12.2008.pdf

Inside this issue:■ Beware of false economies■ Pressure on to address green issues■ WEEEcycling made simple■ Optimse assets and slash operating costs

FOUR MILLION UNITS SOLD IN FIRSTEU CARBON ALLOWANCE AUCTION

SEARCH ON FOR WORLD-CLASS PERFORMANCE

The Government has held Europe's

first carbon allowance auction in

Phase II (2008-2012) of the EU

Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

Four million allowances were sold at

a total value of £54m excluding VAT,

or £13.60 per allowance,

Euro/Sterling exchange rate 0.8428.

The EU ETS puts a cap on

emissions from around 12,000

installations throughout the EU,

including the energy and heavy

industrial sectors. These sectors are

collectively responsible for close to

half of the EU's emissions of carbon

dioxide.

Energy and climate change

minister of state, Mike O'Brien, said:

"Today's first Phase II auction

demonstrates continued UK

leadership in reducing carbon

emissions as part of the fight against

dangerous climate change. The EU

ETS is central to keeping the price of

tackling climate change as low as

possible to industry and the

economy.

“We want more auctioning in the

future – and are already planning to

auction 100% of the allowances

needed by the power sector from

2013."

The exchequer secretary to the

treasury, Angela Eagle, said:

"Countries all around the world are

dealing with the challenge of a

global economic slowdown, but

today's auction demonstrates that we

will not be distracted from our fight

against climate change. Today, the

UK has shown it is at the forefront of

environmental action by holding the

first auction of carbon allowances

anywhere in Europe. Based on the

principle that the polluter pays, these

auctions will develop the market for

carbon trading and provide the right

long-term incentives for companies

across Europe to invest in solutions

to reduce emissions."

During 2009 the Government

plans to auction 25 million

allowances. Dates for future auctions

will be announced in due course.

UPS systems 4 Building services Page 20 Safety testing Page 24 Lighting Page 26

December 2008 Volume 241 No12

AIRPORT ACCESSPassengers travelling through

Heathrow’s new T5 building

may not know it, but they are

likely to have passed over

Marshall-Tufflex stainless steel

floor boxes delivering access to

data and power supply systems

vital for the safe and effective

running of the airport.

Hundreds of the access units,

which are built into the subfloor,

have been installed within the

terminal building. The lids of the

units – some of which are

lockable – sit flush with the

floor and are designed to

comply with Health and Safety

legislation for pedestrian traffic.

Mostly installed in the departure

lounges and connecting internal

areas, the units were fabricated

in heavy duty stainless steel

designed to take higher point

load than the standard range of

boxes.

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

ELECTRICALREVIEW

The Shingo Prize – dubbed by Busi-

ness Week as the “Nobel Prize of

Manufacturing” – was launched at

event held at the House of Com-

mons, hosted by The Manufacturing

Institute – who will be administering

the award in the UK and Ireland.

The philosophy of the Shingo Prize

is world-class performance in quality,

cost and delivery can be achieved

through the application of lean prin-

ciples and techniques across the

whole business enterprise.

Julie Madigan, CEO of The Manu-

facturing Institute stated, “In addition

to recognising productivity and busi-

ness success, The Shingo Prize is also

viewed as a catalyst for organisa-

tional change. As a result it can also

act as an enabler for individual career

acceleration within those companies.”

Madigan further commented:

“With world leading manufactur-

ers in the UK, such as BAE Sys-

tems, we should be celebrating

the phenomenal successes of

those organisations and encour-

aging other businesses around

the UK to adopt their working

practices through the Shingo Prize

model.”

For more information visit

http://www.shingoprize.co.uk

www.electricalreview.co.uk 03

The University of Edinburgh and EDF Group

have signed a framework agreement to

collaborate in research and development of

wave and tidal current energy as well as

electricity network integration.

The signing of the five-year agreement will

signal a long-term strategic partnership for EDF

Group, the parent company of EDF Energy. The

partnership is through EDF Group’s research

and development department.

Peter Hofman, director for sustainable future

for EDF Energy said: “We are delighted to be

partnering with such a leading scientific

establishment as the University of Edinburgh.

We are looking forward to working together on

renewable energy technologies, a subject that

is of critical importance to our company and an

example of the diverse range of power sources

that will be required to deliver long term

secure, affordable, low carbon energy to our

customers.”

Professor Robin Wallace, head of the Institute

for Energy Systems, in the School of

Engineering and Electronics at the University of

Edinburgh said: “We are very excited to be

collaborating with colleagues in EDF Group

R&D in many aspects of wave and tidal energy

conversion and its network delivery. There are

now several full-scale wave and tidal energy

converters generating electricity into the UK

and European networks. This is a timely and

welcome partnership whose joint R&D effort

will contribute to the further evolution and

acceleration of the sector into an established

industry.”

The university is currently engaged in

research relating to wave, tidal current and

wind energy and research into the electricity

network integration of renewable energy. This

is complemented by EDF Group, which is

engaged in research both into renewable

energy generation that aims to improve output

and reduce costs and also into technologies

that improve electricity transmission and

distribution networks.

This agreement formalises and builds on

existing collaboration between EDF Group and

the university, who are presently working

together in the SuperGen Marine Energy

Research Consortium and the EU EquiMar

project. SuperGen is a five-university

collaboration in underpinning marine energy

R&D and EquiMar is a three year European

venture to test, evaluate and establish

standards for wave and tidal energy

technologies.

Chloride, supplier of UPS systems and services, has acquired Power andElectronic Services (PES), a supplier of critical power protection solutions.Chloride will now have a physical presence in Ireland to address the growingneeds of the country’s power protection industry. Founded in 2003, PESfocuses on critical power requirements for the Irish market and has asignificant installed base that includes the Bank of Ireland and other financialservices organisations throughout the country. By acquiring PES, Chloride is ina stronger position to improve its service to both its existing customers and theexisting PES installed base.

LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP

CHLORIDE MOVES INTO IRISH UPS MARKET

CONTENTS

03 || NEWS

9 || TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET

12 || GOSSAGE

14 || UPS SYSTEMS

23 || BUILDING SERVICES

24 || SAFETY TESTING

26 || LIGHTING

29 || POWER SYSTEM DESIGN

32 || PRODUCT WATCH

41 || CLASSIFIED

43 || OPEN CIRCUIT

The growing demandfor clean, reliablepower contrastssharply with pressingconcerns over energysupply, quality andprice andenvironmental issues

Within a building, theprice of capitalequipment does not stopat the point of purchase.In fact with electricalequipment, the lifetimerunning costs can dwarfthe original purchaseprice.

In a look at safetytesting, Jim Wallace atSeaward urgesemployers to take acommon senseapproach to ensuringthe safety of electricalequipment, wherecutbacks on safetyprocedures carryconsiderable risks

Danfoss Drives and its partners now offer online ordering of the VLT Micro Drive. Customers can order

customised drives through a centralised platform and take delivery from their local distributor. The benefits

include minimum processing time for orders, direct follow-up and the shortest possible delivery time.

The new web site, at www.vltmicro.co.uk, allows users to customise the drive, select their local

distributor and pay for the order using PayPal or major credit cards.

“It’s simple, easy and fast” says Anthony Pickering, senior sales director at Danfoss Drives. “We

wanted a platform that allows the customer application to be up and running in the shortest

possible time”

CUSTOMISED DRIVES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

04 Electrical Review December 2008

NEWS

■ In response to high demand and an

evolving approach to delivering more

immediate and up- to-date information to its

users, Copper Development Association has

launched an updated, new-look website at

www.copperinfo.co.uk. Offering resources on

copper applications ranging from electrical,

architectural and plumbing to the brasses,

health and most recently antimicrobial, the

site has a comprehensive search function. This

allows users to find items both in subsections

of copperinfo, such as the power quality

microsite, and also on other useful, related

websites that may offer further in- depth

information. An online enquiry form enables

users to quickly and easily put questions to

the experts, putting them in touch with the

vast network and placing its information

repositories and expertise at their disposal.

Copperinfo is also a portal for UK designers

and specifiers to information and resources

from around the global copper network,

providing access to knowledge and contacts.

■ ABB scooped two awards at the Pump

Industry Awards 2008, receiving the Supplier

of the Year Award for the second year

running, as well as seeing its drives and

pumps specialist Geoff Brown recognised for

his work for the industry. Backed by the

British Pump Manufacturers’ Association

(BPMA) and held in Coventry on 19

November, the Supplier of the Year Award

recognised ABB as a: “supplier to the pump

industry that has demonstrated consistently

high levels of technical innovation and

developments, environmental awareness,

customer service and satisfaction, market

penetration and growth.” “Once again, our

total commitment to this industry has been

recognised by this prestigious award,” said

Steve Ruddell, general manager for ABB’s

drives and motors business. “To win this

award two years on the run shows just how

much we are valued as a supplier by this

industry. The penetration of drives into the

pump industry is growing rapidly and we

have invested heavily in new drive technology

for pump applications so that we can

continue to give the best support to pump

users.”

IN BRIEF

As three new Acts of Parliament go on the statute

book, householders and drivers are being

challenged to save energy and cut their carbon

emissions under the Government’s ACT ON CO2

People Power challenge, launched at the end of

November.

The challenge will follow volunteers from

Newcastle, Portsmouth and Birmingham as they

attempt to reduce the energy they use in their

daily lives, with a dedicated website tracking

their progress, sharing their tips and comparing

success between the three cities.

The launch of the campaign marks the passing

of three major pieces of legislation - the Climate

Change, Energy and Planning Bills. The three Acts

are hoped to facilitate the UK’s transition to a

low-carbon economy, deliver a long-term, secure

energy supply, and enshrine in law ambitious

targets to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions

by 80%.

Energy and climate change secretary, Ed

Miliband, said: "The UK is the first country in the

world to introduce a legally-binding framework

to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Setting the 80%

target was the easy part: now the work really

begins. Government, communities, businesses

and individuals need to work together to bring

about change.

"The Energy and Planning Acts will be

instrumental in reducing carbon emissions,

removing barriers to enable industry to invest in

important new infrastructure, and giving

individuals and communities the incentive to use

energy more efficiently and generate their own

heat and energy.

“With over 40% of emissions coming from the

choices we make as individuals, the new People

Power challenge aims to show the small steps we

can each take so together we can make a big

difference. I hope the volunteers, their action and

their enthusiasm, will inspire others across the

country to ACT ON CO2 and I wish them the very

best with the challenge.”

Secretary of state for the environment, Hilary

Benn, said: “The People Power challenge will

show people how they can save energy in their

homes and on the road – so saving money and

helping the fight against climate change. We all

have a responsibility for the future of the

environment, and in these tough economic times

we can all benefit by thinking carefully about

using energy.”

Under the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK

will introduce five-yearly ‘carbon budgets’

outlining how emissions targets will be met,

bring in plans on corporate reporting for

businesses, and eliminate free single use carrier

bags. The Energy Act 2008 underpins the

development of new civil nuclear power, the

expansion of renewables, and paves the way for

new technologies such as carbon capture and

storage and smart meters. The Planning Act 2008

addresses energy efficiency in homes and

simplifies planning permission for all large

energy infrastructure projects.

The People Power challenge is part of the ACT

ON CO2 campaign, a cross-Government initiative

which helps householders and consumers reduce

their energy use. People Power ‘ambassadors’

will take part in a number of activities, which

might include a home energy audit by the Energy

Saving Trust, a lesson in saving fuel through

‘smarter driving’, and keeping a weekly log of

their energy use.

Transport minister Andrew Adonis said:

“Smarter driving techniques are a key part of the

ACT ON CO2 campaign, and can save drivers fuel

and money as they go about their daily lives. At a

time when everyone is thinking more about both

the economy and the environment, this offers a

real opportunity to make a difference. "The

People Power drive gives a renewed focus on the

individual. It links up energy consumption in the

home with emissions on the road and offers

solutions for maintaining a low carbon lifestyle. I

look forward to seeing the achievements of

today's volunteers over the coming months."

To follow the progress of the People Power

participants, log on to

www.direct.gov.uk/ActOnCO2.

JOINING FORCES FOR A LOW CARBON FUTURE


Two GE Heat (high efficiency, ad-

vanced technology) steam turbines

have surpassed 20,000 hours of op-

eration at power plants in California

and Ireland, GE Energy reported at

Power-Gen International 2008. The

achievement is regarded by the com-

pany as an industry milestone for

proving reliability of the turbines.

Introduced in 2002, the GE Heat

steam turbines improve plant effi-

ciency and output for GE’s F-class

combined-cycle technology, leading

to a lower cost of producing electric-

ity, a critical factor for success in

today’s power generation industry.

Seven of the Heat steam turbines

currently are in commercial operation

in natural gas-fired, combined-cycle

power plants in the United States

and Europe, encompassing both 60-

hertz and 50-hertz applications.

One of the ‘milestone’ Heat steam

turbines is operating as part of a 60-

hertz, GE 107FA combined-cycle sys-

tem at the Southern California Public

Power Authority (SCPPA) Magnolia

facility in Burbank, California. Since

entering commercial operating in

2005, this unit has compiled 20,170

hours of reliable service as of mid-

November, while also exhibiting de-

pendable start-up capabilities.

The second Heat steam turbine to

surpass the 20,000-hour milestone is

installed at the Tynagh Energy Plant

in County Galway, Ireland. This plant

is supplying up to 120,000 homes

with reliable electricity and is helping

change the economic face of Galway

and the western seaboard of Ireland.

The Heat steam turbine incorpo-

rates numerous advancements over

earlier GE steam turbines, including

a reaction-based high-pressure tur-

bine design capable of 2400 psi op-

erating pressure, which contributes

to improved steam turbine perform-

ance. Integral covered buckets and

nozzles ensure a high-quality steam

path.

Abradable coating and brush

seals developed in conjunction with

the GE Global Research Center min-

imise internal leakage while main-

taining tight clearances. Extensive

analysis and validation testing prior

to its first application helped ensure

the reliable operation of the Heat

technology.

TURBINES REACH MILESTONE

■ The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has launched a

new social bookmarking site. Called IET Discover, the site is a user-

created information sharing and networking service for anyone

interested in engineering, technology and science. It is free and is not

limited to IET members. IET Discover consists of a social

bookmarking service with tagging, where users can manage their

online references, find links to articles and join collaborative groups.

■ The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) has announced the

launch of a new guarantee scheme effective 1 January 2009. The

ECA Guarantee of Work Scheme offers an automatic guarantee

covering members' work up to a value of £50,000, or £100,000 for

multiple contracts for the same customer, in any calendar year.

Replacing the insurance backed warranty scheme, this new system

eliminates the need for signatures from both the customer and

installer. This means any work carried out by an ECA member

company within the scope of the scheme will be automatically

covered, without paperwork.

IN BRIEF


EDITOR

Elinore Mackay 020 8319 1807

[email protected]

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Neil Coshan 020 7933 8979

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[email protected]

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All editorial contents © Saint John Patrick

Publishers Ltd 2008. Jan-Dec 2007 8,798

NEWS

Exploding the Myths and Mystery Behind Electrical

Arc Flash is a one off event hosted by Electrical

Safety (UK) and DuPont Personal Protection, also

featuring a workshop held by Jim Phillips P.E.

Phillips is an independent expert on arc flash

and will be delivering an in-depth workshop on

arc flash research, standards and calculation

methods before moving on to similar events in

mainland Europe.

Also presenting is Mike Frain FIET MCMI of

Electrical Safety (UK) who will draw on his

experience in authoring electrical safety

procedures to demonstrate how the standards

can be used to assist in compliance with

European/UK legislation; and Neil Gove MEng

CEng MIEE, HM specialist inspector (electrical and

control systems) who will speak about the

relevant electrical safety legislation in the UK

specifically defining live work and fundamental

requirements of regulation 14 from the Electricity

at Work Regulations 1989. Those needing answers

to the following questions may benefit from

attending the event:

▲ What is arc ash?

▲ What is the definition of live/energised work?

▲ What is the law on live working?

▲ How can I predict arc flash severity?

▲ What are the principles of the calculation

methods?

▲ Can they help me in my risk assessments?

▲ How can I specify FR clothing/PPE?

▲ How can I design safe working space in front

of switchgear?

▲ How can it help my electrical workers to

understand the dangers of arc flash?

▲ How can I design out the arc flash problem?

▲ Do you need heavy switching suits to operate

switchgear?

The event will provide first hand information

about the direction of current trends: Jim Phillips

sits on the IEEE 1584 committee and is the author

of the guide How to Perform an Arc Flash Study

in 12 Steps, published by the NFPA. He is also

currently writing NFPA’s book on how to perform

arc flash studies, due out early Spring 2009.

Attendees will also have the chance to visit and

tour the Building Research Establishment

Innovation Park, which features near zero carbon

construction homes; along with an opportunity for

delegates to find out more about the BRE fire

testing and consultancy services at the Burn Hall

where the BRE has a world class reputation for

fire research.

To register your interest in the event email

[email protected] and mark your enquiry ‘BRE

Arc Flash’.

EXPLODING THE MYTHS BEHIND ARC FLASH

■ Philips has announced it intends to re-

focus its professional indoor luminaire

activities to LED based solutions in the UK.

The business will streamline its UK

organisation so LED growth will be further

accelerated. Philips Lighting UK will still

retain full focus on all outdoor luminaires,

consumer luminaires and lighting controls.

Philips’ existing lamps and control gear

businesses are unaffected by this strategy.

Philips believes this repositioning of its

business towards LED solutions will allow it

to meet the current and future needs of its

customers, bringing them the full economic,

environmental and design benefits of this

new technology. The company says this

development is part of its ongoing drive to

accelerate a move in the market to more

sustainable lighting solutions.

■ Recolight, the specialist WEEE compliance

scheme for the lamp industry, is celebrating

its 1000th collection point. South Eastern

Electrical became the 1000th collection point

when it turned to Recolight after winning a

new energy saving contract with Tesco.

IN BRIEF


NEWS

Schneider Electric is hosting a Tackling Energy

event at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on 20

January 2009.

Schneider Electric says its aim is to help unravel

the new and changing legislation and present

solutions to the challenges faced through

ambitious Government expectations and public

demand for efficient buildings.

There will be four seminars presented in the

morning, which will then be repeated in the

afternoon. Delegates can take part in any

combination of seminar sessions, in which a

mixture of theoretical and practical learning will

allow them to engage, interact and share ideas on

key issues such as energy efficiency - the four

steps; IEC61439 - implications for business;

integrated solutions; and BS7671 - changes and

effects.

Within an exhibition area delegates will have

the opportunity to discuss best practice and

applications for specific installations, through one-

to-one sessions with Schneider Electric technical

experts, as well as view product demonstrations.

The company’s training team will also be on hand

to explain its range of training courses. (Schneider

is an Institution of Engineering and Technology

(IET) endorsed training provider.)

Schneider Electric believes many businesses can

save up to 30% of their energy usage and

delegates can find out how they might achieve

the same. As a result, delegate numbers are

predicted to be high and the company advises

anyone interested in attending to register quickly.

Whilst at the conference, delegates will get the

chance to take a tour of the stadium at

Murrayfield, which was completely refurbished in

1995.

UNRAVEL NEW AND CHANGING LEGISLATION

MANUFACTURERS MAKE IT IN A DOWNTURNManufacturers can make it through the downturn by

using lean techniques to release cash locked up in ex-

cess stock and slow production, according to the Man-

ufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) North West.

“With restricted sources of credit, improving cash-

flow is crucial to business survival” said Adam Buckley,

MAS North West programme manager. “The proven

lean techniques used by world-class manufacturers

will help to minimise cash exposure by cutting waste

and reducing inventory. This will also reduce lead

times, which means customers get quicker delivery of

completed products and the manufacturer gets paid

faster.”

Manufacturers can access free advice and sub-

sidised support through MAS to take control of their

cash. Businesses of all sizes are eligible for a free an-

nual on-site manufacturing review that is designed

around individual company needs and can identify

areas for improvement that offer immediate cost sav-

ings and productivity improvements.

Added Adam Buckley: “Money that is often tied up

in processes can be released within a few weeks, gen-

erating significant cash benefit. Removing waste

processes will also free up capacity and enable busi-

nesses to redeploy staff to more valuable activity such

as product development or supplier management.

“But manufacturers must also use tough times to

address how they can perform better in the long term

– looking strategically at opportunities to focus on sus-

tainable activities that lead to stability and growth.”

Since 2002 MAS North West, which is delivered in

the region by The Manufacturing Institute, has helped

manufacturers to make financial savings of £595m.

From April 2005, with further funding from the North-

west Regional Development Agency and European

Regional Development fund – matched by The Manu-

facturing Institute’s own charitable reserves – compa-

nies have benefited from an extended range of

support under the Agenda for Change programme.

This has brought additional financial benefits of £156m

– meaning, the organisation says, North West manu-

facturers have boosted profitability by a total £751m

over the past six years, as well as creating, or safe-

guarding, 7849 jobs. For more information about the

MAS North West service, visit www.mas-nw.co.uk.


TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET

POTENTIAL applications for the first high

voltage Li-ion (lithium-ion) battery system

include industries with high short term

power demands as well as utility grids

fed by a high percentage of variable

renewable energy sources, especially

wind power.

The new SVC Light with dynamic energy

storage will further extend ABB’s Facts

(Flexible AC Transmission Systems)

portfolio covering a number of

technologies that enhance the security,

capacity and flexibility of power

transmission and distribution systems, as

well as improving productivity and power

quality in industrial applications.

While current Facts technology is

focused primarily on stabilising grid

voltage, the addition of energy storage

now broadens its scope to covering short

term load or supply variations.

“The key aim of this project is to

demonstrate the feasibility and added

value of incorporating Li-ion energy

storage within a Facts system” said Per

Eckermark, Head of ABB’s Facts System

Group. “It could play a vital role in

ensuring the stability of utility grids as

the penetration of wind power

increases”.

Li-ion battery system

Li-ion battery technology offers a number

of important features in this application,

such as: excellent cycling capability; long

calendar life; high energy density; very

short response time; high power

capability both in charge and discharge;

maintenance-free design.

Furthermore, Saft’s Li-ion technology

provides the system with precise

information on the state of charge (SOC)

which is a vital function in a dynamically

operating energy storage system. The

battery system comprises eight individual

units based on Saft’s Intensium Flex modular,

rack-mounted Li-ion modules.

The units, rated at 646 V and 41 Ah, are

connected in series to achieve a nominal

voltage of 5.2kV and the system can deliver

200kW for an hour and 600kW for over 15

minutes.

Control and management

Saft is also supplying the control and

management devices for the battery, as well

as a CAN-based optical communication

interface with ABB’s Mach-2 controller that

will monitor the battery continuously and

optimise its operation.

SVC Light

ABB’s SVC Light is a unique power

semiconductor technology based on a high

power IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar

Transistor), a compact switching device which

allows high frequency switching. In

combination with dynamic energy storage it

will enable simultaneous voltage control and

control of active power flow in the grid. The

11kV pilot system can deliver 600kVAr

reactive power and 600kW active power.

Field testing

In addition to the development and supply of

the battery system, Saft is partnering with

ABB in qualification and field testing of the

complete system. The battery system has

already completed commissioning and bench

testing at ABB’s facilities in Sweden, where

its performance to specification was

confirmed.

The next stage, in 2009, is for an SVC Light

with dynamic energy storage to be installed

in a field application in order to demonstrate

its capability under a variety of network

conditions, including operation with nearby

wind generation.

Enhanced STABILITY for power gridsSaft and ABB have developed the world’s first high voltage Li-ion (lithium-ion) battery system

designed to improve the stability of power distribution grids. The new system combines

dynamic energy storage provided by Saft’s 5.2kV battery, which will help respond to

disruptions in the grid, with ABB’s SVC (Static Var Compensation) Light technology for dynamic

voltage control

ABB has won an order from Uskmouth Power to

upgrade the plant control systems at its 360MW coal

fired power station near Newport, South Wales. The

contract includes the conversion of graphics from the

existing installation to an MS Windows operating

environment, new operator workstations,

commissioning and staff training.

The existing installation consists of three generating

systems including Flue Gas Desulphurisation Plants

and Common Services. Each generating unit has three

operator screens and the ability to control other units

from each control room.

The existing graphics running on Unix based AS500

series consoles will be converted to 800xA graphics;

these will run on 800xA Operator Workplaces

connected to each control room via KVM switches. This

state-of-the-art technology will meet the power

station’s needs for the foreseeable future.

Key considerations in the design of the new system

are backward compatibility for existing graphics and

retaining the existing ‘look and feel’ of this part of the

system.

The present control system has around one hundred

and twenty five graphics screens on each unit

including common services.

The project began in August 2008 and is due for

completion by end of February 2009.

ABB’s ‘Evolution’ lifecycle support strategy is

designed to meet the needs of owners and operators

of ABB automation systems who operate on tight

margins but still rely on continuous and

efficient operation of their process plant to

remain viable. It claims to provide a clearly

defined path to enable their existing

automation systems to evolve, through a

series of small, cost-effective steps, to meet

their changing business environments,

both commercial and technical.

The cornerstone of Evolution is ABB’s

extended automated system 800xA

Process Portal that extends the reach of

traditional DCS (distributed control

systems) beyond control of the process, to

provide total plant management and control including:

production management, safety, discrete and

advanced control, information management, smart

instrumentation, smart drives and motor control

centres, asset management and documentation

management capabilities.

Uskmouth’s Evolution to 800xA project will be the

second contract for ABB at this site and follows a

successful system replacement of an Emerson Fisher

Provox DCS in 1997/8. This was part of the total plant

refurbishment project and investment in

environmental improvements to meet new legislation.

Uskmouth Power, owned by Welsh Power since

2004, is a coal-fired power station that can generate

around 360MW, enough for 360,000 homes, and

sufficient to meet the needs of Newport and its

surrounding area. It is one of the cleanest coal-fired

plants in the UK.

The station makes a vital contribution to electricity

supply in the UK and its location in South Wales means

it helps National Grid with system security as few

generators are located in this part of the country.

Refurbishment in 1998 extended the plant’s life by

around 25 years.

Uskmouth Power takes its responsibility to

minimise its impact on the environment very seriously,

and the plant is fitted with FGD (flue-gas

desulphurisation) and low NOx burners, and meets EU

requirements aimed at reducing emissions from coal

plants. In addition to this, Uskmouth Power now uses

biomass fuels along with coal to produce ‘green

energy’. Uskmouth Power has been awarded

ISO14001, the Environmental Management Standard,

and is committed to maintaining this high standard.

UPGRADE CONVERTS PLANT CONTROL SYSTEM

TO MS WINDOWS OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

INVESTMENT PROGRAMME FOR 20% EFFICIENCY INCREASE

10` Electrical Review December 2008

TECHNOLOGY TO MARKET

Dunamenti Power Plant, owned by GDF-Suez, has

signed a €24m contract with Alstom for the up-

grade of turbo group no 8 and its auxiliaries at

the Dunamenti power plant in Hungary. The con-

tract forms an essential part of a e200m invest-

ment programme aimed at increasing the

capacity of Unit F8 of the power plant from

215MW to above 400MW and, more importantly,

carry out a 20% increase in efficiency from 36% to

57%.

Under the terms of this contract – constituting

an important part of the total investment - Alstom

Power Service Hungary will upgrade the complete

steam turbine island and the associated balance

of plant.

“We have chosen Alstom because of their long

term local presence and experience with our

turbo generators combined with global know-

how and experience in power plant upgrade,”

said Péter Csiba, managing director of Dunamenti

Power Plant. “Our goal is to continuously satisfy

the increasing demand for energy in the country.

With this investment we are on the right track.”

This is the biggest contract ever signed by Al-

stom Power Service in Hungary. Most activities

will be carried out locally and some services and

components will be delivered by other Alstom

units in the region e.g. factories in Berlin, Ger-

many, Elblag, Poland and Bucharest, Romania.

“Almost half of installed power generation ca-

pacity in Hungary is more than 30 years old and

most of them need a ‘facelift’ to increase their ef-

ficiency, extend their lifetime and reduce their

impact on the environment. Alstom is in a posi-

tion to provide the solutions and technology for

these ageing power plants,” said Mr. Vilmos

Wolff, managing director of Alstom Power Service

Hungary.

Thanks to the investment program Dunamenti

Power Plant will not only increase the efficiency

and capacity of the unit, but also consequently

reduce the fuel consumption and emissions. The

brownfield approach minimises the environmen-

tal impact of the project. The targeted electrical

efficiency of the upgraded block, scheduled to

be back on line in 2011, will be better than any

other power generating unit in Hungary today.

This project marks the first step in Dunamenti’s

broader strategy to modernise the power plant

by increasing efficiency, reducing the environ-

mental effects and increasing the total installed

capacity. In the frame of this strategy the power

plant has already started preparation of the next

development project, called the G4 project.

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OPINION

G

ossip!

G

o s s age!


IN FOR A RENAISSANCEI was never a fan of the feeble consumerprotection body Energywatch. It disappearedlast month. And I doubt that many will miss it.But the name Energywatch itself could be in fora renaissance. Apparently it was always theproperty of the German electricity giant RWE.They registered it ten years ago, and havesubsequently being licensing it to the toothlessconsumer body.

Apparently their UK brand, npower, has it inmind to start using the very same name tobrand various of its consumer activities.Presumably in the hope gullible folk willpresume its activities are just as objective andnon-commercial, as those of the consumerbody were. And in all probability, just asuseless.

DEPARTMENTDEDICATED TOCLIMATE CHANGE

Much boasting from the governmentthat not only are we the first countryin the world to have a legally bindingtarget to reduce greenhouse gasemissions, we now have the firstDepartment of State dedicated todealing with climate change.

Although that legal target onlyrelates to some 42 years on, in 2050,when even the youngest members ofthe present Cabinet may be (politely)otherwise deployed. And even then, itis not clear there will be actual legalpenalties for failure. We may be sparedthe sight of ministers being hauled offin handcuffs.

But having a department that dealswith climate change – that is surelysomething to be proud about? Or is itjust a case of giving the existing civilservants who have long dealt withenergy policy new offices? Certainlyjust the same bureaucrats, from thedirector-general Willy Rickettdownwards, seem to be still in post -

albeit using different visiting cards. Asdo those who were in Defra who dealtwith energy conservation. Both lotsform this new department.

So, will the new department reallybe dealing with all of climate changepolicy? Will it for instance haveanything to do with ensuring we adaptto the (now inevitable) changes thatare taking place to our climate? Er, no.Will it have any role regardingagriculture, which after energy usageis the next biggest source ofemissions? Er, no. Will it run theMarket Transformation Programme,ensuring that the products we useevery day are made more climatefriendly? Er, no.

Actually all the new departmentalarrangements consist of is putting theold Department of Energy togetheragain. It was abolished by PrimeMinister John Major in 1992. When thetop movie around was called... Backto the Future 2. Seems appropriate.

RATING THE GAS-GUZZLERSFrom October 1, all public bodiesoccupying more than a 1,000 squaremetre sized building have had todisplay an energy efficiency rating. Thescale runs from A to G, just like forwashing machines and refrigerators.One in four of the 3,200 buildingsassessed so far have scored an F or a G.Only 22 buildings, less than 1%, haveyet scored an A.

Amongst the worst gas-guzzlers, withthe very lowest G rating, are the officesat Number 3, Whitehall Place,Westminster. Which have just becomethe headquarters of the new

Department for Energy & ClimateChange. Where they join the staff of theGovernment’s new Climate ChangeCommittee.

Those who assume that inconsequence this building will be thesubject of massive energy savingimprovements may care to note thatthe previous occupants were noneother than DEFRA.. This was thedepartment which had been in chargeof climate change policy ever since itsinception. Yet another example of ‘dowhat I say, not what I do’ fromgovernment?

I am quite sure that, as an Electrical Reviewreader, you are much too genteel to have felteven the slightest hint of glee at the sight of allthose bankers being brought low by the creditcrunch. Indeed your sole reaction will have beenone of genuine sadness regarding these latter-day masters of the universe, suffering as a resultof their own incompetence and greed.

If so, spare your pity. It seems many erstwhilebankers are finding alternative employment.And it is in the electricity sector.

According to recruitment consultancy GRS ,bank workers with expertise in areas such asrisk, tax and legal issues are jumping ship enmasse to work in the energy sector. Some 900new management posts have been created inthe trading arms of the big energy utilities. Amiddle ranking trader last year earned, onaverage, £90,000, a senior “energy manager” ahandsome £380,000. And these salaries are dueto be augmented by an average energy sectorbonus of a further 21% of salary.

All of which makes me convinced there willbe no feeling of shadenfreude amongst mydevoted readers on learning how times haveturned tough for bankers. Just remember. Risingwholesale prices may not be exclusively toblame for ever more expensive electricity bills.

TOUGH TIMES


UPS SYSTEMS

WITH DWINDLING North Sea oil and gas reserves and

nuclear and coal-fired power stations nearing the end of

their service lifetime, there is considerable uncertainty

about the UK’s future energy supplies. Combined with

current price rises and pressure to meet environmental

objectives, energy efficiency is undoubtedly of increasing

importance to businesses. The consequent drive for new

technologies that reduce power consumption and carbon

emissions has been key to the development and uptake of

modern, modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS)

solutions that offer significant improvements in efficiency

– not just in terms of energy but also physical footprint.

The proliferation of microprocessor-based equipment

in industrial and commercial sectors has dramatically

increased the numbers and types of electrical load falling

into the ‘critical’ category. The importance of protecting

such sensitive and commercially vital IT and electronic

systems against mains failures is now well understood,

and as a consequence, continued growth in the UPS

market has meant electrical contractors are now

THE GROWING DEMAND FOR CLEAN, RELIABLE POWER CONTRASTS SHARPLY WITHPRESSING CONCERNS OVER ENERGY SUPPLY, QUALITY AND PRICE, ANDENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. PETER BENTLEY, SALES DIRECTOR OF UNINTERRUPTIBLEPOWER SUPPLIES (UPSL), MAKES THE CASE FOR A NEW GENERATION OF MODULARUPS SYSTEMS WHICH ARE HELPING TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES

Pressure on to addressENVIRONMENTAL issues

UPS SYSTEMS

increasingly responsible for specifying and installing

systems.

Reducing footprintsEnergy and environment considerations are coupled with

the high costs of real estate, particularly in city centre

locations, and this has emerged as a major incentive for

businesses to seek space savings for their IT systems and

ancillary equipment.

IT energy consumption has increased by 400% per

server rack since 2003, having grown almost exponentially.

Demand for power can lead to the plant actually being

larger than the data centre it is supporting, so it goes

without saying that any contribution to space saving is to

be welcomed.

For example, a floor space reduction of 70% could be

achieved by replacing a 10 year old 400kVA parallel

redundant UPS system (running at 45% of its rated

capacity) with a new decentralised parallel architecture

(DPA) 200kVA parallel redundant UPS system.

Such savings make an important financial contribution

given the high cost of commercial property. For example,

the biannual property market report (January 2008) from

The Valuation Office Agency, shows that city centre office

block rental values can reach over £300/m2 per annum.

The design and layout of commercial property

frequently imposes physical constraints on the installation

of IT systems and supporting infrastructure, particularly in

old or converted buildings. Financial institutions for

example have historically often occupied city-centre sites

with considerable space challenges. On many occasions,

installing modular rack-mounted transformerless UPS

systems has proven to be the only viable solution for such

exacting performance and floor space specifications, since

they provide high power density and the smallest physical

footprint on the market. Compared with legacy systems,

such modular UPS systems typically take up only a quarter

of the floor space.

Trying to cater for future needs with traditional stand-

alone UPS systems can also lead to over-specification,

creating a wasteful gap between installed capacity and the

size of the actual critical load, and making inefficient use

of costly floor space. However, today’s modular, rack-

mounted systems can be right-sized by inserting or

removing ‘hot-swappable’ modules, enabling power to be

added as requirements grow without any footprint

penalty.

This scalability helps specifiers and installation

contractors to make flexible plans for space requirements

and to manage this valuable resource in terms of

immediate and future needs. Modular, transformerless UPS

systems, with decentralised parallel architecture, provide a

flexible, space-efficient and moveable system, versus

monolithic stand-alone installations that may never be used

to capacity and would certainly be a challenge to relocate.

Decentralised parallel architecture Today’s modular UPS systems are uniquely designed to

remove any single point of failure, achieving virtually zero

downtime and the elimination of costly disruptions to

mission critical operations.

Decentralised parallel architecture works by paralleling

independent rack-format UPS modules. This means that

each individual module contains all the necessary

hardware and software required for full system operation.

With all critical components duplicated and distributed

between the independent modules, potential single points

of failure are eradicated, giving guaranteed system uptime.

With a minimum of one module over and above that

required by the ‘capacity’ system, the load is supported

with UPS power if any one module shuts down, thereby

providing full N+1 redundancy and significantly increasing

system availability – an important factor at a time when

power supply in the UK is becoming less dependable but

more critical to business operations.

According to a recent report by business research and

consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, rising energy costs,

declining power quality and concerns over carbon


UPS SYSTEMS

emissions have highlighted the vital role of energy-

efficient UPS. Commenting on the report, Frost & Sullivan

programme manager Malavika Tohani commented:

“Spiralling energy costs and increasing attention to

reducing carbon emissions are driving the growth of

energy-efficient UPS systems. It is therefore vital that

applications consuming high amounts of power such as

data centres and industrial applications adopt energy-

efficient UPS.”

Cost savingsConcerns over relatively high initial prices have in the past

inhibited the uptake of energy-efficient modular UPS

systems. However, as energy costs continue rising, total cost

of ownership (TCO) increasingly favours a high efficiency

solution as savings quickly compensate for the initial

purchase premium.

By comparing the TCO for a traditional UPS and for an

advanced modular system the savings become very

apparent. The TCO advantage of modular UPSs derives from

factors including size, transport and installation logistics,

power security, maintenance, training, spare parts and

upgrading, as well as energy costs and carbon emissions.

Modularity improves efficiency by working closer to the

load capacity than traditional UPS systems but without

sacrificing the security of the system. The more a load

approaches the capacity of any UPS, the more efficiently the

UPS operates. A traditional standalone parallel redundant

system is typically just 50% loaded while a modular solution

typically achieves a 70% or higher loading. This reduces both

energy and UPS cooling costs.

As the table shows, for a modular 200kVA N+1 UPS

system supplying a load of 180kVA, the TCO savings over

five years can be nearly £145,900, with nearly 712 tonnes

carbon emissions reduction and a carbon neutral offset

equivalent to 1083 trees.

The financial benefits, efficiency and flexibility offered by

modular UPSs means they are increasingly the de facto

choice for ‘future-proof’ power protection and to meet

today’s power supply and environmental challenges.



BUILDING SERVICES

Electrical distribution, building automation and control

equipment represents a major investment within any

building, but the full costs of such equipment are often

always apparent. While there are often intense negotiations

over the original purchase price, the costs of operating the

equipment, its maintenance and its consumption costs are

largely overlooked, despite the fact that the operating costs

of equipment can be ten times that of the initial capital cost.

By deploying effective lifecycle support strategies, the

operating expenditure can be minimised. The key is for

building services engineers to become more focused on

delivering key actions required to optimise equipment

assets.

In the built environment there is the scope to apply

optimisation policy to both existing and new installations.

For existing equipment there are the potential benefits in

improving the performance or extending the life expectancy

of the equipment. For new buildings or those with new

installations of equipment, there is the possibility to design

in optimisation and best practice for maintenance.

Consulting an organisation, such as Schneider Electric’s

Services and Projects, that has extensive knowledge of

equipment duty cycles and service requirements, it is

possible to maximise lifetimes as well as equipment service

uptime at the lowest cost.

Ensuring the electrical system is designed correctly at the

outset, for example, provides long-term cost benefits by

reducing spurious tripping and network faults that impact

on the availability of the system. This can be taken further

by fully protecting the system against the loss of power. In

the case of an installation where power is distributed via

substations, failure can render a building with no power,

while for distribution network operators (DNOs), a failure in

the supply equates to lost sales of electricity. It also leads to

unhappy tenants or occupiers and again, in the case of the

DNOs, there are potential repercussions from government

regulators. In privately run systems such as large

commercial or manufacturing facilities, the loss of power

can also lead to stoppages in output that creates immediate

lost opportunity penalties. The cost of downtime is

something every business would like to cut out of its P&L

reports. In some instances, such as public buildings,

schools/colleges, hospitals, ports and airports lives can be

put at risk if power fails.

Choosing the right equipment to install within a system is

just as important as making sure the system itself is robust.

Clearly, a key factor influencing the operating costs of

equipment is the reliability of the equipment itself!

Selecting equipment with a proven track record of reliability,

checking that the equipment is compatible with other

elements in the system and installing the equipment

correctly will all help to reduce the running costs. Also,

making sure the system is scalable means that the business

can flex to meet changing demand levels, without having to

replace existing systems with new ones – another

potentially significant lifetime cost reduction

WITHIN A BUILDING, THE PRICE OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT DOES NOT STOP AT THE POINT

OF PURCHASE. IN FACT, WITH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, THE LIFETIME RUNNING COSTS

CAN DWARF THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. IDENTIFYING AND UNDERSTANDING

OPERATING COSTS AND IMPLEMENTING STRATEGIES TO ALLEVIATE THEM CAN SAVE HUGE

SUMS OF MONEY ARGUES KEVIN JONES OF SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC’S SERVICES & PROJECTS

Optimise assets andslash OPERATING costs

In the built

environment there

is scope to apply

optimisation

policy to both

existing and new

installations

Schneider Electric provideds assetefficiency optimisation to both

power users and power generators

BUILDING SERVICES

Maintenance is keyMaintenance is frequently perceived as a non-essential cost,

endorsed with the mantra ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Factors

that affect its low prioritisation include operators being unsure

of what to do to maintain equipment (particularly electrical

items), the inability to measure, monitor and predict when

and what maintenance is required, as well as a general

deskilling in the industry that has left resources stretched and

knowledge limited. However, to ensure the smooth running

of the system, developing and deploying maintenance

strategy is absolutely vital. By routinely checking the health

and predicted lifetimes of equipment, the risk of unplanned

downtime, or worse still, unpredicted outages, can be

minimised.

As one example of how the problem can be addressed,

Schneider Electric developed software called Prodiag, which

can provide a fast and concise health check on electrical

switchgear. The diagnosis takes less than one hour per

electrical panel and uses the manufacturer’s specifically

designed measurement software. The critical device

characteristics are recorded and compared with defined

tolerance bands for assessment of the device status.

Overcoming the problem of a measurement method is the

most crucial step to gathering useful and effective predictive

maintenance and lifetime data.

Where the resources or capabilities of in-house staff are

stretched, developing a long-term relationship with a third

party supplier for lifecycle support services can pay dividends.

By partnering with one company, users benefit from the

partner’s increased knowledge of the user’s business. At the

same time, a shared ownership of the maintenance and

upgrade strategy can be developed. In this way a history can

be built up in the partnership to improve the performance of

the equipment.

For example, maintenance can be reduced through fitting

better electrical protection equipment. Here, the performance,

accuracy and longevity of a system and its installed

switchgear can be improved by replacing old

electromechanical or solid state protection measures with

integrated microprocessor based digital relays. Such state of

the art equipment can also provide metering with remote

alarm, monitoring and diagnosis functions.

A further extension of the outsourced maintenance

concept is that of having an embedded engineer. In such a

regime, qualified engineers that are fully conversant with

the user’s system can be based on site for immediate

response and technical support in the event of equipment

or system failure. Since the deployment of an embedded

engineer can be regarded as a part of the cost of sale rather

than as an overhead, there are positive tax ramifications for

the user as well as the benefit of having expert know how

on call at any time.

Invest on a timely basisTo ensure assets are fully optimised, an equipment

installation should be an evolving thing – not a once only fit

and forget system. Reviewing the system and the equipment

in it, highlights where changes and upgrades are needed to

maintain optimum performance.

Upgrades are cost-effective, since upgrading a network or

building is a much cheaper option than starting from scratch,

plus it allows the user to manage its cashflow by investing

smaller amounts on a regular basis. Manufacturers continually

invest in new product development and by regularly

upgrading products and systems, users can immediately reap

the benefits of technology improvements. This brings

commercial and cost advantages over having to wait for a

complete new system – giving the user increased productivity

from its installed plant.

By defining and implementing an asset optimisation

strategy, organisations can improve process and plant

availability, increase operations and maintenance productivity

and forecast expenditure more accurately.


Maintenance is

frequently

perceived as a

non-essential cost,

endorsed with the

mantra ‘if it ain’t

broke, don’t fix it’

Asset optimisation can be beneficialto all sorts of major energy users

For those

contemplating a less

rigorous approach to

health safety, the

stakes have never

been higher

WITH HSE reporting around 1,000 workplace electrical

accidents and 25 deaths each year, reducing the

dangers associated with the use of unsafe electrical

appliances in the workplace is of vital importance.

Fires started by poor electrical installations and faulty

appliances also cause many more deaths and injuries

– and considerable disruption to business activities.

Nevertheless, in pursuit of maintaining cost

efficiencies during difficult economic times, health and

safety procedures are often among the first activities

to be reviewed for cost cutting purposes.

However, before taking any action in this respect,

company owners should fully understand their

obligations and the risks associated with any short

circuiting of proper health and safety procedures.

Employers have a duty of care obligation under the

Health and Safety At Work Act 1974 to ensure the

electrical safety of all those using their premises.

As well as facing penalties from the HSE, those that

ignore their responsibilities not only put their

employees and customers at risk, but may also

invalidate their commercial insurance policies and

liability protection.

In addition, the introduction earlier this year of the

Corporate Manslaughter and Homicide Act also makes

it easier to convict organisations guilty of negligence –

with fines of more than 10% of turnover with no

upper limit one of the penalties in waiting.

For any organisations contemplating a less rigorous

approach to health safety in the interests of cutting

costs, the stakes have never been higher.

The legal requirements relating to the use and

maintenance of electrical equipment in the

workplace are contained in the Electricity at Work

Regulations 1989 (EAWR). Regulation 4(2) of the

EAWR requires that all electrical systems are

maintained so as to prevent danger.

This requirement covers all items of electrical

equipment including fixed, portable and transportable

equipment. Crucially Regulation 29 adds that a

suitable defence is proof that all reasonable steps and

due diligence were exercised in avoiding unsafe

regulations.

In response to this situation, the IEE’s Code of

Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing

recommends that maintenance of electrical equipment

is carried out in four stages - visual inspection, a test

to verify earth continuity, a test to verify insulation

and a functional test.

Electrical portable appliances are often roughly

handled when moved from place to place, operate in

a variety of environments and in many instances have

more arduous and onerous usage compared to fixed

equipment. As a result, at any time around 20% of

electrical appliances used in workplaces could require

re-testing to ensure that they do not pose a hazard to

users.

Workplace safety programmes must therefore be

capable of detecting potential problems with electrical

appliances before they occur. For example, how can

gradual deterioration in the electrical integrity of

power tool, kitchen appliance or piece of IT

equipment be diagnosed?

The emphasis on maintaining a safe working

environment is therefore constant and some examples

of the sort of horror stories uncovered by periodic

inspection and test programmes illustrate this point

perfectly.

For example, one public sector employer now

insists all faulty equipment must have the whole lead

cut off as close to the appliance as possible. This is

the result of an earlier situation when a caretaker


Beware of FALSEECONOMIES with safety testing

OPINIONJim Wallace

Guidelines on periodic safety

testing intervals are provided

in the IEE Code of Practice


rewired a plug onto an appliance that had previously

had the plug removed after failing its regular test.

The failed but reconnected appliance was then

responsible for causing a fire causing thousands of

pounds worth of damage.

In an engineering company, factory workers risked

their lives by continually replacing a fuse that

persistently failed in a power tool with a solid metal

bar, rather than raise the issue and question why the

fuse was always blowing. The temporary modification

was uncovered during a periodic portable appliance

test.

Warehouse equipment when left around floor areas

can be particularly liable to cable damage from fork

lift trucks. In one case a warehouse operative

preferred to continue to use an electric drill with

exposed wires rather than admit that it had been left

out and damaged.

Even in offices, employees have been found to be

taping up cracked power packs with cellotape rather

than having them replaced. Elsewhere, in a school

laboratory, a safety engineer had to take all the

soldering out of service after the students had used

them to burn through their own plugs.

All of these highly dangerous situations would not

have been detected without the presence of regular

inspection and testing procedures.

Although many obvious defects can be identified by

visual checks, inspection needs to be linked with a

programme of testing to reveal potentially invisible

electrical faults such as earth continuity, insulation

integrity, correct polarity, unacceptable earth leakage

and other potential problems.

Of course the need for establishing effective safety

measures has to be balanced against practical

aspects; realistic precautions for one organisation

might be unacceptable for a larger or different type of

business. In this respect guidelines on periodic safety

testing intervals are provided in the IEE Code of

Practice and supported by various HSE guidelines.

Given this situation, companies engaged in cost

efficiency introductions need to think very clearly

about the potential consequences.

In considering any cost reductions a clear

distinction needs to be made between, for example,

what might be regarded as potentially unnecessary

and costly advice against those potentially vital life (or

business) saving procedures.

This particularly applies to in-service electrical

safety testing and ever more at a time when

companies may be tempted to delay the replacement

of older or damaged equipment with new tools and

appliances, which so often happens during difficult

economic conditions.

Where electrical safety is concerned, there is

absolutely no room whatsoever for taking risks or

adopting dangerous cost cutting practices.

JIM WALLACE OF SEAWARD

ELECTRONIC URGES EMPLOYERS TO

TAKE A COMMON SENSE

APPROACH TO ENSURING THE

SAFETY OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT,

AS ANY CUTBACKS ON SAFETY

PROCEDURES CARRY

CONSIDERABLE RISKS

Where electrical safety is

concerned, there is no room for

risks or cost cutting practices

LIGHTING

Only 12% of SMEs

could name the

regulations provided

in the WEE legislation

and many were

unsure of their

responsibilities

IT’S BEEN over a year since the WEEE Regulations

came into effect in the UK, and now that they are

starting to ‘bed in’ we are seeing many encouraging

statistics about awareness levels amongst businesses

and overall increasing levels of recycling . The latest

figures show that the average WEEE recycling rate in

the UK is over 7kg per inhabitant each year which is

well above the EU directive’s target of 4kg.

However, nearly two million tonnes of WEEE is

produced every year in the UK and, according to a

recent survey by environmental guidance providers

Netregs, only 12% of SMEs could name the regulations

provided in the WEEE legislation and many were

unsure of their responsibilities.

At Recolight, we run a not-for-profit compliance

scheme specifically for the benefit of our lamp

industry producer members, their customers and end

users. This means that on behalf of these members

(we represent over sixty producer members) we have

a remit to organise the collection and recycling of their

lamps when they reach end of life. We do this via our

RecoNet network of collection points and also through

one-off on-demand collections where volumes are

sufficient.

Our priority is to recycle as many lamps as possible

on behalf of our members, and to increase overall

recycling rates for waste lamps. Providing simple

solutions and valuable support to end users is, in my

opinion, the best way to achieve this.

Unfortunately we are still finding that many small

businesses and end users are paying the full cost of

recycling services for WEEE and are unaware that they

could qualify for pre-funded services like Recolight’s

scheme for lamps.

As a WEEE compliance scheme we take on the legal

responsibility of our members to put in place a system

to collect and recycle their customers’ end of life

lamps. Their membership funds the cost of our

LAST MONTH ERNEST MAGOGFROM LUMICOM SHED LIGHTON WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FORWHAT UNDER THE WEEEREGULATIONS. THIS MONTH,PETER LEES, COMMERCIALMANAGER AT SPECIALIST WEEECOMPLIANCE SCHEMERECOLIGHT, EXPLAINS WHYRECYCLING DOESN’TNECESSARILY HAVE TO BE ANEXPENSE OR A CHORE


WEEEcycling made


Recycling should be

easy, cost-effective

and second nature

collection and recycling services from which any

qualifying organisation can benefit.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE WEEE REGULATIONS 12 MONTHS ONThe gas discharge lamps (GDLs) covered by the

Regulations account for 70-80% of the 100+ million

lamps sold in the UK each year. Gas discharge lamps

(GDLs) include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs),

mercury, metal halide and sodium SON and SOX

lamps. Most of these lamp types are used in both

household and non-household applications and are

also covered by the Hazardous Waste Regulations.

They therefore need to be dealt with in accordance

with strict guidelines as they could cause a risk to the

environment if sent to landfill sites or otherwise not

disposed of properly.

According to the Department for Business

Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), over 4,000

producers have now joined one of the forty EA

approved producer compliance schemes (PCS) in a

variety of product categories, which they are obliged

to do under the WEEE Regulations . The Environment

Agency is responsible for enforcing the Regulations

and is currently undertaking a programme of

identifying ‘free-riders’ who haven’t yet joined a

scheme.

Free riders are producers or importers who are not

registered with a compliance scheme. Their customers,

and ultimately the end users, are not covered for the

cost of recycling these lamps when they become

waste. In a worst case scenario other producers and

their compliance schemes will end up incurring these

recycling costs although no funding will have been

provided. Non-compliance also means that there isn’t

an accurate national record of eligible EEE put on the

market place, which is necessary for measuring

achievement against targets, not to mention such

practises leading to higher than necessary recycling

costs.

One of our key messages to wholesalers, retailers

and facilities managers is to make sure they buy

lamps from a compliant producer. In particular it is

sensible to ask your supplier to specify the

compliance scheme to which the brand you are

buying belongs. This way you can be sure that you

won't be left trying to find a recycling scheme for your

customers, and even better can avoid having to pay

unnecessary charges to recycle the ‘free-rider’ lamps

when they reach end of life.

WORKING WITH RECOLIGHT’S COMPLIANCESCHEMEAll compliance schemes operate differently but we

emphasise in our business model that recycling

should be easy, cost effective and second nature. As a

specialist scheme for lamps we provide (subject to

conditions) free collection, via our RecoNet network ofRajesh Sinha

SIMPLE

LIGHTING

LIGHTING

collection points, and can also make one-off on-

demand collections where volumes of lamps are

sufficient. We always welcome enquiries from

businesses interested in becoming collection points

and have recently seen an increase both in the number

of one-off collections we are making and in the total

number of fixed location RecoNet collection points we

have. As awareness levels about both the need to

recycle lamps and the services we offer grow we

expect levels of recycling to increase further.


32V PPTC Devices Help Improve DesignFlexibilityTruck and bus wiring harnesses must be protected

from potential damage caused by a severe thermal

event, such as a short circuit in the vehicle wiring.

Circuits typically require 0.10 to 20A of current at

system voltages of 28V with operation to 32V.

Until recently, a caveat in a vehicle’s harness design

was that 24V modules with resettable circuit

protection devices could not be located under the

hood in high-temperature environments. The

introduction of Tyco Electronics’ PolySwitch AHEF

series of 32V devices rated from -40°C to 125°C

eliminates this design drawback. The new PPTC

devices are available in current ratings from 0.5A to

10A, allowing the harness’ electrical architecture to be

designed more closely to reflect the optimized tree

structure with its accompanying size, weight, and cost

benefits.

The benefits of these new circuit protection devices

include a maximum 32V operating voltage rating and

a maximum operating temperature of 125°C that

allows them to be used both in the passenger and the

engine compartments. Additionally, all devices are

housed in through-hole packages and are tested to the

AECQ200 standard. They are RoHS and ELV compliant.

TECHNOLOGY BENEFITSAs single-use devices, fuses must be replaced when

they blow. This requires that fuses be mounted in

accessible fuse boxes — a requirement that dictates

system architecture and forces packaging and system

layout compromises. Unlike fuses, PPTC devices do not

require replacement after a fault event, and allow the

circuit to return to normal operating condition after the

power has been cycled and the overcurrent condition is

removed.

PPTC devices are made from a composite of semi-

crystalline polymer and conductive particles. At normal

temperature, the conductive particles form low-

resistance networks in the polymer (Fig. 4). However, if

the temperature rises above the device’s switching

temperature (TSw) either from high current through the

part or from an increase in the ambient temperature (or

both), the crystallites in the polymer melt and become

amorphous. The increase in volume during melting of

the crystalline phase separates the conductive particles

resulting in a large non-linear increase in the resistance

of the device.

The resistance typically increases by three or more

orders of magnitude. This increased resistance helps

protect the equipment in the circuit by reducing the

amount of current that can flow under the fault

THE WIRING-HARNESS ARCHITECTURE FOUND IN TRUCKS, BUSES AND

OTHER VEHICLES WITH ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS BASED ON 24V TECHNOLOGY

HAS UNDERGONE CONSIDERABLE CHANGE AS ELECTRICAL AND

ELECTRONIC CONTENT HAS INCREASED. CONVENTIONAL FUNCTIONS, SUCH

AS THE HVAC (HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR CONDITIONING) SYSTEM,

CONTINUE TO BE CONVERTED TO ELECTRONIC CONTROL WHILE MANY NEW

FEATURES, SUCH AS GPS (GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS) AND

ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS, ARE BEING ADDED TO THE ELECTRICAL LOAD. IN

THE SECOND OF A TWO-PART FEATURE, GUILLEMETTE PAOUR OF TYCO

ELECTRONICS’ RAYCHEM CIRCUIT PROTECTION PRODUCTS EXPLAINS

Rajesh Sinha

All CHANGE for powersystem design (part 2)

POWER SYSTEM DESIGN


POWER SYSTEM DESIGN

condition to a low, steady state level. The device

remains in its latched (high resistance) position until

the fault is cleared and power to the circuit is cycled –

at which time the conductive composite cools and re-

crystallizes, restoring the PPTC to a low resistance

state in the circuit and the affected equipment to

normal operating conditions.

Because PPTC devices transition to their high

impedance state, based on the influence of

temperature, they help provide protection for two

fault conditions – overcurrent and overtemperature.

Overcurrent protection is provided when the PPTC

device is heated internally due to I2R power

dissipated within the device. High current levels

through the PPTC device heat it internally to its

switching temperature causing it to trip and go into a

high impedance state.

The PPTC device can also be caused to trip by

thermally linking it to a component or equipment that

needs to be protected against overtemperature

conditions. If the equipment temperature reaches the

PPTC device’s switching temperature, the PPTC device

will transition to its high impedance state, regardless

of the current flowing through it. In this way, the

device can be used either to reduce the current to the

equipment to very low levels, or as an indicator to the

control system that the equipment is overheating. The

control system can then determine what action is

appropriate to protect equipment and personnel.

PPTC devices are employed as series elements in a

circuit. Their small form factor helps conserve

valuable board space and, in contrast to traditional

fuses that require user-accessibility, their resettable

functionality allows for placement in inaccessible

locations. Because they are solid-state devices, they

are also able to withstand mechanical shock and

vibration.

Resettable circuit protection also offers the benefit

of making overcurrent protection less susceptible to

misuse and tampering. Automotive fuses that have

nominal current ratings from 2A to 30A are all

packaged in the same form factor. A fuse can be

incorrectly replaced by one of a higher value, offering

no protection at all. When located in remote modules,

PPTC devices cannot be readily accessed, changed or

abused by the user.

CONCLUSIONThe introduction of 32V PPTC devices enables

reliable, resettable overcurrent protection for bus and

truck wire harnesses utilising 24V electrical systems.

Featuring operating temperatures from -40°C to 125°C

and current ratings from 0.5A to 10A, the PolySwitch

AHEF series devices offer designers the ability to

locate protection close to their intended electronics —

whether in the passenger compartment to help

protect BCUs (body control units) or in the engine

compartment to help protect HVAC or other control

modules. Resettable circuit protection strategies can

also help facilitate designs that use less copper,

reduce weight, voltage drop and heat, and optimise

PCB (printed circuit board) space.

Truck and bus wiring

harnesses must be

protected from

potential damage

caused by a sever

thermal event


Fig. 4: PPTC devices protect the circuit by going from a low-resistance state to a high-resistance state in response to anovercurrent or overtemperature condition.


We are moving

towards a more

holistic approach to

emergency lighting

system design

TO-DATE, many of the challenges faced when

implementing emergency lighting schemes have

derived from a disjoint in conventional design

approach. Emergency lighting schemes have

traditionally been addressed by disparate systems--

systems that are typically split along the boundaries of

architectural and commercial energy management

lighting.

The 2005/2006 European directives, coupled with

significant advances in lighting control and monitoring

technology, are creating a trend towards a more holistic

approach to emergency lighting system design. This

approach ‘engineers in’ the emergency lighting

functionality--most notably the mandatory testing

regime--across the building or campus as a whole,

rather than patching together disparate systems, or

tacking on testing functionality as an afterthought.

Such holistic emergency lighting system design is

empowered by four key technologies: advanced

luminaire communications, centralised system

monitoring tools, total campus distributed control

architectures, and the increased use of campus-wide

Ethernet backbones.

Innovative luminaire, ballast and inverter control and

monitoring protocols – such as DALI and DALI’s

extended command-set, (which is currently under

industry discussion) – provide the system ‘eyes and

ears’. Complementing this, user-friendly PC-based

graphical control and monitoring interfaces provide a

centralised ‘total view’ of the entire lighting installation,

both operational and emergency. Powerful lighting

system distributed control architectures empower the

holistic design, by providing ubiquitous connectivity

across the entire building or campus. Increasingly, such

distributed control architectures are complemented by

a building- or campus-wide Ethernet backbone,

allowing system-to-system bridging, plus connectivity

to services outside the building, such as Internet

monitoring and e-mailing of event alarm notifications.

These four core technologies, coupled with advanced

lighting system design, are underpinning an essential

holistic view of the building emergency lighting

network. Together, they are empowering a new

generation of emergency lighting testing – one that is

seeing automated and semi-automated testing actually

engineered into the system itself.

TESTING TIMESEmergency lighting demands a better view

OPINION

Paul Wilmshurst, managing

director, Dynalite Europe

THE INTRODUCTION OF TWO KEY EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES IN

2005/2006 CHANGED THE FACE OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING--AND MOST

PARTICULARLY EMERGENCY LIGHTING TESTING--FOREVER. THESE TWO

DIRECTIVES--EN50172 EMERGENCY ESCAPE LIGHTING SYSTEMS AND

EN62034 AUTOMATIC TESTING FOR BATTERY POWERED EMERGENCY

ESCAPE LIGHTING--OPENED THE DOOR TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN

THE EMERGENCY LIGHTING DOMAIN, AND BROUGHT WITH THEM

IMPLICIT CHALLENGES. PAUL WILMSHURST EXPLAINS.

PRODUCT WATCH

LAUNCH OF NEW DISTRIBUTOR PLATFORMDanfoss Drives and its partners now offer online ordering of theVLT® Micro Drive. Customers can order customised drivesthrough a centralised platform and take delivery from theirlocal distributor. The benefits include minimumprocessing time for orders, direct follow-upand the shortest possible delivery time.

The new web site, at www.vltmicro.co.uk,allows users to customise the drive, selecttheir local distributor and pay for the orderusing PayPal or major credit cards.

“It’s simple, easy and fast” said AnthonyPickering, senior sales director at DanfossDrives. “We wanted a platform that reflects the simplicity and ease-of-use of theVLT® Micro Drive itself and that allows the customer application to be up andrunning in the shortest possible time”

Danfoss DrivesWWW.VLTMICRO.CO.UK

SCORING AT TWICKENHAMFormer professional rugby player and Marco salesrepresentative, Pete Massey, has returned to his sportingroots supplying specialist Marco electrical products to the

home of rugby,Twickenham.

A formerNewcastle Falcoln’s,Barbarians andEngland Under 21’steam member hehas returned toTwickenham inrecent weeks towork as a part ofthe project teamdeveloping a new

security office and ticket sales office in the South Stand.For Massey, it was a momentous occasion, having been

presented with his England Under 21’s cap in the ground’sRose Room. He said: "I have been given the job ofproviding the power and speed at fullback for the teams Ihave represented through the years at Twickenham, butlittle did I know I would be helping power the cablemanagement system years later!"

Marco Cable Management01248 725777

2009 CATALOGUE HERALDS 50TH YEAR Lapp Group has published its latest catalogue ahead of the50th anniversary year of its ÖLFLEX brand. Echoing the theme‘ÖLFLEX keeps the world moving’, the new catalogue has aneye catching cover illustration featuring a few of the 3,000plus employees from many of the different countries where theLapp Group operates.

With more than 1000 pagesand well over 40,000 individualproducts, the catalogue providesthe most extensive productoverview detailing highly-flexible connection and controlcables, data and fibre opticcables, industrial connectors,systems and accessories.

Lapp Group020 8758 7801

PULLING CABLES JUST GOT EASIERHelp is at hand for that often tricky and difficult of jobs; pulling cable into

pre-installed trunking or conduit. The Lancord 20 from Nicoletti has beendesigned to pull cables up to 20m in length and up to a total weight of 25kgwith just the press of a button.

The patented drive makes light work of pulling cables and can be used withany popular make of drill. If required, however, Lancord 20 can also be suppliedcomplete with its own dedicated drill.

The cable is pulled by a nylon rod that is long lasting, and is further protectedby a shock absorber reducing the final recoil. The nylon

rod is self-cleaning to ensure repeatedtrouble free operation.

Delaney PSD0118 988

9923

FIXED WIRE TESTING ADDED TO PORTFOLIOMerlin Power Management has expanded its range of services by introducing fixed wiretesting. This will allow Merlin to offer its customers inspection and testing on the entireelectrical infrastructure of a building including cabling, switchgear, generator and UPS.

Fixed wire testing is becoming a statutory requirement of many insurance companiesdue to the growing amount of technology and equipment being used today. It is carried out

on all circuits, distribution boards, individualsockets as well as conductors, switching devices,cabling, etc.

After testing a report is produced on thecondition of the installation.

This includes an electrical circuit schematic ofthe low voltage distribution systems within thebuilding together with details of any remedialaction required and the urgency of the work.

Merlin Power Management08700 623349

COMPLETE CONTROL

Ridi Lighting is set to shake up the commercial lighting world withthe launch of its comprehensive lighting control package, Control.Designed to offer maximum energy and cost efficiency, the newRidi system easily ensures total compliance with Part L buildingregulations, as well as absolute end-user convenience.

A software based control system, using standard TCP/IP, as wellas Dali, Control gives you complete access to your building systemsfrom a single interface. Simple both to use and install, Controlallows individual building users to manage their own environmentvia a PC pop-up or wireless control, as well as the system makinguse of the existing data network and manual control switches.

Ridi Lighting01279 450882

PRODUCT WATCH

DRIVE RECEIVES FIRST BACNET CERTIFICATIONThe ABB standard drive for HVAC, ACH550, has become the first variable speed drive to receive thenew European BACnet certification. The drive has been approved and listed by BACnet TestingLaboratories (BTL) as meeting the updated BACnet standard ISO 16484-5:2007.

ABB’s standard drive for HVAC was the first BTL approveddrive, back in 2005, and is now the first BACnet certified drive.During that time ABB has delivered some 20,000 such drives forBACnet installations worldwide, showing that the ABB standarddrive for HVAC will run smoothly with equipment from othermanufacturers.

The BACnet certificate for the ABB standard drive for HVAC,ACH550, can be downloaded as a PDF file from ABB’s website,www.abb.co.uk/hvacdrives

ABB 01925 741 111

RUGGED CIRCULAR CONNECTOR Amphenol Industrial Operations has introduced RoHS-compliant,rugged connectors that provide up to 1500A in powerapplications. The versatile Star-Line EX connectors are certified foruse in Zone 1-llc hazardous environments and are ideal forapplications in harsh environments, like wind farms and oil/gasexploration as well as industrial manufacturing and processing.

Star-Line EX electrical connectors provide electrical, designand instrumentation engineers with a fast and safeinterconnection to modular equipment. They come with solder,crimp or pressure terminals, eliminating the need for hard wiring to terminal blocks enclosed in junction boxes,and offering significant time/cost savings during equipment installation or tear-down.

Amphenol Industrial Operations Europe+39 02 93254.204

LIGHTING UP ELECTRICAL SAFETY TESTINGEmergency lighting companies requiring extensive electricalsafety testing and automation can take advantage of a bespokesolution from Clare Instruments, developed specifically for thesector.

Clare's Elite E9024V tester, which brings enhanced levels ofautomation and control to electrical safety testing, and testenclosures have been linked with an integration test module,enabling companies to safely undertake all required tests on anitem without the additional time consuming rewiring requiredto carry out further checking and testing.

The application specific system is completed with magneticlock and optical sensors to allow checks that theactivation/battery ready LED has been activated.

Clare Instruments 0191 587 8741

IMPROVED OPERATIONAL SAFETY Crane control software that brings increased safety, reliability and improved performance to

industrial, harbour and tower cranes has been developed byABB for use with its variable speed drives.

Called crane control program, the software is an optionaladd-on for the ABB industrial drives range which extendsfrom 0.55 kW to 5600 kW. It incorporates all the functionscommonly required for the hoist, trolley and long travelmotions in industrial, harbour and tower cranes.

At the heart of the design is ABB’s motor control platform,Direct Torque Control (DTC). DTC technology allows accuratecontrol of speed and torque with or without pulse encoderfeedback from the motor shaft. The Crane Control Program

utilises DTC to deliver enhanced operational safety and provides accurate slow speed control withhigh torque levels.

ABB 01925 741 111

SIMULTANEOUSVENTILATIONThe Addvent Whole House Ventilation (AVWH)Range is designed to deliver simultaneousventilation for up to four separate areas suchas bathrooms, en-suites, kitchens and toilets,while reducing the power consumed.

The range consists of two models; theAVWH1 and AVWH2 and can be mountedeither on the wall, below the ceiling or abovethe ceiling giving the units great flexibility.

The AVWH2 Model is the DC version of thewholehouse products that Addvent supply.

This unit is a low carbon model whichreduces the power consumed during use butcan also reduce the carbon footprint of adwelling. The system incorporates a DC motorwith ball race bearings. A backward curvedimpeller is designed to reduce noise levels andcan operate in ambient temperatures of up to40°C.

Addvent0117 938 6400

GASKETS PLAY FIRE SAFETYROLESwitches and sockets have the potential to bethe source of a fire due to arcing or defectivewiring. Firecap intumescent gaskets can play arole in combating this by containing the sourceof the fire and preventing fire spreadingthrough holes made for wiring in fire stoppingelements.

Firecap intumescent gaskets are designed toexpand when exposed to fire, providing ahighly effective stopping seal for up to 60minutes. They have been independently testedto BSEN and BS 476 Part 20 and

Pt. 22. The gaskets' fire stopping properties

remain even when holes are made in them toaccommodate cables.

For added safety, the Firecap Gaskets areinsulated with PVC to avoid the risk ofelectrical short circuit through the graphitematerial of the gasket.

Aico0870 758 4000

PRODUCT WATCH

LED SPOTLIGHTS REPLACE TRADITIONAL HALOGENLIGHTS

A suitable replacement for MR16 halogen lights,new Coolspot LED spotlights from CML InnovativeTechnologies (CML-IT), one of the largestworldwide suppliers of miniature lightingcomponents and systems, have been designed forreading lights, retail lighting and general lightingapplications. Available in four different versions (3Wcool and warm white; 5W cool and warm white),the devices are highly vibration resistant and offer a

long service life of approximately 50000h (compared to 2000h for MR16 halogen lights).Requiring input voltages of only 12 up to 24VAC, the LED lights benefit from low power

consumption and very little heat generation. Beam angles of 20° for the 3W versions and25° for the 5W versions guarantee light can be directed exactly to the area where it isneeded.

CML-IT 07753 567815

DIGITAL OHMMETERS FOR ELECTRICALSAFETYA company which specialises in the manufacture of sensitiveinsulation monitoring devices and on-line earth fault locationsystems for the healthcare sector is using the latest Cropico

instrument to test the electrical safetyof its installations.

Bender UK, part of the Germanowned Bender Group, has equippedits mobile service engineers withDO4002 digital ohmmeters to ensurethat earth loops are less than 0.1ohm when commissioning andservicing electrical equipment.

The lightweight units are veryportable, making it easier and quickerfor engineers to check the safety ofhundreds of Bender isolated powersystem installations in operating

theatres, cath labs, MRI rooms, CT scanners located throughoutthe UK.

Cropico0191 587 8731

ENERGY SAVINGCALCULATORONLINECP Electronics has introduceda new online energycalculator to its website toprovide an invaluable tool for calculating savings in specificinstallations. The simple to use tool will calculate the financialsavings that can be achieved by using energy saving lightingcontrols such as time lag switches and PIR Detectors.

Paul Mans, managing director of CP Electronics, commented:“We have the information at our fingertips and with the aid ofthis sophisticated program we can help customers make a truecomparison of the costs of different solutions and advise themaccordingly”.

CP Electronics020 89000671

COMBINED TAP-OFF AND CUT-OUT UNITS FOR BUSBAR RISERSA combined busbar tap-off unit and fused cut-out distribution board has been developed byEaton engineers to provide power for dwellings in high-rise apartment blocks. It has beendesigned in collaboration with engineers from a London Borough for a refurbishmentprogramme. Each tap-off unit incorporates the supply authority’s cut-out fuses for up to 21flats.

Traditionally, specifiers call forseparate enclosures incorporatingR-Type fuses as service cut-outunits. These are then connectedvia multiple cable runs from theground floor or from busbar risers.By combining the tap-off unit andsupply authority’s fuse distributionboard into a single unit,installation time is reduced andless space is required.

Eaton0845 3380358

COIL UNIT CONTROLLER AT ISE 2009 Lighting control and automation group, Dynalite, willlaunch its new DDFCUC fan coil unit controller at theIntegrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2009 exhibition. Thelatest addition to Dynalite’s building automationsolution-set, the fan coil unit controller providesaccurate air-temperature management in commercialenvironments, such as hotels and offices, whileseamlessly integrating with complementary controlsystems.

The new fan coil unit controller is equipped withtwo dual-triac outputs for heating and cooling valveactuation, and three relay outputs for high, medium and low fan control. Three dry contactinputs allow connection to programmable devices and networked sensors, such as windowsensors, motion detectors and airflow sensors.

Dynalite Europe0870 608 1101

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY WITHPROFIBUS

Eland Cables has recently added Profibus DP and PA to itsproduct portfolio.

Interest in the Profibus range has grown over the last fewyears as contractors have looked to improve the efficiency oftheir industrial installations. One Profibus Cable can do the jobof multicore and multipair cables by transferring data fromdifferent devices down a single pair cable. Profibus DP –available in PVC and LSZH versions – is designed to transportdata at speed to and from field devices in automation networks.Profibus PA, on the other hand, is used in instrumentation – anintrinsically safe blue version is available (PVC only).

Eland hopes these Field Bus cables will help customerscontinue to reduce wiring and operating costs in industrialautomation and instrumentation systems.

Eland Cables020 7241 8787

PRODUCT WATCH

STAY ORGANISED AND TIDYGood value for the professional tradesman, Engex new screw tubs are a good way to stayorganised and tidy.

There are two tubs available, both made from durable transparent plastic that can be re-used with re-sealable lids and tough carry handles fortransportation.

The GX-TUB1 bulk screw tub contains 500 1 ½” x 8woodscrews together with 500 red wall plugs and the GU-TUB2 contains 400 2” x 10 woodscrews and 400 brownwall plugs as well as a masonry drill bit.

Engex is continually developing their product basearound customer requirements, so watch out for newproduct launches from Engex in the coming months.

Engex01952 272 381

EXTENDED CONDUIT RANGE CAN DO THE TWIST.Flexicon has extended its range of spiral reinforced flexible conduit to include applications that also require oilresistance and protection from higher temperatures, in addition to water resistance and torsional movement.

Flexicon’s FPC range is available in nominal sizes from 12mm to63mm. Typical applications would include protection of cables withinmachines or other applications where there are high levels oftorsional movement – such as with CCTV cameras.

The range is colour coded to identify different properties. All canbe used for applications with temperatures ranging from -5oC to70oC, while the new blue version can be used where a widertemperature range of between -20oC to 90oC is required.

Flexicon01675 466900

SELF-ADHERING GASKET FOR INDUSTRIAL CONNECTORSA new self-adhering gasket has been added to the HartingHan(r) range of industrial connectors.

The new gasket allows the seal to be attached directlyto the housing, which makes installation easier. Inaddition, the screws are securely held onto the housingand seal, minimising the chance of them being lost.

These new improvements reduce the time and effortneeded for installation, as well as minimising cost.

Harting01604 827 500

HOME NETWORKING SOLUTIONEmitex home network solutions provide a networkinfrastructure to support communications and entertainmentnow and in the future.

With a background in voice and data networking, Emitexis able to understand the need that home network solutionsshould work seamlessly in the background.

Content can be delivered to any room in the property andis suitable for installation into apartments, houses and smallbusiness premises.

With the audio package, each room is a zone so surround sound, television, iPod, CD player or Skytelevision can be played throughout the property.

Supplied in a kit format with full set of detailed instructions, installation is easy. It is installed using standard Cat 5E and CT100 coax for TV/Sat distribution.

Emitex01952 270 271

SURGE PROTECTIONDEVICES Finder hasannounced theintroduction of the7P Series of SurgeProtection Devices(SPD), developedspecifically tocomply with BS-EN62305: ProtectionAgainst Lightning.

The 7P SPDSeries employs replaceable varistors,enabling the cost effective replacement ofthe active element of the SPD whenrequired. As Type 2 arresters for single-phase and three-phase electrical system,they will appeal to the design andmanufacture of systems and electricalequipment for use in buildings, where thesafety issues associated with lightninghave to be addressed.

There are four versions in the 7P Series,all of which provide visual and remotesignalling of varistor status, providing aclear indication to building maintenancepersonnel when replacement is needed.

Finder01785 818100

PREVENT MALICIOUS ORACCIDENTAL DAMAGEThe Mini Stopper is an aesthetic inexpensivecover, which provides a secure fit to a widerange of electrical switches and call points. TheStopper, however, is specific to the preventionof fire alarms.

Both covers prevent misuse of the devicewithout restricting legitimate operation andare available for flush or surface mountedapplications.

The hinged covers comprise of a clear,tamperproof polycarbonate that retrofitssecurely over the device. Simply lift the cover

to gain accessto the device.Once thecover isreleased thespring loadedhinge returnsthe cover toits originalposition.

Whenreleased on‘The Stopper’,

a sounder emits a piercing 96 dB warninghorn and immediate attention is drawn to thearea.

Firesafe01253 699 500

PRODUCT WATCH

POLYAMIDE CABLE PROTECTIONHazardous Zone 1 & Zone 21 flame-proof luminaires are suited to hazardouslocations in various industries.

The Eexd fittings are glass metal cast fittings which can contain an internalexplosion thus not affecting the external environment.

Although an older technology, these are still extremely popular inenvironments where solvents or chemicals are corrosive to plastics such as spraybooths etc.

They are classed as Zone 1 & 21which enables them to work in azone which an explosive mixture ofgas vapour or dust is likely to occurduring normal operation.

These fittings have an operatingtemp of 85C and voltage of 220v to240v.

Hazardous01253 608 990

WIRELESS CONTROLLED HEATERSHeatstore’s range of wall and ceiling heaters has beenextended to include wireless alternatives using a wirelesscontroller.

The wireless controlled models are ideal in multiple unitinstallations. They offer reduced installation time and costas a supply is only required to eachheater, eliminating the need towire and install separate switches.

The HSCTRLW wirelesscontroller is capable of controllingan infinite number of single ormultiple appliances at thesame time, is easy toinstall and very easy tooperate whilst offering agreat deal of functionality.

It offers a 7-day programme, 12/24 hourclock, 6 time periods per day and the abilityto boost, set back, advance, holiday, fan only re-circulationand key lock as required.

Heatstore0117 938 6458

ENERGY SAVINGCONTROLLERS Heat Electric has launchedtwo new controllers aimed atthe rental and building andfacilities managementmarket.

Designed to conserveenergy and reduce heating bills, the new control systemsdeliver heat when and where needed within boundaries pre-set by the landlord or building manager.

Used in conjunction with Heat Electric’s range of water filledelectric radiators, the new controllers are ideal for use instudent accommodation, self catering properties and hotelswhere heat demand varies depending on occupancy,occupants’ needs and where users have no vested interest inminimising energy consumption.

Heat Electric01422 231 943

SMART MOVES ON RESIDENTIAL SAFETYThe new IEE 17th Edition BS 7671:2008 Wiring Regulations are changing the waywe view domestic smoke, heat and carbon monoxide alarm installations. They openthe door for the application of a complete system approach using Kidde Fyrnetics’Smart Interconnect facility.

When a smoke or heat alarm is triggered by a fire, all the interconnectedalarms - including CO alarms - activate to alert occupants of danger. When a CO

alarm is triggered by carbon monoxide, all theinterconnected CO alarms activate. There aredifferent, distinct alarm sounder patterns forcarbon monoxide and fire - supported bydifferent display messages on digital models -as totally different actions are required with aCO event compared with fire. So there is noneed for the extra cost and installation work ofalarm identifier accessories required with othersystems.

Kidde Fyrnetics01753 685148

INSTALLATION INSURANCE TO GUARANTEE CONFIDENCE As the ‘credit crunch’ continues to bite – it is even moreimportant installation professionals set about differentiatethemselves from their competition: not least through increasingconfidence in their businesses through the provision ofInsurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs).

This is the message from HomePro – provider of IBGs – andspecialist in providing insurance and services to the trade andconstruction industries; offering products that are not onlyhighly competitive but are also associated with levels ofservice and cover that are unrivalled in the sector.

All HomePro IBGs exceed, and are compliant with; theGovernment’s TrustMark standards and all policies areunderwritten and managed under the auspices of the FinancialServices Authority (FSA).

HomePro 0870 7 344 344

WEBSITE LAUNCHKlaxon Signals has launched a brand new website, containinginformation on its entire product range and lots of new facilities tohelp its customers. The website can be found at

www.klaxonsignals.com.The site is aimed at

making it easier to searchfor products of interestand download allaccompanying technicaldocuments with only afew clicks. A new sectionof technical informationprovides visitors with

access to tone tables, compliancy statements, wiring diagrams andother types of technical documentation they may require.

Along with information on Klaxon’s sirens, sounder andsounder-beacons, bells, voice sounders, hazardous area equipment,wide area warning systems, security alarms and accessories, thewebsite has a list of its distributors worldwide.

Klaxon Signals 0161 287 5555

PRODUCT WATCH

STREET LANTERN RECYCLINGLuminaire recycling specialist Lumicom and lighting maintenance company David Webster (DW), in conjunctionwith waste management specialist Sims Group, have initiated pilot trials to explore ways of improving theefficiency and cost-effectiveness of recycling waste street lighting lanterns.

DW replaces approximately 10,000 street lanterns each year and wishes to ensure the end-of-life lanterns aresent for recycling using an accredited waste managementinfrastructure. As a client of the not-for-profit Lumicom scheme, thecompany is able to avail itself of the facilities offered by Lumicom.

A key element of the pilot trials has been to eliminate thedouble handling of waste lanterns by using the same containers forstorage that new lanterns are supplied in, thus recycling packagingas well as lanterns. Once loaded into the wooden stillages thelanterns are stored at DW depots awaiting collection by SimsGroup.

David [email protected].

CATALOGUE MAKES LIGHT WORKNewey and Eyre has launched its latest Specialist Lamps & Gear guide.

Although the need to replace lighting control gear or an unusuallamp may not be a regular occurrence, when it is requiredcontractors need to know that there is an electrical wholesaler whohas the specialist knowledge to identify it and the resource to stockit. Newey and Eyre has an in-house resource supporting its branchnetwork dedicated to stocking and sourcing specialist lamps andlighting control gear. This ensures customers can reliably source theexact products they need, when they need them. If for some reasonthe product isn’t in stock, Newey and Eyre can turn to a massivenon-stock database to source the item or to offer a direct alternative.

Newey and Eyre 0800 783 6909

IP55 RATED BASE AND MOUNTING BOXNittan (UK) Ltd., one of the UK's leading manufacturers of conventional and addressable fire detectionproducts, has added a new IP55 rated detector mounting base and matching mounting box for theEvolution range of analogue addressable andconventional detectors.

This new base and mounting box is intended foruse in harsh environments where water ingress isexpected, which could affect the detector.

The box has entry points suitable for 2 x 20mmcable glands and the base a rubber sealing ring toseal against water ingress to the base.

Nittan (UK)01483 769 555

PART P UPDATE COURSEFor those installers required to move from the 16th to the 17thwiring regulations, Logic Certification has launched a Part P updatecourse, available for holders of the Logic Certification Part P definedor full scope certificate. The course is designed to help operativesmeet the requirements of the competent person scheme, whichstipulates that by the end of 2010 all operatives must hold the 17thedition version of the qualification.

The course will be available from January and takes just oneday, detailing all amendments to the regulations affectinginstallers working within the domestic arena. There are a number of changes in the 17th edition wiringregulations; the main areas include the definitions, protection, special locations and alterations to testingand circuit length tables.

Logic Certification020 8839 2439

LIGHTING CONTRACT FORDUNDEE SCHOOLSLuxo has won a contract to supplycomplete lighting schemes for six DundeePrimary Schools. The Company has providedMcGill Electrical, the project’s contractors,with an innovative lighting solution offeringsignificant cost savings withoutcompromising the quality of the fittings orthe overall lighting requirements.

The project includes an extensiveselection of Luxo lighting solutions for theclassrooms, corridors, offices, changingrooms, toilets, gym, stores and main halls.These encompass downlighters, surfaceluminaires, suspended indirect/directproducts installed into suspended ceilingsand luminaires for use in dirty and humidsurroundings.

Luxo UK020 8687 3370

SHORT ARM SPOTLIGHT Fozz Lighting has launched Mega, aspotlight attached to a stylish,contemporary short arm to provide directillumination whilst providing energy savingsof over 78%. The flat based design of Megamakes it suitable for areas where focusedillumination is required.

With a height of 240mm and width of137mm and manufactured fromaluminium, the Mega frame is attached toa short track system and is available in astylish powdered matt silver finish. Themodern design combined with the energysaving makes Mega ideal for use in hotels,boutiques, retail outlets and manycommercial applications.

Megaman0845 4084625

PRODUCT WATCH

EXHIBITION UNIT HITS THE ROADPanasonic Electric Works UK has recognised in the current difficult UK and Irish economicmarket environment many potentially interested designers, engineers, managers and buyersare unable to take time off to visit traditional exhibitions at a distant central venue.

To cater for this PEWUK has built a fully integrated mobile exhibition unit. Now withjust a short period away from your desk at a convenient on-site location, you can see thefull factory automation range from Panasonic and SUNX including laser marking, coding,

vision recognition, sensing, lightcurtains, components, eco powermeters, fans, HMI, sensors and Luxlift.

If there is seen to be a specific needfor greater emphasis on one or anotherof the ranges the MEU can be quicklyre-configured to cater for that need.

Panasonic ElectricWorks UK01908 231555

SCHOOLS IN HOT WATERIn a major schools investment programme, City Building (Glasgow)LLP is currently building 16 new primary schools in Glasgow, andeach is to have its hot water services supplied through a heat-traced single pipe system using Raychem HWAT self-regulatingheating cables. Smith Electrical, a Tyco Thermal Controls distributorpartner, has been commissioned to supply and install the HWATsystems by the projects’ electrical controls contractor L-Tec Controlsand Kentallen Group.

The Raychem HWAT hot water temperature maintenancesystem is a simple, intelligent and energy-efficient means ofensuring instant hot water is available at every hot tap, includingthose on ‘dead legs’. By heat-tracing the pipework, watertemperatures are maintained at a constant 55°C, without anyneed for secondary recirculation plumbing.

Tyco Thermal Controls0800 969013

FLOWER POWER Bristol based Power Electrics (PE), the independent supplier ofspecialist generators for sale and rental, was recentlycommissioned byAcorn EventSolutions to supplydiesel generators forback-up power atthe RHS Chelsea,Hampton Court andTatton Park flowershows.

PE suppliedgenerator sets rated from 100kVA to 350kVA for the varyingpower requirements of numerous trade stands, restaurants,food outlets, hospitality chalets and emergency services.

The equipment was installed on schedule to ensure asmooth run up to the shows and PE removed them promptly toassist in clearing the sites after the event.

This is the third year PE has supplied generators for RHSevents, having gained a track record of reliability of equipmentand quality of service.

Power Electrics (Bristol)0117 947 9700

NEW BAYING KIT Rittal’s AE wall boxes can now be installed as a suite with the introduction of theAE baying kit. Available for AE enclosure sizes from 800mm high to 350mm deep,the new kit comes complete with screws and nuts for rapid assembly eliminatingthe need for thread-tapping, whileensuring the correct compression ofthe permanent seal.

Some of the AE wall mountedcompact enclosures are watertightand are able to withstand spray waterfrom all directions. The IP69K ratingguarantees the enclosure remainswatertight even under adverseconditions such as a high pressure wash directed at the enclosure, with a waterpressure of 100bar at a temperature of 80 degrees

Rittal01709 704000

ANALYSERS PUT TO THE TEST Leading healthcare equipment manufacturer Siemens Healthcare has equipped its nationwideteam of mobile service engineers with 100 new Rigel Medical 288 electrical safety analysers.

The move will significantly reduce the timeit takes for engineers to carry out electricalsafety checks on Siemens MR, CT, nuclear, PET,ultrasound and radiotherapy equipment athospitals and other medical facilities in the UK.

The light weight portability and versatility ofthe Rigel 288 will enable the team ofengineers to move more swiftly, completingelectrical safety testing in a more expedientand cost effective way.

The battery powered Rigel 288 ensures Siemens meets the recurrent and post repair testrequirements of the new IEC 62353 standard for medical devices.

Rigel Medical 0191 587 8730

BUSBARS FOR SAFE POWER SUPPLYSupplying a range of current ratedcontrol panels, on a fully integratedbasis, to many industries, WellmanAutomation required a busbar systemthat was readily available, fully flexibleand offered a wide range of currentratings and accessories. It was alsoparamount the busbars could be easilyassembled, were simple to integrateinto third party products andcomplimented the overall finishedpanel. Wellman Automation selectedRittal as its choice of supplier.

Rittal’s RiLine60 busbar systems aredesigned to safely distribute power throughout a panel whileconserving valuable space. A busbar system uses three copper barsattached to end supports that are connected to the back panel todistribute power throughout the enclosure. Electrical componentsare mounted onto adaptors that simply snap into position, therebyestablishing an electrical connection.

Rittal01709 704000

PRODUCT WATCH

INTEGRATED SOLUTION FOR SECWhen its parent company, Scottish and Southern Energy, acquired a 50% stake in Scotia Gas Networks,Southern Electric Contracting was the obvious choice to carry out the refurbishing of the company’s

mechanical and electrical facilities at its headquarters inHorley, West Sussex. However, when it came to the supply andinstallation of a power support package to support Scotia GasNetwork’s electrical supply and IT equipment handling thedetails of company’s 5.7 million customers, Southern ElectricContracting turned to Scorpion Power Systems.

Following an in-depth survey Scorpion suggested theinstallation of a complete power support package. Thisincluded two 60kVA UPS to provide 12 minutes back-uppower together with two Scorpion Powerhouse DD172 diesel

generators synchronised together to provide an N+1 configuration for greater resilience andcontrolled through a dual mutual control system and remote monitoring unit.

Scorpion Power Systems01264 349400

REDUCED ENERGY COSTS FOR HOSPITALFollowing a cost analysis, TridonicAtco has worked in collaboration withlighting solutions provider, Weblight, to reduce energy costs and CO²emissions at The St Helier Hospital in Carshalton, Surrey. The projectinvolved the installation of TridonicAtco’s DSI Smart System on half thelighting on the two main corridors of the hospital, in conjunction with ECOballasts.

With the installation of DSI Smart, St Helier Hospital was able toachieve an 11% energy saving and a total reduction of 4.3 tonnes of CO².Every aspect of this lighting project takes account of the ongoing facilitiesmanagement requirements as well as addressing the visual andperformance needs of the hospital.

TridonicAtco01256 374300

WIELAND ENOCEAN TO LON GATEWAYFollowing the success of Wieland Electric’s EnOcean to KNX gateway, winner of the KNX Product of theYear Award 2007, the company has now launched its EnOcean to LON (Local Operating Network)gateway to control even more areas of building automation.

The LON gateway integrates EnOcean wireless sensors and switches into the LON bus andtranslates its data into standard network variables. The system is able to manage up to 56 EnOceanradio controlled channels with a maximum of 170transmitters and all EnOcean profiles are implementedwithin the application. Configuration settings are savedand managed in a LNS (Lonworks Network Services)database and LONmark conformity guaranteesinteroperability between other LON devices.

Wieland Electric01483 531213

COOLING EFFICIENCY PROTECTEDRittal’s TopTherm Plus enclosure cooling units are now suppliedwith RiNano technology on the condenser coil. In extremeconditions, such as heavily contaminated industrialenvironments it is vital to keep the units clean in order tomaintain efficiency. Over time, the performance of cooling unitscan deteriorate between 30 to 50% if the membranes becomedirty, leading to increase in CO2 emissions. RiNano is a thincoating that repels oil, dust and powder particles preventingthem from attaching to the condensers.

Corrosion resistance is also significantly improved when RiNano is used in conjunction with the Rittal Anti-Chemical treatment which coats internal parts with a special protective coating.

RiNano is available on both wall and roof mounted units from 300W to 4000W.

Rittal01709 704000

A PREMIER LEAGUEPERFORMANCE

A Premier League performance was given byZucchini at Arsenal Football Club’s historicalHighbury Stadium - now renamed ‘TheStadium’, Highbury Square. Zucchini designedand manufactured a key electrical powerdistribution infrastructure for Highbury Square- a site which is approximately ten acres insize, with over 704 luxury apartments,landscaped gardens complete with feature‘water walls’, an underground car park andon-site fitness centre.

Working closely with N. G. Bailey, (LondonOffice) and building services engineers, HoareLea Consultants of Birmingham, Zucchiniproduced 32 x 400A, customised, rising main,busbar power distribution systems. TheCompany also supplied 352 speciallydesigned, tap-off boxes to meet the client’sspecific requirements for power distributionto 704 luxury apartments and penthouses.

Zucchini 0121 458 7070

THORSMANCOMMENDED ATINTERBUILD Thorsman’s unique Goliath G2B batterybacked up site light has been awarded thehighly commended status at the InterbuildNew Product Awards Showcase.

Entered in the tools and equipmentcategory, the product allows users tocontinue to work efficiently and safely ona site in the event of a power failure.

The new and unique Goliath G2BBattery Backed up Site Light is thecompact fluorescent site light on themarket to automatically switch to battery

mode in the event of mains failure. Inbattery mode the G2B will providecontinuous light output for up to 60minutes, allowing work to carry on safelyand reducing the risk of trips or falls andother hazards associated with power cuts.

Thorsman01952 209 001

Call Rachel Samways on 01322 611290to advertise in sectionCharges: £37 pscc, Box No £25Email:[email protected]

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

Charges: £37 pccm, Box No £25APPOINTMENTS

PROJECT MANAGERS - Fast Moving ConsumerGoods - NW Germany - Project Managers are nowrequired at this major multi-national consumer goodscompany which markets more than 250 brands to fivemillion consumers in 130 countries. Project Managerswill require technical ability, strong leadership capabilityand excellent communication skills. Our client offersfirst class training and development programmes withbroad responsibilities. JB240v4

TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER - PowerGeneration - Nottinghamshire - Our client, aleading energy company is looking to recruit aTechnical Project Manager to be responsible for allstages from the drafting and technical quality of thespecifications through to the commissioning of theequipment on site. You will have a record of deliveringcapital engineering projects as well as an extensiveunderstanding of Power Plant construction and abroad technical knowledge. JB347v42

TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGERS/PROJECTENGINEERS - International Energy Consultancy– Guildford - We are seeking motivated, enthusiasticindividuals to run portfolios of innovative projectsrelated to the control, monitoring and assetmanagement of power distribution networks for agrowing portfolio of engagements with UK DistributionNetwork Operators. To succeed as Technical ProjectManager or Project Engineer, you would be expectedto have some practical background, and wouldprobably be of BSc/MSc calibre with some proven trackrecord working in an electricity-related environment.You should also be an innovator and capable ofsolving unusual technical problems on your owninitiative. JB565v1

PROJECT ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS - RenewableEnergy – Swindon - Project Electrical Engineers arenow required at this leading renewable energycompany to provide support to the project andconstruction managers on electrical issues. Working inthe Offshore Project team you should be qualified todegree level or equivalent in an electrical engineeringdiscipline and have experience of working on largeconstruction projects in multi-discipline teams.JB637v1

SENIOR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS - HighVoltage Distribution Systems - South EastEngland - Our client has delivered consistent andimpressive growth in recent years and their successcontinues. The order book is full, how welcome would

it be to join an expanding company in 2009? Theynow have immediate requirements for: OperationsDirector; Project Managers (ideally with ElectricalEngineering/Power Industry focus); SAP OperationalEngineers (11kV, 33kV, 132kV). These are excellentopportunities for you to join this well-establishedprovider of services to users of high-voltagedistribution systems. JB446v2

HV DESIGN MANAGER – CHP & Utility Services– Manchester/Wakefield/Coventry - A first classopportunity has arisen for an HV Design Manager tojoin a leading European provider of energy services.You will be the primary electrical power systemsspecialist for the Sales team, providing innovativeelectrical engineering solutions to the BusinessDevelopment Managers & Sales DevelopmentEngineers in order to present attractive proposals tocustomers and meet new business sales targets.CA1052v11

PROPOSALS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERS - CHP& Utility Services Bristol/London/Wakefield/Manchester/Coventry - This is a first classopportunity for you to join a leading European providerof energy services to local authorities and companieswho offer customers end-to-end multi-energy solutions.You will be responsible for providing innovativeengineering and technical support to the sales teamand the Business Development Manager in order topresent attractive proposals to customers and meetnew business sales targets. Qualified to degree-levelyou will have demonstrable experience in the industrialor energy sector and a background inEnergy/Renewable Energy sales projects. CA1052v8

CHP/ENERGY CONSULTANTS - EngineeringConsultancy - Leeds/Birmingham - We arelooking to recruit Energy Consultants with abackground in Combined Heat and Power systems anda knowledge of district heating. You will possess agood level of experience in a consultancy role in theCHP/energy sector along with a keen interest in CHP,renewables, energy markets and related environmentallegislation. CA1118v5b

ELECTRICAL POWER CAREERS – WesternAustralia – Permanent opportunities now exist to joinon of Australia’s leading Transmission & Distributionorganisations. Positions are available for engineers withknowledge of SCADA, Protection, Communications,Systems Control, Power lines, Planning, Networkperformance and Asset Management. CA1140v1

ELECTRICAL DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - Lawnand Garden Products – Suffolk - We are lookingto recruit an Electrical Development Engineer to beinvolved in high volume manufacture of electric motorswhich is a core in house activity. You will have anElectrical Engineering degree or equivalent and haveexperience in design and/or development relevant tohigh volume consumer products. CA441v4

RENEWABLE ENERGY/WASTE MANAGEMENT –Engineering Consultancy Environment –Opportunities exist for well qualified Electrical Engineerswith proven experience in engineering design, projectmanagement or technical due diligence work. Youshould have experience using your scientific skills in acritical client environment. CA642v9

EXPORT SALES & MARKETING ENGINEER -Railway Engineering – Plymouth - A first classcareer opportunity exists for a professional salesexecutive with overseas sales experience to join thissmall, successful, and fast-growing company who areinvolved in a whole range of railway related equipmentincluding engineering solutions for railwaymaintenance. Experience of the railway sector is anadvantage but industry sales professionals workingwith engineers, specifiers and buyers are encouraged toapply. CA952v2

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS – Nuclear FusionResearch Facility – Oxon - As part of a teamresponsible for the complex power supplies you will playa leading role in the design, specification andprocurement of new plant and plant upgrades. Youshould have experience of large AC/DC convertersoperating at levels of up to 100kA and of high voltagepulsed power systems at voltages up to 160kV. JL416v5

TASMANIA – Transmission & DistributionProfessionals – This organisation owns and operatesthe electricity transmission system in Tasmania. They arenow seeking HNC/Degree qualified electrical engineersfor permanent roles within Substations AssetManagement, System Performance and NetworkPerformance. RE345v3

GRADUATE-LEVEL ELECTRICAL PROJECTENGINEER - Laboratory Equipment Developer -Middlesex/Surrey - An opportunity has arisen for agraduate-level Electrical Project/Design Engineer with aspecialist Research Equipment Developer. You willideally have some design experience ideally includingPLCs as well as CAD design packages. RH518v3

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

Batteries Generators

UPS

A.C. Voltage Stabilisers

Training

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]

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 CorrectionCables / Telecables

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ASD manufacture a comprehensiverange of lighting which has been

designed and developed in the UKto provide practical solutions to awide variety of commercial and

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Richard AndrewsASD Lighting plc

Mangham Rd, Barbot Hall IndEst

Rotherham S61 4RJtel: 01709 374898 fax: 01709

366239web: www.asdlighting.co.uk

email: [email protected]

Recruitment

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Harmonic Surveys To G5/4Harmonic Filters

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

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

VAR Services Ltd. 27 Main Road,

Jacksdale, Nottingham, NG16 5JU

Inspection Testing

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There’s nothing worse than having a few toomany drinks at the office party and behavingtotally out of character. Avoid this problemby turning up to work drunk all year round.

In these difficult economic times, you may befaced with having to make people redundantat the worst possible time, Christmas. So besure to show tact and sensitivity - take offyour Santa hat while handing out P45s.

If you’re finding it hard to make ends meetthis Christmas, why not boost your financesby releasing a godawful Christmas single, eg.the Lord’s prayer set to the tune of JingleBells? It seems to work for Cliff Richard.

The key to making Christmas run smoothly isforward planning. Plan your familyarguments well in advance so that yourhousehold can immediately erupt intoblazing rows with the minimum of fuss andhassle. Some classic arguments include:

� I’ve given you 25 years of my life and forwhat? A chocolate bloody orange!

� I pay the mortgage, young lady, so we’rewatching Black Hawk Down, not ThePrincess Diaries!

� DaddyIwantedaPlaystationnotWiiWiiisrubbishIhateitandIhateyouandIhateeverything!

Environmental awareness is a great excuse forskimping on presents. Darn a bunch of oldsocks and give them to any friends or relativeswho are sanctimonious eco-bores - they won’tbe able to complain without looking likehypocrites!

Make Christmas shopping painless bycompiling a comprehensive list of exactly whatyou need and then buying it well in advancebefore the Christmas rush. Or you could get amagical talking snowman to do it for you. It’sjust as likely to happen.

If you’re in charge of organising your companyChristmas do, remember that certain traditionsmust be adhered to. These include:

� Although good-quality, affordable wine isavailable from any supermarket, it istraditional that wine at company partiesshould be of extremely obscure origin (eg.Nigerian hock) and taste suspiciously similarto (but less palatable than) lighter fluid.

� If your Christmas do is off-site, the venuemust be impossibly difficult to get to andfrom, causing at least three of the moreinebriated members of staff to end upsleeping on a freezing station platform inthe middle of nowhere because the lasttrain left at 10pm.

� If your Christmas bash is going to take theform of a corporate event, it must be thecheapest on offer; instead of rally driving atBrands Hatch or a guided tour of anupmarket wine cellar complete withsamples, make sure your staff are treated toa day of glass blowing in Huddersfield.

Female partners presented with exoticunderwear will sometimes sarcasticallycomment ‘Is this a present for me or you?’Avoid such ingratitude in future by gettingthem a can of Lynx, a Black & DeckerWorkmate and a copy of the latest bloodthirstyAndy McNab novel - next year they’ll bepositively delighted to receive a ludicrous, ill-fitting stocking and suspender set.

You needn’t spend a fortune to impressguests with your Christmas spread. Headdown to Iceland and stock up on a vilearray of their ‘recommended’ deep frozenChristmas snack foods, eg. the 20-piece‘American Snack Selection’, consisting offive mini chicken burgers, five minihotdogs, five mini tortilla wraps and fivemini pizza slices. (NB. Your guests are onlylikely to be impressed if they’re KerryKatona and that woman out of TheNolans.)

If you’re feeling stressed out by the wholefestive season, take a step back and rememberthe true meaning of Christmas: working outwhich one of the Christmas tree lights hasblown.

OPEN CIRCUIT

Yes, it’s the season of goodwill and drunken family arguments again,and so Open Circuit presents yet more Christmas top tips. So to allour readers: merry Christmas and a happy new year, etc, etc, etc!

CHRISTMAS TOP TIPS

12.2008.pdf

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