Can’t Trust the Weather?  Trust Hoffman

For over 50 years, Hoffman has defined excellence in enclosures.  With thousands of offerings in every size and shape, Hoffman is an expert in providing solutions for even the most complex applications – rain or shine.  

Temp Protection with WEATHERFLO®

When it’s hot out, it’s even hotter inside the enclosures protecting your control systems. And heat buildup hurts equipment performance and lifespan.  For every 18°F (10°C) that internal cabinet temperatures rise above normal room temperature, the life expectancy of the enclosed electronics drops 50%. 

Beat the heat with WEATHERFLO® Enclosures from Hoffman.  Using innovative TempGard cooling technology, WEATHERFLO protects sensitive electronics in demanding irrigation management, wastewater, HVAC and other applications with large heat loads. 

And WEATHERFLO makes it easy, by providing an off-the-shelf enclosure that has a tested airflow solution to meet the thermal environmental needs of a 3R rated drive system.    And, because it’s from Hoffman, you know it’s precision-engineered to the world’s toughest enclosure standards.

Quality Performance for Every Application

WEATHERFLO Enclosures come in multiple standard sizes and fan configurations to house 3- to 400-horsepower drives.  Four models are constructed of 16-gauge or 14-gauge galvanized steel.  The largest sizes are available in aluminum for lightweight strength.

Virtually Eliminate Solar Gain

WEATHERFLO’s TempGard technology fights heat buildup two ways:

• A reflective white polyester exterior finish (powder coated) reduces solar heat load by up to 70%.  Additional shielding in the top and intake cover reduces solar absorption another 25%.
• Forced-air ventilation draws in ambient air at the bottom of the enclosure and exhausts it out the top, eliminating hot spots.  An adjustable thermostat (70° – 140°F) operates the fan only when needed.  A protective gasket and fan filter keep contaminants out.

VFDs Move Outdoors
Improve Reliability, Efficiency, and Energy Savings

• Variable frequency drives (VFDs) have become an economical and energy-efficient solution for both HVAC and pumping systems.  Hoffman’s WEATHERFLO supports compliance with the ASHRAE 90.1-2004 energy code mandate.
• Positioning the VFD in proximity to the motor helps avoid harmonic distortion and reduces the need for line conditioners and other power quality equipment.
• In colder climates, optional Hoffman heater solutions incorporated into the WEATHERFLO protect drives from damage due to cold starts. 

While streetlights provide safety to pedestrians and drivers alike, they also pose an unexpected danger:  In the event of a knockdown, their electrical system can become exposed, endangering bystanders with potentially life-threatening shock hazards.

To combat this serious problem, IDEAL has introduced its  SLK™ Disconnect Fuse Kit; a waterproof breakaway safety device that de-energizes roadway lights, streetlights, parking lot lights, and electrical vehicle charging stations in the event of a knockdown.  The fuse stays on the de-energized load side when separated, therefore protecting those nearby from the danger of shock.

“IDEAL worked directly with roadway installation electricians, DOT maintenance crews, and specifying engineers to find out what features would really make a difference,” said Nolan Bello, Senior Product Manager for IDEAL. “The result is an entirely new product that not only performs better but is easier to install and more robust than any other disconnect fuse kit on the market today.”

UL Rated Submersible

The SLK(TM) is the first Disconnect Fuse Kit listed to UL’s ECIS category for special purpose connectors. This new category contains a set of rigorous tests from a host of UL standards, including UL 486D, the standard for submersibility. This means that the SLK(TM) will stand up to the wet conditions often seen in and around pole bases, junction boxes and hand holes.

In addition, the bright orange color of the SLK(TM) makes the product easy to locate in dark junction boxes, hand holes, or in a nighttime knockdown situation when the connector is often buried amongst dirt, mud and debris. The orange material is UL 94V-2 flame-rated, features ribs on the boots to provide a superior grip, and has large, easy-to-read markings.

SLK kits can be purchased in a wide range of configurations and accepts 2-14 AWG wire. They are rated 30A, 600V, 105 degrees C. Set screw or crimp terminations are available.

Installation made easy with no cable or battery

Utilizing wireless technology, the Harmony™ XB5R wireless, batteryless push buttons are easy to install in both new and existing applications, such as bottling, packaging, and conveying lines.  Now, you no longer need to pass a cable through the machine structure or cable tray to connect the push button to the electrical panel, cutting installation costs up to 20% when compared to traditional wired solutions!

When you push the button, mechanical energy is transformed into electrical energy, which sends a one-time radio message to the receiver.  This battery-free solution offers permanent availability and benefits the environment, while eliminating costly battery maintenance, recharging, and recycling.

Additionally, you can add an external antenna to extend the coverage range and have more than one unit controlling the same equipment!  Therefore, many buttons can turn on/off a single receiver and vice versa, which becomes critical for industries where people and equipment constantly move around.

Up and running with easy-to-use application packages

Schneider Electric is the first to offer ready-to-use packages, with transmitter and receiver already paired, making it easy to order and use.  The packages are composed of a 24 VDC non-programmable receiver with one relay output receiver, or a 24-230 VAC/DC programmable receiver with two relay outputs.

Furthermore, six LEDs at the front of the programmable receiver enable fast implementation by indicating power-on, device mode, or signal reception.

The perfect product for you:

• Maximum flexibility and mobility in a factory environment
• Get full control of your plant operations anytime, anywhere
• Quick and easy to install or move after initial installation
• No cable damage or screw terminal issues
• No configuration required using ready-to-use packages
• No costly battery maintenance and recycling
• Ideal solution when you need to add or move a control function

Look at how the Harmony™ XB5R is installed

Watch below to see how easy it is to install the Harmony XB5R Wireless, Batteryless Push Button!  Contact your EDI Salesperson for more details!

Join Sylvania’s show of  live demonstrations showcasing solid state and innovative traditional systems, controls, and fixtures.  You don’t want to miss out on the display and discussion of LED offerings, as well as products that have not been released yet!

Space is limited, so you need to register fast!!!
Contact your Salesperson for more details!

Have A Problem With Ninjas?
Or Just Want To Save Money?

Energy costs are creeping higher every year and we are all looking for ways to cut costs.  One of the easiest ways to reduce energy usage and control costs is to turn off the lights when they are not being used.  Installing occupancy sensors will help to make this job even easier.  Most people do a fine job at turning the lights on when they enter a room.  However…ask any parent and you’ll know that they same can not be said for turning the lights off!  Occupancy sensors work wonders in a residential setting in laundry rooms, hallways, closets and children’s rooms.  In a commercial setting they are great for offices, conference rooms and bathrooms.

Using the lighting only when the room is occupied will save money on the electric bill as well as saving on replacement costs of lamps since you will not have to replace them as often.  Sensors usually pay for themselves in a couple of years and they are a great addition when talking about your sustainability.  For Duke Energy customers, the Smart $aver program makes it even easier to save by providing rebates for installing the sensors in your business.  If you want to learn more about occ sensors, contact your account manager and they will help find the right solution for you!

The Safety and Performance Standard for Your Temporary Power Needs

Construction sites and outdoor events place more demands on electrical power than ever before!  Hubbell Wiring’s Spider box steps up to this challenge by offering advanced electrical and safety features.

The Spider II box incorporates the most advanced ground fault module technology available in the industry today, ensuring safe and reliable distribution of electrical power for a wide variety of temporary power applications.

Breadth of Line and Innovation

Hubbell manufactures a variety of Spider II boxes and temporary power products for both indoor and outdoor power and lighting applications. Hubbell’s next generation Spider products incorporate the most recognized innovation in wiring devices in 76 years … The Hubble Safety Shroud Twist-Lock System.

The shrouded Twist-Lock design extends the life of the plug by protecting the blades from abuse and, more importantly, the shroud protects the user from arcing.  The Spider II temporary power system incorporates Watertight Safety Shroud Twist-Lock receptacles to provide a UL Type 3R rating when the receptacles are used with Watertight Safety Shroud Twist-Lock plugs. Standard Twist-Lock and Safety Shroud Twist-Lock plugs may be used with these receptacles if water ingress during use is not a concern.  To ensure an overall 3R rating when all receptacles are in use, Hubbell has also designed a new weatherproof boot!  This weatherproof boot for straight blade plugs maintains a 3R rating when it is used with the new Spider II straight blade receptacles.

Environmental Protection

All Pin & Sleeve, Twist-Lock and straight blade receptacles on each Spider box are protected when not in use by a gasketed, spring loaded flip lid.  Hubbell has taken multiple steps to ensure that the Spider II boxes can withstand today’s harsh environmental requirements and as a result, the Spider II boxes have earned a 3R enclosure rating for outdoor rainproof applications.

In addition to the added safety and water resistant features designed into the Spider II temporary power distribution system, Hubbell makes the boxes user friendly by offering a full line of replacement parts for field repairability.

Certifications:

Hubbell’s Spider II boxes meet NEC requirements for personal protection against electrical shock on job sites and are listed to the latest UL 1640 standard for Portable Power Distribution Equipment.

Have you seen the new LED Z Strip from Lithonia? Their latest offering in the LED market is based off of the Z fluorescent strip and is designed to be a low profile, versatile fixture with endless possibilities. With an L-70 predicted rating of 100,000 hours, once this fixture is installed, it should not need to be touched again for over 15 years in a common retail environment*. Part of this fixture’s versatility can be found in the options. It can be built with or without a lens in three different color temperatures with eight lumen packages and four paint colors.

All versions are multivolt, 0-10V dimmable and damp location rated. Integrated occupancy sensors and several fixture mounting options are also available. The new ZL is ideal for cove lighting, uplight/downlight, manufacturing areas, warehouses, retail areas, and electrical/mechanical rooms. Take a moment and check out the link below to read more about this great new fixture. Lithonia ZL Strip Online

Lithonia ZL Strip Online

* Based on burn time of 20 hours per day, 7 days per week. L-70 is the point where the fixture is at 70% of its initial lumen output

When I have heard the term Infrared light in the past, it sounded intriguing, but more applicable to engineers and physicists.  I recently had the chance to attend Ideal training to become a level I thermographer.  I walked away very impressed.  There is a whole world out there I didn’t know.  It was like turning on a switch and realizing there is a duplicate world running beside our everyday world – the movie “The Matrix” comes to mind.  Infrared light is not visible to the naked eye, but with the IR camera I can see that world.   Everything above absolute zero, which is -273 F, emits electro-magnetic radiation in the infra-red band of light.   A thermal imager detects that light and measures that energy as a temperature.    Ideal has spot radiometers which a lot of you are already familiar with.  This is an inexpensive way to see if there are problems.  The infrared cameras take it quite a bit further.   Both have their place, which we will discuss in a future article.

The cameras we have are radiometric which means that every pixel in that image has a temperature associated with it.  You can take a look not only at the hottest and coldest spots, which are shown automatically, but everything in between.  The camera can be used as a visual camera, thermal camera or a blend.  It is most often used as a blend with a digital image overlaid over the thermal image.    The images are saved onto a micro SD card and can be downloaded just like your digital camera at home.   The software part of the package can help you generate pdf files of reports to show issues or needs or justify capital equipment or repairs.

This is an extremely interesting field.  As an electrician you have a big advantage over those without a license.  You can actually take off the panel covers, use your clamp meters to take current measurements as you take thermal images and combine them into reports for the real story.   Take a look at the video on our website that really walks you through some of the capabilities of this exciting field and camera.  The only thing better than that is actually holding one and using it.   More later………….

By: David Cannon – Ideal Industries

There are increasingly more issues contractors encounter as electrical equipment becomes more sophisticated.  Troubleshooting these days can put you into harm’s way as you work around more current and voltage.   There is a tool that will allow you to do a good bit of troubleshooting where you don’t come into contact using test probes, thermocouples, current clamps and screwdrivers to check temperature and connections.   It is the Infrared Camera.   As you know, higher temperatures in equipment many times lead to problems and exponentially expand those problems as the temperature rises.  Loose connections, failing bearings on motors, corroding connections, blown fuses and phase imbalance are just a few of the issues that can easily be checked with an Infrared camera (IR Camera).    There are so many uses as well in building maintenance, preventive maintenance and energy audits.   IR scanning offers a great money making opportunity for you as well.