News Industry Comment


Marathon. I was one of nearly 40,000 people who took part in the annual race on 17th April, and I managed to drag myself around the course in 5.36.05 which, for my first (and probably last) attempt, I’m relatively happy with. Money raised for the EEIBA is getting


very close to four figures - the dona- tions page at www.justgiving.com /Joe-Bush will be open for a while yet if anyone would still like to make a contri- bution and get that figure over £1,000. As for our May issue, the need to


At the time of writing I am slowly nursing my muscles back to life after completing this year’s London


become more energy efficient is never far away from the news and is present in an ever increasing number of indus-


try sectors. This is demonstrated both in our circuit protection feature (page 34), where we look at monitoring power usage using the latest genera- tion of distribution boards, and in our test & measurement feature (page 8), which highlights one of the key bene- fits of wireless technology - namely making energy monitoring easier and more efficient. I hope all our readers enjoy another


bumper issue of Electrical Engineering, which also includes features on enclo- sures, cabling and fire & security, and I’d like to take the opportunity to wish you all a very happy Easter. Joe Bush, Editor


Bespoke switches supplied to NYSE data centre


ENERGY SPECIALISTS SIEL, in conjunction with Prism Power, has recently completed the first instal- lation phase of 56 bespoke ‘EXCHANGE’ 4-pole static transfer switches (STS) at NYSE Euronext’s new UK data centre. Eighteen STS systems, each


rated at 1,600A, complete the first phase. The whole package has been constructed to meet customer spec- ifications, including ASTA 80kA fault rating certification and form 4.7 segregation/separation. The custom IP31 STS enclosure


is designed to accommodate easy termination of multiple large single core feeder cables and to form a compatible part of a match-


A tall order


ing 96 way intelligent PDU suite supplied by Prism Power. The STS input section includes dual mains inputs with manual wrap around bypass MCCBs in the lower sec- tion, operationally interlocked by Castell keys. The STS units have been


designed to provide future flexibil- ity by facilitating either right or left handed connection to the PDUs via a separate transition section. The full functionality and status of the STS and PDU intelligent output ways are monitored by the cus- tomers SCADA system using inte- grated Modbus interfaces. Siel’s EXCHANGE STS is pro- vided in 4-pole configuration and


pants of the building which will incorporate more than 500,000ft2 of office space, the Shangri-La hotel that includes a spa, three floors of restaurants and 13 floors of luxury residences, and a public viewing gallery on the 72nd floor. The drives are fully compliant


with the latest IEC/EN 61000-3- 12 standard for harmonics and EN61800-3 C2 for EMC. In addi- tion, the drives have integral sup- port


for


achieves an automatic transfer from the preferred supply source to the alternate supply typically within 4ms. As well as the bespoke systems,


four 160A 4-pole


EXCHANGE systems have been supplied to enhance security of supply to other critical equipment. www.sielups.co.uk


Open for business


KENTEC ELECTRONICS HAS recently opened a new produc- tion facility at its manufacturing headquarters in Dartford. The new facility is designed to


further increase production capac- ity to meet rising worldwide demand for the company’s fire detection and alarm control panel products, in particular from the US, the Middle East and Far East. Kentec managing director, Ray


King, welcomed guests at the opening by saying, “This latest development rounds off another major investment program under- taken by Kentec and sets the busi- ness up for further expansion and further market penetration.” Image (left to right), Ray King,


MD Kentec, Dartford MP Gareth Johnson, Mayor of Dartford, Patrick Coleman, and Robert Jeffreys, technical director, Kentec. www.kentec.co.uk


Keep it traceable


AEI CABLES HAS emphasised the importance of traceability to its customers against a back- ground of growing concern around the issue of faulty cables. AEI is offering practical informa- tion on how to avoid purchasing faulty cables via its ‘Setting the Standards’ initiative, which includes a downloadable leaflet, checklist and a complete list of product standards. Clive Sharp of AEI Cables said, “We’ve discussed this issue with


the BacNet/IP


communication protocol as stan- dard, which makes them easy to integrate


fully with the


VACON'S VARIABLE SPEED drives (VSDs) are to be used in the HVAC systems of the Shard which is scheduled for comple- tion by May 2012, and will be the tallest building in the EU. The HVAC installation will incorpo- rate more than 219 drives selected from the Vacon 100 HVAC IP54 range. The drives will play a key role in ensuring comfort for the occu-


4


Automated Logic building man- agement system (BMS). The drives also use no elec-


trolytic capacitors, which are now classed as hazardous waste in the EU. Instead they use envi- ronmentally friendly thin film capacitors, and all recyclable parts are appropriately marked to ensure easy and efficient recy- cling when the drives are ulti- mately taken out of service. www.vacon.com


many customers who tell us they need information to guide them away from the dangers of purchasing or installing faulty cables. “It’s difficult to recognise poor quality cable, and by its nature we are


talking about a hidden danger that is difficult to detect on appearance. As raw materials reach record price levels, some manufacturers are cutting corners and using less copper. There is very often a high price to pay for installing faulty cable either through injury or in having to retro-fit.” AEI has stressed that when cables are purchased, they should bear a


recognised manufacturer’s name, the cable standard should be quoted and the cable should be independently third party tested. The number and cross-sectional area of the cores should be clearly stated along with the voltage rating. There should also be a clearly marked industry stan- dard cable reference number. There is also evidence emerging that materials being delivered to site


are not being checked to ensure they correspond with the order number. However, these checks can potentially safeguard an individual’s posi- tion in the event of faulty cable being discovered. www.aeicables.co.uk


MAY 2011 Electrical Engineering


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