Telecom Company Improves Fiber Optic Network Reliability with
Surge Suppression Technology
Syringa Networks was established by twelve rural telephone companies in 2000 to improve telecommunication services in their Idaho
communities. Syringa Networks has since constructed a $40 million
fiber-optic broadband network across southern Idaho to provide its
customers with enhanced data transport capability.
Syringa Networks experienced a severe
power surge event that resulted in the destruction of vital electronic equipment, and loss of
primary power in its main facility. Although
back-up batteries provided the necessary power
to keep the network up and running, the damaged equipment left the system at less than full
capacity, costing Syringa Networks lost revenue
and a problem that needed to be addressed.
The transient voltage surge at the Syringa
Networks facility blew fuses and destroyed the
metal oxide varistors (MOVs) installed to protect the electronic equipment. Syringa Networks
hired an independent engineering firm, Power
Engineers, to investigate the source of the transient voltage, examine its surge protection system and offer suggestions on how to prevent
future surges from crashing the network.
Power engineers concluded the power surge
was caused by the failure, and subsequent
explosion, of a nearby utility transformer.
Power Engineers also discovered that Syringa
Networks was relying on a multitude of commercial quality, low-current rated MOVs manufactured in bulk, and positioned in parallel arrays on electronic
printed circuit boards (PCBs) to protect its critical and highly sensitive electronic equipment. These SPDs placed the equipment they
are designed to protect in jeopardy, leaving them ultimately unprotected due to improper suppression circuit design and inadequate
surge current capacity.
Power Engineers advised Syringa Networks to update its surge protection system to prevent future system crashes. Even though the
switch gear that was utilized was equipped with integrated surge suppression equipment, Power Engineers recommended Raycap’s
Strikesorb based Rayvoss surge protection devices (SPDs) be installed
at Syringa Networks’ AC power distribution panels to enhance the transient voltage protection
system. Strikesorb based SPDs are designed to
provide continuous protection from lightning
strikes, power surges and spikes without performance deterioration. They are also designed
to protect against the type of temporary overvoltage (TOV) event that was probably responsible for the damaged equipment when they
directly connected to the AC power circuit utilizing their Kelvin connection installation option.
Strikesorb SPDs meet the requirements of
IEC 61643-1 and UL 1449 2nd Edition without
the use of internal fuses. Strikesorb’s fuseless
design and its capability to withstand high
short-circuit currents allow direct installation on
busbars, precluding the need to install additional fuses or interconnection wires. Because
Strikesorb modules provide uninterrupted protection against repeated surges in harsh environments, it can extend the operating life of
the equipment, since it is never left unprotected from transient activity.
Subsequent to the installation of the
Strikesorb SPD technology, Syringa Networks experienced a similar
transient surge that had previously knocked-out primary power and
destroyed critical equipment. This time, the new Strikesorb modules
suppressed the surge and protected the equipment. With the equipment safe and Syringa Networks’ back-up generators and battery
plant providing power, there was no equipment downtime.
Enclosures
Please see page 4
EMI/EMC/ESD
Please see page 7
Thermal
Please see page 8
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Wago Module and Sensor Provide Online Monitoring, Analysis of Vibration for Machine Health
Please see page 13
F EATURE A RTICLE : S PECIFYING E QUIPMENT
R ACKS FOR S EISMIC E NVIRONMENTS
Article: Preventive Maintenance Can Save You
Money and Headaches
Please see page 14
In tough economic times companies are looking at all scenarios to cut costs, include delaying purchase of new equipment.
That means preventative maintenance on existing equipment is
now more important than ever, not to mention a smart
business decision.
Please see page 16
CONTENTS
Letter from the Editor
Volume 7, Issue 2
Editor & Publisher
David Webster
Director of Content
Shannon M. Given
Associate Editors
Nick Depperschmidt
Jeremy Mar tin
Assistant Editors
Heather Krier
Joanna Larez
News Editors
Laura, Mayo, Karen Poulson, Sue Hannebrink,
Jessi Albers, Jeremy Fleming
Manager of Administration
& Customer Service
Marsha Grillo
Fulfillment Services Manager
Marc Vang
Director of Sales
Jessi Albers
Advertising, Sales & Marketing
Laura Mayo, Account Executive
Jessica Thebo, Marketing Manager
Jennifer Graham, Marketing Assistant
Production
Julie Hammond, Production Manager
Office Manager
Julie Williams
Director of Circulation
Marc Vang
Circulation and Data Entry
Andy Gurokovich
EQUIPMENT PROTECTION (ISSN #1544-7812) is a publication of
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March/April 2009
Welcome to the March/April issue of
Equipment Protection Magazine. Before I preview
the educational articles and content our staff has
put together for the latest installment of
Equipment Protection, I want to take a moment
to alert everyone to a newly scheduled Webinar
from Webcom Communications.
On March 25th, 2009 (from 10:00 am to 11:00
am MST) Webcom will host: Thermal
Management of Outdoor Enclosures/Shelters for
All Applications. Attendees will learn techniques
in the design, specification and management of
outdoor shelters, enclosures, boxes and
pedestals for the dissipation of heat generated
by electronic systems and external conditions,
with special attention being paid to calculation
and mitigation of solar loads. Check out our ad
on page 13 for more information!
While our newest Webinar is bound to be
chalked full of useful information, we’ve still
saved some of our contributor’s insight for the
pages of Equipment Protection. In this issue
you’ll find four articles covering specifying
equipment racks for seismic environments,
preventative maintenance tips for IT managers,
a piece on customizing plastic electrical enclosures and how to select the proper circuit
breaker for your application.
Additionally, when you flip to page 17, check
out the Remote 2009 Conference and Expo call
for papers ad. This event covers numerous EP
related topics, so don’t miss out and submit today!
Nick Depperschmidt
Editor, Equipment Protection Magazine
Nickd@infowebcom.com
In This Issue
ENCLOSURES
AD Products Expands Non-Metallic Enclosure Line
Learning About SolarGuard Convinced Company to Switch to Stahlin
Non-Metallic Composite Enclosures
-
Page 4
Page 6
EMI/EMC/ESD
-
EMI Filtered Barrier Strip Terminal Block Rated to 30 Amps
Page 7
THERMAL
Surface Finishing OEM Finds Vortex A/C a Viable Option for Total
Protection of Electrical Enclosures
- Page 8
Degree Controls Releases New Airflow Sensor
- Page 9
POWER
EnerSys Adds 800 WPC Model to its DataSafe 16 V Front Terminal UPS
Battery Line
- Page 10
Server Technology Releases New Power Management Software for
Cabinet PDUs
- Page 11
HARDWARE
UAF Introduces Thinnest Filter Media to Meet NEBS Standards
-
Page 12
SHOCK/VIBRATION
New DC Accelerometers for Steady State and Shock Measurements - Page 13
FEATURES
Specifying Equipment Racks for Seismic Environments
Preventive Maintenance Can Save You Money and Headaches
Plastic Electrical Enclosures - Solutions for Extreme Customization
Selecting the Proper Circuit Breaker for Your Application
- Page 14
- Page 16
- Page 18
- Page 20
DEPARTMENTS
Marketplace
Webguide
Calendar of Events
-
Page 21
Page 22
Page 23
Visit www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com for Even More Articles and Content!
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
3
ENCLOSURES
AD Products Expands Non-Metallic Enclosure Line
AD Products has added NEMA rated plastic boxes from Bud Industries to its product
offerings. The Bud enclosures offered
through AD Products includes more than
200 enclosures and back panels with sizes as
small as 2.05 by 1.97 by 1.38 inches up to
32.05 by 24.18 by 11 inches. The Bud lines
now offered include the BT series, PN and
PNR series, NBA and NBE series and the
NBB/NBC series.
The BT (blue transparent) series from
Bud are polycarbonate molded enclosures with near complete transparency to blue,
white and near white displays. The enclosures are well suited for housing printed circuit
boards, test equipment other applications in the electrical and electronic industries.
Available in a variety of sizes, these enclosures allow easy monitoring of displays, readouts and other devices. The BT series has a lap joint design combined with silicon gasket
to ensure protection against ingress of dust and splashing water. They are NEMA 4X
rated with a UL94-V2 flammability rating.
The PN series of plastic boxes are polycarbonate and high-impact ABS molded enclosures meeting NEMA 4X, IEC52/IP65 and UL508-4X specifications. The PN series boxes feature a smooth, flat top cover, while the PNR series has a smooth, recessed top cover. They
are designed for PCB enclosures, junction boxes and other applications in the electrical
and electronic industries which are used in wet, dirty and/or corrosive environments.
Available in a variety of sizes, these enclosures are offered in three different styles:
style 1, light gray polycarbonate body and cover, style 2, light gray polycarbonate body
with a clear polycarbonate cover and style 3, dark gray ABS body and cover. Styles 1 and
2 are UV stabilized with a suggested service temperature of -40°C to 120°C. Style 3 is for
indoor use only with a suggested service temperature of 0°C to 80°C. All styles maintain
a UL94-HB flammability rating.
Many of the NBA and NBE series gasketed enclosures have been tested and approved
to UL508- 4X specifications, with a few being approved to UL50- 4X. All enclosures meet
NEMA 4X and IEC529-IP65 requirements. Indoor versions are made from either ABS or
ABS/PC blended plastic, outdoor versions are molded out of light gray PC/PBT blended
plastic. Back panels for this series are 16 gauge galvanized steel and come in 15 different
sizes. The family includes five different styles, including NBA with stainless steel hinges
and latching with indoor and outdoor versions available. Enclosure features either
opaque or clear door.
The NBB series features non-metallic hinges and latching, with ABS and UL508-4X
indoor/outdoor versions available. Enclosure features either opaque or clear door. The
NBC enclosure is designed with concealed hinges and key activated latching on the
indoor version.
T1FLO Enclosure Protects Heat-Sensitive Controls with
Integrated Fan and Filter Design
Hoffman has release its T1FLO Type 1 vented indoor enclosure, a thermal management solution that provides a built-in fan and filter to keep heat-sensitive drives and
controls cool and protected. T1FLO features an active cooling ventilation system
with a factory-installed 115 VAC fan, vent,
filter and thermostat.
Traditionally, fan and filter packages
involved more than a simple enclosure
selection. Customers would first chose a
suitable enclosure size, composition and
style, then selected the appropriate fan and
airflow for the application. The modifications, installation and evaluation needed
upon the enclosure’s completion made
developing a complete solution an extensive and expensive process. T1FLO delivers
an off-the-shelf standard product with various airflow and enclosure size options available that meets a broad variety of applications with no cutting or fan installation and mounting required.
Hoffman developed this standardized product to control internal enclosure temperatures in some of the most challenging plant environments, ensuring components such
as drives, PLCs, power supplies and transformers can reside in the same enclosure without overheating. T1FLO offers rugged 14 gauge steel construction for enhanced durability, with solid or perforated accessory panels available, and features a lift-off hinge
door for simple component configuration. It comes standard with mounting holes, a
terminal block power connection for the fan, external mounting feet options and a
secure, slotted quarter-turn latch. T1FLO also meets UL, NEMA/EEMAC and CSA Type 1
industry standards.
“Previously, the market for fan and filter enclosure packages was fragmented, with
each manufacturer developing a customized, home-grown solution for each application,”
said Rita Bejjani, Hoffman Commercial product manager. “Hoffman took the guesswork
out of the process by creating a standard product line with an integrated, thermostatically controlled forced-air ventilation system.”
Elma Releases Low-Cost MicroTCA Chassis Line
Elma Electronic, Inc. has introduced a
MicroTCA system platform in desktop or rackmount formats called the EcoBox. The chassis
opens up MicroTCA to be more competitive in
more cost-conscious industrial, transportation,
enterprise and other applications.
The first chassis in the line is a six slot single
module unit with 1 MCH and 5 AMC slots. Instead
of using a MicroTCA power module, which can be
comparatively expensive, the system platform uses
a standard 300 W ATX power supply. The IPMI bus
for voltage supply and control is integrated on an
active backplane. The active backplane management includes 3.3 V, in-rush current control and
over-current protection. This design reduces the
costs of having intelligence on each individual FRU (field replaceable unit) such as cooling units and power modules. As low-cost MCHs (MicroTCA carrier hubs) with simplified
switching are introduced to the market, the overall system costs can be further reduced.
The EcoBox system platform is fully compatible with the MicroTCA specifications. It
has been tested with various industry-standard MCHs and AMCs at Interoperability
Workshop and in Elma’s labs. The chassis has direct SATA connections and PCIe links
integrated on the backplane, which has been optimized via signal integrity studies.
New OtterBox for the BlackBerry Curve 8350i
OtterBox has launched a new case to safeguard the BlackBerry
Curve 8350i smartphone. The case provides users with interactive
protection from the Defender series design that shields against
drop, dirt and scratches.
The new case provides three layers of protection for added
security. First layer is a thermal formed protective, clear PVC membrane that covers the keypad from dust and dust. A built in PC
window protects the screen and camera from scratches and dust
intrusion. The second layer is a high-impact polycarbonate shell,
and the third is a silicone skin that absorbs bumps and shocks.
"The new BlackBerry Curve 8350i will allow customers to work
virtually anywhere with email, web access, data services and Pushto-Talk features; but those working in harsh environments need
protection from the elements and that's where the OtterBox case comes in," said Curt
4 Equipment Protection Magazine
March/April 2009
ENCLOSURES
Richardson, CEO of OtterBox. "This Defender series case safeguards from job site
mishaps like drops and scratches adding longevity to the smartphone."
The OtterBox for BlackBerry Curve 8350i smartphone allows use of all functions such
as the trackball, camera and flash. Sync/charge jack is accessible through a silicone plug.
Sound clearly transmits through acoustic vents so users can use headset and speaker.
Push-to-Talk features usable through a silicone button. An included holster style swivel
belt clip offers hands-free carrying.
3U Shallow-Depth Chassis Designed for Mobile Apps
The new 3U CyberResearch RMSC MX chassis are
made of 1.6 mm steel that is designed to stand up to
tough off-road mobile applications. The low height and
15 inch depth behind panel make this unit well suited
for limited vehicle space while a 400-W EPS power supply handles five hard drives, seven expansion slots and
five cooling fans.
With a 400-W EPS power supply, the chassis accepts
a wide variety of ATX motherboards supporting highpowered Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo and Pentium 4
CPUs. The chassis comes with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive, plus four open drive bays that
support SATA or IDE drives, depending on the motherboard selected. CPU, drives and
expansion boards are kept cool by two 80 mm fans on the front of the unit, one 60
mm fan on the rear and two 40 mm fans on the power supply. A lockable front door
provides access to two drive bays, two cooling fans, two USB ports, a power switch and
a reset switch.
Next Generation F-Series TeraFrame Offers Enhanced Features
Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI) is now offering a next generation F-series TeraFrame cabinet system with enhanced features.
The F-series TeraFrame provides added features and benefits that help simplify equipment and accessory installation
and use. To meet additional equipment depth requirements,
the F-series TeraFrame includes adjustable mounting rails that
slide front-to rear, allowing the entire depth of the frame to
be utilized, which results in more usable space inside the cabinet. With new depth support markings, cabinet users can better position the adjustable mounting rails both vertically and
horizontally so that equipment can be mounted effortlessly
and moved.
In addition, drop-in stud/nut hardware allows accessories
to be mounted and re-positioned by sliding front-to-rear
within the cabinet space, while light-weight side panels and
doors can be detached and re-attached without difficulty
when accessing equipment and cabling. By offering a new
top-mount slide feature, any sized CPI Cable Runway and
Tray products can be attached to the F-Series TeraFrame,
providing greater flexibility and more cable pathway attachment configurations.
Not only does the F-Series TeraFrame offer an abundance of features, but also provides a scalable solution to meet future density requirements. The updated Server Top
Panel, which is available for F-Series TeraFrame Cabinets 1,050 mm and deeper, includes
a large rectangular knockout at the rear of the panel so a CPI Vertical Exhaust Duct can
be added to isolate and remove hot exhaust air from the cabinet and support equipment heat loads up to 30 kW.
(HD) datacenter enclosures provide the capability of managing heat loads that often rise
above the 8 kW range. AFCO has revised its High Density (HD) datacenter enclosures to
include many of the same cable and power management features as its new passive line
in order increase manageability and control.
In the extreme high density (16 kW to 24 kW) load range, there are few choices for
datacenter managers. Some options are expensive and complex, involving inline or liquid
cooling. The extreme high density (EHD) datacenter enclosures deliver a cost effective
solution based on proprietary airflow management techniques. Originally developed for
the critical needs of the financial services and media industries, the EHD line now
includes many enhancements to cable and airflow management. An EHD enclosure can
be implemented in an existing datacenter without extensive deployment costs.
New enhancements to the datacenter enclosures include a focus on serviceability and
functionality at a better cost to customers. These include common plenum with or without diverter enabling more adjustable airflow and power strip mounting brackets that
allow access for up to four power strips and side cable pull-through. Additional options
include side-car cable management commonality enabling greater flexibility for cabinets
in a wide range of depths and widths and split rear doors for greater ease of entry.
Radio-Ready Enclosure Provides Turnkey Solution for Industrial
Wireless Installations
Phoenix Contact’s new radio-ready NEMA 4X enclosure simplifies the installation of industrial wireless radio
modems and small RTU devices. The RAD-SYS-NEMA4X900 includes a 24 VDC power supply, a UPS system,
surge protection and an antenna adapter.
The radio-ready enclosure provides a secure solution
for remote data collection while saving installation time
and preventing wiring errors. A pre-wired power rail has
space for either a trusted wireless or GSM/GPRS radio
modem and other components.
The 24 VDC power with backup prevents failure of
critical operations due to power dips and brown-outs, while the surge arrestor protects
against lightning and surges. The fiberglass enclosure can be mounted in harsh indoor or
outdoor environments while the dual latching lockable lid prevents unauthorized access.
AFCO Systems Releases New Generation of Passive, HighDensity Datacenter Enclosures
Today’s datacenter enclosures require greater flexibility in order to meet the often
competing demands of green IT and a green balance sheet. This includes equipment
that can be upgraded inside the datacenter in order to meet new requirements. To provide IT, datacenter and facilities professionals the
flexibility and future-proofing they require for their
datacenter power and cooling enclosures, AFCO
Systems has introduced a new generation of its flagship passive, high-density and extreme high-density
datacenter enclosures.
“The commonality and clarity of these passive,
high-density and extreme high density datacenter
enclosures will enable our datacenter customers to
be confident about our recommendation for using
AFCO enclosures in their new or existing datacenter
environments,” said Jami Miller, sales director at JEM
Computers, Inc., an AFCO Systems reseller.
AFCO has improved its passive datacenter enclosures to enhance their functionality and upgradeability in the field. The passive enclosures are designed to allow for easy field upgrades to
handle higher density heat loads using AFCO’s patented Kool IT active airflow management systems. This feature ensures that datacenter managers are future-proofing their
investment in current enclosures as they increase their datacenters’ capacity and heat
load. Additionally, through the use of common parts such as panel fillers, rail assemblies and wire management troughs, organizations can reduce costs by reusing certain
parts with other AFCO Systems enclosures as their datacenter configurations change.
Many datacenters require higher density capabilities immediately. AFCO’s high-density
March/April 2009
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
5
ENCLOSURES
Learning About SolarGuard Convinced Company to Switch to Stahlin Non-Metallic Composite Enclosures
For more than 25 years Ferguson Beauregard has been developing solutions for oil
and gas production technology, ranging from self-contained plunger lift systems and electronic controllers to fully integrated remotely managed production systems.
As a company, Ferguson Beauregard was looking for new ways to produce
a better product at a reduced cost. Consequently, when they began the
process of re-evaluating an existing line of metallic enclosures used to
house and protect controls. Because of this, the company became very
interested in exploring the benefits of non-metallic composite products.
The suggestion of possibly converting to non-metallics faced real challenges because the company had tried unsuccessfully to switch from a
stainless steel enclosure to a composite enclosure once before. The earlier effort to convert failed because even though Ferguson Beauregard was
saving money, the integrity of the non-metallic option was comprised by
degradation caused by exposure to UV radiation. As a result, many customers returned the enclosure after a short time in the field. It was not
practical to repair these returned enclosures, so ultimately Ferguson
Beauregard returned to stainless steel.
As Ferguson Beauregard studied new non-metallic designs they began
working with Stahlin. The benefits were soon obvious as there had been significant
improvements in the formulation of fiberglass compounds that now reliably resist the
New Light Weight and PortabIe 19-Inch Instrument Cases
MetCase has extended the InstruMet 19
inch case range with new portable models
that feature a strong metal tilt and swivel
carry handle bar. Typical applications will
include mobile test and measurement equipment, data recording systems, medical devices
and laboratory systems.
The InstruMet 19 inch cases conform to the
DIN and IEC standards for full and half width
19 inch equipment. The cases will accept standard 3U subracks and chassis and are available
in three standard sizes: 3U by 10.5 inches by
13.7 inches, 3U by 19inches by 13.7 inches
and 3U by 19 inches by 17.7 inches. The
enclosures also have a clean and modern
appearance with no visible fixing screws on
the case panels as the fixings are hidden on
the underside of the case.
The robust, but light weight aluminum construction is well suited for portable electronics. Each case consists of two die-cast front
bezels, a top panel, a base panel and a removable rear panel. The base and rear panels
include ventilation slots for cooling. All models feature two internal support rails that
ensure easy installation of heavy subracks or chassis.
The carry handle is manufactured from die-cast zinc (side arms) and aluminum (handle profile), and has a 30° push-button indexing mechanism for tilting the unit on a
desk. The case and handle parts are powder painted in a modern color combination of
widow gray, RAL 7040, and light gray, RAL 7035.
damage caused by UV. To get additional proof the company attended the Stahlin Boot
Camp and learned about SolarGuard.
SolarGuard is a patented, double-protection formulation technology
that enhances the molecular bond strength and cross-linking that occurs
during the curing process in thermosetting polyester sheet molding compounds (SMC). Stahlin’s SolarGuard system provides additional protection
with a unique additive that fights polymer degradation by making it more
difficult for UV light to attack molecular bonds of both primary molecular
chains and cross-links of the resin matrix.
SolarGuard was developed specifically to beat the effects of outdoor enclosure exposure plus provide chemical and flame resistance.
SolarGuard requires less maintenance than paint, wax or gel-coat
alternatives used to prolong the life of electrical enclosures in outdoor environments.
Because of this, Ferguson Beauregard is currently using Stahlin’s modified J series (1210) and modified DiamondShield (1816) enclosures to
house their controls. By switching to non-metallic composite enclosure
molded exclusively from SolarGuard the company was able to save customer’s money and still able to continue to provide an enclosure that performs effectively even while exposed to UV light.
The front bezel features standard caged nut mounting points for fitting the 19
inch subracks, chassis or accessory front panel. The mounting points are inset in the
bezels to allow the equipment to be recessed, and thus protect the controls from
accidental operation.
The enclosures are supplied fully assembled, and include four molded non-slip feet.
The case body, base panel and rear panel are provided with M4 by 10 mm earth studs
for electrical continuity. Prices for the new portable models start at $311.
TerraWave Releases New Flex-Line Steel Enclosures
TerraWave has introduced a line of 14 inches by 12 inches by 6 inch and 12 inches
by 10 inches by 6 inch steel enclosures specifically designed to provide NEMA 4 protection outside with solid doors or NEMA 12 inside protection with windows. Each
enclosure protects wireless equipment from damage caused by tampering or environmental elements.
These versatile enclosures are constructed from 14-gauge steel and include eight
knockouts for antenna ports and one for a strain relief. Each knockout is only visible
from the inside of the enclosure to enhance the outside aesthetic design, making them
long-lasting enclosures for multiple applications, even as users upgrade from an organization’s existing wireless equipment to new technologies.
New Soft-Touch Sealed Remote Control Enclosures from Teko
The new Teko OV-IP enclosures have been designed for small RF or infra-red remote
control devices which are fitted on a key ring. These modern and highly tactile cases are
manufactured using a dual shot molding technique, combining gray ABS with black softtouch rubberized TPE. Each case consists of a single molding that is folded over at the
key ring end and secured by two self tapping screws, thus
providing a high protection class of IP 65 (NEMA 4).
Four standard models are offered with one, two, three
and four rubberized
push buttons. Inside
there is room for a
single PCB which can
be located on the ribs
provided. Where an
LED is fitted to the
PCB to indicate operation of the unit, it can
be viewed through a
Ø 0.06 inch indicator
lens which is fitted in
the top section. There
is also room for a PCB mounted type CR 2032
battery cell.
OV-IP cases have external dimensions of 2.236
inches by 1.732 inches by 0.570 inches and
include a location bar at one end for fitting the
key ring or a neck chain. Teko can also supply
these enclosures with silk-screen printed legends
and logos. The cases can also be molded in alternative colors.
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6 Equipment Protection Magazine
March/April 2009
EMI/EMC/ESD
Laird Technologies Introduces New EMI Sentry Product Family
Laird Technologies, Inc. has released its new
family of form-in-place gaskets, the EMI
Sentry. The EMI Sentry product line consists of
four specially-designed, silicone-based pastes
for dispensing onto a substrate. It includes the
SNK55-RXP, which is a silicone with silver/copper that cures at room temperature,
the SNK60-HXP that consists of silicone with
silver/copper that cures in an oven, SNL60RXP that is a silicone with silver/aluminum that
cures at room temperature and the SNL70HXP, which consists of a silicone with silver/aluminum that cures in an oven.
Laird Technologies’ EMI Sentry family offers adhesion strength equal to or better than
legacy form-in-place products and offers added reliability with a low compression set, as
well as heat and humidity resistance. This improved reliability increases the durability
and longevity of customer assemblies.
The fast handling rate increases customer productivity, while the increased softness
offers the economic advantage of volume dispensing. The EMI Sentry family is well suited for handset, base station, military and consumer electronics markets.
“The EMI Sentry product family raises the industry standard for form-in-place products,” said Scott Stephan, Laird Technologies EMI product director. “These products provide excellent reliability and rapid handling, which is great news for customers seeking a
top-of-the-line product solution.”
Expanded Line of Schaffner IEC Inlet Filters Includes Higher
Attenuation Models for Expanded Range of Applications
Schaffner EMC has expanded its IEC
inlet filters to include two new models
that offer up to 10 dB better attenuation
than other versions in the series. The new
FN9244 and FN9244E, with an integrated
choke for additional EMI suppression on
the earth line, offer a current rating up to
15 A with an inductance up to 59.5 mH.
The filters are well suited for noise-intensive portable devices in highly regulated
environments including consumer electronics, household appliances and single
phase or switch mode power supplies as well as in test, measurement, data processing,
in vitro diagnostic and medical equipment.
With an integrated filter and IEC inlet, the standard, single-stage FN9244 and FN9244E
reduce the number of system components saving costs and design space, as well as
time when seeking EMI approval ratings and when replacing system components.
Currently, the filters are UL, CSA and ENEC-approved. The inlet is also CCC-approved
for all filter types.
The RoHS-compliant filters offer the same mounting options as the other FN series
models: flange mounting, wide flange mounting and snap-in horizontal or vertical.
Snap-in versions can accommodate panel thicknesses from 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm panels
and a -20 version for 1.5 mm to 2.2 mm panels. Alternative versions of the filters, such
as the safety (A-type) or medical (B-type) versions
as well as hot inlet (HI-type) versions, are available
upon request.
With more than 20 optional discharge networks, the simulation system also meets several other industry test standard requirements including IEC, ANSI and SAE.
The NSG 438 contains pre-programmed settings for IEC/EN 61000-4-2 and ISO 10605
to ensure the simulator is set up correctly and the proper discharge network is installed.
The simulator's built-in ISO calibration self-test feature saves time by eliminating extra
calibration and functional measurements prior to starting a test procedure. In addition,
the NSG 438 meets the proposed new requirements indicated by ANSI and IEC, which
require a more precise definition of calibration methods and tighter specifications for
pulse parameters.
The NSG 438 features pulse voltages of up to 30 kV, which support demanding
research and development test procedures to determine immunity limits. The simulator
offers freely adjustable pulse repetition rate ranges from 0.04 secs to 300 secs, allowing
for greater flexibility for specific product standards where the pre-stored pulse repetition rates may not match all requirements. A special random generator function is also
provided for non-standard interference immunity tests, in which the controlled statistical
repetition rate of pulse triggering is programmed in either pulse or time mode. This
feature benefits multi-clock systems by cutting down overall test time.
To enable accurate discharge detection and to eliminate faulty discharge counts over
a wider operating voltage range, the NSG 438 contains variable threshold selection.
Useful for long test runs, the counter or present counter is incremented or decremented when a discharge is detected. In addition, the detection feature can be switched off
when testing EUT's with non-conductive surfaces, such as plastic housings.
Users can create and store test conditions in the instrument's memory, resulting in easy
retrieval of the settings remaining on the menu prior to shutdown as well as saved test
conditions. With a safety interlock, the simulator can only be activated as a result of an
intentional action by the user; otherwise it switches off automatically for safety purposes.
The NSG 438 is powered by a high-energy battery pack for prolonged performance.
EMI Filtered Barrier Strip Terminal Block Rated to 30 Amps
Spectrum Control, Inc. has expanded its
line of standard Barrier Strip Terminal
Blocks with a new model featuring a higher 30 amp current rating. Spectrum’s terminal block delivers the higher rating
without incurring the expense of a true
higher current block and provides high
insertion loss for EMI/RFI filtering of AC
and DC power lines and control lines.
These terminal blocks are available with
two to six terminals and a capacitance
range of 2,500 to 5,200 pF.
The 30 amp terminal blocks have an
operating temperature range of -55° C to
105°C and a 100 VDC working voltage. The
barrier strip terminal blocks are UL recognized and CSA approved for DC voltages and
are available in RoHS compliant versions.
The barrier strip terminal block is offered in various sizes with terminals for soldering or spade lugs. The block's rugged construction protects the filter elements during
installation and field service. Typical applications include filtering power supplies in
telecommunications equipment, metering, industrial controls, instrumentation and
EDP equipment.
Teseq Offers New ESD Simulation
System Group for Automotive and
Industry Test Standards
Teseq, Inc. has introduced a new ESD simulation
system group that includes the four most commonly used discharge networks. The NSG 438 simulation system group includes 150 pF/330 Ohm,
150 pF/2 kOhm, 330 pF/2 kOhm and 330 pF/330
Ohm discharge networks that offers a cost savings
when compared to buying the items individually.
The NSG 438 ESD simulation system group fulfills many automotive and industry test standard
requirements including ISO 10605, the most
important international automotive ESD standard,
which will now require all four networks as compared to only three of the networks in the past.
March/April 2009
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
7
THERMAL
Surface Finishing OEM Finds Vortex A/C a Viable Option for Total Protection of Electrical Enclosures
Surface finishing OEM Jessup Engineering, Inc. solved the persistent maintenance and
reliability problems it experienced with air conditioners by replacing them with the
Vortex A/C from ITW Vortec.
According to Jessup Control Systems Engineer Chuck Danto, refrigerant-based air conditioners shut down in as little as 12 months because they were unable to withstand the
corrosive environment of the typical surface finishing shop. He says that not only did the
Vortex A/C eliminate the maintenance and reliability issues, it also enhanced overall protection of electrical components while offering a compact product that’s easy to package,
ship and install.
“One of the phrases we use to describe our equipment is simple,
rugged and reliable and the Vortex A/C fits the bill for all three of
those,” said Danto. “There is really no maintenance or service involved
with the Vortex A/C, so it’s one less thing that you have to maintain,
adjust or even worry about and that makes our customers happy.”
Jessup Engineering specializes in engineered-to-order, automated
dip processing machines for global finishing operations. This means
that Jessup’s sophisticated electronic systems must perform in typically
harsh, corrosive environments where humidity and airborne contaminants are prevalent.
“They would usually perform for about a year or so and then the
environment would start getting into the internal components and it
would become a high maintenance issue at that point,” said Danto of
the refrigerant-based air conditioners the firm used previously to cool
its electrical enclosures. “With the air conditioners not working, then
we would have the long-term destructive effects of the heat and
humidity and what it would do to the electronic components.”
The heat generated by the electronics inside the enclosure can be a
significant issue, especially in southern climates. “For most customers, floor space is critical so we tend to pack a lot of electronics into as small of an enclosure as possible,” said
Danto. “There are a lot of PLCs (programmable logic controllers), variable speed drives
and equipment for motion profiling that generate heat. It was always a battle between
keeping the enclosure completely sealed to keep the environment out but taking the
trade off of the heat and the long-term effects of what it would do.”
The compressed-air based Vortex A/C solved the heat and environmental issues on all
fronts by consistently delivering below-ambient cooling in environments up to 175°F, as
well as creating a positive pressure of 1 to 2 psi that keeps the enclosure free of any airborne contaminants and humidity.
The positive air pressure option of the purge-air port essentially keeps the corrosive
environment out of the enclosure. This is the only available electrical cooling option that
creates a pressurized enclosure for complete protection. Additional protection is provided by the Vortex A/C’s 5-micron, auto-drain compressed air filter to ensure that only
clean, dry, refrigerated air enters the cabinet.
Danto emphasizes that the compact size, aesthetic appeal and ease of installation of
the Vortex A/C also were key factors in Jessup’s decision to integrate the non-electric
cooling device into its automation systems. With the Vortex A/C’s mounting footprint at
less than one-tenth the size of a comparable air conditioner used to cool electrical enclosures, the unit offers distinct advantages in overall system design, packaging and shipping.
“With conventional air conditioning units, we had to go with an 18-inch-deep enclosure so it would require purchasing a bigger enclosure for nothing more than to mount
an air conditioner on the side,” said Danto. “With the Vortex A/C, we can use it with a
traditional 10 inch or 12 inch deep enclosure. Also, we don’t have to
size the electrical transformer or the control system power to run an
air conditioner and that’s an advantage to us as an OEM.”
The system is easy to install, Jessup can just punch a hole in the
enclosure and ship the Vortex unit separately. Retrofits of existing systems, installation of the Vortex A/C is easy and Jessup usually just ships
the unit to customers.
For all the inherent performance, maintenance and packaging
advantages, the sleek and compact appearance of the Vortex A/C was
the deciding factor. “It’s funny but even in the industrial world a little
bit of style goes a long way because a lot of times the control panel is
the first thing you see when you walk up to the equipment,” said
Danto. “When we saw the Vortec A/C where they took the cooling
tube and put it in a small NEMA 4X enclosure, we knew we had a
stand-alone, cleanly-packaged and aesthetically pleasing product that
we could put out there.”
The Vortex A/C utilizes vortex tube technology to create refrigerated air. With no moving parts, a vortex tube spins compressed air into
a vortex where hot and cold airstreams are separated at rotational
speeds of up to 1 million rpm. The hot air is muffled and exhausted out the back of the
unit, while the cold air reaches as low as 50°F below the compressed air inlet temperature. The cold air stream passes through an external muffler before being released into
the electrical enclosure where it creates a positive pressure to keep external contaminants from entering the cabinet. As cold air loses its refrigeration to cool the electronics,
it forces rising hot air out of vent openings. A reliable, built-in mechanical thermostat
operates a valve to control airflow and cooling to maintain the cabinet within a temperature range of 80°F to 90°F.
Four models of the Vortex A/C are available, 900, 1,500, 2,500 and 5,000 BTUH of
refrigeration capacity, and every model is backed by a 10 year warranty. The 5,000 BTUH
model features a two-stage vortex cooler design that conserves energy while providing
increased flexibility in directing refrigerated air in a cabinet.
All models are UL Listed for NEMA Type 4 and 4X rated electrical cabinets, and they
require no electrical connections. They also offer quiet operating noise levels equal to a
comparable air conditioner (62 to 64 dBA).
Flared Pin Heat Sinks Provide Alternative for Natural Convection
Flared pin fin heat sinks feature an array of round pins that are slanted outward. The
sparsely configured staggered pin array and the flared structure combine to produce
added cooling power in natural convection. At the same time, the omni-directional pin
configuration ensures that the heat sinks operate efficiently in any orientation. Flared pin
fins offer up to a 30 percent performance premium over traditional pin fin heat sinks,
and a substantially larger cooling premium over the majority of other heat sink designs.
Cool Innovations, Inc. has introduced a new line of powerful flared pin fin heat sinks.
The heat sinks provide added cooling power because of a unique structure that was
specifically optimized for natural convection environments. The heat sinks feature a
rugged array of round pins and are suitable for harsh industrial environments and outdoor applications.
Flared pin fin heat sinks are forged from thermally conductive aluminum alloys. They are available in a wide variety of square, rectangular and
round configurations, ranging in footprint from
1.0 by 1.0 inch to 5.0 by 5.0 inches, and in height
from 0.7 to 2.0 inches. The new heat sinks are a
well suited for emerging green technologies such
as solar cells and advanced LED lighting, as well as
any other applications and devices operating in
natural convection environments.
Emerson Network Power Enhances
Liebert CRAC Unit to Provide
Efficient Cooling for Data Centers
As data center and IT managers continue to
show preference for products that aide in data
center energy reduction, Emerson Network Power
8 Equipment Protection Magazine
March/April 2009
THERMAL
has introduced an enhanced, chilled water-based computer room air conditioning unit (CRAC) that offers
greater energy savings to large data centers.
The Liebert CW is a precision cooling system available
in upflow and downflow configurations and in cooling
capacities up to 181 kW. The system, which uses existing
building chilled water supply as the cooling source,
offers cooling and humidity control matched to the
needs of data center equipment. Larger downflow models of the Liebert CW are available with optional energy
efficient EC plug fans, which achieve high levels of energy efficiency. Both upflow and downflow models in all
capacities are available with optional variable speed drive
fans to improve energy efficiency over standard fan operation.
The Liebert CW features the Liebert iCOM control system that enables multiple units
to communicate and operate as a system to provide maximum control of temperature
and humidity across a room while optimizing the efficiency of the entire cooling system.
Ron Spangler, senior product manager, Liebert Precision Cooling, Emerson Network
Power, said, “Our performance test results showed that the EC plug fan saves 30 percent
more energy compared to a centrifugal fan at full speed. When the iCOM controls lowered the fan speed by only 20 percent, EC plug fans provide 65 percent energy savings
in large data centers with chilled water cooling systems."
In large data centers with chilled water systems, an integrated approach to dissipating
high heat can be applied by combining the room-level cooling offered by the Liebert CW
and the targeted cooling provided by the Liebert XD heat density cooling solution. The
Liebert CW provides base-level cooling and humidification while the heat generated by high
density, rack-mounted electronic equipment is removed at its source by the Liebert XD.
With the Liebert CW, which is based on the design of the Liebert Deluxe System/3
Chilled Water system, customers may also purchase remote monitoring service for critical support equipment. Remote monitoring enables Emerson Network Power's Liebert
Services business to monitor systems, predict and troubleshoot potential issues and diagnose and respond to problems.
Degree Controls Releases New Airflow Sensor
Silicone-Free Interface Material Provides Thermal Conductivity
MH&W International has introduced Keratherm
U 90 thermal interface material for use where
contamination concerns prohibit the use of silicone-based thermal pads, but where high levels
of thermal conductivity are needed for sufficient
thermal transfer in hot electronic devices. Typical
applications for silicone-free U 90 thermal interface pads include medical devices, laser equipment, lighting systems, solar energy, disc drives
and aerospace electronics.
U 90 material consists of a ceramic-filled
polyurethane film with thermal conductivity of 6.0
W/mK and thermal impedance of just 0.05 Kin2/W. The material has a high voltage
breakdown property of 4.0 kV. It provides strong perforation protection with a tensile
strength of 2.5 N/mm2 and a Shore A hardness of 70.
MH&W’s Keratherm U 90 interface material is available in 0.100 and 0.200 mm thicknesses.(3.9 and 7.8 mil). Standard and custom shapes are available in continuous rolls for
automated or manual application. Pricing for U 90 thermal interface pads starts at $0.15
for 1 inch square, 0.200 mm thick pads in high volume quantities.
New Compact Fan Heater from Omega
Omega's new compact fan heater
comes with built-in overheat protection
and is DIN rail mountable. The HVL031
series has the capability to maintain
minimum operating temperatures in
enclosures and helps to prevent failure
of electronic components caused by
condensation and corrosion. This CE
compliant product is designed for many
applications such as electrical and electronic enclosures, display panels, access and parking control systems, personnel booths and is well suited for the automotive industry.
Degree Controls, Inc. has introduced its Pulse Airflow
sensor, named the F600. This air velocity sensor is designed
for board mounted and embedded applications where insitu airflow sensing is required. The F600 provides rapid
response to fan failure or airflow blockage prior to component temperature rise and subsequent failure. It is ROHS
Level 6 compliant to meet emerging green standards and is
designed to comply with NEBS requirements.
The AccuSense F600 series sensors are fully interchangeable with one another, as each sensor has its own on-line
circuitry to provide normalized performance. The F600 sensor is a cost-effective and
value added solution for all embedded and electronics cooling applications such as telecom, HVAC and environmental monitoring systems.
Kooltronic Debuts New Compact Air Conditioning Solution
Kooltronic, Inc. has introduced of the Profile Guardian DP15
series air conditioner, designed to cool the interior of electronic
cabinets. The DP15 is the company's smallest Profile unit yet.
Designed for use where mounting space is limited and measuring
only 15 inches high and 8 inches wide and rated for 1,000 BTU/H, it
is well suited for many types of applications where NEMA 12, 3R, 4
or 4X enclosure interface is required. Typical applications include:
telecommunications, kiosk, waste and water treatment and various
industrial controls. The entire Profile series consists of air conditioners ranging in heights from 15 to 60 inches and capacities from
1,000 to 26,000 BTU/H. Available in 115 VAC and 230 VAC (50 or 60
Hz), with three 480 Volt models, the Profile Series is UL/CUL Listed
and uses environmentally-friendly CFC-free R134a refrigerant.
EIC Introduces DVR Cooler
EIC Solutions has launched Its new DVR Cooler. This air conditioned enclosure is
designed to house and protect a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), as well as other 19 Inch
rack-mount electronics such as servers, routers,
modems, switches, amplifiers, network gear, communication equipment and more.
The DVR Cooler is suitable for indoor or outdoor applications and is built to NEMA 4 or 4X
construction standards in steel and stainless steel.
Enclosure includes a durable white powder coat
finish with other colors available. Equipped with a
companion cooling system, the integrated assembly will provide a complete level of protection for
the electronics.
EIC's air conditioned DVR Cooler is available in two standard sizes as well as a variety
of custom sizes. A rack-mounted DVR remains fully protected from harsh environmental
elements including dust, dirt, sand, moisture and extreme temperatures. The enclosure
also provides protection against vandalism and theft. The unit is customizable to accommodate different mounting requirements. With the capability to house more than one
rack-mount device, this new air conditioned enclosure is well suited for various applications in the security industry.
March/April 2009
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
9
POWER
EnerSys Adds 800 WPC Model to its DataSafe 16 V Front
Terminal UPS Battery Line
EnerSys has added a new product to its DataSafe 16V front terminal UPS battery line,
the 16HX800F-FR. The DataSafe16HX800F-FR is a valveregulated lead acid (VRLA) battery that produces 800
WPC for 15 minutes to 1.67 volts per cell at 77ºF.
DataSafe 16 V are specially designed to back up the
primary power system for UPS applications and supply
power for 15 minutes until the backup generator is fully
operational. The 16HX800F-FR can produce the necessary power to handle the runtime for large UPS systems
without having to use smaller 12 V batteries that
require more strings and therefore drives up the system
cost. They also have up to 50 percent fewer connections, which simplify wiring and helps reduce costs.
The high power rating of the 16 V batteries also give
users a more economical and space efficient option to
large single cell VRLA batteries in high power rated UPS
systems. With the addition of the DataSafe 16HX800FFR, EnerSys offers the 16 V VRLA batteries in three
sizes: 500 Watts per cell (WPC), 800 WPC and 925 WPC. They require only 44 sq. ft. to
support a typical 750 kVA UPS system with a full 15 minutes of runtime.
“Now, UPS systems are no longer limited to top terminated 12 V batteries or bulky 2
V cells. Expanding the line to three sizes gives our customers the tools they need to
maximize their power density and footprint savings,” said Steve Vechy, director, UPS and
Utility Marketing, EnerSys. “A well-rounded line of 16 V offers efficiencies for better
productivity and bottom lines.”
With the same dimensions (27.2 by 7.0 inches) and 20 lbs. lighter (220 lbs.), the
DataSafe 16HX800F-FR fits in the same rack system as the 925 DataSafe 16 V batteries.
Cabinets are available in gray or black to match other data center equipment. Complete
front access in the 16 V front-terminated DataSafe models makes access and maintenance easier than top-terminated 12 V batteries.
New Generation of Circuit Breaker Power EntryModules Mount
In Tight Spaces
Series 6135 and 6136 are the newest additions to
the Schurter line of power entry modules. The combination of appliance inlet and circuit breaker provide
an alternative to fused power entry modules, especially suited for applications with high inrush currents and
high transient loads.
A circuit breaker is selected instead of fuses when
manual reset is a desired function of the equipment.
This can be highly desirable when tolerance of high
inrush spikes is needed to avoid nuisance tripping.
Typical applications include lab equipment, medical
devices, fitness equipment, industrial automation
equipment, etc. using automatic winding and coiling devices. The 6136 fits in a 1U
enclosure, making it well suited for use in power distribution units used for information
technology equipment, communications equipment, instrument cabinets and network
10 Equipment Protection Magazine
operations centers. The ability to manually reset the circuit avoids the expense and
inconvenience of fuse replacement.
The 6135 offers a C14 appliance inlet and the 6136 a C20 inlet, according to IEC
60320. Both versions offer snap-in mounting and are equipped with a thermal positively
trip-free release circuit breaker. The 6135 offers a 2-pole switch with or without 1 or 2pole over current protection, while the compact 6136 is offered in 1-pole with switch
only or switch and over current protection. Current ratings range from 50 mA to 16 A
(ENEC) or 20 A (cURus). The rocker is offered lighted or unlighted in various legends
and colors.
Eaton’s New Power Distribution Rack Is Designed for the
Realities of the Modern Data Center
Eaton Corp. has introduced the Eaton Power Distribution Rack (PDR) to offer data
center managers flexible, high-density power distribution for rack environments with a
highly-compact footprint. The PDR offers a space-saving way to distribute power throughout the data center with up to 168 factoryinstalled branch breakers. Its flexible design for high-density racks
offers the traditional 225 A or 400 A panels to make full use of all
42 pole positions, if needed, without jeopardizing the critical load.
“In today’s data center floor space is costly, change is
inevitable and uptime is critical,” said Naveen Halbhavi, product
line manager, Eaton Data Center Solutions. “The PDR was designed
to address these issues associated with the modern, adaptable data
center. We want our customers to have confidence that the power
circuits serving their blade servers and other essential equipment
are appropriately loaded and capable of supporting the constant
demand for high-availability.”
The standalone PDR is fully configured and factory-tested,
which makes installation easy and convenient. It is simple to retrofit
any existing distribution system with a choice of top or bottom
cable entry as well as front and/or rear power panels. In addition,
the PDR can be placed in the middle or at the end of a row, enabling the user to minimize cable runs, leverage floor space wisely and easily execute moves, adds and changes.
An added benefit of the PDR is its aesthetically pleasing appearance. Unlike bulky
power distribution equipment options, the PDR’s streamline rack enclosure will not distract from a sleek, modern rack line-up. Technicians can also locally support monitoring
and configuration with an at-a-glance view of system status on a large LCD.
Additional features of the PDR include spacious wireways, hinged doors and removable side panels for easy service access, as well as extensive monitoring options including the Eaton Energy Management System and branch circuit monitoring to manage and
monitor power down to individual circuits. Detailed event and trend information to support capacity planning and avoid unexpected breaker tripping is also included.
Raritan Adds New Data Center Energy Management
Capabilities to Power IQ Software
To provide a more complete and accurate view of energy usage within the data center and branch offices, Raritan has introduced new reporting and analytics capabilities
to its Power IQ energy management software. Power IQ tracks and keeps a repository
on all types of granular power
information from multiple platforms to help IT and operations
managers analyze power-related
issues ranging from IT energy
costs to rack capacity to IT equipment health.
Power IQ provides a consolidated view of power information
gathered from IT devices plugged
into Dominion PX intelligent
power distribution units (PDUs)
and a wide range of other rack
PDUs, including APC, ServerTech and Geist. It also tracks rack temperature and humidity information collected by the Dominion PX's environmental sensors.
Information is presented in user-configurable graphs and reports that can be
accessed from anywhere with Power IQ's Web-based dashboard. Reports can be easily
tailored to look at power over any user-defined time periods and at any point(s) in the
path from where power enters the building; from the PDU, to the outlet, to the circuit
breaker, branch circuit, the data center, to the entire building. It also can provide energy views by division or business unit, by application, by offices and other entities.
PowerIQ's open database compliant (ODBC) system can be integrated with customer's existing data warehouse and enterprise reporting systems. Reports that Power
IQ generates include Kilowatts per hour, energy costs per kilowatt hour reports, power
capacity reports and compliance and carbon reports.
The Kilowatts per hour energy usage reports include energy consumption information based on user-defined criteria. Graphs can easily depict what devices are consuming the most energy, whether power conservation efforts are working, and if there are
problem hot spots or over-cooled areas. The energy costs per Kilowatt hour reports can
be used to bill back energy costs to users and customers, provide details on the cost of
power consumption by user-defined groups, such as a department or business unit, or
types of equipment or applications.
By reporting on actual power used by IT devices in a rack and comparing that to
allocated rack capacity, IT organizations can use the power capacity reports to optimize
March/April 2009
POWER
power resources across racks. Racks with available power capacity to add more IT
equipment can be identified. Also, project delays and downtime because of lack of
power supply or circuit overloads can be avoided. To comply with government "green"
regulations or corporate green objectives, Power IQ can also track improvements on
energy savings and carbon dioxide (CO2) reducing initiates.
Another unique capability of Power IQ is PDU management. It simplifies managing
distributed Dominion PX PDUs by enabling bulk firmware updates, configuration management and health monitoring to be accomplished remotely through a single Web
interface. Security is ensured through standards-based authentication, Web session time
out and IP-based access control.
Vishay Siliconix High-Side Load Switch Provides UserSelectable Current Limit and Fault Flag
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. has added to
its family of current limit protection load
switches with the release of a new protected
high-side load switch that can operate under
a supply voltage range of 2.4 V to 5.5 V and
handle a continuous output current of 1 A.
The SiP4613A/B is designed for applications including load switching, battery
switching, USB peripheral ports, hot-swapping and other power management applications in notebook computers, PDAs and
portable electronics.
A user-defined current limit level protects the input supply voltage from excessive
load currents that might cause a system failure. To flag a current fault, the CL pin will
go low if the device is operating in a current-limited condition. In shutdown mode,
SiP4613A/B reduces the supply current to less than 1 microamp.
In addition to the current limit, the SiP4613A/B is protected by undervoltage lockout
and thermal shutdown features. The over-temperature protection circuit prevents thermal runaway by turning off the power switch when the chip's junction temperature
reaches 165°C, and leaves it off until the temperature drops below 145°C.
Two versions of the power switch are available, providing the ability to selectively
turn on and shut down various system functions and to switch between power supply
sources. The SiP4613A has an active low-enable input, while the SiP4613B has an active
high-enable input. Available in the lead (Pb)-free 6-pin PowerPAK(R) TSC75-6 package,
the device operates within the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.
Ferraz Shawmut’s Surge-Trap Surge Protection Devices Meets
UL 1449 3rd Edition Standard
Ferraz Shawmut has released its new UL 1449 Third
Edition approved Surge-Trap surge protective device (SPD)
product line. Surge-Trap, with TPMOV technology, doesn't
require the use of additional overcurrent protection and
offers modular style IP-20 grade finger-safe protection. It
mounts easily on a DIN rail to safeguard electrical system
components from the effects of transient overvoltages.
Industrial control equipment has evolved into complex
electronics-based systems, making components increasingly
susceptible to transient overvoltages. Ferraz Shawmut
designed the Surge-Trap SPD specifically for point-of-use
overvoltage protection in industrial power
applications. The SPD diverts high-energy
power away from a load by providing a
lower impedance path to common point
earth ground.
In addition to the benefits of its TPMOV
surge suppression technology, Surge-Trap
meets the test requirements in the UL
1449 Third Edition standard for SPD products. Any product that fails to comply with
the new standard by September 2009 can
no longer be manufactured and used.
Surge-Trap SPDs are approved for Type 1
and 2 applications, including AC/DC power
distribution, high-voltage power supplies,
telecommunications equipment, PLC applications, electronic motor controllers and
starters, medical equipment and UPS and
security systems.
With features for both visual status and
remote signaling indication, the SurgeTrap SPD suits system voltages from 120
V to 600 V and MCOV rated 180 V to 550
V. It has a 100 kA Short Circuit Current
Rating (SCCR) and 20kA 8/20µs surge
capacity rating per mode. Agency
approvals include UL 1449, 3rd Edition,
ANSI/IEEE C62.41 and IEC 61643. Multiple
configurations are available, with DIN-rail
or direct panel mounting.
March/April 2009
Server Technology Releases New Power Management Software
For Cabinet PDUs
Server Technology has introduced its
new Sentry Power Manager (SPM). The
SPM allows the IT manager to control
thousands of Sentry Cabinet power distribution units (PDUs) in multiple locations, providing one central interface for
conditions including power, temperature
and humidity. Status and alarm notification are in real time and can be viewed
by status, current load, power, temperature, humidity and capacity. Quick and
simple drill down from a global view to
the rack level makes alarm acknowledgement and management of multiple PDUs
a simple process.
Accessed through a standard Web browser the SPM is capable of automatically discovering all connected PDUs. Multiple user-access levels and permissions ensure secure
access with each user given specific access to the devices or locations that they are
responsible for. Trending of critical parameters by start and end date such as temperature,
humidity, in-feed load, in-feed power, system watts/unit area, kW, kW Hr and system total
power allow the user to create custom graphs based on any one or all of these parameters. Logging by specific start and end dates provides the user information on when a discovery was last performed, the last time a specific user logged in, all user actions and
alarm status.
SPM combined with the new Sentry POPS (Per Outlet Power Sensing) product provides power monitoring per individual outlet to monitor current, voltage, power (kW),
apparent power, crest factor and power factor. Though individual outlet information is
important, the real value to the data center manager is to use this technology to provide kW and kW Hr information per device, groups of devices (application), an individual PDU or cabinet.
Utilizing SPMs exclusive clustering technology also allows the user power monitoring
across individual IP addresses providing kW and kW Hr power information across multiple cabinets or across the whole data center. This information can be used to calculate
power efficiency metrics like PUE and DCiE offered by The Green Grid or SI-POM and
H-POM metrics offered by The Uptime Institute. Beyond calculating efficiency metrics
this technology also allows the Data Center Manager the ability to bill for power usage
based on an individual outlet, device, groups of devices (application), cabinet, groups of
cabinets or the whole location.
Integrated remote management of Sentry Cabinet PDUs allows the user to turn on, off
or reboot specific devices from the SPMs user interface. Outlets can be grouped across
both an A and B in-feed to reboot specific devices or applications under one single PDU
IP address. Clustering of outlets allows to user to turn on, off or reboot devices across
multiple IPs addresses allowing the user control of multiple cabinets or rows of cabinets.
The SPM is compatible with all Sentry Switched PDUs with firmware 5.3x or later.
Sentry Switched PDUs provide local current monitoring, two temperature and humidity
measurements, branch circuit protection, power distribution of single and three phase
power and a serial connection in case the network is down and communications to the
PDU is required. Both email alerts and SNMP traps can be sent to multiple locations
ensuring notification of all alarm conditions.
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
11
HARDWARE
New Clean Tray Accommodates Custom
Runs and Protects Against Washdown
Hoffman has expanded its line of Clean Tray
UL Type 1 stainless steel
cable trays for power and
data cable management.
Clean Tray protects rated
cabling and features a
unique sloped-top sanitary design that minimizes dirt, debris and
mold build-up in addition to facilitating ease-of-cleaning.
The new Clean Tray line also includes numerous slopedtop fittings, variable angle fittings and telescopic straight
sections that translate to greater installation savings and
optimal sanitary performance.
Clean Tray is offered with sloped and flat-cover
options, as well as perforated and non-perforated bottoms. Additionally, the line extension includes variable
angle fittings adjust from 0 to 90° to easily fit corners
and simplify field integration and installation. Adjustable
straight sections with an 18 to 29 inch extension range
also provide application flexibility, while a variety of
sloped-top fittings with front, inside or outside options
allow for highly customized runs. 45° and 90° elbows
with female and male coupling options to accommodate
applications that require tight turns (two elbows coupled
together) while minimizing installation time
In addition, customers will receive the standard features and benefits that come with Hoffmans existing
Clean Tray offering. These include removable top or side
for cabling access eliminates the time and hassle of
pulling cable, perforations in the bottom of fittings and
straight sections to drain water after washdown, flat
cover and 20° sloped cover models, 18 gauge stainless
steel formed to minimize unnecessary ridges and potential bacteria catch-points compared to competitive offerings and adjustable dividers provide two separate width
sections. Clean trays are available in sizes ranging from 2
by 2 to 6 by 6 inches.
XTech’s faceplate retention flanges comply with
MicroTCA.0 R1.0 specifications. They save manufacturers
the time and expense of devising in-house solutions and
offer the industry a new, ready-to-use integrated product
line. The fastener-reinforced faceplates are fully assembled and are available in compact, full-size and mid-size
configurations, at single and double width.
UAF Introduces Thinnest Filter Media to
Meet NEBS Standards
Universal Air Filter has
created the thinnest media
available that meets the UL
94 HF-1 rating and dust
arrestance requirements for
NEBS. This new 0.12-inchthick Quadrafoam is
designed for engineers
looking for an ultra-thin
media and is well suited for all telecom equipment,
including networking servers, ATCA and microTCA chassis.
“Until now, design engineers for all product markets
couldn’t find a 0.12-inch-thick media that also met the
UL 94 HF-1 requirement,” said Mike Miano, engineering
and sales manager, UAF. “This is beneficial for any industry requiring UL classification and CE compliance.”
Thin Quadrafoam media is soft and compressible and
available in 45, 60 and 80 pores-per-inch (PPI). In addition to filtration applications, it can also be bonded to
interior chassis walls for insulation or circuit card stabilization purposes.
Universal Air Filter products are RoHS Compliant and
meet the following standards and classifications: UL 94
HF-1, ATCA, UL 900 Class 2, CE, Telcordia, NEBS GR-78CORE and GR-63-CORE, micro TCA and ETSI.
extruded eye and attached to the
cam with c-clips. Also, round rods
can be produced in common
lengths that can be cut by the
user to any required length. In
this case, an adapter is required
and is attached to the cam with
c-clips. The adapter is attached
to the round rod with a setscrew.
This complex installation
process requires tools, and when
assembled incorrectly, can result
in the round rods becoming disengaged from the cam. In addition, the metal components can
rattle against each other in the application. Advantages of
the new DIRAK method include quick assembly yields
cost reduction, no rattling due to polyamide design and
once attached to the rod, the adapter will not loosen.
New Swing Handle Latches Offer
Versatile Style and Functionality
The new line of Southco H3
swing handle latches accommodate
numerous options for indoor and
outdoor single-point and multipoint latching, with the convenience of drop-in replacement in
standard panel preparation dimensions. All models provide the familiar simplicity of swing handle operation, in a low-profile housing
designed to be both aesthetically
and ergonomically pleasing.
Separately specified cams, extension rods and locking features offer
numerous permutations of latching configurations for
Dirak Introduces Faster Method of
applications ranging from datacenter, to electrical, indusAssembling Multi-point Round Rod
trial or outdoor telecom enclosures.
Available in two sizes for standard panel preparation
Systems for Cabinet Enclosures
openings, 25 by 125 mm and 25 by 150 mm, the H3
Dirak, Inc. has introduced a new assembly method for
swing handles offer choices of a direct drive handle for
attaching round rods to a latch in multiple-point locking
single and multi-point applications, as well as a gearboxXTech Launches Fastener-Reinforced
applications. This assembly method eliminates the need
drive for multi-point latching. The gearbox allows for
for
screws
and
tools.
A
round
rod
slides
easily
into
the
MicroTCA faceplates
mounting closer to the edge of the door, an added
polyamide adapter and remains in place without the
advantage in applications where the latch is mounted
XTech has introduced its family of Micro-TCA.0 R1.0need to attach it with screws. The round rod with its
outside of a gasketed area. Mounting options for either
compliant, fastener reinforced faceplates. The new faceadapter is then clipped onto the grooved stud of the 2 or drive-style permit both clockwise and counter-clockwise
plates provide increased security for use in rough service
3-point cam. Because it is made of polyamide, any conhandle rotation.
and feature front locking attachment flanges with M3
cern over rattling is eliminated.
All formats feature die-cast zinc housings for durability
captive screws, top and bottom, in a lightweight, robust
Traditionally, round rods are manufactured with an
and corrosion-resistant performance in both indoor and
aluminum profile.
outdoor installations. Specific gasket-sealed latches
are also available for outdoor use and can accommodate NEMA 4/IP66 enclosure requirements.
Access control and security versatility includes
non-locking, padlocking and tool-access styles, plus
multiple key-code options—including cylindrical
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and black powder-coated finishes, with customcolor powder-coated finishes also available.
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Separately ordered cams permit frame configurations with grip dimensions (the distance from
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ment) ranging from 10.3 mm to 50.9 mm.
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A. What is your
principle job function?
(Check one)
1 Design Engineering/Product Development
2 Operations/Manufacturing/Production
3 Corporate Management
4 Sales/Marketing/Distribution
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B. Company’s primary business
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20 OEM that utilizes equipment protection technologies
21 Operator/manager of equipment that utilizes equipment
protection
22 Manufacturer/fabricator of enclosures, cases, housing, etc
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Manufacturer of other equipment protection products
Dealer/distributor of equipment protection devices
Supplier of services for equipment protection
Consultant
Turck Connectors Now Available in
19 Pin Configuration
Turck has expanded its
1-1/8 inch minifast connector line to handle even
more applications with the
addition of the 19-pin
connector. The 19-pin
minifast connector is
rated for up to 300 volts,
4 amps per pin, and it is
designed for applications requiring a more robust
solution than a traditional 19-pin M23 connector.
March/April 2009
SHOCK/VIBRATION
Wago Module and Sensor Provide Online
Monitoring, Analysis of Vibration for
Machine Health
Wago Corp.’s 750-645 2 channel vibration and roller
bearing monitoring module (VIB-I/O) tracks machine
vibration conditions. Based on
ISO’s 10816-3 mechanical
vibration standard, the 750645 VIB-I/O’s channels monitor
and analyze vibration severity
and shock pulse feedback
using Wago’s 750-925 TandemPiezo acceleration sensor.
Mechanical shock pulse
process data is transmitted to
control systems (e.g., manufacturing execution system) via
fieldbus. The resulting analysis
provides the basis for an anticipatory maintenance schedule. This ensures component replacement only when necessary, avoiding unforeseen downtime. In the event of
excessive vibration, the 750-645 VIB-I/O can enact a shutdown, preventing further damage.
The 750-645 VIB-I/O eliminates time-consuming collection of machine health data by handheld devices.
Programming is also efficient. The easy-to-program 750645 enables configuration of good, warning and fault limits via Wago I/O Check software. Set alarm and warning
threshold in the process image or in Wago I/O Check.
“The 750-645 VIB-I/O is a proactive way to ensure
plant efficiency,” said Mark DeCramer, product manager,
Wago I/O System. “Continuous online analysis of machine
health conditions via fieldbus can potentially save thousands of dollars by preventing machine downtime, emergency repairs and costly scrap.”
The 750-645 module and 750-925 sensor can be combined with any of the 300 plus digital, analog and specialty modules in the Wago I/O System to create comprehensive monitoring systems.
New Wireless Data Acquisition and PXI
Express Modules for Sound and
Vibration Applications
National Instruments has released a new wireless data
acquisition module and two new PXI Express modules for
sound and vibration applications. With the NI WLS-9234
wireless dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) module, engineers and scientists can stream vibration data wirelessly
over the IEEE 802.11g (Wi-Fi) standard to distributed
monitoring systems and eliminate the cost and
clutter of cabling. The PXI Express DSA modules,
the NI PXIe-4496 and PXIe-4498, make it possible
to acquire data from 272 channels at full rate in a
single PXI Express chassis, so engineers and scientists can acquire more data from more channels
at faster rates.
24-bit resolution, 204.8 kS/s maximum sampling rates and
a 113 dB dynamic range. The modules are based on the
PXI Express bus architecture, which offers higher throughput than PXI and makes it easy to synchronize up to 17 NI
PXIe-449x modules in a single chassis and simultaneously
acquire data at full rate. The NI PXIe-4496 and PXIe-4498
modules are designed for interfacing with accelerometers
and microphones that require constant current power.
Vibration Monitoring and Measurement
Solutions from IOtech
IOtech has added
two products to their
vibration measurement portfolio. The
600 series dynamic
signal acquisition
product portfolio was
expanded with the
addition of a 10-channel, 24-bit, simultaneous sampling USB 2.0 device. With the addition of a new
software package, eZ-TOMAS Remote, the eZ-Series suite
of software has expanded its capability to include remote
machine monitoring and control.
The IOtech 652u doubles the number of channels
available in a single 600 series device, from five to 10. In
addition to the expanded channel count, the device
offers 4 mA IEPE per channel, the most available in the
series. DASYLab driver support for the 600 series has also
been expanded to include the IOtech 652u and is available on the DSA 2.2 CD.
eZ-TOMAS Remote allows for connection to any eZTOMAS system accessible on your plant’s network. One
remote client can connect to multiple eZ-TOMAS systems
for simultaneous remote monitoring. Additionally, a single eZ-TOMAS system can serve data to multiple remote
clients. eZ-TOMAS supports IOtech’s WaveBook,
ZonicBook and 600 series devices. Also in this release, eZAnalyst has added support for RPC-III file format.
New Low-Frequency Vibration Isolation
Workstation from Kinetic Systems, Inc.
A new ultra-low-frequency Vibration-Isolation
Workstation for lighter loads has been introduced by
Kinetic Systems, Inc. (KSI). Designated the 2800 series
LLHP, this workstation is designed to meet the exacting
vibration-isolation requirements of sensitive equipment
weighing in the 100-pound range (200 pounds max). KSI
uses its proprietary trifilar pendulum mounts
and active-air suspension to provide horizontal axis vibration isolation, and a high level of
vertical axis isolation.
The 2800 series tabletop is 30 inches square,
two inches thick, and
can be constructed of
lightweight aluminum
extruded core or a variety of composite cores. Surfaces
are available with or without mounting holes.
The compact, ergonomic design of the 2800 series
incorporates automatic leveling and low natural frequencies (1.1 Hz along horizontal axis and 1.4 Hz along vertical
axis). The workstation can achieve vertical isolation efficiency of 96 percent and horizontal isolation efficiency of
97 percent (at 10 Hz and above).
Well suited for supporting atomic force microscopes,
analytical balances, etc., the 2800 series can be configured
for Class 100 cleanroom compatibility and outfitted with a
variety of accessories to increase the user’s comfort and
convenience (padded arm rests, overhead equipment
shelves, monitor stands and outlet strips for lighting.
New DC Accelerometers for Steady State
And Shock Measurements
Measurement Specialties has introduced two rugged
DC accelerometers for steady state and transient measurement in harsh environments. The compact,
hermetically sealed
Models 3801A and
4801A incorporate gasdamped MEMS sensing
elements with wide frequency response.
Offered in ranges
from ±2 g to ±2,000 g,
the accelerometers are suitable for both low-level and
high-end transient shock measurements. Integral overrange stops provide shock protection to over 10,000 g
without affecting calibration.
Model 3801A has a mV output signal for shock pulse
measurements. Model 4801A has a signal-conditioned,
amplified output for low level measurements. A custom
ASIC in Model 4801A provides high integral temperature
compensation over a wide operating temperature range
from -55°C to 125°C.
The WLS-9234 offers four simultaneously
acquired input channels, each with 24-bit resolution and a 51.2 kS/s maximum sampling rate. The
module delivers 102 dB of dynamic range and
incorporates software-selectable AC/DC coupling
and integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE) signal conditioning for accelerometers and microphones. The WLS-9234 relays data wirelessly over
a Wi-Fi network, allowing for easy distributed I/O,
and provides support for various wireless security
protocols including WEP, WPA and WPA2 (IEEE
802.11i) to protect data and network integrity. In
addition, the module features support for direct
Ethernet connection.
The NI PXIe-4496 and PXIe-4498 modules offer
16 simultaneously acquired channels, each with
March/April 2009
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
13
FEATURE
Specifying Equipment Racks for Seismic Environments
Alan Taft, Senior Product Manager
Chatsworth Products, Inc.
What constitutes a potential seismic environment?
Well, just about anywhere on earth is subject to seismic
events. It has happened in the past and will definitely
happen again in the future, it is just a matter of time and
pressure. On any given day, per the National Earthquake
Information Center (NEIC) the earth experiences approximately 25 earthquakes with a magnitude of 2.5 or above
on the Richter scale. They may not all be felt but with
today’s seismic instrumentation most are measured and
recorded. The NEIC now locates approximately 14,000
earthquakes per year. Of those, approximately 18 per
year are expected to be in the major earthquake category
of between 7.0 to 7.9 and 1 catastrophic earthquake per
year above 8.0. The vast majority of these earthquakes
occur at the boundaries of our earth’s plate tectonics.
Ever hear of the term “the ring of fire”? Chances are
high you have, if you live anywhere around the Pacific
Ocean where the Pacific plate comes in contact with several other plates. Anywhere around the boundaries of
tectonic plates are considered seismically active environments as can be seen in the World Seismicity Map below.
central and western China, the area around Afghanistan,
Turkey, Greece and southern Europe are the highest risk
areas. Data centers built within these seismically active
environments require specialized equipment and racks
with special mounting specifications to improve their survival during these seismic events. The Uniform Building
Codes (UBC) and the International Building Codes (IBC)
define the various seismic zones and probabilistic maps
for the likelihood and severity of seismic events.
Figure 3: Seismic Zone Map of the United States
Figure 2: This map shows the areas representing seismic
activity (red: high probability, yellow: moderate probability,
light blue: low probability). Please use this map for illustrative purposes only. Refer to the Website for the complete
set of maps and seismic design values. Source: 2008,
USGS, www.usgs.gov/hazards/earthquakes.
Figure 1: Earthquakes depicted on the 1990 to 2000 World
Seismicity Map are taken from the USGS/NEIC PDE catalog
How important is it to you that your datacom and
telecommunication equipment survives during a seismic
event? It is not a question about “if” a seismic event will
occur; it is a question about “when and where”. The highest risk areas within the United States are Hawaii, the
entire west coast including the southern region of Alaska,
the area around St. Louis, Missouri, the border between
Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana and areas around
Charleston, South Carolina. Internationally, the west coast
of Central and South America, Japan and the islands in the
western Pacific Ocean south of Asia and east of Australia,
ments for Physical Protection. The racks are tested in a
fully loaded condition on a seismic “shaker” table to simulate a zone 4 (up to 8.3 on the Richter scale) seismic
event. The shaker table generates random movement of
varying intensity in all X, Y and Z planes (front-to-back,
side-to-side and up-down). Varieties of accelerometers
are attached to measure and record the amount of
deflection and vibration exhibited by the rack under test.
The rack under test passes if/when the readings are within the NEBS specifications and no permanent damage has
occurred to the seismic rack.
These zones were first defined in the 1994 UBC.
Zones range from 0 to 4, with zone 0 being defined as
having little to no risk and zone 4 as having a high probability of future seismic events. This 1994 UBC was updated with a 1997 UBC where zones were still used, but consideration was given to the actual distance from seismic
events. The 2000 IBC further defined the seismic risks via
a probabilistic map based on 100 square foot increments
to further define the seismicity of a particular site.
Zone 4 has been defined as having the highest seismic
risk or potential and is what most manufacturers refer to
when offering seismically certified products. The commonly accepted standard test to certify compliance with
zone 4 seismic events is defined by Section 4.4,
“Earthquake, Office Vibration and Transportation
Vibration” of Telcordia Technologies, Inc. GR-63-CORE
Network Equipment Building Systems (NEBS) require-
Seismic equipment racks are typically designed to
secure 500 pounds (227 kg) with some models available
up to 1000 pounds (454 kg) of evenly distributed equipment. Most non-seismic racks have a load rating defined
as a static load while seismic racks define their load rating as a dynamic load. The chart below is from an actual
GR-63-CORE test on a Chatsworth Product, Inc. (CPI) seismic rack (the Seismic Frame Two-Post Rack). It depicts
the amount of rack side-to-side deflection observed over
the test period. The maximum deflection allowed per
GR-53-CORE is +/- 3.0 inches of rack movement from its
original position. The chart below shows the actual tested deflection at only 1.0 inch, which is well within the
NEBS maximum allowed specifications.
Figure 4: This chart shows the side-to-side, zone 4,
displacement time history for CPI’s Seismic Frame
Two-Post Rack.
OSHPD
Within the State of California, the Office of
Statewide Health Planning and Development
(OSHPD) works closely with major hospitals to
ensure that their facilities can withstand a major
earthquake or other disaster. According to OSHPD,
scientists estimate a repeat of the 1906, 7.8 San
Francisco earthquake would cause more than $54
billion of economic loss due to building damage.
Similarly should a 7.1 earthquake occur in Southern
California on the Puente Hills fault, they estimate
the building loss damages in be more than $69 billion. Products with OSHPD OPA (OSHPD PreApproval) numbers have been reviewed and certified by structural engineers for recommended
mounting and load capacities and are pre-approved
by OSHPD. It is vitally important that hospitals and
critical data centers have equipment that has been
seismically rated and installed per the manufacturer’s and structural engineers recommendations.
Anchoring
As important as the standalone rack design and
certifications are, it is equally important to ensure
that the rack is properly mounted within the particular building. Most high-end seismic racks are
designed as a fully welded steel rack to meet the
demands of the dynamic loads. Fasteners and
14 Equipment Protection Magazine
March/April 2009
FEATURE
anchors with a high shear and high tensile strength rating
should be selected to secure the racks. When mounting
to concrete floors it is extremely important to choose
seismically rated floor anchors that have been rated to
support the load of the rack, equipment and overhead
cable pathways. There is a minimum recommended
thickness for concrete floors (up to 6 inches) and the
concrete should have a structural compressive minimum
of at least 2,000 psi. A minimum of (4) floor anchors
(one at each corner) are typically required for a two-post
equipment rack installation.
When installing multiple racks in a row it is important
that each rack is separated by a minimum distance to
ensure that the concrete breakout strength is not
reduced or weakened by adjacent rack anchor holes.
The installation of seismic equipment within a data center
is typically defined and documented by a certified
Structural Engineer to ensure that all local codes have
been incorporated into the design. You may also want to
consider the manufacturers availability of a floor drilling
template to allow for accurately positioning the placement of the concrete anchor holes. There are several
other installation factors, product options and features
that should be considered when specifying a seismic rack
for your application.
Grounding/Bonding
To guarantee that modern data center equipment is
operating at its highest efficiency, it must be properly
grounded. In addition to the typical electrical power
grounding, it has become increasingly more important to
ensure that all your equipment is properly grounded/bonded within your racks. Grounding/bonding is not
simply for safety concerns, although that is important,
but a properly grounded/bonded rack will reduce the
electrical effects of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Radio
Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI), thus resulting in more equipment
uptime and faster, uncorrupted data rates. Look for
racks that have built-in grounding attachment points and
terminal blocks, simplifying the installation procedure.
There are even some manufacturers that can offer nonpainted equipment mounting rails (zinc plated rails)
which provide a more reliable grounding path from your
equipment to the grounded rack.
Cable Management and Pathways
What type of vertical and horizontal cable management
will you utilize? How will these products be attached to
your seismic rack? Most seismic racks have features to
accommodate vertical cable management products but
some will require several bolts, washers and nuts
for installation. A well
designed seismic product will
have pre-installed PEM nuts
built into the rack, thereby
allowing for easy installations
of cable management products.
Be sure to review the cable
management depths and
mounting configurations of
your seismic rack so that there
are no potential mounting
interferences with the cable
management doors and pathways. Consider how you plan
to provide power and data
Seisimic Frame
cable runs to your rack. Will
Two-Post Rack with
you provide overhead cable
Cable Managers and
pathways? If so, then pathway Top-Mount Cable
mounting configurations need Waterfall Tray.
to be taken into account.
How about top-mounted cable waterfalls? Some
manufacturers offer their products with build-in
cable waterfalls, others provide separate individual
products that allow the customer the flexibility to
mount these products exactly where they are
required. Verify your seismic rack has the options
and features to allow for pathway/runway mounting without having to drill holes.
tion. Some racks have fixed depth rails while others have
multiple adjustable positions. The most common rail
depth for a non-seismic two-post rack is 3 inches however for seismic applications; rails are typically positioned at
a 6 inch depth. A seismic rack with adjustable rails will
provide you with the flexibility to determine or re-adjust
the seismic rail depths on site.
RMU Markings
To simplify equipment installation make sure that your
seismic rack has RMU marked equipment rails. There is
nothing more frustrating than mounting equipment in
the wrong equipment rail hole and having to redo the
work. RMU marked rails can save installation time by
getting it right the first time.
Screws or Cage Nuts
Threaded equipment mounting rails are punched with
round holes and then tapped for #12-24 screws.
Square-punched equipment mounting rails have square
openings that accept cage nuts of various thread sizes.
Both styles are punched in accordance with the EIA-310D hole spacing standard of 1 ¾ inch RMU spaces and
attachment points spaced on 5/8-5/8-1/2-inch intervals.
Use threaded equipment mounting rails for quick installation of panel-mounted equipment such as patch panels, servers and switches. Use square-punched mounting
rails where multiple screw/thread sizes are desirable
within a single rack.
Rack Height / Widths
No mystery here, do you need a 7 or 8 foot tall rack?
A 7 foot rack will provide up to 45 RMU equipment
mounting spaces while an 8 foot rack will increase the
equipment mounting space to 51 RMU. Because of the
amount of testing required for seismic certifications,
most seismic rack manufacturers offer the most common rack height configuration of the 7 foot, 44-45 RMU
versions. Several manufacturers also offer these 7 foot
racks in both a standard 19 inch width EIA configuration
and a 23 inch width legacy version. The 19 and 23 inch
widths refer to the distance between the equipment
mounting rails and the actual overall product footprint
will be several inches larger. When selecting a seismic
rack ensure the product footprint fits within your data
center requirements.
Electrical Boxes
Some legacy racks used in the telecommunication
industry have provisions to allow the mounting of a
duplex electrical outlet box at the bottom of the rack.
This may or may not be an important option for your
seismic rack application. Ensure that the seismic rack
manufacturer has designed in provisions to allow for
these electrical duplex boxes, if required.
Shelves / Trays
Since seismic racks are individually engineered, no two
manufactures offer the same “form, fit and function”
products. Each seismic rack will have different dimensions, features and compatibilities with existing equipment, shelves and trays. Look for shelf/tray configurations that have been specifically designed and tested to
be acceptable and installable within the seismic rack.
Cable Fingers
For those applications
where a full vertical cable
manager is not required,
plastic 7 RMU plug in cable
fingers can be provided to
allow for data and power
cable management in some
seismic racks.
Vertical Power Strips
Some seismic racks are
available with built-in features that allow for the
installation of vertical power
strips using a tooless
mounting configuration.
Cable Management Fingers
These configuration use a
shown on CPI’s Seismic
pair of metal buttons
Frame Two-Post Rack.
attached to the back of the
power strips that simply slide into the mounting holes
designed into the seismic rack.
Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI) is a manufacturer of
systems designed to organize, store and secure IT infrastructure equipment. CPI Products provide structural support that exceeds customer expectations through innovation, function and performance. Unequalled customer
service and technical support, as well as a global network
of industry-leading distributors, assures our customers that
CPI is dedicated to delivering IT infrastructure solutions
designed to meet their needs. Headquartered in Westlake
Village, Calif., CPI has manufacturing facilities in
Chatsworth, Calif.; Georgetown, Texas, New Bern, N.C. and
the Asia Pacific region. For information about CPI’s Seismic
Racks and other Seismic Protection Systems please visit
www.chatsworth.com/seismic.
Adjustability
The ability to adjust the equipment mounting
rails on your seismic rack is another considera-
March/April 2009
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
15
FEATURE
Preventive Maintenance Can Save You Money and Headaches
Henry Hu & Jeff Donato, Service Product Managers
Emerson Network Power Liebert Services
The current economic situation is proving to be a challenge for many businesses. That said, companies are looking at all scenarios to cut costs, including delaying the purchase of new equipment. That means preventive maintenance (PM) on existing equipment is now more important
than ever, not to mention a smart business decision.
Taking this approach can greatly reduce having to
repair or replace important components that could cost
hundreds of thousands of dollars if not properly maintained. Also, PM ensures business continuity. Minimal or
no PM greatly increases the chance that business operations will be disrupted if the power
equipment fails, thus exposing the business to
loss of revenue, reducing work productivity,
affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty,
etc. That’s not to mention the costs incurred
for repairs and replacements.
For many organizations, the IT infrastructure has evolved into an interdependent business-critical network that includes data, applications, storage, servers and networking.
Minimal or no preventive maintenance greatly increases the chance that business operations will be disrupted if the power equipment fails. This too can cost a company millions in a matter of minutes – something
most companies need to avoid given today’s
already challenging economic environment.
PM Program Has its Benefits
downtime. Typical PM programs include inspections, tests,
measurements, adjustments, parts replacement and
housekeeping practices.
Preventive Maintenance has a number of benefits for
the end-user. First, better reliability is delivered by
adding another layer of redundancy. This is achieved by
combining leading service with cutting-edge equipment.
Other benefits include extending the product lifecycle and optimizing capital expenditures for the equipment. In addition, risk management provided at a fixed
cost aids in budget preparation and promotes fiscal
responsibility as well as provides better control of your
business environment.
the shortest component life in the unit. However, some
manufacturers, including Liebert, are addressing this issue
by reducing the number of parts that need to be
replaced, thus decreasing the chance of a failure.
However, the reality is failures still occur; therefore being
proactive with maintenance can greatly reduce your
chances for downtime.
Frequency of PM Depends on UPS
The frequency of PM visits depends on the type of UPS
being utilized in the organization. Small UPS devices should
be inspected annually to ensure alarms, filtering and internal batteries are all operating within specifications. For medium and large systems, which
most likely include ancillary equipment, is
recommended that inspection and maintenance take place at least twice a year to
ensure proper function and confirmation that
the system is operating within the manufacturer's specifications.
Semi-Annual Service
Typical tasks performed during a SemiAnnual service visit include:
• Check all breakers. Temperature,
connections and associated controls.
Repair and/or report all high temp. areas.
• Complete visual inspection of the
equipment including subassemblies, wiring
harnesses, contacts, cables and components.
• Check air filters for cleanliness.
• Check module(s) completely for
rectifier and inverter snubber boards
for discoloration.
• Check power capacitors for swelling o
leaking oil and DC capacitor vent caps
that have extruded more than 1/8 inch.
• Record all voltage and current meter
readings on the module control cabinet or the system
control cabinet.
• Measure and record harmonic trap filter currents.
One way end-users can minimize unitrelated failures is to institute a comprehenThis table represents a typical PM schedule for both VRLA and VLA batteries.
sive PM program implemented by original
equipment manufacture (OEM) trained and
Begin with the UPS
certified technicians. When equipment is not maintained,
To keep running through power outages, utility spikes
especially in adverse conditions, such as dirty environand other unforeseeable power issues, critical systems are
ments and/or high temperatures, it can result in system
dependent on the reliability of the UPS system. Therefore,
deterioration up to and including load loss.
keeping these systems in working condition is crucial.
PM programs maximize the reliability and performance
While the UPS systems are designed to offer the
of the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems on
Annual Service
utmost reliability and performance at an affordable price,
which organizations depend on to keep critical systems
Typical tasks performed during an annual service call
they are not failure proof. Factors, such as application,
running. When correctly implemented, PM visits ensure
include all the tasks done during a semi-annual visit plus
installation, design, real world operating conditions and
maximum reliability of data center equipment by providthe following:
maintenance practices can impact the reliability and pering systematic inspections, detection and correction of
• Check inverter and rectifier snubbers for burned or
formance of the UPS systems.
incipient failures, either before they occur or before they
broken wires.
Remember, the reliability of a system is only as long as
develop into major defects that could translate into costly
• Ensure all nuts, bolts, screws and connectors for
tightness and heat discoloration.
• Verify fuses on the DC capacitor deck for
continuity (if applicable).
• With customer approval, perform operational
test of the system including unit transfer and
battery discharge.
• Check and record all electronics and bring to
system specifications as needed.
• Install or perform any Engineering Field
Change Notices (FCN) as needed.
• Measure and record all low-voltage power
supply levels.
• Measure and record phase-to-phase input
voltage and currents.
• Review system performance with customer to
address any questions and to schedule repairs.
Batteries Can’t be Overlooked
Battery maintenance begins with installation of
your system. Batteries must be fully charged,
battery room conditions verified and baseline
ohmic readings recorded for proper trend analysis throughout the life of the battery. If this
information is not properly gathered and documented, determining bad batteries could prove to
be difficult.
Battery Maintenance Best Practices
For best practices for battery maintenance,
refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the
IEEE-1188 for Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA)
batteries and the IEEE-450 for Vented Lead Acid
16 Equipment Protection Magazine
March/April 2009
FEATURE
(VLA or flooded) batteries. However, best practices do
not always equate to common practices. Governed by
real world factors, many facility managers are often
forced to take into account the cost of performing the
recommended IEEE schedule as it relates to the criticality
of the application.
High ambient temperature and frequent discharge
rates are most commonly responsible for reducing useful
life across all types of batteries. (Dryout is the most common cause of VRLA battery failure.) Battery aging accelerates dramatically as ambient temperature increases. This
is true of batteries in service and in storage. Even under
specified temperatures, batteries are designed to provide
a limited number of discharge cycles during their expected life. While that number may be adequate in some
applications, there are instances where a battery can wear
out prematurely.
tenance service should at least include the following to
minimize your time to recovery should you experience a
downtime event :
• 24/7 emergency services
• Parts replacement and available in the shortest
possible time
• End-user training seminars detailing best practices
and service tips.
The service provider should also provide access to
highly trained technicians that engage in ongoing industry training.
Maximize Reliability and Performance
In the end, your organization will only benefit from
frequent PM. While PM should always be maintained,
despite current market conditions, the business case for
this service is stronger now than ever before. PM pro-
grams maximize the reliability and performance of the
UPS systems on which organizations depend on to keep
critical systems running.
For more information concerning service capability for
your entire facility infrastructure contact the service business of Emerson Network Power at 1-800-LIEBERT (5432378) or view additional information at:
www.liebert.com/servicesup
port_pages/ServiceSupport.aspx?x=servicesupport
Did You Find This Article Interesting?
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Other factors that can cause premature battery
failure include:
• High or low float voltage
• Excessive charge current
• Strained battery terminals
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper room temperature
• Overcharging and over cycling
• Loose connections
• Poor & improper maintenance
Enhancing Maintenance
Through Monitoring
Once a battery is operating properly, it’s important to proactively monitor battery performance
trends to help detect battery failure. A battery
monitoring system provides a continuous watch of
the battery to assess its true state of health.
Instead of waiting for an inevitable failure or
replacing batteries prematurely to prevent problems, battery monitors allow organizations to optimize the use of their batteries with confidence by
knowing the true condition of all critical battery
parameters, such as cell voltage, internal resistance, cycle history, overall string voltage, current
and temperature.
While there are many battery services available,
the best solution to maximizing battery performance is to utilize an integrated battery monitoring
service that combines state-of-the-art battery
monitoring technology with proactive maintenance and service response. This type of proactive solution integrates onsite and remote preventive maintenance activities with expert predictive
analysis to identify problems before they occur.
Replacing Battery Safely
If a power outage occurs, even a single bad cell
in a string could compromise your entire backup
system and leave you without protection. In addition to implementing proper maintenance practices and monitoring batteries, safely replacing
failing batteries will help keep IT systems running
to specifications and minimize the risk of costly
downtime to business operations.
IEEE standards recommend replacing a battery
at the time its capacity reaches 80 percent. As
we’ve discussed, a number of factors affect the
capacity of the battery, including age, usage, environment and maintenance.
Once You Choose Your PM Strategy, Let
Professionals Handle It
Most preventive maintenance measures should
be left to qualified and trained personnel. UPS
and batteries contain high voltage among other
things, and only qualified personnel should
attempt preventive maintenance or repair. Endusers can provide preventive support such as
replacing air filters when dirty, ensuring environmental specifications are met and maintained and
monitoring the UPS for alarms.
When choosing a service provider, seek out a
group that offers a comprehensive portfolio of
services. Service can be customized to satisfy customer requirements. In addition, preventive main-
March/April 2009
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
17
FEATURE
Plastic Electrical Enclosures – Solutions for Extreme Customization
David Crooks, General Manager
Fibox Enclosures
Standard enclosures do not remain standard for long.
In no time, engineers put holes, cutouts and recesses into
pristine boxes. This process is necessary to make the
enclosures functional. There are switches to mount, readouts to view and connections to be made. Every application is unique and every solution is different, and all applications seem to require customizing the enclosure.
Rather than create a custom package, OEMs often
choose to modify, or customize, a standard enclosure.
Reasons may be to lower development cost, reduce product cost or achieve a faster time to market. Seeking to
achieve a more custom solution, OEMs request enclosure
manufacturers to cut holes, slots, recesses and all manner
of shapes into their standard enclosures. The trend
toward packaging multiple functions into a single enclosure to achieve a compact, integrated package has greatly
increased the complexity of these modifications. While it
may appear this trend is driving designs toward custom
solutions, and limits the use of standard enclosures, in
reality, advances in customization methods continue to
increase the use of modified standard enclosures. This is
especially true for plastic enclosures.
Electronic packaging will continue to increase in density. The man-machine interface will continue to become
more sophisticated with multiple inputs and outputs.
Applications will be subjected to harsher and more
demanding environments. Future packaging complexity
will require either extensively customized standard enclosures, or force designs requiring custom molded enclosures. Can a standard enclosure still be viable? How
does an OEM tackle the possibility of extreme customization? What solutions exist for high precision patterns, for
creating holes with complex irregular shapes, for modifying most or all of the sides of the enclosure? Let’s examine three designs that resulted in extreme customization.
We’ll take them in order of increasing complexity.
Application #1 - Customized Fibox CAB Enclosure
For Liquid Process Control
This application was customized for an OEM that
develops and manufactures liquid automation machinery,
consisting of concentration control and pumping systems
for chemical feed applications, based upon innovative
chemical metering.
A newly designed control and pump system required a
compact enclosure that could be configured in multiple
18 Equipment Protection Magazine
ways for different end users. The unit contained an operator interface for programming as well as power supply,
pump control modules, solenoid valves and optional,
externally mounted peristaltic pumps.
base, which also has extensive customization. Three of
the holes have counter bores and are used for mounting
precision solenoid control valves. Two simple round holes
are used for cable glands or conduit entry of wiring. The
sealed power switch mounts into the smallest hole. While
not visible, all four sides of the base are modified.
The modifications for this OEM consisted of precision
hole patterns requiring tight tolerances on multiple sides
of the enclosure. The next application goes beyond.
Application #2 – Customized Fibox MNX Enclosure
For Water Level Detection
Figure 1: Customized Fibox CAB Enclosure for Liquid
Process Control
Figure 1 shows the modified front cover of a Fibox CAB
series enclosure hinged for landscape mounting, i.e. hinges
on the short side. The precision hole pattern on the upper
left quadrant is used for mounting the operator interface
module. The rectangular cutout is for the LCD readout,
the round holes below are for tactile-feedback pushbuttons used for programming. The two holes above the
cutout are for LED status indicators. The relative positioning of all the holes is critical as they mate to components
mounted on a PCB assembly, which is mounted using the
four counter sunk holes. Also on the cover, are two
groups of precision hole patterns used to mount optional
peristaltic pumps. The pump motors are housed inside
the enclosure, with the motor shaft passing through the
center large hole. The surrounding 4-hole pattern mounts
the external rotor housing to the interior pump motor.
An overlay is applied to the surface of the cover, which
creates a clear window for the display and LED indicators.
The overlay creates the touch pads for the tactile pushbuttons, and seals all the hole patterns and conceals any
holes unused for that particular instrument configuration.
The overlay may be modified to permit one or two
pumps, or used without holes when optional pumps are
not required. For this application, the overlay was
designed to seal the enclosure and restore the original
ingress rating.
Figure 1 also shows the bottom side of the enclosure
This application was customized for an OEM that
designs, develops and manufactures real-time data collection systems and control products for Hydrologic,
Meteorological and Oceanic applications.
Under development was a new, precision indirect
water level measuring instrument. Based upon innovative
radar technology, the unit would be fully integrated with
internal radar antenna and full data logging capability.
The OEM sought a compact package for moderately hostile environments. To meet cost targets, a standard
enclosure would be ideal if it could accommodate an easily used HMI (Human-Machine Interface) system for programming system operation consisting of six tactile feedback pushbuttons for programming, a two-Line LCD display and two status lights. An overlay would seal the
front of the unit, create the viewing area for the display
and status indicators, plus form the raised surfaces
required for the tactile buttons mounted below.
Figure 2: Customized Fibox MNX enclosure
For Water Level Detection
Figure 2 shows a Fibox MNX enclosure with extensive
modifications. As in the first application, the cover has a
large rectangular cutout provided for viewing an
LCD display. Immediately below are round holes
for six tactile-feedback push buttons which protrude slightly through the cover. This customization is more complex then the previous example
because threaded metal standoffs are used to
mount the operator interface electronics assembly. A precision set of six holes is drilled within
the perimeter outline of the cover. Hole to hole
spacing is maintained at a tight tolerance to
match the tolerances of the PC board. A secondary manufacturing step is performed to press fit
the 6 threaded metal standoffs which are specifically designed for plastic materials. One of the
metal standoffs is visible through the cutout for
the readout in Figure 2.
Figure 2 also shows additional modifications to
the cover and the base. For data connection, there
is a “DB-9” subminiature connector cutout complete with recessed holes for the connector’s
mounting ears. On the side of the cover, there is an
additional milled slot and holes for mounting an SD
(Secure Digital) memory card reader. The base is
also modified with three round holes and one “D”
hole. While not visible, both the cover and base
are each modified with four mounting holes for the
hinges which secure the cover to the base.
The modifications for this OEM required precision
holes and cutout patterns on four sides of the cover
and two sides of the base. Additionally, using a secondary operation, threaded standoffs were press fit
into the cover interior for mounting electronic PCBs.
Our third application moves the bar a bit farther.
March/April 2009
FEATURE
Application #3 – Customized Fibox CAB Enclosure
For Gas Process Control
This application was customized for an OEM serving
the oil, gas, water and wastewater treatment industries as
well as many other industries that require remote process
control, automation or measurement solutions.
The CAB series enclosure was chosen because it created
the instrument appearance marketing wanted, while being
a standard enclosure which reduced both design and manufacturing cost. Since this effort was repackaging an existing design, customization of the enclosure was required to
comply with a number of predetermined constraints. For
example, sensor mounting was fixed and unchangeable.
Figure 3: Customized Fibox CAB Enclosure
For Gas Process Control
Figure 3 shows the modified Fibox CAB enclosure. The
complex and very tight tolerance hole pattern shown in
the base was required to match with the existing sensor
mounting configuration and also mate to an interior
mounted chassis. This complex hole pattern is milled
using specialized high spindle speed, CNC machinery.
However, should production volumes increase, the option
exists to modify the injection mold to create a “moldedin” hole pattern and eliminate the machining process,
resulting in a significant piece part cost savings. Also visible in the photo, the enclosure front contains a hole pattern for mounting the operator interface and readout display, plus a data connector on the side. As in the other
applications, a custom overlay completes the unit and
restores the original ingress ratings. The customization
for this application grew even more complex as one side
of the base mold was altered to provide a smooth flat
surface for optional mounting of a solar cell power array.
Threaded brass inserts were installed to comply with
vibration requirements, and a custom silicone gasket
replaced the usual PUR (Polyurethane) gasket.
Finally, the cover mold and the latch handle
molds were customized to add the OEM’s name.
The customization for this OEM demanded
precision hole patterns and secondary operations
similar to those required for the first two applications. But well beyond that, a number of alterations of the injection molds were necessary to
meet this OEM’s need for extreme customization.
2. Verify the Manufacturer’s Level of
Customization Expertise
The engineer must determine the customization abilities of the supplier. Most enclosure manufacturers offer
some level of customization. Some provide simple holes
and cut outs, while others specialize in a certain type of
enclosure, e.g. aluminum. But achieving extreme customization in high ingress rated plastic enclosures
requires equipment specifically designed for the task.
These machines are state of the art computer controlled
milling machines that operate at extremely high spindle
speeds exceeding 40,000 RPM. Preferred machines will
have automatic tool changers and a wide assortment of
specialized high speed cutting tools specifically designed
for plastic milling. This feature allows flexibility in
machining complex shapes. And if anticipated unit volumes are very large, the engineer should look for automatic loading and unloading of customized parts.
The engineer should ask to see examples of previous
“extreme” customization. He should review production of
units with similar modifications to his own, verifying that
held tolerances are sufficient for his design. Ideally, typical past production volumes should approximate his volume requirements.
3. Understand the Factors Impacting Cost
Many items affect cost. There are charges to program
the computer numerical control (CNC) machinery. There
are recurring set-up costs with each machining run of
enclosures. Of course, the actual modifications affect
cost. A large cutout for a DIN meter is more expensive
than a small round hole and a milled recess more expensive than an open slot. The total time to machine the
modification determines the cost. One of the most significant cost drivers is the number of enclosure sides
being modified because each side requires it own program (a one time cost) and each side requires a set-up (a
recurring cost). Also remember that the cover or door is
a separate part from the base. Each requires a separate
set-up and program. Understanding what is possible, and
what it costs, ensures that selecting extreme customization over a custom enclosure is the correct choice.
4. While Not Inexpensive, Extreme Customization
Can Still be Made Cost Effective
The engineer can design to reduce customization cost.
He should know that buying customization is buying time.
He should understand that different machine operations
can require different tools. Tool changes, even when
automatically done, require time. Simple design changes
can minimize tool changes. The enclosure manufacturer
will usually offer suggestions, but it never hurts to ask if
any design changes might lower total cost. Maintaining
tight tolerances can be easily achieved, but specifying
excessively tight tolerances increases cost. Again, seek
the assistance of the manufacturer’s engineering staff.
Extreme customization is usually not inexpensive, but it
can be made cost effective.
5. Design with the Manufacturer’s Documentation
And CAD Files
Most plastic enclosure manufacturers supply CAD files
of their enclosures. Using the manufacturer’s files as the
starting point ensures dimensional accuracy, simplifies
drawing interpretation, and eliminates errors. Using these
files will be crucial if the customization requires a mold
modification or insert change. Success in extreme customization requires clear communication between all the
parties. Using the manufacturer’s CAD files establishes a
common language.
Conclusion
Now, more than ever, standard, off-the-shelf, plastic
enclosures offer cost-effective value for customized electronics packaging. Despite the trend toward increasing
density of packaging multiple functions into a single
enclosure, despite the increasing complexity and precision of modifications, despite harsher and more demanding environments, customized standard enclosures continue to maintain their cost advantage because many
enclosure manufacturers have risen to the challenge of
extreme customization.
David Crooks is general manager, Fibox Enclosures, Glen
Burnie, MD, the US marketing arm of Fibox OY AB of
Finland. He has been active in the industrial and OEM
enclosure industry for 25 years, primarily working with
NEMA and IEC designs and European manufacturers. He
received his BSEE from CASE Western Reserve University.
David Crooks can be reached at 888-342-6987 or
dcrooks@fiboxusa.com.
Fibox USA is a manufacturer of a wide selection of
RoHS compliant, corrosion resistant enclosures that services the entire North American market. Whether standard,
customized standard, or custom molded, or for virtually all
your electrical and electronic enclosure needs, Fibox can
supply it.
Fibox’s Baltimore, MD service center offers complete
applications assistance to meet customer needs. Enclosures
are manufactured by Fibox Oy Ab, Finland in accordance
with ISO 9001 Quality Management System. For more
information please visit www.fiboxusa.com.
A Roadmap for Customization Success
What lessons can we learn from these three
examples of extreme customization? Can we generate a “road map” for successful extreme customization? The answer is yes, as there are commonalities in these success stories. Here are
some key steps.
1. Get in Early Contact with the
Enclosure Manufacturer
The engineer should look for a manufacturer
with a wide selection of standard enclosures that
are suitable for the proposed environment. This
is critical when dealing with factors such as the
ingress rating of water and dust. The basic enclosure must be up to the task. It is usually impossible to increase the inherent NEMA/IP rating of an
enclosure by customization. Another critical
check is assuring chemical compatibility with the
proposed environment. The enclosure manufacturer’s technical staff can help guide the engineer
to select the proper enclosure for the application.
March/April 2009
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
19
FEATURE
Selecting the Proper Circuit Breaker for Your Application
Michael Manning, VP of Engineering
Automation Systems Interconnect, Inc.
A circuit breaker to most design engineers is thought
of as a low cost commodity component that usually doesn’t get much attention when designing a new piece of
equipment or system. In fact, on many occasions I have
heard someone say, “It doesn’t matter I just need a circuit
breaker.” The fact of the matter is a circuit breaker is an
extremely important component in every system. They
are used to protect valuable equipment or devices from
damage or more importantly they are used to prevent a
life threatening system disaster such as fire. It is important to take the time and make sure the circuit breaker
you are selecting is not only the right type for your application but it is also of high quality.
Today, there are many circuit breaker choices to fit virtually any industrial DIN rail application. However, even
with so many choices selecting the proper circuit breaker
can be an easy task If you just do your homework and
collect all of your circuit specifications by answering the
following questions:
1. What is to be protected, wires or devices?
2. What is the voltage type, AC or DC?
3. What is the circuit or device current rating?
4. How many poles are required, 1, 2 or 3 pole?
5. What is the inrush current level, trip curve short,
medium or long?
DIN rail circuit breakers are available in different package configurations ranging from a high density space saving size of 13 mm per pole to 26 mm per pole for a high
current type. Over the last few years, the price of a high
quality circuit breaker has dropped below $10.00 per
pole. This transition has allowed many more DIN rail
mount circuit breakers to be used in place of fuses and
fuse holders. In addition to being a cost savings, the circuit breaker is much more convenient. When a fuse blows
you have to purchase a new one and replace it, but when
a circuit breaker trips you simply reset it.
Supplementary, branch, DC, high current or ground
fault protectors, which one is right for your application?
are available in one, two and three poles with the option
of a short (B), medium (C) and long (D) trip curves. They
typically can handle a minimum amp rating of 1A and a
maximum amp rating of 63 A. For convenience and ease
of use the circuit breakers you select should have a reliable wire connection and have an on/off indicator to
minimize troubleshooting time.
Branch Protection
The branch circuit
breakers, often referred
to as UL489 circuit breakers are used in most
applications for protecting
the circuit wiring and preventing a fire. Due to the
strict testing requirements
by UL, the DIN rail mount
branch circuit breakers
are not available in as
UL489 Circuit Breaker
many configurations or
sizes. However, they are
typically available in one and two pole versions with current ratings of 1 to 25 amps. Branch circuit UL489 circuit
breakers are UL listed so these breakers can be used in
applications where a listed breaker is required.
DC Protection
The DC circuit breakers are used in applications to
provide protection where direct current or DC voltage is
used. DC circuit breakers are available in both UL1077
and UL489 versions. Generally the DC circuit breakers are
available in one or two poles with the short (B) or medium (C) trip curves. They are available with current ratings
ranging from 1 to 63 amps.
Supplementary Protection
The supplementary circuit breakers, often referred to
as UL1077 circuit breakers, are protectors that are typically used to provide protection to a device. Usually a
branch UL489 circuit breaker is already installed up
stream of the supplementary circuit breakers to protect
the circuit wiring. Most supplementary circuit breakers
UL1077 Circuit Breakers
High Current Protection
The high current circuit breakers are used in applications to
protect devices with current
requirements higher than 63
amps. Whereas most DIN rail
mounted circuit breakers have a
maximum rating of 63 amps, the
high current circuit breakers are
unique to only a few manufacturers and have a current rating up
to 125 amps. These circuit breakers are UL1077 approved for use
as supplemental protectors and
are available in 1, 2 and 3-pole
Example of a High
versions with the option of medi- Current Circuit Breaker
um (C) or long (D) trip curves. In
some applications the high current circuit breakers are a
cost effective solution to replacing expensive molded case
circuit breakers (MCCB).
Ground Fault Protection
The ground fault circuit breaker
is used to provide protection to
equipment that is located in wet or
damp environments. The way this
device works is when a ground fault
or earth leakage greater than 30mA
is detected the unit trips and opens
the circuit breaker. On most
ground fault circuit breakers a visual trip indicator and push to test
button are standard features.
Ground Fault
Circuit Breaker
Circuit Breaker Accessories
Circuit breakers have useful accessories that are easy
to wire screw-clamp connections and DIN rail mounting
to save valuable time. A shunt release is easily installed on
the left hand side of the circuit breaker. It provides
remote control tripping and indicates circuit breaker status. An alarm contact and auxiliary contact can be used
to indicate if a circuit breaker is open or closed.
A helpful accessory is a
lockout/tagout. This accessory is a locking lever that can
be added to the circuit
breaker after installation for
those applications that
require lockout/tagout. It allows
the circuit breaker to
be locked in either
the open or the
closed position.
Example of a Circuit Breaker
When in place the
Lockout Assembly
lockout accessory
does not impede the ability of the circuit breaker
to trip. Additionally, the lockout/tagout accessory
is designed so that up to three padlocks can be
added to the breaker.
Selecting a proper circuit breaker for your
application can be easy, provided you diligently
make sure all your circuit specifications are met. It
is an important component in your system that
cannot be overlooked because it is providing protection to expensive devices and used to prevent
system disasters. Now when selecting a circuit
breaker you won’t say, “It doesn’t matter I just
need a circuit breaker.”
ASI is a manufacturer and supplier of more than
7,000 internationally approved electrical and electronic components used in automation applications such as industrial computers and controllers,
machinery, manufacturing and processing systems
and plant controls. ASI provides customers a focus
on e-commerce, which saves customers time and
money when specifying and purchasing the high
quality products and services they provide. For
more information please visit www.asi-ez.com.
20 Equipment Protection Magazine
March/April 2009
INDUSTRY NEWS
Pelican Products, Inc. Acquires
Hardigg Industries
Pelican Products, Inc. has acquired long-time competitor, Hardigg Industries, a manufacturer of roto molded
protective cases. The transaction, valued at approximately $200 million, is believed to be the largest acquisition in
the history of the protective case industry. Pelican
Products was supported in the acquisition by the New
York and San Francisco based private equity group
Behrman Capital.
“Despite the current economic downturn, Pelican
Products has continued to grow its position as a global
leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced lighting systems and virtually indestructible injection molded
cases,” said Lyndon Faulkner, president and CEO, Pelican
Products, Inc. “The acquisition of Hardigg is testament to
Pelican’s commitment in driving growth of the company
and its pledge to leading innovation in the industry. I am
extremely excited to conclude this acquisition and to put
two global organizations together combining their respective strengths.”
Collectively the new entity will employ more than
1,500 employees. Pelican Products will operate in 12
countries, have 22 offices globally and maintain six manufacturing locations throughout Europe and North
America. It is well capitalized for future growth and will
drive to a half billion dollars of revenue over the next few
years. The Hardigg brand name will continue to identify
the company’s high-end roto molded shipping cases,
leveraging the brand recognition of Hardigg.
“The reputation of the Hardigg brand and quality of its
products, people and processes make it an ideal partner,”
added Faulkner. “By bringing together the world’s largest
roto molded case manufacturer with the world’s largest
injection molded case manufacturer, the greatest beneficiary is the customer. As a result of our new partnership,
Pelican will offer customers an unrivaled product range,
all from a single source.”
General Peter Pace USMC (Ret.), chairman of Pelican,
said, “The manufacturing strengths of Pelican and Hardigg
create a strong combined selling model and market synergy. The acquisition enables us to enhance offerings to
our core customers, including the military, while continuing to expand our footprint with other important customer segments.”
Jamie Hardigg, chairman of Hardigg Industries, said, “By
joining the Pelican family we can offer more opportunities to employees, expand our product line and enhance
our global reputation. We’re excited that the combination of our companies creates a global industry leader
well poised for continued growth.”
Jamie Hardigg plans to cease his day-to-day management responsibilities, but will serve as a member of the
Board of Directors for Pelican Products. John Padian will
continue to manage the Pelican organization as COO of
Pelican Products and Bill Hamer will continue as COO of
Hardigg Industries. Both will report to Lyndon Faulkner,
president and CEO of the Pelican Corp.
Thermacore to Develop Active Heat
Sink Technology
Thermacore, Inc. has been awarded a $9.5 million contract, if all options are exercised, by the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the
development of micro-technologies for air-cooled
exchangers (MACE). The successful development of this
technology will improve the thermal performance of military electronic systems such as telecommunications,
active sensing and imaging, radar and other platforms.
The goal of the MACE program is the development and
demonstration of micro-technologies that will enable
thermal performance improvements and reduce electrical
consumption of air-cooled heat exchangers. The MACE
program is a two-phase effort designed to run 48 months
through the fourth quarter of 2013.
"Conventional air cooled heat sinks do not provide the
necessary cooling for the existing or future high performance DoD systems,” said Gregg Baldassarre, vice president
of sales and marketing, Thermacore, Inc. “Alternative cooling technologies such as pumped liquid cooling, spray
cooling, submersion cooling and vapor-compression refrigeration cooling bring added complexity, fluid leakage concerns, long-term reliability problems and increased cost. At
March/April 2009
the completion of this program, we expect to enable
these high performance DoD systems with innovative air
cooled technologies rather than the more complex and
costly alternative cooling technologies."
To support this development effort, Thermacore assembled a team of academic and industrial partners which will
each bring their technology and platform experience to
bear on the proposed solution. Thermacore will coordinate these efforts and attempt to move these technologies
into an applied product to support the current and future
needs of the US Military. Thermacore's partners in this
effort include the University of Minnesota, Lockheed
Martin Company and The Bergquist Torrington company.
Leader Tech Completes Phase II
Expansion of Global EMI Shielding
Technology Center
Leader Tech has completed its Phase II, Global EMI
Shielding Technology Center expansion. Since the grand
opening announcement in May of 2008, Leader Tech has
benefited from a notable increase in demand for the
company’s board-level EMI Shielding products. The most
recent expansion includes the addition of three domestic
sales representatives, a new regional sales engineer and a
dedicated 45-press manufacturing line.
The enhanced manufacturing capacity is focused on
satisfying new demand for the company’s Slot-Lok line of
board level shields as well as an increase in custom application volumes. The new custom-designed press department gives customers the flexibility to create near-custom
shielding solutions using standardized manufacturing
methods. This manufacturing approach reduces product
cost and lead-times while increasing the customer’s
design flexibility.
RAMPF Group Acquires the Form-in-Place
Gasketing Division of Chemque, Inc.
The RAMPF Group has over taken the form-in-place
gasketing division of Chemque Inc. RAMPF wants to
establish market leadership worldwide within the field of
foam gaskets and Chemque will begin focusing on its
specialty graphics, construction and telecommunications
divisions. Thus, FDA and UL-listed systems will now be
part of the product line of the RAMPF Group. The
European market will be supplied by the German RAMPF
Giessharze GmbH & Co. KG. The US subsidiary, RAMPF
Group, Inc. (Wixom, Michigan), will service customers in
the NAFTA region.
“We are glad to have found such a reliable partner.
The worldwide network of the RAMPF Group and the
comprehensive know-how, not only in the area of foam
gaskets, but also in application technology, are a real
advantage to customers of our gasketing division,” said
Alex Botrie, CEO, Chemque. “We maintain a very close
relationship with our customers. So it was important for
us to ensure that our long-standing customers are further personally looked after properly and receive perfect quality. We are very excited about the growth
opportunities that an even more focused Chemque will
enjoy with our diversified product line and worldwide
customer base.”
RAMPF is represented with six companies from the
head office in Germany, as well as the subsidiaries in
the USA, Japan and China. In addition, there is a close
network of partners to ensure worldwide support.
RAMPF Dosiertechnik (dispensing technology) GmbH &
Co. KG is also a member of the RAMPF Group.
the customer," said Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Anu
Elizabeth Cherian. "As the DIN rail power supply caters
predominantly to the industrial market, there is a need to
build the brand to establish credibility and reliability."
Global Market for Conformal Coatings in
Electronics Worth $9.1 Billion in 2013
According to a new technical market research report,
Conformal Coatings in the Global Electronics Industry
from BCC Research, the global market for conformal
coating technology in electronics is expected to be
worth $6.6 billion in 2008. This will increase to over $9.1
billion in 2013, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
of 6.8 percent.
The market is broken down into conformal coating
materials and conformal coating equipment/spares. Of
these, the conformal coating equipment/spares segment
has the largest share of the market, worth an estimated
$5.1 billion in 2008. This should increase to $6.9 billion
in 2013, for a CAGR of 6.2 percent. Conformal coating
materials represent the second largest segment, worth
an estimated $1.5 billion in 2008. This segment is
expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9 percent to reach
$2.3 billion in 2013.
Many chemicals found in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries can consign electronic components to a
short life, creating high failure rates and low reliability.
Corrosive agents such as hydrogen sulfide gas, hydrocarbons, chloro-benzene and chemical by-products enervate components that control and manage processes, or
transport vital data between control centers and remote
sites. A protective coating that can isolate the components from the harsh reality of industrial settings is
needed for such components, and conformal coatings
fulfill this requirement.
Conformal coatings are important for electronic applications in consumer electronics, the automotive segment,
aerospace and medical devices. Applications for consumer
electronics currently dominate the market and will continue to do so through 2013. Growth in the automotive
segment will be driven by accelerated use of electronic
monitoring, sensing and controlling devices and computer
systems in cars. Conformal coating application in aerospace is the most highly developed segment of the industry, while medical and biomedical device applications of
conformal coatings will experience the highest growth of
the market segments studied.
Find More Industry News Online At:
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
SolaHD Wins Frost & Sullivan 2008 Global
Competitive Strategy Leadership Award
SolaHD’s has received Frost & Sullivan’s 2008 Global
Competitive Strategy Leadership award, which is based
on a recent analysis of the DIN rail power supplies market. According to Frost & Sullivan, SolaHD has remained
a tier 1 company in this competitive market by virtue of
novel strategies and a relentless focus on achieving high
customer satisfaction ratings. Exceptional customer
service and after-sales support have earned SolaHD considerable favor among end users.
"SolaHD, above all, has successfully established quality, value-added features and a lifetime partnership with
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
21
INDUSTRY NEWS
ITSEnclosures Partners With Distributor
For Digital Signage LCD Enclosures
ITSEnclosures has reached a partnership with Ingram
Micro, Inc., to distribute the complete product line of digital signage LCD enclosures. ITSEnclosures will be the first
large format display enclosures supplier for Ingram Micro.
ITSEnclosures products will further enhance the value of
Ingram Micro’s Digital Signage Division by addressing
channel partners’ needs to have access to custom and
standard digital signage LCD enclosures.
According to Kevin Prewett, vice president, Digital
Signage Division and vendor management, Ingram Micro
US, digital signage is becoming standard use in many of
today’s vertical markets, especially where real-time communications and streaming video are critical to ensuring a
positive user experience.
“Take for example baseball stadiums, railroads, coffee shops, airports, retail outlets and entertainment
parks – all of which have started to use digital signage
as a primary means of communicating and interacting
with customers,” said Prewett. “There’s no question
that opportunity is out there and with this new line of
standard and custom ruggedized LCD enclosures our
channel partners will be able to better address market
demands and protect and preserve their clients’ digital
signage investments.”
“Ingram Micro’s established footprint in the digital signage arena combined with its existing reach into the US
channel community made this relationship an ideal catalyst for growing our partner base,” said JT Spangler, president, ITSEnclosures. “As the digital signage market has
matured, demand for outdoor LCD displays has increased
and created an outstanding value proposition for our
enclosures. We see tremendous opportunity to market
and sell our products to and through Ingram Micro’s
channel partners and look forward to growing our business together.”
WEBGUIDE
www.adproductsco.com
Get the lowest prices on Enclosures, Instrumentation products, Industrial controls and more with AD Products. As a
web based distributor we are able to pass along savings of
up to 50% off the typical list pricing from a traditional distributor. Why not try us? We offer thousands of products
including electrical enclosures, thermal management products, pressure gauges, instrumentation devices, cord grips,
pilot lights and much more.
Make AD Products your one stop for equipment protection
needs. You can shop on-line 24 hours a day at
www.adproductsco.com or contact us via phone, 800-325-4935.
That said, companies are looking at all scenarios to cut
costs, including delaying the purchase of new equipment.
That means preventive maintenance (PM) on existing
equipment is now more important than ever.
Franek Technologies Receives ISO
9001:2000 Certification; Positioned for
International Expansion
IDES Goes Green with Natural Cooling,
Wind Power
Franek Technologies, a maker of certified Category III-3
laboratory battery backup power protection systems, has
received its ISO 9001:2000 Certification. This certification
enables the company to ensure its customers that its
quality management processes and procedures are standardized to create a more efficient and effective operation, increase customer satisfaction and promote international growth, while meeting all regulatory requirements
and achieving continuous improvement.
The business decision to initiate the ISO 9001:2000
Certification was a natural one. The implementation of
ISO standards of quality management furthers the company’s ability to service an industry segment that requires
high levels of certification and has multiple established
protocols. This certification proves Franek Technologies
ability to provide the level of service required by the
domestic and international marketplace.
For laboratory managers, the challenge is to establish
and maintain instrumentation calibration in order to produce consistent and reliable test results, as well as prevent anomalies that could damage or destroy costly, highly sensitive instrumentation and often irreplaceable samples. In the automated world of laboratory science, there
are so many variables to control and one constant that a
laboratory manager absolutely must have is perfectly conditioned power delivered to the laboratory’s instruments.
A single power flicker lasting only 30-milliseconds can
cause irreparable damage to costly instrumentation and
significant lost productive time. Laboratories in North
America, Europe, South America and Asia need to know
that the power protection systems they have in place will
work 24/7, 365 days a year. ISO 9001:2000 Certification is
just another safeguard that Franek Technologies has put
into practice to reassure its customers that its products
will perform beyond expectations.
Data centers and servers consume vast amounts of
energy in the US, and IDES, Inc., is changing how it operates to lower its impact on the environment. The company recently opened its own state-of-the-art, naturally
cooled computer server room at its offices in Laramie,
Wyo., and colocated back-up servers at Green House
Data, a 100 percent renewable energy powered data center in Cheyenne, Wyo.
The new server room uses air from the outside to cool
their computer servers, reducing air conditioner use by
about 70 percent. The system also uses warm air generated by the servers to heat the rest of the building during
the winter months.
“For us, advancing the environment while lowering
operating costs is good business,” said Mike Kmetz, president, IDES. “Our hope is that more companies in our
industry adopt new energy-saving technologies too.”
As a backup and disaster recovery measure, IDES also
co-located servers at Green House Data. The facility is
powered by renewable wind energy purchased from the
local power company's wind farm. Because energy is a
top cost driver for data centers, the high-availability and
secure facility is designed to operate at approximately 60
percent lower energy utilization per square foot than
comparable data centers of the same size.
“We are pleased to see our customers as excited about
greening their own operations as we are,” said Shawn
Mills, president of Green House Data. “When five percent
of all electricity in the US is consumed by data centers
and servers, companies have a responsibility to drive their
energy consumption down for the environment as well as
their bottom line.”
www.alliedmoulded.com
Allied Moulded Products, Inc., manufacturer of the original
fiberglass outlet box, was established in August 1958. Noted
for strength and rigidity, Allied Moulded fiberglass reinforced non-metallic electrical boxes and enclosures are
favored by the industry and the company continues to experience tremendous growth. Since 1958, the demand for
Allied Moulded products has led to several expansions of the
manufacturing facility located in Bryan, Ohio. Along with
the plant expansion, there have been many new employment
opportunities created for the residents of the area.
www.elma.com
www.equiptoelec.com
Elma is a leading manufacturer of electro-mechanical components and systems for the Telecommunications, Medical,
Industrial control, Instrumentation and Defense industries.
Elma offers an extensive line of VME, VME64X, VXI,
Compact PCI (CPCI) enclosure and chassis for 19" rackmount use. In addition, to our systems products our innovative selection of Eurocard, IEEE1101.10 and front panel
components (LEDs, knobs, test points, etc) is the most comprehensive in the industry. Elma also manufactures a premium line of rotary switches and encoders.
Equipto Electronics Corporation is the leading innovator
and supplier of standard and custom designed packaging for
electronics. Its products are used worldwide to house aerospace, computers, military, manufacturing, networking,
telecommunications and other electronic systems. They are
sold to leading electronics manufacturing companies
through its representatives in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Use the convenience of your computer to design, spec,
view, price or print everything you need to know about
Equipto Electronics enclosures and other packaging solutions for electronics. Web site can be used as a resource for
engineering, to establish bills of materials, determine budgets and more. Enclosures include those that meet EMI/RFI,
seismic, FCC, military, TEMPEST, EMP and European
EMC specs. You can also use the Web site to request a free
Equipto Electronics catalog on a disc.
www.integraenclosures.com
www.itwvortec.com
www.kooltronic.com
www.stegousa.com
Integra Enclosures is a leading manufacturer of thermoplastic
electrical enclosures. Located in Northeast Ohio, Integra offers
high-quality polycarbonate enclosures in sizes ranging from
6”x6”x4” up to 18”x16”x10” all carrying UL-50 Type 4X, 12, 13
and Marine Use ratings, as well as submersible (6P) ratings in
certain models. Integra also offers innovative options like totally clear covers, fully non-metallic hinging, fully adjustable subpanels, and multiple mounting options.
In 1961, Vortec became the first company to develop technology for converting the vortex tube phenomenon into practical, effective industrial cooling solutions. Our Vortec line of
innovative products includes Vortex Enclosure Coolers and
the new Vortex A/C for reliable, maintenance-free thermal
protection of electrical enclosures and control panels.
Kooltronic offers a full line of thermal management solutions widely used in the data, telecom and electronics industries. Our products include Fans, Packaged & Centrifugal
Blowers, Fan Trays and Air Conditioners for use in 19
racks, enclosures and electronic equipment.
STEGO manufactures Thermal Management Products for
electrical and electronic enclosures. We also offer design
assistance and custom products for applications requiring
custom solutions.
For over 50 years Kooltronic has been the leader in enclosure cooling. Our online sizing guide makes product selection easy.
Our website offers information about our products and services, factory locations and general information about
STEGO. It has recently been redesign and now offers catalog navigator capabilities and downloadable CAD drawings.
22 Equipment Protection Magazine
Site provides full product information on the Vortec line of
Vortex Coolers and Vortex A/C, as well as other pneumatic
products for cooling, cleaning and conveying; includes
product specifications, dimensions, interactive worksheet
for sizing enclosure coolers, and secure online ordering.
Our online sizing program makes choosing the appropriate
cooling unit easy.Abundant technical information available
for download covering: performance, dimensions and
power requirements, as well as operators manuals and
wiring diagrams.
March/April 2009
CALENDAR
Index of Advertisers
AD Products...........................................................................11, 22
www.adproductsco.com
Fibox Enclosures.....................................................................8, 22
www.fiboxusa.com
Schroff..............................................................................................2
www.schroff.us
Allied Moulded Products, Inc.............................................6, 22
www.alliedmoulded.com
General Devices..............................................................................4
www.generaldevices.com
Stego, Inc................................................................................10, 22
www.stegousa.com
Eaton Corp.-Pulizzi Products....................................................24
www.pulizzi.com
Integra Enclosures................................................................21, 22
www.integraenclosures.com
For more information about advertising in Equipment
Protection Magazine please contact Laura Mayo at
lauram@infowebcom.com or 800-803-9488 x.130
Elma Corp..................................................................................8,
11, 22
www.elma.com
ITW Vortec................................................................................7 ,22
www.ITW-Air.com
Equipto Electronics Corp.....................................................5, 22
www.equiptoelec.com
Kooltronic, Inc..............................................................................22
www.Kooltronic.com
For more information about editorial opportunities in
Equipment Protection Magazine please contact
Nick Depperschmidt at
nickd@infowebcom.com or 800-803-9488 x.124
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
Calender of Events
March
8-12, Data Center World Spring, Las Vegas,
Nev. Contact www.datacenterworld.com
10-12, 5th International Conference and
Exhibition on Device Packaging, Scottsdale,
Az.
Contact www.imaps.org/devicepackaging
15-19, SEMI-THERM 25, San Jose Calif.
Contact www.semi-therm.org
18-20, Electric West, Las Vegas, Nev.
Contact www.electricshow.com
23-26, RCM-2009, Daytona Beach, Flas.
Contact www.maintenanceconference.com
31-April 4th, APEX, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact
www.goipcshows.org
April
14-17, MARTS 2009, Rosemont, Ill. Contact
www.martsconference.com
18-23, Telecom2009, Las Vegas, Nev.
Contact
www.teamlightbulb.com/telecom2009
19-21, BladeSystems Insight 2009, Phoenix,
Az. Contact www.bladesystemsinsight.com
May
7-8, Thermal Solutions 2009, Columbus,
Ohio Contact www.learnnewsolutions.com
12-14, EDS 2009, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact
http://edsconnects.com
17-22, INTEROP, Las Vegas, Nev. Contact
www.interop.com
June
8-10, Sensors Expo, Chicago, Ill. Contact
www.sensorsexpo.com
8-11, SUPERCOMM 2009, Chicago, Ill.
Contact www.supercomm2009.com
10-12, 2009 American Control Conference,
St. Louis, Mo. Contact www.a2c2.org
24-26, 17th Mediterranean Conference on
Control and Automation, Thessaloniki,
Greece Contact www.med09.org
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
March/April 2009
www.EquipmentProtectionMagazine.com
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