Lux Intelligent Makes Emergency Light Testing and Management so Easy You can do it From Your Phone

MUMBAI Global fire systems business Advanced has launched Lux Intelligent, a new emergency lighting testing system with cloud monitoring and mobile management. It offers time and cost savings, a host of unique technical features and proves compliance with BS5266-1.

Lux Intelligent is an addressable, automatic test system that shows all emergency lighting is compliant and functioning, with no engineer intervention required, saving money and time. It can be easily networked and retrofitted onto existing wiring and luminaires, keeping installation costs to a minimum.

A unique feature of Lux Intelligent is cloud monitoring and system management via mobile and web apps. Test data is stored securely in the cloud and the system delivers live details on status, faults, test failures and advisories from a smartphone or via a web browser, allowing users to monitor all their sites, anywhere in the world, right down to individual devices. Users can share the sites or panels with engineers and maintenance staff and e-mail maintenance and test reports in one click.

The system is easily installed in one panel or networked formats. Networks can be standard cable, allowing 200 panels to be networked, or customers can use their own LAN and wireless networks. This low cost, no disruption method allows an unlimited number of panels to be networked to cover large or multiple sites right across the globe and monitored via the cloud.

Lux Intelligent works with almost any light, including LEDs, from almost any manufacturer and can be easily added to existing wiring, offering considerable savings on installation and maintenance costs. It works with any existing system including central battery, and each panel has up to four loops each supporting 249 luminaires.

The system has a unique set of test methods that include the standard current and voltage tests, but also direct light level measurement via fibre optics. Once installed, the panels should never need to be looked at, apart from a three year battery check; in fact, their reliability is so high that Advanced has removed the key from the panel front.

"It's probably fair to say that no other emergency lighting testing system makes compliance with BS5266-1 easier or more cost effective," comments Advanced's Marketing Manager Aston Bowles. "In fact, we're so confident that Lux Intelligent will save users time and money that we provide a savings calculator on our website, showing how the automatic testing technology, easy installation and cloud monitoring add up to impressive savings and benefits within a very short time."

"I don't believe there's another system out there that can match Lux Intelligent for performance and ease-of-use," adds Dave Henderson, the company's emergency lighting product manager. "A well-tested, compliant system that works when you need it is the goal. We achieve this in a few simple steps. Firstly, we offer live status and test reporting; secondly, we store all of your data securely in three places: the panel, the PC and the cloud; thirdly, we give you access to that data on your phone, tablet or any computer and, finally, we make it simple to share sites, panels or test and maintenance reports with your team or 3rd party partners quickly and easily."

"It's this combination of zero time testing, data integrity and quick resolution of problems and maintenance needs that make Lux Intelligent so reliable and cost effective. Add to this the fact your system can easily scale to cover any site anywhere and work with just about any light or LED fitting, and you've got a system that's unbeatable and future-proofed, saving on expensive one-off investment in the future," concluded Dave.

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Advanced Launches Mobile Managed Emergency Light Testing

When integrating control technology into customized control cabinet solutions, it can be challenging to reduce the space needed for machines and installations and condense structure size. The new Eplan Design Space Exchange simplifies the creation of virtual models for electrical and control systems engineers while simultaneously breaking down the barriers between electrical and mechanical design engineering.

Monheim - The new Eplan Design Space Exchange (DSE) has been unveiled. DSE supports data exchange between mechanical construction and control system technology in control cabinet and switchgear construction. The expansion module for Eplan Pro Panel Professional, developed by Eplan and MCAD specialists at Cideon, is available for the first time with Eplan Platform 2.4 and compatible with Autodesk Inventor 2014 and 2015.

"Without the cabinet case, there is no mounting layout, and without the mounting layout, there is no final case design. This dilemma can now be resolved with the Design Space Exchange expansion module," explains Thomas Weichsel, product manager at Eplan.

DSE is based on a fully parametric 3D geometric data model of the mechanical design that takes into account the particular requirements for the installation location of the mounting panel or cabinet. DSE accesses the 3D CAD data of the control cabinet case design and makes it available to the Eplan Platform, as the basis for the mounting layout using Eplan Pro Panel. The 3D mounting layout is created within this design space, referencing the automation concept from the electrical design. All electrical equipment intended for installation will be mounted virtually, taking into account spatial conditions and manufacturer specifications regarding minimum clearance.

Wiring on Virtual Prototypes Installation holes, threads, slots and cutouts are automatically integrated for subsequent assembly. The virtual prototype of the cabinet is the basis for virtual switchgear wiring and for determining optimal wiring paths and appropriate wire lengths, among other things. Once the virtual mounting layout has been completed, Eplan DSE provides data on the necessary installation holes, threads, slots and cutouts for integration into the 3D mechanical engineering model, at the push of a button. DSE then interprets data and objects on the Autodesk Inventor page and creates a consistent product data model for mechanical design including all components, holes and cutouts. The model is fully parametric and is in the form of native Autodesk Inventor geometry data, so that the mechanical design can integrate the manufacturing procedure including processing, BOMs and manufacturing drawings. While the mechanical design lays the foundation for the manufacture of the cases, the electrical designer can compile complete, as-built, project documentation of the final product. For example, the automated assembly of terminal strips and wire bundles, with all the necessary schematics, mounting diagrams, manufacturing drawings, BOMs, device lists, connection lists and data are created. As Weichsel notes in his summary of the advantages: Interdisciplinary data synchronization reduces potential sources of error and product development costs, saving time while improving quality.

EPLAN Software & Service develops engineering solutions, which accelerate the product development process. Interdisciplinary expert systems assure the highest degree of productivity and data integration. The solution provider develops customer-specific and tailor-made PDM and PLM concepts and provides comprehensive services such as customizing, consulting and training. Innovative development competence, a consistently practical approach, and international presence are the resulting success factors. EPLAN is part of Rittal International and thus of the Friedhelm Loh Group with 11,500 employees worldwide and generated revenues of about 3 billion USD in 2011. EPLAN is therefore synonymous with continuity and investment security. Eight offices in North America and company presence in 50 countries support 45,000 customers with 110,000 installations worldwide. The corporate motto - 'Efficient Engineering' - underlines the proficiency of optimized, efficient processes, which keep companies competitive in the long term.

http://www.eplanusa.com

EPLAN Software & Services LLC 425 N. Martingale Rd., Suite 470 Schaumburg, IL 60173 USA Christine KNAPIK Phone: +1-630-408-3863 Fax: +1-847-240-4667 Knapik.c@EPLANusa.com

EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG An der alten Ziegelei 2 D-40789 Monheim Tel.: +49 (0)2173 3964-0 Fax: +49 (0)2173 3964-25 info@EPLAN.de http://www.EPLAN.de Hagelschuer Birgit Phone: +49 2173 3964-180 Hagelschuer.B@EPLAN.de

Originally posted here:
CAE Software simplifies electrical/control system design.

NEWBURY PARK, Calif., - Platinum Tools (www.platinumtools.com), the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation and hand termination of wire and cable, is proud to announce it will feature the new EZ-RJPRO Termination Pod, a complete turnkey field kit (P/N 90173), during 2015 ISC West, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from April 15-17 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, booth 5036. Now shipping, the EZ-RJPRO Termination Pod has an MSRP of $279.00.

Our new EZ-RJPRO Termination Pod is designed for the professional installer providing everything he needs for consistent, repeatable terminations and overall quicker and easier installations, explained John Phillips, Platinum Tools, Inc. product manager. This versatile kit has the right assortment of both tools and connectors making it the perfect solution when working with Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat3, as well. With the EZ-RJPRO Termination Pod, the installer can be assured that every termination will meet FCC specifications.

The EZ crimp & trim, modular plug termination kit Includes: EZ-RJPRO HD Crimp Tool - P/N 100054 Cat5e/6 Cable Jacket Stripper - P/N 15015 Electricians Scissors - P/N 10517 EZ-RJ45 Cat5e connectors (100 each) - P/N 105003 EZ-RJ45 Cat6 connectors (100 each) - P/N 105004 EZ-RJ12/11 connectors (50 each) - P/N 105005

EZ-RJPRO HD Crimp Tool - P/N 100054 The EZ-RJPRO HD Crimp Tool uses the EZRJ45 patented crimp & trim system and is designed to handle larger dimensional size cables. Compatible with all EZ-RJ45 and EZ-RJ12/11 connectors as well as all standard modular plugs, except AMP.

Cat5e/6 Cable Jacket Stripper - P/N 15015 This economical tool has been specifically designed to strip the cable jackets from Category 5, 5e, and Category 6 twisted pair cables. No adjustments are required and will not nick the inner conductors. Durable high impact plastic housing is molded from yellow plastic to make it easier to locate. Long life blade.

Electricians Scissors - P/N 10517 Our Scissor-Run Scissors are an original favorite. This smooth cutting action, scissor-run design, is excellent for cutting Kevlar, foil, and wire. Cuts wire up to 16 AWG solid, 12 AWG stranded, and will strip 19 AWG and 23 AWG. Includes full serrated bottom blade for non-slip cutting; through hardened, high carbon steel for edge retention; double plated chrome over nickel; easily re-sharpens and holds cutting edge; scraper and file on backside of blades.

EZ-RJ45 Cat5e connectors (100 each) - P/N 105003 The patented EZ-RJ45 Connector simplifies twisted pair terminations by allowing the wires to be inserted through the connector and out the front. This allows the technician to easily verify the proper wiring order. Electrical performance of the termination is optimized by pulling the connector down over the cable jacket and seating it tightly in the rear of the connector. Made in the USA. Patented.

EZ-RJ45 Cat6 connectors (100 each) - P/N 105004 The new patented EZ-RJ45 Cat6 Connector simplifies twisted pair terminations by allowing the wires to be inserted through the connector and out the front. This allows the technician to easily verify the proper wiring order. Electrical performance of the termination is optimized by pulling the connector down over the cable jacket and seating it tightly in the rear of the connector. Made in the USA. Patented.

EZ-RJ12/11 connectors (50 each) - P/N 105005 The new, patented EZ-RJ12/11 Connector simplifies twisted pair terminations by allowing the wires to be inserted through the connector and out the front. This allows the technician to easily verify the proper wiring order prior to termination. Use the EZ-RJPRO HD Crimp Tool (P/N 100054) for single cycle crimping and trimming of the excess wire. FCC compliant and UL rated. Made in the USA. Patented.

For more information on Platinum Tools and its complete product line, please visit http://www.platinumtools.com, call (800) 749-5783, or email info@platinumtools.com.

Originally posted here:
Turnkey Field Kit helps ensure repeatable terminations.

THE start of the diggings for the installation of underground wires and cables has yet to be announced next week.

In a phone interview, Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) vice president and chief operating officer Arturo Milan said they have yet to conduct a coordination meeting together with the other members of the technical working group for the project.

The Wires and Cable (WAC) technical team, which was created under Executive Order (EO) 2 series of 2015, is composed of local government offices, utility firms and telecommunications company.

Milan said they still need to discuss the work scope, schedule of the excavations, and workout permits before they can begin with the project.

DLPC Corporate Communications officer Ross Luga previously said that the diggings for the underground cabling will affect portions of San Pedro Street, Pichon Street and C.M. Recto Street surrounding the City Council and the City Hall area.

Traffic Management Center chief retired superintendent Rhodelio Poliquit, in a separate interview, said that the most ideal schedule for the diggings should be during non-peak hours or school hours so as not to cause traffic.

City Assistant City Building Official Joseph Dominic Felizarta earlier said that underground cables will help get rid of dangling wires making the area safer and cleaner.

DLPC had previously announced that they have allotted P70 million for the said project while the contribution of the other involved companies has yet to be announced.

The project is expected to be finished this year. (KGL)

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 19, 2015.

Original post:
DLPC: No schedule yet for underground wiring

Pass & Seymour AFCI Receptacle Increases Home Safety, Protects Against Electrical Fires Caused By Arc Faults

SYRACUSE, N.Y. Legrand, a leading provider of electrical wiring devices and home systems, today announced the availability of its new Pass & Seymour Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Receptacle.

Aimed at the residential market, AFCI Receptacles protect against electrical fires by detecting arc faults and de-energizing the circuit.

AFCI protection is required by the National Electrical Code. AFCI Receptacles are a convenient method to meet code and protect many of the circuits in the home against electrical fires.

In 2013, the Fire Analysis and Research Division at the National Fire Protection Association stated that an estimated 47,700 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2011 involved some type of electrical failure or malfunction as a contributing factor to the ignition of these fires. Consequently there were 418 civilian deaths, 1,570 civilian injuries and direct property damage to the value of $1.4 billion.

An electrical fire can have catastrophic consequences for all involved, said Bill Timmons, marketing manager of residential products for Legrand Electrical Wiring Systems. Our new P&S AFCI Receptacle not only increases electrical safety in the home, but also provides significant benefits to contractors who install these devices.

AFCI receptacles do not have to match the circuit breaker box brand like AFCI circuit breakers need to. They fit into any wall box in the living area of a home. Contractors no longer need to carry a variety of AFCI circuit breakers on their truck, they can carry a smaller and more streamlined inventory of AFCI Receptacles and always have the right product available.

Homeowners benefit because they no longer have to deal with the confusion of the circuit breaker box. The AFCI Receptacle is conveniently situated in the living space, making the indicator light immediately visible if there is a problem. If necessary, the homeowner can easily RESET the device and conduct a regular TEST at the recommended intervals from the comfort of their living area. Contractors can also install AFCI receptacles with confidence and ease, knowing that there will be minimal callbacks from the homeowner, saving them time and money.

The device also has feed-through protection and is tamper-resistant. Its automatic and patented shutter system prevents children from inserting objects such as hairpins or keys.

The P&S AFCI Receptacle has a ground terminal back-wire for fast installation and an auto-ground clip assures a positive ground to metal box. The device is high-impact-resistant and its thermoplastic construction provides superior strength and durability. It takes #14-#10 AWG stranded or solid, copper or copperclad conductors. Two back-wire holes per termination add wiring flexibility and not only eliminate pigtailing, but also save box space.

Continued here:
AFCI Receptacle helps prevent electrical fires.

By NATE ELLIS Wednesday March 18, 2015 1:06 PM View Larger

Upper Arlington officials recently contracted with an engineering firm to design street lighting upgrades expected to take place in several parts of the city through 2018.

Over the next several years, the city intends to replace 140 wooden light poles with cast aluminum poles that have light-emitting diode technology officials said will be more efficient than the 1970s-era systems currently in place.

Additionally, the improvement initiative is expected to include the installation of wiring systems within conduits, to provide better excavation protection.

Work to install the new poles and systems is being planned in phases that will occur from this year through 2018.

An initial step was taken March 9 when Upper Arlington City Council unanimously approved a $123,100 contract with GDP Group, which will design the work.

"The preliminary estimate for the construction costs of all the street light improvement projects this project designs is approximately $1.4 million," City Engineer Jackie Thiel said. "A detailed estimate will be provided by GDP Group for each phase as part of the design contract."

Thiel said the street light upgrades are part of Upper Arlington's 10-year plan to address infrastructure needs throughout the city. That plan will be funded, in part, by revenue generated from an income tax increase approved by voters last November that must be directed toward capital improvement projects.

As currently planned, the first phase of the street light improvements would involve replacing lighting bases and underground infrastructure on Kensington Drive, from South Parkway Drive to Westover Road.

Those same upgrades would take place on Southway Drive, from South Parkway to Westover.

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City plots course for street light upgrades

Terryville, CT Advanced Micro Controls Inc. (AMCI), announces the addition of their ANR2 LVDT/RVDT Signal Conditioner to the AnyNET I/O family of PLC-based specialty I/O products. AMCIs AnyNET LVDT/RVDT Signal Conditioner integrates a network connection and expansion capabilities to provide a modern, versatile LVDT/RVDT feedback solution for any PLC-based system. The ANR2 expands up to six 2-channel modules, allowing users to interface up to 12 LVDT or RVDT sensors using a single network connection. The interface programs through the host controllers (PLC) software, and is a direct interface to 3-wire, 4-wire, 5-wire, 6-wire, & half bridge LVDT sensors, and leading RVDT sensors.

ANR2 AnyNET I/O LVDT/RVDT Interface Features: Direct interface to 3-wire, 4-wire, 5-wire, 6-wire, and half bridge LVDT sensors Supports Differential AND Ratiometric LVDT sensors Direct interface to leading RVDT sensors Built-in network interface Digital technology eliminates the need for potentiometers Programmable Excitation Voltage, Excitation Frequency, Sensor Displacement, and Sensor Sensitivity maximizes sensor resolution, accuracy, and linearity Master/Slave excitation mode to prevent cross-talk Supports up to 12 LVDT or RVDT sensors on a single network connection Easy programming without additional software Optional GUI interface for user orientation & test bench evaluation DIN rail mounting for simple, standard installation

Overview The AnyNET I/O ANR2 is a full featured 2-channel LVDT/RVDT interface that communicates with the host controller (PLC or PAC) over the network. The interface satisfies a wide range of applications because of its flexible design. It easily mounts on a standard DIN rail, simplifying installation and lowering costs.

The ANR2 is compatible with any PLC that supports the product's available networks since its programmed using the input/output registers within the host controller. No additional software is required to use the LVDT/RVDT interface with the PLC/PAC. Users have the option of configuring & testing the ANR2 using AMCI's convenient PC-based Net Configurator software (downloaded at no charge).

Modular Design AnyNET I/O easily expands from 1 to 6 I/O modules by stacking additional units onto the gateway, and only requires a single network connection for all communication. This solution enables the support of up to 12 LVDT or RVDT sensors over a single network connection, which reduces physical wiring and streamlines data traffic over the network.

AMCIs AnyNET I/O family now includes: ANR2 LVDT/RVDT Signal Conditioner, ANA2 Resolver Interface, ANE2 SSI Interface, ANG1 Stepper Controller/Drive, &. For more information on AMCIs AnyNET I/O family, visit our website>> http://www.amci.com/anynet

About Advanced Micro Controls Inc. Founded in 1985, Advanced Micro Controls, Inc. (AMCI) is a leading U.S. based manufacturer with a global presence. AMCI industrial control products improve PLC-based automation systems with specialized position sensing and motion control technology that simplifies automation and adds reliability to manufacturing processes. AMCI designs and manufactures all of their products, enabling superior quality and innovation. The company provides 24/7 technical support staff, ready to answer questions about installation, configuration and operation of all AMCI products.

Media Contact: Rachael Novak Telephone: (860) 585-1254 ext-132 Email: rnovak@amci.com

Advanced Micro Controls Inc. 20 Gear Drive Plymouth Industrial Park Terryville, CT 06786 USA Telephone: (860)-585-1254 Facsimile: (860) 584-1973 http://www.amci.com

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LVDT/RVDT Signal Conditioner offers interface for networked PLCs.

Posted: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 3:29 pm

City offering lamp posts to homeowners South Bend Tribune Report SouthBendTribune.com

SOUTH BEND The city of South Bend is offering to install lamp posts in peoples yards as part of the Light Up South Bend Program.

For a non-refundable fee of $250, the city will install the posts in a homeowners front yard as part of a special Lamp Post Project.

Residents will incur extra fees if installation requires more than 50 feet of wiring or if a nearby power hookup is not available, according to a news release.

Residents may choose from one of three designs in black or rustic bronze. The lamps will feature dusk-to-dawn sensors and control for sky glow.

Once installed residents will assume maintenance of the lamp posts, including bulb replacement.

A limited number of lamps are available and residents will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, the press release states.

Initiated by council members Tim Scott and Karen White, Light Up South Bend seeks to improve street lighting throughout the city.

For more information, call 311, the citys resident service line.

Originally posted here:
City offering lamp posts to homeowners

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) - In a story March 3 about a warehouse operator being cited for workplace safety violations, The Associated Press, relying on information from the U.S. Department of Labor, erroneously described the accident. A worker was shocked by improper wiring and had to be resuscitated, but he did not die.

A corrected version of the story is below:

Warehouse operator cited after worker shocked

New Jersey warehouse operator cited for several violations after worker shocked

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) - The owner of a central New Jersey warehouse where a worker suffered an electric shock last year is now facing $63,000 in proposed penalties following a federal investigation.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Tuesday that Seldat Distribution was cited for 10 "serious" safety violations at its South Brunswick site. A serious violation occurs when there's a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard that an employer knew about or should have known.

The alleged violations included improper installation and use of listed equipment and wiring that wasn't protected from abrasions.

Inspectors also identified inappropriately narrow, blocked exit routes, obstructed aisles and passageways and unstable storage of materials and products.

Once Seldat receives the citations and the proposed penalties, it will have 15 business days to comply with OSHA's orders or contest its findings.

Joanna Hawkins, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Labor Department, said that the worker came into contact with an improperly wired conveyor belt system. He had to be revived and was then treated and released from a hospital.

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Correction: Worker Electrocuted-Investigation story

This article was contributed to 1967beetle.com by Jeremy Goodspeed ofGoodspeedmotoring.com. The vintage Volkswagen community thanks you!

The basic wiring of a VW Beetle is very similar to many other types of European cars. Like most cars, with age, time and exposure, resistance can build up in a wiring harness and render simple circuits useless. So with basic understanding of European wiring standards, many repair tasks can be tackled. From the addition of a simple accessory to a complete wiring harness overhaul, following some simple rules will make for a successful repair.

First, we need to discuss a few basics regarding VW wiring. If you have spent any amount of time looking at a VW wiring schematic, you will notice that RED is used for constant power, meaning powered regardless of the ignition position, BLACK is switched power and BROWN is used for ground. The other colors will vary depending on the circuit but these three colors will cover most basic circuits. In addition to the color coding, a VW wiring schematic will have a number coding assigned to each terminal on a switch or other hardware component. These European terminal designations are also known as DIN standard and are used to determine a terminals use. First, take a look at the Bosch Terminal Designations.

These numbers are generally printed on the switch or other device for easy reference. As you work with DIN standard wiring, certain numbers will be seen more often than others. For example, a terminal designation of 30 always represents a direct connection to the positive battery terminal. While a terminal designation of 15 represents battery power when the ignition is in the crank or run position. As you become more familiar with DIN pin designations, you should be able to figure out the purpose without looking at a wiring schematic. Now when you combine the colors with the pin designations, you will notice a pattern. Red wires go to pin 30, black wires go to pin 15 and brown wires go to pin 31.

The next item you will notice on a VW wiring schematic is a number size assigned to every wire. The number wire size varies from 0.5 to 6.0. This refers to a European sizing that is measured in millimeter squared (mm). European gauge wire is not easily obtained in America, so for replacement, it must be converted to AWG (America Wire Gauge). The conversion from European wire size to AWG is not exact. Using a slightly larger wire size is good assure against resistance and heat. For example a 1.0 mm wire should be replaced with a 16 AWG wire which is 1.31 mm.

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'67 Beetle Wiring Basics Jeremy Goodspeed | 1967 VW ...