PRODUCTS EDITOR’S CHOICE
REMOVING DOUBT WITH VOLTAGE ALERT TECHNOLOGY
W
orking in potentially explosive atmospheres is hazardous enough without having concerns that the voltage being supplied to
temporary lighting is no longer within certified limits. How can anyone be absolutely sure what voltage is being supplied,
especially in a typical, long cable FPSO situation? Could it be one volt more or less than the certified safe range? Reassurance is now available from Wolf Safety, whose latest technology gives an immediate warning when voltage either slips below or exceeds certified limits, even by just one volt. Its SOVI technology - Safe Optimal Voltage Indicator – is claimed to
remove all doubt, giving operators the confidence that temporary lighting is operating safely, effectively and at the optimal voltage. Unique to Wolf Safety, this technology is now incorporated into its ATEX
and IECEx certified hazardous area temporary lighting range, further enhancing safety in potentially explosive atmospheres. It also ensures that a lighting solution is operating effectively and at the optimal voltage. In the unlikely event that a light is operating at a voltage above the
maximum certified limit, the beam will pulse from bright to dim, giving a clear warning that action is needed to ensure that work can continue safely in the hazardous area. However, it is more likely that issues will arise at the lower end of the
voltage range. For example, if too many 24-volt lights are strung together and the transformer is overloaded, voltage could drop below the optimal level and light output will reduce incrementally as the input voltage falls. If this does occur, SOVI ensures the light will pulse bright, indicating that
the lamp is not within its certified voltage range, though the light itself is still safe as it is certified down to zero volts. This differs from other ATEX lights, where a reduced voltage supply can lead to the light operating outside the certified voltage range.
Wolf Safety
wolfsafety.com/temporary-lighting EASY ENERGY SAVING P
refectIrus is a central control system that uses the existing electrical wiring within a building to enable nodes in individual bedrooms and hot
water tank housing to communicate with the central controller, usually situated in the comms department. PrefectIrus is packed with features that distinguish it from simple
thermostats or complex building energy management systems. Designed specifically for multi-occupancy dwellings such as
student accommodation, PrefectIrus is unique in its focus on maintaining comfortable environments, while ensuring energy is only used when needed. The nodes, located throughout accommodation blocks, cleverly ‘learn’ the
environmental conditions for each individual room – the heat required, the time to reach temperature, dissipation rates etc. There are also sensors and evidence gathering for lighting, humidity and decibel levels with an option for a CO2
detection module. PIRs recognise when rooms are empty and
automatically reduce heat input. In the same way, open window technology cuts heat until the window has been closed. The software then balances comfort and energy use for the benefit of
students and energy managers. Data from the room nodes is transmitted to the central controller via the
existing electrical wiring within the building. Managers of accommodation, energy or compliance are able to monitor information from anywhere with internet connectivity via the easy to use web-based portal. Via the screen, in real time, they can control temperatures and monitor student well-being throughout their estate. By monitoring electric tariffs, PrefectIrus is able to switch hot water
and heating off to coincide with Triad warnings, ensuring energy is only used when rates are economic. Using mains borne signalling means the system is quick and cost effective to install, with very little disruption to infrastructure.
Prefect Controls
prefectcontrols.com
NEW ARC RATED GORE PYRAD PROTECTIVE CLOTHING G
ore Workwear has just launched a new PPE solution for electrical and
utility workers for everyday use: for when waterproof protection isn’t required but when workers still need comfortable safety garments to protect them against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. GORE PYRAD protective garments are
up to 50 per cent lighter than other garments with Class 2 protection and designed for everyday working scenarios, indoors and outdoors, in dry and temperate conditions. Coveralls, trousers and jackets made using this new technology provides Class 2 electric arc protection and complies with IEC 61482- 1-2:2014 Class 2 (7kA) protective clothing against the thermal hazards of an electric arc. It also provides IEC 61482-1-1:2019 arc rating ELIM value of 33cal/cm² (ATPV at 39cal/cm²). GORE invested four years in the
research and development of its new one-ply laminate after end user feedback revealed that traditional Class 2 arc rated protective garments were found to be bulky and heavy for the wearer, due to
the existing two or more textile layers needed in order to provide the level of protection required. At 330g/m² the new one-ply laminate
consists of three components in one fabric: the outer shell, a wafer thin non-flammable ePTFE membrane and the protective PYRAD technology, plus a flame retardant backer. Dr Peter Wimmer, Gore’s PYRAD
development leader explains: “Because we know how to exploit the technology, we are able to combine the highest levels of protection and comfort in one single layer.” Electrical workers need PPE which
provides them with essential protection from the possible exposure to an electric arc incident: even at temperatures of 40°C to 50°C, which can sometimes be reached in switch rooms or on very hot summer days. GORE PYRAD protective garments are engineered to act as a protective shield against plasma that can reach temperatures upwards of 5,000°C, which is a similar temperature to the sun’s surface. What does this mean to
24 DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020 | ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
the wearer? No burns on the skin, no burning garments and no holes in the fabric – despite exposure to incredibly intense heat. GORE PYRAD protective garments are
available in a variety of colours, including high vis yellow.
W L Gore & Associates
gore-workwear.com/arc-rated-pyrad
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