.ECDsolutions.com.au

Phoenix Contact’s range of cabling for Profinet and ethernet applications in harsh environments.

Rittal Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/Q910

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012 - ECD SOLUTIONS 73

CASE STUDY

Standby power energy savings

M

onash University Clayton Campus in Victoria recently conducted a two-month pilot study to determine the financial benefits of installing the Australian designed EcoSwitch throughout the university’s office workstations. The EcoSwitch is an energy-saving device that cuts out standby power used by equipment and appliances, plugging in between a power point and power board.

A statistically representative mix of office staff workstations was selected for the pilot that typically employed a desktop or notebook computer, a monitor and a standard IP phone.

Post installation surveys were conducted after two months in which an 87% average utilisation rate was achieved. With this utilisation rate, based on 12c/ kWh, the estimated annual energy savings by installing 1200 EcoSwitches at the university is projected to be around 53 MWh, representing a return on investment in around 18 months.

A.B.N. 22 152 305 336 Head Office Cnr. Fox Valley Road & Kiogle Street, (Locked Bag 1289) Wahroonga NSW 2076 Australia Ph: +61 2 9487 2700 Fax: +61 2 9489 1265 Editor: Dannielle Furness dfurness@westwick-farrow.com.au Editorial Assistant: Alice Richard Chief Editor: Janette Woodhouse Publisher: Geoff Hird Art Director/Production Manager: Julie Wright Art/Production: Tanya Scarselletti, Jeanette Teuma, Colleen Sam Circulation Manager: Sue Lavery circulation@westwick-farrow.com.au Copy Control: Mitchie Mullins copy@westwick-farrow.com.au

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“Even if we had a utilisation rate of only 50% we would see a return on investment in just 2.7 years, which we are more than happy with,” said Raqibul Hassan, Office of Environmental Sustainability, Monash University.

“Businesses are becoming increasingly aware that reducing standby power will reduce electricity bills and have less impact on the environment. Upcoming price hikes are likely to put a serious dent in a lot of budgets, so it makes sense to start reducing electricity use now. Using the EcoSwitch is an easy and inexpensive way to do this,” said inventor and Carbon Reduction Industries Managing Director Rod Sheppard.

Other outcomes from the pilot study were: an 87% utilisation of the EcoSwitch reduced total energy consumption measured against BAU (business as usual) by around 30%; 100% of the study respondents were using the product at least “most days”; feedback responses from the study group included “love it”, “easy”, “simple” and “want to use some at home”; the majority of staff used the EcoSwitch because they held a positive attitude towards its implementation and ability to save power.

Carbon Reduction Industries Pty Ltd Contact info and more items like this at wf.net.au/R749

74 ECD SOLUTIONS - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012

March 2012 Total CAB Audited Circulation (Aust + NZ) 5,318 (87% personally requested)

ECD Solutions: ISSN 2201-2702 Printed and bound by Pegasus Print Group +61 2 8822 0716

All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them. Information indicating that products are made in Australia or New Zealand is supplied by the source company. Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd does not quantify the amount of local content or the accuracy of the statement made by the source.

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