03.2011.pdf
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Electrical RevueTRANSCRIPT
Inside this issue:
� Arresting developments� Smart meters: finding the right network� System enclosures to save energy� Computing power
FUEL CELL SYSTEM TECHNOLOGYREADY FOR FIRST INSTALLATION ACAL Energy and its development
partners have put the ground work in
place to install the world’s first
FlowCath fuel cell technology system
to be used in a practical application at
Solvay Interox, Warrington site. ACAL
Energy is a developer of fuel cell
engines based on a platinum free
cathode technology that will be a
clean and economically sensible
alternative to diesel and gasoline
generators.
The field trial system is planned for
installation in summer 2011, and will
provide back-up power for an
environmental remediation plant at
Solvay’s Warrington plant. The
installation is designed to help ACAL
Energy and its partners to understand
exactly how a back-up power system
powered by its FlowCath fuel cell
engine power module will operate in
a real application. The technology is
expected significantly to reduce the
balance of plant costs by eliminating
the need for hydration, pressurisation,
separate cooling and other
mechanical sub-systems commonly
required when using conventional
PEM fuel cells.
In the meantime, ACAL Energy is
completing the low cost design and
validation activity in its new laboratory
testing facilities, with the support of
partners including Johnson Matthey
Fuel Cells, UPS Systems, the University
of Southampton and the
Manufacturing Engineering Centre at
Cardiff University, which is essential to
meet the cost and performance
targets for a commercially viable
system.
This is the latest stage of a project
announced last year and partly
funded by the Technology Strategy
Board. Progress on the project to date
has been rapid and as a result, Solvay
Interox took the opportunity over last
summer to put in place the hydrogen
fuel supply and infrastructure ready
for installation of the back-up power
unit.
“We’re well on track for this
important next stage”, said Bob
Longman, VP Engineering at ACAL
Energy. “Our progress in the laboratory
stages has exceeded our expectations
and we are increasingly confident in
the performance of the whole
system.”
Bob McDonald, engineering
manager at Solvay Interox agrees: “We
are looking forward to supporting the
installation to supply back up power
for the remediation plant, which for
Solvay Interox is seen as an
opportunity to assess the technology
for its value as a cost effective,
sustainable back up power source“.
Switchgear Page 12 Surge protection Page 22 Enclosures Page 26 Design software Page 31
March 2011 Volume 244 No 3
Legrand has seen products
from its wiring devices and
cable management divisions
used extensively throughout
the newly reopened Savoy,
London.
The £220m project saw The
Savoy restored to its former
glory over three years, with its
two main design aesthetics,
Edwardian and Art Deco, being
carefully brought back to life
under the direction of world-
renowned designer Pierre Yves
Rochon. More than 1,000
craftsmen and women, artists
and artisans worked to create
interiors that were in keeping
with the original and much-
loved spirit of The Savoy, which
was established in 1889
Legrand supplied bespoke
chrome and brass roped edge
wiring devices from its Synergy
range for use in all guestrooms
and public areas, while its
Swifts cable tray and ladder
was used to carry power and
data cables through the hotel.
For the latest news, products and event information visit www.electricalreview.co.uk
SENTEC SCOOPS GREEN ENTERPRISE AWARDSentec, a smart grid specialist and
product development company, has
won the Green Enterprise Award at
the inaugural 2011 Entrepreneur
Country awards. Held at the Royal
Institution of Great Britain on 1
February, the winners were selected
by a panel of expert industry judges.
The awards were created to recognise
the success, innovation, and
achievements of UK businesses and
the leadership behind them. The
Green Enterprise Award was awarded
to Sentec following a nomination
from Greenbang editor, Dan Ilett, in
recognition of the company’s
contribution to the development of
green sector technologies.
ELECTRICALREVIEW
www.electricalreview.co.uk 03
Building energy management system (BEMS)
manufacturer Trend Controls Systems and
vocational training provider Apprenticeship
Training (ATL) have developed and are now
jointly delivering the UK’s first ever
qualification for building controls technicians.
The level 3 NVQ Diploma in Installing Building
Energy Management Systems is awarded by
EAL and endorsed by SummitSkills – the
sector skills council for the building services
engineering industry. It is the only nationally
recognised award specifically designed for
those wishing to embark on a career in BEMS
design, installation and commissioning.
The BEMS Diploma became available at the
start of this year and complies with the
regulatory arrangements laid down in the
government’s newly introduced Qualifications
& Credit Framework (QCF). Involving a
combination of on- and off-the-job training it
requires completion of a series of knowledge
and performance units. The former are done
at college and are the equivalent of the old
technical certificate element of an
apprenticeship. The performance units are
carried out in the workplace and require the
learner to demonstrate that they have the
practical skills to apply the knowledge they
have gained.
Trend’s learning and development
manager, Phil Prosser, is in no doubt about
the significance of the new BEMS Diploma:
“The previous lack of a proper qualification in
building controls has deterred people from
entering the industry, which has led to skill
shortages. Until now the only study options
available to them have been general courses
leading to technical certificates in electrical or
building services technology, parts of which
had no relevance to our sector. In contrast,
the college course element of the new
diploma has been precisely tailored to aid
subsequent workplace learning by focusing
on the underpinning knowledge required by
a BEMS engineer. This was made possible
through close cooperation between Trend
and ATL and, in particular, by ATL’s
willingness to listen to the needs of our
industry.”
The first people to gain the diploma are
likely to come from the latest group to join
Trend’s award-winning Attitude Advanced
Apprenticeship scheme. They have already
started their college studies at two of ATL’s
regional centres, where they will spend all of
the first ten weeks. Their on-the-job training
and assessment will be done either with
Trend or one of its system suppliers, with the
whole of the diploma programme completed
in around 30 months.
Wilts, the independent electricalwholesaler, has teamed up withInsurantz.com to offer its customersbusiness insurance at a discountedrate. Customers applying for a quotevia the linkwww.wilts.co.uk/insurance, canbenefit from 5% off their vehicleinsurance and 10% off theirtradesman insurance, suitable for arange of trades including one mancompanies through to largercontractors. Kevin Burns, Wilts’commercial director said: “We felt itmade good business sense to helpour customers find a low costbusiness insurance. We’ve had greatfeedback on this, it’s all aboutworking out what our customersneeds are and helping to providepeace of mind at a competitive rate.”
LONG WAIT FOR QUALIFICATION
Insurance offeredonline
03 | NEWS
10 | GOSSAGE
12 | SWITCHGEAR
18 | ENERGY EFFICIENCY
22 | SURGE PROTECTION
26 | ENCLOSURES
29 | DESIGN SOFTWARE
32 | PRODUCT WATCH
39 | CLASSIFIED
43 | BLOWN FUSE
There is no legal requirement to replace oil
filled switchgear with modern vacuum
types, the fact is,
most switchgear,
of any age, if
properly
maintained is both
safe and reliable
In a world seemingly obsessed by risk
assessment and analysis, it is ironic the
topic of surge or
overvoltage
protection seems
to be underplayed
and, at times,
misunderstood
Green IT is not only concerned with saving
energy, but involves other factors, such as
the use of non-toxic and recyclable
components.
nevertheless, the
key issue remains
saving energy,
which is unlikely to
change
ABB has won an order worth around
$180m (£112m), from utilities Statnett of
Norway and Energinet.dk of Denmark, to
supply an HVDC Light (high-voltage
direct current) converter solution to
support the interconnection of the
Norwegian and Danish power grids.The
500 kV (kilovolt) link is a new record in
transmission voltage using this
technology.
The underwater link will boost
transmission capacity between the
mainly hydroelectric-based Norwegian
system and the wind and thermal power-
based Danish system. It will enable both
networks to add more renewable energy
to their energy mix, and to use electricity
more efficiently. ABB will design, supply
and commission two 700 MW (megawatt)
converter stations based on the
company’s HVDC Light technology.
ABB WINS £112MUTILITY ORDER
NEWS/ CONTENTS
February saw the relaunch of the Call for Energy
Innovators initiative which invited inventors to
come forward with their ideas for making the
power networks more efficient.
Funding and product testing support is available
to assist innovators developing these products and
services.
The Call for Energy Innovators, led by Cheshire’s
Energy Innovation Centre, is backed by four UK
energy firms; distribution network operators CE
Electric UK, Electricity North West, ScottishPower
Energy Networks and Scottish & Southern Energy.
With rising energy demand and ambitious de-
carbonising targets, innovation has an increasingly
important role to play in enhancing the way power
is transported, monitored and stored.
The aim of the Call for Energy Innovators
initiative is to seek out technologies and processes
with the potential to revolutionise existing power
networks.
It is an opportunity for innovators to get their
ideas before the decision makers and make a real
difference to future energy provision in the UK and
beyond.
Industry expert and chairman of the Energy
Innovation Centre’s Investment Forum, Clive
Deadman, predicts this emerging market for
innovative energy related products and services will
be worth over £1bn per year in the UK alone by
2016.
The Energy Innovation Centre, launched in 2008,
is a specialist business incubator dedicated to
fostering innovation and accelerating cutting-edge
energy products to market.
Denise Massey, director of the Energy Innovation
Centre, said: “When we launched the Call for Energy
Innovators in conjunction with our industry
partners in October 2010 we saw a 50% increase in
enquiries to the Centre. As a direct result of these
enquiries we are now assisting a number of
individuals and SMEs in the development of some
exciting early stage technologies.
“The Energy Innovation Centre was created
specifically to help innovators navigate the complex
route to commercialisation and we hope the new
Call for Energy Innovators 2011 campaign will
encourage even more innovators to come forward
with their ideas for improving the energy industry.”
The Call for Energy Innovators 2011 is open to
both early stage development and existing
technologies with the potential for deployment
within the energy industry. It could even be a
technology already operational in another industry,
such as telecoms or retail.
Distribution network operators have a number of
roles including maintaining the performance and
safe condition of the networks, restoring supply
quickly should a fault occur, operating telephone
systems in relation to network faults and providing
new connections to the network.
Lawrence Fletcher, head of performance and
innovation for CE Electric UK, said: “The Call for
Energy Innovators 2011 provides the perfect
platform in which innovators or SMEs can bring
their innovations to fruition and optimise their
commercial opportunities.”
The Energy Innovation Centre offers a complete
range of services including product development,
funding assistance, business support and access to
power experts, and is committed to turning energy
saving ideas into commercial reality.
For more information about the Call for Energy
Innovators 2011 visit
www.energyinnovationcentre.com
FUNDING AND TESTING SUPPORTAVAILABLE TO INNOVATORS
04 Electrical Review March 2011
� The Electrical Contractors'
Association (ECA) has frozen its
membership fees for the coming
year. Steve Bratt, ECA Group CEO
said: “The ECA exists to help our
members and provide them with the
support they need to grow, and in
these difficult times it's not just a
case of growth, but for many,
survival. Therefore, we took the
decision not to add to our members'
financial pressures and to freeze our
membership subscriptions for 2011.
Despite keeping fees at 2010 levels,
we will continue to invest in existing
and new resources that we believe
will help members - whether that is
around tactics to improve cashflow,
contract negotiation, employee
relations, upskilling or future growth
opportunities.”
� German solar photovoltaic (PV)
manufacturer, Solarwatt AG, has
signed an installation and supply
agreement with UK-based Enexos.
Established in 2009 to serve the
emerging UK solar PV market,
Enexos will represent Solarwatt in
the large scale and middle SME
business sectors of the market, and
at the lower-end domestic and small
commercial applications through a
new distribution and installation
network currently being assembled.
IN BRIEF
NEWS
Fiera Milano this year launches E.TECH Experience, a
biennial international exhibition for the energy,
electrical systems and lighting sectors, taking place at
Fiera Milano (Rho), 16-19 November 2011.
The new event is organised in cooperation with
Federazione ANIE (Italian Federation of the
electrotechnical and electronics companies). E.TECH
Experience is an exhibition of energy-related products,
but also of services and solutions related to
generating power and bringing it into living and
working human spaces, helping us live in a
sustainable, safe, and efficient way.
“E.TECH Experience”, explains CEO. of Fiera Milano
Enrico Pazzali, “is an exhibition for the energy sector
that show innovative technology and meets the
increasingly sophisticated and complex requirements
of its end-users. This new trade fair is Fiera Milano’s
answer to the requests of the market we, and ANIE’s
Strategic Marketing Committee, discovered during the
design phase of the expo. E.TECH Experience is an
event that joins product specialisation with the
integration of the different sectors in the field. A
multi-target exhibition which addresses both the
operator interested in a single product and
those searching for system solutions.”
“I am sure this exhibition represents another
opportunity for our sector,” adds
Guidalberto Guidi, president of Confindustria ANIE.
“E.TECH Experience will give added
visibility to an important part of the Italian economy,
an industrial sector with earnings of �25bn in 2009,
and with prospects of medium term growth stronger
than the average in the manufacturing area. Our
companies are an excellent example of Made in Italy”.
E.TECH Experience is based on three major
merchandising sectors:
– Generation and distribution of electricity (E.TECH
Experience Energy);
–Components and electrical systems (E.TECH
Experience Building);
– Light sources and devices (E.TECH Experience
Lighting).
Special attention will be given to energy production
from renewable sources, a section of the exhibition
organised in collaboration with Enersolar+ e
Greenergy.
E.TECH Experience is intended to be a multi-target
event, suitable for every professional in the energy
field: including installers and maintenance staff,
system engineers and distributors. But also
construction companies, engineering and contracting
firms, architects, surveyors, large private end users
(facility managers, manufacturing industry,
communities) and public administration. For further
details visit http://www.etechexperience.com.
06 Electrical Review March 2011
� Following the success of the LIF
Seminars last year Lumicom, in
collaboration with Recolight, is
again sponsoring a series of
seminars that are being organised
and presented by the Lighting
Industry Federation (LIF) on the
following subjects:
• Latest developments in
LEDS/OLEDS
• Lighting controls and systems
• Latest legislation and standards as
they affect sustainability
The free seminars will be held
throughout March in London,
Birmingham, Bradford and
Edinburgh. For more details on
times and venues visit
www.lif.co.uk.
� An advertisement feature in the
Jan/Feb issue of Electrical Review
from Wilson Power Solutions
carried the incorrect telephone
number for the company. The
correct number is 0113 271 7588.
� Due to continued escalations in
key raw materials costs, DSM
Engineering Plastics has increased
prices for its Stanyl product range
on top of 2010 price increases. DSM
will increase its prices for flame
retardant grades by €300/tonne or
$450 tonne and non flame
retardant grades by a minimum
€200/tonne or $270/tonne by 1
March 2011.
IN BRIEF
NEWS
SHOW FOR ENERGY,ELECTRICAL
SYSTEMS ANDLIGHTING SECTORS
EDITORElinore Mackay 020 8319 [email protected]
ADVERTISEMENT MANAGERNeil Coshan 020 7933 [email protected]
PRODUCTION MANAGERTania King 020 7933 [email protected]
CLASSIFIED SALES EXECUTIVEJohn Steward 020 7933 [email protected]
PAID SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIESTel: +44 (0) 1635 [email protected]
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PUBLISHING DIRECTORChris Cooke
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Any article in this journal represents the opinionsof the author. This does not necessarily reflect theviews of Electrical Review or its publisher–St John Patrick Publishers
ISSN 0013-4384
All editorial contents © Saint John Patrick
Publishers Ltd 2011. Jan-Dec 2009 6,484
A trade partnership agreement between Jung
and The Wandsworth Group has recently been
put in motion.
Signed in February, the agreement gives
Wandsworth exclusive sales rights in the UK for
the ranges of wiring accessories and door
communications products manufactured by
Albrecht Jung. German-based Jung will continue
to manufacture the products and the move will
put Wandsworth’s 150-strong team behind the
drive and enable both companies to exploit the
synergies between their product ranges.
Gary Stevens, sales and marketing director at
Wandsworth, said: “There are many similarities
between the two companies, both have been
around since the beginning of the 20th century,
both are still family run businesses, both are at
the quality end of the market and are focused
on driving product development with innovative,
solutions-led ideas. By joining forces with Jung,
we instantly open up our existing range, at the
same time, we’re also adding wiring accessories
and door entry systems that match our existing
range for quality but complement it in terms of
design, enabling us to offer customers even
greater choice.”
JUNG AND WANDSWORTH GROUP JOIN FORCES WITH UK SALES RIGHTS
PEOPLEKlaxon Signals has announced theappointment of two new businessdevelopment managers. Martyn Corcoranhas been appointed business developmentmanager for Klaxon Fire and Industrial.Corcoran has over 20 years of experience inthe electronics industry, 10 of which havebeen dedicated to providing technicalknowledge to customers. With responsibilityfor all fire and industrial markets, Corcoran�sexpertise in signalling solutions will provevital in providing professional support tocustomers around the world. Clive Bould hasbeen appointed business developmentmanager for Klaxon Warning Systems.Specialising in wide-area notification andwarning systems, Bould has eight years ofexperience in project development andhealth and safety management. Commentingon his new role, Bould said: I�m lookingforward to expanding and developing
Klaxon�s presence in the wide-areanotification market as we have the products,knowledge and know-how to improve thesafety of sites in a variety of industries.
Greenwood Air Management hasappointed Ian Weakford as its newcommercial director. Weakford comes to therole with a wealth of experience in thebuilding products sector and has held seniorpositions within the Saint Gobain Group,most recently as sales director for Isover.Concentrating on the key drivers of energyefficiency, Building Regulations and G.I.P�Guaranteed Installed Performance�,Weakford will be promoting Greenwood�snext generation products and firmlypositioning them within the marketplace.
Martyn Corcoran Clive Bould Ian Weakford
NEWS
10 Electrical Review March 2011
OPINION GOSSIP/GOSSAGE
Unions the true CONSERVATIVES?Hats off to Redditch Council. The Conservative-run authority wants to use surplus heat from furnaces at the local crematorium tohelp keep nearby Abbey Stadium swimming pool warm. A brilliant idea, regularly found in Scandinavia. Judging by responses inlocal papers, pretty well received too by most residents, particularly as the Council think it will reduce overall fuel expenditure by£14,000 a year.
I suppose it is inevitable it is the unions that object. Listen to Roger Mackenzie, Unison’s West Midlands regional secretary wholambastes the idea as “sick”, “insensitive” and “an insult to local residents”.
He claims it demonstrates “yet again that the Conservatives know the price of everything, and the value of nothing.” Actually, itis cynics at whom that jibe is usually made. Far from being cynical, I think this is an excellent example of sensible, lateral thinking.So there. Trust the unions to be the true conservatives.
Resisting the urge to deletePing. A press release arrives from Friends of the Earth Europe. I resist thetemptation to delete. Instead I find it makes rather an interesting point. TheEuropean Union governments have signed up four energy-related targetsfor this decade. Targets which are binding upon, and therefore changepolicy, in all 27 countries.
Three of these – on climate change, on renewable energy, on bio-fuels –are all legally binding. The fourth is on energy efficiency. It is purelyvoluntary. And, as a result, it looks as though the 27 governments willnowhere meet it: European Commission figures forecast a 9% rather thanthe 20% improvement aspired to. Even though as FoE acidly point out, ofthe four targets, meeting the energy efficiency one would be infinitely thebest for the European economy.
Into the MINISTERIAL potFor the past ten years, the Big Six electricity companies have beenrequired by the government to help domestic consumers installenergy saving measures. How they stimulate any installations tooccur is entirely up to them, says the government. The companiessimply have to show enough insulation or cfls and so on have beeninstalled. Otherwise OFGEM the regulator will levy enormous fines.
The reason for this arcane arrangement is simple. Nowhere is itspecified exactly how much needs to be spent to meet any officialtargets. Therefore the scheme is not deemed to be a tax. And sodoes not get included within the Treasury’s books. At least, up untilnow.
All this changed in last November’s Comprehensive SpendingReview. The Treasury redefined such obligations as mandatoryexpenditure. It made an estimate of what each of the Big Sixneeded to spend to persuade householders to install thesemeasures. It then declared that such obligations to be putativepublic spending.
This book-keeping alteration has significant ramifications. Notleast for energy ministers, long fed up with all the kudos going tothe electricity and gas companies. Now they think: if such schemesare henceforth going to be scored against their Department’s total,why should we not take the credit, by taking full control of anyfunds raised?
In 2013, a new scheme – called the Energy Company Obligation –will start. Ministers rather like the idea of simplifying thisObligation. The energy companies will continue to provide themoney. But this time it will all go into a pot controlled by ministers.Who will determine how it is spent. And in that way will receive allthe gratitude from the beneficiaries themselves. Who just happento be voters.
A criminal bonanzaScoffers may not take the concept of trading carbon emissionsseriously. But there is one lot of people who most certainly do. Itis the international criminal fraternity.
The European emissions trading scheme was created sevenyears ago. It was meant to achieve two policy objectives. Thesewere to get heavy industry to use electricity more efficiently. Andto get the electricity industry to reduce the carbon intensity ofits supply mix.
Given that there have been a) far too many trading permitsissued and b) most of these have been made available free andgratis, it is not surprising the number of scoffers regarding thescheme’s actual impact has continued to grow. But now a newset of sceptics can join them.
The European scheme is proving a nice little earner forindustrial companies selling on their surplus permits, usually atdiscount prices, to electricity generators. The generators thenstore these away, against two years’ time when they will have tostart actually buying their permits. Meanwhile the generatorshave been making massive profits – worth €50bn according toWWF – from increasing their prices as if they had bought all theirpermits at the highest market rates. Rather than being givenmost free, and getting the rest on heavy discount.
Now into the mix have stepped some sharp-eyed members ofthe criminal fraternity, exploiting the lax on-line securityarrangements operating in many of the 27 participatingcountries. And simply breaking into existing carbon accounts, totransfer, and then selling on the carbon credits to innocentpurchasers. As almost anybody can set up – and then close down- a carbon registry, these intermediaries are proving very difficultto catch.
At least three million credits are officially acknowledged tohave been stolen – from the large cement company Holcim, fromthe Austrian and Greek registries, from a bunch of Czechaccounts. Consequently the entire system closed down for 16days last month. The strong probability is this is just the tip ofthe iceberg.
Even if a generator or an industrial company has bought anyof these stolen permits in good faith, they are then in receipt ofstolen goods. In the UK, these will be confiscated, and returnedto the original owner.
The US House of Representatives has just passed a resolutionnot to permit the development of a nationwide carbon tradingscheme. This has been done primarily because of dubiousnessabout the science of climate change. A much better justificationmight be that the one such scheme in existence is turning into acomplete criminals’ bonanza. Green fleeces, red faces.
12 Electrical Review March 2011
SAFETY, RELIABILITY or cost in any combination provide a real
incentive to evaluate existing switchgear in any application. In
spite of the fact there is no legal requirement to modernise
existing aged installations, the Health and Safety Executive, the
British Standards Institute and the Institution of Engineering and
Technology have all published documents relating to safety. By
the same token, major users of switchgear, such as the UK’s
Network Distribution Operators and the power generation
industry have also highlighted the need to modernise because
of the mission critical nature of their applications. Finally the
rising costs of maintenance and the, often, punitive penalties for
system failure have added a significant motivation
for renewal.
Dealing with safety issues first and foremost, it
must be reiterated that dangerous failures of
switchgear are rare. Unfortunately, rather like other
rare failures, such as aircraft malfunctions, the
consequences can be disastrous. Similarly, we only
consider within this article, the equipment itself
under safe and responsible operation, rather as we
would not consider human error to reflect on the
fitness for purpose of any other item of equipment.
The HSE makes clear in the introduction to its
excellent Electrical Switchgear and Safety – A
Concise Guide for Users that: In general, switchgear has a
proven record of reliability and performance. Failures are rare
but, where they occur, the results may be catastrophic. Tanks
may rupture and, with oil-filled switchgear, this can result in
burning oil and gas clouds, causing death or serious injury and
major damage to plant and buildings in the vicinity. Failures of
switchgear can also result in serious financial losses.
Having stated there is no law requiring users to replace aged
switchgear, it is a legal requirement to provide management
systems to ensure safety and minimise the risks of injury. To
comply with this obligation it is clear that switchgear must be
inspected, assessed and where necessary overhauled, repaired
or replaced.
This having been said, de-skilling and cost reductions in
some organisations have left them without the specialised
knowledge needed to properly assess the function, potential
risks and remedies where equipment is involved.
Switchgear suppliers must therefore provide intelligent and
conscientious assistance to users – which does not mean
simply selling them some new equipment!
Let's take a look at some of the dangers specifically
associated with the use of older switchgear. Among the most
important are:
� Lack of knowledge – users may not have enough
knowledge to be aware of the potential risks involved
� Overstressing – the switchgear may not be rated to handle
present-day full load currents and fault levels
� Modifications – the manufacturer may have issued
recommendations for modifications to ensure that the
equipment remains safe to operate. It is essential these are
implemented
� Dependent manual operating mechanisms – all switchgear
currently in use must incorporate operating mechanisms
that do not depend on the operator's strength and speed to
make and break contacts. Any switchgear that does not
meet this requirement is unfit for use
� Lack of proper maintenance – this is usually the result of
oversight, but may also be due to limitations imposed by
financial controllers in order to minimise shutdowns. It is
important that maintenance of older switchgear takes into
account the age and peculiarities of the equipment.
Addressing these issues involves implementing an effective
switchgear management system. A very good starting point
for this is Health and Safety Executive document HSG230
Keeping Switchgear Safe. The guidelines contained in this
document define records that need to be kept and keeping
these records will ensure that:
� The switchgear is not outside its managed life cycle
� The maintenance cycle and the maintenance work carried
out has taken into account the age of the switchgear
� The maintenance has been fully and correctly completed
� A full maintenance history is available
� All restriction notices have been considered and, where
necessary, appropriate actions have been implemented
� The Switchgear is known to fall in line with latest
requirements, such as independent manual operation,
anti-reflex handles
It is worth noting these records not only provide a
framework for increasing the reliable and safe operation of
the equipment, but also help to meet legal obligations, not
least those related to ensuring that employees are protected
from harm.
THERE IS NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO REPLACE AGED OIL FILLED SWITCHGEAR WITH MODERN VACUUM
TYPES. THE FACT IS MOST SWITCHGEAR, OF ANY AGE, IF PROPERLY MAINTAINED IS BOTH SAFE AND
RELIABLE. OIL FILLED SWITCHGEAR HAS BEEN WITH US A LONG TIME AND HAS PROVEN TO WORK WELL. IN
WHICH CASE WHY DOES THERE REMAIN AN IMPERATIVE TO UPGRADE OIL FILLED EQUIPMENT? THERE ARE
SAFETY, RELIABILITY AND COST CONSIDERATIONS THAT BELIE THE ABOVE STATEMENTS, AS TONY HARRIS
OF THE PBSI GROUP EXPLAINS
Caption
It is a legal
requirement to
provide
management
systems to
ensure safety
and minimise
the risk of injury
FEATURE SWITCHGEAR
Checking switchgear is a really SAFE BET
14 Electrical Review March 2011
Safety in practice Increasingly companies have become reluctant to operate
older switchgear locally – particularly oil circuit breakers. With
this in mind a minerals company recently ordered new
vacuum oil replacement breakers, P&B Switchgear’s VOR-M,
to replace old MV oil switchgear at its salt mining installation
in Cheshire.
Vacuum retrofit breakers have been installed to replace
11kV oil breakers at a major pharmaceutical plant in Speke,
Liverpool. This enables remote operation, as opposed to the
local, manual, operation of the old switchgear. Not only does
this ensure greater safety, but it also means switchgear can be
operated without personnel having to don cumbersome arc
flash protection clothing.
A major chemical company is also replacing old and
obsolete air switchgear with 415V switchgear with modern
compact air circuit breakers. During type testing of new retrofit
circuit breakers to replace 415V circuit breakers from two well
known, but now defunct, UK manufacturers, the original
isolating contacts from both designs failed catastrophically
under short circuit conditions. The fault level was within the
rating of the equipment when supplied many years ago,
indicating deterioration in performance of the contacts.
Fortunately, P&B Switchgear was able to supply alternative
type tested replacement isolating contacts with the circuit
breakers to ensure the customer has a safe installation – this
might perhaps start to ring warning bells with other
switchgear users.
Reliability is keyBecause diligently maintained and inspected switchgear of
any age can be considered safe, a greater incentive to
consider replacement or renewal of existing switchgear is
often reliability. Reliability in sectors such as power
generation, utilities, oil and chemical industries, transport and
so forth is crucial. However, accurately assessing mean time
between failures for switchgear is almost impossible. Hence,
these industries often regard it as beholden upon
themselves to mitigate worst case scenarios, however
potentially unlikely. Many operators resort to establishing
arbitrary maintenance procedures and time intervals based
on their type of switchgear, age of equipment, its location
and environment and so on. This usually involves high
degrees of guesswork, certain assumptions and, if reliability
is of paramount importance, a truncation of the service or
inspection intervals. None of which is particularly efficient,
but reliability trumps efficiency in such circumstances.
The main reasons for replacing switchgear are usually
because the age of the equipment is causing a high level of
maintenance, this in turn causing higher costs, lack of
availability (reliability) and difficulty in locating obsolete
spare parts. Some motives are to remove oil (safety)
although some companies have elected to introduce remote
operation on older switchgear as a cheaper way to improve
safety by removing the need for a local operator. Safety may
become a key driver for replacement in the future.
The use of the latest equipment with its inherent
monitoring and reporting facilities, increases efficiency and
hence reduces costs. However, in older plant, it is the
reliability, rather than the automation, of the system that is
the highest priority.
Reliability in practiceMost UK coal power stations were fitted with 11kV and 3.3kV
air break switchgear when they were built in the 1960s. Over
the past decade or so the circuit breakers have needed
increased maintenance. That, coupled with the difficulty in
obtaining spare parts for obsolete equipment, has led to many
of the older breakers being retrofitted with P&B Switchgear
vacuum circuit breakers. The overwhelming majority of these
power stations have ranges of fully type tested retrofit vacuum
breakers on most key circuits to increase reliability of operation.
This is manifest in increased time between maintenance and in
many cases, to increase the fault level to cater for additional
generation being added over time. P&B designs have been
type tested to well over 50kA rms, with peak making currents
and DC components enhanced far above the original, or
indeed, current IEC/BS requirements. Examples of this are at
Ratcliffe, Cottam, Ferrybridge, Fiddlers Ferry, West Burton power
stations to name a few.
The latest designs of breakers to replace oil types incorporate
resin embedded vacuum interrupters and magnetic actuator
operating devices for the ultimate in maintenance free, long life
operation. This is especially suitable when frequent use is an
important requirement, such as in process industries.
Costs are a key driver when assessing assets and running
expenses. This is in greater focus even in the power generation
sector, where costs have generally been less of a factor –
reliability and safety ranking higher. It is understandably difficult
to quantify costs and therefore economies in operating
switchgear. However, the impact of greater reliability and
perhaps just as significantly the ability to monitor and control
the installations have made substantial savings that greatly
offset the price of renewal of entire switchgear panels or the
upgrading of them using the latest relay technologies.
Cost justification in practiceReplacing switchgear is never high on the list of capital
requirements unless the previously discussed factors are
important. As mentioned earlier there are guides issued by the
likes of the HSE which assist users in the selection process of
replace, refurbish or retrofit, but the cost of the options is usually
a significant factor.
Often a straight forward approach is to simply remove the
old switchboard and install a complete new one. This delivers a
new installation compliant with the latest standards, but it is not
usually the most cost effective option, even when the protection
is to be replaced at the same time. Depending on the size and
type of substation, replacing the old with new switchgear is
likely to result in extra time and costs for building work, further
costs and, of course, potential risk in disturbing or replacing
cables that result in longer project timescales on site. It also
requires a complete shutdown. Since in many cases the
switchgear fixed portion is in good enough condition, these
issues can be avoided with a circuit breaker retrofit option, even
if the decision is to upgrade to modern protection relays.
Some companies consider the initial cost of a suite of retrofit
breakers and argue this amounts to perhaps70% of the price of
a new switchboard. However, when one takes into account the
additional costs described earlier, the overall installed price for
the retrofit option is typically nearer to 50%, with less disruption
and reduced downtime. The case for organisations to select
reliable partners has become increasingly important.
In older plant, it
is the reliability,
rather than the
automation, of
the the system
that is the
highest priority
FEATURE SWITCHGEAR
Switchgear in water control
WHEN THE SEARCH was on in the 1960s to find a viable
alternative to the potentially flammable, always messy and
sometimes carcinogenic oils used in the MV switchgear of the
era, SF6 must have seemed like a godsend. It combines
excellent electrical properties with chemical stability and low
toxicity. It’s non-flammable and low in cost. Unsurprisingly,
these very desirable characteristics lead to its widespread and
enthusiastic adoption in MV switchgear.
Unfortunately the picture was not quite as rosy as it at first
appeared. In particular, as concerns about the environment
and, in particular, global warming started to grow, it became
all too clear that SF6 had significant potential for causing
environmental damage.
Global warming is the consequence of the greenhouse
effect and this is usually associated with elevated levels of
CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere, which trap more of
the sun’s heat. CO2 is not, however, the only culprit; there are
many gases that are much more potent in trapping heat than
CO2 and, unfortunately SF6 is one of them. In fact, SF6 is
currently listed by the International Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) as the most potent greenhouse gas, with a global
warming potential 23,900 times that of CO2. That’s not all –
SF6 has an atmospheric lifetime of up to 3,200 years, so gas
released today will affect the climate for a very long time.
Clearly the release of SF6 into the atmosphere – which is
virtually impossible to avoid when the gas is used, no matter
how carefully it is handled – is highly undesirable. As a result,
SF6 is on the Kyoto list of substances, the use and emission of
which must be minimised. In fact, SF6 is now banned in most
of applications, but it is still permitted in medium-voltage (up
to 52 kV) and high-voltage (above 52 kV) switchgear. As a
consequence 80% of the SF6 produced in the world today is
destined for electrical applications.
It can be confidently expected legislation will ultimately be
introduced controlling the use of SF6 in switchgear. Some
measures are already in place, including the voluntary
programme of the Environmental Protection Agency in the
USA and the F-gas regulations that were introduced in Europe
in 2007. These legislative changes are already increasing the
cost of maintaining switchgear that uses SF6 as well as
starting to make its end-of-life disposal expensive and difficult.
It is worth mentioning poor environmental characteristics
are not the only shortcoming of SF6 – its use also gives rise to
potential health and safety issues. While SF6 itself is usually
considered to be harmless in normal concentrations, the
derivatives that are inevitably formed by the arcs created
during switching operations are another matter entirely.
These by-products, which include HF, SOF2, SF4 and S2F10,
are toxic. Granted they are produced in relatively small
quantities during the normal operation
of the switchgear, but they are likely to
be present when switchgear is
dismantled for maintenance or at the
end of its life. Further, should a fault
occur that causes an explosion in the
switchgear, these toxic by-products are
released into the surrounding area.
We have established there is a strong
case for avoiding the use of SF6 switchgear for new
installations. Not only is it harmful to the environment, it is also
likely to have a high lifetime cost, as the inevitable legislative
changes make the maintenance and disposal of equipment
that uses SF6 more and more expensive. But are there
practical alternatives?
In answering this question, it’s necessary to distinguish
between HV and MV switchgear. When it comes to HV
switchgear that operates above 52 kV, there are, at present,
few viable alternatives to SF6 in its switching role. However,
development is proceeding rapidly in this field and this
IN THE 1970S WHEN SF6 (SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE) WAS FIRST USED
IN MV SWITCHGEAR, IT SEEMED TO BE AN ALMOST IDEAL INSULATING
AND SWITCHING MEDIUM. SINCE THEN, THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND
OTHER HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH SF6 HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY
APPARENT, LEADING TO A SHIFT TOWARDS ALTERNATIVE TYPES OF
SWITCHGEAR THAT ELIMINATE ITS USE WITH NO COST OR
PERFORMANCE PENALTY. THIS MEANS, SAYS ALAN BIRKS OF EATON’S
ELECTRICAL SECTOR, THAT SF6 IS NOW YESTERDAY’S TECHNOLOGY
In short SF6 is
yesterday’s
technology; it’s served
its purpose but now
it’s obsolete
A range of MV solutions
SF6 – Yesterday’s TECHNOLOGY
16 Electrical Review March 2011
FEATURE SWITCHGEAR
situation can be expected to change in the not too distant
future.
However, for switchgear operating at below 52 kV, it’s a
completely different story. Practical and affordable alternatives
are readily available that make the use of SF6 completely
unnecessary. The best of this new generation of SF6-free MV
switchgear is based on vacuum interrupter technology used in
conjunction with solid insulation.
In addition to their almost negligible environmental impact,
vacuum interrupters have many other characteristics to
recommend them. Because of the way arcs behave in a
vacuum – they constantly move from point to point on the
electrodes rather than establishing themselves at a single
location, and they are always extinguished at the first current
zero – contact erosion in vacuum switching elements is almost
non-existent. This has two important consequences. The first is
that the switching elements require no maintenance, and the
second is that they have very long working lives. The latest
types are, for example, certified for 30,000 operating cycles.
Modern vacuum interrupters are ideally complemented by
solid insulation produced using cast epoxy resin technology.
This approach allows the parts to be shaped specifically for the
best possible insulation performance, with components such
as busbars and vacuum interrupters integrated directly into the
mouldings.
The use of solid insulation also allows excellent control over
electric fields in the switchgear. With conventional shapes for
the primary components like busbars and other conductors in
MV switchgear, the electric field is distributed in a manner that
is far from uniform. This means there are areas with high field
concentrations and, in these areas, there is risk of partial
breakthrough. This can trigger avalanches leading to
flashovers.
With solid insulation, however, engineers with experience of
breakthrough phenomena and field-steering techniques can
arrange for the components and insulation used in the
switchgear to be shaped in such a way that flashovers are
eliminated entirely, while still achieving a very compact design.
While the risk of internal arcs is very small with solid-
insulated switchgear, it is impossible to say, as with any kind
of switchgear, that there is no risk at all. However, solid-
insulated switchgear has the additional important benefit that
careful design can ensure that, if an internal arc event does
occur, its environmental impact is minimised. This can be
achieved by adopting single-pole construction, which means
that the only conceivable type of internal fault is a single-
phase short circuit, rather than a potentially more damaging
phase-to-phase short circuit.
In the best examples of solid-insulated switchgear, the
impact of internal arc events is reduced still further by arc
absorbers. These guide the gasses and smoke produced by
the arc out of the panel and they also have a large absorbing
surface that breaks up and filters the gases, greatly reducing
their potential for causing damage and injury.
Further benefits of solid-insulated switchgear over its SF6
counterpart include elimination of the costly and inconvenient
routine pressure checks that are always needed with SF6
equipment; and low end-of-life disposal costs. In fact, the
newest types of solid-insulated switchgear have been
designed specifically to make re-cycling of the components
used in them straightforward and inexpensive.
It is now clear there is an alternative to SF6 switchgear in
MV applications that not only eliminates the need to use this
environmentally unfriendly gas, but also offers very significant
benefits in its own right. Solid-insulated switchgear is safe,
compact and very cost-effective, especially when lifecycle costs
are considered. It offers dependable performance, it needs
minimal maintenance and it has a very long service life. What
possible reason can there be, therefore, for the continued use
of MV SF6 switchgear?
In truth, there is no reason. Specifiers and users of MV
equipment would be well advised, therefore, to avoid SF6
equipment for all new installations. In addition, end users may
wish to consider the benefits of replacing their existing SF6
equipment sooner rather than later, before the regulatory
regime relating to greenhouse gasses tightens still further and
pushes the costs associated with dismantling and disposing of
such equipment sky high.
A final thought for those who may be tempted to ignore
this call to action – your option to do that may not last much
longer! The use of SF6 in MV electrical equipment is still
tolerated only because it is currently considered a special case,
where there are no reasonable alternatives available. As we’ve
seen, that’s no longer true, and it’s not hard to predict the
relevant regulations will soon be changed to reflect this
development.
In short, SF6 is yesterday’s technology; it’s served its purpose
but now it’s obsolete. SF6 offers no technical or financial
benefits – in fact quite the opposite – so let’s confine SF6 MV
switchgear to the one place where it still belongs. And that, of
course, is a museum!
www.electricalreview.co.uk 17
SWITCHGEAR FEATURE
Eaton's medium voltage
switchgear can be used to
couple a tower's power
generation to the collector's
distribution system
18 Electrical Review March 2011
Caption
Long-range
radio has a
proven track
record in North
America for
smart meter
and grid
networks
FEATURE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
THE UK
GOVERNMENT IS
CURRENTLY
LOOKING TO SMART
METERS AS ONE OF
THE KEY INITIATIVES
TO DRIVE ENERGY
EFFICIENCY, TRANSFORMING THE
COUNTRY’S CONSUMPTION OF ENERGY
BY ENABLING CONSUMERS TO MAKE
INFORMED CHOICES REGARDING THEIR
ENERGY USE, LOWER THEIR BILLS AND
REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS. ANDY
SLATER, DIRECTOR AT SENSUS, EXPLAINS
Smart meters: finding the right NETWORK
SMART METERING communication technology enables
customers to view on an in-home display their energy
consumption as they use it. It also centralises usage data,
so meter readers don’t have to visit individual premises for
data collection. However, ahead of the UK roll-out there are
still important questions regarding the choice of the
network technology for smart meters which need clarifying.
The UK roll-out involves potentially 27 million homes at
a cost of around £9bn and while the government is
looking to accelerate the roll-out, it’s clear the network of
choice will play a vital role in the success of smart meters
and is therefore a key consideration. Currently it’s assumed
all UK homes will be connected to the network but the
reality is that connecting some electricity and gas meters is
harder for some proposed network solutions than others.
This is because meters typically live in hard to reach
locations, such as; under stairs, in basements and behind
cupboards.
The government and the utility industry are currently
evaluating which communication network would be best
suited for the UK roll-out; the two most debated options to
date are cellular and long-range radio. British Gas
announced a trial of smart meters, using cellular
technology in early 2010. However, more recently, BT
announced its consortium, SmartReach, with Arqiva, and
Detica using technology provided by Sensus to offer a
utility grade, dedicated and secure long-range radio
communications solution.
Selecting the right communication network for the UKsmart meter roll-outCellular provider Vodafone estimated in its Carbon
Connections Report (July 2009) that only 70% of UK homes
have cellular coverage to their meter cupboard. This is not
because of a lack of coverage, but due to cellular signals not
penetrating buildings to where meters are actually located.
Therefore if cellular was chosen as the network solution, what
would happen to the 30% (9million) of homes that don’t have
adequate cellular coverage to the meter?
In addition, analyst house Ovum suggested cellular had
been chosen as the communication network for the first
significant smart meter deployment in the UK (by British Gas),
not because it was the best but because it was believed to be
the only viable solution at the time the trial was announced.
Long-range radio has a proven track record in North
America for smart meter and grid networks but is a new
technology here in Europe (though it is now in trial in
Reading). Long-range radio technology was designed from
the outset for smart metering and grid applications. It offers
universal coverage, secure, and dedicated communications
for what we believe is part of the UK’s critical infrastructure,
like the TETRA radio system is for the emergency services.
Experience in North America has shown it to have a first time
connection rate to meters of greater than 99.5% within
coverage areas - ensuring a minimal number of homes are
left unconnected or requiring second visits.
Long-range radio is also highly reliable and is cost effective
www.electricalreview.co.uk
The non-surprise packagefor medium voltagesubstation projects
any ABB customers are now finding that their
current medium voltage (MV) power distribution
infrastructure no longer has the flexibility or
capability to handle additional network loads. This is
especially true for expansion projects in the industrial process
and oil and gas sectors, but also applies to the renewable
energy and railway industries.
The traditional approach is to either upgrade the existing
substation or to build a new one alongside it. This can be an
expensive and lengthy process with the added drawback of
considerable site disruption and the possible need for lengthy
power outages as circuits are transferred. That’s why a
growing number of customers are taking advantage of ABB’s
fast-track solution, based on modular systems in the form of
containerized switchgear.
PLUG AND PLAYThe key advantage of ABB modular systems is that they are
fully pre-engineered units, delivered to site ready to ‘plug and
play’. This approach ensures a more cost-effective overall
project that is some 20 percent faster to complete than the
conventional build on site route – typical timescales are 30 to
40 weeks from order to delivery. It also provides a smooth
changeover with only a short outage required, since it is just a
question of transferring over the cables.
REDUCED RISKA main benefit of ABB’s approach to modular systems is our
total focus on reducing customer risk. Rather than dealing
with several equipment suppliers and contractors they have a
single interface with ABB that provides full visibility of the
entire project from procurement to delivery, effectively
eliminating the possibility of unpleasant surprises.
A further advantage is that all of the critical equipment is
installed and tested under factory controlled conditions. This
keeps the actual work on site to a minimum. With only a few
contractors required, health and safety is enhanced and
disruption to normal operations is minimized.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?ABB modular systems have the flexibility to be tailored to meet
customer needs. A typical installation might comprise:
� Primary 11 kV and 33 kV switchgear (ZX1.2 gas insulated or
UniGear air insulated)
� Secondary 33 kV switchgear (SafeRing gas insulated)
� Protection relays
� Transformer
CHOICE OF COMPACT CONTAINERSModular systems are offered in a choice of robust outdoor
containers in steel, GRP or concrete to meet individual site
requirements. They are designed to last as long as the
application – at least 40 years.
The actual size of the container varies from five to 20 metres in
length, with a typical container being 10 metres long, 5 metres
wide and 4 metres high. This compact design enables the
container to be easily transported on a standard low-loader. It
also provides a small installation footprint, and this is sometimes
a key consideration at sites where space is limited, which is
often the case in the process industries.
MINIMAL CIVIL WORKSAt site the container is simply craned into position. Civil works
are minimal since all that is required is basic foundations, either a
concrete base or stilts for the container to rest on – this results in
a significant reduction in project costs.
GROWING UK INTERESTIn the UK, modular systems are clearly an idea whose time has
come. In the past two years ABB has completed over 20
installations for applications including chemical plant, gas
storage projects, windfarms and railway power upgrades. The
consistent feedback we have from customers shows that they
come to ABB for our innovative switchgear products, the
capability to save space on their site and our depth of
experience in delivering time and cost critical projects.
For more information please email
[email protected] or call 01925 741111
www.abb.com/mediumvoltage
M
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
20 Electrical Review March 2011
to deploy as it requires minimal infrastructure, also making it
easy to maintain. It enables software upgrades and pricing
changes to be broadcast to all meters simultaneously and
also offers a prioritisation channel for emergencies and
alarms. In addition to the connectivity of the network, some
other critical considerations for the smart meter programme
success include:
Availability - Public networks like cellular can have a high
level of network availability but, because they are used by the
consumer market, performance can be affected by network
congestion at peak and sometime critical times. To avoid
conflict, the communication network needs to be dedicated
and designed specifically for the utilities.
Survivability – Smart meter networks will need the ability to
continue to deliver a service even in the presence of a failure
or accident. Private networks can achieve a high degree of
survivability but public network technologies lack adequate
back-up power so can become unserviceable after quite short
periods of power interruption and can remain unavailable
until power has been restored. Using Power line
communications means loss of the supply cable can affect
the ability to manage the network itself.
Coverage - The diversity of utility environments and the mix
of urban and rural areas means achieving a high first-time
connection rate for meters with some technologies can be
difficult. This could be detrimental to the effectiveness of the
roll-out and result in additional engineering costs and second
visits to homes adding cost and complexity.
Security - The protection of sensitive data and the control of
access to critical systems is key to the success of the roll-out
but problematic when the network is not secure and
dedicated. The more elements there are and the more public
a network is, the harder it becomes to secure it adequately.
Evolution from smart meters to the smart gridAt the moment the GB ‘smart’ project is clearly retailer led,
with a focus on smart meters and the customer experience.
However, in other markets it has been shown equal benefits
are realised through smart grid features, particularly in
ensuring security of energy supply. In Europe, where the
energy utilities remain vertically integrated, ‘smart’ projects are
being specified with the active participation of the distribution
network experts. Smart grids enable distributors to manage
their networks more efficiently with real data to facilitate
better planning and management of peaks.
Within the GB project smart grid requirements are currently
very light, and there’s a risk that the functionality required of
the network to support future smart grid operations will be
missed. If this happens it will be difficult and expensive to fit
retrospectively, indeed aspects like network latency, multicast
and broadcast features, may not be able to be addressed if
the wrong technology is selected at the outset.
Energy efficiency must be a key considerationWhichever communication network is selected for the UK, it
must be the one that offers the best quality of service to
consumers and business, supports a roadmap to future smart
grid services, is secure and cost efficient to roll-out.
At the moment
the GB ‘smart’
project is clearly
retailer led, with
a focus on smart
meters and the
customer
experience
FEATURE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
22 Electrical Review March 2011
It is not only
direct lightning
strikes that can
induce
damaging
overvoltages in
to internal
power grids
FEATURE SURGE PROTECTION
IN A WORLD seemingly obsessed by risk assessment and
analysis, it is ironic the topic of surge or overvoltage
protection seems to be underplayed and, at times,
misunderstood. Indeed it is only now surge protection as
an issue is likely to be included in amendments to the
17th edition of the Wiring Regulations due for publication
in July of this year.
Yet the need for such protection is largely self-evident
as industry and commerce relies more and more on
devices that are hugely sensitive to voltage surges and
spikes. There’s even a case to look more closely at the
residential market, since by our estimations 99% of homes
in the UK have no form of primary device installed to
counteract the damaging effects of both naturally
occurring ie. lightning strikes and mechanically-induced ie.
load switching surges.
In addition the growth of alternative energy systems
such as photovoltaics (PV) and wind turbines, both of
which are prime targets for events such as lightning
strikes and the subsequent energy flow downstream,
means surge protection should figure much higher up the
agenda in system design and protection than is currently
the case.
It is worth remembering it is not only direct lightning
strikes that can induce damaging overvoltages into
internal power grids; indirect strikes
too, such as on an overhead line
system, are capable of inflicting
damaging surges. Even within the
confines of a factory or commercial
office block, events such as load
switching ie. motors, fluorescent
lighting etc and earth faults, short
circuits can cause transient
overvoltages, though normally of a
lower magnitude.
Given the variety and probability of
overvoltage occurrences it would seem
prudent to adopt surge protection
measures that provide a safe and easy
path for overvoltage and currents to
flow to earth / ground from lightning
strikes and other surges.
Obviously coordinating the types of surge protection
devices employed is key to combating the damaging and
disruptive effects of overvoltages. Typically this involves
the following classifications of device;
Type 1: these devices are capable of discharging a very
high lightning current, into the power distribution system.
They are installed in the main electrical switchboard when
the building is equipped with a lightning protection system.
Type 2: these are surge protection devices designed to
discharge the currents generated by indirect lightning
strikes and causing induced or conducted overvoltages on
the power distribution network. They are installed in the
main distribution switchboard.
Type 3: these are surge protection devices installed as a
supplement to Type 2 devices and are designed to reduce
the overvoltage at the terminals of sensitive equipment.
Their current discharge capacity is very limited. As a
consequence they should not be used alone.
Cooper Bussmann’s new range of Type 1 and 2 devices
initially offers system installers and users the choice of
SPDs for PV and IEC installations. As previously mentioned
the growth of PV systems has brought its own particular
challenges to surge protection, in answer to which the
company has launched a device specifically for protecting
equipment in these circumstances.
ALAN REED, LOW VOLTAGE PRODUCT
MANAGER, COOPER BUSSMANN,
ASSESSES NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN
THE SURGE PROTECTION MARKET
Right: Shift work – surgeprotection is vital for productivity
Solar so good - the new PVSPD features SCI technology
Arresting DEVELOPMENTS
Bussmann's IEC SPD witheasyID status verification
www.electricalreview.co.uk 23
SURGE PROTECTION FEATURE
The PV SPD features a fault-resistant Y circuit
consisting of three protective varistor circuits and a
combined disconnection and short circuit interruption
(SCI) mechanism integrated in a single package. The
SPD, with its unique SCI, gives safe and reliable
protection from overvoltages and overcurrents without
offering a fire risk to the system. Even with voltages as
high as 1200V dc, the arc, which will occur in the SPD on
activation, is extinguished quickly and safely.
A specially developed fuse is integrated into the short
circuit path to ensure safe electrical isolation on
operation of the SPD. This allows safe replacement of
the module without external damaging arc formation.
This design combines surge protection, fire protection
and protection of personnel all in one package and is
the only true UL 1449 3rd edition recognised SPD for
photovoltaic protection on the market.
The IEC range offers both type 1 and 2 devices. It is a
range that features high surge discharge capacity due to
the heavy-duty zinc oxide varistor and spark gap
technology.
Whatever combination of devices is chosen to provide
the optimum defence for equipment, there are still other
considerations to bear in mind. One of these is that any
device has a finite life ie. every time it operates its useful
life degrades. The greater the transient hit, the greater
the degradation. For this reason it’s important to have
some kind of visual indicator as to the status of the
device. The easyIDTM visual indicator comprises a small
window that shows green if the device is fully
operational or red if the device has operated and
therefore needs replacing. Status monitoring has been
further enhanced by the inclusion of optional remote
contact signalling.
Other advancements made by the company for its
SPD range include the adoption of a colour coding
system according to the application for which the
product is destined, allowing for easy initial specification
and accurate replacement of devices upon operation.
Hence the initial applications – PV, and IEC are
correspondingly coded yellow and red respectively, while
later releases for the wind, telecoms and UL markets are
correspondingly coded white, blue and black
respectively.
Both the PV and IEC ranges feature DIN-rail mounting
for ease of installation and special rejection features on
both base and pluggable module to ensure that
inadvertent use of the wrong ratings is avoided. Each
module can be removed quite simply by pressing the
plug release button yet when installed neither shock, nor
vibration, nor the enormous forces of the discharge
affect the safe connection to the base.
With the initial launch of these two ranges and with
the subsequent SPD products to come, Cooper
Bussmann is leveraging its expertise in overcurrent
protection to encompass overvoltage protection,
effectively bringing a one stop shop for specifiers and
installers looking for proven solutions.
Bolt from the blue - lightning causes damaging surges
e-lec-tri-cal*
check out our new website*www.electricalreview.co.uk
THE USE OF POWER saving server systems, using classic
technologies such as APM (Advanced Power
Management) and ACPI (Advanced Configuration and
Power Interface), has now become an industry
standard. There has also been a great deal of
progress made in regards to the energy efficiency
of CPUs within modern systems, in some cases
saving up to 90%. However, the methods and
systems that ensure data centre infrastructures
save power are far more interesting than the
above-mentioned technologies.
Uninterruptible power supplies and climate
control systems play a central role in green
IT as, alongside the servers, the UPS and
cooling systems consume the most energy.
Progress made in semiconductor technology means
there are nowadays no problems in building UPS systems
without a transformer. A DC booster is used for the
transformer-less technology which is a DC/DC converter
that converts the voltage behind the rectifier to a
significantly higher direct voltage. This increased direct
voltage then allows the inverter to create a higher
alternating voltage without needing a downstream
transformer.
Transformer-less technology provides several
advantages. Firstly, UPS systems without transformers can
be built with very compact dimensions. Secondly, the
transformer is not exactly a ‘lightweight’ which means
OFTEN YOU HEAR PEOPLE TALK OF ‘GREEN IT’ BUT, LOVE OR LOATHE IT,
IT’S HERE TO STAY AND PROVEN TO BE MORE THAN JUST A PASSING FAD,
TODAY IT IS RATHER AN ECONOMIC NECESSITY. GREEN IT IS NOT ONLY
CONCERNED WITH SAVING ENERGY, BUT INVOLVES OTHER FACTORS,
SUCH AS THE USE OF NON-TOXIC AND RECYCLABLE COMPONENTS.
NEVERTHELESS, THE KEY ISSUE REMAINS SAVING ENERGY, WHICH IS
UNLIKELY TO CHANGE. THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR IT
MANAGERS TO SAVE ENERGY, BUT IN REALITY SUCCESS CAN ONLY BE
ACHIEVED THROUGH A COMBINATION OF METHODS
Designing system enclosures to SAVE ENERGY
FEATURE ENCLOSURES
Air to air heat
exchangers
Air-air heat
exchangers use the
ambient air to cool
the air within the
enclosure interior
systems without one are significantly lighter than
conventional systems with one. Furthermore, the noise level
of a UPS system without a transformer is significantly less
than a comparable system with one. The efficiency over the
complete load range is better for the transformer-less
technology than for UPS systems with transformer.
Powerful UPS systems, such as the PMC (Power Modular
Concept) from Rittal, can provide efficiency up to 95 % at
under full load and up to 94% under partial load or with
non-linear loads, CO2 emissions can also reduced by
around 20%.
Battery management systems should also be considered
to monitor all the relevant data such as battery voltage,
internal resistance, discharge curve and temperature. This
data can then be evaluated and used to control the
charging process which can increase the lifetime of the
battery by up to 30%.
System integrators and engineers should increasingly
think about the enclosure and approaches to thermal
management foremost in the design process. This used to
be something of an afterthought, which can lead to a poor
and ineffective system cooling solution, creating the
problem of excessive energy costs for the end user as well
as expensive down time, due to premature component
failure.
So much of today’s selection criteria for an optimal
enclosure solution centres on thermal performance.
Thermal performance, more than any other single element
of the design, will form the base line for the design of any
enclosure. Depending on the application, size, and external
ambient and internal heat load can each have an impact on
the design used to solve the system cooling. As equipment
is becoming smaller and requires dissipation of larger heat
loads, a larger portion of the design effort should be
dedicated to optimising the thermal efficiency of the
system.
Fan and filter units are still ideal for dissipating heat
loads cost effectively. The pre-requisite is the ambient air
must be relatively clean and with a temperature below the
desired enclosure internal temperature. Products are also
now available with EMC shielding and IP54 protection
category as standard and by utilising fine filter mats and
hose-proof hoods higher IP ratings can also be achieved.
However, in many situations, this method of cooling is not
ideal, especially in environments with higher ambient
temperatures or where dust or oil particles may be present.
Air-air heat exchangers use the ambient air to cool the air
within the enclosure interior. Based on the counter flow
principle, the completely separate airflows are routed
through the heat exchanger by powerful fans; separating
the internal and external air circuits prevents the ingress of
dust into the enclosure. Air-air heat exchangers are best
suited where the ambient air temperature is below the
required enclosure internal temperature.
Cooling units maintain the enclosure internal
temperature at a constant particular level which is often
below the ambient room temperature. Two separate circuits
ENCLOSURES FEATURE
A Rittal air-air heat exchanger
prevent the ingress of dust from penetrating the enclosure.
This option is normally available as a wall or roof mounted
option and can be individually tailored to suit each particular
application.
Air-water heat exchangers are a relatively low
maintenance option to effectively dissipate high heat loads.
By using the spatial separation of the heat exchanger and
the re-cooling system, the room housing the enclosure is not
burdened with the waste heat. In all areas with extreme
ambient conditions, enclosure and climate control
components are subject to special requirements but for
application areas with high ambient temperatures up to 70°C
and extreme dust contamination this technology offers an
effective solution.
Recooling systems ensure centralised, efficient cooling
using a cooling medium (generally water), to dissipate
particularly high heat loads. These units can serve several
pieces of equipment simultaneously such as the air-air
heat exchangers. If the equipment has different
requirements in terms of inlet temperatures or flow rates,
multi-circuit systems can be tailored to the respective
needs. Units can be provided for either internal or external
siting for a vast range of kW cooling capacity.
Direct cooling packages are best for effectively cooling
power electronic components. Heat loads are cleverly
dissipated from the enclosure or housing using cold pate
technology without compromising the high enclosure
protection. Devices such as inverters are physically attached
to a cooling plate which is fed by cold water from a re-
cooling unit. This method of cooling is not only quiet, but also
a thousand times more efficient than heat dissipation via air.
Liquid cooling packages (LCP), cater for extremely high
heat loads typically found in IT or server racks. Liquid cooling,
using water as the medium to transfer energy can offer the
solution to localised cooling due to its close proximity to the
racks. Manufacturer Rittal’s LCP is fitted as an extension to
the rack or, in some cases, inside the rack itself so cooling
takes place where the heat actually rises – in the server rack
itself. LCP needs to be fed with a constant flow of water at a
specific temperature to feed the air-water heat exchangers -
normally an external IT fluid chiller. However, significant
energy savings can be made if free cooling is used. A free
cooling unit (FCU) uses the outside ambient air to cool the
heated water by means of built in fans and delivery pumps
which are integrated into the cooling unit. Free cooling
cannot be used in a unrestricted way in every region and
only functions when the external air temperature is at least
3k below the allowed inlet temperature of the cold water
system (so is ideal for anywhere within the northern
hemisphere). Depending on geographical location, up to 50%
of the water can be cooled by free cooling, again, offering
significant energy savings.
Today the data centre is not only being scrutinised for up
time but is also importantly targeted on its environmental
impact. For years silicon chips just burned energy to ensure
that the data rates were maximised, now, as a result, the
carbon footprint is a significant factor in any data centre
design. We know the carbon footprint looks at the effect of
the generation of CO2 into the environment but the more
CO2 we generate the more the planet needs to absorb, and
to maintain that balance is essential.
Hot aisle cold aisle systems are a common method of
delivering cold air to the servers within a data centre. Using a
computer room air conditioning system, generally
abbreviated to CRAC, the cold air is pushed under the floor.
Using vented tiles, statically positioned in front of the server
enclosures, allows cold air to escape and then pulled into the
server inlet. In essence a CRAC system can be broken down
into three elements, an air to water heat exchanger, a fan
and a chiller to provide the cold water. The hot air within a
data centre is drawn through the heat exchanger by the fan
and then the cold air is dispersed under the floor. Therefore,
when looking at energy efficiency, there is a need to look at
these elements in detail.
Software calculation programmes, such as Rittal Therm, for
the climate control of enclosures, have been developed to
eliminate the laborious calculation of climate control
requirements. An easy to use interface leads the user to the
appropriate and correctly dimensioned cooling solution
Whether your requirement is for a new build or upgrade
you can tune the energy savings to not only meet your
business needs, but also provide a future proofed, energy
efficient system. Going green is not a fad; it is ‘good
engineering’.
Air-water heat
exchangers are a
relatively low
maintenance option
to dissipate high
heat loads
28 Electrical Review March 2011
FEATURE ENCLOSURES
A Rittal UPS
ULTIMATELY, SIMULATION software has to answer
questions like, ‘If I make the device smaller, can I still get
the performance I need?’ Performance may mean
keeping the electric stress levels within a specified range,
maximising a force, or keeping the temperature below or
above a certain value. Thus the designer wants to
conveniently change dimensions, materials, or other
properties to find an optimal solution.
For many problems, the limiting factor is still
computational speed. In the past the major gains in
computational speed were achieved by increasing the
clock speed of the CPU. These gains have now been
maximized for the current technology. Of course this may
change with the advent of a new technology, but
fundamentally the speed of any serial computation is
limited. Thus the focus of computing for computationally
intensive calculations has changed.
Unlike serial computing, the limiting factor for parallel
processing is the physical number of CPUs and their
associated memory that can be linked together. From a
programming perspective, however, the simplicity of
serial programming is lost when parallel computations
are involved. In fact, for some tasks, parallelising has no
benefit as the current computations are dependent on
previous computation. For most practical simulation
software applications, the multicore processors available
today can often scale up the speed of computations
radically. Depending on the method used to do the
simulations, the solution time can be reduced close to
linearly with the number of cores being used. When
simulating electric and magnetic field using integral
equation methods such as the boundary element
method, it can be demonstrated that the algorithms are
inherently parallelisable. This assumes modern day
programming tools are used with extreme care taken for
parallel data management. Other simulation methods
such as the popular finite element method can be
parallelised as well. Unlike the boundary element
method, however, the method does not lend itself easily
to parallel computations.
A couple of final points should be made regarding
computing power. Many problems can be solved using
two-dimensional or rotationally symmetric models. For
many of these problems, solutions can be attained in
reasonable times with simple serial machines with 4Gb
of memory. Parallel computations for these problems are
still a plus of course. This is more true for transient
problems where we have now added the time domain.
For full three-dimensional models, computation time
can still be the major bottleneck. Thus, parallel
computations have become a necessity in order to
increase the complexity of the models as well as to
increase the number of models to be solved for a given
optimisation. At the time of writing this article, a
personal computer with sixteen processors and 96Gb of
memory can be (almost) routinely purchased. For many
3D problems this is certainly adequate, however far
greater computing power is required for interdependent
coupled programs cluster computing, using thousands of
processors will likely be the next wave.
Integration with CADIn the first section of this article, we briefly discussed the
computational power and how it relates to solution
times and ultimately to realistic simulations. This section
looks at the part of simulations which is more difficult to
quantify, but certainly as important. That is, the tools
available to get realistic models into the computer.
Normally the most challenging part of this is getting the
geometry of the problem into the program. The other
Electric stress calculations using
the Boundary Element Method
www.electricalreview.co.uk 29
DESIGN SOFTWARE FEATURE
A NUMBER OF FACTORS SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE THE ABILITY TO IMPROVE THE DESIGN
OF A PRODUCT. FROM THE COMPUTATIONAL OR ANALYSIS END, THAT ABILITY IS LIMITED
BY THE COMPLEXITY OF A MODEL THAT CAN BE USED. BRUCE KLIMPKE, TECHNICAL
DIRECTOR OF INTEGRATED ENGINEERING SOFTWARE EXPLAINS
Computing POWER
physical properties, materials, boundary conditions, and
sources are relatively easy-to-handle once the geometry
has been properly defined. For two-dimensional (or
rotationally symmetric) problems, either creating the
geometry from a drawing or getting it from a CAD
program is relatively simple. The advanced finite and
boundary element software have sophisticated tools to
repair bad 2D geometry with relative ease. So we will
keep the discussion to full 3D solid models.
As mentioned, handling other considerations is
straightforward once the geometry is properly defined.
So the key question is what constitutes a ‘properly
defined’ geometry. For finite and boundary elements, this
means a geometry that can be meshed or, in other
words, a geometry that can be used to create a finite or
boundary element mesh. The difficulty with CAD
drawings is they may have to serve different purposes
which require different degrees of precision and possibly
different topology.
Most CAD drawings are created for the sole purpose of
being able to visualise the parts and subsequently the
assemblies that finally make the full product. Thus, as
long as the geometry looks visually correct, then the
drawing has served its purpose. Even for producing a bill
of goods or producing some costing based on these
models they are adequate. In almost all cases, these
models lack the precision or topology required for a
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) analysis. To do a
finite element or boundary element analysis to calculate
the electric or thermal fields, the geometry of the model
and the topology have to be defined precisely. One of
these requirements is each volume has to be defined by
a set of surfaces that meet up or join together with no
spacing or overlapping. This condition is practically
referred to as ‘water tight’ volumes of geometry. As the
name suggests, the surfaces would all meet together
with enough accuracy that if the volume was filled with
water, none would leak out. Creating volumes with these
stringent requirements requires the CAD operator to be
aware of this in the first place as well as having the skills
to produce volumes meeting these strict conditions.
Producing these water tight geometries may simply not
be worth the effort unless a CAE solution is required in
the first place. And, even if a company is intending to do
electric or thermal simulations the resources may not be
available to initially create these models properly.
Another major problem with CAD drawings is the
topological demands required for CAE analysis are
different from other requirements. This is simply
illustrated by the example of two boxes. Assume we
place a small box on top of a large box. In this case the
small box shares a common area with the large box. This
common area must be identified in the CAD model for a
finite element or boundary element mesh to be
generated directly from the CAD model. As this
requirement is only needed for the CAD model, this is
rarely done.
Thus some major obstacles have to be resolved in
order to go from CAD drawings to meshes suitable for
electrical and thermal field simulation. Assuming the
problems exist in the CAD drawing or the drawings
containing ‘dirty geometry,’ two approaches can
generally be used to resolve the problem. The first
approach is to try to ‘heal’ the original geometry such
that it can be directly meshed. The second is to generate
an ‘approximate’ mesh which fits the original dirty
geometry and then refine it until specified tolerances are
not met. Like most cases, both approaches have their
merits and drawbacks. And depending on the problem at
hand, one may be better than the other.
What is certain is designers will continue to press for
more seamless integration between solid modelers and
simulation tools.
Transient solutionThe previous section dealt with getting the geometry of
the problem in. In this section we will consider what is
involved to get the time dimension into the simulation.
In general, if we had infinitely fast computers we
would likely model most problems in four dimensions
(time plus x, y, z special dimensions) as it would
represent the real world we live in. Of course human
time would be wasted if no advantage was found to
modeling all four dimensions. Even with today’s
computers, modeling 3D geometry problems and adding
in the time dimension can result in impractical solution
times. However, solving 2D geometry problems and
adding in the time dimension is quite practical for most
problems provided parallel algorithms are used to solve
the spatial part of the solution. Obviously we can do little
in terms of parallelising the time dimension as time
marching requires knowing the nth solution before
obtaining the (n + 1)th solution.
One very effective way of dealing with the time
dimension is to get equivalent electrical or thermal
models of the device (electrical resistance, capacitance,
conductance, inductance, and the equivalent thermal
properties) and use these in a system of circuit equations.
Thus we completely remove the spatial dimensions from
the problem and represent the geometry as lumped
elements. We then use an ordinary differential equation
solver to get how the device responds in time. If we have
electrical components only we end up with a circuit
simulator. If we add in thermal, mechanical, vibration,
CFD, and thermal lumped parameters we require a
system simulator. Sources are typically voltage and
current for the electrical part of the simulation and
temperature and heat for the thermal. The advantage of
system simulator is obviously the speed at which very
large intertwined systems can be solved. Obviously,
reducing the real world problem from four dimensions to
one will enable this. In practice, the lumped circuit
models can often be determined form a static FE/BE
(finite element/boundary element) analysis and these
lumped parameters imported into the systems simulator.
If possible, this is normally the best approach in terms of
computer efficiency.
For many real world applications, such as eddy current
problems, the full transient solution is required. Most
thermal applications require the spatial dimensions as
Some major
obstacles have to be
resolved in order to
go from CAD
drawings to meshes
suitable for electrical
and thermal field
simulation
30 Electrical Review March 2011
FEATURE DESIGN SOFTWARE
the heating and cooling of parts over time is quite
positional dependent. The key to solving time dependent
problems is choosing a proper time step or having
software which adapts the time step automatically.
Choosing too large of a time step will produce
unacceptable error. Reducing the time step to
unnecessary small sizes can increase computer solution
times significantly. Although not immediately obvious,
having too coarse a spatial mesh will produce un-
meaningful results as well.
Coupled electromagnetic and thermal analysisExcept for the case of superconductivity whenever current
is flowing, losses occur. In addition, there are always
additional losses from time varying fields such as
dielectric and hystenysis losses. In most cases, these
losses are unwanted and reduce the efficiency of the
device. In addition, the unwanted heating may severely
limit the operation of the device and the location that it
can be placed. There are some special applications such
as induction hardening and heat treating where the
heating effect is desirable. In both cases, however, being
able to model the heating source and subsequently the
temperature profile is essential if heating or cooling
effects need to be considered in the design process. For
most high voltage applications the primary heat sources
are the current squared losses in the wires (conductor
losses) and induced eddy current and hysteris losses in
the steel in or surrounding electrical equipment such as a
transformer. Depending on the frequency and size and
shape of the electrical conductors the losses may be
strongly dependent on skin and proximity effects. These
can be accounted for in the electrical simulation but their
effects can be computationally expensive. To solve these
coupled problems requires the designer to be familiar
with both electromagnetic fields as well as thermal fields.
If the designer decides that during a coupled thermal-
electromagnetic analysis is required, the next step is to
determine the level of coupling needed.
For most problems, the first approximation is the
electromagnetic simulation is independent of the thermal
analysis. Theoretically, this is never the case as the
electrical conductivity, permeability, and hysteris effects
are functions of temperature. For most problems
operating in moderate temperature ranged (-20C to 90C),
these effects can be ignored, and, as importantly, the data
of such things as nonlinear permeability as a function of
temperature may not be practically available.
So the first order approximation is to solve the
electromagnetic (EM) problem to calculate the losses or
heat sources for the thermal analysis. The thermal
problem is then solved to acquire the temperature
distribution throughout the device. The key thing from the
designer’s point of view is the link between the two
analyses should be seamless. If not, the human error will
certainly creep into the simulation process.
The next level of simulation would be to feed back the
thermal results to the EM simulation to update the
material properties. This process would then continue
until a steady state was reached. If the problem was a
general transient, then a self-consistent solution would
have to be attained at each time step. As a last note, in
general, the time constants between a transient thermal
analysis and a transient EM analysis can be radically
different. Thus very specialised techniques are required to
deal with this problem.
OptimisationRarely are simulation tools used to determine the
performance of one specific design. The role of
simulation software is usually twofold. First of all, the
designer can try out radically new designs without the
possible prohibitive costs of actually making the design.
Secondly, once the draft model has been decided upon,
the parameters in the design can be changed to optimise
its performance. This may include dimensional changes,
different materials, number of turns in a winding, or
increasing the heat transfer coefficient by adding a larger
fan. Whatever the parameter is, it has to be changed over
a specified range to determine the best desired benefit.
Whether optimisation algorithms are used, or simply
many parametric steps are used, time per simulation
usually becomes the overriding limitation in full 3D. For
many 2D problems this speed limitation has been
overcome. For EM simulation having both a boundary
element solver and finite element solver becomes crucial
as one method may be radically faster than another for a
specified problem. Finite elements are sufficient for most
thermal analysis.
In conclusion, recent advances in computer
performance and simulation technology are pushing the
designer’s simulation envelope.
www.electricalreview.co.uk 31
DESIGN SOFTWARE FEATURE
Electric field near human on
high voltage pole
FAN LAUNCH IN LINE WITH GIP Greenwood Airvac has launched the Unity CV2GIP dMEV fan, in line with GIP(Guaranteed Installed Performance), now a crucial part of the Building Regulations 2010.
Unity CV2GIP has been intelligently designed with speed and simplicity inmind. With fuss-free installation, Unity CV2GIP has over eight patents
and registered designs, including a Twist-Lock front facia which simplyturns for removal. On the inside, a hinge mechanism allows easywiring access, with screws remaining within the casing to avoidmisplacement – both especially valuable for ceiling applications.
Unity CV2GIP also benefits from Greenwood CommissionSMARTtechnology, one of six new SMARTer design features, new sensors or
controls now included on Greenwood products. Specifically designedto assist in the delivery of GIP (Guaranteed Installed Performance),
Greenwood CommissionSMART technology results in an innovative touch-pad located at the front of the fan for fast and accurate commissioning.
Greenwood0870 900 1880 www.greenwood.co.uk/GIP
UPGRADED PAT SOFTWARE FOR SQLDATABASE SYSTEMSSeaward has upgraded its specialist portable appliance testing(PAT) data management program for use with large corporatedatabases and health and safety systems.
Compatible with all makes of PAT tester‚ the PATGuard EliteSQL is designed for those using largeadvanced database formats such asOracle and Microsoft SQL Server.
Intended for organisations andservice companies that carry outelectrical safety testing of applianceson a regular basis, the new extensivePATGuard Elite SQL programaccommodates everything fromdownloading test results to testrecords and report and certificateprinting to e-mail alerts for planningre-tests.
The latest version 2.2 of the software enables much largerPAT results systems to be set up and enables test records to beeasily incorporated in existing company SQL databases.
Seaward Electronic0191 586 3511www.seaward.co.uk
ELECTRICAL CABLES FOR SHARD ATLONDON BRIDGE Prysmian Cables & Systems has won the contract to supplymore than £1m of electrical cables into the Shard atLondon Bridge.
The Shard, which will be the tallest building in WesternEurope when completed in2012, will be fitted withPrysmian Fire PerformanceFP600S cable, Afumex – lowsmoke zero halogen cables andmedium voltage cables withtheir installation due to beginin 2011.
Paul Connolly, Shard MEPproject manager for Mace, said:“We have appointed Prysmianas their cables are specifiedproducts that come with BASECand LPCB approvals. We also
wanted all the electrical cables to come from onemanufacturer to give consistency and one that could offermore than just cables, one that could offer componentssuch as glands, cleats and advise on best practice.”
Prysmian Cables & Systems023 8029 5029www.prysmian.com
PAT ADAPTOR FOR 3 PHASE EQUIPMENT TESTING Seaward has introduced a new adaptor to extend the range of electrical safetytests that can be carried out on 3-phase equipment.
In many cases this type of industrial equipment is fitted with electronic controlcircuitry which makes insulation testing inappropriate. Insuch cases the insulation should be assessed bymeasurement of the protective conductor current.
The new Seaward TPA test adaptor makes this possibleand allows specialist factory, industrial and workshopequipment to be included as part of in-service inspectionand testing protocols as required by the IEE Code ofPractice.
The unit is available with 16A or IEC 60309/ BS4343compatible plugs and sockets.
The TPA has been developed for use with the newSeaward PrimeTest 250 PAT and extends range of
measurements that can be performed on 3-phase equipment using a lightweightand highly portable handheld tester.
Seaward0191 586 3511 www.seaward.co.uk
A TOUCH OF COOL FOR IN-GROUNDLIGHTING Lighting standard EN 60598-2-13, which specifies surface temperaturelimits for in-ground luminaires, provided the catalyst for Thorn to revampits well-established walk-over and drive-over ranges, E/Fact and Mica, toprotect people and vehicles respectively.
The new products conceal a variety of sources, including cool-to-the-touch LED’s while additional RGB versions create colour-change effectsthrough DMX control.
Unobtrusive in situ, the ranges come in three sizes and four slimdepths - intended for the illumination of building facades, sculptures and foliage as well as routeguidance.
Internal adjustments and asymmetric optics offer offset lighting direction, and a wide choice offrosted glasses, domes, windows and attachments screens the light source.
Thorn Lighting0207 255 5003www.thornlighting.co.uk
PROCESS MULTIMETER DOUBLES AS ACALIBRATOR The new Yokogawa CA450 process multimeter is an on-site measuringinstrument that not only offers the functionality of a digital multimeter
for basic measurements such asvoltage, current, and resistance, butcan also act as a calibrator forelectrical and process measurements.
With specialised functions forrepair, maintenance, andtroubleshooting of plant equipment,the CA450 is a single-unit, on-sitemeasuring solution that reduces the
engineering load and improves plant efficiency by accomplishing tasksthat have traditionally required two on-site measuring instruments.
The CA450 is a true RMS digital multimeter with a basic measurementand generator accuracy of 0.05% and dedicated sensor modes for directinputs from sensors such as AC/DC clamp probes. In addition, itincorporates a number of process-related features including loop checkand 4-20 mA output generation and measurement functions.
Yokogawa+31 (0) 88 464 1811www.tmi.yokogawa.com/ea
PRODUCTS
ENERGY SAVING MADEEASY With the latest changes to Part L1 BuildingRegulations coming into force in October 2010 -requiring a minimum of 75% of light fittings innew dwellings must be low energy - installersare increasingly looking to manufacturers andsuppliers for products that will help them meetthese new regulations.
Click Scolmore’s latest product developmentbrings together a 6W LED Reflector lamp fromits new Energetic range, with its award-winningFlameGuard downlighter, to produce lightingsolutions that are not just low energy - and PartL compliant - but offer the additional benefit ofbuilt-in protection against fire and noisepollution.
The company’s exclusive partnership withEnergetic, the world-leading low energy lightingmanufacturer - means that they are able tooffer the most comprehensive range of energyefficient lamps available in the UK from any onesupplier.
Scolmore01827 63454www.scolmore.com
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT To protect your investment Emitex highly recommends adding an Uninterruptible PowerSupply (UPS) to your new IT equipment with a reliable battery backup. This is essentialto any business or enterprise with a need to remain productive.
Line Interactive UPS systems have a transfer time (typically 5-10ms) between theelectrical supply cutting out and the battery system stepping in supporting the load. Thisbreak can cause long lasting damage to highly expensive equipment. Due to this Emitexrecommends the use of an online double conversion UPS as there is no break in supply,keeping your IT equipment safe from power loss, spikes and surges.
Emitex offer a range of line interactive and on-line double conversion UPS systems inboth single and three phase, rack mountable or stand alone ranging from 500VA to 800kVA with various run timesto cover customer requirements.
Emitex0117 923 5375www.emitex.co.uk
HANDTOOLS FOR THE PROFESSIONALS Engex has developed rapidly over the past few years and continue to strive to offer the contractorinnovative products.
From the range of specially designed hand tools providing the best in comfort and durability to thecollection of ladders and access equipment for light or professional use, Engex guarantees to offer qualityand value-for-money to their customers.
Engex handtools including pliers, cutters and screwdrivers have been specifically designed to provide thebest in comfort and strength with the contractor in mind.
The 1000 VDE range have been independently tested to exceed current 10,000 Volt AC testing standards.The handles have built-in two compound technology thatprovides maximum user comfort whilst minimising fatigue whenbeing used repeatedly and also offering better grip and increasedtorque levels on extreme applications.
Engex01952 272381www.engex-uk.co.uk
SMART SOFT STARTERSOPTIMISE ENERGY USE Carlo Gavazzi is introducing three new ranges ofsoft-starters designed to optimise energyconsumption in industrial applications. The RSQK,RSXK and RSDR series’ provide soft-startingcapability for three-phase motors up to 1050kW,with high-end models offering intelligent plug-and-play setup to ensure optimal starting profiles.
Automaticfeatures such asauto endstart/stop, softstop smoothingauto pedestalare built into theRSQK and RSXK
soft-starters. They continually adjust their settingsto optimise operation, saving time and money inmaintenance as well as commissioning.
RSQK series starters are rated for motorcurrents from 23 to 1800A at operating voltages230 -460/400-575/500-690 VAC, whilst the RSXKis rated 5-1673A, 230-690VAC.
For smaller motors, the new RSDR series offerspower ratings up to 280kW. Maximum currentratings range from 55 to 500A. As well as overcurrent and short-circuit protection, the RSDR hasinternal bypassing to reduce heat dissipation intight control panels..
Carlo Gavazzi UK01252 339600www.carlogavazzi.co.uk
ALL UNDER CONTROL Microwave detectors from CP Electronics have been installed at the headquarters of Damart based in an oldmill in Bingley, West Yorkshire. Providing accurate and easy to adjust lighting control, the detectors are part
of the new Carbon Catcher energy saving lighting scheme installed for Damart byLeeds based lighting and electrical contractors RCE Services UK.
RCE’s Carbon Catcher scheme provided Damart with an in-depth lighting surveywhich showed a detailed calculation of the current lighting running costs and asuggested T5 lighting scheme using the latest technology which would be moreenergy efficient. By controlling the new T5 luminaires with CP’s detectors, whichoffer presence detection and daylight dimming, Damart could significantly reduceday-to-day running costs.
CP Electronics0333 9000671www.cpelectronics.co.uk
ENHANCED PC ACCESS CONTROL RANGE If you are looking for an intelligent access control system then look no furtherthan the enhanced Fortessa PC Based Access Control range by AVS – a solutionthat will give you control over who has access to your building from one central,controlling computer.
With the Fortessa system, you can control who’s allowed into the building, atwhat time and into what areas on up to 16 doors for thousands of users.
A computer can keep a record of all authorised access and can programdiffering levels of access to individuals providing full control of the system from
your desk. This makes set-up of different permissions for different groups of people quick and straightforward.The new panel mount reader option allows for integration of the system with traditional Fortessa door
entry panels..
AVS01253 830 904www.audiovisualsecurity.org.uk
PRODUCTS
EASY-TO-INSTALL WEATHERPROOF HEATER To continue the success of the Heatstore Weatherproof Quartz Heater, Heatstore has redesignedan attractive, easy-to-install, unobtrusive unit. The HSQWPH1500N quartz halogen heater offers a‘warm’ heat from its specially tuned lamp. Ideal where a free-standing unit is impracticable, it ismanufactured from aluminium and heat-resistant black thermoplastic and is suitable for eitherdomestic or commercial use.
Being IP55 rated the unit can be used in external applications, and an attractive stainless-steelfinger guard aids safety. The HSQWPH1500N is clean, silent, emits no smells and is virtuallymaintenance free. The running costs are very low at around 22p per hour – approximately 1/3rd
of the total running costs of gas systems.When wall-mounted at a height of 2.5m, the
HSQWPH1500N heats an area up to 12.3m², and upto 16.8m² when mounted overhead.
Heatstore0117 923 5375www.heatstore.co.uk
SPLITTERS ADDED TO PLUG AND SOCKET RANGE New to the Lewden Palazolli extensive range of industrial plugs and sockets are two new splitters, Splitlineand T-Line. Designed for use in arduous environments, the two new products are splashproof and have an IP44rating and conform to IEC60309.
Splitline has one power inlet and three power outlets and can be tied to rigging and piping for rapidinstallation. The lightweight and compact design of Splitline belies itsrobust construction. The T-Connector incorporates a re-wireable in-line T-Connector in its black body moulding and is ideal for temporary hard wiredcable connection for lighting and heating installations. Ideal for theatre,film and studio applications, T-Line has a robust construction but is stilllightweight and compact, which provides savings in time, space andtherefore cost.
Lewden Electrical Industries0208 539 0237www.lewden.com
CREATING THE RIGHT LIGHT Riegens Lighting has supplied a selection of luminaires for the Principal’s Suite at Dundee College.
To provide a bright and even uniform illumination in the reception and corridor areas, Riegen’sConcido recessed downlighters were chosen incorporating 2 x 42W compact fluorescent lamps.Designed to suite a number of applications, the Concido range has been engineered to offer the optionof a wide range of decorative and technical attachments to suit each individual project. For Dundee
College the downlighters incorporate a 4 in 1 glass cone within the luminaireto provide an individual and more aesthetically pleasing style.
For the main Principals office, which contains a 'breakout' area forpresentations and meetings, a mixture of Concido downlighters and Codossemi-recessed 600 x 600mm luminaires have been installed. Codos providesa direct/indirect light distribution and utilises a double parabolic louvre witha perforated dropped central unit.
Riegens01376 333400www.riegens-lighting.com
A NEW INSTALLATION CONCEPT FOR DATA NETWORK CABLING Harting Ha-VIS preLink(R) is a new installation concept for data network cabling based on the ISO/IEC 11801standard. This new technology simplifies cabling, saves installation time and enables extensions andconversions without incurring significant interruptions in ongoing operations.
Harting Ha-VIS preLink(R) is designed for use with a wide range of mating faces such as RJ45 to IP 20,RJ45 PushPull according to IP 65/67 or M12, thereby opening up a wealth of opportunities and potential forusers. The Harting Ha-VIS preLink(R) concept includes components for 10 Gigabit Ethernet transmission rates.
The new technology is a key element in Harting'sAutomation IT concept, designed to provide a seamlessEthernet-based communications platform for integratingoffice IT systems with industrial automation to optimiseworkflow efficiency in the manufacturing environment..
Harting01604 827500www.harting.co.uk
GOING UNDERGROUND! Part of Holophane’s new Metro Capabilities range,Metrolux and Widerlite are bulkhead luminairesengineered specifically for use in underground railtunnel systems and have been updated with thelatest in lighting technology.
Metrolux and Widerlite have a prismatic glassrefractor that controls light output. Metrolux has aspecial safety mechanism that prevents the doorfrom swinging open, a vital feature in tunnelapplications.
The rugged die cast aluminium front frame andbody of bothof theseproductsprovides thedurabilityrequired forthe harshconditions intunnels andotherindustrialapplications.For quick andsimplemaintenance,the Metrolux stainless steel quick release doorlatches allow easy access to the lamp and controlgear compartment.
Holophane Europe01908 649292 www.holophane.co.uk
PRODUCTS
NEW SIX PAGEAPPLICATION GUIDE To assist customers and help simplify theunderstanding of ATEX (EuropeanDirective relating to Hazardous AreaInstallations)Hazardous AreaEquipment haslaunched a newA6, full-colourapplicationguide.
The guide hasbeen producedto provide anoutline of theATEX directives,examples ofHazardous Areaindustries, what a Hazardous Area is,Classification and how to determine azone.
The guide also highlights someexamples of the more commonly usedproducts; from Hazardous Glands throughto Fluorescent lighting. A more extensiverange is available from Hazardous AreaEquipment.
Hazardous AreaEquipment01253 608 990www.adivision.co.uk
FIRE RATED LED DOWNLIGHTS 8W LEDWITH A 7 YEAR WARRANTY! LED technology comes of age with this innovative range of‘EvoLED’ fire rated LED downlights. These precision engineeredIP65 fittings are fully Part B, C, E, L and P compliant for 30, 60 and90 minute ceilings.
Suitable for all decorative requirements, they include anintegrated LED driver (with adjustable positioning) and a 92%efficient lens offering a wide 34 degrees spread of light. The 7.9Wpower consumption surpasses energy and efficacy requirements
for part L building regs, and the425 lumen output makes thembrighter than a 50W GU10dichroic lamp.
A 90% energy saving inrunning costs means a fastreturn on investment. TheEvoLED downlight is easily
installed directly to the mains supply and features soft startoperation. A mains dimmable version is also available. Cut-outdiameter is 60 to 70mm, overall diameter is 90mm and height is84mm. They are available with white, chrome or silver bezels. Andcan be retrofitted into locations where larger downlights werepreviously installed, with the use of an optional hole conversionplate for hole diameters up to 150mm.
QVS Electrical Wholesale Ltd01342-302244www.qvsdirect.com
INDUSTRIAL ETHERNET SWITCHES Alpha Micro Components, the independent franchised distributor of electronic components, hasannounced it has added the EKI-2000 and EKI-7000 series of industrial Ethernet switches fromAdvantech Co to its range of industrial communications (iCom) solutions.
Advantech’s portfolio of industrial communication products for PC-based automation are ideal forengineers working in the transportation, energy management and plant automation sectors and
offers the market’s most feature-rich, reliable and cost-effective solutions.Ideal for easily managing applications from a central office or local site,
the Advantech EKI-7000 series is a portfolio of managed redundant industrialEthernet switches which allows users to expand their industrial networkquickly and cost-effectively. Its rugged industrial-grade design assuresreliability and stability. In addition, Advantech has utilised its X-Ringtechnology within the EKI series which ensures the fastest recovery time (<10ms), further increasing the reliability and speed of network infrastructures
Alpha Micro Components01256 851 770www.alphamicro.net
IP64 RATED DE-FROST/ANTI-FREEZETHERMOSTATS For de-frost (and anti-freeze) applications with accuratetemperature control, nothing competes commercially andtechnically with the Matsuo range of bimetal thermostats.Their twin-bimetal system creates a control that is capable ofswitching over 1 million cycles with minimal set-point drift.
Matsuo thermostats can be readily incorporated intotrace-heating systems and are available with accuracies assmall as ±1.5K with differentials down to 3K±1K. Thus veryaccurate, long-term control can be guaranteed.
They are sealed from the outside environment with anIP64-rated PBT housing. Calibrations from -10°C to +110°Care available and loads upto 3A/250VAC (0.8A/48VDC) canbe switched. N/C, N/O and “change-over” (S.P.D.T.) contactstogether with various termination options.
ATC Semitec01606 871680www.atcsemitec.co.uk
NEW CONNECTOR BOX HellermannTyton has announced the launch of a new connector box, the HTCB+,which it describes as being one of the best of its type on the UK market, having beendeveloped following consultation with electricians and contractors.
Designed to meet the latest 17th edition wiring regulations as well as being quickand easy to use, the HTCB+ also offers many benefits for electrical wholesalers.
Made from thermo plastic (polypropylene) the enclosure can be used as a junctionbox for fixed wiring applications with HellermannTyton’s cable restraints, which arealso supplied with the kit. It can also be used as an in-line connector for terminatingsolid/stranded cable to flexible cable.
HTCB+ comes as a complete, neat package and key features include serrated edgecable grips situated on the outside of the box for ease of installation while at the
same time meeting regulation requirements. Atapered pin allows for easy location of theconnector strip within the housing.
Hellermann Tyton01922 458151www.hellermanntyton.co.uk
ELECTRICAL AND FLUID ENGINEERING IN 3D Offering exact planning reliability EPLAN Pro Panel allows the definition of a virtual3D prototype of the mounting layout – independently of the electrical or fluidschematic. Mounting panels, housings or enclosures can be dimensioned optimally sothat the costs are reduced. Consistent data for all the participating engineeringdisciplines ensure that the workflow towards the production is also efficient. Last butnot least EPLAN Pro Panel provides added value to the complete engineering process.
Designing on the basis of the EPLAN platform is supported fully in both electricaland fluid engineering. This applies tomounting panels that are planned withEPLAN Electric P8 as well as for hydraulicsunits designed with EPLAN Fluid. Attritionlosses through data conversion betweenthe disciplines are a thing of the past.
EPLAN01709 704100www.eplan.co.uk
WHEN PLUGS DON’T PLUG AND PLAY Plugs that have not been used for a while can quickly turn plug andplay into plug and pull. As the operator uses force to break the coldweld which forms between the pins and the contacts, the time clockbegins to tick and the risk of damage increases.
Simply changing to a different contact design can solve this. Thespring-loaded butt-type contacts in Marechal Electric decontactor
sockets meet head-onand feature self-cleaning silver-nickeltips which provide alow contact resistancein addition to a 10kAshort circuit rating.
A release latch quickly disconnects the plug into a parked position,allowing equipment to be disconnected under load and visibly isolatedin complete safety.
Marechal Electric0844 804 2066www.marechal-electric.com
PRODUCTS
PRODUCTS
NEW FEATURES FOR THE CT ANALYZER The CT Analyzer provides fast and comprehensive testing of current transformers for protection and meteringapplications.
Released in September, the improved CT Analyzer now features additional software functions and newhardware accessories.
As a new measurement function for the CT Analyzer, the RemAlyzer allows current transformers to be testedfor residual magnetism.
Residual magnetism may occur in current transformers due to very high currents or DC offsets during faultconditions. Core saturation effects caused by residual magnetism, may lead to the incorrect operation ofprotection relays.
The new CT SB2 switch box for the automated testing of multi-ratio CTs is available as a stand-alone unit. Thiscan be attached to the CT Analyzer thus eliminating the need for re-wiring. This provides simple, color-coded, six-
channel connection possibilities guaranteeing convenient wiring andavoiding time-consuming and error-prone reconnection. .
Omicron Electronics01785 251000www.omicron.at
WALL MOUNTED TRUE ON-LINE UPS Powersolve’s WM Series of Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) is designed for use in industrial andcommercial applications where a wall mounted unit capable of withstanding the ingress of dust andmoisture is required or recommended.
WM Series units provide up to 1.5kVA of constant, reliable power from an input voltage of 115 or230VAC and offer a range of selectable outputs from 100 to 240VAC. Powersolve has used an onlinedouble-conversion topology to provide a high integrity AC power source with zero transfer time tobattery on mains failure conditions. The design also protects the load against noise and transients.
Up to four battery strings can be incorporated giving 43 minuteshold up at 1.5kVA and over 2 hours at 600VA. 10 year life batteriesare also available as an option.
WM Series units incorporate many standard and optionalfeatures designed to make them easy to use and come ready foruse straight out of the box.
Powersolve01635 521858www.powersolve.co.uk
CABLE JOINTS SECURE,QUICK AND EASY Newey & Eyre has improved its cable jointoffering by introducing a Newlec brandedresin cable joint kit. The kit is designed tomeet new standards and to make it simple forinstallers to form a secure connection whenjoining cables.
It is essential for cable networks to supplyelectric powerwithout breakingdown, but ifcables need tobe joinedtogether this cancreate a weaklink. It isthereforeimportant forany joints
installed within a system to be strong andlong-lasting, especially if the cable network isunderground, where a failed joint would bedifficult to find and repair.
The new Newlec kit meets standards DINVDE 0278-623:1997-01 and RoHS No2002/95/EC and will enable installers to makestrong, secure joins quickly and simply.
Newey & Eyre0845 123 6539www.neweysonline.co.uk
HEATER BOOST SWITCHFOR SIMPLY SAVINGENERGY Danlers heater boost switch, for thecontrol of electric heating loads,automatically turns the load off after aselected time period has elapsed. Thereare four different time settings tochoose from (15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1hour and 2 hours). Pressing the buttonselects each time lag choice in turn. Theswitch is manufactured by Danlers inthe UK and is designed for use withimmersion heaters, heated towel railsand other suitable electric heatingloads. It is ideal for use in studentaccommodation blocks, hotels, militaryaccommodation etc.
Danlers01249 443377www.danlers.co.uk
FLEXIBILITY OF MAINLINE ENABLES CONFERENCE CENTRE TO HOSTLIVELY CHURCH SERVICES Having safe, easy and flexible access to mains power is important to Ian Scholes, associate pastor at KingsChurch and Conference Centre in Bolton.
Based in a refurbished former warehouse on the eastern outskirts of Bolton, Kings Church and ConferenceCentre has a large elevated stage from which the regular services are conducted.
However, instead of installing a set number of fixed power outlets, into which multi-gang sockets andextension leads could then be fitted, Ian wanted flexible access to mains power and so simply asked a local
electrician to install 12 metres of Mainline track along the backedge of the stage.
Now, wherever mains power is needed on stage, an award-winning Mainline power adaptor is simply inserted or repositionedalong the appropriate section of track, and then twisted totemporarily fix it in place and make it live.
Steljes08450 758 758www.mainlinepower.co.uk
SLIMLINE CONSUMER UNIT AT ELEX Cudis will be showing the CPN slimline consumer unit as well as an extensiverange of breakers for circuit protection on 10 March at Elex 2011 in Harrogate.
Noted for its Tardis qualities, the slimline consumer unit has better internalaccess for easier wiring and a more compact and elegant case with a robustinsulated metal buzz bar. Each model is now fitted with a 100A main switchand two RCDs of 80 or 63 Amps.
Visitors to the Cudis stand M24 Hall One will have two chances to win prizes.In a daily card draw, one contractor will win a fully loaded consumer unit with
their choice of circuit breakers. All cards will also go into a show draw and the lucky winner will receive a 17thEdition compliant multi-tester.
Cudis0161 765 3000www.cudis.co.uk
AN OPEN AND SHUT CASE MK Electric is replacing its award-winningMasterseal range with a collection of enhancedIP-rated products called Masterseal Plus.
Scientifically sealed and tested by MK well inexcess of British Standards, new Masterseal Plusprotects the electrical supply in the harshest ofenvironments. As with its predecessor, MastersealPlus is specifically developed for use in both
outdoor and indoor environments, and where wiring devices and accessorieswould be at risk from penetration by dust or water.
With an IP rating of IP66, Masterseal Plus is dust-tight to any ingress, offerscomplete protection against contact, and high pressure water jets directedagainst the enclosure from any direction won’t have any harmful effects.
MK Electric01268 563000www.mkelectric.co.uk
LINAK’S ISWITCH LINAK’s iSwitch has been purposely designed and built to
automate switchgear and is a complete turnkey solution. Advantages of the iSwitch began by listening to markets
issues and their requirementsand providing a solution, toname a few LINAK / iSwitchoffers…• Easy to install
• Manually operated without removing the iSwitch• LINAK offers a complete solution • Cost advantages (reduced instillation times / reliable
feedback state etc)To summarise we have created and developed a modern
approach to NetworkAutomation offering a fit forpurpose range of equipmentthat enables transparency interms of local manual
operation. We offer a competent solution which has beenadopted and formally approved with UK and European basedDNO’s.
Linak0121 543 4996www.netline.linak.com.
2011 CATALOGUE LAUNCH Electrical wholesaler Newey & Eyre has launched its new 2011 Newleccatalogue which has been designed with both the user and theenvironment in mind.
A tool for all tradesmen, Newey & Eyre describes the new catalogue asoffering a clean, fresh and vibrant design andlayout, making it easier to read, while alsofeaturing hundreds of innovative newproducts to save time, money and energy.
Among the new products available is theNewlec range of trunking for both lightingand cable applications, which offer timesavings on installation while retainingbackwards compatibility with existingNewlec systems.
Also new is a range of energy efficiencylighting products including the latest T5dimmers, occupancy sensors and daylightharvesting solutions to PIR bulkheads which
meet the latest L1 and L2 building regulations.
Newey & Eyre0845 1236539www.neweysonline.co.uk
MODULAR CLIMATE CONTROLCONCEPT FROM RITTAL
Rittal’s modular climate control concept offers aneasy way to add cooling to a Rittal enclosure or toupgrade an existing system. Individual climate controlchoices can be made, ready to use, without the need tomake mounting cut outs, by simply replacing the doorand choosing the appropriate climate control module
in just a few steps.Features include standard RTT plus version with integral condensate evaporation and
RiNano coating; simple fast mounting; service friendly (front rack mounting filter andremovable cover) and quick delivery.
Because of its modular design, for individual size choose either 1800 or 2000mmheight doors in either 600, 800, or 1200mm wide (left or right hand mounting for the1200mm version). For cooling power choose either a 1500W or 2000W moduleavailable in one of 3 different voltage options, 230v, 115v or 400v..
Rittal01709 704000www.rittal.co.uk
CARRY CASE AND BACK PACESOLUTIONS A new range of lightweight carry cases and back packs for theeasy and convenient transportation of medical device analysersand simulators from site-to-site are available from Rigel Medical.
A sling-style, water repellent carry case is available for theRigel 288 electrical safety analysers and the combination vital
sign simulator UNI-SIM. It can be quickly configured to hold several items of test equipment andaccessories such as a label/results printer and a barcode scanner.
The new back pack-style Med-ePack can be configured to accommodate up to five items ofelectrical safety, vital signs simulator, ventilator test equipment to provide an easy-to-carry,lightweight and versatile test solutions package. There’s also space for a laptop and assetmanagement software.
Rigel Medical+44 191 5878730www.rigelmedical.com
RITTAL LATEST POWER ENGINEERINGSOFTWARE V5.0 A new version of the Rittal Power engineering software for the designand calculation of busbar systems and Motor Control Centres (MCC’s)is now available.
This new version allows the configuration and planning of busbarsystems in TS 8 enclosures and at the same time create documentationand calculate heat loss for the project. It is also possible to combine
Ri4Power in Form 1-4b and also use flatbusbars for Form 1. The existing designand calculation of Form 4b MCC’Sremains unchanged.
Comprehensive help functions leadthe user through the programme andexplain the necessary steps. Thesoftware offers quick and easygeneration of quotations and bill ofmaterials with improved assembly
information. TS 8 enclosure combinations, with accessories, can beconfigured and users are able to add further Rittal products or otherarticles from a self-created article master at any time during fieldconfiguration.
An installation disc with the new version will be mailed out to allregistered users of previous versions. For new customers the newsoftware can be purchased from Rittal.
Rittal01709 704000www.rittalxpress.co.uk
PRODUCTS
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Lighting
Control Systems
Hazardous AreaPower Factor Correction
PFC Engineering LtdStation Road, Great Chesterford,SaffronWalden, Essex CB10 1NY
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Tel or Fax: 01737 352755e-mail: [email protected]
UPS
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UPSTest and measurement
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� Specialists in gas measurement and detection� Manufacturer of Rapidox gas analysers� Oxygen sensing from 100% O2 to 10 e-23 PPM� SF6 condition analysers for Gas Insulated
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� Specialists in gas measurement and detection� Manufacturer of Rapidox gas analysers� Oxygen sensing from 100% O2 to 10 e-23 PPM� SF6 condition analysers for Gas Insulated Substations (GIS)� O2, CO, CO2, SO2 and dp (moisture) sampling instruments for
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Try our FREE site survey to find outhow we can help you select theright UPS and power protection systemsfor your applications.
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SUPPLIER DIRECTORY
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BY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BRING A SMILE TO OUR GRUMPY OLD MAN’S PHYSIOGNOMY, BUT DOES IT HECK.
HE’S MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE OTHER 900,000 OUT OF WORK YOUNGSTERS
THINGS AREN’T what they used to be. In the main,this is quite a good thing. Scraping ice from theinside of windows in the morning before the fireswere lit, for example, is not what I recall with anyromantic nostalgia. Neither for that matter washaving to service the car practically every week justto keep it running, and nor was having to wearscarves not as a fashion accessory, but as a lifepreserving mask against the killer smog. But, and it’sa big but, young people still had a decent chance of afuture of employment at all levels.
It was simple really, the best grammar school kidswent on to university then in to a profession. Thosewith lesser grades, on leaving the local grammar,worked in banks, offices or entered into retail orcommercial junior management training. Those whodidn’t make the grade at 11+ went to secondary
modern schools where thebest went
on
to gain apprenticeships in trades and the worst stillattained jobs in shops and factories.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no fan of 11+ and stillbelieve in the comprehensive state educationalsystem. What has changed for the worst is the spanof opportunities for young people. Unemploymentfigures for the 18-24 age group is rapidly closing inon the million mark.
In the autumn of last year I had the privilege tochat with Professor Dylan Wiliam. This prominentauthority on education (he starred in a BBC2documentary series in the summer last year)highlighted the need for top notch education fromthe first year at school. He also presented thefindings of a 30 year survey on attainment in variousgroups of children. The best educated children go onto contribute financially to the country more thandouble the amount from the least well educated. Itwas fascinating, but also served to heighten the gapbetween education and employment.
The number of jobs available in the UK for whichno formal qualifications are required has fallen by
about 75%. In short, blue collar workers are aminority.
The biggest growth has unsurprisinglycome in what is loosely described as
the communications industry, so nosurprise there really. The question weface is how we accommodate theneeds of all sectors of societywithin this work environment?
Against this backdrop, we allknow that there is a shortage inmany areas of skilled and qualified
electrical engineers. We also knowthat apprenticeships in the trade are
like the proverbial rocking horse excreta.
Hence, it is welcomed that the government hascommitted to creating 75,000 extra apprenticeships.My concern, given politicians’ abject lack ofunderstanding of most things practical, is wherethese so called apprenticeships will be.
A decent electrical apprenticeship takes four orfive years to complete. In an industry dominated bySMEs and small contractors, how many can afford toinvest in the time and training? This is especially trueif the perception is their newly useful and qualifiedtrainees exit for the next highly paid job as soon asthey grab their certificates. The incentives providedfrom government funds must be attractive enough togain a widespread commitment from the industry.This is a sentiment echoed recently by DianneJohnson, president of the Electrical ContractorsAssociation.
A final factor in the mix is while industry hasstarted to regard vocational qualificationspreferentially over university degrees and otheracademic diplomas, nobody told the schools that. Istrongly suspect most schools continue to groom thebrightest kids for university and frankly, I’m notcertain they really know what to do with the rest.This could explain why there are so many graduatesamong the 18-24 age group left wondering quitewhat to do with their BA (hons) in Egyptology ortheir BSc in Existential Philosophy.
If jobs in our industry carried the kudos theydeserve, maybe there would be a route from schoolsto our field. Oh dear, I’m getting back on another ofmy hobby horses about why I think of electricalengineering as a profession. But then I’ve beenblathering on about that since the days beforepolicemen (and women) were recruited straight fromkindergarten and when a labour saving device was aU-turn on policy by Harold Wilson!
75,000 NEW APPRENTICESHIPS, BUT FINGS STILL AIN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE
John Houston can be contacted on 01797 364366or by e-mail at [email protected]
www.electricalreview.co.uk 43
BLOWN FUSE OPINION