May 23, 2013 - Eaton recently introduced a metal-enclosed, load interrupter, narrow switchgear design that promises reliable switching and fault protection of medium-voltage circuits for industrial, institutional and healthcare customers. Engineered to reduce the footprint of electrical distribution systems, the interrupter switch uses flicker blade and DE-ION arc chute technology, which is designed to prolong the life of the main blades by minimizing arcing between the main blades and stationary contacts. The switchgear avoids the use of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas and meets IEEE C37.20.3, as well as ANSI, UL and CSA.

April 18, 2013 - Eaton is introducing a Green Leaf Label arc-resistant, metal-enclosed load-interrupter switchgear design that promises centralized control and protection for medium-voltage power distribution equipment. The ArcGard load-interrupter switchgear is engineered to enhance operator safety during maintenance operations for industrial, commercial and utility customers. Eaton says it is the first MV load-interrupter switchgear with arc-resistant enclosures that can be shipped in a single structure, reducing costs and equipment space. The switchgear is designed to protect personnel from dangerous arcing faults by controlling, collecting and channeling the decomposition of the products from internal arcing faults to an area away from the perimeter of the gear. It incorporates arc chute and flicker blade technology, meaning arcing is minimized between the main blades and stationary contacts for increased equipment life.

March 4, 2013 - Circuit Breaker Sales Co. Inc. (CBS)—a provider of new and used circuit breakers, switchgear and related components—has acquired Federal Pacific Equipment Inc. (FPE) of Brick, N.J.

February 5, 2013 - GE released its Multilin A60 arc flash system, which uses GE’s patented light and pressure wave detection technology to help minimize equipment damage and reduce the costs associated with unplanned downtime and lost production. Designed for medium-voltage switchgear and motor control centre (MCC) applications, the A60 is a protection relay-independent, stand-alone device that can be used in new or existing installations for continuous monitoring and fast detection of an arc flash event. Its design includes five arc flash sensors to optimize coverage, and its scalability allows multiple A60 devices to be connected, delivering increased fault isolation. The Multilin A60 promises simplified installation, commissioning and maintenance, with sensor auto-calibration, eliminating the need for CT connections or setup software. The Multilin A60 comes equipped with a self-test feature that monitors the health of the sensors, the full length of the fiber cables and the unit itself, says GE, eliminating the need for periodic testing and additional test equipment.

January 10, 2013 - Eaton has introduced the drawout moulded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) switchboard and panelboard, which it says provides front-accessible and front-connected equipment with easy maintenance, enhanced productivity and operational uptime. On both units, drawout feeder MCCBs are available in two- and three-pole offerings from 20 Amps (A) to 600A. The MCCBs are designed with a drawout cassette that has two distinct parts—the cassette “base” is designed so that the lineside connections to the panelboard or switchboard’s vertical bus and the loadside connection to the feeder conductors can be permanent.

EATON

December 11, 2012 - Glenn Keenan, VP of Power Systems & Energy for Toromont CAT, announced several changes in the organization. Toromont’s Power Systems group’s products range from 40kW to multi-megawatt, and serve an array of applications and customers. Caterpillar and Toromont offer a range of diesel and gas gensets, transfer switches, switchgear, flywheel and battery UPSs.

September 21, 2012 - Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. recently energized the new Arlen transformer station. The 115-kV, expandable transformer station—a first for Guelph Hydro, says the utility—features “sophisticated smart grid functionality and the latest in transformer, switchgear and protection equipment technology”.

September 12, 2012 - Eaton says its new arc-resistant front-accessible switchgear design is engineered to enhance operator safety, improve power reliability and protect equipment in a compact footprint, while providing centralized control and protection for low-voltage power distribution equipment. The front-accessible design enables the equipment to be installed against the wall. This also means customers may no longer need to meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) requirement of 36" of rear clearance, reducing the footprint of electrical distribution equipment, adds Eaton.

EATON

August 24, 2012 - Rotational Lug Technologies has released a family of lugs used in electrical switchgear installations called “Roto-Lugs”, which claim to reduce labour costs, and increase safety and efficiency. The design of the rotational lug allows for wire to be seated/landed directly, in a straight line, or with minimal bending, into the switchgear box or breaker. Additionally, the set screws used to secure the wire no longer require an Allen Wrench, which helps reduce stripping, loosening and allowing for proper torque to be applied. The lugs have been designed for larger wire diameters, with testing completed on 750AL/600MCMCU-3/0 in Canada and the U.S.

ROTATIONAL LUG TECHNOLOGIES

August 2, 2012 - The 1000V megohmmeter model 6527 from AEMC is a portable multi-range megohmmeter capable of measuring insulation resistance from 1kΩ to 4000MΩ. The CE-marked tool has three user selectable test voltages of 250V, 500V and 1000V, and features an AC/DC voltmeter function capable of measuring up to 600VAC and 1000VDC. THe megohmmeter is best suited for insulation tests, such as on cables, switch gears, motors, DC generators, power tools and small appliances.

AEMC INSTRUMENTS