05.2011.pdf

May 2011 Volume 244 No 5

TThe use of connectors in wind turbines faces

a unique set of challenges: pages 22 and 23

MODERN CONNECTOR TECHNOLOGYFOR WIND TURBINES

www.harting.com

ELECTRICALREVIEW

Inside this issue:

� Safety at the speed of light� Cooler cables cut energy consumption� The quest for sustainable products� Substation surveillance

ETI SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FORCARBON CAPTURE PROJECTThe Energy Technologies Institute

(ETI) is looking for organisations to

take part in a multi-million pound

project developing cheaper carbon

capture technologies, specifically for

gas-fired power stations.

The ETI’s has highlighted CCS as a

vital part of the UK’s energy mix

alongside offshore wind, nuclear

power, bio energy and marine energy

if legally binding cuts in greenhouse

gases of 80% by 2050 are to be met

and security of supplies maintained.

The ETI expects to invest in the

initial development of two promising

‘next generation’ technologies before

selecting the best one for large scale

testing at a Combined Cycle Gas

Turbine (CCGT) plant.

Full details of the project and what

is expected from potential bidders

can full details of the project and

what the ETI expects from potential

bidders can be found at

http://www.energytechnologies.co.uk.

The deadline for the notification of

intention to submit a proposal is 27

May and all proposals must be

received by 27 June.

Bidders will need to demonstrate

and justify how their approach would

enable their technology to reach a

state of development that would

allow future investors to start

engineering the design of a power

station using this next generation

technology in 2015, with operation

commencing in 2020.

As retrofitting of existing power

stations is desirable the RfP will target

post-combustion technologies with

low capital costs.

ETI chief executive Dr David Clarke

said: “Gas remains the UK’s primary

energy source and our estimates

suggest we will have around 30GW

of CCGT capacity by 2030. Even

though gas is much cleaner than

coal, achieving the UK’s CO2

reduction targets in the longer term

will still require CCS to be fitted to all

fossil-fuelled power stations by the

2030s.

“The contribution of gas fired

stations to the energy mix in the UK

has grown and appears set to

continue to grow rapidly over the

next decade. Although work is now

being done on CCS technology

demonstrations the UK effort has

been largely focussed on coal so far.

“Through CCS technology, fossil

fuels can be economically used in an

environmentally acceptable way to

provide significant quantities of

competitively priced energy on

demand and so will be an important

contribution to the energy mix in the

future.”

Arc flash Page 12 Switchgear Page 18 Test & measurement Page 24 Cable management 0

May 2011 Volume 244 No 5

Abacus Lighting has completed

the installation of floodlighting

at Edgbaston Cricket Club as

part of the ground’s £30m

redevelopment.

Abacus has manufactured

and installed five bespoke

cantilever masts which will

provide 320 Challenger 3

floodlights giving 2200 lux over

the wicket and will fully

comply with English Cricket

Board (ECB) guidelines. The

floodlights incorporate

precision reflector systems to

ensure tight beam control,

reducing overspill and directing

light into the cricket ground

where it is needed, and away

from the surrounding local

residential area.

The floodlights will be tested

in May and be ready in time for

the first floodlit match on 15

July 2011.

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

ELECTRICALREVIEW

1000 REGISTER FOR 17TH EDITION COURSEOne thousand customers have

now registered for the NICEIC’S

City & Guilds 17th edition e-

learning course.

The training facility has proved

popular with contractors who

struggle to take time off work for

training. It allows users to gain the

necessary qualifications at a time

and pace that best suits them.

Les Keetch of Power Distribute,

in Kent, was the 1000th electrician

to sign up - winning himself a free

place on the 2392-10 blended

course worth £495. The course can

be taken over a number of nights,

weeks or months to suit the

demands on the electrician’s time.

04 Electrical Review May 2011

National Grid, owner and operator of the gas

National Transmission System (NTS) for Great

Britain, is installing Alcad Vantex rechargeable

nickel-based batteries in a programme to upgrade

the DC power back-up systems at some of its gas

compressor stations. The Vantex batteries,

developed specifically to ensure maximum

reliability and optimum TCO (total cost of

ownership) in stationary industrial installations, will

support vital control and safety functions at the

compressor stations in the event of a loss of mains

power.

National Grid has 25 compressor stations in

Great Britain that boost gas pressure up to 85 bar

to increase transmission capacity and move gas

through the pipelines. They are driven either by

industrial gas turbines fuelled by gas taken from

the pipeline or by electrical compressors.

The programme to upgrade the DC backup

power systems at the compressor stations is

focussing on three main types of battery systems:

fire and gas detection; switchgear control;

emergency power. The first two systems are

supported by 24 V batteries, while a 110 V battery

provides the emergency power.

One of the main contractors for the upgrade

programme is PE Systems. Explaining the reasons

why Alcad Vantex batteries have been selected,

Mark Wilson Project Manager for PE Systems said:

‘National Grid had received excellent service from

nickel-based batteries in previous compressor

installations, where in some cases they were still

going strong when replaced after 30 years. So the

customer was keen to use them again for the

current programme.

‘By making the change to the latest Vantex

design we have been able to provide a very low-

maintenance solution. At the same time, the wide

range of capacity steps available in the Vantex

range offers greater flexibility that enables us to

optimise the battery system for each site.’

The first compressor station to have been fitted

with the Alcad Vantex batteries is in Scotland. The

next site to be upgraded will be in the east of

England. Alcad is supplying and installing the

Vantex batteries complete with battery stands.

Frost & Sullivan has recognisedYokogawa Electric Corporation withthe 2011 Global Customer ValueEnhancement Award in DistributedControl Systems for the ChemicalsIndustry.

Kenji Hasegawa, general ,manager,marketing planning department,Industrial Automation MarketingHeadquarters, said: "VigilantPlant,Yokogawa's IA vision, has the mainmission to maximise customercorporate value by continuouslyincreasing the growth potential andproductivity of each customer. Thisaward is a prestigious recognition ofYokogawa's accomplishments in theglobal DCS markets."

BATTERIES SPECIFIED FOR GRID

Frost & Sullivanhonours Yokogawa

03 | NEWS

10 | GOSSAGE

12 | ARC FLASH

16 | ENCLOSURES

20 | SWITCHGEAR

26 | TEST & MEASUREMENT

32 | CABLE MANAGEMENT

34 | PRODUCT WATCH

39 | CLASSIFIED

43 | Q&A

Increases in the costof rawmaterialshave sent the priceof new powertransformerssoaring. As a resultthere is a growinginterest inservices thatwillextend the lifeand increasereliability of

existing transformers

Paul Courson,UK managingdirector ofsteel wire traycontainmentspecialist,Cablofil,discussesindependenttests carriedout to

demonstrate the relative coolingand energy efficiency benefits ofvarying types of cable containment

EPIT Group, a specialist in delivering Ex

courses, has announced the opening of its

custom-built training centre in Blackburn,

Aberdeen, UK.

The new facility will allow the group to

accelerate its growth strategy, as it increases

the capacity for providing specialist training

and assessment services to engineers working

in hazardous and industrial environments. With

three additional training rooms and a purpose

built electrical/instrument practical area, HV/LV

and cable glanding courses are catered for too.

EPIT Group will be delivering a portfolio of

nationally recognised, competency based

courses, in this new accredited training centre

including the CompEx scheme, as directed by

EEMUA, and Competency Plus courses,

certified by OPITO.

CUSTOM-BUILTTRAINING FACILITY

NEWS/ CONTENTS

As the European Commission declares the launch of its

Electromobility Initiative, Andy Heiron, head of electric

Vehicles, Renault UK has forecast a significant growth in

the number of units to be sold this decade, suggesting

annual sales of around 100,000 electric vehicles in 2015,

rising to 200,000 by 2020. With these projections based

on current market supply and demand, Heiron predicts

electric vehicles to have a 10% market share by 2020 and

even this could be understated if the UK is to achieve the

target of 1.7 million electric cars and plug-in hybrids by

2020, as suggested by the Committee on Climate Change.

Speaking at the Institution of Engineering and

Technology’s recent Clerk-Maxwell Lecture at IET London:

Savoy Place, Heiron suggested the UK market is ready for

electric vehicles and recommended the European

community comes together to formulate a set of

common standards that will overcome barriers

challenging its progress, including infrastructure,

networking and IT.

“While there are a lot of ambitious projections out

there, Renault has made our forecasts based on current

demands from the market and on what manufacturers

can supply,” said Heiron. “With more and more benefits

of electric vehicles being realised, from environmental

advantages to the vast number of jobs this industry can

bring, we need to begin working together to ensure

electric vehicles successfully move from an initiative to a

reality.”

Following the Renault-Nissan Alliance in 1999, the

major European OEM is investing €4bn in its zero-

emissions programme and a 2,000-strong team to work

on its electric vehicle programmes.

Dr Tony Whitehead, head of policy at the IET said, “The

Institution of Engineering and Technology is currently

analysing the impact of electric vehicles on UK society, as

we see such technology as a major contributor to a low

carbon future in the transport sector. As such, we

commend Renault and other manufacturers in pursuing

affordable electric vehicles for consumers. Moving

forward, the IET will be increasingly active in the electric

vehicles arena by helping government and the public to

understand the significance of this developing platform

for transport.”

At the recent IET Clerk-Maxwell Lecture, Heiron was

invited to give his perspective on the marketplace and

the reasons why Renault is championing the transition of

electrical vehicles from a niche to mainstream product.

The full lecture can be viewed on the IET TV website.

� The start of the UK’s first national

Climate Week on Monday 21 March

was marked in Southampton with

the unveiling of one of the largest

solar power installations in the area.

The National Oceanography Centre

(NOC) installed a 117 kWp Photo

Voltaic (PV) array at its

Southampton site as part of an

ongoing drive to reduce its carbon

footprint and save money on

increasingly expensive energy bills

in the coming years. The projected

carbon savings from the system is

equivalent to 50 tonnes of carbon

dioxide a year. The array is thought

to be the largest in Southampton

and joins a growing number of PV

installations in Hampshire.

� The first amendment to the 17th

Edition wiring regulations is due to

be published in July and NICEIC is

offering contractors the chance to

gain an early appreciation of the

proposed changes by running a

series of special training

workshops. The one day workshops

will cover all the expected changes

and are being run at various

venues across the country. Those

who book now will also receive a

special early bird deal which will

include a place on the workshop, a

free DVD (safe isolation

procedures) and a copy of the The

IET Wiring Regulations 17th edition

BS7671:2008 incorporating

amendment No1 2011. Visit

www.niceicdirect.com for details.

IN BRIEF

NEWS

IET LECTURE PREDICTS GROWTHFOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE SECTOR

The Technology Strategy Board is to invest up to £12m in

three new research and development competitions to

stimulate innovation and support growth across the UK.

Scheduled to open in May and June, the competitions are

designed to accelerate the development of new

technologies in different areas – materials technologies for

use in energy generation, transmission, distribution and

storage, strategies to improve the resistance of buildings to

climate change and ICTs for the manufacturing and

construction sectors.

The investments will build on the Technology Strategy

Board’s programme of activity to stimulate business-led

innovation across the UK, through funding to aid the

development of new technologies and a range of activity

that fosters and encourages collaboration and knowledge

sharing in a range of technology areas and business

sectors across the UK. The three new competitions are

Energy Materials (£3m), Design for Future Climate (£2.4m)

and ICT for high value manufacturing and construction

(£7m). Further information about the three new

competitions will be available shortly on the competitions

page at www.innovateuk.org.

£12M INVESTMENT IN TECHNOLOGY

Solarplaza has announced the shadow minister for

energy and climate change, Huw Irranca-Davies, will

provide one of the keynote speeches at its conference:

The Solar Future, UK. The conference will review the

UK solar photovoltaic (PV) market since the

introduction of the feed-in tariffs (FiTs) last year and

discuss the upcoming challenges the sector faces.

Irranca-Davies was appointed to the UK’s shadow

cabinet in October 2010. And since the coalition

government announced its fast-track review in

February, he has been especially vocal about solar PV.

“The Solar Future conference could not be more

timely, in the light of the early review of feed-in-tariffs

and the resulting uncertainty in the market,” said

Irranca-Davies. “Solar has to be a significant part of our

energy future in the UK, helping energy security and

affordability over time as well as our carbon reduction

targets. So I look forward to outlining my thoughts on

the essential ingredients for consensus – across

industry and politicians – on the way forward for a

bright future for solar.”

“Mr Irranca-Davies has really thrown his political

weight behind solar PV since the fast-track review was

announced. He understands the importance of solar

for the UK in terms of attracting investment and

creating green jobs,” said Edwin Koot, CEO of

Solarplaza. “Having Mr Irranca-Davies at the

conference will help to highlight the political debate

that is so important to the future of the solar industry

in the UK.” The conference will take place on 29 June

2011 at Central Hall Westminster. To register visit

www.thesolarfuture.co.uk.

SHADOW ENERGY MINISTER TODELIVER KEYNOTE SPEECH

NEWS

PEOPLE

EDITORElinore Mackay 020 8319 [email protected]

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGERNeil Coshan 020 7933 [email protected]

PRODUCTION MANAGERTania King 020 7933 [email protected]

CLASSIFIED SALES EXECUTIVEJohn Steward 020 7933 [email protected]

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ELECTRICAL REVIEW SUBSCRIPTIONSSt John Patrick PublishersPO Box 6009,ThatchamBerkshireRG19 4QB, UK

SUBSCRIPTION RATES:UK £160.00 per year,Overseas £195.00(EU 300.00 US$360).

Electrical Review is a controlled circulation monthly

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PUBLISHING DIRECTORChris Cooke

PRINTING BYPensord Press Ltd

Any article in this journal represents the opinionsof the author. This does not necessarily reflect theviews of Electrical Review or its publisher–St John Patrick Publishers

ISSN 0013-4384

All editorial contents © Saint John Patrick

Publishers Ltd 2011. Jan-Dec 2009 6,484

Fl ir Systems has announced theappointment of Jason Mann to thepost of area manager, distributionsales. He replaces Steve Beynon whohas moved to the division of Flir thatfocuses on thermal imaging for gasdetect ion. Mann is now responsiblefor developing and managing thenetwork of distr ibutors, wholesalers,catalogue distribut ion companies andagents through whom the entirerange of Flir thermal imagingcameras is now sold. Models extendfrom the low cost troubleshootingcameras through to sophist icatedsystems for detailed thermal analysisin predictive maintenance andbuilding sc ience applicat ions.

The sales team of KEC, theAldermaston-based EMC interconnectspecialist , has been strengthened

with the appointment of DavidCollett as customer developmentengineer. Having worked for manyyears at Townsend Coates as aregional sales manager and morerecently in sales at PEI Genesis,Collett is well known in theconnector industry and has a greatdeal of specialist knowledge in themilitary connector market.

Lynton Buxton has been appointedas market ing manager forBurtonwood Generator & SwitchgearServices. A graduate of the CranfieldInstitute of Technology, Buxton holdsa Masters Degree in Distribut ionTechnology and Management.

Jason Mann David Collett Lynton Buxton


OPINION GOSSIP/GOSSAGE

DISTRUST WILL CONTINUE TO SPREADNo denying it. Fukushima has changed the ground rules for the wonderful world of electricity. Forever.

There may be some who studiously deny the importance of the implosion of the Daiichi nuclear plant to the north of Tokyo. Manifestly,few died - immediately. Undeniable, but in realpolitik terms, an irrelevance. Nothing can alter the impact of the weeks of incessant TVpictures, all emphasising the dangers of nuclear power, is having on public opinion throughout the OECD.

Yes, I know that now all-too familiar phrase ‘nuclear meltdown’ is just a technical term, that really should bear little relation to theperception of Armageddon caused. But that is simply no longer relevant.

It is already plain there are approaching one quarter of a million people who face the prospect of never being able to return to theirhomes. The fact is none of these homes were in some third world backwater. Rather these people live – more accurately lived – within easytravelling distance of one of the world’s most important cities.

They are citizens of one of the most sophisticated and prosperous countries in the world. Always billed as ‘too big to fail’, nonetheless oneof Japan’s largest companies, TEPCO, has lost 80% of its stock value: this alone affects millions of people’s savings. Millions more in Japan areunderstandably anxious about the possible impact of what will for some time be an uncertain exposure of their children to radiation. Andmany others, well beyond Japan, are worried about the total disruption caused to their job prospects.

An entire articulate country, traumatised by memories of radiation in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, now does not trust nuclear power. Thatdistrust has spread, is spreading and will continue to spread. Witness what has already happened in Germany, in Switzerland.

SUMMING UPTo sum up Fukushima, the Financial Times published an 18th Centuryaphorism. I commend it to you:"And who would run, that's moderately wise,A certain danger for a doubtful prize?"Rev. John Pomfret (1667-1702)

BETTING ON THE OUTCOMEAfter the budget we have finally got our carbon floor price. Just as thegovernment pledged would happen, in its much trumpeted CoalitionAgreement signed a year ago. Or rather, we will have one in 2013. The new“floor price” is going to begin, according to George Osborne’s Budgetspeech, at “around £16’.

So what is the current traded price of carbon under the Europeanemissions trading scheme (EU:ETS)? Around €19 per tonne of CO2 is theanswer. What does that translate at, with existing exchange rates? Er, justover £16. So, as we stand, in a couple of years time, the impact upon UKelectricity prices will be? And the answer looks like a big fat zero.

But wait. The Treasury has also published an accompanying tome,explaining how this much trumpeted mechanism will work. In that tome issome very small print. This blandly states that the starting ‘floor’ is to be£4.94 per tonne, in the form of a ‘tax’ levied by removing the exemption onupstream fossil fuel production under the Climate Change Levy (CCL). Isuspect therefore we must add this mysterious £4.94 to the current EU ETSprice, to get what the real carbon price is likely to be in 2013. Which adds upto approaching £21 per tonne.

Three results: it raises approaching a £1bn a year for the Treasury. Itgives the ‘legacy’ nuclear power generator, Electricite de France, a £billionplus windfall on electricity sales. But above all it creates an artificialdifference of almost £5 per tonne, between UK and continental electricitytrading prices. Raising an interesting question on how imports and exportsvia interconnectors are going to work.

One outcome you can bet on. Developers will be rushing build new gasplant in the Netherlands, in order to sell into the UK via the Britnedinterconnector at a substantially better price than building and bidding inthe UK. See if I am not right.

CAST IRONCOMMITMENTRemember the 2003 UK Energy White Paper? That was thefirst such policy paper issued by any government for over30 years one. It was launched in the House of Commons bythe then secretary of state, Patricia Hewitt, with this cast-iron commitment: “We are not going to build a newgeneration of nuclear power stations” describing any suchpower stations as “foolish”. That was the much reportedsound-bite at the time.

She went on later to explain why she felt such a policy tobe “foolish”. It wasn’t just that building new nukesdistracted from other more cost-effective options. It wasn’tjust because nobody had any idea then, any more than theydo today, what to do with nuclear waste. And it wasn’t thatshe thought those in Britain likely to blow up.

The reason for her rejecting the option as a “foolish” onewas very simple. It was she was concerned that she wouldbe placing too much political credibility in an option thatwas only ever as strong as its’ weakest link. She wasconcerned an accident half a world away could overnightdenude any such programme of political credibility.

At the time, the worries might have been about apossible problem in Central or South America, in easternEurope or in the former Soviet Union. It never occurred toany body that what is now deemed the Black Swan – thewholly unexpected event that alters everything – wouldemerge from one of the world’s most technologicallyadvanced countries.

Subsequently that 2003 Energy White Paper wassuperseded within four years by one that made new nuclearits’ centrepiece. This was much to the chagrin of those whohad fought hard to create the new thinking behind the 2003publication. I gather that for some years there has been anunofficial dining club meeting in London clubland, calledFriends of the 2003 White Paper. My bet is, shortlyeverybody will want to join that club. Hope the dining tableis big enough.

ULTRA-FAST CLEARING of arc flash faults is essential in

controlling arc flash hazards. Reducing the arcing time through

faster detection is the most practical means of lowering

incident energy levels and improving workplace safety.

Incident energy is directly proportional to arcing time. Even a

few milliseconds improvement may shift hazard levels and PPE

requirements to lower categories. For arcing time of 40 ms or

less there is typically no personal injury or switchgear damage

while arcing time of 500 ms or more will cause serious

personal injury and major damage to switchgear.

Arc flash is not a new phenomenon, but interest and

concern about the dangers associated with arc flash events

have increased dramatically in recent years. This is largely due

to new guidelines and standards put forward by the various

international trade and safety bodies such as the Institute of

Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the US

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

While arc flash events are relatively rare, they are not quite as

rare as one might think. In fact an independent survey carried

out in the US between 1992 and 2001 found that there were

over 44,000 electrical-related injuries involving time off from

work. The number of non-fatal electrical shock injuries was

over 27,000, while 17,100 injuries were caused by electric arc

flash burns that usually result in significantly more time off

work than that required to recover from electrical shock injuries.

Roughly three-quarters of such accidents occur while people

are present, with workers directly exposed to energized

conductors, often during the process of racking breakers in or

out. The reduction of arc flash incident energy levels is

therefore a priority.

Mitigating arc flash energyArc flash incident energy is

reduced through a

combination of:

� Reducing the fault current

� Increasing the working

distance

� Reducing the clearing

time.

When it comes to reducing

the fault current, some protective devices are current-limiting by

design. Current limiting fuses, for example, are capable of both

limiting the magnitude of fault current and duration – as long

as the fault current is within the current-limiting range (typically

10–15 times the device rating). Fault currents below this range

must be analysed in the same way as for non current-limiting

devices (based on the time-current characteristics). Lower level

arcing currents can easily result in higher incident energy

because the clearing time may be longer.

Current limiting reactors (CLR) may also be used to limit the

available fault current. The disadvantage of a CLR is it

introduces impedance in the circuit and its associated

undesirable voltage drop.

In some cases, the cost of a pyrotechnic-operated high-

current fault limiter with interrupting ratings exceeding 200 kA

may be justified.

Increasing the working distance has a dramatic effect on the

incident energy, which decreases exponentially with increasing

working distance. Examples of this strategy include remote

racking and the use of extension tools. However, it may not be

possible to accomplish certain tasks remotely, and remote

racking devices may not operate as desired.

Arc flash incident energy is directly proportional to arcing

time, which equates to the total fault clearing time. Where a

circuit breaker is involved, this time consists of the relay

operating time plus the breaker opening time. According to

IEEE Standard 1584, breaker operating times vary from 1.5

cycles to 8 cycles depending on the class of breaker involved.

Relay operating times are heavily dependent on the type of

protection being used. Instantaneous over-current (ANSI device

50) and bus differential (ANSI device 87) are relatively fast with

typical operating times of 2–3 cycles. On the other hand,

operating times for time over-current elements (ANSI device

51) are very dependent on the current magnitude and can vary

from a few cycles to more than one second. Time over-current

relays are especially slow where coordination with downstream

protection requires delayed tripping of upstream relays.

The most common methods for reducing the relay operating

time are:

� Lowering device settings – this is a temporary solution, but

has the advantages of being inexpensive to implement


FEATURE ARC FLASH

THE QUICKER ARC FLASHES IN MEDIUM VOLTAGE (MV) SWITCHGEAR PANELS CAN BE DETECTED AND CLEARED,

THE LOWER THE RISK TO PERSONNEL OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. OTHER BENEFITS OF MINIMISING ARCING

TIME INCLUDE REDUCED COLLATERAL DAMAGE, LOWER PRODUCTION DOWNTIME AND POTENTIALLY LOWER

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) REQUIREMENTS. TIM SPEARING OF ABB EXPLAINS HOW THE REA FAST

ARC FLASH DETECTION SYSTEM USING FIBRE-OPTIC SENSORS CUTS THE TYPICAL RELAY OPERATING TIME TO

LESS THAN 2.5 MS FROM ARC DETECTION TO TRIP INITIATION

Safety at the SPEED OF LIGHT

While arc flash

events are

relatively rare,

they are not quite

as rare as one

might think

REA fast arc flash detection system

Downtime avoided witharc fault protection

n arc fault can have numerous causes, but it willalways happen due to a breakdown of the isolationbetween two conductors with a high difference in

potential. Switchboards and transformers are designed tohave sufficient isolation between their conductors (e.g. an airgap) but this isolation can be degraded by humidity, salty air(contamination), rodents and insects, someone dropping atools, poor connections, etc.

Once the arc happens it can, within a few milliseconds,develop into a very powerful explosion that can completelydestroy an entire switchboard and injure or kill nearbypersonnel.

THE THREAT FROM ARC FLASHES IS NOTCONSIDEREDOur world is becoming increasingly dependent uponelectricity. Applications that were formerly driven by fossilfuels are being replaced by wind turbines, solar cells, andother environmentally friendly power sources. A steady anddependable supply of electricity is crucial, no matter whetherthe electricity is used for life support systems at hospitals, tokeep a ship dynamically positioned beside an offshoreplatform, or to keep our large scale datacenter on-line 24x7.In these applications a short power outage is costly, whilelong term downtime of the electricity supply can be anabsolute disaster.

In many applications much is done to ensure a stable andcontinuous supply of power. Production facilities and ITcentres invest in back-up battery systems, back-upgenerators and fire protection systems. Electrical powerdistribution switchboards within these applications are tosome extent protected against failure by overcurrent, short-circuit, etc. Despite these efforts to ensure stability, oneimportant measure is often forgotten – arc protection!

Most people tend to think that their switchboard will besufficiently protected by e.g. overcurrent and a short-circuitrelay. While this may be true for low voltage switchboard withsmall current, traditional circuit protection will not be sufficientfor medium and high voltage switchboards, which harnesslarger amounts of energy. The same applies to transformerstations, wind turbines, and diesel electric propulsion systems.

The challenge is, all of these applications are under aconstant threat from arc flashes, which may happen due tobreakdown of the isolation between conducting materialsinside the enclosures – e.g. between busbar rails or between

When power protection is evaluated the need to considerarc fault events is often neglected. However, the risk is ata high price when it takes so little to be safe. Explosionrisk and costly downtime can be avoided with the SELCOD1000 system

transformer primary or secondary phase connections. An arc ofan arc fault has the same properties as the arc of a weldingprocess. However, the difference is the welding equipment iskeeping the energy to its arc under control, while the arc fault istypically ‘let loose’ and fed by all the energy available to theapplication – that is unless the application is very quicklydisconnected by an arc protection system.

OPTICAL SENSORS IN PLUG-AND-PLAY SOLUTIONThe devastation of an entire switchboard, a transformer station,or a wind turbine nacelle can be very costly, not so muchbecause of the damage inflicted, but mainly because of the timeit would take to rebuild the installation. An arc fault happening ona dynamically positioned vessel placed beside an oilrig couldcause the vessel to lose propulsion and result in anenvironmental catastrophe. A burned-out power distributionswitchboard at an IT data centre could cause prolongeddowntime of customer IT systems, which would almost certainlyaffect customer confidence – and ultimately ruin the business.

With the D1000 Arc Protection, SELCO has made arcprotection easy and affordable. The D1000 consists of a singlemodule supporting up to six optical point or fiber opticalsensors. One D1000 will cover an entire switchboard and ismore or less a plug-and-play installation. With extremely fast arcfault and overcurrent detection, event logging and self-supervision the system is the efficient way to reduce damageand improve safety.

SELCO is a market leader in arc protection and has numerousreferences both in the wind turbine industry and in applicationscovering marine and mining. “We have distributors around theworld and more than 25 years of experience within arcprotection. With this effort we expect to get a unique marketposition as a supplier of advanced arc protection,” says JensHammer Sørensen, managing director of SELCO.

SELCO has offices in Denmark, Dubai, China and Singapore. Inaddition, the company is represented in 40 countries worldwide.For more information about SELCO please visit www.selco.comTel: +45 70 26 11 22 or email: [email protected]

A

Point sensor installed covering bus bars to detect light

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and fairly fast (typically 2–3 cycles). On the down side,

activation requires operator action, full selectivity of

protection may be lost, and failure to deactivate could

result in undesired tripping

� Installing high impedance bus differential protection – this

has the advantage of being fairly fast (typically 2-3 cycles),

however it requires CTs on all circuits and is prone to CT

saturation concerns

� Installing a zone interlocking scheme – this is also fairly fast

(typically 5–10 cycles) and inexpensive to implement, but

requires communication between devices

� Installing dedicated arc flash protection – this solution has

the multiple advantages of being very fast (with detection

in 0.15 cycles), fairly inexpensive to implement and

immune to CT saturation, as well as offering support for arc

flash breaker failure protection.

Dedicated solutionsDedicated arc flash protection is specifically designed to detect

and trip for an arc flash event. In modern protection systems,

the need to operate in a few milliseconds is typically met by

detecting the light from an arc flash and by initiating tripping

action via solid-state tripping elements. This approach is

recognised in the IEC standard 62271-200.

An arcing fault instantaneously releases large amounts of

radiant light and thermal energy. Light intensities can be

thousands of times higher than normal ambient light, and it is

this phenomenon that is used in arc flash detection relays to

achieve faster operating times than is possible with

conventional relaying. Optical sensors detect the sudden

increase in light intensity. Instantaneous over-current elements

are used as fault detectors to supervise the optical system for

security. Only source-connected current transformers (typically

at the main breakers) need to be connected. Tripping occurs

only if both light and fault current are simultaneously detected.

For additional speed, these relays are equipped with high-

speed solid state tripping outputs.

Arc flash detection systems are stand-alone protection

systems, and do not need to be coordinated with existing

protection systems. Therefore, it is not necessary to delay

tripping for coordination with other protection. Arc flash relays

have been around since the early 1990s. However, first

generation arc flash protection used only single-point light

receptors called ‘lens sensors’. In this type of system, one or

more lens sensors are located in each high-voltage

compartment where a potential arc flash might occur. Each

lens sensor is radially connected to electronics via a clad fibre.

Because of the opaque fibre cladding, only the extreme ends of

these radial fibres are light-sensitive. Each sensor is individually

targeted, for more precise location of the arc flash fault. A

limited number of sensors may be attached to a common

electronic package. Multiple electronic packages are then

interconnected to achieve the complete switchgear coverage.

From around 2000 onwards, ABB introduced the REA series

of arc flash detection relays. In addition to the traditional lens

sensors, this system accommodates a radically different type of

light sensor: a long unclad fibre-optic sensor that can absorb

light throughout its length.

REA fibre-optic sensor benefitsThere are several advantages to the REA’s fibre-optic sensor

technology. First, it reduces the cost of installation. A single

optical fibre sensor can be as long as 60 metres, typically

covering the same protection zone associated with

conventional bus differential protection, but at much lower

cost than lens sensors. Second, any concerns about shadows

from internal structures that might block the direct exposure

to an arc flash are eliminated. Third, if the fibre sensor is

configured in a loop, it can provide regular self-checking of

the sensor’s integrity and continuity, and generate an alarm

if a problem is detected.

Visible light consists of the light spectrum ranging from

400 to 700 nm wavelengths, while arc flash test results

show most of the radiated energy is in the 200 to 600 nm

range. Consequently, optical arc flash relays are designed to

operate in the lower end of the visible spectrum and slightly

below including ultraviolet light. Unlike optical

communication fibre, this fibre has no opaque cladding. This

enables some of the light to enter through the exposed

exterior cylindrical surface, where it propagates back to the

electronics. The entire fibre is a sensor, not just the ends of

the fibre. This characteristic enables more complete

coverage of switchgear cubicles without concern for

shadows and without interconnecting a multitude of radial

single point light (lens) sensors.

For additional security, the REA includes a set of

conventional 1 A/5 A current transformer inputs. These are

typically connected to the current transformers located on

the source side of the main breakers and are used to drive

instantaneous phase and ground over-current elements.

These over-current elements act as fault detectors,

supervising the optical flash detector.

In normal operation, both light and over-current must be

present simultaneously for tripping to occur. Detection of an

intense light alone will not result in a trip unless the system

is intentionally set to operate that way (which is not

recommended). Over-current settings allow different current

threshold levels for phase and ground fault currents. High-

speed insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) are used to

provide two fully trip-rated outputs rather than relatively

slow conventional dry contacts. The overall tripping time is a

miniscule 2.5ms.

Optical arc flash relays are ideally suited to modern

vacuum and SF6 breaker technologies where the fault

interruption takes place inside a sealed container. However,

with proper precautions, an optical relay may also be

applied to air magnetic breakers. In addition to the

installation of dedicated arc flash relaying, arc flash

mitigation strategies should also include replacing older air

magnetic breakers (typical operating time of five cycles) with

modern vacuum and SF6 technology (typical operating time

of three cycles or less). The REA optically based arc flash

relaying system is claimed to be the fastest protection

currently available, with a typical operating time of less

than 2.5 ms from arc detection to trip initiation. The

development of long-fibre light sensors has made this

protection practical for both new and retrofit applications.

Dedicated arc

flash protection is

specifically

designed to detect

and trip for an arc

flash event

FEATURE ARC FLASH



nly a few years ago UPS were predominately the domain of

large data centres and critical applications such as

emergency services and banks. However, the introduction

of lower power single phase units, an increased awareness of back-

up options and increased reliability has resulted in even the smallest

firms having some kind of UPS solution.

For buyers unaccustomed to purchasing UPS equipment, and why

should they be, after all these are often something that might only be

bought every few years, price, support and power outputs are likely

to be the key deciding factors. Few of these buyers will bother to

question the day-to-day energy consumption of a UPS, its probable

lifespan or the green credentials of the technology involved.

One company seeking to provide more information concerning

operational efficiency and also tackle head on the green agenda is

Borri, one of the first companies to achieve in February 2011 an ETL

(Energy Technology Listing) for its new ECO UPS range.

Borri’s decision to obtain an ETL was taken after the company was

able to demonstrate that even a small saving in energy consumption

could have a profound effect on operating costs. A typical UPS

operates at around 88% efficiency compared to Borri’s new three

phase ECO UPS which is 95% efficient. While 7% may not sound

much, over a five year period it could save a massive £18,000 in

energy consumption, see the graph above.

In fact the savings are so large that Borri’s ECO UPS will recover its

purchase price, typically within just two years.

The success of the Borri ECO-UPS is due to the fact that its UPS

equipment is one of the first in the world to use IGBT (Insulated Gate

Bipolar Transistors) on its rectifiers and inverters, resulting in not only

increased operating efficiency but also an input total harmonic distortion

(THDi) of less than 3%.

As a further bonus because the units have a THDi of less than 3%,

this falls within proposed new EU limits, so it will further help Borri’s

customers to tick all the right boxes.

Borri believes up to a staggering one third of direct and indirect

energy (air conditioning units) used to power a UPS is wasted due to

poor installation configuration and energy inefficiencies. Many of these

problems can be addressed by using a Borri double conversion ECO

UPS, which is not only more efficient but retains this effectiveness even

at low loads.

But getting a ETL listing is only the first step by Borri in helping its

customers who range from famous academic institutions to well-known

banking and manufacturing names.

Borri sales director, Mark Trolley, explains “The biggest plus with

going on the ETL approval register is that Borri customers can now

recover on an ECO UPS, the entire capital allowance in the first year,

which for bigger corporations is 26%. SME orgnaisations also benefit

because they can now obtain an interest free loan from the Carbon Trust

which can be repaid over four years.”

To demonstrate even further its green credentials Borri also launched

last month a UPS scrappage scheme. The scheme involves paying a

minimum of £1,000 to the end-user if they decide to replace an existing

less efficient UPS with one of Borri’s new ECO-UPS systems.

A trio of models are currently listed in the Borri ECO-UPS range.

These comprise the B8000 ECO a transformerless solution and the

B9000 ECO which is considered the most efficient on the UPS market.

The larger B96000 ECO when configured in parallel format offers an

output of 6.4 MVA, but has an energy efficiency of 95% and a reflected

THD of less than 3%.

Trolley concludes: “Borri is not only committed to the highest possible

manufacturing and installation standards, but also to the green agenda

which when coupled together gives our customers unrivalled quality,

product reliability and significant energy costs savings.”

Borri01246 [email protected]

O

GREEN UNINTERRUPTIBLEPOWER SUPPLIESTHANKS TO BORRI


CONCERNS HAVE BEEN raised as to

whether the casing around a switching

contact mechanism can constitute a

Form 4 enclosure as defined in Annex

NA of BS EN 61439-2 and thus achieve a

particular standard of separation

between functional units.

Panel boards are a type of distribution

board, commonly consisting of a number of

outgoing moulded case circuit breakers

(MCCBs) or fuse switches, connected to a

common busbar which in turn is fed from a single

incoming MCCB. The outgoing connection can come from

the MCCB device itself or onto a set of outgoing terminals

associated with each outgoer. The arrangements made for

the outgoing connections are many and various and have

a big influence on the final Form of Separation.

The starting point for switchgear design is the

assumption the equipment must be safe to use for anyone

who will have access to it during its lifecycle. This includes

the fitters, engineers, maintenance personnel and machine

operators as well as other people who shouldn’t touch the

equipment but conceivably could, such as passers-by.

Annex NA to BS EN 61439-2 defines the performance

criteria for an assembly to Form 4 as follows:

Main CriteriaSeparation of busbars from functional units and

separation of all functional units from one another,

including the terminals for external conductors, which are

an integral part of the functional unit.

Sub Criteria, Form 4a (Types 1-3)Terminals for external conductors (are) in the same

compartment as associated functional unit.

Sub Criteria, Form 4b (Types 4 – 7)Terminals for external conductors (are) NOT in the same

compartment as associated functional unit, but in

individual separate, enclosed, protective spaces or

compartments.

In order to apply these definitions, one has to answer

the question, ‘What constitutes a functional unit and how

is the necessary separation, as defined in the criteria

above, created?’

The answer to this question is also provided in BS EN

61439-2, where a functional unit is defined as “A part

of an assembly comprising all the electrical and

mechanical elements that contribute to the fulfilment of

the same function”.

Although alternative interpretations are sometimes

given, BS EN 61439-2 actually states that the integral

housing of a device, for example a moulded case circuit

breaker, is sufficient to satisfy the separation requirements

as follows:

8.101 Internal separation of PSC-ASSEMBLIES (power

switchgear and controlgear assemblies)

Typical arrangements of internal separation by barriers

The starting point for

switchgear design is

the assumption the

equipment must be

safe to use for

anyone who will

have access to it


FEATURE SWITCHGEAR TECHNOLOGY

STANDARDS SUCH AS BS EN 61439-2, WHILE ULTIMATELY

BENEFICIAL TO ELECTRICAL DESIGNERS AND INDUSTRY

OVERALL, CAN SOMETIMES BE CONFUSING TO THE

UNINITIATED. HERE ANDY EVANS TECHNICAL EXECUTIVE AT

GAMBICA, REPORTS ON THE CONTROLGEAR GROUP

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE’S (CGTC) VIEW ON HOW THE

STANDARD APPLIES TO THOSE DISTRIBUTION BOARDS

KNOWN AS ‘PANEL BOARDS’

GUIDANCE onthe application ofBS EN 61439-2

Used with permission of Rockwell

Automation, Inc

or partitions are described in Table 104 and are classified

as forms (for examples, see Annex AA).

The form of separation and higher degrees of protection

shall be the subject of an agreement between assembly

manufacturer and user.

PSC-assemblies can be divided to attain one or more of

the following conditions between functional units, separate

compartments or enclosed protected spaces:

� protection against contact with hazardous parts. The

degree of protection shall be at least IP XXB;

� protection against the passage of solid foreign bodies.

The degree of protection shall be at least IP 2X.

Note: The degree of protection IP 2X covers the degree

of protection IP XXB.

Separation may be achieved by means of partitions or

barriers (metallic or non-metallic), insulation of live parts

or the integral housing of a device e.g. a moulded case

circuit breaker.

It should be noted the Form of Separation is one of the

design aspects that is ‘subject to agreement between

manufacturer and user’.

So, to satisfy the main criteria for Form 4, one

alternative is to merely use an MCCB which by

definition has a moulded case enclosing the electrical

and mechanical parts necessary for it to fulfil its

function. In this case, the terminal compartment may

also physically form one of the constructional elements

of the MCCB device.

To effect this arrangement, a means of shrouding the

terminals and connected cable glands to ensure a

minimum of IPXXB is necessary. Form 4 Type 5 indicates

this may be done by use of insulated coverings. Forms 4

Type 6 and Type 7 require the separation via metallic or

non-metallic rigid barriers or partitions.

So, again, a suitably designed MCCB device can satisfy

both the main criteria, for Form 4 and the sub-criteria for

Form 4b, and depending on the materials used to form

the termination chamber, can provide Form 4 Type 5 or 6

arrangements.

One key issue to note is neutral (N) conductors, as

they contribute to the fulfilment of the same function,

form part of a particular functional unit and, in respect of

Forms of Separation, must be treated as part of the

functional unit. To this end, each outgoing way must

have its own individual N connection, usually alongside

the phase connections, and not be connected at a

common N bar or terminal.

For four pole functional units, this is not normally an

issue but in the case of a TP&N system, it’s a little more

complicated. It is usual for a triple pole MCCB, for

example, to have a separable neutral link mounted

immediately adjacent to the MCCB to allow connection of

all external cables in the same protected space, assuming

adequate shrouding of all four terminals. For this

arrangement to remain within the definitions of a

functional unit and separation, multiple components

should be logically arranged without gaps so that they

are readily seen as being within one space.

A common N termination point arrangement cannot be

deemed to be Form 4 as there is no separation of the

terminals for external N connections for each functional

unit in this case.

There is no distinction in BS EN 61439-2 between a

Form 4 declaration where MCCB enclosures are used to

define separation of functional units in a single enclosure

compartment and that employing MCCB devices mounted

in separate compartments of a multi-compartment PSC-

assembly. Both can be declared Form 4 separation and

both meet the performance requirements for separation.

However, separation is not the only criterion to be

considered. Regardless of the form of separation

employed or how it is achieved, all assemblies must meet

all the other safety and performance criteria laid down in

the standard, for example; short- circuit including

emissions from devices, temperature rise, and protection

against electric shock.

BS EN 61439-2 gives only typical arrangements of

internal separation; fundamentally the objectives of the

separation and how it is achieved is a matter for

agreement between the customer and the manufacturer.

As a result, the customer should give careful

consideration to the needs of his application, for example

maintenance requirements.

SWITCHGEAR TECHNOLOGY FEATURE

www.electricalreview.co.uk 21

Gambica is the trade association for instrumentation, control, automation andlaboratory technology in the UK. It has a membership of over 200 companiesincluding major multinationals in the sector and a significant number of smallerand medium sized companies.

It covers the following five principal sectors of theindustry:� Industrial automation products and systems� Process measurement and control equipment and systems� Environmental analysis and monitoring equipment� Laboratory Technology� Test and measurement equipment for electrical and electronic industries

Permission to reproduce extracts from BS EN 61439-2 is granted by BSI. BritishStandards can be obtained in PDF or hard copy formats from the BSI onlineshop: www.bsigroup.com/Shop.


orking with wind turbines, ambient conditions such as

vibration and air humidity are harsher than in some

industrial environments. This applies in particular to wind

farms sited in offshore waters – an increasingly important location.

As well as needing to be resistant to these environmental influences,

it is important prefabricated components can be assembled quickly

and without mistakes on-site. One of the requirements is the time taken

to assemble these turbines and take them into operation is kept as

short as possible.

Application sectorsFig.1 shows the key areas where high-quality interconnection is

required in a wind turbine:

Pitch control: Almost all modern wind turbines use so-called ‘pitch

control’ to regulate speed and power output. Here, the angle between

the rotor blades and the wind is changed by rotating them around their

longitudinal axis. In this application, components in HARTING’s flexible

Han-Modular® connector series can be freely combined, so that users

can configure their own connector. An extensive range of modules is

available for electric, optical and gaseous signals.

Connection for slip rings: Slip-ring connectors, which form the

electrical interface between the rotating hub and the stationary nacelle,

are one of the most maintenance-intensive components in a wind

turbine. Thanks to an innovative new type of plug-in coupling

developed by HARTING and based on Han-Modular® contact inserts,

the process of replacing slip ring connectors has been simplified, and

system downtime has been reduced as a result.

Lighting for wind turbine towers: The size of wind power plants is

constantly increasing, enabling higher and more uniform power output

to be achieved. International regulations specify that such structures

must be equipped with suitable danger and obstruction lights –

increasingly based on LEDs - in order to ensure safe and incident-free

air traffic. HARTING has developed the Han® HPR series of housings

for applications such as tower lighting where the devices are exposed

to harsh environments.

Internal lighting: In order to comply with occupational health and

safety requirements, the towers of wind turbines also require full

internal illumination, again largely based

on LEDs. Lamp housings based on die-

cast aluminium enclosures have been

developed which are extremely robust

and offer sealing with a protection rating

of IP 65. HARTING supplies the casing,

the retaining brackets for installation and

the system wiring. The company’s highly

capable partners manufacture the

special lenses and the circuit board with

the LEDs, and they also carry out tests

to ensure that the lamps work properly.

Control cabinets: HARTING

develops, plans and produces customer-

specific housing technologies for the

The use of connectors in wind turbines faces a unique setof challenges explains Kevin Canham of HARTING

control cabinets used in wind power plants. Together with the connector

technology and wiring used, the enclosure technology offers a number of

benefits to the customer, including modularity, secure plugging with

protection against incorrect mating, coding options and power and signal

contacts in a single connector housing.

Fibre-optic data transmission: Because of the high currents present

in wind turbines and the need to ensure electromagnetic compatibility

(EMC), fibre-optic cables are the perfect solution for data transmission

between the nacelle and the base of the tower. As well as the choice of

suitable cables, the way in which the cables are processed and

assembled plays an important role, and HARTING offers a range of

solutions to address these challenges.

Connection technology for elevators: Various manufacturers now

offer small elevators known as ‘service cabins’, which have been specially

designed for wind power plants. In this application, HARTING’s compact

Han® 16 B and 10 B connectors are particularly suited to locations where

space is at a premium – for example inside the cabin or in the floor of the

cabin. Power and control cables can be housed in a single connector

housing thanks to the combined contact inserts.

Wind farm network communication: The process of controlling and

monitoring wind farms is very data intensive. Typically, communication

between the various elements is handled by Ethernet links and Ethernet

switches which have to offer a high degree of reliability and operational

safety despite being exposed to high temperatures, heavy vibration and

strong electromagnetic influences. Thanks to their proven reliability under

the toughest of conditions, HARTING Ethernet switches have been highly

successful with customers in the wind power industry.

As a partner of the wind power industry, HARTING is constantly striving

to expand the company’s product portfolio and keep offering the ideal

solutions for the challenges of tomorrow.

Tel: 01604 827 500


www.harting.co.uk

W

Modern connectortechnology forWIND TURBINES

Fig.1.A typical modern wind turbine showing keyapplication areas for connectors1. Pitch control2. Slip-ring coupling3. Obstruction lighting4. Interior lighting5. Control cabinets6. Fibre-optic data transmission7. Elevators8. Network connection for wind parks

Fig. 2The Harting Han®-Snap range ofconnectors is ideally suited forcontrol cabinet and desk wiring inwind-turbine control rooms


IN 2005, the price of copper on world markets was less

than $4,000 per tonne. At the end of 2010, that price had

risen to $9,000 per tonne. There is a lot of copper in a

power transformer – not to mention transformer steel,

which has also seen large price increases – so it is inevitable

that the price of transformers has also risen steeply. The

result is that budgets for replacing ageing transformers,

which looked perfectly reasonable and adequate just a few

years ago, now fall woefully short of the mark.

For this reason, utilities and other users of power

transformers are being forced into a position where their

only option is to delay replacement as long as possible,

even though this means, in many cases, keeping

transformers in service that have long passed the end of

their design life. This course of action is not without its

problems. In particular, it leads to an increased risk of in-

service transformer failures.

Such failures are potentially disruptive and costly, not

only for utility companies that face revenue penalties if they

fail to meet Ofgem targets for consumer minutes lost, but

also for industrial organisations where an out-of-service

plant can easily result in production losses running to

thousands of pounds an hour. And, when a power

transformer fails, difficulties in finding the money for a

replacement are only part of the problem.

Because of the strong and growing demand for power

transformers from the emerging economies, there is a world

shortage of manufacturing capacity, which means that

delivery times of many months are typical and, particularly

for the largest types, delivery times well in excess of a year

are by no mean unusual. In other words, if a transformer

fails, its owner not only faces a huge chunk of unplanned

expenditure, they may well also have to wait a very long

time before a replacement arrives and their operations can

be returned to normal.

What’s to be done? The answer is to look after in-service

transformers very carefully so as to extend their lives and

minimise the risk of failure and, if the worst happens and a

transformer does fail, to investigate fully the possibility of

repairing rather than replacing it.

All of this falls within the scope of the new Alstom Grid’s

Service Business, which has recently started operations from

fully refurbished and comprehensively equipped premises

in Stafford. These new premises are adjacent to Alstom

Grid’s main power transformer factory, which is now the

UK’s largest manufacturing plants for power transformers.

Alstom Grid’s Service Business is North Europe’s largest

transformer service provider and has a dedicated site team

FEATURE TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET

DRAMATIC INCREASES IN THE COST OF RAW MATERIALS HAVE SENT THE PRICE OF

NEW POWER TRANSFORMERS SOARING, YET GLOBAL DEMAND IS SUCH DELIVERIES

ARE OFTEN QUOTED IN MONTHS OR EVEN YEARS. AS A RESULT, THERE IS A

GROWING INTEREST IN SERVICES THAT WILL EXTEND THE LIFE AND INCREASE

RELIABILITY OF EXISTING TRANSFORMERS. AND THOSE SERVICES ARE EXACTLY WHAT

ALSTOM GRID’S, SERVICE BUSINESS HAS BEEN SET UP TO PROVIDE.

Fit club forTRANSFORMERS!

Oil test sets on the mobile van


of 29 skilled employees with a wealth of transformer and

tap changer experience. The business’s new premises in

Stafford include a 2000 m2 workshop, adding up to the

3,000 m2 service workshop, with 120 tonne, 30 tonne and

20 tonne cranes, vertical and horizontal winding machines, a

vacuum process oven, silicone process plant, HV test

module and oil laboratory. Transformers in the voltage

range 3.3 – 132 kV with ratings up to 100 MVA can be

handled. Larger units can be considered on a bespoke

project basis. Services available include condition

assessment, fault investigation, manufacture of replacement

windings, core refurbishment, oven processing, re-design

and re-manufacture, general refurbishment, modernisation

and extension with comprehensive HV testing.

While these facilities and services repair damaged

transformers, much of the Service Business’s work ensures

that transformers deliver the highest possible level of in-

service reliability, with the minimum risk of failure. The key

to achieve these objectives is regular condition assessment,

together with carefully planned and properly implemented

routine maintenance.

“We can, of course, provide all of these services for our

clients,” said Philip Inskip, Business Manager for Alstom

Grid’s - Transformer Services Business, “but there is one

small snag – power transformers are not exactly portable.

It’s one thing to bring a transformer to our premises for

major refurbishment or repair – and, indeed we have

special transport systems in place for doing just that – but

it’s hardly convenient to bring a transformer in for routine

assessment and maintenance. For this type of work, we take

our services to the transformer.”

This is made possible by the mobile nature of the new

equipment the Service Business has at its disposal. Firstly

they have a mobile test facility that has been designed to fit

into a 13-meter container. Based on the latest static

frequency technology, this module can be transported to site

anywhere in the UK or Europe and has the capability of

performing a wide range of HV tests including partial

discharge measurements. This system is supported by a

wide range of portable diagnostic equipment enabling

Alstom Grid’s Transformer Service to comprehensively assess

the condition of a transformer or to identify a suspected

fault.

Secondly the oil process plant is equipped for vacuum

processing of transformer oil and in addition to moisture

removal, degassing and filtering. It incorporates oil

regeneration columns, acid and sludge removal facilities,

and can treat oil to minimise the effects of corrosive sulphur.

It even has its own generator set to allow completely

standalone operation when no external power source is

available. As would be expected, testing is an important part

of the vehicle’s operations and, because of this, it has a well-

equipped on-board oil testing laboratory.

“Testing an oil sample from a power transformer is rather

like analysing a blood sample from a human patient,” said

Jon Sherwood, an expert transformer design engineer who

works in the Service Business. “With a little care and by

using the right equipment to evaluate it, the oil sample will

tell you a lot about the health of the transformer as well as

giving a valuable indication of what steps, if any, need to be

taken to keep it in good working order.”

Because oil testing is so central

to the work carried out in the

mobile Oil Process Plant, the

Alstom Grid engineers decided

that it should be fitted with the

latest in portable oil test sets – the

new OTS80PB from Megger.

Among the features that

particularly appealed to the

engineers about this instrument,

which is capable of testing at up to

80 kV, were its robust test vessel

that has been specifically designed

to help users deal with the

practical aspects of oil sampling,

and the unique test chamber drain

for spilt oil, which makes it easy to

maintain the necessary high

standards of cleanliness in the testing laboratory.

Also of importance in this application are the automatic

oil temperature measurements, support for both output

voltage and output current breakdown detection, and the

facilities for storing results internally and on standard USB

memory sticks. The OTS80PB is complemented in the

vehicle’s oil test laboratory by a Karl Fischer test set, which

was also supplied by Megger.

“With our portable laboratory and the other facilities of

our mobile test module we can help our customers to

greatly extend the life of their transformers, while also

improving reliability,” said Philip Inskip, “and, with the

even wider range of options we’ve got at our new

workshop in Stafford, we can repair failed transformers

and, in many cases, re-design existing units for new

applications and refurbish them to extend the life of a

customer’s asset.”

“We believe the services we provide offer a genuine

solution to the present-day problems of high transformer

prices and long deliveries. Treat your old transformers

well, keep them fit and healthy and, just like you and me,

they’ll have long useful lives!”

Treat your old

transformers well,

keep them fit

and healthy!


A sampling kit

TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET FEATURE

IN SERVICE HIGH-VOLTAGE (HV) substation equipment is

exposed to many stresses, from the electrical, mechanical and

thermal to the environmental. These stresses can act to

accelerate the deterioration of the insulation and the electrical

integrity of the HV equipment eventually leading to failure.

Partial discharge (PD) is both a symptom and a cause of

insulation deterioration, so the detection and measurement of

PD phenomena can provide early warning signs of insulation

failure.

Critical to this detection is the availability of accurate and

cost effective surveillance tools, which, if non-invasive, can

provide early recognition and location of possible sites of

electrical degradation while components are still in service.

Gathering and trending PD activity over time is essential to

monitor the rate and severity of degradation. Maintenance can

then be planned in an effort to avoid unplanned outages,

interruptions and inevitable loss of revenue.

The use of radio frequency interference (RFI) measurement

is an efficient, non-invasive surveillance technique to detect

and locate partial discharges in individual HV apparatus. This

article will look at the benefits of combining the assessment of

RFI emissions with the targeted deployment of

complementary, non-invasive electromagnetic interference

(EMI) detection techniques. Specifically, frequency sweep data

and time-resolved traces can be compared with follow up

assessments using complementary EMI couplers such as high

frequency CTs (HFCT) and transient earth voltage (TEV)

couplers. This combination of tests provides an increased level

of confidence in the location, identification and assessment of

the severity of degradation and is beneficial when dealing

with complex HV apparatus.

The detection and measurement of RFI emissions from PD

phenomena involves the measurement of complex

waveforms varying considerably and often erratically in

amplitude and time. RFI signals from such phenomena are

considered to be broadband and impulsive in nature with low

repetition rates. FIGURE 1 shows the nature of RFI signals

captured from a traditional PD source.

(a) Received pulse

(b) Frequency spectrum

Typical RF Pulse From a PD Related Source

Figure 1

Measurements carried out on PD activity within oil-insulated

HV equipment demonstrate that the discharges produce

current pulses with rise times less than a nanosecond and

therefore capable of exciting broadband signals in the VHF (30

to 300MHz) and UHF (300MHz to 3GHz) bands. Other

investigations in open-air insulation substations show that

signals from PD and flashover occupy a frequency range up to

300MHz.

When PD occurs inside a metal enclosure, such as in a

transformer tank, the signal propagates within the structure,

suffering frequency attenuation, reflection, etc. Detection of RFI

emission relies on the placement of apertures in the tank

walls and penetrating conductors to allow the RFI emissions

to propagate and radiate externally.

In the following examples, the instrument used (Doble

PDS100) has two different detection modes: spectrum

analyser and time-resolved mode. Within spectrum analyser

there are three separate detection techniques: peak detection,

average detection and separated peak and average detection.

Case Study 1Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) carried out on a South African,

275/88/11KV, 250MVA transformer showed signs of a

discharge type fault. RFI measurements (using the Doble

PDS100) and conducted EMI measurements (using a HFCT)

were performed to establish correlation between the

measurements. RFI measurements were taken around the

periphery of the transformer. The frequency traces (FIGURE

2) exhibit a discrete appearance as pulses are accumulated.

Short bursts of pulse accumulation were interspersed with

long intervals of no or low energy activity. Triangulation

based on signal intensity of the higher frequencies locates

the source of propagation in the vicinity of the HV B-phase.

Observing the RFI at 900MHz for a period of time in spot

frequency mode sees the measured peak amplitude

reaching -45dBm at that location. This mode also confirms

FEATURE TEST & MEASUREMENT

SubstationSURVEILLANCE PART 1


A PCB adaptor which allows direct board mounting of the Han Q 12/0industrial connector has been introduced by Harting

The new adaptor means that the Han Q 12/0 - the Harting connector in thesmall Han3A series with the highest number of pins - now has the option ofdirect connection to device boards. In addition to the actual PCB adaptor,special versions of the Han Q 12/0 connector’s male and female inserts for thePCB adaptor are being introduced.

The PCB adaptor can be installed independently of the connector, allowing itto be pre-mounted according to the pinhole pattern on the board, as with othercomponents.The male or female insert for the PCB adaptor is installed after theboard has been installed in the housing by being mounted on to the PCB andfixed in place on the bulkhead-mounted housing with the fixing screw.

Because of the separation of the connector from the PCB adaptor, all 12contacts and the PE conductor can be used for connection to the PCB.

The adaptor meets the requirements of the DIN EN 61984 standard, withelectrical ratings of 7.5 A and 250V rated and a 4 kV impulse voltage atpollution degree 3.

The new PCB adaptor model complements Harting’s existing range, whichincludes adaptors for the Han DD®, Han E®, Han-Modular and Han Q series ofconnectors.

About HartingThe Harting Group develops, manufactures and distributes electrical andelectronic connectors, network components, pre-assembled system cables, andbackplane assemblies. These products are capable of withstanding the harshest

demands in industrial environments and provide high data rates for electronicapplications.

Harting connectors and network components are used in mechanicalengineering and plant manufacturing, in automation systems, energygeneration and distribution, and in electronic and telecommunication markets.Industrial connectors are also vital in construction machinery, rail vehicles andshipbuilding. Harting offers Ethernet network components and cable systemsfor both indoor and outdoor networking applications involving power and data.

Harting today employs a workforce of more than 3200 in 32 countries. Forfurther information visit www.harting.com

Harting LimitedCaswell Road

Brackmills Industrial EstateNorthamptonNN4 7PW

TEL: +44 (0) 1604 827500FAX: +44 (0) 1604 706777Email: [email protected]

www.harting.co.uk

PRODUCT OF THE MONTHPCB ADAPTOROFFERS DIRECT BOARDMOUNTINGOF INDUSTRIAL CONNECTOR


FEATURE TEST & MEASUREMENT

the burst nature of the pulse sequence.

The conducted EMI was measured using a 300MHz split-

core HFCT at the HV neutral connection to earth (FIGURE 3).

The measured conducted EMI is subjected to significant

attenuation through the HV neutral connection and requires

an extended observation time. In time-resolved mode both the

RFI and conducted EMI measurement confirm the measured

pulse behaviour. However, the pulsed activity is more easily

captured and more of the lower energy pulses are detected.

FIGURE 4 shows examples of the pulse sequence received at

a number of spot frequencies.

Partial discharge activity is indicated by both the RFI and

EMI techniques. In each, the dynamic behaviour of the activity

is characterised by very short burst activity interspersed by

intervals of no or low energy activity. The sequence exhibits

the characteristics of a floating type discharge. A secondary

source of discharge is evident in the time-resolved traces. The

results confirm the conclusions drawn from the DGA analysis.

This study proves the use of RFI as an assessment tool while

the use of an HFCT coupler provides increased sensitivity to

internal PD activity, offering an increased level of confidence in

the identification and assessment of PD activity.

Part 2 of this article will appear in the June 2011 issue of

Electrical Review.

RFI Peak

Measurements

Figure 2

Above: Figure 3 – HFCT on Transformer HV Neutral Connection

Below: Figure 4 – HFCT Time Resolved Measurements on the

Neutral/Earth Strap

arco, a UK manufacturer of steel wire

cable tray, and uPVC cable

management company, has continued

to demonstrate its commitment to product

development during the past several years, and

most notably within the past 12 months, through

the launch of a new uPVC trunking range, various

accessories and a series of variations and adaptations on

existing products.

As a UK business with a strong national sales team in place,

Marco is keen to engage closely with customers including

contractors, specifers, architects and distributors; gaining a clear

understanding of their needs and what would simplify, enhance or

speed up their element of service or installation. This type of

information is vital to the business and is fed back to the wider team

who is able to collectively discuss feedback and realise areas where

new products or adaptations would improve existing ranges. With

an in-house team of technical developers on site, the Marco

products can be built, modified and adapted until ultimately they

meet the ideal specification.

A major development for the business during 2010 was the

launch of its Elite uPVC cable containment range. Building further

upon the success of the established Apollo and Juno trunking

systems, this new range, finished in a pure white, high gloss sheen,

has been designed for use in power and high density structured

cabling systems including CAT5E, CAT6, CAT7 and the new CAT6A

10 gig solution. Available in three sizes (Elite 3, Elite Compact and

Elite 60), Elite offers customers considerable choice and flexibility

with huge aesthetic and practical appeal.

Paul Diggins, sales director of Marco Cable Management said:

“The launch of the Elite range marked the

culmination of a long period of research, testing

and development creating what we believe to be, a

truly ‘Elite’ range. As a business, we strive to give

our customers more choice and variety and

continually be aware of their needs and objectives.

The feedback to date on our new Elite range has

been terrific and when we see the product in situ, it's

easy to see how well the range sits within a

contemporary new build or refurbishment scheme.”

Marco is also keen to continue to develop and

adapt its steel wire cable tray range by adding new

finishes and configurations to meet the changing

needs of customer requirements. Recent collaboration

with a major contractor responsible for all M&E work

at the BBC’s new Drama Village in Cardiff saw Marco develop a

bespoke steel wire cable tray system to speed up installation whilst,

importantly, also reducing costs. The wire tray product was designed

as a ‘U’ shape with one side higher than the other, acting as a shelf for

the data cables to be installed. The higher side of the steel wire cable

tray was fixed directly to the strut using Marco’s Fast Fix Strut Clip;

negating the use of an extra bracket and zebedees. Recognising the

benefits this design would offer other contractors, Marco is soon set to

launch this as a standard product.

The company’s steel wire cable tray accessory range has also been

well received across the industry. Designed for ease of use, again to

speed up installation, hence saving installation time and ultimately

costs, Marco accessories are being embraced across the M&E sector

and are quickly replacing the traditional fix systems that can often be

cumbersome and labour intensive. Over 20 new products have been

introduced during the past two years and Marco now offers a full range

of accessories for every steel wire cable tray installation requirement.

Paul Diggins added: “Innovation is at the heart of our business and

we believe is one of the key factors that allow us to stand out within

our industry. We are currently in the development phase of several new

product innovations and look forward to making further

announcements throughout 2011.”

www.marcocableman.co.ukEmail: [email protected]: 01248 725777

M

MARCO PAVES THEWAY FOR PRODUCTINNOVATIONS

CABLE MANAGEMENT

New accessories also include the Quick Fix Riser,used to attach the tray to the wall when beinginstalled vertically in a rising situation.

Marco's Elite Trunking range hasrecently been installed throughout theBBC's new drama village in Cardiff

SWCT accessories - The Fast Fix Universal Strut Clipallows the tray to be fastened to strut both quickly andeasily, whilst maintaining a sturdy support.


A new quick fix supportchannel has also beendesigned, allowing the traysimply to be placed inposition. The tabs are thenbent over to secure the trayin place, eliminating theneed for any special tools.

FEATURE CABLE MANAGEMENT


IF AN ALIEN were to land on our planet tomorrow, he might

well be confused by two contradictory characteristics that

define our age: our total dependence on energy-thirsty

technology, and our clear focus on reducing energy

consumption to help protect the Earth’s precious environment.

In the 21st century, it’s a hard fact of any commercial

environment that our energy consumption has increased to

meet the demands of the electronic age. Balancing the

commercial need to remain competitive by embracing

technology with our environmental responsibility to manage

energy resources as effectively as possible is not always easy

but the most effective way to square the circle is to ensure that

the energy we consume is useful energy rather than wasted

energy. Switching off or powering down systems that are not in

use can help, but specification of electrical and data

installations also has a significant role to play in reducing

consumption of wasted energy.

A hot topicWhen it comes to cable containment, the open structure of

steel wire systems provides increased natural ventilation. In fact,

‘basket’ systems have a 90% opened structure allowing air to

flow freely around the cables. This is reduced to 50% if the

system is used in conjunction with a cover, around the same as

traditional perforated tray, which has a 50% opened structure

when installed alone but this reduces to just 10% if a cover is

used. Finally, both conduit and trunking provide completely

enclosed containment which means that they do not provide

any natural ventilation at all.

Good ventilation is essential because copper or aluminium

cable cores heat up when an electrical current is running and if

they are not sufficiently ventilated it becomes more difficult for

energy to flow, which means that more energy is required,

causing energy to be wasted. The heat given off is known as

the ‘Joule effect’ and this is caused by the resistivity of the

material: more simply, the ability of the material to resist the

passage of an electrical current. The resistance of a conductor is

proportional to the resistivity so, as resistivity increases with

temperature, any cables that are confined within a non-

ventilating containment system give off heat that cannot

escape, thereby increasing the ambient temperature, which

causes an increase in both resistivity and resistance. In this

situation, more power is required to enable the current to flow

and this causes energy to be wasted unnecessarily.

To quantify the importance of effective ventilation of the

cables, Cablofil commissioned tests from the world-renowned,

independent laboratory, Bureau Veritas: LCIE, which proved the

Cablofil* steel wire tray cable management system helped to

prevent energy wastage due to the Joule effect, ensuring that

the energy used in the cables is useful energy. Indeed, the tests

showed that there was a difference in energy consumption as

significant as 37% between the best and worst performing

cable management methods!

Controlled conditionsBureau Veritas: LCIE tested seven containment configurations

using containment widths of both 100mm and 300mm. The

systems tested were:

� Cablofil CF54 steel wire tray (a medium duty steel wire

basket with a depth of 54mm)

� Perforated steel tray

� Cablofil CF54 with a cover

� Perforated steel tray with a cover

� Metallic trunking

� Plastic trunking

� Metallic conduit

The aim of the tests was to arrive at a qualitative comparison

between different types of cable containment system that

would prove the case for natural ventilation of cables and

provide an actual percentage difference in the amount of

energy wasted if ventilation from the cable management

system was inadequate. Establishing a single test procedure

and consistent test conditions for all the various configurations

being tested was critical to the success of the tests and the

credibility of the results. All the cables used in the tests were of

an identical type and equal length and the room temperature

was maintained at a constant 200C. The intensity of the power

delivered to the system was also constant at 257 A.

Temperature within the systems was regulated for 30 minutes

PAUL COURSON, UK MANAGING DIRECTOR OF STEEL WIRE

TRAY CONTAINMENT SPECIALIST, CABLOFIL, DISCUSSES

INDEPENDENT TESTS CARRIED OUT TO DEMONSTRATE THE

RELATIVE COOLING AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY BENEFITS OF

VARYING TYPES OF CABLE CONTAINMENT

Cooler cablescut energy

CONSUMPTION

When it comes to

cable

containment, the

open structure of

steel wire systems

provides

increased natural

ventilation


prior to commencement of the tests and the conductor’s core

temperature was measured continuously to map the rise in

temperature during the test and record the peak temperature.

The resistance of the cables in each configuration was then

measured using an ohmmeter (a digital device designed to

measure resistance to electrical current) and the amount of

electrical energy consumed was calculated using the equation

P=R.I2 (Power = Resistance x Intensity of current2 ).

For the test rigs using 100mm widths of steel basket (with

and without cover), perforated steel tray (with and without

cover), conduit or trunking seven cables were used in a four on

the lower layer/three above configuration to create 21 metres

of cables in a series circuit, and this provided a containment

filling rate of 40%. Meanwhile, the 300mm width test rigs used

a total of 27 cables, with 13 on the upper layer and 14 below,

giving a containment filling rate of 60% and creating a series

circuit 81 metres long. In every test, the rig was created using

standard 3m lengths of basket, tray, conduit or trunking.

Clear ResultsThe 100mm wide, seven cable rigs clearly demonstrated the

Cablofil system retained the lowest temperature at 69.20C and

the lowest resistance at 5.0mΩ, followed by perforated steel

tray which scored a temperature of 80.60C and a resistance

measurement of 5.1mΩ. As predicted, both the temperature

and the resistance values of these two containment methods

rose when a cover was added to the test rig, however, the

Cablofil steel wire tray system still demonstrated clear

advantages over perforated steel tray. With a cover, the

temperature of the core on the Cablofil rig was recorded at

81.70C and the resistance was measured as 5.1mΩ. Both the

temperature and the resistance values for the perforated tray +

cover rig were considerably higher, with a temperature

measurement of 119.00C and a resistance measurement of

5.7mΩ. As anticipated, the figures recorded for both

temperature and resistance were significantly higher for plastic

trunking, metallic trunking and metallic conduit where

temperature values of 130.20C, 155.90C and 119.60C

respectively were recorded. The resistance performance of

plastic and metallic trunking was equal at 6.0mΩ and for

metallic conduit was 6.4mΩ.

Steel wire tray also demonstrated clear advantages over

alternative systems in the 300mm containment tests. Here, the

temperature of the core on the steel wire tray rig was recorded

as 68.50C without a cover and 101.20C with a cover, as

compared to 93.30C (without cover) and 167.00C (with cover)

for perforated steel tray. The temperatures recorded for plastic

trunking and metallic conduit were 171.10C and 157.30C

respectively with the cables in the metallic trunking test

reaching a staggering 228.00C before the test was abandoned

because the cables had been destroyed. Similarly, the resistance

of cables in the test using Cablofil steel wire tray with no cover

was lower than the result for any other method of containment

at just 19.5mΩ. What’s more, even with the addition of a cover,

only uncovered perforated steel tray demonstrated lower

resistance.

Significant implicationsIt is important to view these test results not simply as numbers

but also in the context of the cable standard which is 900C.

Cablofil was the only system used that remained below this

temperature during the 100mm ‘with cover’ test. What’s more,

in the 300mm width tests, Cablofil was the only system that

respected the cable standard even without a cover - and by

some considerable margin, recording a temperature 250C

lower than perforated steel tray, its nearest rival.

These differences in temperature, some subtle, some

alarmingly large, clearly demonstrate how the Joule effect is

intensified in cable installations where heat is confined,

increasing resistivity still further and perpetuating the increased

demand for energy. While it may be common sense to suppose

that a more open system providing better ventilation might aid

the dissipation of heat and therefore reduce levels of resistance,

the thorough tests carried out at Bureau Veritas – LCIE have

accurately quantified the effects of the ventilation properties of

various containment methods. The result is a clear picture of

how much wasted energy the use of any one of these

containment systems involves: as the best performer steel wire

tray could be regarded as having an ‘A’ rating, followed by a

sliding scale all the way through to metallic trunking and

metallic conduit with a G energy performance rating.

As commercial properties – both new build and re-fit – seek

to push the boundaries of energy efficiency and improve their

green credentials, being able to demonstrate the energy

savings of the containment system is vital. With its reduced use

of raw materials, speed of installation and flexibility, steel wire

cable containment already demonstrates clear advantages over

other types of containment and now it can add proven

reduced energy wastage to that list.

*The tests described were carried out using Cablofil steel wire

tray. Not all steel wire tray systems are the same and the results

cannot, therefore, be applied to similar products.

It is important to

view these test

results not simply

as numbers but

also in the context

of the cable

standard which is

9ooC

caption

CABLE MANAGEMENT FEATURE

WITH SCIENTISTS PREDICTING the world's population

will continue to grow for several decades at least. It’s

clear the demand for energy is likely to increase even

faster, and the proportion supplied by electricity will

also grow faster still. - However, this is where opinions

depart as to whether the demand for electricity will

continue to be served predominantly by extensive grid

systems, or whether there will be a strong trend to

locally distributed generation.

Either way, it will not prevent the need for more

power, especially in urbanised and industrialised areas,

and much of that demand will be for a continuous,

reliable supply of electricity.

To be able to continue to supply these expanding

industries with a range of suitable products; in a green

and responsible manner, Fibox is investing in a host of

innovative projects and developing a multitude of new

products to serve a number of new and emerging

industries.

Using the knowledge gained from over 40 years of

continuous product development, Fibox is well placed

to help and coach these customers through any

commercial or technical issues which may arise.

Our market understanding and responsiveness also

enables us to adapt quickly to operate more in a

‘partnership’ with our customers, which give us a good

understanding of their needs, and enables them to

respond quickly to future requirements and changing

market trends.

Wind technologyWith the increasing worldwide energy demand, wind

power offers an advanced and highly sophisticated

technology as well as one of the most economical

renewable energy sources. The global growth estimates

from 26.600 MW (2008) to 50.800 MW (2012) are solid

proof of the industry’s significance.

There is no doubt wind energy technology is

The quest forSUSTAINABLE products

FEATURE ENCLOSURES

AN URGENT QUESTION FACING

MANY MANUFACTURING

COMPANIES IS, ‘HOW DO WE

PROVIDE CLEAN, SAFE,

ENVIRONMENTALLY-SUSTAINABLE

ENERGY PRODUCTS FOR BRITAIN,

EUROPE AND THE WORLD AS A

WHOLE, DURING THE TWENTY-

FIRST CENTURY? - STEVE GALLON,

UK MD OF ENCLOSURE

MANUFACTURER FIBOX, EXPLAINS

ITS APPROACH

developing fast, turbines are becoming cheaper and

more powerful, which in turn is gradually bringing the

cost of renewably-generated electricity down.

Utilisation of wind energy has increased spectacularly

in recent years, with Europe fast becoming the hub of

this high-tech industry. With a 22.5% increase in installed

capacity during 2010 following on the back of similar

rises in previous years, the 36 GWe increment

represented an investment of 47 billion EURO (US$ 65

billion). This brought total world wind capacity to 194

GWe, with tens of thousands of turbines now operating.

Fibox serves quite a number of the worlds leading

wind turbine manufacturers and provides a selection of

enclosures ranging from standard enclosures to

customised enclosures. Fibox also offers custom-made

enclosure designs to meet specific customer

requirements. Fibox has developed a deep

understanding of the customers’ applications, a strong

material and electrical engineering knowhow, rapid

prototyping processes and can supply a wide range of

enclosure bundles for protecting electrical

and electronic components and systems, thus ensuring

the chosen enclosure system will offer a ‘matched

guarantee’ that sensitive equipment has the protection

that it deserves. Fibox are currently working throughout

the world with manufacturers such as Vestas, GE,

Gamesa, Enercon, Suzlon and Siemens as well as with

leading component suppliers such as ABB and

Moventas, on projects designed to use energy as

efficiently as possible, to generate as much power as

possible from wind, as efficiently and as cleanly as

possible.

Fibox, a privately owned Finnish company, is one of

the largest enclosure manufacturers in the world, and a

market leader in thermoplastic enclosures used for

protecting electrical and electronic components

operating in hostile environments. It is also involved in

the development of both new products and new

technologies for molding thermoplastic enclosures. At

Fibox, we consider molding technology an essential

part of product development.

For example, Fibox MNX enclosure is one of the first

to utilise direct injection of the enclosure gasket

material during the body molding process. This new

process ensures precision molding of the gasket

guaranteeing superior enclosure protection ratings.

Another example is Fibox's emphasis on multiple

slide technology for mold construction. While much

more costly, this type of mold provides our OEM

customers cost effective alternatives for modifying

standard enclosures to meet their specific needs.

CUSTOMER SERVICEEarly in the company’s development, Fibox realised

many customers considered service support to be one of

the most crucial concerns when deciding from whom

and where to buy; whether that be a single

enclosure, a complete system, a totally customised

product or a total solution offering - intended to

create a complete package that solves a specific

customer problem.

Fibox’s production process, which is currently

being optimised, provides important advantages in

large-scale production and offers its customers the

ability to achieve price premiums on many of its

principle products and systems.

FIBRE CONNECTIVITYThere has been a massive investment in optical fibre

telecommunications technology over the last 40 years.

Optical fibres lie at the very heart of modern society,

providing the information superhighways required within

our global communication systems.

With the demand for transmission bandwidth in the

world’s core networks increases by around 80% year-on-

year, Fibox has initiated a ‘top team’ to be totally

dedicated to operate a whole R&D programme, purely to

focus on future fibre devices, and system concepts, that

ENCLOSURES FEATURE

Many customers

consider service

support to be one of

the most crucial

concerns when

deciding from whom

and where to buy


FEATURE ENCLOSURES

will be required for next generation telecommunication

systems. It has also been tasked to investigate new

applications of the technology in areas beyond

telecommunications including amongst others: high

power pulsed fibre lasers, industrial materials processing,

aerospace, biology, sensing and fundamental physics.

Based on this pioneering research and product

development, Fibox is building more and more enclosure

products that enable FTTH connections and the fibre

optical solutions to move closer and closer to the end

user. The same is happening with FTTX in general. And

many Fibox enclosure solutions are in the heart of these

FTTH/FTTX applications.

The need to take the high speed fibre connections all

the way to the final application is growing. In FTTH this

means taking the fibre into the home and office. The

same demand is growing in FTTX in general; Fibre to the

Antenna, Fibre to the Elevator, Fibre to the Water pump,

etc. as well as Fibre to broadband; Fibox enclosure

solutions are making these FTTH/FTTX applications

possible.

The Fibox FTTH enclosure and cabinet solutions are

available for outside plant and customer premises,

ranging from access points trough fibre distribution to

fibre termination. Fibox wall mounting enclosures can be

installed both indoors and outdoors. Cabinets and

enclosures are designed to meet the fibre management,

fibre storing and fibre splicing and connecting needs of

FTTH networks.

With the Fibox FTTH solution family or with a

customised solution based on more than 1000 standard

enclosures, the company can provide a solution to any

FTTH / FTTX enclosing needs.

FDE splice enclosures are designed for MDU and

enterprise purposes. The FDE range has two enclosure

sizes, the smaller supports up to 24 fibre connections,

and the bigger up to 48 fibre connections. The state-of-

art splice tray and the fibre management design make

installation quick and easy. FDE wall-mounting

enclosures can be used both indoors and outdoors.

The FDE range is designed to meet both installation

and end user needs. The plug-and-play feature reduces

the installation time and eliminates the need for extra

tools and its stylish design makes the products

aesthetically pleasing for visible locations.

Fibox knows innovative, customised products and

services, supported by marketing and design, are the

differentiators that allow companies to win: As Steve

Gallon said, "If the product is right, and you deliver what

your customer wants, the world is your oyster".

CONTRACTOR KIT CATALOGUEThe new UPS Handbook from Eaton is now available as afree download from the Technology & Applications page onthe company’s website (www.eaton.com/powerquality/UK).

With 35 information-packed A4 pages which areextensively illustrated with photographs and diagrams, thehandbook covers every aspect of UPS selection andoperation. It also provides a complete guide to powerquality with useful additional information such as a basicintroduction to electricity, a glossary of power terminologyand even a table of worldwide supply voltages.

Special attention is given to reasons for using UPS’s to protect critical systems and anexplanation of the nine most common power problems, which include power failure,power sag, under- and over-voltage, electrical noise and harmonic distortion.

EATON01753 608 700powerquality.eaton.com

FASTER POWERQUALITY ANALYSISOutram Research, a manufacturer of powerquality analysers, announces the launch of anenhanced template function in Pronto, its analysisand reporting software. The new comprehensivecapability provides ‘two-click graphing’, allowingnon-technical users to produce complex graphicalanalysis of power quality data quickly and easily.

The templates dramatically reduce the timeneeded to analyse data, without requiring expertknowledge of either power quality or the Prontosoftware. Users can select the data to be displayed, the colours to be used and canmanipulate the as axes, including whether graphs are superimposed or stacked andwhether the scales are automatic or fixed.

Templates are managed in a hierarchical directory structure, making selection of therequired output intuitive. Furthermore Pronto uses a ‘traffic light’ approach to show whichtemplates can be used with the data set that has been loaded.

Outram Research01243 573050www.outramresearch.co.uk

EFFICIENT CURRENTTRANSFORMER TESTINGA current transformer may saturate, if its magnetic core is subjected tohigh fault currents which possibly also contain some DC component.For protection type current transformers this is an undesirable effectsince, particularly under heavy fault conditions, a correct replica of theprimary current is required for the protection relay to operate reliably.Understanding the operation of current transformers and theknowledge of all relevant current transformer data is of particularimportance to optimize the performance of protection relays as well asthe entire power system.

The application of current transformers for protection applicationsis thoroughly covered in the IEC60044 standard for currenttransformers. Apart from the classic protection core (Class P) andmeasurement core (Class M) current transformers, part 6 of IEC 60044contains the requirements for the transient performance of Currenttransformers. Class TPS, TPX, TPY and TPZ current transformers arespecifically suited for modern protection relays which, due to theirextended features, place significant demands on the transientbehaviour of current transformers under high current conditions.

OMICRON's CT Analyzer is a unique lightweight electronicinstrument designed to meet the highest standards of performingratio, polarity, excitation and winding resistance tests on currenttransformers as well as burden-impedance measurement. Theequipment is able to automatically test all types of low leakage fluxcurrent transformers both on-site in the power system as well as inthe controlled environment of current transformer manufacturers.With an amplitude accuracy in excess of 0.02% and a phase angleaccuracy in excess of 1min, the CT Analyzer is the ideal tool for thecalibration and verification of not only Class P current transformers,but also Class 0.2 metering currenttransformers. The CT Analyzer performs afully automatic test in less than 60s percore, assessing the test results andhighlighting any unacceptable deviationsin the process.

Omicron01785 251000www.omicron.at

CONTRACTOR KIT CATALOGUEContaining detailed information about every type of testinstrument electrical contractors are likely to need,Megger’s new 40-page catalogue and price list has amongits highlights the innovative MFT1700 range ofmultifunction testers, which offer dependable two-wirenon-trip loop testing, and the latest PAT400 professionalPAT testers.

Other new products featured in the catalogue includeAVO410 true RMS digital multimeters, TPT200 series two-pole voltage testers, MPU690 proving units and PSI410 phase sequence indicators.

A valuable guide to the latest in testing technology, the coverage of thiscomprehensive and informative catalogue also extends to test kits and individualinstruments – such as loop testers, insulation testers and RCD testers – for Part P and17th Edition applications, as well to more specialised equipment, including earthresistance test sets and certification testers for structured data cabling installations.

Megger01304 502100www.megger.com

IP69KOPTIMISES HYGIENEFORALL SECTORSRittal has just extended the range of protection categories for itsHygienic Design range of enclosures.With immediate effect all HygienicDesign Compact enclosures & Terminal boxes satisfy the demands of thefollowing protection categories: IP 66, IP 69K along with NEMA types12, 13 & 4X with the addition of NEMA 3R for their range of HD-KLTerminal boxes.

Rittal Hygienic Design offers new housing solutions to meet theexacting requirements of the food industry now and in the future.Withthe extended protection categories the Rittal range of products can becleaned faster and easier than ever beforereducing the down time for scheduledmaintenance and increasing the end usersproductivity, efficiencies and profitability.

Rittal01709 704000www.rittal.co.uk

LUMINAIRES FORHQGood quality lighting, manufacturedin the UK, was the preferred choiceof leading construction companySRW (Skanska, Raleigh, andWeatherfoil), who specifiedluminaires by Riegens Lighting forthe new Fluor Limited Headquartersat IQ Farnborough.

Reigns’ Arbos I recessedluminaire was used throughout themain office areas. Offering a gooduniform light output with direct/indirect illumination and atwin light source (40W or 50W T5 lamps), the 600mm x600mm luminaire has a dropped perforated central unitdesign. Other luminaires in the range include Arbos IFwith a central flush perforated diffuser or Arbos DF with atwin flush unit. All the Arbos range comes complete withHF or HF emergency control gear and other options thatare available on request.

For the core warehouse areas, Riegens DL-ECO energyefficient downlighters using compact fluorescent lampshave been installed.

Riegens Lighting01376 333400www.riegens-lighting.com

MUSEUMSPECIFIES LIGHTINGFOR RAINFOREST EXHIBIT

Sill Lighting’s range of 003 metalhalide projectors have been used ina lighting scheme designed byArup’s lighting designers for theCalifornia Academy of Sciences inSan Francisco.

The high power projectorsinstalled above the glass ‘bolla’ housing the rainforest exhibitprovide the life support lighting that supplements the daylightthat enters through the skylights in the concrete structure of theouter, living roof.

Positioned in the confined space between the concrete roofand the 90-foot diameter glass dome, they illuminate throughthe glass onto the rainforest canopy, with its spiralling path thatleads visitors through the close-up rainforest experience. Arupspecified 140 one and two kilowatt 003 series high powerprojectors from Sill, designed for the Osram HQI-TS lamp, as thelight source has a high Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR)efficiency, making them the closest to daylight.

Sill Lighting UK01844-260006www.sill-uk.com

EXTENDED POWER RANGEFORDRIVESIn the first of several planned extensions, RockwellAutomation has expanded the power range of its Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 AC drives to 450 kW/700 Hp,providing users with increased application flexibility.

Featuring advanced diagnostics and a convenient roll-out design, the PowerFlex 755 AC drive is well-suited formotor control applications in a variety of heavy industries,including oil and gas, tire and rubber, refining, materialhandling, metals and mining.

A key feature of the PowerFlex 755 extended power range drive is its roll-outcapability, which allows easy access to the drive for fast installation andmaintenance. The drive’s modular design helps simplify replacement of drivecomponents, such as cooling fans, circuit boards and major subassemblies.

Rockwell Automation0870 242 5004www.ab.com/drives/powerflex/755

VENTURE’S NEWVENTRONIC GLOBALBALLAST NOW INCORPORATES DALIVenture Lighting’s new Ventronic Global electronic dimming ballastcombines maximum energy savings with total system control, usingDALI digital dimming, simple switch dimming or 1-10V variabledimming. The ballast has exceptionally low energy consumption anda power factor close to unity, providing the lowest current load andsupports lamp dimming up to 70% total energy cost saving.

As well as reducing energy consumption, Ventronic ballasts are‘lamp friendly’, facilitating faster strike/re-strike times while alsohelping to significantly extend lamp life and therefore reducing cost of ownership. Thanks toan integral safety network circuit, they are also highly resilient to voltage spikes andfluctuations, as well as protection against erroneously high temperatures.

Used with Venture’s Pulse Start metal halide lamps, the lamp life is typically 30,000hours, with a light output of up to 110lm/W and lumen maintenance of 90% through thelife of the lamp.

Lightweight and compact, with fast terminal connections for ease of installation, theVentronic ballast is also fully compatible with all widely available dimming sensors andcontrols.

Venture0845 2302222www.venturelightingeurope.com

PRODUCTS

REFINED 4-PIECE PLIER SETEngex has introduced the new 4-piece plier set,ideal for a wide range of applications and fatigue-free work.

The set comes supplied with a snipe nose,combination and slip joint plier plus a side cutter.Ergonomic handles feature twin compoundtechnology for additional grip, torque and comfort.

The pliers have precision manufactured Engexblades with heavy-duty cutting edges, offering along-life and consistent precision cutting.

The professionally made pliers conform to thehighest standards, manufactured in accordance withISO IEC60900 standards and has independent 1000volt VDE approval, offering complete safety and theultimate in performance and reliability.

Engex01952 272 381www.engex-uk.co.uk

NEXT DAYDELIVERYONRANGEOF CABINETSEmitex has recently introduced a full range of floor and wallcabinets from 3U to 47U.

Partnering with a national haulage company, Emitex can noweasily deliver UK wide a full range of data cabinets on a next-daybasis if required – a new service known as Cab-Track.

From 27U 600 x 600 to 47U 800 x 800, all of the cabinets inthe range have removable and reversible smoked glass fronts, ametal rear door & removable side panels.

To save on installation time each vertical rack within the cabinet is ‘U’ marked forease of installation; all of these features have been designed to aid the installer on site.

The range is also supplied with castors, jacking feet and 2-way fan tray.

Emitex01952 270 271www.emitex.co.uk

COMPLIANT FIRE PANEL RANGEAn effective fire system is key to fire risk management and the best wayto prove it is fit for purpose is to show, through certification, theequipment is compliant with the relevant standards and has been third-party LPCB (Loss Prevention Certificate Board) certificated.

All Firesafe third-party LPCB approved products are listed within theLPCB (Loss Prevention Certificate Board) Red Book listing which is anessential guide reference used globally by specifiers.

The new Firesafe range of panels are third-party approved to latestversions of EN54-2 and EN54-4 by the Loss Prevention Certificate Board. As a result, the panel is CEcompliant with the Construction Products Directive (CPD) and has battery impedance fault monitoringdemanded by these standards.

The fire panel range now offers key-switch and keypad facility with an option to use either, or both,dependant on the installer’s choice.

Firesafe01253 699 500www.firesafe.co.uk

SOLAR PV INSTALLER ANDSURVEYOR COURSESElectrical training specialist Clarkson Evans now offers solarPV training courses at its award winning centre in Gloucester.

With over 12 years’ experience of delivering a full range ofelectrical training and an excellent reputation in the industry,Clarkson Evans has responded to the surge in demand forsolar photovoltaic systems by launching two different PVcourses.

The three-day Logic Certification Solar PhotovoltaicInstaller course is ideal for electricians seeking accreditationunder the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS).Meanwhile the one-day Solar Surveyor course has beendeveloped especially for non-technical staff involved inquoting for PV systems and carrying out site surveys.

The courses were launched in February and already over 40delegates have benefited from this training.

Clarkson Evans Training01452 858170www.clarksonevanstraining.co.uk

FLEXIBILITYOF CONTROLDelmatic has supplied a sophisticated lighting managementsystem for the new 93,600 sq ft office building at 95 GreshamStreet in the City of London.

The Delmatic system provides total flexibility of control withaddressable control of each luminaire. For letting purposes amaster switch at each floor entrance operates all lights on thefloor, and incoming tenants have the ability to personalise andcustomise the system to suit their individual requirements.

The luminaires, supplied by Riegens Lighting, can be operated from a local presence detector,absence detector or multisensor as well as by IP telephone or user’s PC. Sensors in perimeterzones can relate lighting to daylight levels, dimming perimeter lighting in bright weather.Riegens supplied 2 x 24W T5 luminaires with semi-specular louvers for the project.

Delmatic0208 987 5900www.delmatic.com

RETROFIT LED LAMPChallenger has introduced energy conscious security lighting, for existing installations. The newSLTHLED retrofit LED Lamp module replaces traditional 300W 400W & 500W Tungsten HalogenLamps in both standard & Security PIR Floodlights.

As the 8W LED module simply replaces the existing tungsten halogen lamp, instant energy &cost savings are achieved with no additional cabling required or need for replacing fittings.

LED offers an energy saving alternative to halogen or sodium floodlights. They are suitable forlighting many other commercial and domestic applications,

resulting in significant savings in lamp replacement and maintenance costs compared with theshort lives of conventional, incandescent and halogen lamps.

The new LED lamp module with its excellentlight output is ideal for a number of applicationsfrom display to security, making it a practical and

appealing outdoor floodlighting solution.

Challenger01253 791888www.challenger.co.uk

PRODUCTS

QUICK-FITWATERTIGHTELECTRICAL CONNECTORSThe two key challenges which electrical connectors presentto process engineers are the speed and ease of installation,and their continued reliability and durability in the presence of water, contaminants and corrosivematerials. A series of small electrical connectors, developed by specialist manufacturer, Marechal,introduces a unique design which ticks all the boxes for these key criteria.

Marechal IP68 connectors are watertight, even when permanently immersed in water, and areresistant to industrial contaminants, corrosion and shock. Unlike other watertight connectors,Marechal IP68 connectors incorporate a unique locking ring and five corrosion-resistant contacts, aswell as best-in-class durability of 2000 load cycles.

The combination of fast installation and long lifetime, achieved by Marechal’s IP68 connectors,helps process industry engineers to move to next-level electrical performance and reliability even inthe most extreme operating conditions.

Marechal0844 804 2066www.marechal-electric.com COMPACT CONSUMERUNIT

Schneider Electric has launched the latest addition toits successful Qwikline range of consumer units, theSQOSR4R4.

The new consumer unit’s dual RCD 4+4configuration is particularly suited to smallerproperties such as flats, where space is limited. This ensures smaller residentialand light commercial properties can still benefit from the features of theQwikline range without losing too much space to their consumer unit.

The SQOSR4R4 incorporates all the standard benefits of its predecessors,including the unique plug on MCB/RCBO fixing system, which guarantees acorrect connection when used with busbar trunking. A rear clip increases thedevice security once the unit is fitted.

Fully type tested to BS EN 60439-3, the new consumer unit offers the highestlevels of circuit protection.

Schneider Electric0870 6088 608www.schneider-electric.co.uk

CEILINGMOUNTDETECTORThe new Prestige 360 DT from Texecom is a ceiling mount intruder detector that features both omni-directional quad element PIR and K-band microwave sensing. This gives the detector maximum catchperformance and false alarm immunity, even in challenging environments such as partitioned areas,commercial premises and residential housing.

The Prestige 360 DT has a maximum 9.3m diameter detection pattern, which results in over 65m2of omni-directional coverage under each detector. The product is suitable for mounting up to 3.6mabove the ground, and complies with EN50131-2-4 Grade 2 requirements.

Ceiling mount detectors are of particular benefit when protectingareas with ground-based obstructions such as cubicle partitions,shopping aisles and large furniture, or when traditional mountingsites are impractical.

Texecom01706 234 800www.texe.com

SAFEBREAK 'PLUGS IN'FOR SAFETYNow available from MartindaleElectric is the new SB13Safebreak Socket Test Adapter,an accessory for electricianswho carry out electricalinstallation testing.

Eliminating the need toremove the wall socketfaceplate, the compact androbust SB13 enables electriciansto safely and quickly make testsat wall socket outlets. Providinggood connection to the wiring installation using standard4mm test probes, R2 and R1 and R2 measurements arequickly identified, saving electricians valuable time andmoney.

Suitable for use with any meter having industrystandard 4mm plugs, the SB13 from Martindale Electricspeeds up periodic 17th edition testing and Part P testingof electrical installations.

Designed to withstand tough handling and inMartindale's distinct yellow, the SB13 Safebreak socket testadapter comes with a two year warranty.

The Martindale range complies fully with UK standardand includes insulation, loop and RCD testers, handy all-in-one testers, plus award-winning professional testing kits.

Martindale Electric01923 441717www.martindale-electric.co.uk

PRODUCTS

COMPLETE CABLEMANAGEMENT CATALOGUELegrand has underlined itsmarket leading position bypublishing its mostcomprehensive cablemanagement catalogue ever.

The 200-page publicationfeatures all of Legrand’s cablemanagement solutions, includingits new range of Salamandredistribution trunking, which waslaunched earlier this year and is50 per cent fast to install than its predecessor.

Mark Evans, Legrand’s marketing director, said: “Weare the global leader in cable management and thislatest catalogue clearly highlights the reasons for this.It features thousands of different product variations,includes industry renowned brands such as Swifts andSalamandre and showcases an array of innovativefast-fit solutions that help make our products standout from the competition.”

The launch of the cable management cataloguemeans Legrand has published a trilogy of productcatalogues since its operational split into cablemanagement, wiring device and power distributiondivisions in 2010.

Legrand0845 6054333www.legrand.co.uk

DEHN PROTECTSProtecting PV systemsDue to the exposed positioning and large surface area of Pphotovoltaic panels,surges due to both direct and indirect lightning strikes are a significant risk. Toensure continued operation and minimum down time a coordinated lightning andsurge protection system is required.

The DEHNguard M YPV SCI range of modular surge protection devices has beendeveloped by DEHN + SÖHNE for the surge protection of d.c. supplies and inverterson PV systems.

A fuse specifically developed for PV systems was integrated into the already proven combineddisconnection and short-circuiting device ensuring the safe replacement of protection modules without arcformation. This synergy of technologies reduces the risk of damage to arresters due to installation andinsulation faults in the PV circuit, considerably reducing the risk of fire for an overloaded arrester.

DEHN01484 859 111www.dehn.co.uk

LEDOPTIONWARRANTYEXTENDED TO 5 YEARSThe Save It Easy 2LED Replacement Lamp, a proven technologyfrom Energys Group that replaces 2D CFLs in the existingfittings, now comes with a 5-year warranty, making it a low-risk way to cut energy use and improve lamp lifespan.

Since its launch last year, the Save It Easy 2LED ReplacementLamp has established itself as a simple, retrofit method fororganisations to save money on lighting energy costs and cutcarbon.As a result of the product’s success, Energys haschosen to extend its warranty: all 2LED Replacement Lampunits are now guaranteed for 5 years from purchase,irrespective of intensity of use.

The 2LED Replacement Lamp, which typically results in a60% reduction in the wattage needed topower the lamp, has also been re-engineered to save even more energy.

Energys Group01306 621546www.saveiteasy.co.uk

CABLES LIVE UP TOUNDERGROUND’S EXPECTATIONSSeveral of Draka’s cable designs have been approved by LondonUnderground as satisfying – and in many cases, exceeding – thesafety requirements of Section 12 (underground) areas, as set outin LU 1-085.

Firetuf FTP120 is designed to ensure power supplies for both lifesafety and firefighting systems are maintained in a fire. In additionto its approval by London Underground, the zero halogen, lowsmoke OHLS cable is approved by LPCB (Loss PreventionCertification Board) and BASEC (British Approvals Service forCables).

Draka’s OHLS Firetuf FT Sifer single-core, circuit integrity cablewas developed specifically to meet the onerous testing

requirements demanded by London Underground, particularly in relation to its stringent vertical flamepropagation testing that exceeds the requirements of BS 7211: 1998.

Draka01332 345431www.draka.com

INTEGRATED ENERGYMONITORINGPart L2 of the Building regulationsconsiders energy efficiency in non-domestic buildings (three phaseapplications), clarifying energydemands and the associated need tometer energy usage. Its effect willhelp building managers, landlordsand tenants to understand whereenergy is used or wasted and tocreate opportunities to significantly reduce energyconsumption, hopefully by around 5 - 10% p.a.

In response,Wylex has launched a new 125Amp ratedrange of modified distribution boards, the NHTN, which canbe fitted with a multi-function digital meter (kWh) inside theenclosure, instead of relying on an “add on” extensionenclosure, widely used previously. The new range has beendesignated MR - meter ready.

To complement the new range, an integral meter pack isalso available fromWylex as a complete kit, allowing thecontractor to easily install either an incoming standard checkmeter or MID certified meter.

Electrium01543 455000www.electrium.co.uk

WIRINGACCESSORY BROCHUREElectrical wholesaler Newey and Eyre has launched a new brochureto showcase its range of Newlec decorative wiring accessories, gridswitches and AV/data modules.

Available exclusively from Newey and Eyre, the brochure featuresa brand new range of grid module plates, available from single gangto eight gang. Created with contemporary interior design in mind,the range includes four different stylish finishes; polished chrome,white moulded, stainless-steel and surface metalclad. Incorporatinga smooth, ultra-slim profile, thesestylish variations offer an excellentchoice for designers and installerswho want to achieve a modern,stylish look.

For ultimate flexibility, the gridswitch options now include retractive10AX moulded rockers, 60 – 400Wrotary dimmers, key switches marked‘emergency light’ and a full range ofprinted switches marked ‘fridge’,‘dishwasher’, ‘cooker’ and manyother popular choices.

Newey & Eyre0845 123 6539www.neweyandeyre.co.uk

HIGH-DENSITY FASTTERMINATION TECHNOLOGYOne year after the launch of the innovative Han-Yellock connector family at the Hannover Messe2010, Harting has introduced two new additionsto the range: high-density Monoblocks and aQuick-Lock module offering fast and easy fieldtermination.

The Han-Yellock Monoblocks offer 25 or 48 contacts in the two housing sizes 30and 60, representing an enormous energy density. The male/female crimp contactshave optimised lengths and allow a working voltage of 500 V, which is sufficient tomeet the demands of multiple-axis machines and drives in the most compact spaces.As a result, these high-density packages help either to minimise the total number ofinterfaces or to multiply the functions within a machine.

The new Han-Yellock Quick Lock module offers speed and simplicity in installation.These field-installable modules are plug-compatible with the established Han-Yellockmodules in crimp technology and also allow multiple possibilities in the connector.

Harting01604 827500www.harting.co.uk

HIGH CEILING ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTINGThorn Lighting announces the UK launch of Hi-Rack, a fluorescent energyefficient lighting range for high ceiling applications offering a viable alternativefor high bay areas where less efficient discharge fittings have been the preferredchoice until now.

Hi-Rack is particularly suited to storage, retail and industrial environments andoffers a logical and cost-effective way to reduce energy costs and improvelighting quality. For open spaces or racking aisles not in continual use, Hi-Rack’sdimming/sensor capabilities can reduce lighting to as little as 10 per cent, whichwill reduce both energy consumption and energy bills.

Hi-Rack high frequency sensor (HFS) is thetop-of-the-range version and ensures you onlyuse light when needed. The sensor can be usedup to 16 metre mounting heights and is quickand simple to install as it is factory set or can beprogrammed to specific needs using a handheldprogrammer from the floor.

Thorn Lighting0191 301 3032www.thornlighting.com

PRODUCTS

PRODUCTS

MEET ALL COMPLIANCE TEST NEEDSA new range of electrical safety testers provide have beendeveloped to help manufacturers of electrical and electronicproducts comply with all required performance and safetystandards.

The new Clare HAL series from Seaward provides a range ofdedicated and all in one electrical safety testers that can be used in stand -aloneapplications or as part of integrated production line systems.

Based on the highly successful HAL Mark 1 range, the extended series now includesfive testers to enable users to meet all common international safety standards quicklyand effectively.

The new HAL series includes the HAL 101 AC/DC Hipot and DC insulation tester, theHAL 102 Hipot tester with a scanner switching matrix, the HAL 103 combined Hipot,ground bond and insulation tester and the flagshipHAL 104 which is a comprehensive electricalsafety tester that also provides load, leakage andpower factor measurement.

Seaward Electronic0191 586 3511www.seaward.co.uk

NEWGENERATION LEDSThe all-new ATEX approvedWolflite XT Handlamp range, said to represent the most significant Safety Handlampdevelopment for over 25 years, and signifies a quantum leap in battery, light and control technology. The recentupgrade to the next generation of high power LEDs means that light output is increased from 200 lumens to 350lumens, a 75% increase in light output.

The XT-70 with Spot and Flood beams is in use at Leicestershire Fire andRescue Service, Tyne &Wear Fire Rescue Service and Hereford andWorcesterFire and Rescue Service as portable ATEX general purpose lighting on vehicles.

TheWolflite XT-90 with additional coloured signal LEDs is utilized in the oiland gas production sector, where it is used with green and red LEDs forhelicopter signalling. This model with red and amber LEDs has also beenadopted by Vienna Fire Brigade for traffic signalling.

Wolf Safety0114 255 1051www.wolf-safety.co.uk

PARTM SOLUTIONS FROMCLICK SCOLMOREClick Scolmore’s CLICK MODE wiring accessoryrange now incorporate a range of productsdesigned to offer practical and stylish solutionsthat comply with the various elements of thePart M regulations.

Highly popular for their smooth profile andflexibility, MODE wiring accessories areavailable in an anthracite grey finish to providean effective visual contrast against the highreflective decors used in the majority of today’sbuildings. Lighter coloured rockers are also anaid to visibility.

As well as the MODE M anthracite greyaccessories, the CLICK range offers a widerange of colours and finishes to eithercomplement or contrast with the surroundingdécor, depending on requirements.

The modular design is a standard feature ofthe MODE range allowing contractors andinstallers unprecedented flexibility in creatingdedicated wiring solutions to deal specificallywith virtually all wiring requirements.

The CLICK MODE Part M compliant productrange includes switches, sockets, controlswitches, new media plates and pull cordswitches

Scolmore01827 63454www.scolmore.com

ENCLOSURES RANGE EXTENDEDFollowing customer demand, Rolec has added a new size to the highly successful‘starCASE’ range of plastic enclosures.

These enclosures have been designed for faster and more convenientinstallation and servicing.

Typical applications will include electronics and electrical systems such asheating and air conditioning controllers, monitoring systems, safety and securityequipment and test and measurement devices.

The ‘starCASE’ range has been specifically designed for industrial electronics, and has many uniquedesign features. For example, two hinged trims on either end of the case hide the case fixings screws andwall mounting shafts. As a result, no visible fixings can be seen once the unit is on the wall.

Rolec01489 583858www.rolec-enclosures.co.uk

INTEGRATIONOF ACCESS POINTSAND CLIENTSBelden has announced the release of HiLCOS 8.50, a newversion of its establishedWLAN firmware from the Hirschmannproduct range.

Like its predecessors, this firmware is fully compliant withthe European 5 GHz standard (EN 301893 V1.5.1). New to thisfirmware version, however, is that it permits access points andclients to be integrated into Profinet and Ethernet/IP networkswithout requiring additional management software, thus

allowing flexible administration. In the future, HiLCOS 8.50 firmware will be offered as a standard for all devices in theHirschmann BAT54 and BAT300 series. In addition, the firmware will also be available as a free-of-charge download fromwww.e-catalog.beldensolutions.com enabling customers to update older access points and clients.

Belden+ 31 77 387 8555www.beldensolutions.com

DESIGNDATAMANAGEMENTDesign data from AutoCAD Inventor orMechanical can now managed togetherwith electrical and fluid engineeringprojects, using the bidirectional Eplaninterface to the PDM System Vault. Directconnection between the PDM System andEplan Platform 2.0 makes the highestdegree of transparency possible.

An integrated revision managementapproach speeds up data organisation inmechanical engineering and CAE, ensuringa dependable release and trackingprocedure of project data and reducingerrors in the design process. All data maybe accessed immediately throughout alldepartments, and is centrally protectedagainst unauthorized use.

The Vault server, as well as the M-CADdesign data and all project data fromEPLAN Electric P8, EPLAN Fluid or EPLANPPE, are managed within one centralisedstructure. Complete CAE projects maysimply be checked into the vault and saved.

Rittal01709 704100www.EPLAN.co.uk

Lighting

Control Systems

Hazardous AreaPower Factor Correction

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

Contact us for expert advice onTel: +44 (0) 1799 530728, Fax: +44 (0) 1799 530235

email: [email protected]

Power Factor Correction

Training

HIGH VOLTAGE TRAININGTo Senior Authorised / Authorised Person level

Also Competent Person, EAW Regs, Generator Operation, Ship/Marine systems, Safety awareness, HV safety for Laser/ Microwave and AGL, Maintenance, etc

MICHAEL TWITCHETTIntET(UK). IEng. FIET. MSOE. MIPlantE

Tel or Fax: 01737 352755e-mail: [email protected]

UPS

COMPLETE CONTROL IN HAZARDOUS AREAS

www.jcegroup.com

ATEX compliant solution providersPower Factor Correction

PowerLogicTM Metering Systems

Energy Meters • Load Monitoring

Power Quality Monitoring & Solutions

Harmonic Surveys To G5/4 • Harmonic Filters

UPS & Surge Protection • Thermal Imaging Surveys

Call for survey and quotation

Tel: 01773 603110 Fax 01773 603112


Website: www.varservices.co.uk

VAR Services Ltd.

27 Main Road,

Jacksdale, Nottingham,

NG16 5JU

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

UPSTest and measurement

innovative test technology and comprehensive customer support

SERVICE & CALIBRATION Seaward provides a comprehensive

calibration and repair service for a widerange of electrical and electronic equipment

� UKAS accredited calibration� Mobile ‘on-site’ service so equipment stays

on your premises� Service and calibration for most brands of

electrical/electronic equipment � Competitive pricing, repair warranty and

guaranteed workmanship

Tel: 0191 586 3511 Email: [email protected]

Website: www.seaward.co.uk

Cables AccessoriesGenerators

A.C. Voltage Stabilisers

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

Your one-stop shop for QUALITY ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS

at wholesale prices!!We offer all our customers next daydelivery anywhere in the UK, freedelivery for orders over £50 and

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WE FULLY UNDERSTAND THE TECHNICALITIES OF THE ROLES THE INDUSTRY HAS TO OFFER. FOR YOUR NEXT

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Visit www.electricalrecruit.co.ukAlternatively contact David Marshall TMIET MIRP.

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Relays, timers, lightingcontrol and energysaving products…

FINDER plc Stone, Staffs. ST15 0SS

Tel: 01785 818100Fax: 01785 815500


…Finder offers all the expertise and

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A leader in its field, Finder is a privately

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Tel: 01189786911 • Fax: 01189792338

www.telonic.co.uk • [email protected]

PROGRAMMABLE DC POWER SUPPLIES 2 – 900kW

05.2011.pdf

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