AN ANNEX PUBLISHING & PRINTING INC. PUBLICATION • VOLUME 50 • ISSUE 8
AUGUST 2014
It’s not too late to be a winner. You have until September 30th. See page 5.
T&BLug_EB_AUg.indd 1
2014-07-28 10:20
POWER
for events... Also in this issue...
PM # 40065710
• Hot savings with motor upgrade • Geographic information systems (GIS) technology • Considering a retirement compensation arrangement
are you getting this business?
What happens when you think inside the box? rds.ca
Sce
ewa pterR
✓ Hand-close Fasteners ✓ Integrated Gasket ✓ Molded Mounting Feet ✓ Smooth Flat Cover ✓ Gridlines for drilling
To get the full picture go to
scepterinnovation.ca Install Videos
Toll Free: 866-473-9462 | www.ipexelectrical.com
Free Sample
Enter to Win
3D Model
Tough Products for Tough Environments ® Products are manufactured by IPEX Electrical Inc.
from the guest editor
Photo A. Capkun
Amy finds her future... as a nuclear operator
EBMag is featuring a different guest editor on this page every issue during our 50th anniversary year. You can always reach the editor at acapkun@annexweb.com. Amy Darnell is an Authorized Nuclear Operator (ANO) with Bruce Power, located about 250 km northwest of Toronto, Ont., in Tiverton. Just a few months ago, she welcomed “an adorable little red-haired baby girl” into the family.
W
hen I left home for university, I did not expect a career in the trades. Instead, I thought an undergraduate degree would guarantee a dream job. I had a high grade average, and assumed everything would simply fall into place. After talking to my peers, however, I learned life was not that simple. I was not likely to find a job at the end of my university education (not a dream job, at any rate), and would probably spend a large part of my adult life in near-poverty trying to pay off my degree. I called my dad for advice, who suggested I take a course called Power Engineering and earn trade tickets so that I could get hired at a power plant. He was, however, concerned I wouldn’t enjoy a career in the trades, and with good reason: for the better part of my life, I had turned my nose up at any sort of applied work. For example, I didn’t know how to change the oil in a car because I didn’t know cars need oil! Still, I left university after just my first year, and was lucky enough to be accepted into college. Much to everyone’s surprise—no one more than myself—I loved Power Engineering! It turns out I like getting my hands dirty. A trade was not only a new challenge, but also a lot of fun. I no longer felt like I was studying just to pass another test; I was learning new skills that would help
Contents 10 The mobile office—accurate, relevant data in the
Stock Photo
field is key to staying competitive
On the Cover and Page 16 Power distribution for events... are you getting this business? From construction sites to drilling rigs, electrical industry professionals are often called upon to design, implement or manage power distribution needs for a variety of projects. One project they may not consider a prime opportunity is power distribution for events—a $1-billion market that is growing in Canada.
Expected delays, miscommunications and errors have long been part of the process in construction projects, but in today’s competitive market, successful contractors have realized this onceaccepted scenario must change. Projects need to run faster and more efficiently; data needs to be readily accessible; errors need to be minimized; and conflicts need to be hammered out quickly to keep the pace moving.
19 Mapping a safer and more reliable energy future
through GIS technologies
Geographic information systems (GISs) and other geospatial technologies are playing an important role in advancing the future of the utilities sector, enabling companies to discover hidden trends and patterns by enhancing the ability to visualize, analyze and interpret data.
me succeed in an actual vocation. Upon leaving college, I received job offers from every company to which I applied—and even from some to which I hadn’t. I started work at a nuclear power plant, and it was immediately apparent I had made the right decision. I was able to buy my first house, completely pay off my student debt and do some travelling... all within my first year. But my education did not end with college; through my workplace, I was paid to receive five years of highly specialized training that allows me to work in the plant’s main control room as an Authorized Nuclear Operator (ANO) which, coincidently, turned out to be my dream job. One of my college instructors used to say a man only needs to prove himself once, whereas a woman needs to prove herself every day. As such, people often ask me what it’s like to be female working in a male-dominated environment, and I happily tell them this has not been my experience. Undoubtedly, I owe my positive experience to the numerous tenacious women who paved the way before me; because of them, I do not feel my ability to succeed and advance in my chosen career is negatively affected by my gender. Things haven’t turned out how I planned when I left high school... they’ve turned out better!
departments 4
Industry News
7
It‘s Your Business
Consider an RCA—retirement compensation arrangement
8 Calendar 8 Personalities 24 Products & Solutions 26 Code File Renovating for a new patient care area
26 Code Conundrum page 24
21 Hot savings with reach-in cooler and freezer motor upgrades The retail and shopping centre sectors account for about 3% of Canada’s secondary energy use, equalling about $3.6 billion in energy bills annually. With more than 5000 large supermarkets— each consuming 5000MWh of electricity per year—reducing the amount of energy required to operate them is a critical step in cutting operational costs.
page 25
www.EBMag.com • August 2014 • 3
industry news Lighting and breakers among items identified as common counterfeits U.S.-based Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFi, www.esfi.org) has released the results of its 2014 Counterfeit Electrical Products Survey, and an overwhelming 96% of respondents believe counterfeits are—at the least—a moderate threat to public safety... yet only half reported a counterfeit electrical product upon discovery. “Counterfeit electrical products don’t just have serious implications for the electrical industry, but they also endanger everyone who uses electricity,” said ESFi president Brett Brenner. “We developed this survey to better understand this complex problem so we could mobilize the electrical industry to work toward a solution.” ESFi says it utilized partner organizations to provide a sampling across all sectors of the electrical industry, including: • IAEI (International Association of Electrical Inspectors) • NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) • IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) • NAED (National Association of Electrical Distributors)
Photo © uSC Photo/GuS rueLAS.
Scientists create energy storage that’s cheap, clean, rechargeable... and organic!
USC professor Sri Narayan’s research focuses on the fundamental and applied aspects of electrochemical energy conversion and storage to reduce the carbon footprint of energy use and by providing energy. Scientists at University of Southern California (USC, www.usc.edu) say they have developed a water-based organic battery that is long-lasting and built from cheap, eco-friendly components. Using no metals or toxic materials, the battery is intended for use in power plants, where it may serve as a large-scale means to store energy. “The batteries last for about 5000 recharge cycles, giving them an estimated 15-year lifespan,” said Sri Narayan, professor of chemistry at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. “Lithium ion batteries degrade after around 1000 cycles, and cost 10 times more to manufacture.” Narayan collaborated with Surya Prakash, professor of chemistry and director of the USC Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, and USC’s Bo Yang, Lena Hoober-Burkhardt, and Fang Wang. “Such organic flow batteries will be game-changers for grid electrical energy storage in terms of simplicity, cost, reliability and sustainability,” added Prakash.
4 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
• NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) A majority of respondents reported they do not have a process in place for reporting counterfeit product. Other key findings include: • Almost 55% of respondents believe their company does not provide adequate training about the issues related to counterfeit products. • Lighting, breakers and Other items (e.g. appliances, signs, ground rods) were the most frequently reported counterfeit products discovered. “Effectively combating the counterfeit electrical product problem will require a collaborative effort among stakeholders from all industry sectors as well as cooperation from consumers,” said Evan Gaddis, president and CEO, NEMA. “We commend ESFi for spearheading this important effort and for uniting industry stakeholders to help champion this important cause.” The complete results of ESFi’s 2014 Counterfeit Electrical Products Survey are available online at bit.ly/1nbxRhi for download, including the infographic highlighting key findings. “Mega-scale energy storage is a critical problem in the future of the renewable energy, requiring inexpensive and eco-friendly solutions,” Narayan said. The new battery is based on a redox flow design—similar to a fuel cell—with two tanks of electroactive materials dissolved in water. The solutions are pumped into a cell containing a membrane between the two fluids with electrodes on either side, releasing energy. The design has the advantage of decoupling power from energy, say the scientists. The tanks of electroactive materials can be made as large as needed—increasing the total amount of energy the system can store— or the central cell can be tweaked to release that energy faster or slower, altering the amount of power (energy released over time) the system can generate. The team’s breakthrough centred around the electroactive materials. While previous battery designs have used metals or toxic chemicals, Narayan and Prakash wanted to find an organic compound that could be dissolved in water. Such a system would create minimal impact on the environment, and would likely be cheap, they reasoned. Through a combination of molecule design and trial-and-error, they found that certain naturally occurring quinones—oxidized organic compounds— fit the bill. Quinones are found in plants, fungi, bacteria and some animals, and are involved in photosynthesis and cellular respiration. “These are the types of molecules that nature uses for energy transfer,” Narayan said. Currently, the quinones needed for the batteries are manufactured from naturally occurring hydrocarbons. In the future, the potential exists to derive them from carbon dioxide, Narayan said. The team has filed several patents in regards to design of the battery, and next plans to build a largerscale version.
August 2014 • Volume 50 • Issue 8 eLeCtriCAL BuSineSS is the magazine of the Canadian electrical community. it reports on the news and publishes articles in a manner that is informative and constructive. Editor Anthony Capkun - acapkun@annexweb.com Group Publisher John MacPherson - jmacpherson@annexweb.com Account Managers Scott Hoy - shoy@annexweb.com Melanie Kirk - mkirk@annexweb.com Associate Editor Alyssa Dalton - adalton@annexweb.com Art Director Svetlana Avrutin - savrutin@annexweb.com Production Manager Kathryn Nyenhuis - knyenhuis@annexweb.com Subscriber Customer Service Representative Marie Weiler - mweiler@annexweb.com President Mike Fredericks - mfredericks@annexweb.com Published by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. 222 Edward Street, Aurora, Ontario L4G 1W6 Tel. 905-727-0077 • Fax 905-727-0017
Publication mail Agreement #40065710 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to Circulation Department P.O. Box 530, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5
e-mail: mweiler@annexweb.com United States Second Class Postage paid at Lewiston, NY (USPS-741-470) US POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ELECTRICAL BUSINESS, P.O. Box 8145, Lewiston, NY 14092 Printed in Canada ISSN 0013-4244 CIRCULATION: Marie Weiler e-mail: mweiler@annexweb.com Tel: 1-866-790-6070 • Fax: 1-877-624-1940 Mail: P.O. Box 530, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada: Single issue $7.00 12 issues: $35.00 (includes tax) USA: $59.00 (US) International: $75.00 (US) per year Occasionally, Electrical Business will mail information on behalf of industry-related groups whose products and services we believe may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive this information, please contact our circulation department in any of the four ways listed above. The contents of Electrical Business are copyright ©2014 by Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. and may not be reproduced in whole or part without written consent. Annex Publishing & Printing Inc. disclaims any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this publication.
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
industry news ABB divesting Meyer Steel Structures business of Thomas & Betts ABB has signed an agreement to divest the Meyer Steel Structures business of Thomas & Betts for $600 Ulrich Spiesshofer million to Trinity Industries (www.trin.net). The all-cash transaction is expected to close in Q3 2014, subject to regulatory clearance. ABB (www.abb.com) says it is divesting the steel structures business of Thomas & Betts due to limited synergies with its core portfolio. The business serves North American utilities with engineered steel mono-pole structures for power transmission & distribution. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., it employs more than 1100 people and has four U.S.-based manufacturing facilities. “This divestment is in line with our strategy for continuous portfolio optimization and reflects the limited synergies that the steel structures business has with our core business,” said ABB president and CEO, Ulrich Spiesshofer (photo). “The integration of Thomas & Betts is on track and delivers significant growth opportunities for our Low Voltage Products division in North America and beyond.” “Meyer has an excellent reputation as a high-quality manufacturer of utility steel structures,” said Timothy R. Wallace, Trinity’s chair, CEO and president. “We look forward to having the employees of Meyer join the Trinity team.” “This transaction will enable Thomas & Betts to focus on growth in its core portfolio of electrical products,” added Chuck Treadway, Thomas & Betts CEO. Martin Laprade pleads guilty to illegal electrical work An unlicensed individual—Martin Laprade—pleaded guilty June 9, 2014, to two counts of performing electrical work without an electrical contractor’s licence, and one count of leaving an unsafe condition. He has been convicted and fined $18,750 for illegal electrical work done in several schools and two residential sites in the Ottawa, Kingston and Pembroke areas of Ontario. “The conviction of Mr. Laprade is the final in a series
of convictions of a group of individuals working in concert outside of the law,” said Normand Breton, general manager, Harm Mitigation, with Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA, www.esasafe.com). “Through the course of our investigation, we discovered significant electrical hazards at one school that could
have seriously injured or killed someone, or caused a fire.” This conviction follows two recent and related convictions (visit bit.ly/1qO3VxE). Only licensed electrical contractors are permitted to contract to perform electrical work in Ontario under Ontario Regulation 570/05, Licensing of
Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians. ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of electrical contractors and master electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety.
A total of 106 Visa* Prepaid Cards will be given away!
• 100 prizes of $100and• 5 prizes of $1,000
• 1 grand prize of $20,000 It’s easy to participate.
Complete contest details at www.tnb.ca/marrette2014.
Thomas & Betts. Your best connection for innovative solutions.
* Registered trademark of Visa International Service Association, used under licence. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s).
T&B_EB_Aug.indd 1
2014-07-28 10:17•AM www.EBMag.com • August 2014 5
industry news
Universal Lighting unveils Tennessee HQ with Google virtual tour Universal Lighting Technologies (unvlt.com)—a member of the Panasonic Lighting Americas Group—is unveiling its new corporate headquarters at 51 Century Blvd., Suite 230 in Nashville, Tenn., through a Google Maps virtual tour. Users can now walk through the entire office online for an up-close look at the luminaires incorporated throughout the office. The company added new fixtures and retrofitted old technologies with Universal ballasts as well as LED drivers and modules before moving to the building early this year. Visit tinyurl.com/mpj4gwc to access the virtual tour on Google. According to Chris Holstein, vice-president, marketing, Universal was able to reduce its lighting power density to 0.45W per sf with new lighting technology while minimizing lighting costs by more than 60% with the use of scheduling, controls and sensors. Many of the existing recessed troffer fixtures were upgraded with LED systems that incorporate linear modules and drivers. All the conference rooms and executive offices use 0-10V dimming and occupancy control with the lighting. The open areas are grouped into sections for ceiling-mounted occupancy sensor control to ensure lights are powered off when the areas are not in use, and are never left on when no one is there. “We welcome all of our customers to visit the tour link and see for yourself,” said Holstein.
hammondmfg.com CAN 519.822.2960 | USA 716.630.7030 | sales@hammfg.com
6 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
Hammond_EB_March.indd 1
GE launches global oil sands ecomagination Innovation Challenge GE launched an up to $1-million ecomagination open Innovation Challenge to help accelerate technology development in Canada’s oil sands. The challenge will target two of the biggest opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the oil sands: new uses for waste heat and improved efficiency of steam generation (www.geghgecochallenge.com). Canada’s oil sands are the third-largest oil reserves in the world (next to Saudi Arabia and Venezuela) and represent a significant source of secure energy for global markets, says GE. Oil sands production is expected to grow substantially over the next 20 years, driving increased efforts for collaboration to accelerate the development of technology that will reduce GHG emissions. “The opportunity is large in the oil sands. By bringing together the best scientists, technologies and companies from around the world, we believe we can accelerate innovation and bring solutions to market faster,” said Deb Frodl, global executive director, ecomagination. GE is calling for the best global minds, within and outside the industry, to help develop solutions that can be scaled and commercialized within the industry. The challenge is in two parts, with submissions due September 30, 2014, and March 15, 2015, respectively. Winners of the challenge can potentially share up to $1 million in seed funding to further develop and commercialize the proposed solutions, and will be eligible to become a supplier or contractor to GE on future projects. “Collaboration is key to solving big challenges,” notes Elyse Allan, president and CEO GE Canada. “GE recognizes that, by working together, we can develop technology that will enable ongoing, responsible development of Canada’s oil resources—an important driver of the country’s economy and future prosperity.” Strategic advisors for the GHG ecomagination Innovation Challenge include Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA, www.cosia.ca) and Alberta Innovates-Energy and Environment Solutions (AI-EES, www. ai-ees.ca). The winners of the first part of the challenge will be announced in January 2015. Entries are now being accepted at www.geghgecochallenge.com. SCC building stronger Canadian presence in international standards To ensure Canada has a voice in international standards development, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC, www.scc.ca) says it is investing over $1 million in 2014-2015 to send Canadian experts to attend committee meetings of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International
2013-02-22 10:33 AM
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). By attending these international meetings, Canadian representatives can influence international standards development in a way that benefits Canadian business, says SCC; also, access to the latest technologies “sharpens Canada’s competitive edge”. These committee meetings range anywhere from IEC/SC17A “High-voltage switchgear and controlgear” and IEC/ TC82 “Solar photovoltaic energy systems” to IEC/SC34D “Luminaires” and IEC/ TC11 “Overhead lines”. This investment is part of a larger strategic initiative, says SCC, explaining that it has doubled its investment in Canadian standardization expertise at the international level over the past few years. As a result of SCC’s outreach efforts, Canadian companies have contributed upward of $160,000 in 2014-2015 to facilitate the participation of volunteers on international committees, enabling even more Canadian experts to participate in ISO and IEC standardization activities. Visit bit.ly/1sCRdB6 to download the list of approved funding applications for 2014-2015. Siemens reaches 10GW wind milestone in the Americas
Siemens (www.siemens.com/energy) reports it has reached a 10GW installation milestone with the commissioning of the 38th wind turbine at the South Kent wind power project in Ontario in April 2014. “The wind industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade,” said Mark Albenze, CEO of Siemens Energy’s Wind Power Onshore Americas business, adding that, “As a result, we have been able to invest significantly in the Americas in order to service key wind markets such as the U.S. and Canada.” The company says its wind power business has “grown significantly” since it opened its Americas HQ for Wind Power in Orlando, Fla., in 2005. In 2006, the company started producing wind turbine blades in Fort Madison, Iowa, followed by a nacelle assembly facility in Hutchinson, Kan., in 2010, then another blade factory in Tillsonburg, Ont., in 2011.
it’s your business Mark Borkowski
Consider an RCA—retirement compensation arrangement
Untitled-5 1
StoCk Photo
D
emographics dictate that as many as 80% of small business owners will either sell or pass on their businesses to heirs over the next 10 to 15 years. There are many ways to free up a significant amount of the wealth tied up in your business, but how do you complete this transfer and incur the least amount of tax? “Owners of small manufacturing businesses are generally experts in their fields, but likely unaware of the intricacies of orchestrating a tax-efficient sale,” says Michael Soble of the Reynolds Soble Group at CIBC Wood Gundy. “And, they may not have a professional advisor—like a lawyer or accountant—who is familiar with all of the options.” One often-overlooked strategy is the use of a Retirement Compensation Arrangement (RCA) that, when properly structured and implemented, drastically reduces the overall tax impact of a sale, and provides a creditorproof, flexible and tax-efficient pension plan. Business sales typically involve assets or shares. Most owners prefer to sell the shares and gain access to the $750,000 lifetime capital gains exemption, while purchasers prefer buying the assets. The tax treatment on each type of sale is different, but an RCA is particularly useful when the sale involves the assets. The rules surrounding the establishment, funding, ongoing management and withdrawals from an RCA are complex but, to summarize, an RCA is established under the rules of the Income Tax Act and allows a company to make tax deductible contributions on behalf of key employees to build a retirement pension. The contribution guidelines are generous (compared to RRSP limits), and actuarially-determined based on income and years of service.
Funds are not locked-in as they would be in a normal pension plan; they are creditor protected. Withdrawal rules allow for flexibility in terms of timing and amounts, and there are few investment restrictions. “The bottom line is that once the RCA is reasonably funded (which can be from the proceeds of a sale of assets), there is a great deal of flexibility as to how the money can be invested, the amount and the timing withdrawals, and even passing along RCA assets to spouses and other beneficiaries,” says Soble. Here’s a simple example: • Business assets sold for $3 million net proceeds. • A $3-million RCA contribution is determined to be reasonable under Canada Revenue Agency guidelines. • When there is no RCA, the owner will bonus this out, pay tax personally and invest the remainder. • Investments earn 5% annually. • The owner requires $190,000 per year, net of taxes, for the next 10 years from his investments, or from the RCA. With no RCA, sale proceeds are $3 million,
personal taxes (Ontario) are almost $1.4 million (46%), Ontario payroll tax is $58,500 (1.95%), the balance after-tax is almost $1.6 million, and annual withdrawals are $190,000. With an RCA, there are no personal taxes and no payroll tax with a balance of $3 million, and annual withdrawals are $190,000; same for an RCA that adds a spouse—both in after-tax dollars. But the gross that must be withdrawn from the RCA each year is higher, since it’s subject to full taxation. For a oneemployee RCA withdrawal of $321,486 less tax of $131,486 = $190,000 net. With no RCA, withdrawals are mainly from after-tax income. After 10 years, the balance for no RCA is $67,322, $334,504 for a one-employee RCA and $704,096 for an employee plus spouse. (The employee plus spouse RCA assumes equal T4 income from the company over the years.) “We are seeing more opportunities for RCAs pop up in connection with business owners as they start to actively plan for selling their businesses,” says Mike Reynolds of Reynolds Soble Group. Establishing an RCA is complex and requires specialist input in the areas of tax, actuarial review, accounting and investment management, so there have to be enough dollars involved to make it worthwhile. However, the potential benefits are huge: immediate and future tax savings; significantly increased retirement income; and estate planning flexibility in the future. Mark Borkowski is president of Toronto-based Mercantile Mergers & Acquisitions Corp., which specializes in the sale of mid-market companies. Acquisition search represents a portion of its activity. Visit him at www.mercantilemergersacquisitions.com.
4/15/11 11:59:45 AM
www.EBMag.com • August 2014 • 7
calendar
personalities Adele Malo has been elected to the board of directors of Ontario’s Electrical Safety Authority (ESA, www.esasafe.com), which is responsible for administering regulation in four key areas: Ontario Electrical Safety Code, licensing of electrical contractors and master electricians, electrical distribution safety and electrical product safety. She most recently served as executive vice-president of government & regulatory affairs and general counsel for Direct Energy until her retirement in December 2012. Prior to that, she held senior positions with Ontario Power Generation, Union Gas and others. She began her career as an associate lawyer in the tax department of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt. She has served on the boards of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, Plug’n Drive and Scientists in School, among others.
Visit EBMag.com’s Upcoming Events on the homepage to see an extensive list of industry events. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... PHOTOS • It was an absolute pleasure to attend CSA’s annual Committee Week (and annual general meeting) in Charlottetown. Some key votes were taken at this meeting, which will translate into new/modified requirements in the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) 2015 edition. Visit bit.ly/W11CMJ PHOTOS • While at Lightfair International in Las Vegas, EBMag tweeted live from the 2014 Innovation Awards. Formerly known as the New Products Showcase, the event was renamed and redesigned to focus on both new and truly innovative lighting technologies, products and designs. Visit bit.ly/1lXpnKl PHOTOS • Top-notch manufacturers and distributors from across North America travelled to Montreal, Que., for ElectroFederation Canada’s (EFC’s) Electrical Council’s annual conference. Weren’t able to make it? Visit bit.ly/1xYVYb9
IEEE IAS PCIC Annual Conference September 8-10, San Francisco, Calif. Visit ewh.ieee.org/soc/ias/pcic/index.html CUEE (Canadian Utilities Equipment & Engineering) September 9-10, Mississauga, Ont. Visit bit.ly/1fLpDN9
WILL BE
THERE!
Franklin Empire Customer Appreciation Day September 10, Toronto, Ont. Visit www.feinc.com Electric-Elle Golf Tournament September 10, Brampton, Ont. Visit bit.ly/1w5Okci
WILL BE
THERE!
WILL BE
THERE!
IES Street and Area Lighting Conference Illuminating Engineering Society of North America September 14-17, Nashville, Tenn. Visit www.ies.org/salc
CANEW (Canadian Airports Nat’l Electrical Workshop) Canadian Airports Electrical Association (CAEA) September 29-October 3, Regina, Sask. Visit www.canew.ca
WILL BE
THERE!
WILL BE
THERE!
AD North American Meeting, Electrical Supply Division Affiliated Distributors October 5-8, Chicago, Ill. Visit www.adhq.com
WILL BE
THERE!
WILL BE
THERE!
WILL BE
THERE!
BCEA/IESBC Lighting Education and Expo October 16, Coquitlam, B.C. Visit bit.ly/1trlWFy
WILL BE
THERE!
WILL BE
THERE!
Certi-Fire Instructors and Training Conference October 17-19, Port Credit, Ont. Contact Lyndsy Miceli at (416) 675-3226 or lmiceli@ecao.org Power of Water Canada Conference October 19-21, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Visit conference.owa.ca
AEL’s Round-up Alberta Gala Alberta Electrical League September 18, Calgary, Alta. Visit albertaelectricalleague.com IAEI Canadian Section Meeting Int’l Assoc. of Electrical Inspectors September 26-28, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. Visit bit.ly/1gv5z2U
WILL BE
THERE!
NECA Convention & Trade Show Nat’l Electrical Contractors Association (U.S.) September 27-30, Chicago, Ill. Visit bit.ly/1ivhw7M
WILL BE
THERE!
Electricity Human Resources Canada’s National Forum October 24, Toronto, Ont. Visit electricityhr.ca
WILL BE
THERE!
WILL BE
THERE!
CanWEA Annual Conference & Exhibition Canadian Wind Energy Association October 26-29, Montreal, Que. Visit www.canwea.ca
WILL BE
THERE!
8 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
WILL BE
THERE!
at the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA). In addition to his role at CACN, he is a member of the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC), and serves as vice-chair of the Certification Industry Against Counterfeiting (CIAC). After 38 years in the electrical business, Jebco Agencies’ Howie McMillan is moving on. McMillan and Dave Kelly have been Dave Kelly partners of Jebco Agencies since 1997. As of June 30, 2014, Dave Kelly became its president. Becoming principals in Jebco are Tony Taylor (Winnipeg, Man.) and Grant Schmidt (Regina, Sask.) office (www.jebcoagencies.com).
Bill Stephens, national sales and marketing manager for Ideal Industries (Canada) Corp., announced the appointment of Joe Callahan to the position of regional sales manager, Western Canada (www.idealindustries.ca). “Joe brings to Ideal a breadth of knowledge from both the manufacturer and the distribution side of the channel, and has been involved in channel sales his entire career,” said Stephens. “Joe has a very technical background, which will augment our efforts to support our customers throughout the West.”
Scott Muse, president of Hubbell Lighting will be retiring from the Company in September after a 35-year career in the electrical industry (www.hubbelllighting.com), having served in his current role since April 2002. “In his role, Scott executed major restructuring to significantly reduce our costs while increasing our competitive position and profitability in addition to completing acquisitions of seven lighting brands to add to the strength of our lighting product package,” said Hubbell chair, president and CEO, David G. Nord. Meantime, Gary Amato will serve in the newly created position of executive vice-president, Hubbell Electrical Segment, where he is responsible for overseeing the Lighting businesses, in addition to his current role over the Electrical Systems businesses.
The Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network (CACN, www.cacn.ca) has appointed of Terry Hunter from CSA Group as its new Terry Hunter chair, serving a two-year term (www.csagroup.org). Outgoing chair Wayne Edwards of Electro-Federation Canada will remain on CACN’s Steering Committee as a member-at-large. Hunter is currently manager, anti-counterfeiting & global IP enforcement, at CSA Group. He joined CSA as head of the Global Brand Protection division, and is responsible for implementing and managing the company’s IP needs. Previously, he served as director of anti-piracy operations
Sonepar Canada has appointed Ivan Gissing to director of Sesco East (www.sesco.ca), where he is responsible for leading the entire Sesco East business, with all branch managers and head office reporting directly to him. “The level of expertise and experience that is brought to Sonepar Ontario through the hiring of Ivan Gissing will provide great insight to our management team, and revitalize our leadership in the industrial space,” said Todd Walford, president of Sonepar Ontario (www.soneparcanada.com). He went on to say that Gissing, who possesses a degree in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University, is “poised to make a positive impact on our business, offering his proficiency in the manufacturing and electrical market”.
WILL BE
THERE!
WILL BE
THERE!
LIQUID TIGHT FITTINGS
429-LT2
There’s a Bridgeport liquid tight fitting for just about any application – straight 45° and 90° connectors in nonmetallic, zinc, steel and malleable iron. Weather the storm with Bridgeport. It’s liquid tight done right.
Bridgeport is your one source for Liquid Tight solutions in all the configurations you need.
FLEX CONNECTORS
601-DC2
SPLIT GROUNDING BUSHINGS
SGB SERIES
MIGHTY-RITE® Split Grounding Bushings feature a hinged design and can be installed before or after you pull wire and make connections. It’s another contractor innovation from Bridgeport.
Mighty-Rite® for any job.
IT HOLDS EVERYTHING.
BETTER. ®
Get all your flex jobs done fast, and done right with Bridgeport. From duplex snap-ins and single- and double-screw connectors to transition couplings and stronger straps – you get it all with the industry’s leading flex line from Bridgeport. All the choices you need in steel, malleable and zinc share the most important product attribute: a Bridgeport “Circle B” on the fitting. Choose the product that shows you take pride in your work. Choose Bridgeport.
UCS-75100
UCS-5075
MIGHTY-HOLD® UNIVERSAL CLAMP STRAPS Pack just one item to secure dozens of different jobs. It’s a job site problem solver and a difference available from just one partner: Bridgeport
BRIDGEPORT’S WORLD-CLASS QUALITY AVAILABLE THROUGH NESCO With two decades of on-time delivery, competitive pricing, exceptional service and same-day shipping, NESCO delivers the Bridgeport innovation that helps your customer do their job faster and for less.
Call (866) 446 3726 or visit nescocanada.com and start saving today.
ONE PIECE CLAMP BACK & STRAP
MEETS APPLICABLE NEC REQUIREMENTS
ONE STRAP SECURES CABLE OR CONDUIT – EMT, RIGID, IMC, LIQUID TIGHT METALLIC AND NONMETALLIC, FMC, AC/MC AND SCHEDULE 40 AND SCHEDULE 80 PVC
cULus LISTED
PATENT PENDING
1/2” – 3/4” AND 3/4” – 1” DESIGNS
SCAN TO WATCH OUR VIDEO
THE MOBILE OFFICE
Accurate, relevant data in the field is key to staying competitive John Chaney
I
StoCk Photo
magine this scenario: a team of highly skilled electrical contractors are working feverishly to complete a new commercial building install when a conflict arises. The site’s project manager sees some electrical boxes that have been installed and says they are in the wrong place. The electrical contractor’s onsite project manager assures him they are, in fact, in the correct place. Each side pulls their paperwork as work grinds to a halt. Each side’s set of revised plans shows a different placement for the boxes and, all of a sudden, the entire electrical layout is in doubt. Calls are made, emails are sent, but the answers do not immediately come. The electrical team’s workers, unable to complete their assignments, are sent home. A day’s work is wasted. When the answers do come, there is still doubt, and paper plans and change orders need to be looked at closely again. A second day’s work is halted. Then a
third. Deadlines are missed and the overall project is significantly delayed before the problem is resolved. For decades, this has been the accepted scenario under which construction projects have operated. Delays are expected; miscommunications and errors are par for the course. However, in today’s competitive construction market, successful contractors have realized that this onceaccepted scenario has to change. Projects need to run faster and more efficiently; data needs to be readily accessible; errors need to be minimized; and conflicts need to be hammered out quickly to keep the pace moving. The most critical part of a construction project is the data. For the project managers and workers onsite, construction data needs to be accessible, relevant and timely. Everyone on the team—from project manager to subcontractors—needs to be working from the same set of data. It needs to be presented in ways that
make sense to different teams, departments or individuals, and the information needs to be available whenever and wherever it is needed. Technology in the toolbox Mobile technologies have played a large part in advancing this new approach to the jobsite. It really began more than a decade ago with push-to-talk devices and, today, has expanded to tablet devices, smartphones and mobile apps that allow those in the field to see, share, enter and update project information in real-time. Many companies are moving into the cloud to accelerate and streamline workflow. With true cloud computing, the web is the platform that provides data processing and storage capabilities, all without the need for upgrades to workstation or third-party applications for remote access. Everything needed is accessed instantly from virtually any device that can launch a web browser. For contractors, this means critical project data can be right at their fingertips, and this can give him a significant competitive advantage. One company may still depend on reams of paper plans and specs in the field, and email or even messenger to communicate, while the other company is seeing its projects progress at a faster clip, with fewer delays and errors, simply because it has immediate access to accurate information. Workers in the field today can use a tablet to check the latest revisions to plans and specs online should a dispute arise. Materials and equipment can be ordered when they’re needed with a couple of taps of a mobile app. Detailed financial information can be accessed or updated by the project manager in the field using a browser, instantly connecting with the office to ensure that cash flow, project status and revenue projections are up-to-date and on track. Payroll and labour information can be entered in the field with a mobile device to ensure that hours are entered correctly, or employment issues resolved effectively. This ‘mobile office’ approach has helped provide contractors the tools they need to complete the work at the pace at which it Continues page 12
10 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
Talk To The experTs aT aBB What is Power Quality all about? Most loads in modern electrical systems are inductive, the reactive nature of which causes a lagging current and therefore a low power factor. Going further, when coupled with increasing proportions of non-linear loads that cause harmonic disturbances, the effects on any network can be far from desirable. What are the characteristics of poor Power Quality? 1. Low power factor (cosΦ): Inductive loads, most commonly comprised of induction motors have an active component (kW) and a reactive component (kVAR). The active component is the power that actually does the work, resulting in the mechanical output in a motor. The reactive component sustains the electromagnetic field that facilitates the operation of the motor and is characterized by that portion of the current which lags the voltage by a 90° phase shift. The geometric combination of the active and reactive components result in the apparent power (KVA). The ratio of the active (kW) and apparent (KVA) components is referred to as cosΦ which is indicative of the efficiency of utilization of electrical power. When cosΦ = 1, the utilization is said to be most efficient and the aim is to bring the real-life value as close to 1 as possible. 2. Harmonic disturbances Increasing proportions of non-linear loads on networks causes harmonics to be fed back into the system. Such loads would most commonly include variable frequency drives (VFD) and even energy saving lamps of different kinds. 3. Voltage imbalance caused by imbalanced loads 4. Flicker caused by rapidly varying load conditions What are the most common and visible consequences of poor Power Quality? 1. Frequent and mostly unexpected equipment failures 2. Reduced operating life of equipment 3. Production losses 4. Health and safety issues in installations 5. Increased operating costs and carbon footprint 6. Non-compliance with utility regulations 7. Need to oversize installations to offset the additional stress Most of the above consequences directly translate into financial losses. How can ABB add value? ABB’s Low Voltage Power Quality Solutions (PQS) serve to restore real system conditions closer to desirable levels and better efficiencies by way of: 1. Improved power factor 3. Balanced power 2. Reduced harmonics 4. Reduced flicker What specific solutions does ABB have to improve Power Quality? 1. Power Factor Improvement Capacitors produce reactive power and thereby compensate for the reactive power consumption of electrical motors, transformers, etc. The results can be seen in the form of more stable power grids with increased transmission capacity and reduced losses thanks to higher power factors. Capacitors also constitute a key component in the various filter solutions reducing harmonic contents. A non-distorted sinusoidal voltage without harmonics reduces the risk of problems in the form of disturbances in equipment, metering errors and malfunctions in relay protection. It also extends the service life of connected equipment. ABB has complete solutions from capacitor units all the way up to stepless power compensators. 2. Harmonic Filtering ABB modular PQF active filters provide a reliable and cost-effective solution to the harmonics problem by continuously monitoring current in real time and then injecting harmonic currents in the network with exactly the opposite phase to the components that are to be filtered. The two harmonics cancel out each other resulting in a sine wave at the point of feed.
Advantages of ABB harmonic filters: • Filter up to 20 harmonics simultaneously. • Selection of harmonics up to the 50th harmonic • Harmonic attenuation factor better than 97% • Desired harmonic levels can be preset for each selected harmonic • Compliance with all aspects of harmonic regulations at individual harmonic levels
• Resolving problems due to both low frequency and high frequency harmonics 3. Dedicated Touchscreen Controller RVT All monitoring and control from digital controller with 3.5 inch colour touchscreen • Active (kW), Apparent (kVA) and Reactive power (kvar) for 3ph/1ph • Cos ϕ-3ph/1ph with preset Reactive power (kVAR) to achieve target cos ϕ, for 3ph/1ph • Voltage (V) and Current (A) -3ph/1ph • Total Harmonic Distortion on Voltage/ Current: THD V/I (%) • Voltage/Current Harmonics: H2 up to H49 (%-spectrum) • Ethernet connection RJ-45 on 10/100BASE-T interface with ABB PQ Link software • USB2.0 connection to directly link up to PC/Laptops
• Up to 8 Temperature alarm outputs to monitor hot-spots in the capacitor bank • Real time clock for time-stamped event logging and alarming • Hardware and software lock for access control to device and parameters
Mohamed Mekarnia Product Specialist - Power Quality 514-420-3100 ext. 3260 mohamed.mekarnia@ca.abb.com
Photos © Dexter + Chaney.
Choosing wisely Selecting the right devices and software can make or break the transition toward a mobile office jobsite. Similarly, when the right software and devices are in place but there is no commitment or process in place to drive and guide their use, projects will suffer and there will be no ROI on these technologies. Here are three key considerations when selecting the technologies behind a mobile office concept:
Mobile technologies play a large part in advancing the 21st-Century approach to the jobsite. It began more than a decade ago with push-to-talk devices and, today, has expanded to tablet devices, smartphones and mobile apps that allow those in the field to see, share, enter and update project information in real-time.
1. The software powering the processes should address all of a company’s current needs and be scalable for future growth. Don’t pick 20th-Century software for a 21st-Century operating environment. Make sure the software will continue to be supported and updated regularly. Make sure additional thirdparty functionality, like remote desktop or VPNs (virtual private networks), are not needed for the software to work on mobile devices. 2. For the mobile office to thrive, access to data has to be seamless. Determine how much processing power and data storage are needed, and whether the software vendor will provide these resources or leave it up to you. With cloud computing, there are options for publicly or privately hosting the data, and each comes with its own costs and benefits.
Mobile apps like this one simplify onceburdensome processes in the field, making projects run more efficiently.
needs to be completed. It is serves to tear down once-guarded walls between the field and the office, between vendors and subcontractors, bringing everyone together in a collaborative environment that benefits both the project and the contractors’ bottom lines. Too much data? Yet how much data is too much in the field? Does having to access an electronic device, launching the appropriate software or mobile app, then seeking out the relevant information needed to complete a task or process just as cumbersome as paper? Not when the contractor takes the right approach when working in the cloud and making effective use of electronic data. Construction data needs to be easy to access, easy to manipulate and easy to understand. Otherwise, it will not be embraced by workers in the field. For instance, implementing equipment tracking practices by forcing managers to access a particular software package via remote log-in, then having to click multiple menus to
12 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
With this mobile app, important construction documents and critical project data can be accessed instantly at the jobsite, ensuring the most accurate, up-to-date information is at workers’ fingertips. access information buried deep in a report or a data screen before they can get the data they need... well, that’s a bad approach. Even worse is having to access multiple software systems to come up with all the needed data. Having a mobile app on a tablet that is designed to access only up-to-date equipment data in real-time with as few taps as possible does, indeed, streamline the process. Additionally, having summary alerts and dashboard views accessible to field staff that break down different sets of project information relevant to their work, then providing click-through access from these alerts and views to deeper data, also streamlines the workflow. It is all a matter of how the information is presented to those in the field. When they have to work hard to get the information they need, when they have to navigate nearly as many screens as they would paper pages, then jobsite workers will abandon digital data in favour of the processes that are familiar to them and have worked (however inefficiently) in the past.
3. Manage mobile devices effectively. Determine whether it makes more sense to provide workers in the field with managed mobile devices or adopt a ‘bringyour-own-device’ philosophy where employees use their personal tablets or smartphones. With personal mobile devices, be sure to have well-defined policies in place that address data security, appropriate use of personal devices in field and compensation for this use. The invisible tool Mobile technology should be an ‘invisible hand’—a tool that is a means to the end of completing work more efficiently. Creating an efficient mobile office environment for the jobsite and remote staff not only means making smart choices about technology, but also creating an environment where mobile technology dovetails into the flow of work at the jobsites. As with every successful change to business operations, the more a contractor invests in planning, preparation and training, the better the ROI realized. Contractors who match their investment in new technology with an equal investment in improved processes are those who enjoy the competitive advantages that new technology can provide. John Chaney is the CEO and co-founder of Seattle, Wash.-based construction software provider Dexter + Chaney, and can be reached at jchaney@dexterchaney.com.
FLUSH-TO-THE-WALL MOUNTING OF FLAT SCREEN TVs
A NEAT COVERUP
Made in USA
NON-METALLIC
PLASTIC TV BOX
FOR UNUSED FAN/FIXTURE BOXES
R EC ESS E D P OW E R / LOW VO LTAG E CO M B O B OX ES
TM
BOX COVER
NEW
FITS PAN BOXES TOO!
CED130
Our non-metallic, paintable CP3540 Box Cover is the neatest way to cover unused fan/fixture boxes, pan boxes or poorly cut drywall.
TVBU505GC POWER and LOW VOLTAGE BOX
for NEW WORK
with CED130 cable entry device
• No visible screws on ceiling plate • Fits 3.5" and 4" round or octagonal boxes
DVFR2GC with voltage separator installed
VERSATILE BRACKET DESIGN with ‘A’ and ‘B’ openings for use on flat or uneven ceilings.
CED130 CABLE ENTRY DEVICE
DVFR2GC POWER and/or LOW VOLTAGE COMBINATION BOX
Arlington’s PLASTIC recessed combination power and low voltage boxes – TV BOX™ and Indoor IN BOX™ – offer the secure, easy way to mount flat screen TVs flush against a wall.
Easy installation. Attach the bracket to the box with #8 or #10 screws. Back the screws out far enough to slip the bracket on.
The job looks great because plugs and connectors stay inside these Listed boxes without extending past the wall.
CP3540 Box Cover
© 2008-2013 Arlington Industries, Inc.
‘A’ for flat ceilings Push stud into opening to seat ‘B’ for uneven or textured ceilings
Stud
Thread stud into opening until tight
View T V BOX Video
Available in 2-, 3- and 4-gang styles for retrofit or new work. Each offers power and/or low voltage in one or more of the other openings. There’s a box to fit nearly any application! • Non-metallic box with paintable white trim plate • RETROFIT Mounting wing screws pull box against wall NEW WORK Box screw-mounts to stud • Includes ground clip; optional covers available
Made in USA
Arlington
800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com
TVBU505GC TV BOX™ For Power and Low Voltage
DVFR2GC IN BOX™ with separator for Power and/or Low Voltage
© 2002 Arlington Industries, Inc. REV 0107 Patented
Arlington
3-GANG TVBU507GC
Patented. Other patents pending.
www.aifittings.com Scranton, PA 18517 800/233-4717
ONE-PIECE
4-GANG TVB613GC
2-GANG TVBU505GC, DVFR2GC
SHIPS AS AN ‘LB’...
FIXTURE BOX
AL & MET TIC! S PLA
FOR ANY SIDING TYPE
ANYBODY®
IT’ S AN Y BODY YOU WA NT IT TO B E! Arlington’s aluminum or plastic AnyBODY™ ships as an LB, but converts to a T, LL, LR or C by switching the covers and threaded flanges to create the style you need.
Arlington’s ONE-PIECE fixture box is the fastest, easiest way to install light fixtures or receptacle on siding.
Easy and convenient, it saves you the hassle, space, cost of stocking five different conduit bodies.
• Ground clip for fixture installations; NM cable connector • UV rating for long outdoor use • Textured, paintable finish 8141FGC Patented
© 2007-2011 Arlington Industries, Inc.
• Easy to install before or after siding 935NM 2" Plastic
Patented
800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com
Arlington
Plastic 1/2" to 4" Includes three flanges with glue-in pipe joint.
800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com
©Arlington Industries, Inc.
Aluminum...T...C...LR...LL
Made in USA
Competitively priced with LBs – NO EXTRA COST for the normally more expensive T – UL/CSA Listed
Aluminum 1/2" to 4" Includes threaded flanges for three openings. 1/2" to 2" are combination EMT/rigid – threaded for rigid, but they also have a set-screw for use with EMT.
™
ONE-piece No extra cover to lose or store
Arlington
...or RETROFIT
Two options are better than one Choose QO or HomeLine Loadcentres to meet your project needs and deliver proven reliability and value.
QO Loadcentres For residential, commercial, industrial applications QO quality has you covered. TM
Premium quality loadcentres for demanding electricians
New exciting loadcentre changes coming
Square D QO™ offers industry-leading breakers, AFCIs, and GFCIs all with time-saving Visi-trip indication. QO circuit protection can be mounted in 1-PH or 3-PH loadcentres up to 400 A, generator panels, spa packs, and recreational vehicle panels. We have you covered for all of your business needs.
To simplify and speed up installation, QO residential loadcentres are evolving to include new endwalls, main breaker trims and plug-on neutral AFCI’s. Learn more at www.schneider-electric.com/ca or from your authorized Square D Brand distributor.
Lifetime warranty for ensuring customer satisfaction Square D brand electrical equipment has a proven track record that is a testament to its quality. We offer a lifetime warranty on all QO breakers and loadcentres.
With over 100 years of reliability, put your reputation on us instead of on the line — ask for Square D QO — the brand of choice for quality and reliability.
Electrical contractors — sign up to receive 5 QO golf shirts* or 10 HomeLine t-shirts* co-branded with your company name and a chance to win $5,000 towards sponsoring a local youth sports team of your choice. Visit www.SEreply.com Key Code g466u *Shirt quantities limited. While supplies last. Available to electrical contractors only.
©2014 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks are owned by Schneider Electric Industries SAS or its affiliated companies. www.schneider-electric.com • 998-1238984_CA
HomeLine Loadcentres For residential construction — HomeLine has features designed specifically for your needs.
The choice for value and quick installation
New enhancements available this summer
For new construction or renovation, HomeLine™ loadcentres are easy to work with and install. The box is remarkably flexible, with convenient KOs, distributed neutrals, and multiple ground bar mounting positions to customize the panel to your needs. The appliance white panel and trim — a HomeLine standard feature — eliminates the need for painting.
New endwall knockouts for main feed flexibility, elongated sidewall mounting holes for easier adjustment in studs, and factory-removed main breaker twistout on our trim are the new features designed to speed up your installation. See the new features at www.schneider-electric.com/ca or visit your authorized Schneider Electric™ Distributor to learn more.
The design-rich panel with features such as backed-out terminal screws, stud or keyhole mounting, hinged main breaker barriers, and self-adjusting surface/flush trims reduces installation time.
Lifetime warranty and space-saving design Twin and quad breakers cut the breaker space to ½" per pole. We know breaker technology better than anyone. The same premium level, lifetime warranty offered on QO circuit breakers is also available on all HomeLine circuit breakers.
Make the most of your energy
SM
POWER
distribution for events... are you getting this business?
Raimond Castillo
16 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
and a reputation with events planners and event management firms. Requirements identification The electrical requirements and codes for events— and in particular, outdoor events—vary greatly from one location to the next. In addition to obtaining necessary electrical permits (often required for events that use equipment generating 20kW or greater), the specifics of events themselves bring up other points: • Estimate appropriate lead times for electrical and fire marshal inspection, and plan accordingly so as not to overburden the event planner at the last minute. • Determine whether the event plans and location will require any wet or damp-location equipment. • Check for any special requirements about shielding power distribution and generation equipment from the public. • Check local requirements for covering cords, wires and other hazards on the ground.
StoCk Photo
F
rom construction sites to drilling rigs, electrical industry professionals are often called upon to design, implement or manage power distribution needs for a variety of projects. One project they may not consider a prime opportunity is power distribution for events—a $1-billion market that is growing as Canada continues to emerge from the recession. At the same time as the Canadian events market grows, cities, counties and other public entities are more closely monitoring events for electrical compliance. Any number of power distribution equipment problems—from inadequate weather protection to hiding a box or cables too well (causing event staff, attendees or the public to trip over or be otherwise injured by them)—can cause problems or power outages—and potentially result in liability for event managers. As a result, electrical contractors that gain a reputation for being both cautious and understanding have a leg up on their competition. Here are some suggestions for firms hoping to build a rapport
• When renting power distribution boxes or panels, ensure the receptacles are of the locking variety, or GFCI-protected. • Identify requirements for the mounting of distribution boxes or panels (e.g. enclosures 6 in. off the ground). • Abide by governing codes relating to equipment appearance (for example, equipment may need to be conspicuous as a safety precaution). • Identify requirements for vehicle or trailer-mounted distribution boxes and/ or generators (e.g. equipment must be grounded using identified grounding point, guarded to avoid public contact). Customer considerations It is vital to consult with event managers early in the planning to clarify what matters most to them. You may find the organizers relatively inexperienced with power considerations and in need of advice on technical issues. This is a great opportunity to share your wisdom, tighten a working relationship and influence the preparation process for the better. • Find out the event planner’s exact needs, including any unique features of the location that may require a special setup, such as lights on a pond or fireworks. • For special events, aesthetics are of greater concern than on commercial jobsites. Explore the event’s themes and colours, which you may be able to use to your advantage. • Walk the location with the event planner and develop a schematic to which both of you can always refer. Should any public rights of way become obstructed by power distribution, discuss plans for alternate routes of travel. • When calculating total power and power distribution requirements, remember to allow for power in staging areas when food & drink preparation and storage will not be located inside a lighted building. • Don’t assume something should be camouflaged with colour (e.g. black or white). It might turn out that you can hide a power distribution panel in or behind a feature, such as a hedge or potted plants. • Event planners tend to emphasize artistry and creativity over safety concerns, so be prepared to patiently explain any limitations that may demand modifying their original plan. Then, try your best to realize their vision. Think creatively! Equipment selection Having familiarized yourself with all local electrical compliance codes, studied the venue, and absorbed the event planner’s ideas and client’s expectations, your next step is to decide on the necessary gear. Consider the following equipment to use at special events: Portable transformer • Ensure the transformer can step-up/-down (480V to 208/120V or 208/120V to 480V). • See that primary and secondary breakers are available.
18 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com 2014-02-03
Bemag_EB_Feb.indd 1
11:49 AM
• Decide whether you need 3-phase or single-phase. Standard 50A distribution boxes • Check that the box is rated for indoor/ outdoor use (NEMA 3R designed for industrial and harsh environments). • Make sure each individual 20A 125V GFCI duplex receptacle is protected by a separate 20A 1P branch circuit breaker. • Check that it is housed in a NEMA 5-20R GFCI duplex receptacle, which is ideal for use in damp locations. Portable distribution panel • See that it has a durable aluminum enclosure. • When intended for outdoor or on-theground use, ensure it is NEMA Type 3R weatherproof. In addition, pay special attention to the following features: • Power filtration: When you will be using a generator to provide power to the event, make sure your power distribution box or panel includes power filtration to reduce vibration that will affect the speakers. • Voltage selection: A helpful option for a power distribution box or panel, a voltage switch allows current to switch from 220 to 110 as needed, based on the needs of the event setup and execution. The personal touch The more attentive you are to event managers and their clients, the better your chances of satisfying them and getting recommendations and referrals, which are everything in the events industry. Go above and beyond. Don’t just rely on a verbal explanation of your basic operation and setup. Provide a visual diagram for clarification and easy reference. Reflect on the nature of the event and consider how to demonstrate your involvement. For example, when it’s a corporate event, do a little research on the company and offer to work some aspect of the company logo, mission, etc., into something you do. Anything that shows you are creative yet concerned with achieving a safe, successful outcome will be appreciated. When it comes to providing power for special events, electrical contractors who are constantly mindful of jurisdictional requirements and the distinct vision of event planners will have an advantage over their competition. Use the tips provided here and you’ll establish a stellar reputation with destination management firms and event planners. Then, when they are satisfied, don’t forget to ask for referrals. Over time, you’ll build an entirely new client base. Raimond Castillo is Hipower Systems’ sales director for the Oil & Gas Division (www.hipowersystems. com). Hipower is a division of Himoinsa S.L., which builds and customizes diesel generators from 8kW to 3MW, and natural gas or alternative fuel/ bifuel sets from 20kW to 400kW, and accessories.
Steve Martin
2216-63 FLIR Electrical Diagnostic ALL EB Jul14_6.375x9.75 07-28-14 4:00 PM Page 1
C
ompanies in the utility sector need to advance and utilize innovative technologies to solve business-related issues while improving siloed, manual workflows. When successfully implemented using the latest technologies, these strategic improvements can generate substantial business gains across the industry. Geographic information systems (GISs) and other geospatial technologies are playing an important role in advancing the future of the utilities sector. GIS technology enables companies to discover hidden trends and patterns by enhancing the ability to visualize, analyze and interpret data. Through the integration of software, hardware and data, GISs highlight important connections with visualizations such as maps, globes and charts. An example of an organization putting a GIS into action is Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO), which created a custom mapping portal to improve information flows and increase efficiencies throughout the organization. Deploying GIS technology VELCO is a transmission-only electric utility that owns and operates 738 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, 13,000 acres of rights-of-way, 55 substations and more than 1600 miles of fiber optic cable. Given the high level of risk associated with managing such an expansive high-voltage system, VELCO has made it a priority to ensure the health and safety of the company’s associates and the communities they serve by constantly exploring ways to economically and resourcefully manage risk. Leveraging some of the latest technological advances, VELCO has been able to institute automated processes while enhancing internal collaboration and providing real-time access to data so as to ensure the effective and safe delivery of electrical services. To accomplish this, VELCO has developed a system of integrated applications that tie its GIS assets to real-time field crew locations, land
Military personnel use FLIR equipment in mission-critical situations that demand flawless performance under harsh conditions. Now we’re arming electrical troubleshooters with a new line of electrical test meters: the FLIR DM93 Digital Multimeter and the FLIR CM83 and CM78 Clamp Meters. Each features large LCD displays, bright LED worklights, Bluetooth connectivity to Android devices, and the ability to send data to METERLiNK™ enabled FLIR thermal cameras. Plus, the new FLIR VP50 NCV Detector with Worklight features a vibrating feedback alarm. Check out your new secret weapons from FLIR!
Learn more about the meters that have what it takes, and see a video of FLIR’s A-Team of tactical test equipment in action at www.flir.com/CA/test.
Flir_EB_Aug.indd 1
2014-07-29 AM www.EBMag.com • August 20149:22 • 19
Photos courtesy Microdesk
Mapping a safer and more reliable energy future through GIS technologies
Check out the video on this case study at youtu.be/jaqQ9BYbzSE management details and its document management platform. Integrating each of these data systems has given VELCO a single source of truth for data related to the company’s statewide transmission system. Making more data available VELCO’s existing GIS already provided the organization with location information for work crews, which could be harnessed when there was an emergency. During severe weather, for example, the company could track where lightning strikes were occurring and notify crews of possible risk in those areas. However, VELCO’s initial GIS database demanded specialized desktop software for access, making it unavailable to many who needed that information. Understanding the need to provide critical information to everyone in the company anytime, anywhere, VELCO explored ways of making mapping information and other data broadly available to field staff and offices throughout the region by flexing its
GIS asset database in conjunction with other advanced technologies. Knowing its limitations, VELCO initiated the development of a system that would provide more broad, real-time data access to associates. VELCO conducted interviews with end users to identify and validate the business objectives for the effort, then engaged a design technology consultancy firm to build a mapping-based application module that presented an intuitive interface and fit the daily needs of VELCO’s end users. Together, the utility and consultancy firm created an interactive system that brought vital mapping data to the users, including location-based data, schematics, photos and other geographic information. The solution also enhanced VELCO’s existing technology, InfoNET (an intranet-based mapping system developed in ASP.NET and built on Autodesk Infrastructure Map Server). In addition, it incorporated the Google Maps Premier API to deliver both forward and reverse geo-coding for address look-ups, enabling VELCO to easily pinpoint where system issues are happening and send crews to where they are needed. The results With real-time access to GIS information, VELCO was able to achieve its goal of ensuring that anyone in the company could access, query and create maps from the utility’s proprietary data. Now, associates have better safety awareness of their crews in the field. The VELCO team has since expanded
20 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
Emon_EB_Jan.indd 1
2013-12-12 12:14 PM
the application to provide additional realtime intelligence, such as automatic vehicle location tracking to more effectively monitor vehicles locations and increase operational efficiency while reducing response times in the case of outages or other emergencies. As VELCO continues to evolve the system, it continues to provide associates and stakeholders some much-needed peace of mind when dealing with the unpredictability of extreme weather. For example, VELCO sent crews across the state to decrease the response time in the event of system outages caused by an ice event that was predicted to hit Vermont on December 21, 2013. VELCO created a customized storm map so that the response team had full visibility for better managing crew locations. This map enabled the control centre to isolate information and only monitor the active crews, not the staged ones. Only when a staged crew became active did the control centre assume management. During the storm, this level of customization gave the VELCO team the ability to review critical information as needed, removing distractions of other information not central to managing the situation and ensuring there would be no interference with normal operations of the control centre. Additional benefits By instituting such a comprehensive GIS system, VELCO has also been able to realize resourceful ways of cost-effectively expanding the system without having to constantly replace its current programs or make significant investments in new solutions to solve problems. Instead, the utility’s approach is to make incremental investments that build upon the company’s existing foundation, providing additional efficiencies on an ongoing basis with a minimal level of effort. Steve Martin is the director of application development at Microdesk (www.microdesk.com), which was founded in 1994 to help firms work with design, construction and geospatial technology.
savings with motor upgrade T O H Grocery stores realize savings with reach-in cooler and freezer motor upgrades Paul Lin
G
rocery stores operate on tight, sometimes fluctuating, profit margins. Last year, operating profits fell 9% from the previous year, according to industry publication Grocery Trade Review.1 Therefore, owners and operators are always on the lookout for ways to cut costs. One variable that affects profits is energy. The retail and shopping centre sectors account for about 3% of Canada’s secondary energy use—equalling about $3.6 billion in energy bills and 14.5 million tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually. Canada has more than 5000 large supermarkets, each consuming 5000MWh of electricity per year. Since supermarkets are one of the most energy-intensive types of commercial buildings (refrigeration and lighting account for 80% of typical electricity use), reducing the amount of energy required to operate them is a critical piece of the puzzle. Fortunately, most existing facilities provide a lot of low-hanging fruit in potential energy savings. Additionally, energy upgrades can offer many other benefits, including improved food safety and reduced spoilage.
2233 Rue de l’Aviation, Dorval, QC H9P 2X6 •
Stanpro_EB_Aug.indd 1
Reach-in cooler with upgraded motor. Reach-in coolers Among supermarket operating expenses, energy costs are one of the most controllable. Through energy-efficient equipment and practices, even new facilities can save 20% or more. This degree of cost-cutting can improve the bottom line, increase profits and put facilities in a more price-competitive position. For example, over five years, a 20% reduction in energy use adds almost $200,000 to cash flow—and the bottom line—for a 40,000-sf store. Since it takes $50 to $80 in sales (on average) to match the cash flow produced by $1 in energy cost savings,
514.739.9984, 1.866.280.2332 •
1.866.265.8801 • www.stanprols.com
2014-07-22 PM www.EBMag.com • August 20142:39 • 21
this 20% reduction in energy cost is the equivalent of adding $2 to $3 million to annual sales at the top line.1 Retail stores rely on coolers to display inventory. Reach-in coolers allow self-service access to various items. These coolers and freezers have a separate fan motor for every door section, and include ‘anti-sweat heaters’ to prevent the condensation of warm, outside air from forming on the cold, aluminum framing. While these coolers are attractive, spacious and effective for retail display, they are incredibly inefficient, and account for more than half of a store’s energy consumption.2
Motor primarily used in the evaporator of commercial refrigeration walk-in coolers and freezers, but can be used in many air-moving applications demanding high efficiency and dependability.
Bearing motor primarily used in commercial refrigeration evaporator fan applications.
For example, evaporator fans operate 24/7, and each motor typically costs over $500 annually to operate. The anti-sweat heaters also operate at all times; for a run of 12 doors, they can cost more than $800 per year. Reducing cooler costs Replacing old, inefficient shaded-pole motors in coolers and freezers with cool-running, brushless electronically commutated motors (ECMs) makes a dramatic impact on energy costs. ECMs also connect to controllers, allowing them to operate at low speed when the compressors are idle. Many ECM motors can reach efficiencies as high as 82%. An ECM can be programmed to function at low speed then turn to high speed when controlled by an external fan speed controller for walk-in cooler/freezer applications. ECMs are permanent magnet, three-phase motors operating on single-phase input power. This means less wasted energy on the rotor, driving greater efficiency—especially at non-peak speeds. Two other motors used in grocery store applications are the permanent split-capacitor (PSC) and shaded-pole.
TORK 1100B Series Mechanical Time Switch with SPST & DPST combinations, cUL Listed for LED Drivers. ®
TORK® SS700Z Series cUL Listed for LED Lighting, 3-Way capable. Available for use with or without neutral.
TORK® SS403: Auto Off Switch No Neutral Required - For Retrofit TORK® SS423: Neutral Required New Code Compliant
What do these three products have in common? They are cUL Listed to control LED lighting. Leading the industry in lighting controls, Tork engineers modern timers that meet the standards of today’s LED lighting.
TORK . Energy Saving Solutions Since 1922 ®
NSi Industries, LLC - USA - 800.321.5847 - www.nsiindustries.com
22 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
NSI_EB_Aug.indd 1
PSC (permanent split-capacitor) A PSC motor has neither a starting switch nor a capacitor strictly for starting. Instead, it has a run-type capacitor permanently connected in series with the start winding. This makes the start winding an auxiliary winding once the motor reaches running speed. Since the run capacitor must be designed for continuous use, it cannot provide the starting boost of a starting capacitor. Typical starting torques of PSC motors are low—from 30% to 150% of rated load—so these motors are not for hard-to-start applications. Shaded-pole Shaded-pole motors have only one main winding and no start winding. Starting is by means of a design that rings a continuous copper loop around a small portion of each motor pole. This ‘shades’ that portion of the pole, causing the magnetic field in the ringed area to lag the field in the unringed portion. The reaction of the two fields gets the shaft rotating. As the shaded-pole motor lacks a start winding, starting switch or capacitor, it is electrically simple and inexpensive. Plus, speed can be controlled merely by varying voltage, or through a multi-tap winding. Mechanically, shade-pole motor construction allows high-volume production. In fact, these are usually considered ‘disposable’ motors, as they are cheaper to replace than repair. ECM ECM significantly outperforms both shaded-pole and permanent split-capacitor technology. Efficiencies are three times higher than shaded-pole motors and 45% higher than PSC.3 So, in addition to the reliable and quiet unit bearing design, the ECM provides users greater reliability and excellent energy savings. ECM also maintains efficiency across its speed range, whereas an induction motor’s efficiency plummets when its rated speed is altered. In addition to the direct benefits, there are numerous indirect advantages, including ‘cooler’ motor operation that creates less heat load on the conditioned space when used with evaporator coils. The ability to replace traditional shaded-pole motors with more efficient ECM motors was confirmed by researchers at the Food Service Technology Center (FSTC) in testing for Pacific Gas & Electric Co. The testers installed and monitored two ECM motors in a walk-in freezer. The motor employed a permanent magnet, three-phase, brushless DC motor combined with a built-in electronic alternating current (AC) inverter that was used to drive it. The freezer evaporator unit originally came equipped with two shaded-pole 1/15-hp fan motors, but was retrofit.
2014-07-15 9:47 AM
Grocery store operation costs breakdown.
Bearing motor primarily used in commercial refrigeration evaporator fan applications. The initial measurement of the original shaded-pole motors’ input power was 271 watts with the two fans combined. Following the retrofit, the power was 88 watts for two fans combined. Overall, the ECM equipped fans used 67% less energy.
Notes
Rebates In addition to significant cost savings through the use of energyefficient equipment and practices, there are rebates and financial incentives offered by utilities and government bodies to consider. In Ontario, for example, the Process and Systems upgrade program helps businesses get up to 70% of funding toward major energy-saving upgrade projects. This includes valuable financial incentives and technical expertise needed to upgrade key systems, and make improved energy management a part of daily business. Enbridge Gas’ retrofit program helps businesses with incentives when they invest in upgrading efficient equipment and systems that provide long-term environmental and financial benefits. Provincial governments, too, are involved in rebates and incentives for energy-savings measures. For example, Manitoba has a rebate program specifically for commercial refrigeration that is leading the country, according to Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency. Manitoba’s 24 rebates cover moving to energy-efficient equipment and technology upgrades.4
4.
ECMs in action The baseline store used in this example is a typical supermarket with a sales area of about 54,000 sf (but the information that follows can be applied to any supermarket larger than 2000 m2 [21,527 sf]). Retail stores rely on coolers to display a huge inventory for their customers. The stock coolers operate with a series of refrigeration evaporators or coils. The coolers may include two, four, six or more refrigeration coils. Each evaporator has two to six fans and motors, equalling several million total kilowatts/year. Further, reach-in coolers and freezers have a separate fan motor for every door section. The store replaced the shaded-pole motors in coolers and freezers with brushless ECMs. Then, the new motors were connected to EC motor controllers, allowing them to operate at low speed when the compressors were idle. This upgrade provided an 80% reduction in electricity costs, and energy consumption was reduced 1426 kWh/day. This grocer, like most commercial refrigeration users, regarded high electricity bills as inevitable, assuming it was powerless to combat rates that increase annually. After these upgrades, however, the store is saving more than $5000/month. Commitment to sustainability Store owners want to reduce energy usage and costs, conserve natural resources and improve the bottom line and, with 5000 large supermarkets in the country, there are plenty of opportunities. This ongoing commitment is not only for stores’ bottom lines, but also to improve customers’ shopping experiences and align with their evergrowing sustainability practices. Progressive environmental initiatives are good for business in so many ways.
1. 2. 3.
“Discount wars push Canada’s mid-priced grocery stores upscale”, Marina Strauss, The Globe and Mail, tinyurl.com/qarmmju. Visit tinyurl.com/o3swxyq. “Motors: cutting cooling costs”, Marta Di Domizio and David McShane, Appliance Design, tinyurl.com/onfa83v. “Capturing financial savings through energy efficiency in commercial refrigeration”, Paul Nastari, The Consultant (Q1 2008).
Paul Lin is manager of corporate energy marketing programs for Regal Beloit Corp. He has worked for nearly two decades in the electric motor industry with a focus on bringing energy-efficient products to market while doing policy work with government agencies. Lin has a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and can be reached at paul.lin@regalbeloit.com.
Education & Lighting Expo October 16, 2014
Executive Plaza Hotel & Conference Centre Coquitlam, BC 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
Learn
•
BC Building Code: Requirements for Electrical Power and Lighting Tales of Lighting Retrofits (Panel) How LEDs and ASHRAE-IES90.1 Requirments Change the way Controls are Done LED Safety and Performance Certification
• • •
View
Close to 30 booths showing their latest products and the newest technologies
Visit www.bcea.bc.ca for booth and registration information!
BCEA_EB_Aug.indd 1
2014-07-30 www.EBMag.com • August 2014 • 23
8:51 AM
lighting products Remote control lighting with GE Link connected LED bulb
GE says it has developed a new and affordable connected LED bulb that lets consumers remotely control their home lighting from anywhere in the world and sync with other connected devices. Enabled by the Wink app, Link claims to eliminate the need for expensive add-ons typically associated with connected devices. The bulb is available in three lighting
applications: 60W replacement 2700K bulb, or A19 shape, for general lighting in table and floor lamps; indoor 2700K floodlight, or BR30 shape, for downlighting; and indoor/outdoor-rated 3000K spotlight, or PAR 38, used for outdoor security or spotlight. GE www.ge.com
ADDOREDIT YOUR LISTING TODAY! ARE YOU A MANUFACTURER, DISTRIBUTOR, ASSOCIATION, SERVICE PROVIDER OR INDEPENDENT SALES REPRESENTATIVE?
prehensive
The only com
IDE BUYERS’ GU al and for the electric s communication markets in Canada
Available both in print and as an online searchable directory, the BlueBook is Canada’s buyers’ guide for the electrical and datacom markets. To ensure customers can find you when they are looking for new suppliers, products and services, set up your FREE listing today! Listings can be created or edited anytime throughout the year.
Set up your FREE listing by visiting
www.EBmag.com
The G2 LED panel from Standard Products
Standard Products has introduced its G2 LED panel, describing it as a “new concept of lighting that provides an alternative to traditional fluorescent luminaires”. The 0-10V dimmable, cULus-listed panel boasts a slim and low weight design and excellent light quality and uniformity of light. Available in two sizes—2 x 2 ft and 1 x 4 ft— users can choose between 3000K, 3500K and 4000K correlated colour temperature (CCT). STANDARD PRODUCTS www.standardpro.com
Fulham debuts FireHorse HotSpot1 LED kits for troffers
Fulham has introduced the HotSpot1 cULus classified emergency lighting kits for troffers for contractors. According to Fulham, the cULus classification is “key, because it means that these LED emergency kits are approved for field installation for LED-retrofitted troffers, for example”. The kits include a FireHorse LED driver, a FireHorse LED battery pack, ThoroLED brand LED modules, plus required hardware, the necessary UL Classified label (to stick onto the fixture after installation), and installation instructions. FULHAM www.fulham.com
Shat-R-Shield offers next-gen IP68 safety-coated LED lamps
Click on BlueBook Search on the menu bar, then click Add Listing or Edit Listing For enhanced listing options, please contact Scott Hoy 905-726-4224 • shoy@annexweb.com or John MacPherson 905-713-4335 • jmacpherson@annexweb.com
24 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
Shat-R-Shield introduced its latest generation of IP68 waterproof, safety-coated LED lamps, promising a “sleeker style” of lamp while boasting energy and cost savings of up to 30% in comparison to the previous generation. The new lamps have a thin layer of silicone coating that seals the lamp to protect fragile electronic components against moisture,
corrosion and premature failure. For a fully protected unit, the company also offers watertight sockets sold as accessories to Shat-R-Shield waterproof LED lamps. Each socket comes with silicone sleeves that fit over the neck of the lamp and base of the socket to ensure a watertight seal in IP66 conditions. SHAT-R-SHIELD www.shatrshield.com
Cree unveils 200 LPW LED luminaire prototype
Cree says it has developed a demonstration of the first 200 lumen-per-watt (LPW) LED concept luminaire; an achievement that, according to Cree, the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) projected would not occur until after 2020. Cree says the 3200 lumen concept luminaire delivered greater than 200 LPW at 80
CRI at thermal equilibrium while remaining within the ANSI colour specification for 3000K. “The innovation required to achieve this record performance will usher in a new era of increased performance, quality and affordability for our LED lighting customers,” said Norbert Hiller, executive vicepresident, lighting. CREE www.cree.com
products Dexter + Chaney designs Payroll Time Entry mobile app
Dexter + Chaney says its Payroll Time Entry app for Android and Apple tablets and smartphones lets supervisors and project managers easily enter labour and equipment hours directly from the jobsite. The app lets users assign and reassign workers and equipment as needed, and lets supervisors monitor the labour and equipment costs associated with their jobs. “Our newest software solutions support the needs of the industry as more computing and data communication becomes mobile,” said John Chaney, co-founder and CEO. “That means software that can be used in the office and in the field—anywhere the business of construction takes place.” DEXTER + CHANEY www.dexterchaney.com
Brady announces LabelMark 6 Label Design Software
The Brady LabelMark 6 label design software claims to increase productivity for the user and decrease time spent on labelling. Replacing LabelMark 5, the software offers all of the same label printing and design functions, along with several additional features and improved navigation. Users can choose to adjust label lengths
individually, print text vertically and automatically repeat text to fill multiple lines on a label. As well, the software has templates to print labels with fixed text or free form label designs, a job manager to combine multiple print jobs, and bi-directional communications with select printers for automatic label format loading. BRADY www.bradycanada.ca
Weg Electric releases 2014 motor catalogue
Weg Electric has published its 2014 motor catalogue—a 536-page colour catalogue featuring its entire line of motors. The electrical specifications and performance data enable the user to choose the appropriate HP size and type of motor needed for their specific application, says Weg, adding that the sections are colour-coded and all product catalogue numbers are listed. This year’s “largest ever” edition is an excellent reference tool for OEMs, design engineers, maintenance personal and anyone specifying electric motors, notes the company. WEG ELECTRIC www.weg.net
Leviton Extra Duty While-in-Use covers offer outdoor protection Leviton says its cUL-listed Extra Duty While-in-Use
SCORE A HOME RUN WITH
EZ-CLIP!
The patent-pending, electrician-invented EZ-clip protector plate eliminates your frustration with standard metal stud protector plates. • No screws required • Easy snap-in-place installation • One size fits all • CSA-approved for Canada and the U.S. • Made from galvanized metal Contact Marijan Rozman, Fortica Electric, at marijanr@rogers.com (416) 270-5575
WANTED covers—available in both horizontal and vertical configurations—guard against moisture, debris and insects in various outdoor electrical applications while providing easy access to receptacles. The standard opening accommodates Decora GFCI devices and additional adapter plates are included for duplex and single receptacle openings. The device also includes two inserts to cover the circular cord openings and prevent insects and debris from entering the cover while not in use. LEVITON www.leviton.com
Locus Energy launches LGate 360 solar monitoring system
LGate 360 from Locus Energy is a control panel designed specifically for plugand-play performance data acquisition for commercial and utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The standard configuration combines a revenue-grade power meter and Modbusenabled data logger pre-wired in an outdoor-rated enclosure. Designed to simplify the process of gathering, organizing and visualizing solar performance data, the LGate 360 boasts a design that eliminates commissioning delays caused by extensive on-site configuration and the need for external power supplies for peripheral sensors, which it says decreases the number of manhours spent in the field. LOCUS ENERGY www.locusenergy.com
Molded Case Circuit Breakers. New & Used, All Brands. Motor Control & MCC. Buckets in A&B, S.D. & W.H. & C.H. Please call, email or fax with your list. VALVO ELECTRICAL SUPPLY LTD. 5838-87A St., Edmonton, Alberta 1-800-661-8892 780-466-8078 Fax 780-468-1181 email: dianne@valvo.ca
ADVERTISER INDEX ADVERTISER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PAGE ABB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 AD Rewards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Arlington Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 BCEA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Bemag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 BlueBook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Bridgeport Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Canadian Standards Association . . . . . . . . . . 26 Emon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 FLIR Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Fortica Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Hammond Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 IPEX Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 17 Mersen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Nexans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Northern Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 NSi Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Schneider Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14,15 Stanpro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Thomas & Betts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 5 Valvo Electrical Supply Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
www.EBMag.com • August 2014 • 25
code file
David Pilon
Renovating for a new patient care area
T
derived from a grounded or an isolated system. Meantime, Rule 24-104 explains that, for basic areas, bonding conductors shall be insulated unless they are: a) installed in a nonmetallic conduit, or b) incorporated into a cable assembly that is constructed in such a way that contact between any metal shield/armour and a bare bonding conductor is not possible. Rule 24-104 goes on to say each panelboard described in Rule 24-102 shall be bonded to ground by a “copper utilization equipment bonding conductor” that is: a) installed in the same raceway as the circuit conductors supplying the panelboard, or installed in accordance with Rule 10-808, and sized in accordance with Table 16, or b) incorporated into the cable assembly supplying the panelboard. Both refer 24-112 and 24-104 refer you to Appendix B. Rule 10-808 “Installation of equipment bonding conductors” explains that, where a bonding conductor is run in the same raceway with other system conductors to which it is connected, it shall be insulated. Except where the raceway length does not exceed 15 m, and does not contain more than the equivalent of two quarter bends, an uninsulated bonding conductor may be used. Not done yet... where the code requires a
he installation of wiring in other-than hospital locations has changed over the last two code cycles. With the help of CSA Z32 “Applications of Electricity in Health Care”—along with changes Section 24—the wiring of these facilities has improved. Z32 is very clear on the classification of patient care areas in buildings other-than hospitals, such as physiotherapist, chiropractic and dental offices. These are all intermediate care areas, “where the contact between a patient and medical electrical equipment [e.g. ECG, EKG, drills] is frequent or normal”. A question I recently came across involved the installation of a doctor’s office in a building in which the service and distribution had previously passed inspection. The contractor for the core building had installed panels feeding each of the bays. (Contractors often use the conduit as a bond, or possibly install ACWU as the panel feed.) Q: So when a panel feeds receptacles in a patient care area, does it require a separate bond conductor back to the main distribution ground? CEC Rule 24-112 explains bonding to ground in intermediate and critical care areas shall conform to Rule 24-104, whether the supply is
Questions and answers compiled by the Electrical Safety Authority
Question 1
Tackle The Code Conundrum... if you dare!
Answers: EBMag July 2014
For a retail store, the minimum ampacity for service or feeder conductors shall be based on a basic load of [___] w/m2 of the area of the building plus other special lighting loads, equipment loads, heating and air conditioning loads.
Answers to this month’s questions in September’s Electrical Business.
a) 15
b) 20
c) 30
How did you do with the last quiz? Are you a...
For wind turbines forming a small wind system connected to single dwellings, turbine output circuits shall be permitted to have a maximum nominal voltage up to:
Master Electrician ? (3 of 3) Journeyman ? (2 of 3) Apprentice ? (1 of 3) Plumber ?! (0 of 3)
Question 3
b) 208V
c) 240V
b) 1.0m
b) False. Ref. Rule 12-116(3).
CEC references used with the permission of the Canadian Standards Association (operating as CSA Group); material is reproduced from CSA Group standard, C22.1-12 - Canadian electrical code, part I (22nd edition), safety standard for electrical installations, which is copyrighted by CSA Group, 5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Mississauga ON, L4W 5N6. This material is not the complete and official position of CSA Group on the referenced subject, which is represented solely by the standard in its entirety. While use of the material has been authorized, CSA is not responsible for the manner in which the data is presented, nor for any interpretations thereof. For more information or to purchase standards from CSA Group, visit shop.csa.ca or call (800) 463-6727.
c) 1.5m
Q-2: The system grounding conductor for dc systems shall be a minimum: a) No. 8 AWG copper. Ref. Rule 10-810(3).
d) 600V
Unless the ground fault circuit interrupter is an integral part of an approved factory-built hydromassage bathtub, or located behind a barrier, it shall be installed not closer than: a) 0.5m
Q-1: No. 8 AWG stranded copper conductor is permitted to be connected by means of nuts that have upturned lugs.
David Pilon has been an electrical inspector with SaskPower since 2000, and is currently the vicechair of the Canadian Certified Electrical Inspector (CCEI) committee of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), Canadian Section. David can be reached at dpilon@saskpower.com.
d) 50
Question 2 a) 120V
VISIT WWW.ESASAFE.COM
separate bonding conductor to supplement the bonding afforded by a metal raceway, it shall be installed in the same raceway as the circuit conductors. So the minimum code requirement for the panel in this area is that it must have a separate copper bond conductor sized in accordance with Table 16, run from the panel all the way back to the system ground. The rules above answer my question: Yes, the panel must have a bond conductor sized to Table 16, run back to the main building ground. No, it cannot be run along the conduit on the outside and held in place with cable ties. Be aware of this situation when you are designing a medical treatment facility retrofit or a new bay in a strip mall. It is your responsibility to ensure this is on the drawings and, as an electrician, you are to ensure it meets code.
Q-3: Bonding continuity for photovoltaic modules and panels in a source circuit shall be ensured so the removal of any module or panel does not interrupt bonding conductor.
Always
consult the electrical inspection authority in your province/territory for more specific interpretations.
a) True. Ref. Rule 50-022.
d) 3.0m
CERTIFICATION FOR MANUFACTURERS OF EQUIPMENT USED IN HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS - One-Day Training Designed specifically for manufacturers of Hazardous area products, this course is intended to provide a foundation of understanding of hazardous areas, classification systems, product compliance and navigating the certification minefield. www.shop.csa.ca
26 • August 2014 • www.EBMag.com
CSA_EB_AUg.indd 1
(877) 670-2486
2014-07-28 10:36 AM
Reduce wire installation time up to 75%
Mersen USG Series UltraSafeTM Fuseholders Innovative UltraSafe class CC and midget fuseholders with screw-less, spring pressure, wire termination technology.
ep-ca.mersen.com
Ferraz Shawmut is Mersen
With AD Rewards, customers are rewarded for purchasing participating suppliers’ products from an AD Canada Distributor. You earn one point for every dollar spent(1) at any AD Rewards Distributor(2) across Canada. You may already have points from purchases and not even know it. It’s the best rewards program in the industry. Isn’t it time you started rewarding yourself today?
Browse our catalogue at ADRewards.ca to find something for everyone. EXCLUSIVE PROMOS & GIVEAWAYS
NO CARDS, NO HASSELS
FAST DELIVERY
EASY ENROLLMENT
(1) Points earned on purchases from participating AD Canada Distributors and participating suppliers only. (2) Rules on website apply.
ADRewards.ca