September 08, 2014 // Julien Happich

Eaton is now offering its multi-functional electronic motor starter (EMS) with ratings from 0.06 to 3 kW with integrated control via its SmartWire-DT communication and connection technology.

This makes the connection of the motor starter to the automation environment easier, faster, less prone to errors and therefore more cost-effective, claims the company. The EMS offers users in industrial and machine building applications all the important functions of a reversing contactor circuit in a single device and this with a mounting width of only 30 mm.

Wiring is kept to a minimum. Both the control cables that normally connect the motor starter via the I/O level to the PLC, and the supply cables to the devices are replaced by Eaton's green cable. Even the I/O level itself is unnecessary as the motor starters can communicate with the Eaton PLCs directly via SmartWire-DT.

The electronic motor starter itself already comes with a large number of functions (emergency stop contactor, motor protection, clockwise and anticlockwise contactor) as well as the internal load and interlock circuits. It is based on a MCU-controlled combination of wear-free semiconductor technology and a robust relay contact, thus enabling low-wear switching. With 30 million switch operations the devices offer a considerably longer contact life than conventional switching devices.

Visit Eaton at http://www.eaton.uk.com/electrical

Electromechanical,Power components

See the rest here:
Multi-functional electronic motor starter eases installation

September 8, 2014 - Featuring blue- or red-colored conductors, TRAYCONTROL 550 TPE is approved for open, unprotected installation in cable trays from power sources/control units to machine. Combination of TC-ER, PLTC-ER, and ITC-ER allows cable to be used as connecting cable for AC, DC, or control wiring in accordance with NFPA 79 Edition 2007. Available in 18 AWG and 16 AWG sizes, cable features temperature range of -40 to +105C, nominal voltage up to 600 or 1,000 V, and minimum bending radius of 7.5 x cable OD. Helukabel 1355 Bowes Rd., Unit C Elgin, IL, 60123 USA Press release date: September 2, 2014

ELGIN, IL HELUKABEL, one of the worlds leading cable manufacturers, will unveil its newest control cable to join the TRAYCONTROL family at the 2014 International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) being held September 8 13 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL.

The TRAYCONTROL 550 TPE is a flexible, oil-resistant control cable with blue- or red-colored conductors that is approved for open, unprotected installation in cable trays from power sources/control units to the machine. The TRAYCONTROL 550 TPE was developed to help offset the need for PUR cables in tray applications. The specially blended TPE has been designed to perform as well as standard PUR cables with the added benefit of being able to transition from cable trays to free air, an installation method not permitted for PUR cables.

The special combination of TC-ER, PLTC-ER and ITC-ER allows this cable to be used as a connecting cable for AC, DC or control wiring in accordance with NFPA 79 Edition 2007. Its outstanding oil resistance (Oil Res I & II) guarantees a long service life for machine tools in industrial applications located in dry, damp and wet environments such as the automotive, food and beverage industries, or other various production lines found in harsh locations.

Additional TRAYCONTROL 550 TPE specifications: Temperature Range: -40C to +105C (flexing applications) Nominal Voltage: TC 600V / AWM & WTTC 1000V Min. Bending Radius: 7.5X the cable O.D. Approvals: UL TC-ER, PLTC-ER, ITC-ER, MTW, NFPA 79, WTTC 1000V, DP-1, Oil Res I & II, 90C dry/75C wet, Class 1 Div. 2 per NEC Art 336, 392, 501, & crush impact test in accordance with UL 1277 / CSA c(UL) CIC-TC FT4, CSA AWM I/II A/B FT4

It is available currently in 18 AWG and 16 AWG of various conductor configurations. More gauge sizes will be added according to market needs. For customers working in facilities where high levels of electromagnetic interference are prevalent, a shielded variant is available upon request.

Staff from HELUKABEL USA will be one of 1,900 exhibitors showcasing their latest technologies to help solve the manufacturing problems of over 100,000 industrial decision makers. HELUAKBELs portfolio of cabling solutions for the manufacturing industry will be on display at booth E-4925 in the Industrial Automation North America section of McCormick Places East Building.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at IMTS please visit http://www.helukabel.com/tradeshows.

About HELUKABEL USA, Inc. Established in 2007, HELUKABEL USA, Inc. is the headquarters for Germany-based parent company, HELUKABEL in the United States. HELUKABEL USA carries 3,600 cable, wire and cable accessory line items in their 44,000 sq. foot, suburban-Chicago facility. With over 30 years of industry experience, HELUKABEL is one of the most successful companies in the wire and cable industry.

About HELUKABEL Canada Established in 2013, HELUKABEL Canada is the Canadian headquarters for Germany-based parent company, HELUKABEL. HELUKABEL Canada, located in suburban-Toronto, carries up to 600 cable, wire and cable accessory line items in stock. With over 30 years of industry experience, HELUKABEL is one of the most successful companies in the wire and cable industry.

View post:
Control Cable features flexible, oil-resistant design.

CITING the importance of safe and quality wiring in their developments, the Gaisano Grand Group has extended its partnership with Phelps Dodge Philippines Energy Products Corp. (PDP) for the installation of Phelps Dodge (PD) wires and cables in its flagship condominium project in Banilad, Cebu City.

Grand Land Inc., which is the property development arm of the Gaisano Grand Group, announced that it has installed two towers of their Grand Residences with lead-free type THHN/THWN2 PD wires, which began last March.

Responsibility

In previous years, PDP has also installed PD wires and cables in 24 Gaisano Grand establishments scattered across the Visayas and Mindanao.

As a developer, our business is not just about selling a house. It is also our responsibility to our buyers to give them the best investment. (The investment) should not just be limited to the external factors but also what is inside the building or development, Grand Land president Ryan Go said.

With PD wires, Go said unit buyers of Grand Residences can be assured of a safe and worry-free home.

Safety features

This type of wire is designed to operate at a maximum conductor temperature of 90 degrees Celsius for both wet and dry locations. It also has a higher cable ampacity and greater resistance to abrasion and the effects of petroleum byproducts and chemical agents and oils, PDP sales engineer for Visayas Mark A. Resma explained.

Before years end, Resma said two additional towers in Grand Residences will be installed with PD wires.

Causes of fire

Read more:
Grand Land assures quality wires for project

Tue, Aug 26, 2014

PRODUCT: Certain Honeywell ASCa Inc. emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) installed on various transport category airplanes. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-18-09 for the product listed above. 2013-18-09 required various one-time general visual inspections of the ELT transmitter units (TUs), and corrective actions if necessary.

This new AD corrects the manufacturer's name in the AD applicability and adds a source of approval for an installation. AD 2013-18-09 was prompted by a fire on a parked and unoccupied airplane; preliminary information indicated combustion in the area of the ELT TU. This new AD was prompted by the identification of an error in the applicability of AD 2013-18-09.

The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the TU, which could result in an electrical short and possible ignition source.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 9, 2014. Comments must be received by October 9, 2014.

Visit link:
AD: Honeywell ASCa Inc. Emergency Locator Transmitters

Authorities have recalled some brands of electric wiring over safety concerns. Photo: Supplied

Tens of thousands of homes across Australia are at risk of catching fire because of faulty, non-compliant electrical cables installed in the past four years, the consumer watchdog warns.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission saysInfinity and Olsent cable ranges, sold widely through 18 retail groups including Masters Home Improvement, Thrifty and Mitre 10, could become brittle and spark fires from 2016 and onwards.

It suspects the faulty cabling is being used in as many as 40,000 homes and businesses in Australia. Of the 4000 kilometres of cable sold, nearly half - 1849 kilometres - was to New South Wales consumers between 2010 and 2013.

All sizes and configurations of thewhite TPS (Thermoplastic-sheathed) and Orange Round Infinity mains power cables failed safety tests because of inferior plastic insulation coating.

Advertisement

"Testing has found that the cables will degrade prematurely and if the cables are disturbed, the insulation could break and expose live conductors, resulting in possible electric shock or fires," ACCC Chairman Rod Sims said.

The ACCC says the cables will age at different rates subject to ambient temperature and the load placed on them.

The commission is so concerned it has formed a special taskforce involving consumer agencies and building and safety regulators to execute a nationwide product safety recall.

The recall served as a reminder to companies sourcing from cheaper overseas suppliers whose products may not meet quality standards, Mr Sims said.

Read the original here:
Recall for faulty power cables that could cause house fires

By: Jessica Gonzalez

El PASO, Texas - One phase of the ongoing renovations at San Jacinto Plaza in downtown El Paso is complete.

The installation of two-and-a-half miles of underground conduit for electrical wiring is finished, said contractors.

The work is part of the project to fully reconstruct the plaza, which will include updates to amenities, dozens of additional trees, a splash pad, a huacha court, and a full service cafe.

Crews have also removed thousands of square feet of concrete from the plaza and will be installing new irrigation lines. "That work has been arduous, slow going, and frankly not very exciting," said city project manager Rick Venegas.

He says part of the renovations also include working on the part of the concrete structure that will support the Los Lagartos sculpture which is currently being restored in Ohio.

"At this point we have about 25 percent of the job completed, we don't see anything major that would cause us any delays. We are hopefull that that will continue. But at this point right now we're scheduled to finish in February of 2015." said Venegas.

The project is funded in part by the 2012 Quality of Life Bonds.

View original post here:
One phase of the San Jacinto construction is finished

Traditionally, there have been two main options for solar installation designers and engineers to convert DC to AC power: string inverters or micro inverters. Both present significantly different advantages and disadvantages for installers, with installation expenses varying up to 20 percent depending on the inverter selection. Either solution had drawbacks: what one would gain in convenience, it would sacrifice in performance and maintenance and vice versa. But a new class of inverter is entering the market that combines the installation simplicity of a string inverter with the intelligence and energy harvest advantages of a micro inverter.

Analysis by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) showed installation labor to be largest expense category associated in PV applications. With installation and maintenance costs outweighing the panels, framing, and other associated expenses by a factor of two to three, a new solution was needed to make solar energy installations more affordable for residential and small/mid-sized commercial applications.

The micro-parallel inverter (MPI) is a new emerging class of inverter; aimed at helping to further the proliferation of solar energy into the residential and small commercial market segments (5 kW-200 kW) by reducing installation and maintenance costs. A micro-parallel inverter is designed to invert four panels in parallel and provide advanced data, communications and IT features. The MPI system can also be utilized for off-grid, grid-tied, and grid-tied with emergency backup applications. It has a wide enough input; voltage, current and frequency range to operate with generator or battery based grids for application flexibility that surpasses its two predecessors.

Incorporates the Latest Communication Technology

Designed around the concept of easing the ergonomic burden of installation, registration, and maintenance, the micro-parallel inverter tackles the difficult chore of reducing the cost of acquisition and ownership by simplifying the installation, cabling and activation processes.

MPIs benefit from newer technological innovations in controller and communication modules, allowing additional features previously not available in existing inverters. The resulting innovations give the MPI improved intelligence, ubiquitous data display with remote control, and continuously adjusting energy harvest schemes controlling the MMPT for each individual panel. This control automatically throttles energy conversion based on temperature to maximize the energy production of each panel. Fault alert processing notifies maintenance when a specific part has failed, and isolates the location and identifies the specific failed part for expedited ordering and replacement. These features will reduce unneeded maintenance truck rolls to repair and replace.

MPI Installation Is Simplified

Wiring for residential or commercial 240-VAC single or 3-phase MPI systems is similar to standard building construction. PV system installation with the MPI is configured as a modular, plug-n-play approach.

Continue reading here:
New Micro-Parallel Inverters Aim to Reduce System Costs, Improve Performance

Tue, Aug 12, 2014

The FAA has authorized the addition of the AS332L1 model to the FAA-certified cockpit voice and flight data recorder (CVFDR) supplemental type certificate (STC) held by Vector Aerospace subsidiary Vector Aerospace Helicopter Services-North America (HS-NA). This is an addition to the FAA STC approval Vector received last year on the CVFDR for AS332C and AS332L helicopter models.

We are very proud to add the AS332L1 to our CVFDR STC, states Elvis Moniz, vice president, operations in Langley, BC. This is a unique offering which provides Vector Aerospace with a competitive advantage in the market, and we are pleased to offer the CVFDR to AS332L1 operators across the globe. The CVFDR retrofit package features a light-weight, solid-state, low-power-consumption, state-of-the-art CVFDR with an underwater acoustic beacon and a six-year battery-life warranty with an optional integrated recorder independent power supply (RIPS) requiring no additional wiring. A digital flight-data acquisition unit is also integrated in the system, capable of accepting over 50 flight data parameters. The CVFDR system is rated at 50,000 hrs MTBF and meets Part 135 operating requirements.

(Image from file)

Continue reading here:
FAA Grants STC To Vector Aerospace For CVR, FDR Installation

August 7, 2014 - Available in 33 and 66 W options as retrofit for HID and fluorescent luminaires, IP66-rated low profile LED linear luminaire delivers up to 7,000 lm at 106 lm/W and features Class I, Div 2 and Class II certifications. Profile and weight facilitate installation, while wiring capability promotes application flexibility. Suited for hazardous and industrial applications, products has T4a temperature rating for ambient environments from -40 to +65C and L70 lifetime of 100,000+ hr. Dialight Corp. 1501 Route 34 South Farmingdale, NJ, 07727 USA Press release date: July 8, 2014

New Low Profile Linear Now Available for Industrial and Hazardous Locations

FARMINGDALE, N.J. -- Dialight (LSE: DIA), the innovative global leader in LED lighting technology, today announced a new low profile LED linear luminaire for use in applications requiring greater clearance levels. Impressively, this new linear is nearly 60% slimmer than previous versions and delivers up to 7,000 lumens at 106 lumens per watt. With its reduced profile and weight, the new linear is even easier to install, and its new through wiring capability opens new applications previously unavailable.

Featuring Class I, Div. 2 and Class II certifications, the new low profile linear represents the ideal solution for hazardous applications such as onshore and offshore drilling rigs, platforms and other oil, gas, chemical, petrochemical and hazardous locations facilities. The luminaire's T4a temperature rating for ambient environments between -40C and 65C enable the fixtures to be used throughout a facility, while the luminaire's L70 lifetime of more than 100,000 hours and 5 year full-performance warranty drastically cuts maintenance and the safety risks that come from accessing difficult to reach applications. The availability of secondary retention provides additional safety and peace of mind.

"Dialight is constantly looking to improve product offerings to address the needs of our customers," said Roy Burton, Dialight's Group Chief Executive. "With the LED linear's new slim design and reduced fixture weight, it is not only easier to install but also suitable for areas where greater clearance levels are required to avoid obstructing ongoing processes."

Dialight's low profile LED linear is available in both 33W and 66W options and represents an ideal retrofit for existing HID and fluorescent luminaires. The new low profile linear is IP 66 rated and suitable for wet locations.

For more information about Dialight's complete industry-leading line of LED lighting solutions for industrial and hazardous locations, including IES files, LM-79 reports and technical datasheets, visit http://www.dialight.com.

CONTACT: Nicole Paleologus nicolep@sspr.com 1 (267) 758-2638

See the rest here:
Low-Profile LED Linear Luminaire is designed for hazardous areas.

Smart lighting requires that either the wiring and infrastructure or the bulbs themselves are able to be connected to the web. Philips hue, LIFX and INSTEON bulbs all take this latter approach, but buying new smart bulbs can be expensive. Emberlight is an adapter designed to make any bulb smart without the expense.

Like Spark, the Emberlight sits between a light fitting and a bulb and connects to the user's Wi-Fi network to allow the remote control of the light from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

However, unlike Spark, which missed its crowdfunding goal on Kickstarter leaving the company to focus on providing an open-source operating system for the Internet of Things, the Emberlight has been more successful. The device has already hit its Kickstarter target with another month left to go.

Installation of the Emberlight adapter is simply a case of screwing it into a light fitting as you would a bulb. The bulb then screws into the adapter. Users need then only pull up the Emberlight mobile app and connect the device to their home Wi-Fi network.

Once the Emberlight adapter is set up, it is possible to manually raise and lower the brightness of a bulb, set bulbs to fade up or down at certain times, set and load lighting mood presets, have lights automatically come on when you are within a certain distance and control lights at home when you're elsewhere. The company also suggests that users can save energy by slightly reducing the brightness of lights throughout their home and notifications will tell a user if they have left any on.

Emberlight works with incandescent, halogen, dimmable CFL and dimmable LED bulbs. The device is designed for use with Edison screw bulbs, although adapters for bayonet bulbs are available. Emberlight is also planning to release actual bayonet versions of the device for counties where this format is used.

Pledges for the Kickstarter campaign start at US$49 in order to receive an Emberlight, assuming all goes to plan with their production.

The Emberlight video pitch can be viewed below.

Source: Emberlight

See original here:
Emberlight lets regular light bulbs join the Internet of Things