01-02.2010.pdf

Inside this issue:� Out with the old, in with the new?� Light years ahead� Transformer oil testing – here or there?� 2010 – The year of educational

alternatives

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC AND ALSTOMJOIN FORCES IN VENTURE FUNDAlstom and Schneider Electric are

joining forces to launch a new

venture capital fund.

This is thought to be the first

time two major industrial groups

are associated in a joint initiative

of this nature, which also remains

open to the participation of other

potential partners.

The fund, Aster Capital, is

based in Paris and will receive

progressively a capital

subscription of €70m, from

Schneider Electric (€40m) and

Alstom (€30m). Other industrial

partners can be invited to join

this initiative to create the

European benchmark fund

specialising in energy and the

environment.

Aster Capital will benefit from

the venture capital expertise the

Schneider Electric Ventures team

has acquired since 2000 through

the management of its first €50m

fund invested in more than 20

companies in North America and

Europe (www.se-ventures.com).

Two experts from Alstom have

recently joined the team, further

strengthening its capabilities.

The mission of Aster Capital

(www.aster.com) is to take

minority interests in innovative

start-ups based in Europe, North

America and Asia, developing new

technologies that could lead to

major breakthroughs in the fields

of energy and the environment.

Factory safety 2 Transformers Page 16 Test & measurement Page 22 UPS systems Page 24

Jan/Feb 2010 Volume 243 No1/2

Lightning protection specialist

and Atlas (Association of

Technical Lightning and Access

Specialists) member, Best

Services., was recently tasked

with designing and installing a

structural lightning protection

system to protect the highest

building in England and Wales.

The three-year project

involved the demolition of the

existing café at the summit of Mt

Snowdon and construction of

the brand new Hafod Eryri

Visitors Centre and Café, 3560ft

above sea level.

Best Services had, in house,

the expert technical designers

and engineers required for the

full design and installation of a

compliant lightning protection

system with a combined earth

resistance of less than 1 ohm.

During the works, engineers had

to cope with 100mph winds,

freezing temperatures and

heavy snowfall, not to mention

torrential rain. All lightning

protection works came in on

time and on budget.

For the latest news, products and event information visit www.electricalreview.co.uk

COUNCIL BACKS BIOMASS POWER STATIONDrax Power (Drax), the developer of

the Heron renewable energy plant,

has announced North Lincolnshire

Council has decided not to object to

its application for a 290MW biomass-

fired power station that will provide

enough green energy to meet the

needs of 512,000 homes. The North

Lincolnshire Planning Committee

voted unanimously to back the

proposal in their response to the

Department of Energy and Climate

Change.

Marvin Seaman, project manager at

Drax, said “We are exceptionally

pleased the area planning committee

voted in favour of the development.

We believe the site is in an ideal

location and we know the proposal

has strong backing from the local

community. The project will bring

many benefits to the local business

and residents in the Immingham and

South Killingholme areas.”

The proposal is to site the Heron

renewable energy plant near the

western entrance at the Port of

Immingham on land that is

designated for commercial and

industrial use. The vote by the

Planning Committee clears the way

for the Department of Energy and

Climate Change to make the ultimate

decision on whether the proposal

gains planning consent. The energy

minister is expected to make the

announcement later this year

following final scrutiny of all aspects

of the scheme. If planning consent is

granted, construction will begin in

2012 and it is expected that the new

plant will begin generating electricity

in 2015. Up to 850 construction jobs

and 150 operational jobs will be

created.

ELECTRICALREVIEW

www.electricalreview.co.uk 03

Beama’s steel electrical products producer

members are asking customers to prepare for

turbulent times.

The Steel Products Group’s forecast of rapid

increases in steel producers’ prices during early

summer 2008 developed as expected, reaching a

high that October. The prices then dramatically

tailed-off as the global trade crisis impacted and

banking system uncertainties caused reining in of

demand.

Post-first-quarter 2009, the sizeable fall in steel

prices ceased quickly. Demand has since been

relatively static - at the 2007 levels before the

volatile economic situation took hold.

While the jury is still out concerning the present

pattern of supply and demand, Beama’s Steel

Products Group points out world steel production

has increased for six consecutive months. With

more projects proceeding, it says this reflects

returning confidence; particularly as ore and scrap

prices are moving ahead in step with this growth.

In the steel producing community itself fewer

companies are anticipating lower prices.

The Group is concerned unevenly positioned

raw material stocks at steel distributors will be at

their lowest for several years with some grades in

much shorter supply. With the recession forcing

supply-side plant closures and shutdowns, supply

routes may now be different from those

traditionally encountered. A Group spokesperson

commented: “Finished product stocks in the

electrical wholesaler chain will also be low due to

the same economic factors. For end customers

this means a particular product specification may

not be readily available at short notice, although

our members’ intentions are to meet customer

requirements.

“Customers can help themselves by buying

from reputable wholesalers, anticipating project

requirements, advance ordering, confirming

actual prices prior to despatch, and by being

aware prices may rise.

“Our Group members - manufacturers of steel

cable tray, ladder, support systems and trunking -

are reassuring customers they are doing

everything possible to get supplies through the

distribution system on time, and at the most

competitive prices.”

TURBULENT TIMES WARNING

NEWS/CONTENTS

03 || NEWS

08 || GOSSAGE

10 || TRAINING

12 || FACTORY SAFETY

16 || TRANSFORMERS

22 || TEST & MEASUREMENT

24 || UPS SYSTEMS

28 || LIGHTING

32 || PRODUCT WATCH

40 || CLASSIFIED

43 || BLOWN FUSE

Now the future of theMachine SafetyDirective has beenagreed, systemdesigners andmachinerymanufacturers needto decide how toproceed in futuremonths

� In May, a group of electrical trade press

editors will embark on the Three Peaks

Challenge to raise money for the EEIBA

(Electrical and Electronics Industries

Benevolent Association). Supported by

NICEIC Group (meaning all money raised

will go to EEIBA), the team aims to climb

the three highest peaks in England,

Scotland and Wales (Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis

and Snowdon) within 24 hours. See future

issues of Electrical Review for news on

how the team’s training is progressing. To

sponsor the editors visit

http://www.justgiving.com/eeiba3peaks.

IN BRIEF

04 Electrical Review Jan/Feb 2010

NEWS

� 17th Edition training can currently involve

up to three days in a classroom, plus a fourth

day allocated for sitting the online

examination. NICEIC has recognised how

difficult and expensive it can be for

electricians to take four days out of work to

attend classroom-based courses. Working

with e-learning experts, Virtual College,

NICEIC has put the face-to-face training

delivery into an online course. Delegates can

sit the course over a number of nights, weeks

or months - and is totally flexible, and NICEIC

has structured the course into short

interactive e-learning modules. Once these

are completed one can undertake a number

of online revision tests that will check the

user is ready for entry to the final assessment.

The course is available from 1 February 2010.

For more details visit www.niceic.com and

click on training or call 0870 013 0389.

� Napit is providing support to students and

lecturers with its new Napit Take-Away

Support Pack. The Take-Away Support Pack

includes supporting material such as posters,

government leaflets and a masterclass CD,

which has a number of lesson plans on all

things electrical for tutors to deliver as

presentations to their classes. For students,

the pack has helpful study material including

17th Edition route maps, ZS-charts and

flowcharts explaining the Competent Person

Scheme membership process and including

discount vouchers and other giveaways. For

details email [email protected].

� EEIBA (Electrical and Electronics Industries

Benevolent Association) is planning its spring

and summer calendar of events around the

country, as part of its programme to improve

the well being of its supporters and to

provide much needed cash for the charity and

its beneficiaries. There are a number of dinner

dances and golf days already planned with

more to be announced. Check the website

www.eeiba.org for more details or contact

Kim at [email protected] or by

telephone – 020 8673 9821. If you know of

anyone who may qualify for help from the

EEIBA, please call its Support and Advice

Services line – 020 8772 6965.

IN BRIEF

French nuclear group Areva has signed an

agreement to sell its power transmission and

distribution (T&D) business to industrial

companies Alstom and Schneider Electric.

Alstom and Schneider plan to split the T&D

assets between them, with Alstom taking the

transmission part of the business and

Schneider acquiring the distribution

operations.

The decision to sell Areva’s T&D business

was taken by the Supervisory Board on 30

June 2009 after a review of the group’s

development plan. At the close of the bidding

process, the Areva supervisory board,

convened on 30 November 2009, asked the

executive board to begin exclusive

negotiations with Alstom and Schneider

Electric to draw up the terms of an agreement

providing for:

� A sale price of �4.09bn in enterprise

value,

� A commitment to maintaining all Euro-

pean sites for a three-year period,

� Guarantees for the workforce: all Euro-

pean employees are to be offered a simi-

lar position in the same geographical area

at an equivalent qualification level and

without loss of compensation or seniority;

unless the economic situation deteriorates

significantly, there will be no layoff pro-

gram except for voluntary terminations.

Closing will occur once the anti-trust

authorities have given their approval and after

a decree has been published, following the

recommendation of the French Commission

des Participations et des Transferts.

AREVA T&D BUSINESS SOLD FOR€4.09 BILLION

www.electricalreview.co.uk

BASF, Osram Opto Semiconductors,

Philips and Aixtron have confirmed

they have received commitment for

funding of the new joint Topas 2012,

the second phase of the OLED 2015 ini-

tiative of the Federal Ministry of Educa-

tion and Research (BMBF).

Topas stands for ‘thousand Lumen

organic phosphorescent devices for ap-

plications in lighting systems’. In this

project, the consortium partners will

focus on developing innovative mate-

rial and component architectures as

well as new production machines for

lighting solutions with highly efficient

organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

In doing so, the partners hope to build

on successful joint developments from

the previous project, Opal 2008, which

was also sponsored by the BMBF.

“BASF’s materials have already

demonstrated their potential in very ef-

ficient diodes with lifetimes of several

thousand hours and high quantum

yields,” explained Dr. Elmar Keßenich,

project manager at BASF Future Busi-

ness. This is already a major step to-

ward the next goal of achieving

lifetimes of more than 10,000 hours,

approximately 10-times longer than the

life of a traditional light bulb. In addi-

tion to high efficiency and a long life-

time, a high CRI (colour rendering

index, >80) is also crucial to ensuring

excellent light quality. CRI values in ex-

cess of 90 can be achieved with BASF’s

portfolio of emitters. In the area of ma-

terials, BASF works with partners from

the University of Bayreuth, the Techni-

cal Universities of Dresden and Braun-

schweig, and the University of Munich.

The development of emitters is essen-

tial to progress in OLED technology.

Research within the Topas 2012

project will focus on the development

of OLEDs for the lighting systems of the

future. This will require all primary

colours, in particular highly efficient

and stable blue emitters, which are not

currently available on the market. Blue

emitters ensure that it is possible to

achieve all colour temperatures from

cool to warm white using OLED light-

ing. Vapour-deposited materials are

currently considered to be state-of-the-

art and provide long lifetimes and high

luminous flux and efficiency. Within the

project group Osram Opto Semicon-

ductors is focusing on a transparent

OLED solution with an area of 1 square

metre. Philips is concentrating on de-

veloping particularly bright monolithic

OLED systems with 1000 Lumen, and

Aixtron is working on production

equipment with high-grade deposition

concepts based on its OVPD.

COMBINED STRENGTH

� B&Q, the UK home improvement and garden retailer, has selected Napit to

audit its Installation services to government-approved standards. Napit is now

responsible for technically verifying the electrical installation work of all B&Q

fitters and governing quality control for their certification. B&Q currently carries

out in excess of 30,000 installations each year via 32 installation centres that are

in positions all over the UK.

� The hunt is on for Britain’s most promising electronics or systems engineer.

The Systems and Electronics Undergraduate of the Year award is being run for

the first time, in association with Thales UK, as part of a new awards scheme

launched by TARGETjobs. The competition is open to penultimate year systems

or electronics engineering students who will battle it out to win the prestigious

title and £3,000 prize money. For details on how to enter, please email

[email protected].

IN BRIEF


EDITOR

Elinore Mackay 020 8319 1807

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All editorial contents © Saint John Patrick

Publishers Ltd 2009. Jan-Dec 2008 8,798

NEWS

A new application allows users of ABB industrial

and standard drives to see exactly how much en-

ergy they are saving.

Built-in parameters work out the energy sav-

ings in kWh and MWh, the financial saving in a

local currency and the CO2 emissions equivalent

of the energy saved.

The energy consumed when the fan or pump

is used direct-on-line is compared with the en-

ergy used once the drive is installed and running.

The drive then calculates energy savings in

kWh or MWh with reference to this baseline and

displays it in an easy to read way on its built-in

screen. The information can be used by plant en-

gineers and energy managers to ensure the ap-

plication is attaining its optimum level, as well as

by financial controllers and board level directors

interested in keeping a closer control on the op-

erational expenditure of a plant or process.

ENERGY SAVINGS DISPLAYEDIN NEW DRIVE APPLICATION

AEG Power Solutions, asupplier of UPS productsand complete powersolutions, has announcedthe appointment of MichaelAdams as global VP for dataand IT. Adams began hiscareer as a design engineerbefore starting his ownstandby power business.Following a move to theUK, he took on the role ofUK and Ireland countrymanager for AmericanPower Conversion �now APCby Schneider Electric�,becoming managing directorin the summer of 2004 andsubsequently filling the postof EMEA director ofprofessional services. Adamsleft APC in 2007 to lead astart-up business and priorto joining AEG PowerSolutions, was providingbusiness consultancy to a

range of blue chip organisations. EngineeringUK, formerly the ETB, has

welcomed Beth Elgood to her role of directorof communications. Elgood joinsEngineeringUK following a series of seniormarketing and communications roles at BT,the College of Optometrists, and most recentlyLondon Metropolitan University. Elgood willhead up EngineeringUK�s communicationsteam.

Siemens Building Technologies� fire safetydivision, has expanded its sales team bycreating the new role of system sales engineerfor the Midlands region. Bradley Clarke, whohas more than 20 years of experience in thefire protection industry, has been appointed tothis new post. Clarke, who joins the Siemensteam working out of the company�s offices inCannock, West Midlands, will be responsiblefor supporting and developing business for allof Siemens fire protection products, includingdetection and alarm installations, and firesuppression systems. In terms of potentialcustomers he has a wide remit, and will betargeting not only end users but alsoconsultants and contractors.

PEOPLE

Beth Elgood

Bradley Clarke

Michael Adams

CORRECTIONIn the December issue of Electrical Review, the headline of our UPS feature contained a typographicalerror. For the corrected version, please visit www.electricalreview.co.uk/features.

CFL OVERLOAD

OPINION

CAST IRON COMMITMENTPing. An email news release arrives from the Department ofEnergy and Climate Change. It informs me Mr Robert Wright is tobe paid £17,500 a year as a member of the Civil Nuclear PoliceAuthority. As you might imagine, this is a position of greatimportance and responsibility, particularly given the still unholytie-up between civil and military nuclear power.

In the press release, Mr Wright is described as being a memberof the Security Vetting Appeals Panel, an official entity so secureand secretive that the Cabinet Office website provides noaddress, phone number or email contact. No matter, as MrWright is also described as a “management consultant”. No firmis mentioned. But Google sends me to ‘Bankfield Consulting.’ No,I hadn’t heard of it either. Bankfield Consulting’s website listsamongst its partners one Rob Wright, including a brief workbiography, in which it states whilst a Grade 2 civil servant workingat the late unlamented Department of Trade and Industry, hewas “responsible for the development of the 2003 Energy WhitePaper”.

This was the Energy White Paper Mr Wright’s secretary of statePatricia Hewitt introduced into Parliament with the cast-ironcommitment: “We are not going to build a new generation ofnuclear power stations”, describing any such power stations as“foolish”. Given Mr Wright’s White Paper has been quite literallyturned on its head, we must all look forward to some furtherstrange contortions as he helps run the Civil Nuclear PoliceAuthority, overseeing that very new generation of nuclear powerstations he apparently worked so hard to stop.

GOSSIP!GOSSAGE!

You might be interested to learn how the Great American NuclearRenaissance, as announced by President George W Bush back in 2003, isfaring. The answer is it is shaping up to be rather like the one hispredecessor Ronald Reagan announced for the 1980s.So, expect a decade of no new orders, multiple delays andcancellations, and hefty defaults. Of 26 new nuclear reactor licenceapplications submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission since2007, 19 have already been cancelled or postponed. Every single privatesector project has suffered a downgrade by credit rating agencies.

The latest wheeze is to get a loan guarantee from the federalgovernment. Some $18.5 bn is slated for Atlanta-based SouthernCompany to build two new reactors at Plant Vogle in Georgia.

Older readers may recall Plant Vogle. This was the very samecomplex that helped to kill the previous nuclear power boom in theUS in the 1970s and early 1980s. Huge cost overruns at the originalPlant Vogle – which escalated from $660m for four reactors to awhopping $8.87bn for just two – is always credited for putting thebrakes on that generation of Nuclear Renaissance. Watch out forhistory repeating itself.

A NUCLEAR DÉJÀ VU

IMPROBABLE EXPECTATIONS


I have long been a bit of a sceptic about carbon capture and

storage (CCS). Mostly it has been to do with the improbable

expectations set for this as yet wholly unproven technology.

Witness the International Energy Agency’s fatuous forecast of

100 operational plants by 2020.

But my reservations are also to do with the way the world's

power industries are talking up CCS whilst only committing to

(in their terms) modest, but nonetheless heavily taxpayer-

subsidised, expenditure on demo projects. I think this is because

they are confident their tantalising promise, that CCS will cut

their carbon emissions in future, will win sufficient political

leeway to ensure the go-ahead to build more coal-fired plants in

the meantime. Just calling them ‘CCS-ready’. Whatever that

means.

After 10 years of trials (and they all claim it will take that long

before they can say whether or not CCS is commercial), they will

probably ‘discover’ it's a non-starter. But having built the coal-

fired plants, the argument will be very strong that these will

need to be run if the lights aren’t to go out. Doubtless gambling

that, by then, the balance of public and scientific opinion may

have swung against concerns about climate change. If they really

believed in CCS, and in the EU-ETS they all claim to support, the

power giants would be funding the CCS demo projects without

needing massive grants from the EU and national governments.

As it is, this reeks of rent-seeking at tax-payers expense.

Last April I revealed the Big Six electricity companies had beendischarging their statutory ecological obligations, by foisting 200million of the least attractive compact fluorescent lightbulbs(cfls) upon unwitting householders. Many of which wereending up in kitchen drawers. In June the government officiallyacknowledged it was “increasingly concerned the number oflamps already distributed has been so high that it may work outat more than the average number of highest-use light fittings ina house.” Ministers announced such indiscriminate handoutswould be outlawed. But ludicrously delayed implementationuntil this January.

I warned at the time unscrupulous energy companies wouldbe beavering away until New Years Eve, pushing out the ugliestcfls at all and sundry. How right I was. The RWE subsidiaryNPower celebrated the end of the decade by mailing a further12 million cfls to hapless customers. When quizzed by The Timesabout this, its spokeswoman was honest enough to admit thecompany had no idea how many of the bulbs would actually beplugged in. And then compounded her folly with thisjustification: “There is nothing under the scheme that meansthat we have to get evidence the bulbs are being used.”

In other words, this entire exercise is perceived by RWENPower as purely a make-work-exercise for manufacturers ofout-of-date cfls; rather than any serious attempt to help theenvironment. So, next time you see an RWE NPower corporateadvertisement, patting themselves on the back for being such anexcellent caring company, just remember that.

2010 is shaping

up to be an

exciting year for

education and

training, and we

welcome the

challenges it may

bring


TRAINING

LAST YEAR was an interesting time for education and

training, with the recession having a huge effect on those

involved in our sector. The year saw a sharp rise in

graduate unemployment, a record number of university

applications, and thousands of new apprenticeship places

created as the government attempted to combat rising

unemployment. 2010 looks to be equally interesting as

these new incentives bear fruit. With an election and

potential change of government also on the horizon, this

looks set to be a fascinating time for the education and

training sector.

The university system was featured regularly throughout

the year, and sadly not always in a positive way. Back in

the spring, the newspapers reported large numbers of

cutbacks in traditional graduate job areas, one assumes as

a result of the recession. This will have a significant impact

on the graduates of 2009, potentially the hundreds of

thousands of graduates embarking on new careers.

Despite this, the summer and autumn brought news of

rising university applicants, as the younger generation

were pushed towards higher education in hope of

boosting their employability.

Away from the world of university, apprenticeships

occupied significant column space when the government

created thousands of new places, enticing employers to

invest in the young professionals of the future. Incentives

like the £2500 “golden hello” mentioned in December’s

White Paper are a step in the right direction, but a better

move would have been to offset apprentices wages

against companies pre-tax profits, or to offer the sum as a

contribution to the apprentice’s first year salary.

While there will always be questions around the various

enticements, any pro-active moves by the government

relating to apprenticeships are warmly welcomed, due to

their largely positive effect on raising the profile of

apprenticeships. This directly benefits the young people

who may not have considered this route by making them

aware a way of entering their chosen industry in a way

which allows them to earn a living while they study. The

government has seen an increase in apprenticeship places

of more than 165,000 since the 1996-97 academic year,

and these numbers will hopefully increase following the

introduction of the Young Person’s Guarantee at the end

of 2009. It would be great if 2010 saw apprenticeship

numbers continue to rise as the gap in numbers of people

studying vocationally and at university continues to

decrease. This may be a hard ask as employers, who

provide vital apprenticeship places, continue to feel the

squeeze as a result of the recession.

I hope this year will also see the recognition of the value

of NVQs. Despite being used across a wide range of

industries for more than 20 years, in some quarters they

are not being given the recognition they deserve. Shadow

education secretary David Willetts’ comment in September

2009 that “NVQs have negative value on the labour

market” was uninformed. His view dramatically underplays

the value of the qualifications, which are accessible to a

wide range of learners. They often form a key aspect of

the apprenticeships which play a valuable role in the

development of the next generation of skilled workers. As

well as providing proof of competence, they give the

individual confidence in their own skills as they receive

recognition of their accomplishments. I hope that 2010 will

see these qualifications gain the respect they deserve.

The endorsement of apprenticeships and the skills

sector by the Shadow Minister for Lifelong Learning,

Further and higher education John Hayes MP at EAL’s

recent Skills for Economic Success debate was most

welcome, if a little at odds with his colleague’s views.

Given the vital importance of training as a means of safe-

guarding the future success of our sector, any new policies

must be carefully considered before they are introduced.

Regardless of which party is in power, there needs to be a

cohesive party line if legislation affecting the vocational

sector is going to be brought in.

2010 is shaping up to be an exciting year for education

and training, and we welcome the challenges which it may

bring. We are proud of the fact apprenticeships are

becoming more commonplace as a means of entering a

new industry, and hope that their growth will continue to

have a positive effect on the way in which vocational

training is regarded. For those who are currently in training

or considering it I urge you to take any opportunities

offered to you in 2010 that will broaden your skill set.

FOLLOWING A YEAR IN WHICH EDUCATION AND TRAINING WERE

CLOSELY EXAMINED BY THE PRESS, ANN WATSON, MANAGING

DIRECTOR OF AWARDING ORGANISATION EAL, LOOKS BACK AT

2009’S KEY MOMENTS AND REVEALS HER HOPES FOR 2010

Caption

2010 – The year of educational ALTERNATIVES

Ann Watson


The changes we

have implemented

reflect the skills

required by the

electricians of

today and the

future

TRAINING

THE AM2 has been the gold standard for the

electrotechnical industry for the last 25 years, but as

technology grows at a pace, the assessment must change

to reflect the demands placed on today’s electricians. From

April 2010 we will be introducing a new AM2 assessment,

which has been modified after a two-year consultation

period. We hope the modifications to the assessment will

further boost the next generation of electricians’

confidence in their own abilities, while reinforcing AM2 as

the evidence that they and their employers are capable of

providing the best level of service to their clients.

Contrary to many people’s understanding, the AM2 is

not solely a standalone qualification; it is an assessment of

occupational competence, which forms an integral part of

an electrician’s apprenticeship, as well as being available

to those who need to undertake it in other contexts, such

as adult trainees. Passing the assessment is a useful proof

of proficiency at a time when standards are becoming ever

more demanding.

Updating an established assessment such as the AM2

presents an interesting challenge, namely how to maintain

the assessment’s standing within the industry. The AM2

has provided valuable proof of competence for tens of

thousands of electricians, so it was imperative any

modifications to the assessment did not affect its position

as the industry’s benchmark of occupational competence.

Over the last two years, NET has carried out a systematic

consultation process involving apprentices, employers,

practising electricians and examiners. We took every

opportunity to get as much feedback as possible before

we made any changes to the assessment. The review

presented an opportunity not just to look at the

assessment itself but also the marking system,

administration and candidate guidance.

One of the conclusions that came from the consultation

was the need to make the assessment reflect current

working practices, including the use of modern connection

and wiring systems. As a result, the revised assessment is

now entirely competence, rather than systems, based. It

encompasses methods of installation and termination, safe

isolation, risk assessment, inspection, testing and fault

finding.

We have also updated the marking system, reflecting

the need to make the assessment more efficient and

provide meaningful feedback. In the past, some

candidates undertook the assessment before they were

fully prepared. The new assessment will have much better

candidate guidance to ensure, whilst it remains

challenging, candidates can better assess their state of

readiness.

We have introduced a recommended pre-requisite

checklist. This will allow candidates to check their

competence against the individual elements of the

assessment. When they feel comfortable with each

component of the assessment, as outlined in the checklist,

they are then ready to undertake the AM2. We have also

increased the level of support and guidance that we

provide candidates before, during and after the

assessment.

Those who already possess an AM2 certificate will not

be required to re-qualify against the new assessment.

However, due to the change in content, those who need to

re-sit the current assessment must do so before April 2010

before the new assessment is introduced. We would urge

all those who need to book their re-sits to do so as soon

as possible to ensure that they are assessed under the

present system. NET’s mobile assessment centre (pictured)

will be deployed on a regional basis to support AM2

centres in delivering an effective service to those requiring

re-sit facilities.

Altering something which has become a benchmark for

an individual electrician’s competence was never going to

be simple, but we feel that the changes we have

implemented reflect the skills required by the electricians

of today and future.

NET BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

MANAGER, STEPHEN PLANT,

EXPLAINS WHY THE AM2

ASSESSMENT HAS BEEN

MODERNISED AFTER

CONSULTATION WITH THE

ELECTROTECHNICAL INDUSTRY

The new AM2 - demanding, but WORTH IT!

Stephen Plant


FACTORY SAFETY

FOLLOWING MONTHS of speculation, confusion and

reversed decisions, the European Committee for

Standardisation (CEN) has opted for a two year transition

period where machinery manufacturers can either comply

with EN 954-1 or EN ISO 13849-1. Consequently, the new

Machinery Directive will not be fully implemented until 31

December 2011.

This provides designers of machine safety systems with

something of a quandary. Do they continue with EN 954-1

for as long as possible – on the grounds it is easier and

cheaper to work with? Or do they make the switch to EN

ISO 13849-1 (or the alternative EN (IEC) 62061) now? In

my view, it makes sense to embrace the new standards as

soon as possible, and there are several reasons for this.

And, as is discussed later, new technologies can be

employed to make compliance considerably easier and

more cost-effective than many people realise.

In this respect, it’s important to consider the reasons for

introducing the new Machinery Directive in the first place

– as well as the implications of carrying on with the old

standards.

EN 954-1 is being phased out because it hasn’t kept

pace with the changes in technology that have been

applied increasingly to ensuring and managing machine

safety. In particular, EN 954-1 focuses on calculated risk

using a simple category system, whereby system

behaviours are set against categories.

The issue here is the wider implementation of

programmable electronics in safety systems means such a

simple system is no longer appropriate. So essentially, the

new Machinery Directive brings the regulations into line

with what is already current practice. In addition, the new

systems that comply with EN ISO 13849-1 or EN (IEC)

62061 will be able to provide information on the

probability of failure, enabling potential problems to be

nipped in the bud before they become actual problems.

Given the general recognition EN 954-1 is no longer

suitable for many applications, there is clearly a health and

safety issue to be taken into account. This, in itself, is a

good reason for adopting the new standard as safety must

be of paramount concern to all companies.

Because of this, end customers that understand these

implications are likely to insist on machines that comply

with the new Directive, so to some extent that will

determine the route forward for many manufacturers.

Added to this, even when the end customer isn’t fully

acquainted with all of the facts, I would argue specifiers

and suppliers have a responsibility to provide accurate

advice on the options open to them.

There are also other commercial reasons for taking on

the new standards as soon as possible. In the past where

European regulations have been phased in, different EC

members have responded in different ways, so adopting

the new regulations will increase the likelihood of

acceptance throughout Europe. Ultimately, this could also

have a bearing on CE marking.

In fact, CE marking is an important consideration, as

any alterations to the system in future may require it to be

CE marked again. If it is compatible with EN 954-1 after

this standard has been withdrawn in 2011, such

alterations will doubtless be more complex and

expensive. It’s also important to note that, although the

Directive applies principally to new machines, any

modifications to existing machines will also be covered by

the same requirements as cover new machines. Therefore,

just as a new machine should be accompanied by a

Declaration of Conformity to the Machinery Directive from

the manufacturer, so any company carrying out such

NOW THE FUTURE OF THE MACHINE SAFETY DIRECTIVE HAS BEEN AGREED, SYSTEM

DESIGNERS AND MACHINERY MANUFACTURERS NEED TO DECIDE HOW TO PROCEED IN

FUTURE MONTHS. PAUL CONSIDINE OF WIELAND ELECTRIC PUTS THE CASE FOR

EMBRACING THE NEW STANDARDS

Out with the old,in with THE NEW?

The new Directive

brings the

regulations into

line with what is

already current

practice

The Wieland Electric 4000 Series

FACTORY SAFETY

modifications may also have to issue such a declaration.

This is because the requirement applies to any

organisation that ‘places a machine on the market’ – and

in this context modifying a machine counts as placing it on

the market. So, along with the Declaration of Conformity,

there needs to be a technical file that can be made

available to the authorities on request.

Consequently, adopting the new standards will ‘future

proof’ the system against such difficulties.

Looking beyond Europe, it’s also important to bear in

mind that EN ISO 13849-1 and EN (IEC) 62061 are both

international standards - in contrast to EN 954-1. Thus, for

end users with global facilities that want to standardise

across their estate, this will be an important consideration.

Staying safeReturning to the important issue of safety, this is where I

feel most of the benefits come from adopting the new

standards. It is accepted within the new Machinery

Directive that zero risk is not achievable in the real world,

but arriving at an acceptable residual risk is feasible. In

practical terms, this means safety control systems must

either be designed to ensure the probability of functional

errors is acceptably low – or any errors should not bring

about a loss of the safety function if the former cannot be

achieved. And that’s where the harmonised standards

come in.

EN ISO 13849-1 takes its core from the familiar

categories in EN 954-1:1996 by examining complete safety

functions, including all the components involved in their

design. However, it goes beyond this qualitative approach

to include a quantitative assessment of the safety

functions, based on a performance level (PL) that builds on

the category approach.

The components and devices that make up the system

require the following safety parameters:

� Category (structural requirement)

� PL: Performance level

� MTTFd: Mean time to dangerous failure

� B10d: Number of cycles by which 10% of a random

sample of wearing components have failed

dangerously

� DC: Diagnostic coverage

� CCF: Common cause failure

� TM: Mission time

The standard also describes how to calculate the PL

that can be achieved when several safety-related parts

are combined into one overall system. Any deviations

from EN ISO 13849-1 are referred to IEC 61508.

As noted above, EN ISO 13849-1 will be operated in

conjunction with EN 62061, which is a sector-specific

standard under IEC 61508. Based on quantitative and

qualitative examinations of the safety-related control

functions, it describes the implementation of safety-

related electrical and electronic control systems on

machinery. It also examines the overall life cycle from the

concept phase through to decommissioning.

In EN 62061, the performance level is described

through the safety integrity level (SIL) and the safety

functions identified from the risk analysis are divided into

safety subfunctions. As a safety-related control system is

made up of several subsystems, these safety

subfunctions are assigned to the actual devices

(hardware or software) that are the subsystems or

subsystem elements. The safety-related characteristics of

these subsystems are described through the SIL and

Probability of Dangerous Failure Per Hour (PFHD)

parameters.

Cost effective complianceThere can be no doubt, therefore, the new regulations will

make a significant contribution to improving safety in the

workplace, in line with modern systems and working

practices. At the same time, it’s just as clear they bring

with them a higher level of complexity and potentially

increase the workload of those who are responsible for

managing safety. However, as mentioned above, there is

an opportunity to deploy newer safety system

technologies to ease this burden without compromising

on safety.

For example, in ensuring safety systems are operating

properly at every level, higher efficiencies can be

introduced by ensuring that all levels, or sub-functions,

can be addressed through the same system. This is also

more convenient.

In addition, such technologies can be very effective in

ensuring that any downtime resulting from safety shut-

down is kept to a minimum. This can be achieved by

integrated fault diagnosis into the system that is

responsible for safety-related control functions. So,

rather than faults being traced manually by engineers

before they can rectify them, the diagnostics can narrow

down the search and often resolve the problem without

calling in specialist engineers. And even when specialist

input is required, the faster fault tracing means they

spend less time on site, thus reducing costs.

Of course, electronic monitoring systems have been

available for some time but they have tended to be

expensive so that the return on investment calculation

didn’t stack up in many situations. Now, though, there are

low cost systems employing advanced technologies that

won’t break the bank yet will provide continual

monitoring of every aspect of safety - from post-top

emergency buttons to light beams on conveyors – as well

as facilitating fast location and diagnosis of faults.

Furthermore, they operate from a centralised computer so

that all of the information is readily accessible at any time.

Over and above these benefits, the same system can be

used in the early design stages to simulate operation

before the safety system goes live, so many potential

problems can be designed out in advance.

All of which boils down to a smarter way of doing

things that not only ensures legislative compliance but also

offers ongoing time and cost savings. So it makes a lot of

sense to take a fresh look at the technologies available

and how they can be implemented to best effect.


It makes a lot of

sense to take a

fresh look at the

technologies

available and how

to implement

them to best effect


TRANSFORMERS

THE OIL IN a transformer acts as both a coolant and

insulation for the internal components. In doing this it

bathes almost every internal part. As a result, the oil

contains around 70% of the available diagnostic

information for the transformer. The challenge is to access

this information and analyse it effectively to provide an

early indication of a developing condition such as tap-

changer arcing.

Obtaining a representative sampleThe data generated from an oil sample is only as good as

the sample itself. A poorly drawn or contaminated sample

can invalidate the test results or even lead to a

misdiagnosis. At ABB we have recently upgraded our

sampling procedure to use the TFSS (Turbulent Flush

Sampling System). This compact, self-contained system

provides several benefits including:

� promoting turbulent flush

� standardizing flush volumes

� producing a representative sample

� preventing sample contamination

TFSS ensures the sample is representative of the oil

inside the transformer, rather than any contaminates that

might have settled into the valve.

Transformer condition assessment (TCA)Traditional oil-testing programmes utilise only a few

diagnostic parameters, leaving a vast amount of potential

oil-based information unexplored. Yet surveys of failed

transformers reveal many failures can be attributed to

problems that could have been properly managed with an

early diagnosis through a more detailed analysis of the

insulating fluid.

ABB bridges this gap by working with a leading test

laboratory to provide TCA (transformer condition

assessment). TCA offers a comprehensive assessment of the

dielectric and mechanical state of the transformer including:

� Dissolved gas analysis (DGA)

� Insulating fluid quality analysis

� Particle analysis

� Furan analysis

DGA – a view of operational conditionHydrocarbon (mineral base) oils are frequently used as

insulating fluids in high voltage power equipment such

as transformers because of their favourable dielectric

strength and chemical stability. Normal degradation of

the oil usually occurs due to oxidation. This is generally

a slow process. However, under the influence of an

electrical or thermal fault, the oil can degrade to form a

variety of low molecular weight gases that dissolve in

the oil (such as methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene,

hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide).

The composition of the breakdown gases depends

on the type of fault, while the quantity depends on its

duration. Hence by dissolved gas analysis (DGA) it is

possible to distinguish such transformer fault processes

as partial discharge (corona), overheating (pyrolysis)

and arcing.

DGA involves two steps – extraction and

chromatographic analysis. In the first step, the gases

are extracted by subjecting the oil sample to high

vacuum. The volume of the extracted gases is

measured and a portion of the gas is transferred to a

gas chromatograph.

The great sensitivity of the chromatographic process

enables low detection limits for each gas – at the parts

per million level. The remarkable sensitivity and

precision of this method ensures a high measure of

reliability for the diagnostic interpretation of DGA data.

Based on the dissolved gases in the transformer oil it

is possible to indentify faults such as corona, sparking,

overheating and arcing.

Corona – is a low energy electrical fault that results

from the ionization of the fluid surrounding the fault.

Typically, this is characterised by an increased level of

hydrogen without a concurrent increase in hydrocarbon

gases.

Sparking – is an intermittent high voltage discharge

that occurs without high current. It is characterised by

increasing levels of hydrogen, methane and ethane

without a concurrent increase in acetylene.

Overheating – can arise from a variety of causes,

IN THE SAME WAY A BLOOD TEST CAN PROVIDE A DOCTOR WITH A WEALTH OF

INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR PATIENT, TAKING AN OIL SAMPLE ENABLES SERVICE

ENGINEERS TO LEARN A GREAT DEAL ABOUT THE CONDITION OF A TRANSFORMER.

THIS CAN PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF A VITAL NETWORK

ASSET FOR EXTENDED LIFE AND ENHANCED RELIABILITY. LIAM WARREN, ABB’S

GENERAL MANAGER POWER SERVICE EXPLAINS

Testing in progress

Oil sampling – the comprehensive


The oil contains

around 70% of

the available

diagnostic

information for

a transformer

TRANSFORMERS

such as overloading, circulating currents, improper

grounding and poor connections. It is characterised by

the presence of hydrogen together with methane,

ethane and ethylene.

Arcing – the most severe fault process, involves high

current and high temperatures and may occur prior to

short circuit failures. It is characterised by the presence

of acetylene.

Faults involving cellulose insulating materials, such

as impregnated paper, wood and pressboard, result in

the formation of carbon dioxide and possibly carbon

monoxide. In load tap-changers, thermal problems are

characterised by elevated levels of ethylene.

Interpretation of DGA data can be a complex process

because of the large number of equipment parameters

and operating conditions that affect gas formation. It is

important to take into consideration the operating

philosophy and past history of the transformer.

Establishing baseline values for a transformer against

which future DGA tests can be compared is a very

effective diagnostic testing procedure. Monitoring the

rate of gas generation makes it possible to assess the

progress of the fault process.

Insulating fluid quality analysis – a view of how the

transformer is being managed

There are a number of routine tests on the insulating

fluid that provide a useful indication of how well the

transformer is being managed in service. They cover a

number of key parameters including PCBs, moisture,

acidity and dielectric strength.

PCB contentAlthough not related directly to the transformer

performance, it is still important to identify the

presence of the chemicals known as Polychlorinated

Biphenyls (PCBs) in the insulating fluid. PCBs were very

popular in the late 1950s/early 1960s as an alternative

to mineral oil thanks to their excellent insulating

properties. They are however highly toxic and have

been outlawed for many years. Unfortunately, PCBs

were in service for long enough to cause some cross-

contamination with mineral oil stocks and it is relatively

common to find some background traces in older

transformers. No immediate action is required at levels

below 50 ppm. At levels between 50 to 500 ppm the

transformer needs to be taken out of service when

possible so that it can be flushed and re-filled with

fresh oil. At anything greater than 500 ppm immediate

action is required.

MoistureAn increase in the oil’s moisture content can degrade

its insulating properties and result in dielectric

breakdown. This is especially important when a

transformer is subjected to fluctuating temperatures,

possibly when in intermittent operation, as the cooling

down process causes dissolved water to come out of

solution, reducing the insulating properties. In addition,

cellulose-based paper is in common use as insulation

for the transformer windings and the presence of

excess moisture can damage this paper.

TRANSFORMERhealth test A failed transformer


TRANSFORMERS

AcidityIncreased acidity not only cause the oil to attack the

many copper components in the transformer as well as

corroding the steel tanking, it also degrades the paper

insulation. Acids can also cause the formation of a

sludge that blocks ducts and cooling galleys, resulting

in less efficient cooling - resulting in further

degradation of the oil. As a general rule, the oil must

be replaced when the acidity exceeds 0.5 mg/g KOH.

Dielectric strengthThe dielectric strength of the transformer oil is a

measure of how effective an insulator it is. Factors that

can cause a significant reduction in dielectric strength

include the presence of contaminants that result in an

increased content of free-ions and ion-forming

particles, such as water, oil degradation products and

cellulose insulation breakdown products.

Particle analysisOne of the major advances in extracting a higher level

of diagnostic information from transformers has come

from the identification of suspended and sedimented

particles found in the oil. When the DGA analysis

indicates the presence of a possible fault, particle

analysis will provide corroboration and pinpoint its

location. For example, in one analysis the DGA results

suggested that heating gases and carbon oxide gases

were present, indicating a hot spot. The microscopic

analysis confirmed the hot spot condition with the

presence of charred paper in the oil.

Furan analysis – a view of remaining lifeIn general, the life of a well maintained transformer

with no serious operating defects will be determined

by the condition of its insulating paper. As the paper

degrades it produces organic compounds known as

Furans. There is a direct relationship between the

amount of Furans produced and the strength of the

paper insulation. Furan analysis can therefore provide a

useful estimate of the transformer’s remaining service

life.

BenchmarkingOil sampling becomes most useful when carried out on

a regular basis so trends may be identified. So it is

useful to take a benchmark sample when a transformer

has been energised or an oil treatment performed and

to then take further samples at regular intervals so that

any variation in quality can be measured in order to

monitor developing faults.

SummaryThe battery of sophisticated analysis techniques

available to monitor the quality of the oil form a

valuable diagnostic tool that provides an indication of

the general condition of a transformer, how well it is

being managed and how long it can be expected to

function before requiring a major service or

replacement. Perhaps most importantly, it can be used

to anticipate severe faults, enabling preventive action

to be taken before they occur.

A general view of Transformers

Transformer oil sampling

THE CONDITION of generation, transmission or

distribution transformers can be determined by the

analysis of electrical insulating oil. These fluids

circulate as a dielectric and coolant and can be

sampled, in most cases, while the equipment is

energised. With outages minimised in modern

times, this is a key attribute.

Oil testing can detect developing apparatus

problems such as, local overheating at a loose

connection or electrical discharge between turns, so

problems can be managed and catastrophic

failures prevented. Oils and other insulating

materials degrade during their life as a result of

heating, oxidation, and in more serious cases, from

discharge activity. Accelerated or excessive

degradation of the oil can be detected, but more

important is to detect abnormal conditions or faults

that can result in failure of the apparatus.

There are a variety of tests that can help detect

problems with the insulating materials and the

apparatus. Because diagnostics from oil data is so

good today, condition-based maintenance is

possible. With good knowledge of the condition of

transformers, attention can be focused on

problems so they are managed to minimise out of

service time while reducing risk of a catastrophic

failure. By understanding the true condition of

transformers and how they age, proper

maintenance can be used to extend the life of such

important assets. To use oil tests effectively requires

accurate data, background information as to where

the sample was taken, nameplate information, and

a good understanding of the diagnostics.

SOME TYPICAL TESTSOil Quality Testing

Colour (ASTM D 1500, ISO 2049): Insulating liquids

darken with the presence of oxidation byproducts

and foreign materials and are an indicator of

ageing.

Dielectric Breakdown Voltage (ASTM D877 or

1816, IEC 60156): A low value indicates the

presence of contaminants such as water, dirt or

other conducting particles in the insulating liquid.

Interfacial Tension (ASTM D 971, ISO 6295):

Monitors the progression of oxidation and detects

contaminants such as soaps, paints, varnishes and

byproducts of insulation ageing.

Acidity / Neutralization Number (ASTM D 974,

IEC 62021-1): Monitors the progression of oxidation

by detecting acidic compounds which accelerate

deterioration of the solid insulation and are

precursors to sludge formation.

Visual (ASTM D 1524, IEC 60296): Visual

inspection identifies foreign material in the

insulating liquid, which may lower its dielectric

strength.

Power Factor or Dissipation Factor at 25°C (ASTM

D 924, IEC 60247): High values indicate the

presence of contaminants like carbon, polar

compounds, metal soaps and byproducts of

oxidation.

Water Content (ASTM D 1533, IEC 60814):

Excessive moisture is one of the primary causes of

low insulating liquid dielectric breakdown strength.

High water content may be detrimental to the

transformer under a variety of conditions.

Reporting results in concentration (ppm) and

percent relative saturation gives more effective

interpretation of results

Specific Gravity or density (ASTM D 1298, IEC ISO

3675): Helps identify different types of insulating

liquids.

Diagnostic Testing

Dissolved Gas Analysis (ASTM D 3612, IEC 60567):

The single most important test you can perform to

detect problems and head-off potential

transformer failures. It monitors gas generation in

transformers for advance notice of developing

faults to properly manage risk. It’s a good way to

detect thermal and electrical problems and

determine their severity.

Furanic Compounds (ASTM D 5837, IEC 61198):

Since the paper is the most important dielectric

component of the transformer, having the ability to

assess its condition is a must. When the cellulose

breaks down, furanic compounds are generated

and can be used to detect accelerated ageing and

localized problems.

Metals-In-Oil (Various methods): Dissolved and

particulate metals such as copper, iron, zinc, and

lead can be detected and can be indicators of

incipient-fault conditions, potential bearing wear

from pumps or other wear metals from vibration of

components.

Keep up to Date

Corrosive Sulphur – There are sulphur compounds

in oil that can be corrosive resulting in the

formation of copper sulphide on conductors and in

insulating paper. On conductors the copper

sulphide is too resistive and causes overheating. In

the paper copper sulphide is too conductive and

can results in a dielectric failure. Copper sulphide

particles can bridge insulation gaps resulting in

dielectric failure in the oil.

Paper Quality Testing

Degree of Polymerization of Paper (ASTM D 4243,

IEC 60450): This test provides a measure of paper

ageing, and correlates with important physical

properties like resistance to tearing and bursting.

This is a critical factor in estimating the real ageing

of the main transformer insulation. This test does

require a paper sample so is used opportunistically

when internal inspections are needed.

DOBLE ENGINEERING COMPANYFor accurate and reliable oil testing and

professional diagnostics by a team of chemists and

engineers come to Doble Engineering Company.

We can help with creating a cost-effective test

programme and diagnostic services. Specialised

testing is available to analyse problems beyond the

typical tests. When transformers develop problems

Doble is there to help with you with the testing,

assessment, and action plan.

Email: [email protected] • Tel: 01483 514120

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Long before most electrical apparatusfail, signs of trouble appear and can bedetected by oil tests!

Diagnostics and conditionassessment for TRANSFORMERS

www.doble.com


TRANSFORMERS

THE CONDITION OF the oil in a power transformer is a major

influence on the transformer’s reliability, operating life and

even safety. A dependable and convenient method of

assessing oil condition is, therefore, an essential adjunct to

transformer operation and maintenance.

Various options are available to meet this requirement

including, for example, the Karl Fischer coulometric titrimitry

method that can be used to quickly determine the moisture

content of the oil. This test is used frequently as water

contamination is the most common cause of oil degradation.

The most direct measure of the oil’s ability to perform

adequately as a dielectric medium is, however, given by

breakdown testing.

In breakdown testing, a sample of oil taken from the

transformer is transferred to a test vessel, which is then loaded

into the breakdown tester. Typically the instrument will then

carry out a series of tests in a pre-programmed sequence

determined by the oil testing specification appropriate to the

application.

In addition to the application of test voltages – usually in

the tens of kV range – to electrodes immersed in the oil, the

test sequence will also include predetermined stirring and

standing times.

Breakdown test sets that operate in the way described are

available in laboratory versions, and in portable versions that

are designed for convenient use in the field. Some

manufacturers, including Megger, also offer instruments that

are equally well suited to use on-site and in the laboratory. But

which is preferable – laboratory testing or field testing?

In order to understand the arguments for and against each

approach, it is first necessary to appreciate contamination of

the oil sample has a large effect on the accuracy of the results

obtained in a breakdown test, with even a tiny amount of

contamination making the results unreliable and, therefore,

unusable.

Some engineers argue this means it is best to carry out

testing on site. Their rationale is that, for laboratory testing, the

oil sample has to be bottled and sent to the laboratory, and

there will always be doubt about whether the bottle was

adequately cleaned before use, and whether it was sufficiently

well sealed to guard against contamination in transit.

There are other engineers, however, who will point out the

sample is at most risk of being contaminated while it is being

collected, and that the contamination risks associated with

bottling and transportation are, by comparison, relatively small.

Their conclusion is there is no significant difference between

the overall contamination risks for on-site and laboratory

testing.

Proponents of laboratory testing will also argue, once the oil

sample reaches the laboratory, it will almost certainly be tested

by a skilled technician who will fully understand the

procedures and precautions involved, and will follow them

carefully to ensure accurate results are obtained.

On the other hand, tests on site are frequently performed

under less than ideal conditions, and there is often pressure to

complete the testing process as quickly as possible. These

factors are conducive to error, especially if the person

performing the tests carries out breakdown testing only

infrequently.

Nevertheless, there is one important issue that most

definitely favours testing on site, and that is the speed with

which results can be obtained – typically within an hour of the

sample being taken, and often much faster.

This almost immediate availability of results has two

important benefits. The first is that if an unexpected or

obviously incorrect result is obtained, the test can usually be

repeated at once. The second benefit is, if the tests confirm the

oil is in poor condition, the transformer can be taken out of

service straight away, thereby reducing the risk of failure.

While important, however, these benefits should not be

interpreted to mean on-site testing is always to be preferred.

There are most definitely cases where on-site testing is

impractical, or where the certainty of tests being carried out

consistently and with a high degree of precision outweighs the

advantage of obtaining immediate results.

The best advice for those considering the implementation

of breakdown testing for transformer oil is, therefore, to

consider both the laboratory and on-site options carefully in

relation to the application in hand, before making a decision.

Suppliers of oil test sets will undoubtedly be pleased to

provide assistance in making this decision but, to be sure of

receiving impartial advice, it is most certainly advisable to

choose a supplier, like Megger, that offers both portable and

laboratory instruments.

MOST ENGINEERS WOULD AGREE BREAKDOWN TESTING

PROVIDES THE MOST RELIABLE INDICATOR OF THE CONDITION

OF THE OIL IN A POWER TRANSFORMER. THERE IS, HOWEVER,

FAR LESS AGREEMENT ABOUT WHETHER THE TESTING SHOULD

BE CARRIED OUT ON SITE OR IN THE LABORATORY. PAUL

SWINERD OF MEGGER LOOKS AT THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND

AGAINST EACH OF THESE OPTIONS

Transformer OIL TESTING: here or there?

It is advisable to

choose a supplier

that offers both

portable and

laboratory

instruments

Lab testing

Top: Field testingBottom: Karl Fischer test set


TEST AND MEASUREMENT

WITH ADVANCES in technology making everything faster,

smarter and smaller, and computer programs streamlining

data management for even greater efficiency, the needs of

those contractors and engineers involved in test and

measurement work have never been better catered for.

Advances in test instrumentation mean new lightweight,

Bluetooth enabled hand held instruments complete safety

test sequences very quickly and with the minimum of fuss

– no matter whether installation testing or portable

appliance testing is involved.

Over time the introduction of advanced microprocessor

based testers, powerful software-based record keeping

systems and PDAs, mobile phones or specialist modems to

transmit test results, have succeeded in helping the test

engineer or contractor to provide a faster, more efficient

electrical safety testing service.

All these advances have been made in recognition of

the need to improve and also to enable them to add value

to the test process. The result has been not only better

operating efficiencies, but also an enhanced relationship

with customers and end users, generating important new

business opportunities in the process.

With the ever present need to undertake inspection and

testing quickly without compromising quality, there is

increasing importance on the linkage between test

instrumentation used in the field and central test records

systems that produce test certification and other test

reports.

Rather than simply ‘electrical testers’, in broad terms the

most advanced 17th edition testers and portable appliance

(PAT) test instruments might now be regarded more as

test data collection tools – gathering the important

measurements and checks carried out on electrical

systems and equipment.

On a practical level there is now greater emphasis on

the ability to enhance the transfer of this data between the

tester and the database - and particularly on how the

collected data is acquired, interrogated, managed and

presented for more effective control of safety testing

programmes.

In this respect new innovations in both test

instrumentation and record keeping software programs

have not only brought electrical engineers and PAT service

companies opportunities to provide more efficient test

services, but have also created a means of real

differentiation between the services offered by different

electrical contractors.

17th edition testingFor example, in 17th edition testing the latest specialist

instrumentation incorporates an electronic copy of the

inspection and test certificate within the hand held tester

– and in the process becomes a combined multi-function

electrical tester and data logger.

Onboard electronic certificate software enables

electrical installation test and inspection data to be

recorded directly by the tester using a replica of the

inspection and test certificate which is displayed on the

instrument.

During inspection and testing, the user can navigate

around the onboard certificate and when measured

values are required, the results are automatically placed in

the correct certificate fields.

Once all inspection and test data has been collected,

onboard software scans the certificate and warns the user

if any fields appear to be incomplete or invalid. The

integral ‘certificate assistant’ also holds many of the

ADVANCES IN ELECTRICAL SAFETY TESTING DATA COLLECTION AND MANAGEMENT

SYSTEMS HAVE SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS, SAYS JIM WALLACE OF SEAWARD

Jim Wallace

Increasing the power of


A pre-trigger

feature enables

re-test

schedules to be

highlighted prior

to appliances

becoming

overdue for test

TEST AND MEASUREMENT

commonly used tabulated values, such as earth loop

impedance tables, avoiding the need to take bulky

reference material onsite.

When inspection and testing is complete, the certificate

held inside the tester can be transferred to main PC

records for the completion of certificates which can be

printed or supplied in electronic format to customers in

line with the 17th edition wiring regulations.

The latest version of this program enables test results

obtained from larger individual sites, such as shopping

malls or commercial office complexes, can be merged

onto one certificate.

Another new feature is the ability to ‘clone’ certificates

from an existing master document. This allows the user to

select an existing certificate and use this as a template to

create multiple certificates for identical or similar electrical

installations – for example of the type required for a

housing development of the same type of properties and

electrical systems.

As a result, not only does the combined inspection,

testing and certification system eliminate the need to

record results on a dummy certificate while inspection

and testing is being carried out, it also means that the

often cumbersome and problematic use of PDAs, smart

phones and laptops for test data transfer is avoided.

The new instrument incorporates Bluetooth download

and upload of data to and from PC certification and

record keeping systems and a wide variety of certificate

templates can be loaded into the tester using the

accompanying PC software.

The specially developed software program includes all

required 17th edition certification and can print onto ECA,

NAPIT and NICEIC stationery.

The result is a highly efficient and effective 17th edition

inspection, testing and certification system with full

traceability and reduced likelihood of human error in the

recording and transfer of test data.

Portable Appliance TestingIn the PAT testing sector powerful test data management

packages are available to facilitate the two-way transfer

of data between the tester and the test records software.

In this way engineers can pre-program or upload their

testers directly from the PC with the necessary equipment

details and testing information required before the day’s

work begins and then download updated results directly

into the records programme at the end of the shift.

The same software programs can also be used to

create asset registers for customers, print test certificates

and output test reports in different formats.

The use of Bluetooth enabled testers further enhances

this flexibility and means that for large PAT service and

contracting organisations the effective use of data

management software can greatly improve the margins

associated with operating efficiencies gained for remote

or off site working.

For more specific monitoring of PAT productivity in the

field special software is also available that works

alongside the PAT results database to provide a clear

picture of tester usage.

Special time manager software provides clear

information on the test activity of individual users and

engineers – providing such details as time of test, number

of tests undertaken and time between jobs.

Analysis of such information enables service or contract

managers to understand how often testers are being

used, identify improvements in staff training and help

field staff to test faster and work more efficiently.

In terms of customer service improvements, another

innovation is the use of PAT management software to

identify and plan re-testing schedules quickly and

effectively.

This feature works through specialist software that

constantly monitors the test records stored in a PAT

results database, automatically triggering re-test notices

for those that are approaching the next test date.

The pre-trigger feature enables re-test schedules to be

highlighted prior to appliances becoming overdue for test,

with special e mail alerts being sent to customer contact

personnel to give advance warning of the presence of any

potentially unsafe electrical equipment in the workplace.

The system can also be configured to submit formal re-

test price quotations with the alerts for a complete test

scheduling and costing proposal, boosting repeat business

and enhancing the levels of customer support provided.

For all types of electrical test and measurement activity,

the combination of innovative test instrumentation with

sophisticated record keeping programs provide real

practical benefits to contractors – reducing costs,

increasing revenue and improving productivity.

In addition, integrated test systems can also play a

significant role in enabling a contractor to provide a truly

professional approach and this can only help in the long-

term development of their business.

test data MANAGEMENT


UPS

THE ADVENT of modular topology has arisen from the

conjunction of three factors: The technology

developments that have made it a practical proposition,

the technical and commercial benefits it bestows, and

the changes in the business environment that have

made those benefits important.

Enabling technologyModular topology ultimately owes its existence to

advances in the semiconductor industry. The monolithic

double conversion on-line UPS systems that first

appeared in the seventies were referred to as

transformer based UPSs. They used a rectifier to convert

incoming raw AC mains to a DC voltage, which was

used to charge the UPS backup battery and to feed an

inverter for conversion back to a clean AC output

waveform. However an output transformer was needed

to step up the inverter output to the level needed for

the critical load.

By the mid nineties however, advances in power

semiconductor technology and the arrival of the

insulated gate Bipolar transistor (IGBT) allowed a

different, transformerless approach. In a typical design,

an IGBT based DC converter boosts the rectifier output

to a much higher level, allowing the inverter to directly

produce an AC voltage sufficient to drive the critical

load.

Many UPS advantages derive directly from

transformerless design. These include greater efficiency,

higher input power factor, lower input current harmonic

distortion (THDi), reduced capital and operating costs,

lower audible noise and enhanced battery life. But

elimination of the transformer also yields very

significant reductions in physical size and weight. For

example a 120 kVA system footprint shrinks from

1.32m2 to 0.53m2, while the weight is reduced from

1200Kg to 370Kg. This scale of reduction and cost

saving allows a different, modular configuration in

which the critical load demand is met by a number of

smaller UPSs operating in parallel rather than one large

monolithic unit. This modular topology offers further

improvements in efficiency as well as great benefits in

resilience, availability, uptime and easier maintenance.

An ever more demanding business climateThe arrival of these benefits is very timely. Even when

businesses mainly used computers as internal tools to

automate commercial, manufacturing and engineering

functions, losing data processing capability to a power

outage or transient voltage spike would still have been

serious. Today, when enterprises must typically support

24/7 online transactions with external customers and

suppliers, such a power event would be catastrophic or

even fatal in business terms. Accordingly, ever since

technology rendered modular systems possible, their

development has been driven hard by customer

demand for the highest achievable power availability.

Similarly, the improved energy efficiency of modular

systems is of vital importance to users facing continually

rising energy costs together with increasing legislative

and social pressure to cut carbon emission.

ORIGINALLY, UPS SYSTEMS WERE IMPLEMENTED AS A STANDALONE, MONOLITHIC DESIGN. IN

TODAY’S BUSINESS CLIMATE, WHERE PRESSURE ON AND DEMAND FOR QUALITY ELECTRICAL

POWER HAS BECOME MUCH GREATER, MODULAR UPS SYSTEMS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY

POPULAR. ALAN LUSCOMBE OF UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES LOOKS AT HOW THIS

TOPOLOGY HAS EVOLVED, AND WHY USERS LIKE IT

Modular UPS systems – why are they so POPULAR?

Caption

UPS systems in a data centre

for today’s business

Suppliers of

> Uninterruptible Power Suppliesfrom 1kVA-500kVA

> Generators

> DC UPS Charger & Secure Power

> Batteries

> Service & Maintenance of thirdparty equipment

Dale Power Solutions plcSalter RoadEastfield Industrial EstateScarboroughNorth Yorkshire, YO11 3DUTel: + 44 (0) 1723 583511

UPS

A modular configuration exampleWe can see how users can best access these benefits by

looking at a typical example. Suppose a data centre has

a load requirement of 80kVA, and because of its critical

nature, a redundant UPS configuration is essential – i.e.

a configuration that will continue to deliver power even

if one UPS unit fails. Such a requirement could be

fulfilled by two 80kVA standalone UPS cabinets sharing

the load. If either cabinet should fail, the other has

sufficient capacity to support the 80kVA load until the

faulty unit can be repaired.

Alternatively, a single rack containing three modular

rack mounting 40kVA UPSs can be installed. This is also

a redundant system, because if a single 40kVA module

fails, the remaining two modules together have a

capacity of 40+40=80kVA – enough to drive the critical

load. In fact both systems can be referred to as N+1

redundant systems, where N is the number of UPS units

required to meet the critical load demand; one in the

standalone example and two for the modular systems.

The extra ‘1’ provides the UPS installation’s resilience, as

a single UPS unit failure will be invisible to the load.

Extra redundancy or resilience can be provided if the

load warrants. Systems with N+n redundancy can be

built, where n is the number of redundant modules.

The first and most obvious advantage of the modular

system is that it is smaller, with an implementation in a

single rack rather than two cabinets. This is an

important saving for modern data centres where floor

space is at an increasing premium. However, there are

also many further benefits, of which energy efficiency is

one. Each UPS unit in the standalone example supplies

half the load, 40kVA, during normal operation so is

therefore 50% loaded. By contrast, each 40kVA module

is more heavily loaded at 66.7% of its capacity. Because

UPS efficiency increases with loading, the modular units

run with 96% efficiency compared with 91% for the

standalone units. This improved efficiency not only

reduces direct energy cost; it brings further savings

through reduced cooling costs. The total energy savings

in this example would amount to £16,700 over five

years - or possibly more, depending on electricity

pricing.

Increased availability is another benefit. Each UPS

unit’s availability can be defined as a ratio between its

mean time betweenfailures (MTBF) and mean time to

repair (MTTR). And, whereas a standalone unit takes

typically six hours to repair, some modules can be

simply swapped in less than half an hour. This reduced

MTTR gives a ‘hot swap’ module an availability of

99.9999% (‘six nines’) even before allowing for the

resilience provided by the N+1 configuration. This level

of power protection is key to users, but cost savings

accrue as well. Inventory cost for specialist parts is

reduced, and the need for highly skilled on site

technicians is eliminated.

During the UPS installation’s operational life,

scalability can emerge as a further advantage of

modular topology. Suppose transaction traffic growth

increases our example’s load from 80 to 110kVA. A brief

effort in slotting another 40kVA module into a spare

rack location will restore the system’s N+1 redundancy

status, without degrading the UPS loading too severely

and with no interruption of power to the load. The UPS

remains ‘rightsized’. Further growth in load demand can

be conveniently accommodated by further modular

increments of the UPS system capacity. The rack’s

capacity for further modules is known as the UPS

system’s vertical scalability. If this should become

exhausted, horizontal scalability can be achieved

through the addition of further racks.

By contrast, adding another standalone 80kVA

standalone unit always means having to find more floor

space, laying more cabling and carrying out a nontrivial

installation exercise. The gap between the load kVA and

the UPS units’ rating would also widen, to the detriment

of the UPS system’s energy efficiency.

Lifetime savings and benefitsA modular system can cost more than a standalone

installation in terms of initial capital cost. But this will

be offset by the modular system’s reduced operating

costs, especially when factors such as initial

transportation and infrastructure costs, spares and

maintenance are taken into account. In addition to

reduced costs, the modular approach offers a smaller

footprint, greater flexibility, easier manageability,

inherently greater availability, and scalability throughout

its operational life.


The modular

apporach offers a

smaller footprint,

greater flexibility,

easier

manageability and

scalability through

its operational life

A PowerWave 6000 with battery

A PowerWAVE9000 DPA modulebeing pulled out


LIGHTING

What have the main barriers been inconvincing both the public and theretail sector of the benefits of energyefficient lighting? Has light qualitybeen a sticking point in the case ofCFLs?

The main barriers certainly include

preconceptions relating to the shape

and size of CFLs, along with the need to

convince consumers the return on

investment is going to be worth the

initial cost of the lamp. There have also

been some health and safety concerns relating to

mercury content so we have been very pro-active in

educating the public about the safe liquid free mercury

amalgam found in all Megaman CFLs.

Some members of the public have a perception that

the light quality from CFLs is lower than incandescent

light sources, but the important thing is to recognize that

low energy lighting is a different type of light source, so

a direct comparison isn’t very meaningful. However, we

are seeing strong signs of increasing acceptance. In fact,

many of the objections have come from the way the EU

Directive was communicated – a natural response when

people feel they are being told what they can and can’t

do by a large, impersonal body.

What challenges do you envisageMegaman UK facing over the nexttwo years? Will these challenges alsobe faced by Megaman globally andthe energy efficient lighting sector asa whole?

Like almost every other company we

recognise the long-term effects of

recession will continue to impact on

our business over the next few years.

We have experienced a period of tough

trading over the past 12 month,

especially when it comes to collecting money from some

of our smaller customers. However, the fact we are

selling low energy products that save people money

puts us in a strong position compared to some sectors.

In that respect, we would like to see more education

aimed at the consumer market to reinforce the benefits

of CFLs and they fact they are constantly improving.

Megaman is now working on groundbreaking

technologies to provide the best quality product to

satisfy a larger variety of lighting requirements.

What part will LED technology play inthe imminent future of your company?

Our view at the moment is there is

certainly a market for both CFLs and LEDs

over the next three to four years.

Megaman’s recently launched LED range

is very much focused on reflector

applications, including spotlights with

GU10 bases, as we feel this is currently

the perfect application for LEDs. Over the

next year or so we plan to look at LED

lamps with more of a ‘light bulb’ appearance, to provide

all round illumination using LED technology but at the

moment it is more a directional product. The next

challenge for LEDs is the price point, because LEDs are

still too expensive for the residential market. Hopefully,

with the rise in commercial demand, we will see prices

fall so that LEDs become more affordable for the home.

ELINORE MACKAY TALKS TO MEGAMAN MD JOHN MURPHY ABOUT THE

CHALLENGES HIS COMPANY FACES IN 2010 AND THE DRIVERS BEHIND

THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS IN THE LIGHTING SECTOR

Light years AHEAD

Selling low energy

products that save

people money

puts us in a strong

position

compared to

some sectors

Q:A:

Q:A:

Q:A:

John Murphy

A Megaman installation atGatwick Airport

LIGHTING

What would you say are the biggestdrivers in the development of newproducts in the lighting sector? Areincoming building regulations andlegislation as big a driver as a generaldesire to save money and be seen to bemore 'green'?

Improvements in building regulations

and legislation are always welcomed by

Megaman as, ultimately, it enables us to

sell more products. However, there is

also a growing desire to be green, as

exemplified by the various energy-saving and carbon-

cutting consumer campaigns promoted through the

press recently. Megaman has just become one of the

first organisations to join the 10:10 consumer campaign

that has been recruiting consumers throughout the

country. We believe the public is buying into the green

philosophy and we want to be able to offer them the

best product possible, which is why we drive to develop

high performance products, in the right shape with quick

starting technology and no liquid mercury!

Philips has recently become the firstlampmaker to enter a globalcompetition launched by the USDepartment of Energy to create the'superbulb' of the future. Is this the kindof scheme Megaman would becomeinvolved in?

Of course Megaman would always be

interested in global campaigns that aim

to educate the public on the benefits of

low energy lighting.

What differentiates Megaman UK fromother UK lamp companies? Is there aparticular advantage you feel you haveover your competitors?

Megaman prided itself on its innovation.

We were the first in the industry to

launch the classic and candle-shaped

compact fluorescents, which provided

the market with an energy saving

alternative for decorative use. By 2002

Megaman had successfully launched the world’s first CFL

GU10 reflector as an alternative to conventional halogen

spots, which in turn led to the design and development

of an additional 21 innovative, energy saving lamps. The

most recent is the introduction of the Megaman LED

Reflector series, which offers true direct replacements for

halogen. We always strive for improvement and will

continue to do so in the future with our new 2010 range.

What is Megaman's policy on lamprecycling, and are you affiliated to anyone particular scheme?

When the new Weee legislation was

introduced we felt it was a confusing

time for Megaman and as such we

found ourselves signed up with a

compliance scheme that we were not

happy with. So we took this decision to

join forces with Weeeco to create our

own Weee Compliance scheme called

Weeelite to offer a real alternative on the market and a

cost effective service. The scheme was formed in Jan

2009 and now has a membership base of 43 members

with an obligation to recover in 2010 approximately four

million CFLs, 245,ooo fridges, 120,000 television sets,

200,000 videos and 20,000 cookers. Its growth is purely

down to its commitment to provide environmental

sustainability, corporate social responsibility and cost

effectiveness of the producers (members) distributors

(wholesalers and retailers) business end users and

consumers. The growth of WEEE Lite will be further

boosted by an agreement to deliver compliance services

for the Lighting Association membership which include a

significant share of the UK’s lighting industry. WEEE Lite

currently operate an innovative new lamps for old

scheme whereby the customer returns to 950 stores in

the UK are tested and if working are place back into the

market place via charities and housing association. It is

interest to note that 45-65% of lamps returned to a

retailer are down to the purchaser by the wrong bayonet

fitting or other similar factor such as too bright/dim.

We believe the

public is buying in

to the green

philosophy and

we want to be

able to offer them

the best product

possible

Q:A:

Q:

A:Q:A:

Q:A:


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PRODUCT WATCHNEW YEAR, NEW CATALOGUE Contractors and specifiers wishing to know more about Addvent’s domestic,commercial and industrial ventilation products can gain further information from a2010 product catalogue.

The sixty page catalogue features Addvent’s high quality product rangeincluding the new ‘designer collection’ of fans and controllers, wholehouse andheat recovery, and the new range of high speed, low-energy hand dryers – withgreat eco credentials.

With the introduction of the Green Spotrange of products, Addvent emphasises itsgrowing commitment to improving theenvironmental impact of their products.

An expanded technical guide includesproduct selection guides used to identify therange best suited for the needs of the end userand the contractor.

Addvent0117 938 6405www.addvent.co.uk

I/O MODULES ADDED TOAUTOMATION PORTFOLIO Belden has added two new bus coupling and six new I/Omodules to its range of Lumberg Automation LioN-Link I/Osystems. These new products enable users to controlelectrical drives over Profibus, facilitate networking ofintelligent sensors andactors, complete simpleretrofitting or upgrading ofmachines, deliver safetyapplications and/ordecentralize power supply.

Available with eitherM12 or M8 connectorports, the new LumbergAutomation modules aredesigned for ease of installation and plug-and-play startup.In addition, they offer comprehensive diagnosticspossibilities, meet the requirements of protection class IP67,and exhibit high resistance to shock and jarring.

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WORKING SMARTER Amtech 2010 electrical design and test and inspection softwareis optimised to deliver a variety of time saving and productivitybenefits that will helpusers work smarter andincrease their profitability.

Amtech 2010incorporates upgradedversions of FastTest,FastTest Domestic andFastTest Mobile, ProDesignand ProDesign Domesticand SingleCable software. Each of these programs featuresignificant enhancements to both functionality and ease of use.

In FastTest 2010, for example, navigation through on-screencertificates is now much easier, while the new ‘last pagebookmark’ highlights the last focal point viewed on a certificate.Other new features include ‘customisable tabs in certificatebrowser’, ‘traffic light’ indication of certificate status plus the‘new user login feature and user image association’ whichmakes the logging in process easier.

Amtech Power Software01908 608 833www.amtech-power.co.uk

NEW HIGH BAY DETECTOR New to the comprehensive range of detectors from CP Electronics are two HighBay PIR detectors – the EBDSPIR-HB-PRM and the EBDSPIR-HB-DD – specifically

designed for the detection of movement in high baylighting applications such as warehouses andfactories.

Both detectors can be used in either presencedetection or absence detection mode, withincandescent, fluorescent and compact fluorescentlight sources, to provide automatic control oflighting loads with optional manual control.

The EBDSPIR-HB-DD detector can also be used inconjunction with DSI or DALI dimming ballasts over

1 or 2 channels to maintain illuminance to pre-set lux levels, dimming thelighting in proportion to the levels of natural daylight entering the space.

CP Electronics0208 9000671www.cpelectronics.co.uk

ELECTRICAL TESTING: FREE GUIDE TO EN50191 Details of all the practical issues associated with the EN50191 standard for the installation andoperation of electrical test equipment are covered in a newly reprinted booklet from electricalsafety testing specialist Clare Instruments.

The free, Guide to EN50191 will be of interest to all those with responsibility for ensuringthe safe operation of electrical test equipment inmanufacturing, compliance, repair and design organisations.

Because the standard applies to all facilities whereelectrical testing is undertaken, it is also applicable to testhouses, repair workshops and design laboratories.

A full guide to the safety requirements of differentelectrical test stations and locations is included, togetherwith details of the safety measures required to ensureprotection against electric shock.

Clare Instruments0191 587 8741www.clareinstruments.com

NEW SCRAPPAGE SCHEME The AGC-3 control system is designed to protect and control your gen-setunder the most testing conditions. It will handle applications ranging froma single unit to extremely complex power plants.

An AGC-3 can now be yours for just 75% of the market price. All youneed to do is hand

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DEIF (UK)0161 429 4940www.deif.co.uk

PRODUCT WATCH

WIRED ISSUE 8 RELEASED Wired issue 8 from FS Cables is now available online FS Cables Wired issue 8 Digital

The major issue covered is the confusion that still surrounds the difference between LSF(low smoke and fume) and LSHF (low smoke halogen free)cables.

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Wired also focuses on two major 'green' issues – itsrecent ISO14001 Environmental Accredition and secondly, FSCables twisted pair KNX cable being certified and approvedby the KNX association. KNX represents a 'green solution' inhome automation and building technologies.

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RAPID FIX CABLING SOLUTION Hochiki Europe – in association with modular cable specialist, Apex Wiring Solutions – has introduced aninnovative, rapid-fix, electrical cabling solution for fire systems that, it claims, could revolutionise the way in whichfire detection systems are installed. Called Smart-Fix+, it is described as a ‘plug-and-play’ system that cutsinstallation costs, reduces waste, diminishes the need for site labour, improves site efficiency, enhances site safetyand accelerates construction programmes.

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BLUETOOTH SERIAL PRINTER ADAPTER LM Technologies’ Business Division is a global provider and manufacturer of Bluetooth cablereplacement solutions (Bluetooth adapters and modules).

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LM Technologies08700 662 740www.lm-technologies.com

20 YEARS OF SWITCH SALES November 2009 was a milestone for ForemostElectronics, the Essex based specialist distributor ofelectromechanical components, as it celebrated atwenty year association with MEC Switches.

Among the most popular MEC switch solutionsavailable from Foremost are the versatile 3Fmultimec push-button switches which are availableilluminated and non-illuminated, are waterproof sealed to IP67 and may be mounted using surface mountprocesses or through-hole soldered. The 3F switch unit has 1 mm actuator travel and a 3N actuation force thatgives a positive, audible tactile feel throughout its 10 million cycle mechanical life.

Foremost Electronics01371 811171www.4most.co.uk

TWIN ASSEMBLY BOARD Hager has extended its new range of TypeB distribution boards to include twin panassembly versions. Each pan assembly

has its own metermounted inside tomeasure lighting andpower consumptionseparately.

The twin pan assemblyboards are available withpre-fitted 125A or 250Aincomers with differentsplit outgoing wayconfigurations. Inaddition the contractorcan select boards that

have pan assemblies mounted eitherabove each other or side-by-sidedepending on the space available formounting.

The boards are supplied with metersthat offer a pulsed output. The companycan also tailor solutions to providemodbus output plus additional featuressuch as data logging and webconnectivity for remote meter reading.

Hager0870 240 2400www.hager.co.uk

CATALOGUE WITH ECOCREDENTIALS Heatstore, a manufacturer of heating,showers and water heating products, hasannounced the distribution of its new 2010catalogue – issue 18.

The sixty page catalogue featuresHeatstore’s product range including thenew underfloor heating mats and laddertowel rails, the Aqua range of electricshowers, and the extensive range waterheating products – ideal for commercial or

domestic use.This year

Heatstorehas alsointroducedthe range ofGreen Spotproductsemphasisingits growingcommitmentto improvingthe

environmental impact of their products.The catalogue includes product selection

guides used to identify the range bestsuited for the needs of the end user and thecontractor.

Heatstore0117 938 6458www.heatstore.co.uk

PRODUCT WATCHNEW BROCHURE GIVES TASTER OF MENU Whatever your cable management requirements, Marshall-Tufflex aims to provide asolution, from standard PVC-U perimeter trunking to bespoke power and datadistribution systems that incorporate the revolutionary MT32 Prefabricated WiringSystems.

The company has produced a 12-page brochure giving an overview of its systems plusa brief introduction to each of its main product ranges. These include its antimicrobial Bio

Trunking Solutions, Cat 6 compliant trunking, MT32,Underfloor to Desk solutions and PowerPoles & Posts.

The brochure also features Special Solutions service,which works with customers to provide factory finishedpower and data distributions systems that are pre-wired,tested and ready for installation; and design andmanufacture bespoke power and data managementsystems tailor-made for individual applications.

Marshall Tufflex01424 856688www.marshall-tufflex.com

BRING STAR QUALITY TO WIRELESSLIGHTING CONTROL MK Electric is enhancing the possibilities of wireless lightingcontrol with the launch of Astral – a Mesh-based system that usesradio frequency (RF) technology tocontrol lighting applications withinresidential, commercial or hospitalityenvironments.

Astral devices – the initial rangecomprising controllers, dimmers andswitches – have the capability tocontrol lighting in one particular room,but also lighting throughout the entireproperty. Each device is effectively atransceiver – both receiving andtransmitting RF signals. Signals aredetected by all other astral deviceswithin range, or any other device withZ-Wave as its inherent RF ‘language’ and when programmed to doso, will control the lighting connected to them; or forward thesignal to the desired destination device via the most effective andefficient route.

MK Electric01268 563000www.mkelectric.co.uk

SLEEK AND SLENDER New from Megaman, is the slender GU9 Compatible9W lamp which has been specifically designed for

use in narrow fixtures. Ideal as a direct

replacement for 35W G9halogen light sources, theGU9 Compatible provides avariety of benefits whichincludes massive energysavings of up to 80% andless heat emission than itshalogen equivalent. The GU9Compatible comes completewith a GU9 lamp base which

prevents halogen lamps being used in thelampholder whilst providing compatibility with Part Lof the building regulations. The GU9 lamp has beenengineered to fit into either conventional G9 lampholders or Megaman’s own version.

Megaman (UK)0845 408 4625www.megamanuk.com

NEW INSULATION TESTER The latest addition to the Seaward rnage of hand held electrical installation testersis the IRT1557 combined insulation and continuity tester.

The new lightweight instrument is designed to meet the measurementrequirements of the IEE 17th Edition Wiring Regulations and Part P certification.

The robust IRT1557 combines high performance test facilities with a number ofspecial user friendly operating features.

These include long life battery operation and alarge backlit LCD display that shows allmeasurement readings in both analogue and digitalformats.

The tester also incorporates a unique integratedsafety probe that ensures that the large backlitanalogue and digital LCD test display remains inthe user line of sight while circuit measurementsare being taken.

Seaward Group0191 586 3511www.seaward.co.uk

LONGER LASTING SITE POWER Schneider Electric's Thorsman brand has revampedits Lightstik site lighting product with Lightstik 2;which now offers longer lasting and more reliablebattery power than ever before.

The new Lightstik 2 is a compact cordlesshandlamp which allows contractors to continueworking without natural daylight and helpingprojects stay on track throughout the winter. Itfeatures the new lightweight LI-on technology,which prevents a memory effect on its rechargeablebattery, meaning it will always receive 100%charge for a long-lasting solution.

Lightstik 2 is water and oil resistant to IP65 rating, ensuring it withstands very wetand dirty conditions. It features a low self discharge rate, which provides longer shelflife before recharging and incorporates 33 separate bright LED lamps to provideexceptional light output.

Schneider Electric0870 608 8 608www.schneider-electric.co.uk

LIGHTING THE WAY AT UN CLIMATESUMMIT Hosting a global sustainability summit calls for sustainable lighting.That’s why Copenhagen’s Bella Centre, the venue for the 15th

United Nations Climate ChangeConference (COP15) thisDecember, is one of the earliestlocations for the Thorn Adelielantern.

Nine of the energy saving,long life LED lanterns are nowinstalled in the arrivals area,staged by the Copenhagen

architects SLA. The temporary urban space entitled White Balance isdesigned to inspire a future balance between human urbanisationand the earth’s resources.

The post-top mounted luminaire, which combines a ring of 32 x1.1W LEDs with a funnel-shaped canopy to create a soft indirectlight, has recently been upgraded with 3800K, 100 lm/W LEDs.

Thorn Lighting020 8732 9800www.thornlighting.co.uk

PRODUCT WATCH

WIRING MADE EASY Lewden Electrical Industries and Italian partners Palazzoli haveintroduced an IP67 series to its popular cost effective Multimaxrange of plugs and connectors that provide easy wiringconnection in approximately 20 seconds.

Already offered in an IP44 version to protect against waterspray, the low voltage straight protected Multimax is designed tooffer quick connection. The user simply applies the cable, tightensthe terminal blocks and secures the connection in a simpleclockwise locking system.

The addition of the IP67 series means the product has even more versatility and is protected fromtotal dust ingress and water protection from 15cm – 1m depth

Lewden Electrical Industries020 8539 0237www.lewden.com

TRANSFORMER HOTLINE AVAILABLE 24/7 Transformer emergencies have no respect for time or day. In fact, they always seem to happen preciselywhen a loss of network power is guaranteed to cause the most inconvenience and financial loss. So, thefaster you can get hold of a transformer expert to diagnose your problem and recommend a solution,then the best chance there is of minimizing the possible impact on your business.

That’s why ABB has launched its new 24/7 emergency hotline service that provides immediatetelephone support from one of our transformer service experts. It also comes with the promise of an on-site response within 24 hours.

ABB0800 083 3211www.abb.com/transformers

OFF-THE-SHELF BACK-UP POWER Dale Power Solutions plc has introduced a range of UPS systems to meet a demand from customers.

The E E Series is a range of single phase and three phase output UPS systems offering off the shelfback up power for a range of applications.

Dale views the introduction of theE E Series as part of an ongoingand exciting programme of new product launches.

Dale managing director Tim Wilkins said: “Dale’s commitment is toproviding total back-up power solutions via innovative products andthe introduction of the E Series meets an increasing demand fromcustomers for units of this size and capability. It will be followed by theintroduction of further products, again to maximise the flexibility andrange of systems we offer customers.”

Dale Power Solutions01723 583511www.dalepowersolutions.com

REVAMPED TIME SWITCHES RAISE CONTROL SCHEME ACCURACY Finder has updated and extended its 12 Series of 16A time switches, commonly used in a range of lighting,heating and ventilation applications. Comprising mechanical and digital daily and weekly time switches, the 12

Series has been completely redesigned to increase the number ofswitching points and minimum interval settings and to improve the man-machine interface.

With all 12 Series time switches now enabling direct switching oflighting loads up to 2000W and AC1 loads up to 4000VA, they alsosignificantly reduce the need for additional slave switching components.

Added to the mechanical time switch range, the 12.31 is Finder's first tobe offered in a 72mm square front panel mounted housing.

Finder01785 818100www.findernet.com

MEETING NEW MEDIANEEDS Legrand has launched a new media plate thatdelivers neat, compact installations, which meetthe needs of today’s digitally advanced TV andhome entertainment audiences.

The monobloc plate is delivered fully fittedfor use with satellite applications that featurelive TV and recording facilities, such as Sky+and V+. It features two independent satellite in-feeds, one terrestrial TV socket, one video returnsocket and a secondary telephone point tomeet requirements of satellite systems. Inaddition, the plate provides two Synergy 2 gangswitched doublepole 13A sockets.Up to four itemscan be plugged inat any one time,providing the enduser with the scopeto power their TV,DVD, gamesconsole and stereofrom one small,compact plate.

Legrand0845 605 4333www.legrand.co.uk

IEC 61850 TESTING TOOLSENHANCED Omicron, lmanufacturer of testing solutions forprotection systems, has released a new version ofits versatile IEDScout PC software. IEDScout 2.0offers many valuable functions needed insubstations with IEC 61850 devices or thelaboratory. The functional range of this universalIEC 61850 client reaches from generic dataattribute reading/writing to using the selfdescription of the IED (intelligent electronic devices)and creating SCL (substation configurationlanguage) files from it. The software works aspublisher/subscriber for Goose (generic objectoriented substation events) messages and monitorsthem in a network. The new version contains apolling window for observing all polled datatogether andoffers thepossibility ofrecordingGoose trafficintoComtradefiles. A freetrial versionof the software is available at www.omicron.at andwww.omicronusa.com.

Omicron01785 251000www.omicron.at www.omicronusa.com

PRODUCT WATCHROUTER CONNECTS HVACDRIVES TO IP NETWORK Drives can be easily connected to a HVACsystem with BACnet, using an IP router fromABB. The RBIP-01 router eliminates the needfor gateways and is compatible with all ABBHVAC drives, including older productgenerations.

The RBIP-01 router transfers data betweenthe IP network and MS/TP (RS-485), a networkstandard used by many devices in HVAC installations, such as drives. Unlike agateway, the router does not interpret data or translate from one language intoanother, but simply passes on the data from one medium to another. This makesthe router much easier to set up than a gateway and ensures that no informationis lost during the transfer.

ABB Limited01925 741 111www.abb.co.uk/energy

HMI PC IN USE AT ARDMOREDISTILLERY Open HMI ET-456 the ATEX certified PC system fromR.STAHL is now in use at Ardmore Distillery, following therequirement to expand the main still-house control systemto include automated valves at its external tank farm. Thefully automated control system allows the operators to

control all aspects ofthe distilling processfrom one centrallocation right next tothe spirit safes in theheart of the still-house.

The Open HMI ET-456 is an easy tomaintain product

containing no fans, moving parts or batteries. It iscompletely certified in its own right for both gas and dustenvironments with touch screen facility for convenience.The Windows operating system is pre-installed, ensuringthat the product is literally able to plug and play with anoperational lifespan of over 50,000 hours.

R. Stahl0121 7676400www.rstahl.co.uk

‘CHRISTMAS TREE’ STUD Pierce fastening and assembly specialist Profil (UK) Ltd haslaunched the SZB stud, a fast and secure anchor post for plastic ormetal clips used to secure trim, insulation, hydraulic pipework orelectrical wiring runs to sheet metal components.

Suitable for automotive industry, electrical equipment ordomestic appliance use, the new fastener features an asymmetricbuttress (Christmas tree) style thread that provides simple push-on, screw-off location for the secondary fasteners.

With an industry-standard 5 mm core diameter and installedheight of 15 mm, the new anchor stud is dimensionally equivalentto standard welded fasteners. It can be inserted automatically inpressed components as part of their production process at rates ofmore than 100 fasteners per minute.

Profil01530 276515www.profil.eu

LIGHTING UP SPORTS PERSONALITY AWARDS Click Scolmore’s lights are shining brightly on a host of famous faces at the new SISArena Club at the Sheffield Arena - most recently the VIP guests assembled for theBBC Sports Personality of the Year.

A selection of downlighters, pendant lights, emergency signs, plus control gear,supplied by WF Electrical, were fitted at the 150-seaterhospitality suite, which was used to entertain many ofthe celebrity guests attending the prestigious awardsceremony on 13 December.

The project was completed by RCS ElectricalContractors. Faced with a tight installation deadline,contractor Robert Curson, turned to Click Scolmore toprovide a one-stop solution for all the elements requiredto complete the lighting project. An installer for morethan 20 years, he regularly uses Click products on arange of domestic and commercial projects.

Scolmore01827 63454www.scolmore.com

THERMOELECTRIC COOLER Rittal’s thermoelectric coolers employ the ‘Peltier effect’ toprovide 100W of cooling output without refrigerants or gasesand with very few moving parts. This is achieved by passing anelectric charge through a two dissimilar conductors which, asdiscovered by 19th Century physicist Jean-Charles Peltier, lowersthe temperature of the ‘Peltier element.’ Fans are then used tocirculate the cool air.

Small in size and the lightest thermoelectric cooler on the market at a mere 3kg, Rittal’s versatilethermoelectric coolers can be mounted internally or externally, horizontally or vertically and producevery little noise or vibration.

Energy efficiency and a long service life were both engineered into Rittal’s thermoelectric coolers,with variable speed “soft starting” fans that translate to 60% more efficient operation thancompetitor offerings and an enhanced lifespan.

Rittal01709 704000www.rittal.co.uk

READY FOR HIGH VOLTAGE CABLEPRODUCTION Electrical cable manufacturerTratos Cavia Spa, parentcompany of UK distributionsubsidiary Tratos, is pleased toannounce the completion of a€6m extension to its factory inArezzo, Italy.

The Pieve Santo Stefano siteis the main manufacturing facility for Tratos, producing fibre optic cables,telecommunication cables with copper conductor, power cables up to19/33 kW, signalling cables and instrumentation cables.

As part of a planned consistent growth, the extension will houseTratos’ new continuous vulcanisation line for completely dry curing ofpolymeric high voltage cables up to 132kV. These will be available in theUK shortly.

Tratos also has a manufacturing facility based in Knowsley,Merseyside. Its product range includes single and multi conductor hightemperature, fire resistant, low smoke and fume, rubber, energy cablesfrom low Voltages up to 132kV, railway, motorway bespoke cables.

Tratos01246 858000www.tratos.co.uk

PRODUCT WATCH

LED DOWNLIGHT NOW CONSUMES JUST 25WCooper Lighting has reduced the power consumption of its Axent RXD1 LED downlight to just 25W,resulting in an energy saving of 56% when compared with equivalent 2 x 26W CFL downlights, whichare still in widespread use.

The Axent RXD1 was the first commercially available downlight touse a multi-chip LED light source. Unlike conventional high-output LEDs,this technology incorporates multiple LEDs in a single package, givingincreased light output in a smaller space and a wider spread of light.

Now equipped with a latest-generation multi-chip light source, theRXD1 offers an even more efficient alternative to traditional compactfluorescent lighting. Moreover, the downlight delivers major energysavings without compromising on light levels or quality of light.

Cooper Lighting01302 303200www.artandsciencecombined.com

DATA PORTAL BOOSTS PROJECT SPEED Engineers need suitable component data that can be importeddirectly into a project. The web-based EPLAN data portal deliversaround 100,000 pieces of the latest tested and certified componentand device data from numerous component manufacturers - therebygiving users an extra productivity boost.

An extensive collection of device and component data provideddirectly by companies such as ABB, Rittal, Phoenix Contact and LappKabel, which has been verified for use in the EPLAN platformensures seamless engineering at maximum speed. A desired component can be found by using a keyword,manufacturer name, product group or catalogue view in the direct search function. Time-consuming browsingthrough catalogues and manually transferring information is a thing of the past. Data is entered directly in aproject from the EPLAN data portal - with all the convenient functions of a web-based solution.

Rittal01709 704000www.eplan.co.uk

ONE-STOP HIGH POWER SOLUTIONS The one-stop, high power solutions service operated by Zucchini, for consultants and contractorsconcerned with high power distribution projects, has become increasingly popular this year.

The service provides a seamless, integrated range of solutions to feed and distribute high powerfrom Zucchini transformers to Zucchini busbar systems to Legrand distribution boards.

To date, popular applications have beenfactory power distribution and rising maininstallations.

Zucchini operates the one-stop, highpower solutions service in close co-operationwith Legrand distribution boards.

Zucchini0121 458 7070www.zucchini.uk.com

REMOTE RACKING SYSTEM FINALIST FOR AWARD CBS ArcSafe has developed a remote racking system for 600 volt through 38kV circuit breakers andrelated draw out electrical equipment, along with remote switching actuators that will allow servicepersonnel to charge, close and/or trip manually operated electrical devices, 600 volt through 38kV. These

products enhance safety by allowing service personnel to stand outside thearc flash boundary and are integral to the NFPA-70E and CSA Z462 Guidelinesfor Arc Flash Safety.

Annually, Plant Engineering Magazine (www.plantengineering.com) acceptsapplications for up to 17 product categories for the Product of the Year, withplant engineers reviewing entries and selecting finalists. This award representsoutstanding achievements in product design and innovation within theindustry.

CBS ArcSafe001 940-382-4411www.cbsarcsafe.com

POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT Emergi-Lite Safety Systems has extended its rangeof EMEX Power central power supply systems toprovide high performance, low maintenanceemergency lighting solutions to meet the moststringent design and operational requirements.

The EMEX Power modular construction allowsusers to minimise spares holding locally, moreoverany major component can be replaced inapproximately 15 minutes, reducing downtime.

Miniaturecircuitbreakers –not fuses –are used togive easycorrectionof overloadtripping.Runningcosts are

minimised as EMEX Power operates in a lowpower mode, so the inverter is not runningcontinuously. This also means the inverter is notgenerating waste heat that has a detrimentaleffect on battery life.

Emergi-Lite Safety Systems0113 281 0600www.emergi-lite.co.uk

TRUNKING SPECIFIED AT NEWHOSPITALMarco has supplied over 1000metres of Apollo 60Cat 6 data trunking at a new local general hospitalin Blaneau Gwent.

Supplying electrical contractor Balfour BeattyElectrical, the new £53.7m Welsh AssemblyGovernment funded hospital will provide asignificant improvement in the delivery ofhealthcare services throughout Bleneau Gwent.

Steve Davis, Marco business developmentmanager said: “This is an important facility for theGwent area. As a local business, it’s good to seeour products being specified at key schemes suchas this. The client and the contractor chose ourApollo 60 Trunking to future proof their ITrequirements for Cat 6 cables.”

He continued: “The Apollo 60 met all of ourclients requirements regarding 50mm bend radius,deeper back boxes and the data compartment,carrying up to 48, Cat 6 cables.”

Marco Cable Management01248 725777www.marcocableman.co.uk

PRODUCT WATCH

UPS FOR ICT NETWORKING Socomec UPS comes third in the PC Professionale competition, oneof the most prestigious Italian magazines specialising in IT productsand applications. The latest issue of the magazine focused onelectrical protection and published results of a product comparisontest of 12 UPS models from the top 8 Italian vendors in the market.

The tests carried out focused on 4 criteria which assessed the UPSunits against:• construction quality• autonomy• price• compactness

The Netys PR 1500 VA, out performed all others tested on the autonomy criteria test (47'03, againstan average of 23'65 for the others). Thanks to this outstanding achievement, it was awarded Bronzewith a commendation for its flexibility and adaptability in all networking environments.

Socomec UPS01285 863327www.socomec.com

PCB HEADERS OFFER HIGHCONTACT IN COMPACT HOUSING The 8513 range of PCB Headers from Wieland Electric hasbeen designed to offer a particularly high contact densityinside a compact housing.

Wieland’s new two-tier and three-tier PCB Headers areavailable in 2 – 16 poles per tier, in straight or angled versions and with or without locking flanges formating connectors. The three-tier option, wiecon 8513 SDGN, has a maximum of 48 poles for theconnection of 1.5mm² wires, whilst the wiecon two-tier 8513 SEGN will provide up to 32 poles. Thewiecon 8513 BS mating plug connectors are equipped with push-in technology for fast wiring withoutthe need for tools.

Wieland Electric01483 531213www.wieland-electric.com

HIGH-CURRENT POWER MEASUREMENTS Yokogawa Europe has teamed up with Hitec Power Protection of the Netherlands, to develop arange of high-current power measurement solutions combining Yokogawa's family of precisionpower analysers with Hitec's Zero-flux(TM) range of DC current-transformer based sensors.

When used in conjunction with an instrument such as Yokogawa's WT3000 precision poweranalyser, the Hitec sensors allow currents of several hundreds oreven thousands of amperes to be measured accurately. They alsoallow precision DC and AC measurements to be carried outsimultaneously.

Yokogawa Europe BV+31 (0) 88 464 1811http://tmi.yokogawa.com/ea

NEW MODIFICATION SERVICE Rittal has launched a new service that will allow the specification of holes,cut-outs and engraving in their extensive range of enclosures. Based in anew facility at its UK headquarters in Rotherham the service will offer a fiveworking day delivery on enclosures modified to users specification using astate-of-the art machining centre.

Working with customer specifications, Rittal can assist with designdrawings which are then used to machine the individually customised holes for switches, LEDs or connectors.Legends and logos can also be printed on the front face, if required and standard panel finishes of clearanodising, or clear conductive alochrom for EMC panels, can be exchanged for coloured finishes, includingpaint or plastic film overlay. All Rittal front panels are fully RoHS compliant.

Rittal01709 704000www.rittal.co.uk

ENHANCED INTELLIGENCEFOR LIGHTING SYSTEM Schneider Electric has enhanced its C-Bus lightingsystem with the introduction of Wiser; a wirelessethernet gateway that provides the user with theability to remotely control the system via amobile phone, computer or handheld PC.

This method of interfacing with the C-Bussystem offers convenience, enhances security andprovides ease of access. The Wiser module issuitable for retrofit and new installations of theC-Bus systemand is ideal forany commercialapplication suchas hotels, officesand retailoutlets, as wellas residentialinstallations.

The technology allows users to simply controllighting, heating, security systems and AV fromany location and interface with the networkwithout having to be physically on site. For thefacilities manager or system integrator, thismeans new programmes can be created orchanges made to existing modes for increasedcontrol.

Schneider Electric0870 608 8 608www.schneider-electric.co.uk

LUMINAIRES MEET ALLREQUIREMENTS Nowavailableis thenewThornAreafloodrange, acompletematchingseries ofdischargeand compact fluorescent luminaires from 42W to600W. The aluminium floodlight is based on theChampion sports projector, with an inclined frontglass and integrated visor giving precise lightcontrol.

There are two sizes, with asymmetric or ‘street’reflectors. Peak beam angles are up to 60 degrees,with a total cut off at 90 degrees.

Areaflood is sealed to IP66 and can be suppliedwith integral photocell, adaptive controls, hot-restrike gear and emergency lighting. A hingedfront glass, removable gear tray and aiming markerensure simple installation and maintenance.

Thorn Lighting020 8732 9800www.thornlighting.co.uk

Visit our new directory section online at www.electricalreview.co.uk

Automation Power Systems Software

Rockwell Automation provides an

extensive portfolio of products,

including Low Voltage Control

Equipment, Variable Speed Drives, Medium Voltage Drives, Programmable

Controllers, SCADA and MES. With a focus on sustainability and life-time costs,

we also provide a range of added-value services such as Asset Management,

Condition Monitoring and On-Site Support.

Coupled with this, Rockwell Automation has a system engineering capability

combined with extensive domain experience of the manufacturing sector. In

particular Rockwell Automation has dedicated resources assigned to Rail, Water

and Energy industries within the UK market.

Tel: 0870 242 5004

Fax: 01908 261917

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.rockwellautomation.co.uk

RECRUITMENT/CLASSIFIED

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To advertise in this section contact John Steward on: 020 7933 8974 or [email protected]: £19 pccm, Box No £25

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FOR YOUR NEXT PERMANENT VACANCY,GIVE US A CALL AND SPEAK TO PEOPLE WHO

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Visit www.electricalrecruit.co.ukAlternatively contact

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Loadbanks

UPS

Test and measurement

Seaward is a market leader in the supply ofspecialist instrumentation for electrical safetytesting for portable appliance testing, 17th

edition installation testing, high voltage andother electrical applications. In all cases,

innovative test technology is combined withaccessories, training, calibration and othercomprehensive customer support as part of

‘total solution’ electrical test instrumentationservices.

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[email protected]

innovative test technology and comprehensive customer support

Power FactorCorrection

Power Factor CorrectionPowerLogicTM Metering Systems

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Harmonic Surveys To G5/4Harmonic Filters

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Call for survey and quotation :-Tel 01773 - 603110 Fax 01773 - 603112

e-mail [email protected] site - www.varservices.co.uk

VAR Services Ltd. 27 Main Road,

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Cables / Telecables

To advertise in this section contact John Steward on: 020 7933 8974 or [email protected]

Charges: £19 pccm, Box No £25CLASSIFIED

PFC Engineering LtdStation Road, Great Chesterford,SaffronWalden, Essex CB10 1NY

Total Power Quality SolutionsPower Factor Correction Design and Manufacture - LV / MVPower Factor Correction Maintenance and InstallationHarmonic Analysis and Penetration StudiesHarmonic Filtration Systems - LV / MV Design and ManufactureVoltage Disturbance and Flicker ControlComplete Analytical ServicesConsultation and Advice

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Power Quality Management

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BLOWN FUSESEEMS OUR GRUMPY OLD MAN JOHN HOUSTON IS EASILY

WOUND UP AT PRESENT. AN INNOCUOUS PASSING COMMENTFROM OUR EDITOR HAS GOT THE WIND UP HIM GOOD ANDPROPER THIS MONTH.

I WAS PROMPTED to write this month’sdiatribe by our esteemed editor’s recentcomment on the difficulties of gettingplanning permission for a wind turbine to beerected in many (most) homes in Britain. Myissue is that, unfortunately, there is little pointin bothering to jump through the hoops ornavigate the loops of the planning authoritiesin the first place.

While energy prices are unlikely to fall in theforeseeable future, it still makes little economicsense to install wind generators in domesticdwellings. If one has an environmental socialconscience and plenty of loose cash to splash,then by all means make the highly obtrusivelyvisible green statement, literally, in your ownback yard. But don’t think you are economisingin any sense or scale.

I have shopped around and it seems that,planning consents besides, most wind turbineswith anything like the capacity to satisfy atypical suburban semi will cost in the region of

£40,000 to

erect. That’s assuming a generating capacity of5kW, which is certainly insufficient in wintermonths for a home with exclusively electricheating. At current prices (pun intended) thatgives a payback on the initial investment ofbetween 10-15 years depending on consumptionand energy prices. Moreover, since one cannotsell excess power back to the DistributionNetwork Operators at anything like what theycharge consumers, there is little incentive tomake more electricity than one uses.

What is more there are no accurate figures,at least anywhere I could find, for the runningcosts of a wind turbine. However, judging bythe mean time between failures (MTBF) of mostdomestic equipment (washing machines,domestic heating pumps and so forth) it seemslikely the repair and maintenance bills for aturbine that’s exposed to all the elements willnot be inconsequential. After all, bearings willwear, lubrication is required and so on – plusno doubt maintenance labour charges will bepunitive given the nature of the beast.

Moreover, however much we bemoan ourBritish climate, the fact is that in anything but

the most elevated or exposed locations, wedon’t get that much onshore wind. I

lived for years in Dulwich where wemanaged to grow tropical plants

in our garden and the last strongwinds in that locale were in the‘hurricane’ of ’86. Then, hadwe had a turbine erected itwould, in all likelihood,suffered much the same fateas our roof which ended up

as a garden ornament in our neighbour’s newlyformed tile strewn rockery.

While I personally support any measures toaid our beleaguered planet, we can’t do this byhome grown generation measures. In fact, I’mafraid I have rather converted to the ‘why notuse nuclear power – it’s safe, clean andenvironmentally friendly’ school of lobbyists. Isay yes, let’s have wind generation, yes, let’sharness the waves and even yes to solarpower, but the real panacea lies ineconomically viable and attainable bulk energygeneration.

While Sainsbury and EdF are to beapplauded for pioneering the availability ofenergy saving equipment to the masses, Ireally don’t think the supermarket chain’spenchant for placing a few wind turbines onthe tops of its stores is anything more thangreen posturing and much the same can besaid for the concept of home generators.

Having lived through the blight that sawflocks, or should that be gaggles, of satellitedishes spring up in the 90s, I dread to thinkwhat our urban landscape might become ifwind generators were good enough and cheapenough to prompt a ground swelling uptake.

Unfortunately, rather like the only way tolose weight is to eat less, the best way to savethe planet is to consume less. Switching offlights is a simple solution, but so too is eatingless chocolate until one tries it. Unless they areenvironmentalists with the commitment of azealot, most of those with the cash to erectwind turbines are the least likely to switchthings off!

THE ANSWER MY FRIEND AIN’T BLOWING IN THE WIND

John Houston can be contacted on 01797 364366 or by e-mail [email protected]


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