Decontactor™ Series - a better kind of protection
Meltric's Decontactor Series products are a combination electrical plug and receptacle and disconnect switch in the same device. Decontactors are designed to allow users to safely make and break connections under full load even in overload
and short circuit conditions. Protection from exposure to live parts and arc flash is ensured at all times during the operation of the device. Decontactors make it easy to provide plug & play connections for all your downtime critical equipment. They can be easily configured for use in a wide variety of applications such as for use as inline connectors/switches or they may be mounted on wall boxes, distribution panels or even directly on equipment. More information or Watch How!
Edward's Signaling E-FSA Life Safety System
E-FSA Life safety systems offer the reliability of analog/addressable fire detection for small to mid-sized applications. Built to provide years of trouble-free operation, these systems offer rotary device addressing, PinPoint™, ground fault point ID, optional Ethernet® port, and a full line of easy-to-configure option cardsand modules inclding dual-line upload/douwnload dialer. More Information
Hawk IR Window
Already own a Fluke thermal imager? Want to inspect your electrical equipment? Concerned about safety?
Then, look no further. Arc-Resistant IR Windows from Hawk IR International can significantly increase the efficiency of your thermography programme at the same time keeping thermographers safe. IR windows can help to protect your personnel against the effects of electric arcs, by providing a means of reducing risk of injury, during infrared and ultraviolet (corona) surveys, on your electrical equipment. Hawk IR International, design and manufacture products to help inspectors comply with NFPA70E, CSA Z462 and OSHA CFR 1910 .More Information
Velare® Concealed Architectural Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting may be necessary to light the path of egress, but bulky distracting fixtures are not.
The new Velaré concealed emergency light marries form with function for an aesthetically pleasing fixture for high-end architectural environments. With Velaré, you are assured an exceptionally clean ceiling or wall with minimal attention drawn to the fixture. Fixtures are unobtrusive in design and compact in size to preserve the architectural integrity of your facility. Incorporating both beauty and brains, a robust mechanical design and high-quality materials result in mechanical superiority and durability. Almost invisible, Velaré hides away during normal lighting conditions and only reveals itself upon loss of power. More Information
Surge Protection Safety
Peter Walsh, PE
An essential ingredient for power quality is a proper surge protective device. This device can eliminate harmful over-voltages before they can damage the equipment. The appropriate selection of SPDs (Surge-Protective Devices) is shrouded in mystery for many electrical industry people. Occasionally an improperly applied device can burst into flames when subjected to an over-voltage.
Safety agencies have changed the standards to simplify the selection for safe SPD application. Both the National Electrical Code and the SPD standard UL 1449 were changed to increase safety. The 2008 NEC changed their SPD section and already about 20 states have adopted this version. The UL 1449 standard was changed to the Third Edition with an effective date of September 2009.
Both standards can make the application of SPDs easier and safer. They explain the mandatory listings for the conditions of application. For instance, NEC Article 285.24 says Type 2 SPDs are required to be connected on the load side of the main overcurrent protective device. The listing of "Types" and application requirements are new.
The new UL Standard 1449 Third Edition uses these same "Type" explanations and requires the manufacturers to comply with new specific safety testing. The manufacturers have started to design their products to operate safely in specific "Type" locations. At least one company, Ferraz Shawmut, has introduced their Surge-Trap as complying with new UL 1449 Third Edition requirements.
The NEC and the UL 1449 Standard are coordinated to reduce the mystery of correct application of surge protection. As a result the SPDs will be easier to properly apply and to obtain safer power quality.
Photo courtesy of Ferraz Shawmut
Article courtesy of ElectricSmarts Network
