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Today’s Switchgear Is Learning To Talk
Change doesn’t come easily to the low-voltage switchgear industry, because owners like to stick with equipment they know will live up to critical life-safety and performance standards. But, even in this conservative market, buyers are beginning to open up to emerging technologies. “It took years for customers to trust electromechanical relays, vs. electromechanical relays,” says Marty Trivette, GE’s brand product manager for switchgear. “Now, they’re almost all electronic.”
Sizing a Control Transformer
Correctly sizing a industrial control transformer, which are rated in volt amps, is important to the operation and continued success of an installation. To ensure control systems are powered properly and will avoid erroneous shutdowns of downstream processes, control transformers should exceed NEMA ratings for inrush and regulation. The primary side voltage (the supply side) should match incoming line voltage; the secondary side voltage (the load side) should match the coil voltage.
Why Use a Control Transformer
Control transformers are typically used to step down incoming primary voltage from a power circuit to a lower level voltage required to operate a control circuit. Available in a range of primary and secondary voltages, from 50 - 5000 VA, they maintain a more stable output voltage during high inrush conditions. Industrial control transformers supply power to motor starters, relays, and other electromechanical devices that run machinery.
Estimating Software Scaled to Small-Business Needs
Running a small business can be a challenging – and risky – proposition, and the urge to cut corners on overhead expenses can be strong, and this includes spending on specialized estimating software. However, today’s products can save you time and provide greater accuracy compared to simple spreadsheets, and those advantages can add up to real bottom-line benefits for your business.
New Sensors, Controls Give Contractors New Opportunities
Lighting retrofits will be big business for electrical contractors over the next couple of years. Two standard lighting technologies – T12 fluorescent lamps and most incandescent lamps – are being phased out, so building owners will be looking for new, more efficient alternatives. This gives contractors a great opportunity to introduce those owners to lighting control systems that could lead to even more energy savings. There are options for simply refitting existing T12 fixtures with electronic ballasts to accept T8 lamps, but a more comprehensive plan, incorporating dimmable fixtures with sensors and controls, could make for more efficient and comfortable interiors.
Environmentally Friendly Chemicals for Electrical Equipment
Few third party testing organizations have environmental standards that apply to chemicals used in electrical maintenance or construction in order to classify them as green. However, manufacturers need to conform to differing state guidelines regarding environmental health and safety and air quality issues (VOC regulations). The challenge is to provide products that meet the new "green" expectations but do not compromise performance or efficiency. It is up to manufacturers to market products that, in absence of clear third party standards, share attributes of an environmentally friendly product.
Chemicals for Restoring Moisture-damaged Electrical Equipment
Water contamination due to rain, floods, broken water pipes and fire can damage or destroy expensive electrical and electronic equipment if the equipment is left untreated, merely to dry out on its own. Implementing a restoration program that takes advantage of specific chemicals formulated to address wet electrical equipment can significantly reduce the damage and, in many cases, result in complete recovery of the wet equipment, advises Ken Cantwell, Director of Marketing, Industrial Electrical Division, CRC Industries, a manufacturer of electrical cleaners, degreasers, lubricants and other specialty products.
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