09.2009.pdf

DesignBox - the new online eco-design forum launchedby sustainable business experts Envirowise earlier this year -has already attracted a wide range of people interested in cuttingtheir costs and environmental impact through sustainable design.

Users can take advantage of a discussion forum to share best practice and ask Envirowise experts fortips and advice. Designed to meet the latest accessibility and industry standards, users can chat in asecure area about eco-design challenges, vote on key issues and meet virtually with others whoshare an interest in improving resource efficiency.

The forum also hosts monthly ‘live chat’ sessions with keynote speakers from the world of design.During these sessions, forum members are able to submit questions live via an instant-messagingstyle interface. They take place on the first Thursday of every month and more information isavailable at www.envirowise.gov.uk/designbox

With estimates that up to 80% of a product’s costs are set at the design stage, Envirowise believebusinesses could unlock millions of pounds in potential savings by considering eco design principlesduring the product and packaging development cycle.

Jenni Rosser, eco design specialist at Envirowise, said: “We are delighted with the response we havehad so far and believe the DesignBox forum is on the way to becoming a vibrant online communityfor the design industry – helping to satisfy a growing appetite for information on the challenges andopportunities presented by eco design.”

For more information please visit the Envirowise website:www.envirowise.gov.uk/designboxor call the Advice Line on Tel: 0800 585794

JOIN THEDESIGNBOXONLINE FORUM

ENVIRONWISE advertorial WPC:Layout 1 3/9/09 09:31 Page 2

DesignBox - the new online eco-design forum launchedby sustainable business experts Envirowise earlier this year -has already attracted a wide range of people interested in cuttingtheir costs and environmental impact through sustainable design.

Users can take advantage of a discussion forum to share best practice and ask Envirowise experts fortips and advice. Designed to meet the latest accessibility and industry standards, users can chat in asecure area about eco-design challenges, vote on key issues and meet virtually with others whoshare an interest in improving resource efficiency.

The forum also hosts monthly ‘live chat’ sessions with keynote speakers from the world of design.During these sessions, forum members are able to submit questions live via an instant-messagingstyle interface. They take place on the first Thursday of every month and more information isavailable at www.envirowise.gov.uk/designbox

With estimates that up to 80% of a product’s costs are set at the design stage, Envirowise believebusinesses could unlock millions of pounds in potential savings by considering eco design principlesduring the product and packaging development cycle.

Jenni Rosser, eco design specialist at Envirowise, said: “We are delighted with the response we havehad so far and believe the DesignBox forum is on the way to becoming a vibrant online communityfor the design industry – helping to satisfy a growing appetite for information on the challenges andopportunities presented by eco design.”

For more information please visit the Envirowise website:www.envirowise.gov.uk/designboxor call the Advice Line on Tel: 0800 585794

JOIN THEDESIGNBOXONLINE FORUM

Inside this issue:■ Arc flash - not just an electrocution hazard■ The Batteries Directive charges ahead ■ Harnessing more power from the wind■ Making the most of WEEE compliance

UK WEEE REGULATIONS LAWFULAND CONSISTENT WITH DIRECTIVEMr Justice Wyn Williams has ruled

the UK’s regulations governing

the collection, treatment and

recycling of electrical and

electronic equipment lawful and

entirely consistent with the EU

Directive.

Ian Lucas, MP, minister for

Business said: “The ruling is a

resounding endorsement of the

UK Waste Electrical and Electronic

Regulations. We are recycling

more electrical equipment than

ever before which is a testimony

to the system.

“The UK system has made a

successful start with the UK

recycling the equivalent of

roughly 7kg per head of

population last year, far in excess

of the 4kg requirement set by the

European Commission. There is

clearly more to be done and I

hope this judgement gives

producers and their compliance

schemes the certainty in the

regulations they have been

seeking.

“It is now time for all producers

and their representative

organisations including Repic and

its members to operate in

partnership to ensure the UK

WEEE system works to the

advantage of all involved;

maximising the separate

collection of WEEE in the UK and

ensuring the highest standards of

treatment and reprocessing.

“The Government will continue

to monitor the system and will be

bringing forward amendments to

the regulations for introduction in

2010 which will streamline the

system and reduce the

administrative burden placed on

businesses. We will also be

working alongside other member

states to ensure the recast of the

directive fits with the needs of UK

producers and other

stakeholders.”

Producer compliance scheme

Repic, brought a Judicial Review

in the High Court against the

Department for Business and the

Environment Agency claiming:

• The continued failure of the

Environment Agency to take

enforcement action against

schemes which are deliberately

and significantly over-collecting

WEEE is unlawful,

• The UK WEEE Regulations are

unlawful insofar as they fail to

provide any mechanism to

prevent schemes from charging

excessive prices for evidence

notes at the end of each

compliance period

In ruling against Repic, Mr

Justice Williams recognised there

was inevitably a “settling down”

period on introduction of the

regulations in 2007 and the

power to take enforcement

action is discretionary and had

not been precluded by the

defendants. He also confirmed

the regulations represented a

lawful transposition of the EU

Waste Electrical and Electronic

Equipment Directive into

national law.

Renewable energy Page 10 Batteries Page 14 Arc Flash Page 18 Waste Management Page 24

September 2009 Volume 242 No9

EDF Energy Networks has

invested in genuine horse

power to help clear trees

from a site where overhead

electricity lines are to be

refurbished.

The energy firm is to carry

out an essential £750,000

project to increase the

capacity of the 33,000-volt

power lines which supply

power to thousands of

customers in the Ipswich

area, to cater for future

demand.

EDF Energy Networks is

working in association with

the local authorities and the

Greenways Countryside

Project to ensure disruption

is kept to a minimum. On

their suggestion the

company employed

specialist Suffolk firm, Green

Man Horse Loggers, to

remove the felled trees from

the hillside site.

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

ELECTRICALREVIEW

www.electricalreview.co.uk 03

LETTERS / CONTENTS

03 || NEWS

08 || GOSSAGE

10 || RENEWABLE ENERGY

14 || BATTERIES

18 || ARC FLASH

22 || TEST & MEASUREMENT

24 || WASTE MANAGEMENT

26 || STANDBY POWER

33 || PRODUCTS

41 || CLASSIFIED

In this special report,we look at the latestechnology available tohelp wind farmoperators increase theefficiency and cut thecost of renewablepower generation

After years ofanticipation, debate andwrangling, the batteriesdirective is due to comein to force in early2010.We look at howthe battery sector canuse the directive to itscommercial advantage

Businesses haveresponded well to theWEEE Directive but,when it comes tocomplying, how do youknow you are getting thebest deal? We providesome insight in to theregulations, and suggestwhat to look for inpotential suppliers

The August 2009 issue of Electrical Review featured part one of an article on arc flash – by

Mike Frain and Jim Phillips – the second part of which can be found in this issue. For the

full article please visit www.electrical.co.uk.

In the same issue, in his monthly column for Electrical Review, John Houston also wrote

on the subject of arc flash in his opinion piece - Blown Fuse, again available on the

Electrical Review website.

Following an email from a reader commenting on the first feature, I invited readers of

our weekly electronic newsletter to write, giving their opinion on the subject of arc flash

prevention and/or protection in the UK. A small selection of the responses we received are

printed below.

As always, if you would like to comment on any article in Electrical Review, please do

email or write to me using the contact details on page six of this issue.

Elinore Mackay

Editor

I read with interest the articles on Arc Flash in the

August edition of the Electrical Review.

The views expressed are not the only views on

this topic, I (as do many others) hold absolutely

different views than those of the authors - that

after some 25 years as an HSE Principal Electrical

Inspector and 30 years in industry dealing with

these issues. People are trying to mitigate the

consequences of accidents rather than preventing

them occuring in the first place.

Would you allow me to have a "rant", I am an

equally grumpy old git, angry at commercial

interests selling services on the back of American

experiences rather than to resolve the issues in the

UK by British and European experiences which are

diametrically opposed to those in America .

There is a seminar being held at EA Technology

in December 8th 2009 at Capenhurst on the UK

position on Arc Flash hazards, we are looking at

the seminar structure just now, perhaps you could

discuss with EA Technology to see if you could

report on the seminar.

Regards,

Windsor Coles

I have never worked at MV orHV – although I have seen theresults of arc flash at theselevels – but it should not beforgotten that very nasty effectscan be produced at muchlower voltages. It wasspectacularly unpleasant whensomeone dropped a spanneracross the terminals of a large12v battery, the spannersubstantially vapourising.Fortunately for me, I was theother side of the room – otherswere not so lucky. My ownworst burn occurred when oneof my stretchy metal armbands(having a large chest size andshort arms) shorted betweenthe -50v and 0v busbars when Ireached into a control cabinet.Instant electric single bar fire –I was wearing a syntheticmaterial shirt which melted intothe flesh, the burn took monthsto heal and I still have the scar.

For the record, the lowestvoltage that is known to havekilled a large mammal was 6v.The unfortunate donkey wasdown a Cornish tin mine andit’s ears bridged the bus barsrunning along the tunnel roof.Fortunately, most engineers arenot so excessively equipped!

Thank you for someinteresting articles. Michael Rowe (Eur Ing ......C.Eng MIET)

The statistics for electrical accidents in the

articles seem to be many times the figures

reported to HSE. The net result for me was

the whole approach was inconvincing. Arc

flash protection has a place in a safe system

of work but let us be sensible and place it in

perspective. The improvements in fabrics

and other materials have made it much

more attractive than it was a few years ago

but it is not a substitute for good

equipment, appropriate maintenance nor

good training - it is a useful supplement.

Regards

Bernard Quigg

04 Electrical Review September 2009

NEWS

■ EDF Energy has welcomed the decision by

the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to give

merger clearance to the anticipated

acquisition, by Centrica from EDF Group, of a

20% interest in British Energy. The OFT has

concluded the transaction will not have an

adverse effect on competition in any UK

market. The OFT decision is a key step in

completing the proposed transaction but

there are still other conditions that need to

be met before the deal can be finalised. The

main outstanding step is clearance from the

European Commission for EDF’s proposed

acquisition of Centrica’s stake in the Belgian

utility SPE, which is an integral part of the

overall deal. EDF is currently in discussions

with the EC over its formal notification and

expects to submit that during the summer,

with an anticipated clearance in the coming

months.

.

■ Cisco and Landis+Gyr have announced

they will work together on a holistic

approach to smart grid communications

infrastructure that is expected to help utility

companies and their customers manage

energy better. The collaboration is intended

to accelerate the delivery of standards-based

solutions for the energy industry and

facilitate the integration of existing

capabilities with renewable power sources,

plug-in vehicles and distribution automation

functionality. The engagement between the

two companies will build upon Landis+Gyr’s

expertise in advanced metering infrastructure

and applications as well as Cisco’s experience

in defining the architecture of an end-to-end

networking and security solution. A goal of

the collaboration will be to promote open

standards as well as enable a smart grid

ecosystem where a variety of solutions can

be integrated and optimised.

IN BRIEF

An electrical instrumentation manufacturer is

ahead of schedule to cut its carbon footprint – and

benefit from the growing introduction of green

purchasing policies in the process.

Less than two years into the programme, North

East-based electronic instrumentation company

Seaward has reduced its carbon emissions by over

40% and has used offsetting measures to produce

what it says is the electrical industry’s first range of

carbon neutral electrical test instruments.

Rod Taylor, managing director of Seaward, said:

“Despite the economic climate, growing awareness

of green credentials is slowly beginning to impact

on preferred supplier agreements and supply chain

contracts and we expect this trend to grow.

“Although it is still relatively early days,

Government departments, local authorities, the

NHS and many large commercial organisations are

increasingly implementing sustainable

procurement codes. As a result, and despite the

economic climate, growing importance of green

credentials is slowly beginning to impact on some

preferred supplier agreements and supply chain

contracts. There is every indication that

environmental compliance could become as strong

a buying factor as ISO9001 quality approval has

been in the past. As this happens we are working

hard to ensure that our products are manufactured

in line with international environmental best

practices”

In two years the company calculates it has

reduced the carbon footprint of its County Durham

plant from around 450 tonnes of CO2 in 2007/08 to

around 260 tonnes currently. Over this period, in

productivity terms, the CO2 content of individual

test instruments has been reduced from 7Kg per

unit to 4.6Kg.

Among

some of the

more

practical

changes

made, the

company has

switched its

energy

supply to a

totally zero

carbon supplier. New arrangements have also been

set-up for waste management and recycling,

putting timers on factory switches and appliances,

making lighting system changes throughout its

buildings and changing all stationery to recycled

grades.

GREEN PURCHASING POLICIES INTRODUCED


Supported by Cibse, ECA and HVCA,

M&E, the dedicated building services

event, will take place at London

Olympia from 7 – 8 October 2009.

The event is part of Working Buildings

2009 which is comprised of three co-

located events: M&E; Total Workplace

Management, said to tbe the UK’s

largest FM and estates event and

Energy Solutions Expo, the energy

management event.

Education will play a central role at

M&E with two dedicated seminar

theatres hosting informative free-of-

charge educational programmes. The

Training Academy, sponsored by

SummitSkills, returns for 2009 to host

the Sustainable reality seminar series

– a new programme of seminars

looking at whether sustainability is

achievable in an economic downturn.

Topics will include:

▲ Can sustainability mean profitability

for M&E?

▲ The business case for low carbon

projects

▲ Maintaining skills and

employability

▲ The principles of Part L 2010

▲ BREEAM in-use

▲ Greening the building envelope

Industry renowned names

presenting over the two days will

include:

▲ Stephen Matthews, chief executive,

Cibse

▲ Robert Higgs, chief executive, HVCA

▲ Rod Pettigrew, deputy chief

executive, HVCA

▲ Mervyn Bowden, energy manager,

Marks and Spencer

▲ Ian Shaw, environmental and

energy officer, London Fire Brigade

▲ Barry Knight, strategic design

advice manager, Carbon Trust

▲ Martin Townsend, director of

Breeam, BRE

The CPD Theatre will allow visitors

to receive valuable CPD points when

they hear from accredited exhibitors

about their latest products and

technological innovations. Earth

Energy, Vent Axia, Thermo Floor and

EcoCooling are amongst those

presenting.

AMPS – Power Pavilion, in

association with IP&EE, returns to

M&E 2009. This dedicated pavilion

will showcase exhibitors offering

solutions to the growing needs of

energy users across a variety of

sectors.

Follow M&E – The Building Services

Event on Twitter for the most up-to-

date information:

http://twitter.com/MandE_Expo

For more information, please visit

http://www.buildingservicesevent.com.

■ On 29 December 2009 two standards aimed at achieving an acceptable

risk level for machinery, EN62061 and EN ISO 13849-1, are being

implemented to replace EN954-1. On 1 September Wieland Electric is

launching wielandsafety.net to make that transition a simple process by

providing a no nonsense guide to compliance. wielandsafety.net offers an

easy to understand guide to the new Machinery Directive and its

implementation. In addition to this, the site offers links to the full

Machinery Directive, FAQ’s, relevant product information, catalogues and a

product selection guide to ensure specification of the right product for the

task. In addition to this, wielandsafety.net has an interactive section where

technical questions can be left for immediate reply, advice can be sought

and literature can be requested.

IN BRIEF


EDITOR

Elinore Mackay 020 8319 1807

[email protected]

ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER

Neil Coshan 020 7933 8979

[email protected]

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Tania King 020 7933 8975

[email protected]

CLASSIFIED SALES EXECUTIVE

Matthew Dawe 020 7933 8980

[email protected]

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Publishers Ltd 2009. Jan-Dec 2008 8,798

NEWS

UK construction show Interbuild returns on 18-21

October with a new line-up said to cater for a

broader base of specifiers than ever before.

‘Interbuild Specifier’ is set to reach out to a vari-

ety of audiences including architects, engineers,

project managers, local authorities as well as pro-

fessionals across the electrical industry. Providing

four days of networking opportunities, Interbuild

Specifier will focus on all areas of the specification

market including lighting and electrical, interiors, IT

and fire and security.

A new feature at this year’s show is Sustainability

Street. This area of the exhibition will feature real-

life residential and commercial structures offering

the opportunity to see, touch and experience con-

temporary sustainable construction. Each structure

will feature a range of product innovations sup-

plied by exhibitors from across the show.

One such structure is the Intelligent Building.

Supported by CEDIA, the Intelligent Building will

boast a collaboration of the latest intelligent and

innovative technologies integrated into a two-

storey building.

Thermal Reflections will be bringing its new solar

panel system, Energie to the Intelligent Building.

The new product will produce domestic hot water

from solar panels mounted on the walls of the in-

telligent house. The Energie system circulates re-

frigerant through the panels which efficiently

harvests heat energy from the ambient at-

mosphere as well as from direct solar radi-

ation. Working well in virtually all climatic condi-

tions, Energie performs in cloud, wind, rain and

even at night.

Interbuild has launched its annual New Product

Awards. Representing current trends in the indus-

try, the awards will enable visitors to see new prod-

ucts for the first time and vote online for their

favourite innovation. There are nine categories to

enter this year, three of which are new for 2009

and include Best new sustainable product and Best

new product for the education sector. All shortlisted

entries will be displayed in The Construction Forum

Theatre, Interbuild’s free, case-study focussed con-

ference, with a special awards ceremony taking

place in the Forum on 19 October.

Please visit www.interbuild.com/specifier for fur-

ther information on the show.

INTERBUILD SPARKS INTO ACTION

Energy and climate change minister, Lord Hunt,today announced the appointment of Peter Jonesand Ian Smale as non executive directors of the

National Nuclear Laboratory�NNL�. As non executivedirectors they will workalongside the NNL chairman,Richard Maudslay CBE, andthe recently appointedmanagement contractor totackle the UK�s nuclear wastelegacy and also contribute tothe programme of nuclear newbuild.

Lord Hunt said: �It is ourvision that, as we develop thenext generation of nuclearpower in the UK, the NationalNuclear Laboratory will set

the standard internationally for expertise innuclear research and development. I am pleased towelcome Peter Jones and Ian Smale, and theknowledge and expertise they bring to thisvaluable work.�

ABB has appointed Stephen Trotter as head ofABB Power Systems UK based in Stone,Staffordshire. This division was previously lead byTrevor Gregory, CEO of ABB UK, who is nowfocusing on the future development of allABB�soperations in the UK and Ireland.

Recolight, a specialist WEEE compliance schemefor Gas Discharge Lamps �GDLs�, has appointedMartin Rose as its first business developmentmanager. Rose, formerly UK sales manager ofValpak, has been tasked with developing strongerlinks with local authorities and retailers asRecolight seeks to increase recycling ratesnationally.

PEOPLE

The Construction Forum Theatre

Stephen Trotter

Martin Rose

Just for once, the usually supine energy regulator Ofgem hasdeveloped some teeth. It has approved spending of £1.3bn a year forthe next five years on rebuilding the infrastructure of Britain’s electricitynetwork.

All the headlines concentrated on the undeniable fact that this is 25%more money than was allocated earlier in the decade. But nobody muchnoticed that, even so, this is one-sixth less than the electricity companieshad been asking for.

The Ofgem decision also omitted two rather crucial details. Theanticipated cost of borrowing that the electricity companies would beexpected to pay, and the treatment of the deficit on their pensionfunds. Both will affect the increases in prices that the companies will bepermitted to charge – reckoned to be 5.3%. And hence their return oninvestments.

No announcement on these crucial elements is due until at leastNovember. What if the regulator were to rule that the companies canbe expected to borrow very cheaply in current financial markets? Ortake a tougher line on passing through to consumers the cost of sortingout pension funds? That would lower the permitted price rises, and theanticipated revenues.

My reading is a continuing hard line on such matters from Ofgemcould place one or two of the electricity distributors – like CE Electric orScottish & Southern – under very severe financial pressure over the nextfew years. The smart betting must still be that Ofgem will revert to itsusual pussycat role. But we could be in for interesting times.

INTERESTING TIMES AHEAD

OPINION

08 Electrical Review Septmber 2009

GREEN AROUND THE GILLSOne wet Friday last month was declared Green BritainDay by EDF, with green Union Jacks adorning postersnationwide, and tabloid newspapers even printingtheir mastheads green. You have to admire EDF’scheek – it is of course a French state-owned companythat specialises in running both coal-fired and nuclearpower stations.

Even so, its competitors were quick to respond. Atidal wave of greenwash engulfed poster sites. BritishGas ran a spoiler the day before, with posters reading“Green Britain Day, for us it’s every day” (Really?).German-owned RWE meanwhile announced that“every day is a green day for Climate Cops” – ClimateCops is an RWE educational programme.

But the company that should really feel aggrieved isGloucestershire-based minnow Ecotricity. Green issuesare really its main selling point, concentrating as itdoes only on supplying renewable electricity. Itindignantly pointed out that it has been using a greenUnion Jack as its logo since 2006. The firm has said itwill instigate legal proceeding against EDF fortrademark infringement. Trouble is, I understand thehearings may have to be undertaken in a French court.

NO SIGN OF CERTIFICATE AT DECC GOSSIP!GOSSAGE!Since last October, it has been mandatory for all 26,000

taxpayer funded buildings to which the public has

access, to have an analysis undertaken to establish just

how energy inefficient each is. In the case of the HQ of

the department charged with trying to get us all to save

energy, the Department of Energy & Climate Change

(DECC), it ended up with the lowest possible G rating on

the A to G scale.

The statutory requirement is not just to acquire such a

rating: it is to display that rating "in a prominent place",

usually the foyer of the building. For the past eleven

months, the G rating has been on display at the DECC

HQ at 3 Whitehall Place - leading to much mockery and

derision.

So what has been DECC Secretary of State Ed

Miliband's response to this very public "naming and

shaming" of his failure to practice what he preaches to

others? Has he undertaken a major exercise to upgrade

the building? No sign of that.

But then again, there is no sign of the certificate

bearing that infamous G rating. Last month, Miliband

had it quietly removed from the foyer of his building.

And it is now nowhere to be seen.

A wonderfully boozy day at the Newcastle Races,courtesy of EAGA Holdings, the company thatmanages the English, Welsh and Northern Irish -but for some reason, not the Scottish - fuel povertyprogrammes for the government. Seven races. Each named after some aspect ofEAGA’s business. As somebody who believes in onlybacking favourites, I am delighted to report theseromped home in the EAGA Electrical Serviceshandicap. Then in the EAGA Warmsure handicap.And finally in the EAGA Renewables handicap – forapprentices only.During the entire afternoon only two rankoutsiders triumphed. In the EAGA Heat SellingStakes, a horse called Sea Salt won at 7-1.But mostmoney was made on the 4.20, called the EAGAInsulation Rating Maiden Stakes (er, quite!). When Iam pleased to report the 9-1 triumph went by theentirely appropriate name of West With The Wind.And believe me, by the time, I was.

HORSING AROUND

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Bearing and bearing-

related technology is

integral to the

operation of a wind

turbine, located in the

gearbox, generator,

and being used to

control the pitch and

yaw of the blades

TO DATE, wind power has been the clear leader of the

renewable energy race, with the world’s cumulative installed

wind energy capacity growing from 11,000 MW in 1999 to

121,000 MW last year. By 2012, this figure is estimated to be

280,000 MW. However, the success or failure of wind power

in providing a viable alternative to fossil fuels will ultimately

be decided on its efficiency, both in terms of power

generation and cost. Thankfully, the development of

specialised engineering solutions for the wind industry has

made the latest generation of wind farms far more efficient

than their predecessors, and these innovations continue to

increase the potential of wind power.

Bearing and bearing-related technology is integral to the

operation of a wind turbine, located in the gearbox,

generator, and being used to control the pitch and yaw of

the blades. Ensuring these systems are designed for

maximum efficiency and reliability, and can be monitored

remotely, is vital to optimising the performance of a

turbine. With the right technology, maintenance

requirements can be reduced and ongoing costs

minimised, allowing operators to get the most out of their

wind farms.

Cutting energy losses with roller bearingsThe design of a wind turbine typically incorporates a main

shaft and two bearings for handling radial and axial loads,

and tilting moments. This heavy arrangement requires a

considerable amount of space inside the nacelle, and more

importantly leads to high energy losses through friction. To

solve this problem, a new system has been developed,

which uses double row tapered roller bearings, specifically

designed for wind turbines.

As these bearings do the work of two conventional

bearings there is no longer the need for an axle in

between. Instead, the bearing can be connected directly to

the gearbox or generator, and to the hub. This brings about

a radical reduction in weight, in addition to allowing the

dimensions of the nacelle to be reduced. This smaller,

simpler, lighter arrangement also cuts energy losses

dramatically; in fact, the friction in the double row tapered

roller bearing solution is only a fraction of that found in a

traditional design with two bearings and a main shaft.

These double row tapered roller bearings are specifically

designed to accommodate the heavy, complex loads

associated with wind turbines. Two rows of tapered rollers,

arranged back-to-back, lock the unit axially, while a large

number of rolling elements, offering extreme precision

between the raceways, gives massive load carrying

capacity. Additionally, the bearing has a large diameter,

making it strong enough to withstand yaw and tilt

moments. As a result, the only forces that reach the

generator or the gearbox are torsional; those that generate

energy and, ultimately, profitability.

The new bearings feature a cage made from

polyetherehterketone (PEEK), which is resistant to chemical

and ageing effects, helping to prolong bearing life and

extend maintenance intervals. The innovative cage design is

segmented to minimise contact forces and make it flexible.

This enables the cage to operate with pre-load, which gives

stiffness to the drive train and the surrounding structure.


Harnessing more IN THIS SPECIAL REPORT

FOR ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

PHIL BURGE, MARKETING

MANAGER FOR SKF, LOOKS

AT THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY

AVAILABLE TO HELP WIND

FARM OPERATORS INCREASE

THE EFFICIENCY AND CUT

THE COST OF RENEWABLE

POWER GENERATION.

The development of specialisedengineering solutions for thewind industry has made thelatest generation of wind farmsfar more efficient than theirpredecessors

Furthermore, the geometry of the cage and

its lubricating qualities together help to

minimise friction, aiding efficiency. By

minimising friction the alternative bearing

arrangement allows wind turbines to produce

electricity from even the lightest winds,

increasing productivity considerably. What’s

more, the reduction in friction means that the

lubricant inside the bearings lasts longer,

reducing maintenance requirements still

further.

The double row tapered roller bearing with a PEEK cage

is designed with ‘power density’ in mind; this is the

relationship between weight and performance. By allowing

engineers to radically reduce the weight of the nacelle,

many new design opportunities are possible, including

extremely large turbines. There are also environmental

gains, as manufacturing and installing a wind turbine can

be carried out using less energy and fewer components.

While completely removing the need for the main shaft

may have previously been unthinkable, with the latest

specially designed bearings, it is now perfectly achievable.

The bearings are already delivering dramatic increases in

efficiency in both geared and gearless wind turbine designs

around the world.

Cutting costs with centralised lubricationThe performance and reliability of wind turbines are also

being improved through a new approach to lubrication.

The latest centralised systems are allowing the lubrication

requirements of a turbine to be met more accurately and

effectively, while minimising the need for maintenance. An

estimated 10% of turbine servicing time is spent on re-

lubrication, and with wind farms typically located in remote

areas and often situated offshore, this aspect of

maintenance can have a considerable effect on cost

efficiency.

The new generation of centralised lubrication systems

have been develop to reduce this figure dramatically and

extend service intervals to bring about lower total

operating costs. The different components of a wind

turbine, including the primary bearing, blade bearings and

the generator, all have to be lubricated at the correct

intervals and with the specific amount of the right lubricant.

This is an extremely difficult and costly process to manage

manually. If it is not carried out effectively, the results can

be even more costly, leading to turbine downtime and a

significant reduction in power generation in the worst case.

In light of this, a centralised lubrication system, such as

SKF WindLub, is valuable when it comes to reducing wear

and retaining the value of these modern high-output

systems. Regardless of where in the world these centralised

solutions are located, they are able to deliver a high level of

operational reliability that protects the assets of those

investing in wind power.

A wide range of centralised lubrication systems are now

available, including circulating oil systems, and progressive-

and single-line grease systems, and the type of system that

is most effective depends on the specific application. The

lubricant reservoirs used with these systems are able to

contain supplies for up to two years because consumption

of grease is optimised in an environmentally friendly

manner, minimising the need for manual intervention.

As with the bearings, this lubrication technology is not a

glimpse of the future; several thousand of the centralised

systems are currently in use worldwide. In fact, many

insurance companies now regard automatic lubrication

systems as an integral, intrinsically valuable component of

wind energy systems.

Protecting generators from electrical currentsTo ensure wind turbines are able to provide maximum

reliability and efficiency it is important to consider the

effects electrical currents can have on the generators inside

turbines. The risk for bearing damage caused by stray

currents is very high in variable speed generators, and

making sure that protection against this problem is

designed-in to a turbine is essential to the success of a new

wind farm. Fortunately, there is now a generation of

bearings specifically designed to counter the problem.

Hybrid bearings have rings made from bearing steel and

rolling elements made from bearing-grade silicon nitride,

which provides excellent electrical insulation. In addition to

being an electrical insulator, hybrid bearings have higher

speed capabilities and provide longer bearing service life

than an all-steel bearing under the same operating

conditions. Thanks to the lower density of the ceramic

rolling elements and lower inertia, even higher speeds and

more rapid starts and stops are possible, ensuring turbines

can deliver optimum results. Furthermore, low friction

enables the bearings to run cooler, even under poor

lubrication conditions, while the high modulus of elasticity

means increased bearing stiffness. These properties result in

greater reliability for bearings and generators alike, cutting

POWER from the wind


To ensure wind turbinesare able to provide

maximum reliability, itis important to consider

the effects electricalcurrents can have on the

generators inside

RENEWABLE ENERGY

the need for maintenance and reducing costs dramatically.

Monitoring for efficiencyIncreasing the performance- and reliability-enhancing

potential of these latest bearing and lubrication technologies

still further, is the ability to monitor their operation remotely

via a connection to on-board system monitoring equipment.

This ensures operating parameters remain within stable

values, and saves a great deal of time and resources.

A new generation of wind turbine monitoring solutions

are now available that offer an easy to manage, proactive

maintenance system, helping wind farm owners reduce

operating and per kWh costs. This type of on-board

monitoring equipment can be installed quickly and easily on

all sizes and types of turbine, on land or at sea, and can

continuously monitor single units or entire farms, to reliably

predict where and when maintenance activities will be

necessary.

The systems work by collecting, analysing, and compiling

a range of operating data using vibration sensors mounted

on a turbine’s main shaft bearings, drive-train gearbox, and

generator, as well as accessing the turbine control system.

They use this information to provide a reliable performance

overview, which identifies faults and predicts failures before

they occur. This allows operators to put effective

preventative maintenance strategies in place, and save a

considerable amount of time, resources and money. The

latest systems can even be used in conjunction with online

programmes to enable operators to monitor turbine

conditions in real-time using any computer or hand-held

device with Internet access.

In summaryWith the efficiency and capacity of wind turbines integral to the

success of the wind power industry as a whole, the

engineering solutions chosen in the design and build of

turbines look set to continue to play a vital role. The latest

innovations in bearing, lubrication, and condition monitoring

technologies are already allowing wind farm manufacturers

and operators around the world to increase the performance

and reliability of their turbines. Only with continued focus on

these areas will wind power be able to provide a real

alternative to fossil fuels, and help us realise a greener, more

sustainable way of producing the electricity of the future.

A new generation of

wind turbine

monitoring solutions

are now available

that offer an easy to

manage, proactive

maintenance system

On board monitoring

equipment can be installed

quickly and easily on all

sizes and types

of turbine


THE WASTE Batteries and Accumulators

Regulations 2009 became law on 5 May

2009 and introduce the tried and tested

concept of ‘producer responsibility’. The

rules apply to all battery types, although

automotive and industrial battery

producers should not face too much

difficulty due to the current high recovery

rates of these items. Portable battery

producers and retailers on the other

hand will have to comply with stretching

new obligations.

All retailers selling over 32kg of

portable batteries per year (the

equivalent of about 16 AA cells per

week) will have to offer free consumer

collection points in store as of February

next year. This might seem straight-

forward but batteries require special

treatment. Collection points may have to

register under the Hazardous Waste

Regulations, and batteries must be

transported as ‘Class 9 dangerous goods’

(the most dangerous) under the relevant

transport regulations.

For those classed as producers (most

of the businesses affected by the 2007

WEEE Regulations are expected to fall

into this bracket) there are also potential

issues. The targets for portable battery

collection and recycling rates in 2010, to

be funded by producers, is 10% - more

than three times the UK’s current rate of

approximately 3%. In addition, this figure

rises steadily until 2012 when a rate of

25% must be achieved. Producers have

until October this year to register with a

compliance scheme but Valpak advises

producers to start planning and

budgeting as soon as possible.

The costs to be met by producers

under the new rules from January 2010

are currently difficult to estimate. Some

operators are offering fixed (but very

high) prices based on a ‘per battery

placed on the market’ system and the

only publicly available costs (from WRAP)

are calculated from short term trial data

and are therefore not representative.

However, Valpak is currently offering

budget estimates for its members and

we are confident we can, as with other

producer responsibility regimes, match or

beat any competition.

Valpak is the UK’s leading compliance

scheme specialising in producer

responsibility laws like this one. We’re

also a member owned ‘not for

distribution’ company with a sound track

record of reliable compliance for our

members for over 10 years. We are

currently offering full ‘compliance’

information services for all businesses

who think they may be affected by the

Batteries Regulations, which include

simple explanations and expert

interpretations of the law, free member

seminars and the most up-to-date

information. We can also provide both

information and solutions to retailers

affected by the new laws.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Get charged up aboutthe 2009 BATTERIESREGULATIONS

For more information visit www.valpak.co.uk or call 08450 682 572

Environmental legislation, especially laws compelling businesses andLocal Authorities to engage in more recycling, has been growing sincethe first pieces of producer responsibility legislation in the 1990s. Toughtargets have been set for businesses to recover and recycle packagingand waste electrical items and electronics, but these targets have beenmet with little or few problems. This is about to change as UK producersand retailers of portable batteries, the definition of which includes thosesold with equipment such as laptops, phones, tools and toys, will soonhave to take responsibility for a step change in UK recycling.


BATTERIES

I have heard of it but what exactly is the BatteriesDirective?The Batteries Directive is a new EU legislation which has been

introduced to cope with a rapid increase in the use of portable

power. Designed to reduce the quantity and impact waste

batteries have on the environment, it means the UK has new

responsibilities on how batteries are recovered, treated and

recycled. Once implemented, it will reduce the quantity of

waste batteries going to landfill and increase the recycling of

the materials they contain. Manufacturers will also be restricted

in the quantities of hazardous materials their batteries contain,

such as mercury and cadmium.

When does it become law?After many months of deliberation between battery

manufacturers and the government, the final guidelines for the

Batteries Directive were set out on 5 May 2009 – bringing into

force the European directive after a three-year wait. Retailers,

producers and wholesalers now have until February 2010 to

put the necessary infrastructure in place to make sure they are

operating within the rules of the directive.

What do retailers need to do to be compliant? It all depends on how many units a retailer sells. Under the

regulations, all retailers selling more than 32 kilograms of

portable batteries per year – typically equating to seven

packs of AA batteries per week – will need to provide

customers with free drop-off facilities for waste batteries,

from February 2010 onwards. This will probably take the

form of on-site collection boxes with supporting information

such as leaflets and posters. The directive applies to all UK

retailers, regardless of the method of selling. Therefore,

‘distance sellers’ – such as internet retailers, mail-order and

telesales retailers - must comply and accept waste portable

batteries from consumers. The method of collection is entirely

up to the individual retailer but options include collection

through local stores, postal return, giving advice on local

municipal sites or kerbside collections within their area.

This means distance sellers must clearly inform their

customers on how they intend to take back waste batteries,

whether it’s through mail order adverts, on-screen during sales

or leaflets sent with the goods. It’s also important that these

sellers take into account the environmental impact of

transporting waste batteries.

Finally, all obligated retailers should be prepared to act as

ambassadors for the directive, educating consumers on their

responsibilities. This will need to be backed-up with point of

sale material and staff training that helps to explain the

directive and its aims to customers.

Are there any retailers that are not obligated?Yes. There are exemptions for smaller retailers which are

defined by selling fewer than 32 kilograms of batteries per

year. Retailers which fall into that category need not accept

waste batteries. Equally, retailers that sell equipment

containing batteries are not obliged to take such batteries

back, unless they also sell portable batteries separately.

If I sell fewer than 32kg per year, can I still get involved?Yes, there is nothing in the regulations to stop exempt

retailers collecting back waste batteries. However, there

may be additional effort needed on the side of the retailer.

For instance, battery compliance schemes (BCS) will not

be obliged to accept smaller retailers’ waste batteries but

may do so on reasonable terms. This could mean they

could ask the retailer to take the batteries to one of their

sites which could involve the retailer having to comply

with legislation on the movement of hazardous waste and

of dangerous goods. Therefore, if a retailer selling fewer

than 32kg of batteries decides to collect, it would be

advised to contact a BCS beforehand.

What happens if I also import batteries into the UK?If a retailer imports batteries in to the UK and sells them to an

end user, then under the directive, the retailer is also classed as

a producer – meaning both distributer and producer

AFTER YEARS OF ANTICIPATION, DEBATE AND WRANGLING, THE BATTERIES DIRECTIVE IS DUE

TO COME INTO FORCE IN EARLY 2010. DUE TO ITS DRAWN OUT IMPLEMENTATION, RETAILERS

CAN BE FORGIVEN FOR BECOMING A LITTLE ‘SNOW BLIND’ TO THE DIRECTIVE, ITS CURRENT

STATUS AND HOW ITS DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT MONTHS WILL AFFECT THEM WHEN IT COMES

INTO FORCE. HERE, VINCE ARMITAGE, DIVISIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF VARTA CONSUMER

BATTERIES ANSWERS THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS THE UK VARTA SALES TEAM

IS ASKED BY RETAILERS ON A REGULAR BASIS, WHILE HIGHLIGHTING RETAILER OBLIGATION

AND, ALSO, HOW THE SECTOR CAN USE THE DIRECTIVE TO ITS COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE

The BATTERIES Directivecharges ahead

While the Batteries

Directive may be

seen as yet

another burden for

retailers, it should

in fact be viewed

as an opportunity

Vince Armitage

BATTERIES

obligations need to be fulfilled. This means that on top of

offering free take-back arrangements in-store, these retailers

will also need to join a BCS that will ensure that they are

compliant with the directive.

Later this year, the Environment Agency will publish a list of

approved BCSs. It is advised that those retailers classed as

producers investigate the best of scheme for their needs

before choosing a partner as their services and charges will

vary from scheme-to-scheme. The costs paid to the BCS will

cover administrative, publicity, collection and recycling charges.

However, if a retailer places one tonne or less onto the UK

market, it will be classified as a small producer. This means

that the trader will not need to join a BCS but will need to

register with the Environment Agency and will need to report

its batteries sales each year.

Do we really need more legislation?The simple answer is yes, the directive has been introduced to

help reduce the 600 million portable batteries that currently

end up in UK landfill sites each year – something we are

running out of quickly. As part of the directive, the UK has

been set ambitious, but achievable targets to hit. By 2012, the

directive requires that 25% of waste batteries in the UK are

recycled, rising to 45% by 2016. But this is a long way off as

currently, the UK recycles just three per cent of portable

batteries, compared to the impressive 59% being achieved in

Belgium. Therefore, retailers have a big part to play in helping

Britain meet the recycling rates laid down in the directive.

Are there any benefits for retailers?While the Batteries Directive may be seen as yet another

burden for retailers, it should in fact been viewed as an

opportunity. Firstly, it could significantly increase footfall, as

consumers seek out retailers that offer waste battery

collection points, not to mention boosting a retailer’s green

credentials.

But perhaps most importantly, is the ‘bring and buy’

element that retailers will most certainly benefit from.

Providing battery collection points will present further

opportunities to sell replacement batteries, as well as

newspapers, confectionary and other products that

consumers’ pick up on impulse. The introduction of the

directive also gives retailers the opportunity to offer a larger

range of rechargeable products. Due to the directive,

consumers will be more focused on being more

environmentally friendly and as such, products that are much

kinder to the environment and the pocket will be in greater

demand. Those that take this initiative will capitalise on the

environmental drive as consumers continue to seek out

greener methods of portable power.

What happens when the collection box is full?This is where the retailer’s responsibility ends. Waste batteries

returned by end-users must be collected by BCSs and then

treated and recycled. It has been decided that competing

compliance schemes will control the collection of waste

batteries from retailers. The BCSs are ultimately responsible

for meeting the recycling targets set out by the directive and

will therefore collect the batteries from retailers free of charge,

meaning the overall cost for retailers will be minimal. BCSs

will have 21 days from the initial retailer phone call to

arrange a mutually convenient date for collection.

Are waste batteries hazardous? Whether batteries are being collected at retail premises, local

authorities or schools, it is important they are handled

sensibly. Around 70% of batteries that are thrown out still

have charge in them so mistreatment could be hazardous.

Simple steps retailers can take are to not mix batteries with

other waste and make sure they are placed away from water

and excessive heat. BCSs and battery recyclers such as G&P

Batteries (www.g-pbatt.co.uk) can offer further advice on how

to safely collect waste batteries.


Where can I find out more about the Directive?There are a number of places to turn to for further information on the Directive. First and

foremost, retailers should question their supplier for further details. They should be able to

answer any questions and supply any information requested. The internet is also a good

point of reference but its important that retailers use reputable sites to make sure the

information they are seeing is correct. The following websites are a good point of reference.▲ www.netregs.gov.uk – a government run website which is full of information on the

rules and regulations on all environmental legislation, including the Batteries Directive▲ www.g-pbatt.co.uk/ – the site of G&P Batteries, a waste battery collection and battery re-

cycling specialist▲ www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/topics/batteries/ - a government run website from

the Department for Environment, Food and Regulatory Reform (DEFRA)▲ www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/sectors/sustainability/batteries/page30610.html – a govern-

ment run website from the Department for Environment, Food and Regulatory Reform(DEFRA)

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ARC FLASH

ANOTHER key component of the AFCS is to produce

warning labels that can be placed on electrical

equipment such as switchgear, motor control centres,

panelboards, switchboards and similar equipment. In

addition to providing a warning, these labels list the

calculated incident energy, PPE requirements and AFPB

as well as information about the electric shock hazard.

Many commercially available computer programs have

integrated the arc flash calculations and warning label

production into their software to make the AFCS a

natural extension of a short circuit and coordination

study. Arc flash calculations can also be performed

manually and a free calculation guide with worksheets

and examples can be downloaded at

www.brainfiller.com.

Since there are many variables and scenarios that, if

not properly addressed, can lead to incorrect results and

ultimately jeopardize a worker’s safety, the arc flash

calculation study should only be performed by properly

trained and experienced individuals.

Although much research has already been conducted

in the area of arc flash, much is yet to be learned. There

is presently a joint collaborative effort underway

between the NFPA and IEEE that will take arc flash

research to the next level. This multi-year effort has a

budget of over $US6m and will attempt to answer

questions such as how to calculate DC arc flash, blast

pressure, arc sustainability and much more.

THE SHORT CIRCUIT PARADOXThe magnitude of incident energy available during an

arc flash is directly dependant on the short circuit

current flowing through the air gap and the time it

takes an upstream protective device to clear the fault. In

general, the greater the short circuit current the greater

the incident energy, however this is not always the case.

It is a commonly held belief the greater the available

short circuit current is at a given location, the more

damage can occur. When it comes to evaluating a

IT IS WIDELY RECOGNISED THE HIGHER THE VOLTAGE OF AN ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM, THE

GREATER THE RISK FOR PEOPLE WORKING ON OR NEAR ENERGISED CONDUCTORS AND

EQUIPMENT. ALTHOUGH THE ELECTRIC SHOCK HAZARD INCREASES WITH VOLTAGE, ANOTHER

HAZARD KNOWN AS ELECTRICAL FLASHOVER OR ARC FLASH, CAN ACTUALLY BE MUCH

WORSE AT LOWER VOLTAGES. ELECTROCUTION IS THE FIRST THING THAT USUALLY COMES TO

MIND WHEN SOMEONE IS KILLED OR INJURED BY ELECTRICITY; HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT THE

ONLY HAZARD THAT EXISTS. AN ELECTRICAL ARC FLASH CAN BE DEVASTATING CAUSING

SEVERE BURN INJURY AND EVEN DEATH. IN PART TWO OF THIS ARTICLE, MIKE FRAIN AND

JIM PHILLIPS EXPLAIN WHAT CAN BE LEARNT FROM AMERICAN CALCULATION METHODS OF

CALCULATING RISK MANAGEMENT FOR LIVE PROXIMITY WORKING

PART ONE OF THIS ARTICLE CAN BE SEEN AT WWW.ELECTRICALREVIEW.CO.UK OR IN ELECTRICAL REVIEW AUGUST 2009

Arc flash – not just an electrocution HAZARD - part 2

Fig. 1 Time current graph

ARC FLASH

protective device’s interrupting and withstand capability,

this is a true statement. However, in the case of arc flash,

it is quite possibl a lower short circuit current can cause

the upstream protective device to take longer to operate

and actually increase the overall incident energy

exposure.

The time current graph in Figure 1 can be used to

illustrate this paradox. The horizontal axis of the

logarithmic graph represents current in amps and the

vertical axis represents time in seconds. The time current

curve, also known as the tripping characteristic defines

the relationship between current and tripping time. Time

current curves will typically have an inverse characteristic

meaning time and current are inversely proportional to

each other. The greater the current the less time it takes

the device to operate, and the lower the current the

longer it takes to operate. Many protective devices will

have an instantaneous trip function defined by a vertical

band as shown on the graph. If the current exceeds this

value, it will trip in just a few cycles. However, if the

current is less than the instantaneous value, the device

will trip with some time delay.

This graph illustrates that if the short circuit current

flowing to the arc flash is 12,000 amps, the protective

device will trip instantaneously resulting in incident

energy of 2.4 cal/cm2. If the current drops to 6,000

amps, the device will no longer trip instantaneously, but

instead will time out to 6 seconds. Even though the short

circuit current is less in this case, because of the increase

in the protective device’s tripping time, the overall

incident energy increases to over 100 cal/cm2. This

paradox shows how important it is that an arc flash

calculation study includes many operating scenarios to

evaluate the effect that the short circuit current will have

on the device clearing time and ultimately on the

incident energy.

DO ARC FLASH CALCULATION STUDIES MATTER? At this point in time it is unlikely a UK Health Safety

Executive (HSE) Electrical Inspector will ask to see an

arc flash calculation study based on IEEE 1584

calculations after an electrical burn accident whilst

doing live work. Instead, the inspector would likely ask

for an account of what the worker was doing there in

the first place. If it can be shown that it was

unreasonable in all the circumstances for the conductor

to be dead and it was reasonable in all the

circumstances for that person to be at work on or near

that conductor while it is live, then the third part of

regulation 14 from the EAWR 1989 will come into

question. In other words, were suitable precautions

(including where necessary, the provision of personal

protective equipment) taken to prevent injury. In

addition to competent staff, the precautions should

include where appropriate, the use of adequate PPE,

insulating barriers or screens, suitable test equipment

and leads and accompaniment. Other precautions

should include; providing adequate information to the

person carrying out the work about the live conductors,

equipment, foreseeable hazards and determining the

arc flash protection boundary in which only authorised

persons wearing appropriate PPE can be admitted.

Working safely in accordance with the requirements of

the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 is about decision

making. This includes the decision to work live in the

first place through risk assessment. One of the factors

that would need to be taken into account in deciding

whether live proximity work could proceed is stated in

the memorandum of guidance to the EAW Regulations

as “the level of risk involved in working live and the

effectiveness of the precautions available set against

economic need to perform that work”. Even testing of

electrical systems needs the same degree of care in

decision making. There are danger areas to be identified

and as can be illustrated below, the testing of low

voltage transformer secondary terminals is an area

where very high incident energy levels can be present

even at 208 volts.

There are many American owned companies with

operations in the UK and Europe as well as other

international organisations that apply US standards for

electrical safety and the arc flash hazard. Mike Frain has

worked with American companies to ensure US

standards are used to supplement existing UK

regulations rather than replace them.

NEXT STEPSThere is no substitute for safe work practices, and the

goal should be to work only on de-energised

equipment. That said, live work is sometimes necessary

and justifiable. Well documented and up to date safe

working practices should be made available for people

who carry out any work on or near electrical systems.

The HSE guidance note HSG85 Electricity at Work - Safe

Working Practices is a valuable resource in this respect. It

clearly sets out decision-making flowcharts on whether

to work live or dead and also provides some guidance

on live working procedures. An arc flash calculation

study can be instrumental in the performance of a more

comprehensive risk assessment by providing

documentation of the calculated incident energy as well

as the appropriate personal protective equipment and

arc flash protection boundaries.


There is no

substitute for safe

working practices,

and the goal

should be to work

only on

de-energised

equipment

Burnt gloves

The arc flash calculation study

should only be performed by

properly trained and

experienced indidivduals

TEST & MEASUREMENT

Thermal imaging is a

useful technique, but

it complements,

rather than replaces,

low-resistance testing

LOW RESISTANCE measurement is a well-established

technique that can be used almost anywhere electrical

conductivity is important – its applications range from

checking the quality of earth bonds to verifying the density

of graphite electrodes in aluminium refineries. Recently,

however, thermal imaging has been proposed as a simple

and effective solution in many of the same applications.

But is it?

The real answer is that both low resistance testing and

thermal imaging have their place so, in order to decide

which to use where, let’s take a look at the strengths and

weaknesses of each.

A big benefit of low resistance testing is it can detect

problems even when there is no current (other than the

test current) flowing in the object under test. This makes it

very suitable for applications such as checking weld quality,

verifying the performance of lightning protection bonds,

confirming the integrity of aircraft structures and testing

earth systems.

Low-resistance testing is also invaluable in

manufacturing applications, particularly where it is

necessary to test subassemblies rather than complete

systems, and for checking new or modified electrical

installations prior to energisation. Thermal imaging is

unlikely to be suitable for any of these applications.

A further benefit of low-resistance testing is that it

provides straightforward numerical results, which can easily

be recorded and, even more useful, trended as part of a

predictive maintenance programme.

Having said that, low-resistance testing does, of course,

have its limitations. It can’t, for example, be used on live

equipment. For equipment that’s in service, therefore, it’s

necessary to arrange for the supply to be isolated before

carrying out the test, which is not always convenient. In

addition, if there are many connections to test, low-

resistance testing can be time consuming.

Turning now to thermal imaging, it is a good way of

checking for overloads and unbalanced loads, which can’t

be done with a low-resistance tester. Thermal imagers also

have non-electrical applications, such as finding the

locations of heat loss from buildings, and detecting

mechanical faults such as worn bearings in a motor, which

heat up because of excessive friction.

Thermal imaging also has the reputation of being easy to

use, but that’s not always the case – the operator needs to

understand what they are seeing and to be able to

interpret the results. For example, is a transformer

overheating, or is it at its normal operating temperature?

What is the load on the equipment while the test is being

carried out? At what point does the temperature rise

become a problem?

In high-voltage environments, such as an electrical

substation, a further complication is that is often not safe to

get close enough to the equipment to image it clearly. In

addition, items such as fuses and circuit breakers are

usually mounted in metal enclosures, and thermal imaging

will not work through metal.

It is often unsafe to remove covers or open doors with

the supply switched on but, by the time the supply is

isolated and the covers removed, the equipment will have

cooled significantly, making the thermal imaging data of

dubious value.

It can also be difficult to accurately relate the thermal

image to the equipment being evaluated, and it is

sometimes necessary to take a normal digital photograph

and then use a PC to overlay this with the thermal data.

Finally, trending thermal images to identify changes over

time is not particularly straightforward.

Thermal imaging is, as we have seen, a very useful

technique but it complements rather than replaces low-

resistance testing. And there are many applications where

nothing but a low-resistance test will do. It does, however,

pay to take a little care in selecting a low-resistance test set

if it is to offer maximum versatility and convenience.

For example, it is all too easy to make an accidental

connection to a live supply when attempting to carry out

low-resistance tests, particularly when testing busbar bonds

and battery straps in UPS installations. It is important,

therefore, the instrument is suitably protected.

In many test sets, this protection is provided by a fuse, but

this is not particularly convenient as, if a suitable

replacement is not to hand, the instrument is not useable

until a replacement can be obtained. Better low-resistance


Both low resistance testing andthermal imaging have their place

LOW RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT IS

A WELL-ESTABLISHED TECHNIQUE

THAT CAN BE USED ALMOST

ANYWHERE ELECTRICAL

CONDUCTIVITY IS IMPORTANT – ITS

APPLICATIONS RANGE FROM

CHECKING THE QUALITY OF EARTH

BONDS TO VERIFYING THE DENSITY

OF GRAPHITE ELECTRODES IN

ALUMINIUM REFINERIES. RECENTLY,

HOWEVER, THERMAL IMAGING HAS

BEEN PROPOSED AS A SIMPLE AND

EFFECTIVE SOLUTION IN MANY OF

THE SAME APPLICATIONS. BUT IS IT?

Is your resistance low


Caption

testers, such as those in the Megger DLRO10 family, are

intrinsically protected against connection to live supplies. With

these instruments, it’s possible to carry on testing normally as

soon as the errant supply has been properly isolated.

It is also important to select an instrument that can supply

a test current appropriate to the application – ideally, it

should offer a choice of test currents covering a wide range.

This is because high test currents can, in some cases, cause

unwanted heating of the test piece, while in other cases the

heating caused by high currents is actually desirable, as it

can help to reveal weaknesses such as broken strands in a

multi-core cable.

Similarly, the usefulness of low test currents is also

dependent on the application. Low currents may be a

problem in some circumstances, as they make not break

through the contamination in bonds. In other circumstances,

however, this may be a benefit, because the same situation

can provide a useful indication that contamination is present!

In addition, a low test current combined with test current

reversal may eliminate the need for temperature

compensation of the results, and it also has the benefit of

extending battery life in portable instruments.

Finally, ease of use is a crucial factor. For maximum

convenience in day-to-day use, the test set should have an

intuitive user interface, and it should perform tests quickly

and efficiently, otherwise it will rapidly become a constant

source of irritation rather than a useful tool.

In conclusion, it’s clear that both thermal imaging and

low-resistance testing are invaluable techniques and the

ideal situation is to have access to test equipment for

both. Only then can you be absolutely certain of providing

a definitive answer to the question that we’ve all, at one

time or another, asked – is your resistance low, or are you

getting hot?

or are you getting HOT?

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Cost is an important

factor for all

businesses but,

increasingly,

compliance schemes

are being judged on

the support they

provide

THE MAJORITY of businesses are now fully prepared to

deal with the WEEE Regulations, and with nearly 2m

tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment

produced in the UK every year, good progress is being

made in removing WEEE from landfill. In lighting in

particular, gas discharge lamps account for 1% of

tonnage placed on the market but 20% of what comes

back for recycling, which is an exceptional achievement.

Awareness of the regulations is also increasing as our

recent survey of 1,000 smaller electrical contractors

demonstrated. According to our research, 94% were

aware of the WEEE regulations, which compares

favourably with a previous Netregs (www.netregs.gov.uk)

survey which found only 12% of SMEs could name the

regulations.

The WEEE Regulations affect each party in the supply

chain and, as well as knowing what your obligations are,

it is just as important to know what your options are.

Businesses paying for recycling could save a significant

amount of money, at the same time benefitting the

environment, by sourcing the best recycling option.

Ensuring your product manufacturer is part of a credible

compliance scheme is the first step towards making the

recycling process as simple and effective as possible.

Because the recycling of WEEE is ultimately the

producers’ responsibility it is the producers who finance

the collection and recycling through the compliance

scheme to which they belong.

So what are the features of a good scheme?Cost is an important factor for all businesses, but

increasingly compliance schemes are being judged on

whether they provide good value in terms of the

infrastructure and support they provide.

How does a compliance scheme deal with all the

different types of customers? Does it have a recycling

network in place? How quickly does it respond to

questions and queries? Does it really understand the

specialist products that are being dealt with?

One important feature to look for in a scheme is

knowledge and understanding of the often specialist

products, particularly in lighting, that are required to be

recycled.

Recolight, for example, is a scheme that specialises in

lamp recycling. We will soon be offering battery recycling

at some of our sites, but our background and specialist

knowledge is in lamp recycling.

Recolight members account for approximately 85% of

the total lamps put on the market, and we provide a free

collection and recycling service for any of our producer

members’ lamps.

At Recolight we have a network of over 1,000 lamp

collection points, of which roughly a third are open sites

which anyone can use (by prior arrangement). Joining

the network is simple and free for businesses that have

more than 1,000 lamps a month and for businesses that

have smaller volumes of lamps, we can also provide a

free ‘one-off’ collection service. For our members and

their customers increasing the number of recycling sites

will help to ensure recycling is even more convenient

and easy.

You may think it is the Environment Agency and

government’s problem if recycling rates don’t improve,

but my own view is that if we do not work together in

industry to make WEEE a success and reduce waste

levels, then further regulation will follow. Also increased

collection rates will, in the long term, lower recycling

charges for compliance scheme members and their

customers.

Finally customers should ask what other support is

available via the compliance scheme. Does it provide a

telephone advice line? Is it involved in other industry

issues such as curbing the number of potential ‘free

riders’ who are not processing WEEE waste in an

appropriate way?

Customers should be increasingly asking these

questions of potential suppliers, to ensure they will

benefit from the best recycling option for their WEEE.

In the early days of WEEE the question from customers

was simply ‘are you WEEE compliant’. But now, with the


Making the most BUSINESSES HAVE RESPONDED WELL TO THE WEEE REGULATIONS,

BUT WHEN IT COMES TO COMPLYING, HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE

GETTING THE BEST DEAL? RECOLIGHT’S COMMERCIAL MANAGER,

PETER LEES, PROVIDES SOME INSIGHT INTO THE REGULATIONS AND,

SUGGESTS WHAT CUSTOMERS SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR WHEN

ASSESSING POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS

regulations firmly in place, customers are becoming more

savvy. They will increasingly be looking for suppliers to

work with responsible compliance schemes that are

raising recycling rates and offering good levels of

support.

Reviewing the options and specifying a responsible

and effective WEEE compliance scheme is likely to

become an increasingly important part of any buying

process, and essential in helping to keep WEEE out of

landfill.

of WEEE compliance


The majority of businesses arenow fully prepared to deal withthe WEEE regulations


STANDBY POWER

CHANGING business priorities, the risk and consequence

of power cuts, and a dependency on technology have

heightened the need for secure and integrated power

protection.

Providing continuous power to critical processing and

communication applications such as data centres, online

banking and emergency services is essential, and often

nothing less than 24/7 availability can be tolerated.

Consequently, the recognised solution for continuous

power is the combination of a standby generator and an

uninterruptible power supply (UPS). While a UPS alone

will protect against short term utility power loss and

supply quality

problems,

the UPS

will eventually

shutdown when its

batteries reach the end of

their discharge period. Increasing

the size or number of batteries will of

course extend the autonomy time but this is

becoming more expensive as the rising cost of lead

directly affects battery pricing. Irrespective of this, the

exposure to a possible ‘blackout’ period when exceeding

the UPS battery autonomy will always remain a reality.

The National Grid is under pressure to meet growing

demand with an aging infrastructure and uncertainty

about future energy sources. Growing dependence on

power for business critical systems adds impetus to the

need for robust protection – and standby generation

capacity – to cope with deteriorating supply, more

frequent interruptions, and longer term power

cuts. This firmly places integrated UPS and

generators at the frontline of business

continuity.

Tandem back-upUsing a standby generator alone will serve as

an alternative source of power but

will not provide a no-break solution

in the event of a loss of mains

power. However, a generator with a

secure fuel supply can provide a

source of power, far exceeding the duration of a long

term mains blackout and the back-up capability of a static

UPS system. It is therefore clear that the respective

limitations of utilising a UPS or a standby generator alone

are fully overcome by operating these two different

sources of back-up power in tandem (see Figure 1)

During normal operation the utility mains feeds the

critical load via the UPS, whilst the UPS battery is also

float charged. The UPS will protect against breaks and

disturbances in the mains supply and after a pre-set time,

typically from 2 to 10 seconds, the automatic mains

failure (AMF) panel sends a signal to the generator to

start-up.

The UPS battery serves as an alternative source of

supply to support the critical load while the generator

starts. Once the generator has stabilised, the UPS accepts

the generator as a mains replacement, continuing to

supply the critical load and recharges the battery for the

duration of the mains failure. When the AMF senses that

the mains supply is restored and stable it shuts-down

from the generator, with the UPS battery once again

covering the power interruption caused by the

changeover. This sequence ensures uninterrupted clean

power to the load and demands no user intervention.

However, a standby generator and UPS do not have

natural plug and play compatibility; they must be carefully

matched with one another to ensure reliable co-operation.

Although reliability is of course a critical consideration, it is

not the only one. There are significant cost implications in

ensuring that the generator is optimally sized for the UPS,

as well as many physical and environmental factors to

consider.

FULLY MATCHED GENERATOR SETS AND UPS SYSTEMS ARE THE ONLY TRUE ‘NO-BREAK’

SOLUTION FOR LONG-TERM POWER PROTECTION, EXPLAINS ALAN LUSCOMBE FROM

UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES LTD (UPSL).

Set and MATCH

Using a standby

generator alone

will not provide a

no-break solution

in the event of a

loss of mains

power

Figure 1: Tandemback-up power system

Figure 2: 400 kVAOpen generator set

STANDBY POWER

UPS considerations Constant voltage and frequency are directly proportional

to the size and type of generator. The generators used

by the power generation companies produce consistent

power because they are extremely large. A standby

generator, by comparison, is quite small and cannot

supply such consistent power. Any increase in electrical

load requires an instantaneous increase in mechanical

power to supply it and whereas in a large generator

many of these variations are ‘absorbed’ by the inertia of

the rotating parts, a small generator set with less inertia

will actually slow down until the engine governor

compensates. The resultant instability in generator

voltage and frequency must be accommodated by a

correctly selected UPS system.

UPS CompatibilityThere can sometimes be compatibility problems

between generators and UPS systems. The generator

output voltage may be acceptable to the UPS, but often

the generator’s frequency range is wider than the UPS is

designed to accept. In the worst case the frequency

variations of the generator will be such that the UPS

cannot synchronise with it, either because the frequency

is outside limits or it is varying too quickly for the UPS to

follow (slew rate) causing, in some cases, the UPS to

revert to battery supply and putting the integrity of its

output supply in jeopardy.

This problem can be overcome by ensuring the

generator is properly matched to the UPS and fitted with

an electronic governor that allows the generator to

operate within tight frequency tolerances.

The type of load presented to the generator by the

input stage of the UPS can also cause problems.

Typically a UPS utilises a phase controlled rectifier which

imposes notches on the power feed, interfering severely

with some types of generator control systems. Phase

controlled rectifiers also draw a non-sinusoidal input

current, creating harmonics, measured as total harmonic

distortion (THDi). These can cause excessive heating in

the generator alternator, especially as some UPS systems

on the market generate up to 30% input THDi.

Some UPS manufacturers introduce a capacitor and

inductor filter at the input to the UPS to attenuate the

level of input current harmonic distortion. However, this

is often a passive filter tuned to optimum load

conditions, which can create a leading power factor if

the UPS is subsequently lightly loaded. When a leading

power factor is presented to the generator the alternator

over-excites and the output voltage rises. To compensate,

the voltage regulator reduces exciter power to reduce the

strength of the magnetic field. Under such circumstances

the magnetic field can fail causing the generator to

shutdown or even result in catastrophic alternator

damage.

Generator sizing guidelinesIn practice, it is usually necessary to size the generator

to handle more than just the UPS. As shown in Figure

1, the generator may also be required to power

emergency lighting, air conditioning, building alarm

systems etc. As a very general ‘rule of thumb’, when

assessing the rating of a generator the multipliers

(above) should be applied.

The above, (Figure 3) are only guidelines and advice

should always be sought from the UPS and generator

supplier when attempting to size the generator.

Step LoadingMost generators cannot accept 100% of their load

rating in one single step. For example, an Auto Mains

Fail (AMF) panel cannot present a 100kVA load to a

100kVA generator in one single ‘hit’. A generator’s

ability to take large load steps is a function of its

design and turbo charged generators can, typically,

take larger load steps than standard generators. It is

good practice to not introduce the entire load to the

generator when this load is greater than 60% of the

generator’s standby rating. This can be achieved by

either over-sizing the generator, which is a potentially

expensive option, or by ensuring that load equipment

such as the UPS and air conditioning has a ‘soft start’

facility or by the use of time delay contactors on the

essential services distribution board.

Location and installationA key decision involves whether to site the generator

within the user’s building or outdoors. There are pros

and cons to both choices. Indoors, a generator

requires significant environmental management; for

example, exhaust ducting, adequate airflow for

cooling, noise attenuation, space etc. Outdoors, these

requirements can be easier to handle, but the

generator itself must be environmentally protected.

Smaller generators of up to 750 kVA usually have a

combined weatherproof and acoustic canopy, while

larger generators are typically installed into a

container for out of building operation.

The fuel storage tank must be double skinned or

bunded, or have a drip tray to contain oil spillage in

accordance with environment contamination

regulations. Most standby generators have a base

tank, often referred to as a ‘day tank’ fitted as

standard. For longer autonomies a separate bulk fuel

storage tank is required which adds to the cost, space

and complexities of the installation. Whether the

generator is installed indoors or outdoors the local

authority and fire officer should be advised.

As a minimum, a power cable rated to carry full

generator power and a signal cable to carry generator

start/stop signals must be run between the generator


There can

sometimes be

compatibility

problems

between

generators and

UPS systems

Burnt gloves

Figure 3: With UPSL’s transformerless pow-erWAVE 9000DPA series, this figure dropsto 1.2 times the nominal UPS capacity,thanks to the much reduced THDi imposedon the generator. Significant savings inboth cost and space arise from this reduc-tion in generator size

Call theexperts forpractical

advice and aquotationwithout

obligation

Too Noisy?Too Hot?

STANDBY POWER

and the AMF panel and/or the essential services

board. If the cable from the generator is long then it

may be necessary to increase the cable cross sectional

area to reduce the ‘volt drop’ along it. This increases

the electrical installation costs of the generator,

therefore the generator should be located as close as

practically possible to the AMF panel and/or the

essential services board.

Uptime in a downturnTurnkey supply and installation of the UPS and

generator delivers valuable integration benefits,

ensuring seamless interaction between systems. This

avoids the problem of demarcation between different

suppliers and eliminates potential points of failure.

Individually sourced units can compromise system

autonomy and present a risk of mis-sizing, causing

installation and commissioning problems.

With a packaged solution, the complexities of

matching a UPS and generator are taken care of,

removing the responsibility from the consultant and

contractor and alleviating any concerns for the end

user. Significant cost savings and operating efficiency

can also be gained.

Power failures can be catastrophic, particularly in a

recession when businesses can least afford

productivity and revenue losses through system

downtime. Fully matched UPS and standby generators

- correctly configured and installed - ensure a true

‘no-break’ solution in the event of an extended power

failure, maximising the protection of critical loads and

assuring uptime.Figure 4: UPSL provides fullsite survey and installation

PRODUCT OF THE MONTHNO SCREWS LOOSE WITH WIRING ACCESSORY RANGE!Click Scolmore has just launched the Click Definity range of screwless wiring acces-sories. Designed for quick and easy installation, Click Definity provides users with achoice of insert design and colour, plus the preferred finish of clip-on cover plate.

Ideal for new build or refurbishment projects, the product inserts in the Definity rangecan be installed initially when wiring takes place. The cover plate can be chosen at a later stagewhen the final touches are being made, allowing perfect matching with the surrounding decor. Comple-

tion requires no additional maintenance as the cover plate literallyclicks into place as and when required without the need for any specialtools.

The Click Definity range comprises a comprehensive product selection in-cluding modular switches, dimmer switches, toggle switches, lockableand standard fused connection units, 20A switches, 45A switches,cooker control units, TV/media outlets and data outlets. Thecover plates are available in a variety of popular deco-rative finishes, which includes polished chrome,brushed stainless steel, stainless steel, whiteand red to complement any décor.

Scolmore International01827 63454

[email protected]

More PRODUCTSon pages

32-40


THE COMBINATION of standby generators and static UPS systems is the

optimum way of providing high integrity and high reliability within the power

scheme. It is recognised as the only way of achieving a Tier 4 installation solution

with the highest level of system availability.

The reasons for the compatibility of generators and UPS systems is mainly

associated with the differences in the control system between the UPS system,

which reacts very fast, to the control system

associated with the generator which, due to its

nature, is a rotating machine which reacts

significantly slower. A further important factor is

the influence of external harmonics within the

building that may be generated by switch mode

power supplies within servers which can, when

the system is not specified correctly, affect the

automatic voltage regulator and governor

controls on the generator system causing

instability.

We support the issue surrounding the UPS

compatibility and generator sizing guidelines but

would also highlight the fact that, dependent

upon which UPS technology and generator

system is being used, this factor can vary between

1.2 and 2 times the UPS rating when different

loads, levels of redundancy, harmonics and

power factor are taken into account. There are

rules of thumb; however, we would recommend

that the complete system be overviewed and the

ratio of generator to UPS be sized by a specialist

on a case-by-case basis.

The load step identified as 60% of the

generator’s standby capacity is typical of most

available generators to maintain the voltage and

frequency within recommended ISO standards.

On larger machines, with the latest range of

electronic control, it is possible to achieve step

loads of 80% remaining within tolerance.

Noise levels related to generators are an

emotive subject. Typically, levels of 75-80dBA are

quite sufficient for most applications, whether that

be in a city or rural area. However, where

residential housing is close by, lower noise levels

may be required. This, however, does present a

problem, particularly on large installations, as the

size of attenuators can increase either the plant

room or container size by up to a further 10m in

length. There is also a practical limit as to how

low the raw engine noise of 110dBA can be

attenuated due to site constraints and the need

for air volumes.

As explained, the matching of generators to

UPS loads and computer-type harmonic loads is a complex subject. It is

recommended such designs be subject to some input from specialists who can

analyse the load, the generator, the UPS and the effect that each of these

component parts has on the overall installation. This then avoids the potential

problem of the UPS supplier blaming the generator manufacturer and vice versa

for instability within the system.

OPINION

THE MATCHING OF UPS SYSTEMS AND GENERATORS IS A COMPLEX ISSUE.

CHRIS PRITCHARD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AVK|SEG (UK) OFFERS HIS OPINION

Compatibility CONUNDRUM


PRODUCT WATCHCOMPREHENSIVE ELECTRONIC CONTROLABB has been working withMardix, the switchboardbuilder, to provide electricalcontrol for a major UK mediaclient.

The project sees ABBproviding all control anddistribution equipment forMardix switchgear being installed on site. The switchgear being installed includes avariety of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) backup and generator supplyswitchboards, sub-mechanical switchboards, final distribution boards and mains lowvoltage (LV) incoming switchboards up to 6300A.

The Mardix switchboards utilise a range of ABB equipment including ABB’s EMAX aircircuit breaker range, rated from 800A to 6300A, TMAX moulded case circuit breakers(MCCBs) from 100A to 1600A, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) S200s up to 63A andthe panel mount OS range up to 400A. ABB is also handling the discrimination,coordination and selectivity aspects of the installation, which is designed to support theneeds of the media client for the next 25 to 30 years.

ABB020 8667 9660

ACOUSTIC DUCT FAN RANGEAddvent continues expanding into the industrial ventilationmarket with a new range of acoustic centrifugal box fans.

The new AIL – acoustic in-line range of fans are manufacturedfrom quality galvanised sheet steel, to ensures a robust in-line fanfor tough environments.

The range is available from 100mm to 315mm spigot diameterswith air volumes from 0.064m3/s to 3240m3/s and pressuredevelopment up to 430Pa.

The fans operate in temperatures from -15ºC up to +40ºC, arefully speed controllable, and have an “O” class rated acousticallytreated casing, ensuring minimum duct and breakout noise levels.

The fans are quality assured to BS EN ISO 9001:1994 andperformance tested to BS848 Part1 1980.Addvent provides a two-yearwarranty and full range ofducting accessories available onrequest.

Addvent0117 938 6400

MODULAR MARSHALLING BOXESVitesse Modular is the latest addition to CP Electronics’ range of marshallingboxes. Its modular design makes it quick and easy to add luminaires, simplyby plugging in 4-way extender modules, so that design changes at fit-out –or changes in the layout of the space – can by accommodated very cost-effectively. An appropriate CP detector (PIR, microwave – absence orpresence detection) is then simply plugged into the end module, using a pre-wired lead.

The Vitesse Modular range also incorporates a safety extra low voltage(SELV) module to ease compliance with the 17th Edition wiring Rregulationsby eliminating the need for RCD-protection of live switch wires routed alongwalls.

Each module is able to connect to fourluminaires, using either 6-pole dimming or4-pole non-dimming GST connectors. Upto three additional extension modules canbe added to accommodate a maximum of16 luminaires.

CP Electronics0208 9000671

H264 TECHNOLOGY CCTV NOWAVAILABLE IN KIT FORMCombining the latest H264 technology, with a pre-installed250gb hard drive, this 15-inch monitor with inbuilt DVRfrom Facina is capable of recording high quality images ata reduced file size, facilitating longer recording for a givenhard drive size over MJPEG OR MPEG4 FORMATS.

This unit benefits from being supplied with 4 externalday - night cameras, cables and power supply, with simpleto set up menus accessed by the mouse supplied.

Live or recorded images can be viewed either from the unit it self or remotely via a computerif the CCTV system is connected to a broadband line through a router.

The weatherproof cameras benefit from inbuilt LEDs to provide additional light for night timeviewing. The video motion detection built in to the DVR allows the system to be set so thatrecordings can be made only when movement has been detected.

AVS01253 830 904

SOLO LIGHTING CONTROLThe new Metro One Ten Solo lighting control module from Delmaticnot only offers fast and cost-effective compliance with Part L of theBuilding Regulations; it also has the capacity to be upgraded toprovide full addressable control, offering a high level of flexibility

for building operators to meettheir lighting control needs.

Metro One Ten Solo offerspowerful lighting control for awide range of applications.Control parameters includepresence detection withcorridor holding function,emergency test, daylightlinking and local switching

with 1-10V or DALI dimming options. Each Solo unit has two inputports for local switches and two input ports for presence detectorsand multi-sensors combining presence detection with daylightlinking. Outputs include 10 two-pin dimming ports and 10 four-pinswitching ports.

Delmatic020 8987 5900

NEW SPACE AND TIME-SAVINGFRAME FOR DATA CENTRES ANDENTERPRISESADC Krone hasannounced its newTrueNet Frame thatoffers installation timesavings of up to twohours per frame, aswell as other advancedcable managementfeatures to help reducecustomers’ capital andoperating expenses. The frame’s ‘fold-pack’ design means on-site assembly in data centres and enterprises can be completedin minutes compared to the conventional hour or so.

Another time-saving feature is the new TrueNet quick-fixpanel mounting (patent pending), which eliminates the need forcage-nuts and screws, and, on average, saves another 40minutes of installation time per frame.

The TrueNet Frame is made of strong, light-weightaluminium and is factory pre-assembled, where it is folded to asize of only 2900 x 340 x 250mm for shipping. This, togetherwith its low weight of only 30kg, means it can be manoeuvredaround corners, up and down stairs and along corridors by asingle technician.

ADC Krone+49 30 8453 1379

PRODUCT WATCH

HOLESAWS ADDED TO PORTFOLIOEngex have introduced to its portfolio of products a comprehensive range of holesaws.

The holesaws are bi-metal, have a variable pitch for easier and quicker cutting, and aremanufactured to meet European safety standards (BS8416:2002).

The Engex full range of holesaws vary from 16mmthrough to 200mm.

In addition, Engex has launched a 12-piece holesawset; the GX-HSKIT1 comprising of the most popularholesaws for electricians.

The holesaw kit comes in a tough outer storage casewith sponge inserts for tidy storage.

All Engex products are to meet the designed end usersrequirements and built around the customer needs.

Engex 01952 272 381

GIVING CONTRACTORS AN ADVANTAGE IN THESHOWER MARKETMarket research suggests the shower industry is worth an astonishing £110m.

Showers are predominantly purchased by the end user - not the installer so not only is thedecision over cost, appearance and brand currently lying in the hands of the consumer, moreimportantly to the contractor, so is the footprint.

How many end users know what a footprint is or evenwhere the water and electrical supply should go? But is thisreally important to them or it is simply down to theaesthetics?

Heatstore have introduced a free shower “tear-out”template flyer with both the end user and the electricalcontractor in mind.

The flyer contains all of the information an electricalcontractor will require, before and after purchase, for the twomost popular showers in the Heatstore range; the AquaProfile Plus and Aqua Profile Plus Electronic.

Heatstore 0117 923 5375

CUSTOM BUILT ENCLOSURESLewden Electrical Industries is a leading specialist in the supply of high quality, custom built GRP (GlassFibre Reinforced Polyester) enclosures ideal for long term commercial and industrial applications.

Built to the highest possible standards, the non-corrosive GRP enclosures have an IP66 rating andincorporate vandal-proof locks and hinges. Offering abespoke product at a competitive price, Lewden has thelatest design and prototyping facilities and can supply sizesup to several metres square with front, side or rear accessdoors, false floors and gland plates. The GRP enclosures areavailable in a wide range of finishes including smooth,textured and anti-graffiti. Electrical installation packagesare also available on request.

Lewden Electrical Industries0208 539 0237

NEW ADDITIONS TO I-SWITCH RANGECraig & Derricott are set to release the next phase oftheir new Isolation equipment range.

Following the successful launch of new plastic, steeland stainless steel products, Craig & Derricott havefurther developed the I-Switch range to include enhancedversions of their die-cast, sheet metal, ATEX and fire ratedequipment up to 1000A rating

Customers will now be able to choose betweenenclosures sealed to IP65 or IP41 to suit their applicationneeds and budget.

Andrew Dolman, Managing Director states: “This is avery exciting period for the company. We continue to invest in the development of new productsand their manufacture here in the UK. The i-switch family represents the first phase of a long termcommitment to the business with further product releases planned over the next 12 months”.

Craig & Derricott01543 375541

ONLINE CABLE SIZINGCALCULATOR

Draka has added to its customer support offeringwith the launching of a cable sizing calculator onits website. It can be accessed by registering free atwww.drakauk.com.

The service is based on BS 7671:2008, which hasbeen described by the Institute of Engineering &Technology as “a set of golden rules for electricalinstallation work and encourages best practiceamongst the profession”.

Identifying the precise cable specification takes amatter of seconds using the new Draka onlinecalculator. It starts with selecting the desired cablefrom a drop-down box, the desired phase of thesupply, whether it is single or multi-core and if thecable is to be buried. The calculator then moves onto installation method and cable grouping, beforerequiring boxes to be filled in with the remainingcable requirement data. The precise cablespecification is then displayed on the screen.

Draka UK 01332 345431

COMMERCIAL ANDRESIDENTIAL CATALOGUE

Finder hasproduced its firstproductcataloguededicated tocommercial andresidentialapplications. The55-pagecatalogueprovides acompletereference toFinder’s new

generation of building services controlproducts.

Products featured in this comprehensivecatalogue include light dependent, monostableand step relays, time switches, staircase timers,dimmers, thermostats and PIRs.

Each product is described by a wealth oftechnical data, comprising dimensionaldrawings, specifications, wiring diagrams andordering information. Companion accessoriesare also detailed and where appropriate,additional functional information is provided.

Finder01785 818100

ONLINE SHOP OPENSOxford based power protection specialistPower Inspired has launched a new website designed to help customers select themost appropriate OPTI-UPS product andpurchase it online at competitive prices.There is a UPS in the range to suit everyapplication from the entry level VS series,ideal for the standalone PC, through tothe DS Series - designed to provide thehighest levels of power protection.

Customers will also be able to purchase the newly introduced OPTI-Solar productline – a breakthrough for power-saving and environmental protection. Designed forconsumer applications and rated from 1200 – 8kVA, the low watt range features anintegrated inverter and charge controller, have large chargers for long runtimeapplications and is extremely compact and easy to install.

Power Inspiredwww.opti-online.com

MAKING LIGHT WORK OF POWER STATION OUTAGEThe electrical accessories specialist, GreenBrook, has supplied more than 600 anti-corrosionfluorescent light fittings to enable contractor, Doosan Babcock, to carry out maintenance workduring the annual outage at E.ON’s Ratcliffe Power Station.

To Ratcliffe remains efficient, the station has an annual outage for preventative maintenance,which involves scaffolding being erected inside the giant furnace. The 600 GreenBrook lightingunits will be used to provide temporary lighting on the scaffolding for a period of 18-20 weekswhile the maintenance work takes place.

Designed with a fibreglass self-extinguishingGRP (glass re-enforced polyester) body, the IP65range of anti-corrosion fluorescent light fittingsfrom GreenBrook is ideal for tough environments.Robust enough for both indoor and outdoor use,the range includes a variety of sizes in both singleand twin fittings and includes both standard 240vand 110v options.

Greenbrook01279 772 780

PRODUCT WATCH

WIRELESS SUB-METERINGCOMPONENTSLEM has extended its Wi-LEM (wireless local energy meter)family to allow the remote measurement and monitoringof electricity, water and other metered utilities as well astemperature and humidity.

It allows industrial and commercial enterprises to breakdown energy and water usage and identify areas of

efficiencyimprovement. Allthe new Wi-LEMcomponentsfeature a ten-fold increase ofRF power from1mW to 10mW,increasing thedistancebetween nodes

compared to the previous LEM generation of components.By using the 802.15.4 wireless communication

standard, which has proven reliability, and the use of split-core transducers, Wi-LEM greatly reduces the time, costand disruption involved in deploying a sub-meteringinstallation.

LEM+41 22 706 1257

SWITCH TO SAFETYThe ethical and legalrequirements to protect workersfrom risk of electrocution arestronger today than ever before.The only way to ensure safety, isby insisting on the use of truesafety switches in the workplace,rather than ordinary rotaryisolators.

Katko safety switches, whichare fully accredited andapproved, are based on state-of-the-art technology and testingprocedures. With a Katko safety switch overseeing assemblylines, air conditioning systems and other key electricalequipment, management demonstrates an immediate concernfor the safety of its employees. It could also prevent a costlydamages award not just under Health and Safety Regulations,but also under the new (2007) Corporate Manslaughter andCorporate Homicide acts.

Katko have published a leaflet, Tampering with Safety in theWorkplace.

This is available by contacting the Company direct .

Katko01420 520530

SIMPLICITY FOR SENSORRANGEMK Electric is set to launch a range of simple to fitsensors promising fast installation and even fasterpayback.

The new range features two models – a flushmounting version and a surface mounting option.Both have external programming dials to allowquick and easy adjustment of time delay and luxlevels and incorporate a PIR with 360o detectionand a six metre range.

By adjusting the lux level, the passive photocell can determine whether to turn lightson or off depending on ambient light conditions and room occupancy. The variable timedelay feature means lights can be turned off within five seconds of the last observedmovement or left on for up to 40 minutes.

The flush mounting sensor has spring clips that allow the device to be inserted directlyinto the ceiling, while the surface mount model can be easily mounted onto a back box.No additional fixing tools or parts are required.

MK Electric01268 563000

RACKING UP ANOTHER SUCCESSPSJ Fabrications has supplied 19” bespoke chassis mounted rack units,manufactured from stainless steel and measuring 2 metres high, toMilton Keynes based Evidence Talks for its new Remote Forensicssolution.

Remote Forensics allows police forces, military and other agencies tocarry out digital investigations anywhere in the world without havingto travel. Using any network or even a 3G-enabled mobile phone, anexpert analyst can dial in remotely and investigate or take a forensicimage of hard drives, iPODs, memory sticks and other digital storagemedia.

PSJ produced detailed drawings to the exact specification forhousing the monitoring systems.Andrew Sheldon, managingdirector of Evidence Talkscommented “PSJ’s product wasvery well produced and of a veryhigh quality. We were alsoextremely impressed with thefast turnaround.”

PSJ Fabrications01234 268484

PRODUCT WATCHMONITOR ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND REDUCE COSTSWireless telemetry specialist Radio-Tech has developed an energy management system toenable organisations to monitor and ultimately reduce their energy consumption.

The company’s wireless data capture technology allows for 24/7 monitoring of remoteassets and consumption of water, electricity and gas; regular reports on consumption allowusage to be cut, reducing both bills and environmental impact.

Radio-Tech provides a range of radio telemetry products ideal for sub-meteringapplications (where organisations wish to measure energy consumption within particularareas of their sites). Low-power radiotransmitters and data concentrators allow simplecollection of metering data. Whether data isbeing collected from individual occupiers ofcommercial sites or different areas of a business,consumption and usage can be monitoredremotely, accurately and securely.

Radio-Tech 01279 635849

COST EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TOHID LUMINAIRESA feasibility study recently carried out by RiegensLighting for supermarket chain Netto confirms thatfluorescent light fittings now offer a realistic and cost-effective alternative to HID luminaires, for low bay andhigh bay lighting inwarehouses and similarspaces.

Following a significantincrease in electricitytariffs, the companydecided to exploreoptions for re-lighting itswarehouses, beginningwith the mainwarehouse in Yorkshire.Netto’s criteria were toreduce energyconsumption and createan improved litenvironment with minimum cost and disruption.

Riegens solution, which has now been accepted byNetto, involved replacing these fittings with the new HB-Eco 4 x 55W fluorescent fittings, using 4000K colourtemperature tubes, on a point-for-point basis. Part ofRiegens Power Saver ‘ECO’ range, the luminaires will becontrolled via integral occupancy and daylight sensors tominimise running hours, resulted in projected savingsaround £50,000 per annum on energy alone.

Riegens Lighting01376 333400

FREE ELECTRICALINSTALLATION TEST GUIDE

Electrical safetytesting specialistSeaward haspublished a freeguide to theelectrical testingrequirements of the17th Edition of theWiring Regulations.

The 24-pageSeaward Guide toFixed InstallationTesting is designed

for those carrying out electrical testing and alsothose who may be responsible for commissioningperiodic testing services.

The A5 guide takes into account the changesintroduced by the new scope, requirements andterminology of the 17th Edition regulationscompared to the previous 16th Edition.

The practical information given in the handy-sized booklet is divided into two sections - testscarried out before the electrical installation isenergised and those carried out with the installationenergised.

Under both of these main sections, easy to followstep by step instructions are provided for eachindividual test along with details of testmeasurement values and guidance on satisfactorytest readings.

Seaward Electronic0191 586 3511

HIGHER VISIBILITY FOR PART M COMPLIANCEThe popular Click Mode wiring accessory range from Click Scolmore has now been extended toinclude a sub range of anthracite grey finished accessories with lighter coloured rockers for highervisibility in line with the requirements of Part M1 of the Building Regulations. The Mode M rangealso includes suitable pull-cord switches for improved accessibility.

An important element of Part M1 is the need to assistvisually impaired people in identifying switches and otheraccessories against their surroundings. The new Mode Manthracite grey finish provides effective visual contrast againstthe high reflective decors used in many modern buildings,while the lighter coloured rockers are also an aid to visibility.

The Click range also offers a wide range of colours andfinishes to either complement or contrast with thesurrounding décor, depending on requirements.

Scolmore International01827 63454

CABLE TERMINATION TOOL INCLUDES MULTIPLE FUNCTIONSThe new Amp Netconnect SL termination tool from the Amp Netconnect Business Unit of Tyco Electronicsincorporates multiple functions including cable stripping, PiMF (pair in metal foil) foil stripping andconnector termination.

Designed for terminating the company's mp-Twist 6S and 7AS connectors, the SL tool not only combinesall the termination process functions, but also offers an extremely fast Category 6a and 7a terminationprocess by using the Tyco Electronics advanced automatic wire cutting technology for mass termination.

This cutting method ensures repeatable high quality for simultaneousterminations.

Amp, Amp Netconnect, Netconnect, Amp-Twist, TE Logo and TycoElectronics are trademarks. Other products, logos, and company namesmentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Tyco Electronics020 8420 8130

LEAPING TO CHAPEL BAY’S DEFENCEA combination of Metal Halide lamp & control gear supplied by Venture Lighting Europe is beingused at Chapel Bay Fort, a Victorian coastal fort overlooking the estuary at Milford Haven,Pembrokshire.

Venture’s 1000W lamp has been used within an antique mobile searchlight which, at the time ofits original use, was the most powerful light source used by the British Army.

As part of the refurbishment of various military artifacts,Venture were able to provide the 1000W lamp along with acompact, silent, water-resistant control gear designed to sitconveniently inside the luminaire, so as not to spoil the overalleffect of the 50 year old construction. This is the first time thesearchlight had been used in many years.

Venture Lighting0845 2302222

PRODUCT WATCH

GIANTSCREWDRIVER SIGNALS SUCCESSSuccess is shaped like a seven-foot screwdriver for a North East-based companythat’s turning the humble job of white goods repair into a multi-million poundbusiness.

The giant screwdrivers adorn the eyecatching new yellow and black fleet vans of0800 Repair, formerly JTM Contracts, a business whosegrowth has resulted in its workforce increasing from tenin 2006 to more than a hundred providing its services tothe UK’s largest retailers, manufacturers and insurers ofwhite goods.

The company, which is part of the Pacifica Group andwhose head office is based in Chester-le-Street, expects tosee its turnover rocket to £12 million in 2009/10, with afive-year plan to increase to £25 million by 2014 with theintroduction of the 0800 Repair brand.

0800 Repair0800 737247

SWITCH SCANNER GETS TO THEPOINT OF MULTI TESTINGAn improvement in the connection of high voltage orhigh current electrical tests to multiple test points orproducts is provided by Clare's modular switch scanner,SwitchSmart.

SwitchSmart's used for the simultaneous and automatedtesting of units such as transformers, motors or electricalsystem devices,which requireearth/groundbonding or highvoltageHiPot/flashdielectrictesting.

It has been designed to interface directly with Clare'shigh performance Elite electronic product safety testingsystem or operate independently within larger systemintegration/automation applications.

Product features 16 switching ports type SPST (NO),making the instrument flexible enough to handle therequirements of safe high voltage or high current electrictesting. An easy-to-read, front mounted LCD display, housedwithin an impact resistant 4U 19 inch case shows the real-time status of each switch port.

Clare Instruments0191 587 8741

CATALOGUE HELPS USERS SPECIFYMOTORS FOR HAZARDOUS AREASMotors for Hazardous Areas is ABB’s 255-page, full-colourcatalogue detailing motors designed to meet the toughest

safety standards in many of theworld’s most strictly regulatedenvironments, where flammablegas, vapour or dust may bepresent.

As well as details of the ABBproduct range, the catalogue alsoexplains the applicable regulatoryrequirements, helping users makethe right equipment choices. Bothlow and high voltage motors areavailable.

The catalogue is split into separate sections for easyreference, with details of low voltage flameproof motors (Exd/Ex de), low voltage increased safety motors (Ex e), lowvoltage non-sparking motors (Ex nA), low voltage dustignition proof motors (DIP/Ex tD) and high voltage non-sparking (Ex nA) and dust ignition proof motors (DIP/Ex tD).

ABB0800 783 7491

GET PAID TO RECYCLE!Bruce RID Recycling is helping major Engineering Solutions Contractors andManufacturers throughout the UK, to endure the downturn in the economic

climate, by not just cost effectively disposing of theirindustrial electrical equipment, but also by offeringthem a credit as well.

More and more engineers are now starting tounderstand that their industrial electrical equipmentcan sometimes generate enough scrap value to offsetthe cost of disposal and collection.

The recycling and processing facility based inSheffield, can offer a recycling and collection solutionfor all commercial and industrial equipment, whether

loose or palletized, including control panels, eectrical motors, drives, inverters,MCCs, oil filled (PCB or non PCB) and dry capacitors including power Ffactorcorrection capacitors, direct from your, or your clients’ sites. You can therefore fulfillyour WEEE disposal obligations without breaking the bank.

RID Recycling 0114 2433637

ENERGY SAVING STREET LIGHTING FORFLITWICK AND DUNSTABLEPeople in Flitwick and Dunstable will soon be benefiting from a new

energy saving street lighting scheme, which aims tonot only reduce CO2 emissions and electricityconsumption, but also improve safety by enhancingvisibility for pedestrians.

The innovative new scheme launched by CentralBedfordshire Council with partners BedfordshireHighways (AMEY) and WRTL Exterior Lighting Ltd,will see LED street lights being used in East Flitwickand Dunstable. The scheme will help to reduce CO2emissions by up to 65% and provide high-energysavings without the need to dim or switch off duringthe night. Stela is manufactured using a largeproportion of recycled materials, especially steel andaluminium, and will also cut future maintenancecosts, as Stela has a 100,000 hour service life with a

six year cleaning cycle and virtually no other maintenance requirements.

WRTL0121 521 1234

MICROSOFT BASESCUSTOMER CARE ONHARDWAREMicrosoft Scotland has seen thecompletion of the interior of its customercentre at the Waverley Gate Building inEdinburgh.

Literally underlying the building’s interior are underfloor distribution system products from MKElectric’s Ackermann range. The project – involving screed substrate in a raised floor application –deployed the company’s new Onix Plus Outlet Lids; and Ackermann Slab Boxes.

Onix Plus™ provides innovative solutions to hard floor power and data distributionrequirements in screed floors with coverings such as laminate, wood, stone and marble. A stylishand robust design offers superior load bearing performance and greater durability; and the lids –with snorkel or plain – provide wet wash solutions. A selection of lid recess depths are available,allowing for various floor depths; and compatible in this case with the Maple floor coveringspecified.

MK Electric01268 563000 • www.mkelectric.co.uk

MCC SWITCHBOARDS A TIGHT FIT FOR HEYGATESWhen asked to tender for the six new motor control centre(MCC) switchboards needed for a major upgrade to a flourmill, specialist switchboard supplier EMS of Aylesbury foundthat equipment in Eaton’s Moeller Modan range provided thebest way of addressing the challenges associated with theproject.

Modan W uses withdrawable and removable plug-in units,function modules can be exchanged even while the system islive, allowing a very high level of availability to be achieved.Also, the user-friendly design of the plug-in units facilitateshandling and guards against operator errors.

In addition the Modan design offers a very high stacking density – up to 30withdrawable units can be accommodated in each section.

Moeller 01296 393322

PRODUCT WATCH

FAST TRACK DELIVERY OF PRODUCT SAMPLESHarting has introduced a ‘fast track’ sample dispatch service which allows customers to ordersamples quickly, easily and free of charge on express delivery.

Providing shipment within 48 hours of the order being placed, the new service covers a broadselection from Harting’s device connectivity productportfolio contained in the company’s Harkis catalogueinformation system. For products that are unavailable,the system offers alternative products with similarfeatures that can be requested at a mouse click.

Harting01604 827500

ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSFORMATIONSRecent advances in eco-friendly technology and their subsequentinfluence on the development of new manufacturing processesand in-organic materials by Zucchini have accelerated thepopularity of the Company’s EdM cast-resin transformersthroughout Europe.

The resultant benefits have enabled Zucchini to increase energyefficiency, safety and fire resistance and provide exceptionalreliability and low maintenance costs, whilst also being totallyenvironmentally friendly.

For many British consultants and end-users, the most gratifyingoutcome of these developments is the realisation that saving theenvironment – also saves money. Zucchini has published new

literature entitled Transformer transformations, to outline the new, eco-friendly technology andthe resulting benefits in performance provided by its EdM cast-resin transformers.

Zucchini0121 458 7070

EMERGENCY LIGHTING MONITORING MADE EASYDelmatic’s emergency luminaire monitoring photocell is designed to test, monitor and log emergency lighting,relaying performance data to a PC for logging and pass/fail analysis.

Part of the company’s Metro emergency lighting test and monitoring package, this photocell is suitable for usewith any light source and is mounted directly to the luminaire body – measuring the light through a hole in thebody of the fitting. Alternatively, it can be supplied with an optical fibrelight pipe to enable remote mounting of the sensor.

The emergency luminaire monitoring photocell offers a number ofconnection options to suit the needs of all projects, including individualconnection, shared connection and connection via a DALI network.

When used with a plug-in Metro One Ten lighting control module thephotocell connects via a 2-core cable directly to the device input portsat the module.

Delmatic0208 987 5900

BRIGHT NEW FUTUREIn the fast-evolving lighting field, consultantsand installers need to stay ahead of the gameto save clients time and money. Lightrak KNX,the modular lighting-control system, designedand manufactured by Electrak is an example ofthat ethos.

Lightrak KNX is completely futureproof,simple to install, commission, operate andupgrade. It also has the advantage of anoperating system, based on a fully compatible,‘open’ protocol, which offers endless scope tothe consultant and lighting designer.

Fully addressable lighting control modules,presence/absence detectors, single and multi-gang switches, scene set switches, timed eventcontrollers andmuch more, areall part of thesystem.Dimming,corridor hold,daylightlinking, andtimescheduling, canbe built in to Lightrak, as required.

Electrak01207 503400

NEW INDUCTIONTECHNOLOGYIronteam Energy Solutions reports agrowing demand for its Eco2Save lowbay ranges.

The new fittings, which are basedon rectangular and circular inductionlamps, are providing energy savings ofup to 60% in a wide number of highprofile lighting projects including

factories, warehouses, leisure centres,hospitals, food processing plants etc.Eco2Save low bays, which alsodramatically reduce maintenancecosts, are flicker-free, cool running andhave the benefit of a 5-yearreplacement warranty. A choice of fivelamps are available between 80Wright up to 300W includingattachments.

Ironteam EnergySolutions0115 9061266

PRODUCT WATCHNEW RANGE OF STATIC UPSMODULESAVK|SEG (UK) is pleased to announce theintroduction, to its already extensive range ofstatic UPS modules, of the Titan range from 400-800kVA. The Titan range offers total protectionof loads at very high efficiency.

The Titan guarantees high performance withlow power consumption and low coolingrequirements, low impact on the local electrical

environment and reduced footprint. The cost of the management infrastructure isalso less impacting.

The UPS system, due to the high power involved, can give the customer savings onthe operating costs and also provide the benefit of lower CO2 emissions of up to30%.

With IGBT front end rectification, a power factor of 0.98 lagging also reduces thepower consumption when operating from diesel generation. THD figures of less than5% are achieved without the necessity for low efficiency harmonic filters butretaining the benefits of true online double conversion philosophy.

AVK-SEG01628 503900

FESTIVAL GOERS GET PROTECTIONA cable and hose protection system from Lewden ElectricalIndustries was used recently at the Shoreditch Festival tosafeguard visitors and protect electrical cables. Producedby the Shoreditch Trust, the annual event is the highlight ofthe East London cultural calendar and is a celebration of artand culture.

Lewden’s highly visiblecable protector was suppliedby Ipswich based MidasProductions (UK) Ltd whosupplied all site power, mainsand distribution, and neededto ensure that any cablescoming from the main stagewere protected and did notcreate a hazard to the largenumber of visitors whoattended the event. Suitablefor foot or heavy vehicletraffic, the protection system is of a hard polyurethaneconstruction and is extremely robust and weather-proof.

Lewden Electrical Industries0208 539 0237

NEW CONTRACTOR GUIDE FOR 2009Havells Sylvania has launched itsnew Contractor Guide for 2009. Thispocket sized guide is a one-stopcatalogue for both Havells Sylvaniafixtures and lamps.

The contractors guide featuresthree well know Havells Sylvaniabrands:• Lumiance, accent and displaylighting• Sylvania Fixtures, commercial andindustrial lighting• Sylvania Lamps

This contractors guide offers aselection of products for a variety ofapplications from commercial and industrial to indoor decorative.With its clean, concise layout, this easy-to-use pocket guide is amust for all contractors.

Havells Sylvania0870 606 2030

LED SUBSTITUTE FOR 40W INCANDESCENT LAMPOsram’s Parathom Classic is said to be the the world's first LED lamp with a screw basethat can be used as a direct replacement for a 40W GLS lamp.

However, the Parathom Classic requires just 8W to achieve the same light yield, i.e.80% less energy and over its lifetime it will save 400 kg of CO2. With an averageservice life of 25,000 hours, it is claimed to last 25 times longer than a traditionalincandescent lamp.

The Parathom Classic is extremely compact, shatter-proofand resistant to vibrations, making it suitable for a widerange of applications. The lamp is also completely free frommercury and the light it produces contains no UV or infraredradiation.

The Parathom Classic A 40 is part of a ever-growing rangeof LED lamps from Osram with features lamps ideal foraccent lighting.

Osram01744 812 221

REACH FOR THE STARSLuxo has introduced a new series of threelarge pendant luminaires, the Oulo, Kemiand Alice. Created by Swedish designerOlle Anderson, which are ideal for largespaces and give excellent indirect light.

Oulo has an inner light sourceenclosed in a cylinder of optical acrylicand concentric horizontal rings which join together to form a sphere. The rings, which are all ofthe same width, are mounted on four chrome plated arms.

Kemi’s inner light source is also enclosed in optical acrylic and its concentric horizontal ringsform a vertical ellipsoid. The different width rings enclose the acrylic cylinder tightly. Its armsand other load bearing elements are chrome plated.

Both Oulo and Kemi’s ring shaped blinds prevent a direct view of the light source frombelow.

Alice is a white opal glass pendant, its metal parts can be lacquered or chrome plated.

LUXO (UK) 0208 687 3370

NEW UTILITY CONTROL CENTREDesign verified - These are the key words from the new IECassembly standards 61439-1 &2:2009. In the past much emphasishas been placed on obtaining an ASTA certificate, which covers theshort circuit withstand capability of an assembly. What about theearthing system?, Temperature rise?, Impulse withstand?,Insulation properties? The new standard addresses all these other

requirements in acomprehensive wayensuring that allcharacteristics aretreated with the

respect they deserve, and every enclosure design must be verifiedagainst the appropriate test criteria. Rolla have approached thedesign of the new Utility Control Centre with this in mind, and allverifications on the basic enclosure and busbar system have beendone by testing (not by calculation, not by design rules) giving ourcustomers and end users greater peace of mind. Rolla UCC -Design Verified.

Rolla01484 710 226

PRODUCT WATCH

DESIGN ANDQUOTATION PACKAGEFOR SPEEDYSPECIFICATIONSSchneider Electric has made it quickerand easier for contractors to specify its Canalis range of busbar trunking with the launch of CanFast; auser-friendly, online design and quotation package, which can be accessed through the company’s website.

By inputting basic installation information selected from drop-down menus, contractors can quicklyproduce a quotation with the minimum amount of technical and product knowledge.

Users simply follow a step-by-step process, inputting the specification of the run required, such as therating, number of conductors and length of run. From here, the system requests details about the tap-offunits required plus any additional accessories, then calculates the quantities needed for the project andprovides a quote with description, quantity, unit list price and total price.

Schneider Electric0870 608 8 608

RUGGED INDUSTRIAL NETWORK SECURITY PRODUCTSBelden and Byres Security (BSI) have announced it has signed a technologycooperation agreement to jointly launch new products in the area ofindustrial network security with availability later this year. Utilising BSI’sexpertise in providing practical solutions to protect industry from network andcyber threats, and Belden’s position in the Automation market - with theHirschmann range of products - the two companies look forward to delivering

complete industrial security solutions for customers.“As a global leader, Belden provides effective signal transmission solutions that include network devices

designed for safety-critical applications for SCADA and industrial automation” remarked Mark Cooksley, productmanager for network security at Belden. “We are pleased to partner with BSI. Its deep expertise in the area ofindustrial security and their proven ability to deliver pragmatic solutions will add value to our Hirschmann rangeof automation and networking systems.”

Belden+49 (0) 7127/14-1809

LIGHT CURTAINS OFFERINCREASED PROTECTION

Schneider Electric has extended itsPreventa line of safety products with thelaunch of two new type 4 light curtains, theXUSLB and the XUSLD.

Designed for the protection of machineryoperatives and those working in the vicinity,light curtains work by shielding theequipment with light beams. If one of thesebeams is broken, any dangerous movementof machine partsstops, protectingpersonnel while stillallowing access tothe machines shouldmaintenance need tobe carried out.

The two newPreventa lightcurtains fromSchneider Electricoffer varying levelsof capability,dependent on the needs of the application.The XUSLB provides basic light curtainfunctions, with the XUSLD includingadditional standard features such as built-inmuting, programmable blanking andcascading of up to four segments. Both newlight curtains offer flexible installationpossibilities, due to their ability to sharecomponents, cables and accessories.

Schneider Electric0870 608 8 608

PRE INSTALLED DRAW WIRE CONDUIT SPEEDS INSTALLATION TIMEFlexicon is introducing a draw wire option on its range of non-metallic conduits to speed up installation.

Its range of nylon conduits can now be supplied with a plated steel draw wire pre-installed for pulling thecables through.

Comments Ian Gibson, technical director for Flexicon: “Generally an installer would need to push fish tapethrough the conduit, then attach the cables to this and finally pull them through. By supplying conduit withdraw wire already installed we have removed one stage of this process thus reducing installation time

significantly.”“For long conduit runs using fish tape can take time so the

savings for some installations can be large. For short runs ofconduit this may not be so much of an issue.”

Non-metallic conduit with draw wire is available on requestsubject to minimum order quantities.

Flexicon 01675 466900

FIBRE-OPTIC RACEWAY SYSTEMThe Lightrax fibre-optic raceway system from the Amp Netconnectbusiness unit of Tyco Electronics is a fully enclosed ducting system thatsegregates, routes, and protects fibre-optic cables and jumpers frombuilding entry point to fibre termination and distribution equipment.

With the raceway system, fibre is easily traced and accessed throughits convenient fully wrap-around, lay-in design. It also maintains complete separation from twisted-pair and coaxial cable,as well as providing protection from being snagged, crimped or overstressed. Straight channels and curved fittings arespecifically designed to prevent fibres from exceeding the minimum bend-radius requirement.

The system's modular design and an extensive selection of mounting kits enable the project engineer to meet cablecapacity requirements and future expansion needs using existing superstructure, cable racking and/or equipment racking.

Tyco Electronicswww.ampnetconnect.eu

DEDICATED TO PRINTING ONTHICK PAPER

Based on the Axiohm CMRM printermechanism, the CMDG2014 has beenspecifically designed by Axiohm to print onpaper up to 190μm thick and 60m wide. Thiscapability makes it suitable for a multitude ofapplications and environments includingticketing for travel, events and transit,transportation, cinemas, theatres, even visitorbadges and passes.

The CMDG2014 prints at a speed of 90mmper second and offers a choice of options whenit comes to paper cutting. Available with orwithout a cutter, the CMDG2014 can be fittedwith an optional tear bar, making it ideal foruse with a standard paper roll, but theCMDG2014 also works with perforated fan foldtickets which open up a number of possibilitiesfor ticket printing applications and for lowmaintenance kiosks that are left unattended forlong periods of time.

DED 01797 322575

To advertise in this section contact Matthew Dawe on: 020 7933 8980 or [email protected]

Charges: £19 pccm, Box No £25CLASSIFIED

To advertise in section contact Matthew Dawe on: 020 7933 8980 or [email protected]

Test and measurement

Automation Portable Power

Seaward is a market leader in the supply of specialist instrumentation for electrical safety testing forportable appliance testing, 17th edition installation testing, high voltage and other electrical applications.In all cases, innovative test technology is combined with accessories, training, calibration and othercomprehensive customer support as part of ‘total solution’ electrical test instrumentation services.

Tel: 0191 586 3511 • www.seaward.co.uk • Email: [email protected]

innovative test technology and comprehensive customer support

Rockwell Automation provides anextensive portfolio of products,including Low Voltage ControlEquipment, Variable Speed Drives,Medium Voltage Drives, ProgrammableControllers, SCADA and MES. With a focus on sustainability and life-time costs, wealso provide a range of added-value services such as Asset Management, ConditionMonitoring and On-Site Support.

Coupled with this, Rockwell Automation has a system engineering capabilitycombined with extensive domain experience of the manufacturing sector. Inparticular Rockwell Automation has dedicated resources assigned to Rail, Water and Energy industries within the UK market.

Tel: 0870 242 5004Fax: 01908 261917

Email: [email protected]: www.rockwellautomation.co.uk

PRODUCT WATCH

PAT WITHOUT THE PALAVER!Suitable for electrical contractors who offer portable appliance testing (PAT testing) alongside other services, thenew PAT320 testers from Megger combine convenience and ease of use with rugged construction and

competitive pricing. Ready to use in automatic mode straight from the box, the PAT320 testers

feature full colour displays that show test data and results clearly andunambiguously, and clearly identified pushbuttons to initiate test sequences. Ahandy pass/fail mode with user-defined limits is also available, which makes routinetesting particularly fast and straightforward.

To help them get the best from their instruments, users of the new PAT320testers have access to Megger’s free technical support line, where the company’sexperts will be happy to provide advice and to answer questions on all aspects ofPAT testing.

Megger01304 502100

KEYPADS ADDED TO SECURITY PORTFOLIOUK-based intruder alarm manufacturer Texecom has announced the introduction of the new Premier Elitekeypads to add to its extensive range of security products.

Texecom has developed these products to offer a keypad styled to fit even the most prestigiousenvironments. Available in flush-mount and surface-mount versions, the keypads are easy to install, simpleto use and built for many years of reliable service.

The high quality, cast-metal keypads are available in polishedchrome, satin chrome, polished brass, gunmetal and diamondblack finishes. Every keypad is hand-finished and features alarge 32-character blue LCD display, built-in proximity reader,and two additional on-board zones for extra functionality.

Texecom01706 234 800

UNITS UP TO 45% MOREEFFICIENTRittal’s newcoolefficiencycooling unitsare said to beup to 45%moreeconomicalthanconventionalunits of thesame output in both running costs as well as CO2emissions. The units have been developed using thelatest EC fan technology and incorporate bothRiNano and condensate management as standard.

The new efficiency label from Rittal in accordancewith DIN EN ISO 14021 identifies all cooling systemsthat make a significant contribution toenvironmental protection. These new coolingsystems far exceed the requirements of DIN 3168and meet all three requirements of the newefficiency label.

In heavily contaminated environments it is vital tokeep units clean in order to maintain efficiency. Overtime, performance can deteriorate between 30 to50% if membranes become dirty, leading to anincrease in CO2 emissions. RiNano is a thin coatingthat repels oil, dust and powder particles preventingthem from attaching to the condensers.

Rittal01709 704000

To advertise in this section contact Matthew Dawe on: 020 7933 8980 or [email protected]: £19 pccm, Box No £25

UPS

A.C. Voltage Stabilisers

CLASSIFIED

Recruitment

Hazardous Area

100% Dedicated to the Electrical Industry.

We do nothing else.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO FILL APERMANENT VACANCY.

WE ARE THE PEOPLE TO TALK TO FIRST.

Visit our website at www.electricalrecruit.co.uk

[email protected] call 0845 094 7201

Loadbanks

Control Systems

UPS

Visit our new directory section online at

www.electricalreview.co.uk


Power FactorCorrection

Power Factor CorrectionPowerLogicTM Metering Systems

Energy MetersLoad Monitoring

Power Quality Monitoring& Solutions

Harmonic Surveys To G5/4Harmonic Filters

UPS & Surge ProtectionThermal Imaging Surveys

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

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

VAR Services Ltd. 27 Main Road,

Jacksdale, Nottingham, NG16 5JU

Inspection Testing

Cables / Telecables

energysaving.claudelyons.com

To advertise in this section contact Matthew Dawe on: 020 7933 8980 or [email protected]

Charges: £19 pccm, Box No £25CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

email: [email protected]

Power Factor Correction

Generators

BatteriesTraining

HIGH VOLTAGETRAINING

To Senior Authorised/Authorised Person level

Also EAW Regs, Generator Operation, Safety awareness, Maintenance, etc

MICHAEL TWITCHETTIEng. FIET. MSOE. MIPlantE

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

Power Quality Management


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