eps magazine, march 2011

0311EPSpC1.qxd:Company Spotlight 3/9/11 9:58 AM Page C1

FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 1 ON READER SERVICE CARD

0311EPSpFullPages.qxd:Company Spotlight 3/9/11 9:04 AM Page C2


0311EPSpFullPages.qxd:Company Spotlight 3/9/11 9:04 AM Page 1

FEATURES6 The High Demand for Lab Connectivity

The Benefits of Pre-wired Anodized Aluminum Raceway For Power, Data/Communication and Lab Gas Connection ProductsBy Karen Dorman

14 Wire & Cable Marking5 Ways Labels Can Increase Your Productivity By Matt Luger

20 Why Solar? Why Now?

26 Backup Power Getting Smarter, Smaller Thanks to New TechnologyBy Michael Gersmeyer

DEPARTMENTS

2 Electrical Products & Solutions • March 2011

CONTENTS

20

34 Product Focus

40 Ad Index

ON THE COVER

PUBLISHERDanny J. Salchert

OFFICE MANAGERAnita Salchert

NATIONAL SALES MANAGERJerry DiChiara

[email protected]

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Derek Gaylard

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSKaren Dorman, Matt Luger

Michael Gersmeyer

CIRCULATION DIRECTORPam Fulmer

PRESIDENT Danny J. Salchert

Executive and Advertising Offices3591 Cahaba Beach Road

Birmingham, AL 35242toll free: 800.981.4541 phone: 205.981.4541

fax: 205.981.4544www.epsmag.net • [email protected]

Electrical Products & Solutions™ is publishedtwelve times a year on a monthly basis by ABDCommunications, Inc., 3591 Cahaba Beach Road,Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. ElectricalProducts & Solutions™ is distributed free to qualifiedsubscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are$57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S.Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and addi-tional mailing offices.

Electrical Products & Solutions™ is distributed toqualified readers in the electrical contracting industry.Publisher is not liable for all content (including edito-rial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of adver-tisements published and does not accept responsibilityfor any claims made against the publisher. It is the ad-vertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appro-priate releases on any item or individuals pictured in anadvertisement. Reproduction of this magazine inwhole or in part is prohibited without prior written per-mission from the publisher.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes toABD Communications, Inc., P.O. Box 382885

Birmingham, Alabama 35238-2885

P R I N T E D I N T H E U S A

Cover photography provided by PG LifeLink

0311EPSp02.qxd:Layout 1 3/9/11 10:21 AM Page 2

FEATURE • PG LifeLink

Versatility and scalability are themost important design factors inmodern laboratory space planning

today. “Private research companies make


physical changes to an average of 25% oftheir labs each year while most academiclaboratories change 5 to 10% of theirlayouts.” (Architectural Science Review)1

(Watch & Tolat, 2007)2 As research prior-ities and funding shift, facilities must beable to adapt quickly. Power, data andplumbing utilities must be flexible and eas-ily re-routed to accommodate portableworkstations. Customizable connectionmanagement solutions give architects andengineers options well beyond the standard“pipe and box”, by providing ways to buildversatility into any laboratory design.Typical connectivity configurations includedevices secured to removable cover plates

on service pedestals, power strips, powerpoles, ceiling connection plates, overheadservice carriers and surface metal raceway.This provides easy access in the field andmaximizes the ability to add or deletepower, data/communication and lab gases.The power and data/communication de-

mand in laboratories continues to grow, dri-ven by the technological requirements oftoday’s research methods. There is a greaterneed for enhancing access to advancedtechnology and data analysis for a wide ar-ray of research projects. This has ampli-fied the importance of connectivity devicesthat are easily accessible, versatile and addto an aesthetically pleasing Continued on page 8

“Use of pre-wired servicepedestals, power strips,power poles, servicecarriers and ceiling

connection plates canreduce electrical

installation expendituresby 70%.”

The High Demand forLab Connectivity

The Benefits of Pre-wired Anodized Aluminum Raceway ForPower, Data/Communication and Lab Gas Connection Products

By Karen Dorman, LabLink Product Manager, PG LifeLink

0311EPSp06,08,12.qxd:Company Spotlight 3/9/11 9:22 AM Page 6


FEATURE • PG LifeLink Continued from page 6

reconfigured in the event that a space isre-purposed.Pre-wired connectivity systems are UL

Listed and fully compliant with applicableCodes, including NEC (NFPA-70). Itshould be noted that some of the standardcode requirements for connectivity prod-ucts include the need for normal and emer-gency power to be separated. In fact, NECCode states that, “wiring from an emer-gency source or source distribution overcurrent protection to emergency loads shallbe kept entirely independent of all otherwiring and equipment, unless otherwise

work environment. These aspects have be-come a high priority as research facilitiesstrive to bring in top scientists and person-nel to their institutions.

New and renovated academic and health-care laboratories utilize pre-wired lab con-nectivity solutions. These products areconstructed from extruded aluminum, withbarrier channels that provide isolation be-tween adjacent power, data/communicationand lab gases. Factory assembled racewaysystems offer an aesthetic advantage as wellas considerable time savings at installation,as opposed to field cutting and wiring bulkraceway components. Use of pre-wired ser-vice pedestals, power strips, power poles,service carriers and ceiling connectionplates can reduce electrical installation ex-penditures by 70%. That is a major reduc-tion in labor associated with wiring thedevices in the field. Since the material isshipped ready to be installed, installationtime is reduced, resulting in a reduction ofoverall costs by up to 60%. There is alsothe added benefit of lower scrap rates as op-posed to doing the work in the field, sincepre-cut and pre-fit cover plate lengths re-duce material costs by as much as 25%.Engineered and manufactured to plan

specifications, pre-wired and pre-assembledraceways bring devices and circuits exactlywhere the end-user needs them. This greatlyimproves the functionality of laboratorysystems and eliminates a great deal of pre-planning and rough-in on the installer’spart. In addition, due to their modulardesign, these raceway systems are easily

permitted”. (National Electrical Code)3 Insome states, including California, strict ad-herence to this separation of power is re-quired. Also, it should be understood thatdata, gas and power can’t occupy the sameraceway channel and provisions must bemade to ensure that they are kept separate.Extruded aluminum connectivity prod-

ucts in academic and healthcare laborato-ries also have an aesthetic advantage thatcan’t be overlooked. The aesthetic valueof extruded aluminum alloy can be summedup in its properties. The primary advantageis corrosion resistance, making this materialmore conducive to a laboratory environ-ment. Anodized aluminum is extremelydurable, easy to maintain and clean. Alu-minum also withstands aggressive condi-tions experienced in many laboratories.The other benefits of extruded aluminum,as noted by the AEC (Aluminum ExtrudersCouncil)4, include:• Lightweight – Aluminum is about 1/3 theweight of steel. This makes handling thematerial easier and reduces shipping costs.

• Strong – Aluminum profiles can be madeas strong as needed for the majority ofapplications.

• High strength-to-weight ratio – Aluminumcan bear heavier loads at a lesser weightthan steel.

• Non-sparking – This feature makes alu-minum suitable for laboratories where, inmost cases, both flammable and com-bustible liquids are used. Continued on page 12



FEATURE • PG LifeLink Continued from page 8

value and “can be recycled indefinitelywithout losing any of its superior char-acteristics, making it especially appeal-ing according to both environmental andeconomic criteria.”4 This is a veryimportant characteristic since the needto reduce the solid waste that is put intolandfills is becoming paramount.

• Green attributes – Aluminum can be re-cycled, is sustainable and has versatility.These are key attributes required for ma-terial being used in the construction ofgreen buildings.

Along with extruded aluminum’s ma-terial advantages there are process ad-vantages that are well suited to powerand data/communication connectionproducts for laboratories. In addition tobeing attractive there is the added ad-vantage in the ease of fastening, the ver-satility of joining extruded aluminumsections, shorter lead times and its costeffectiveness.

ConclusionAs academic and healthcare research

facilities continue to expand or renovatelaboratories, the demand for connectivityproducts will increase due to the everevolving technology needed for researchmethods and data analysis. The require-ment for wire and cable connectivity

• Resilient – Combines both strength andflexibility. Aluminum provides flexunder load and springs back whenimpacted.

• Non-combustible – Aluminum does notburn at any temperature nor does it emittoxic fumes.

• Suited to cold – The strength of alu-minum increases in very cold tempera-tures making it a good fit for coollaboratory environments.

• Allows for various finishes – Aluminumeasily accepts many finishes. These fin-ishes include: liquid paint, powder coat-ing, anodizing and electroplating.Finishes can add to the service life ofthe aluminum with, for example, ananodized coating having a service life ofapproximately 20+ years.

• Recyclable – Aluminum has a high scrap

management solutions that are easily in-stalled, movable and can be upgraded willbe critical to the Architects and Engineersthat are responsible for successfully de-signing and implementing these projects.As with any project, the choices availableneed to be evaluated so the right productis provided to meet the needs of the end-user. As hospitals and universities try toattract top personnel to their facilities, aes-thetics, as well as functionality, must bea consideration. Recognizing the benefitsof pre-wired anodized aluminum racewayfor power and data requirements is oneway to address this demand in an efficientand cost effective way. �

References

1 Architectural Science Review, Volume50.3, pp 281-292. 2007 University ofSydney. www.arch.usyd.edu.au.asr2 Watch, D., & Tolat, D., (last updated 03-14-2007). Research laboratory. WholeBuilding Design Guide (WBDG).http://www.wbdg.org/design/research_lab.php (accessed 6 June 2007).3 NEC 2008 Handbook, NFPA 70: NationalElectrical Code®, 700.9 Wiring, Emer-gency System.4 Copyright 2010 Aluminum ExtrudersCouncil. http://www.aec.org/exbasics/aluminum.html.

“…the demand forconnectivity products

will increase due to theever evolving technology

needed for researchmethods and data

analysis.”


FEATURE • Brady North America

When you’re on the job,labeling may seem like a rathertime-consuming, mundane task.

Most of us don’t give much thought to it –it’s just one of those things that’s a neces-sary part of the job. But if you stop and givesome thought to how you are identifyingyour wire and cable, you’ll find that thereare a number of opportunities to increaseefficiencies throughout your labelingprocess.

Here are 5 things to consider that canhelp you become more efficient and cost-effective with your labeling and identifica-tion operations – saving your business timeand money with every job.

1. Not all labels are createdequal.The quality of your marking materials

can have a big impact on your overall jobproductivity. If you’re creating make-shiftmasking tape labels or just using a basic of-fice labeler, you’re missing out on big effi-ciencies. Your labels are likely to curl upor fall off, and the print will likely fade orsmear.The cost of re-labeling far exceeds the

cost of any label, so the last thing you needis to complete a job, only to find out you

If you’re already using sleeve markers,one of the first things you can improve isthe shrink-ratio. A 3-to-1 shrink ratio sleevewill shrink to fit more wire diameters persleeve part than a 2-to-1 shrink ratio sleeve.This allows you to reduce the quantity ofsleeve parts you need to inventory. And be-sides that cost savings, you also avoid need-ing to make as many part Continued on page 16

WIRE & CABLE MARKING

5 Ways Labels CanIncrease Your Productivity

By Matt Luger, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Brady North America

have to re-label because yourmarkers didn’t stick or arenow un-readable. Go for in-dustrial grade sleeves orwrap-around markers with athermal transfer printer - andbe confident in the durabilityand longevity of every labelin the job.




changeovers in your printer, speeding theprinting process.

2. Substitute your engravedplates with labels.Engraved plates can be costly and the or-

dering process can be lengthy. Even if youdo your own engraving, there are better so-lutions out there that are quicker, easier andfar less expensive.Many companies are switching to “label-

plates” or “raised panel labels,” a new typeof label material that simulates rigid en-graved plates. These labels can be printed inhouse, which gives you much more legendflexibility, faster printing time and cost sav-ings up to 80% over engraved plates. Thesenew alternatives to engraving can runthrough desktop and portable thermal trans-fer printers which many electrical contrac-tors already own. They are available inmultiple sizes - including 22.5 mm and 30.5mm, keyed and non-keyed push button con-figurations.

3. Equip yourself to label onthe spot.Have you ever been on site and realized

that you’re missing some labels? It’s a has-sle to have to go back to the shop to printjust a few labels. It’s a waste of time and ittakes your focus off of the job at hand.

To be prepared for on-the-job printing,it’s smart to have a durable, handheld la-bel printer on hand when you’re not byyour desktop printer. You can createthose labels quickly, on the spot, withoutinterrupting your installation job. To-day’s portable printers can print on themajority of the label materials and sizesthat your desktop can; the end result is aseamless appearance to your project donewith the least amount of time and workinterruption. Continued on page 18

How to Select a Wire MarkerBy Adrien Powers, Marketing Product Manager, Brady North America

There are four main questions to ask yourself when you’re starting the process of marking wires.These questions will help you select a wire marker that best suits your needs.

1. Are you marking the wire before or after termination?Sleeve markers can only be used before termination because they must be slipped over the open end

of the wire. These non-adhesive markers provide flexibility as they can be moved prior to being heat-shrunk. Once shrunk, these markers fit snugly around wires for permanent identification which will

stand up to harsh environments.Self-laminating wire markers or wrap-around markers can be used eitherbefore or after termination. When using a wrap-around marker, the legendis visible from all sides since the marker completely wraps around thewire. A self-laminating marker is a special type of wrap-around markerthat has a clear portion that will wrap around and laminate the legend.This ensures that the legend is protected from chemicals and abrasion.Self-laminating wire markers provide long-lasting protection forcustom-printed identification.

2. What gauge wire are you marking?The size of the wire determines the length of the self-lam-

inating/wrap-around marker or the diameter of the sleeve to beused. Most wrap-around styles can be used for a range of sizes.

3. Will you print your own markers orpurchase preprinted ones?

Preprinted markers are available in a large variety ofstock legends, and custom legends are available for any

large jobs. These markers come in a variety of packaging and formatsfor ease of use and ease of transport. They are ideal for any application.Printable markers are meant to be printed with variable legends as needed.

Various methods for this include: portable wire marking printers or com-puter software linked to thermal transfer, dot matrix, laser or ink-jet print-ers. An extensive array of sizes are available for every application. These

printable markers offer the flexibility of printing legends on demand. They are also ideal for applicationsthat require long legends.

4. In what type of environment will these wire markers beplaced?It is extremely important to select a wire marker material that will last for your application. Too many

companies go to the trouble of marking only to have to do it all again because they did not select the cor-rect material. Be sure to ask yourself these questions before you select your wire marker:

• Does it need to withstand contact with oil, water, chemicals or solvents?• Are there self-extinguishing properties or requirements?• Will the marking be exposed to high temperatures?• Any government or special specification requirements?• Should it withstand dirt and environmental factors?

Adrien Powers is the Marketing Product Manager for Wire and Cable ID at Brady North America.To learn more about selecting a wire marker, visit the wire and cable ID section of

www.BradyID.com.

FEATURE • Brady North America Continued from page 14



wire ID label will allow you to remove thelabel from the original location and reposi-tion it at the actual “shorter” end of yourjob. You avoid wasted wire, wasted labelsand the trip back to the label maker tomake the replacement label. Good qualityrepositionable labels are specifically de-signed for wire identification and have ex-cellent holding power, yet allow for cleanremoval, repositioning and reapplication.

5. Smarter equipment increasesspeed and reduces waste.As technology continues to progress,

thermal transfer printers are gettingsmarter, faster and easier to use. Desktopprinters now come with smart cell tech-nology that automatically recognizes thematerial installed and will calibrate theprinter accordingly for faster printing andeasier formatting. The latest models alsohave touch screen displays and drag anddrop editing – so you can see what yourlabel will look like as you’re designing it.There’s no need to guess and create “test

4. Add specialty labels to yourmaterial mix.Using familiar, tried-and-true materials

may seem like the best way to get the jobdone quickly and efficiently, but you couldbe missing out on efficiencies from spe-cialty materials.For example, if you label both ends of a

wire and then after running it through yourpanel and components find that you haveseveral feet of excess wire, a repositionable

labels,” which can save you a significantamount of time and drastically reduce yourlabel waste.Choosing the right label design software

to drive your printer can further increaseefficiency. A high-quality label creationsoftware program will contain pre-de-signed formats and parts lists for all typesof labels including specialty wire markers,terminal block strips, and in-panel compo-nent markers required for electrical instal-lations. It’ll also give you the ability tointegrate your existing AutoCAD data, soyou can easily extract your data and im-port it directly onto your label files. Batchprinting from the software is also a bigtime saver. These desktop printer/labelsoftware combination systems are particu-larly ideal for high volume projects. �

Matt Luger is the Senior ProductMarketing Manager for Benchtop

Printers at Brady North America. Tolearn more about wire and cable

identification, visit www.BradyID.com.


FEATURE • Brady North America Continued from page 16


FEATURE • Ontility

The U.S. solar electric mar-ket in 2011 is predicted to grow inexcess of 50%. While these kinds

of predictions always spark a bit OF skep-ticism for me, there is ample evidence thatthis one is accurate and perhaps even a bitconservative. During the past five years,the solar market has averaged a more than35% annual growth rate and the past twoyears have shown greater than 40% an-nual growth while much of the rest of theeconomy was flat at best.

The National Renewable Energy Labo-

potential in an industry than asking thepeople who are running companies howmany people they need to hire.

Of the approximately 2,500 companiessurveyed:• More than half said that they will be hir-ing in 2011.

• 61% said that electrical skills and expe-rience are very important.

• 51% said that being a licensed electri-cian is very important.

• 59% said that knowledge of NEC Article690 is very important

Digging a little deeper in the reportshows that among all categories of work-ers, including electricians, roofers and oth-ers in the building trades, moreelectricians will be required than any otheroccupation. The number of electricianswith solar specific skills will increase byapproximately 42% this year and solar in-stallation work will require an additional30,000 electricians.

ratory (NREL), a research arm of the De-partment of Energy, will soon release theresults of a national survey of solar com-panies. I got a preview of the results dur-ing a recent Webinar. The focus of thesurvey is employment in the solar indus-try: how many people are working in solarnow, how many will be hired this year,what skills and what kinds of training willbe required, what experience will em-ployers be looking for, what trades willsee a crossover effect. In my opinion thereisn’t a much better gauge of the growth


Why Solar?Why Now?

Continued on page 22



more than many people, even electricians,think. DC current for example: Even amodest 5kW residential system will oper-ate at 350-500V DC. If an electrician’s en-tire experience has been AC, even if it hasincluded high voltage industrial work,high voltage DC is foreign territory andits unique characteristics are reflected inevery aspect the system, from the mod-ules on the roof to the inverter. And if youare working in an area where off-grid sys-tem are in demand and battery backup isincluded, then the differences betweenwhat you need to know and what yourelectrical experience has taught you areeven greater.

Training, especially a good entry levelcourse, can provide another somewhat in-tangible benefit: It can show you whereyou and your business will best fit in thesolar industry; it will help you find a nichein a new and emerging industry and mar-ket. Some people come to class knowingexactly how they’re going to launch theirnew venture. Some know they don’t knowand come to class to find out what thepossibilities are. Others discover newways of thinking about their business andhow they can succeed in solar. There’snothing like a comprehensive immersionin a subject to show you

In one region, 60% of companies sur-veyed reported difficulty hiring electri-cians with solar specific skills.

Are you seeing an opportunityhere?The solar project landscape is changing

too. While residential systems continue tobe a significant percentage of all those in-stalled, changes in incentive programs andother market drivers are motivating com-mercial property owners to invest in solarand the number of utility-scale (10MWand larger) systems is predicted by somemarket watchers to soon be the fastestgrowing market segment. The larger thesystem the more specialized electricalknowledge is required.The opportunities are abundant. Now

let’s look at some key ingredients of asuccessful entry or expansion into the so-lar PV market.Expanding your business or launching a

new venture requires knowing, among10,000 other things, exactly what the jobis and how to do it, getting the right mate-rials for the job, having a strong supportnetwork and devising a solid marketingand sales strategy. If you are already run-ning a successful business, you know howto do these things within your industry.

For example, if you’ve built a solid resi-dential contracting business and want toexpand into the commercial market, youknow what to do. Yes, there will be atechnical learning curve, new skills to ac-quire, but you’ll likely continue workingwith the same suppliers you’ve workedwith in the past and for the most part thesame support services you have in placenow will extend to the new market. Salesand marketing will involve new clientsand new ways of addressing their needs,but these will likely be an expansion ofwhat you’re already doing. Expandingyour business into solar, while similar insome ways, is a bit more of a stretch inothers.First, the industry is new and changing

more rapidly than other parts of the elec-trical trades. New products are introducedalmost monthly bringing new techniquesfor installing and using them. And bestpractices, while emerging, are not asfirmly established as those in other partsof your business. So, there is more to learnand more that’s new.

This is going to be an obvious state-ment coming from me; training cannot beover-emphasized. Safe, high quality solarPV system installation is more complexand differs from typical electrical work Continued on page 24

FEATURE • Ontility Continued from page 20



nical expertise to help you make logical,cost-effective choices when project specsneed to change.Finally, a solid network of seasoned

professionals will help ensure that you candeliver on solar jobs you sell. You needto know that someone’s got your back.This kind of expertise comes in the

form of engineering and design support;a necessity especially on your first fewjobs. No matter how much training youget, how many hours you spend in theclassroom or lab, the real world will throwthings at you that you didn’t talk about inclass – no different in solar than any otherbusiness. Apprentice electricians have ajourney level or master electrician closeby, someone to guide and supervise. Youneed the same thing in solar. Connect witha system designer you can rely on, some-one with experience designing the kindsof systems you are selling. If you are bid-ding on 500kW job for a big box retailerfor example, a system designer with whohasn’t designed anything larger than a

how and where you fit.Next, as with any venture, you need a

good wholesale distributor who can de-liver what you need when you need it atcompetitive prices. In this highly dy-namic industry it is easy for the supplychain to become fragmented and unreli-able. Product availability is a challengefor contracting of any kind and solar isno exception. Job specs change betweenthe initial design and final execution be-cause a specific module or inverter is notavailable in sufficient quantity. Last year,a number of U.S. project designs had tobe modified when much of the produc-tion capacity of a particular module man-ufacturer was diverted for a couple ofmonths to supply modules for a few util-ity scale projects. So it is critical that youestablish a relationship with a stockingdistributor which has not only deepenough inventory to smooth out the upsand downs of product availabilitybrought on by cyclic supply and demandin a global market, but also has the tech-

4kW residential system, even though theymay have designed a hundred of them,may not be your best choice. Build benchstrength through networking or by con-tracting with a solar expert who can pro-vide that strength.Support also includes financial services.

Financing solar jobs can be complicated,especially when there are multiple incen-tives involved. Tax credits, rebates fromutility companies, power purchase agree-ments, loan guarantees and grants can addlayers of complexity. Like the technology,this part of the industry is also changingrapidly with new methods and tools, so itis important to build a relationship with acompany that can offer advice and ser-vices to help you navigate the financialside of solar.

Why solar? Because it holds enormousgrowth potential. Why now? Because so-lar is still, as they say, a ground floor op-portunity. Put all the ingredients in placeand you are set to take good advantage ofthe opportunities. �


FEATURE • Ontility Continued from page 22


FEATURE • GE

In October of 2010, the Electric PowerResearch Institute reported that in 2009,500,000 people on average were affected

by power outages on a daily basis. Withstaggering numbers like those, more andmore homeowners are looking for backuppower solutions. While portable generatorsoffer immediate power in emergency out-age situations, they require the user to re-fuel every six to eight hours, and have otherlimitations. A more permanent solution isa home standby generator and auto-matic transfer switch that utilizes ei-ther natural gas or liquid propane fora seamless, automatic transition tobackup power.Traditionally, standby generators

have powered only select circuits,or have been very large and morecostly. But now, a key breakthroughin power management allows elec-trical contractors to offer homeown-ers a less costly way to providewhole house backup power whenutility power goes out.

budget. Home Generator Systems by GEfeature the patented Symphony II PowerManagement System™ – breakthroughtechnology that gives homeowners theflexibility they need in a power outagewith a smaller, smarter generator.

Smarter Technology =More FlexibilityWith generators that power only the es-

sentials, which can be only 50% of ahome’s total power needs, homeownersare forced to decide in advance of an out-age what items they can power. Oftentimes, this meant limiting their choices toonly 16 selected circuits. And because ap-pliances such as a central air conditioner,electric oven or electric clothes dryer re-quire a large amount of power to start up,homeowners needed to assign more thanone circuit in order to power each of thesehigh wattage items, reducing the totalnumber of items powered.An alternative to select circuits is a

larger, more costly, whole house generatorthat can handle the startup needs of highwattage appliances. However, this isn’t veryefficient because power requirements arereduced dramatically once high wattage ap-pliances are running; so, there isn’t a needfor those extra kilowatts of

In the past, generators were created topower just a few essential appliances. Aspeople demanded access to more appli-ances, generators got bigger, and so did theprice tag. For budget-conscious consumers,and those with smaller yards, they were leftwith little choice: purchase a smallerbackup generator that limited what couldbe powered in an outage.Homeowners now have a backup solu-

tion that meets their needs and their


Backup Power GettingSmarter, Smaller Thanks to

New TechnologyBy Michael Gersmeyer




0311EPSpFullPages.qxd:Company Spotlight 3/9/11 1:03 PM Page 27


more affordable for the homeowner. Al-though most homes may only utilize twoof the modules to power their highwattage appliances, the GE GeneratorSystem can support up to eight modules,providing homeowners with the flexibilityto add modules as their needs change.

A Seamless Power TransitionIt’s the job of a permanently installed

generator to sense when utility power goesout so it can turn on and provide consumerswith a reliable backup power solution. GEGenerator Systems and Symphony IIPower Management extend that seamlesstransition, automatically managing highwattage power loads exactly when, andwhere, homeowners need it.

During installation, the electrician workswith the homeowner to prioritize high-wattage appliances. When a power outageoccurs, the system provides power to allnon-managed items first. The SymphonyII Power Management system determinesremaining, available power, turning onhigh-wattage items one at a time. Be-cause the homeowner has assigned prior-ities to the managed, high-wattage items,the system will deliver power to high pri-ority items first. If a higher priority itemshould need more power, Symphony IIwill automatically turn off the lowest pri-ority item until enough power once againbecomes available.

For example, a homeowner could set theair conditioner as priority one, and the dryeras priority eight. The homeowner begins toturn on the items that have been assignedPriorities one through seven. So what hap-pens when the homeowner turns on thedryer, which is priority eight? Because thepower management system recognizes thatthe power needs of the eight items are ap-proaching the generator’s capacity, thepower management system turns off thedryer. As soon as one of the items labeledpriority one through

power. Generators that offer too little or toomuch power have left consumers with fewchoices, and little flexibility.

GE Generator Systems, with Sym-phony II Power Management, manage thestartup requirements of those high demandappliances, resulting in a ‘right-sized’generator that is smaller, more fuel-effi-cient and more affordable. Through intel-

ligent engineering, Home Generator Sys-tems by GE feature control modules thatmake installing a generator even easierand offer greater flexibility.

Symphony II control modules use ahome’s existing wiring and can be in-stalled at any point between an applianceand the electrical panel. As a result, in-stallation is easier for the electrician and


FEATURE • GE Continued from page 26




seven turns off and capacity becomes avail-able, the Symphony II turns on the dryer.The Symphony II power management

system continues to manage powerthroughout the home, providing the home-owner with access to high-wattage itemsthat would have previously required a muchlarger generator or going without.And just like all automatic standby gen-

erators, when Symphony II senses utilitypower is restored, it automatically shutsdown the standby generator and returns toutility power, monitoring for the next powerinterruption.

Smaller Generators,Whole-House PowerNew to the market this month is the

13kw* Generator System by GE, featur-ing the Symphony II Power ManagementSystem. The sleek new design with re-movable panels gives technicians easy ac-cess for fast and affordable service callsand routine maintenance. Plus, the new13kw* unit is NFPA 37 compliant, so as

long as the exhaust is placed at least fivefeet away from open doors, windows orvents, the unit itself can be placed closerto structures than most other models –providing both electricians and home-owners even greater flexibility whendetermining placement on the property.With new technology and a new design,

GE Generator Systems, featuring Sym-phony II Power Management, provideelectricians with backup power solutionsthat meet the ever-evolving demands ofhomeowners. �

Michael Gersmeyer is a ProductManager for the Standby Power Group atBriggs & Stratton, the exclusive licensee

of Home Generator Systems by GE.

*This generator is rated in accordance withUL (Underwriters Laboratories) 2200 (sta-tionary engine generator assemblies) andCSA (Canadian Standards Association)standard C22.2 No. 100-04 (motors andgenerators.


FEATURE • GE Continued from page 28


FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 34 ON READER SERVICE CARD FOR FREE INFO, CIRCLE 35 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Product FOCUS


Bridgeport Fittings Introduces Mighty-Bond™High Performance Grounding ProductsPrecision-machined enclosure grounding connectorsand couplings are low cost and easy to use

Bridgeport Fittings announced the low cost and easy to use Mighty-Bond™ enclosure grounding connectors and couplings. The patent pend-ing products are constructed with precision-machined brass bodies, steellocknuts and stainless steel screws for optimum performance and a pro-fessional installation appearance.

The MC Series Connectors and MCC Series Couplings are used to bonda grounding electrode conductor to an enclosure or raceway. Both ½”and ¾” trade sizes perform in accordance with NEC article 250.8 and arecULus Listed for grounding per UL467. The units are also tamper resistantwhen the termination screws are mounted inside the box. The MCC SeriesCouplings can be used with rigid conduit to bond the raceway.

Bridgeport grounding products also include intersystem grounding clamps and bridges. The IGBC Series grounding rodclamp is compatible with 5/8” ground rods and has four intersystem bonding termination points. The IGB Series groundingbridge can be used as an equipment bonding terminal under conduit and cable fittings. Both units are constructed with brassbodies and stainless steel screws and are engineered in accordance with NEC article 250.94.

The Mighty-Bond™ grounding products are part of Bridgeport’s exclusive and innovative “Mighty-B”™ line of high-quality,high-performance products focused on getting a contractor’s job “done fast, done right.”

For more information, visitwww.bptfittings.com

0311EPSp34-40.qxd:Company Spotlight 3/9/11 1:17 PM Page 34


Product FOCUS


IDEAL Expands Thermal Imaging Line with NewHigher Resolution HeatSeeker® 160 Camera

IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. recently announced the release of the Heat-Seeker® 160 thermal imaging camera for electricians and maintenanceengineers that need a highly accurate, easy to use troubleshooting solu-tion at a price they can afford.The IDEAL HeatSeeker 160 features a Class II laser and delivers a higher

resolution thermal image (160 x 120, 19,200 pixels) and a two-megapixel visual im-age for ultra-sharp images in a wide temperature range of 14° F to 482° F with an in-dustry standard accuracy of ±2° C. Designed for non-contact preventive maintenance,it identifies potential problems before they occur by detecting hot spots on motors,switch gear, processing pipes, compressors and fuse panels. Its broad range of appli-cations also includes energy audits, for example, finding air escaping from HVAC ductsor identification of inefficient heating and cooling transfer. In the data center, the Heat-Seeker will pinpoint overheating servers, UPS, cooling systems and PDU before theirimminent failure, giving the IT technician needed time to react.

For more information, visitwww.idealheatseeker.com

0311EPSp34-40.qxd:Company Spotlight 3/9/11 9:56 AM Page 36

Milwaukee® Introduces New M18™ Cordless 3/8” Right AngleDrill Driver with Electronic Clutch

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation expands its M18™ LITHIUM-ION system with the new M18™Cordless 3/8” Right Angle Drill Driver. As the only 18V Right Angle Drill with an adjustable clutch fea-ture, the new tool provides eleven torque settings, plus one drill mode, for complete control in close-quarter fastening applications.“The combination of a 3.75” total head length and an integrated Electronic Clutch make this tool

the most compact 18V Right Angle Drill Driver in the industry,” says Christian Coulis, Sr. Product Man-ager for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. “Whether an Electrician is drilling holes in a confinedspace or a Cabinet Builder is putting the final touches on the assembly, this tool will fit into tight spacesand provide the control needed for precision applications.”Featuring a 3/8” one handed, keyless ratcheting chuck, the user can quickly change bits without ad-

ditional tools. In addition, an extended paddle switch design provides easy trigger actuation from the top,middle, or bottom of the tool to allow the user to change hand position depending on the application.Complete with an LED light to illuminate the work surface and up to 125 in-lbs of torque, the M18™ 3/8”Right Angle Drill Driverprovides unmatched versatility, ease of use and power.Among the first products powered by REDLITHIUM™ battery technology, thenew Right Angle Drill

Driverwill deliver unmatched run-time, performance and durability for the professional tradesman. TheM18™ Cordless Platform continues to be the fastest growing LITHIUM-ION system with over 25 toolsto date. Milwaukee® is committed to the ongoing development of this platform and will continueto provide innovative solutions that offer industry leading reliability, performance and ergonomics.

For more information, visitwww.milwaukeetool.com


Product FOCUS




Company PG# RS# Company PG# RS#

AEE SOLAR 15 13AEMC INSTRUMENTS IFC 1ALBER CORPORATION 4 6ARPI OF USA 36 36BATTCON 2011 40 40BRADY WORLDWIDE 19 15BYTE BROTHERS 28 32CABLOFIL 24 31CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS 10 10CONDUX INTERNATIONAL 34 35COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 29 20DC POWER SYSTEMS 30, 31 21EXTECH INSTRUMENTS / FLIR SYSTEMS 3, 9 5, 9E-Z METER 36 37GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES 7 8HIOKI USA 11 11KRENZ & COMPANY 38 38MEGGER 1 4

NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS 33 22ONTILITY LLC 21 16PG LIFELINK IBC 2PHASE-A-MATIC 38 39SESSION SOLAR 13 12SMARTGUARD PRODUCTS 25 18SOKKIA 5 7SOLMETRIC 23 17SOUTHWIRE 35 23STEELMAN INDUSTRIES 34 34STRIP-TEC 18 30THE HOME DEPOT 17 14TOSHIBA INTERNATIONAL CORP 27 19UNDERGROUND DEVICES 32 33UNITED COPPER INDUSTRIES 37 24UTILITY METALS 39 25VERVE LIVING SYSTEMS BC 3

This advertisers index is compiled as a courtesy to our readers. While every effort is made to provide a complete and accurate listing of companies, page numbers andreader service numbers, the publisher is not responsible for errors.

Advertiser INDEX



eps magazine, march 2011

Documents

company spotlight

reader service

page c1for free info

page c2for free info

toll free

page 1features6

electricalproducts solutions

backup power