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CONTRIBUTING WRITERRon Vogel • Eduardo Laínez

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PRESIDENT Danny J. Salchert

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

6 Digital Lighting Management Switches Lighting to Game Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium

12 What SSTDR Technology Means for the ElectricalContracting IndustryBy Ron Vogel

DEPARTMENTS

2 Electrical Products & Solutions • August 2012

CONTENTS

20

30 Industry News

32 Product Focus

44 Ad Index

ON THE COVERWattStopper’s Digital Lighting Management(DLM) product line in operation at the Universityof Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.

CASE STUDY

FEATURE20 Solar PV Mounting Materials – Aluminum or Steel?

By Eduardo Laínez

COMPANY PROFILE28 American Pipe and Plastics—

Quality and Service at Competitive Prices

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trols in older parts of the facility, andturned to WattStopper for assistance. Af-ter learning about the company’s new

Digital Lighting Manage-ment (DLM) productline, Electrical EngineerTim Cooke of Jackson,Renfro & Associates de-cided to use distributedDLM room controllersfor discrete spaces, in-cluding skyboxes, officesand boardrooms, andLighting Integrator pan-els for common areas.To facilitate centralized

scheduling and management, he wouldnetwork all of the controls to a DLM seg-ment manager.

A recent south end zone expansion atthe University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium added state-of-the-art sky-boxes, a stadium club anda donor hall of fame tobetter serve Crimson Tidesupporters and increasecapacity. Bryant-Denny,home of the 2011 seasonBCS National Champi-onship team, is now thefifth largest college foot-ball stadium in the UnitedStates, with seating for101,821 fans.

The stadium personneland engineers planning the constructionwanted lighting controls that were easierto install, operate and service than con- Continued on page 8


CASE STUDY • WattStopper

WattStopper Lighting Controls Used:

LMRC-101 and LMRC-102 Digital

Room Controllers, LMBC-300 Network

Bridge Modules, LMSW-100 Series

Digital Wall Switches, LMSM-603

Digital Network Segment Manager,

Lighting Integrator lighting control

panels

Digital LightingManagementSwitches Lighting to Game Day

at Bryant-Denny Stadium

Bryant-Denny Stadium at the Universityof Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

0812EPSp06,08.qxd:Company Spotlight 8/3/12 11:06 AM Page 6

A DLM “Game Day

Switch” puts the entire

expansion in “Game

Day Mode,” which

temporarily disables

time delays, ensuring

that lighting is always

on for the safety and

convenience of fans.


CASE STUDY • WattStopper Continued from page 6

The carefully lay-ered combination ofmanual and automaticcontrol works perfectlyfor everyday adminis-trative functions andfor game day opera-tions. Facility ManagerDavid Hamner says,“I’m very pleased withthe WattStopper sys-

tem. The company worked with us welland listened to our requests. All the equip-ment is operating as specified, and I cancheck the status of the lighting from mylaptop, even when I’m out of town.”Hamner is charged with overseeingBryant-Denny’s energy performance.

User InterfacesCooke specified two-button DLM

switches connected to dual-relay roomcontrollers for bi-level, manual-on light-ing control in the offices and board rooms.Skyboxes are equipped with single-re-

lay room controllers and one-buttonswitches. The room controllers are sched-uled to turn off after hours, and theswitches provide code-compliant override.Lighting in lobbies, hallways and the

club levels is scheduled for on and off, butcommon areas are also equipped withDLM switches that serve as masters andprovide override control. The switchescontrol fixtures connected to both light-ing control panels and room controllers.Finally, a DLM “Game Day Switch”

puts the entire expansion in “Game DayMode,” which temporarily disables time de-lays, ensuring that lighting is always on for

the safety and convenience of football fans.

Installation and ProgrammingThe DLM switches and room con-

trollers feature RJ45 jacks for plug to-gether connection using Cat 5 cabling,which facilitated the installation. Becauseevery switch uses the same connection, itis easy to substitute a switch with more orless control buttons, should specificationschange during construction. Switch but-tons can be quickly configured to controlselected loads and provide the desired se-quences of operation for a specific instal-lation.Hamner’s assistant, Paige McLelland,

developed lighting control schedules formeetings, events and game days using abrowser-based interface served up by thesegment manager, which communicateswith all the panels and room controllers.“The system was easy to learn andWattStopper has been very responsive tomy questions. I bookmarked the URL forthe segment manager so I can access itquickly, and everything is working great.”says McLelland.

Future PlansFollowing the success of the Bryant-

Denny installation, Tim Cooke is speci-fying WattStopper DLM lighting controlsfor future University of Alabama projectsincluding an engineering and sciencebuilding. Additionally, David Hamner isresearching the feasibility of integratingWattStopper controls throughout Bryant-Denny Stadium to bring control of thewhole facility to the functional level ofthe new expansion. �

www.wattstopper.com 800.879.8585

Common areas, including this lobby arescheduled for on and off via the DLMSegment Manager.

Networking the room controllers and panelsallowed centralized monitoring and control,

for convenience and energy savings.

0812EPSp06,08.qxd:Company Spotlight 8/3/12 11:06 AM Page 8

voltage/current conditions interfere withthe type of reference pulses these oldertesters use. So, before discovery could bedone correctly, the branch circuit or en-tire net had to be taken off line in order touse the very equipment that is supposedto find where the fault may be. Customersare inconvenienced and costs climb.SSTDR technology will

size and at any voltage…WHILE theyare energized and carrying current, tosee intermittent shorts or Arc Faults oc-curring and be able to instantly locatethe exact position of these events? Whatif you could detect, locate, and timestamp the event and characterize theproblem, all while the electricity contin-ues to flow and production continues?Keeping production lines working whilediagnosing these types of problems ishighly critical today for efficiency andproductivity. A new technology is mak-ing its way to market and the impact onhow faults are discovered and correctedwill change the electrical contractormarket tremendously.This new technology is an advanced

form of Spread Spectrum Time DomainReflectometry (SSTDR) and is being de-veloped for commercialization by twoAmerican companies now for worldwideapplications in the electrical contractingand maintenance markets.Historically, traditional Time Domain

Reflectometry (TDR) technology has longbeen used by electrical contractors to helpfind locations of cable failures, cablelength information, and problems on ca-bles that are not visually apparent. How-ever, these forms of TDR technology,some more than 40 years old, are limitedto unpowered, or “dark”, cables since the


CASE STUDY • T3 innovation

Electrical power systems have and con-tinue to become increasingly more com-plex every day as new features,technologies, and capabilities are added,such as smarter ways of using and gener-ating electricity for plants and commer-cial enterprises, smart metering,alternative energy sources, etc. All ofthese new “inputs” raise the complexitylevel and create a need for more informa-tion as to what is happening in real time.To meet these new needs there are newtechnologies that have been incubatingand are now ready to be introduced.

A New Technology Boughtto MarketIf something goes wrong in these so-

phisticated new systems, the contractorwants to know about it immediately andfigure out what to do about it to meet thegoal of reliable electric power for the cus-tomer. But what happens when intermit-tent conditions pop up and trip circuitbreakers or sensors? Contractors respond,shut down power and check the circuitsand equipment at the area of trouble.However, many times they find nothingbecause the conditions that caused the in-termittent condition do not exist at thetime they are on site.What if you could look into the elec-

trical conditions of these cables…any

What SSTDR TechnologyMeans for the Electrical

Contracting IndustryBy Ron Vogel

Handheld digital multimeters with the included SSTDRfeature will give contractors a new tool to not only

understand the voltage and current environment, but toalso get an accurate length measurement of wire runs,

see opens and shorts, and even find arc faults allwithout taking the cable run off the system.

Continued on page 14

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change this in the most fundamental way.Spread Spectrum technology has been

around for a long time. It was first usedduring World War II for use in securecommunications from submarines. Qual-comm, in the 1990s, developed a versionof this concept to help cell phones con-nect with each other over noisy and un-certain wireless environments full ofloose frequency signals that would de-grade and block cell signals. The reasonsomeone in Hong Kong can dial a num-ber here in the U.S., and vise a versa, andreach the right person and not any of theother seven billion people on Earth ismostly due to Spread Spectrum imple-mentation. What has successfully hap-pened in the wireless world is about tohappen in the wired one.

Revolutionary TDR CapabilitiesDeveloped at the Utah State University

and University of Utah Physics labs, thetechnology got its major impetus after thecrash of TWA flight 800 that blew upover the south shore of Long Island killingall 230 people aboard in July of 1996. Thecause of that crash was later attributed toan abraded control cable that wentthrough the belly tank of the 747-131plane. Arcing against a strut intermit-tently, for what could have been months,the conditions were right on that day inJuly and the fuel in the center tank ex-ploded with a terrible result. This eventtriggered development grants from theDOT, FAA, and U.S. military for ways toavoid or locate these types of faults in air-craft wiring. 15 years and 16 patents later,

the Advanced form of SSTDR technologyis now being commercialized into hand-held and portable test equipment as wellas finding applications where it can beembedded to act as a watchdog for“events” on cabling systems inside datasystem switches, monitoring equipmentfor security/alarm systems, or fire alertsystems. By being able to report “live”and immediately, SSTDR technologygives a clear real time view of any electri-cal event that happens, no matter howbriefly and at what intervals.SSTDR technology promises to revo-

lutionize the way contractors will useTDR’s to find and fix cable faults, bothunderground as well as overhead in pro-duction facilities, refineries, and data sites.It will make it easier


CASE STUDY • T3 innovation Continued from page 12



SSTDR can also do “dynamic” testing which can monitor an energized cablesystem while it is under load or stress and wait for a fault to occur.



characteristics are. So, cable faults can befound, pinpointed, and characterized with-out having to take the circuit down andout of the system. In addition, unlike olderTDR technology, SSTDR can also do“dynamic” testing which can monitor anenergized cable system while it is underload or stress and wait for a fault to oc-cur. This is extremely useful in instancesof intermittent arc fault conditions causedby wind, water intrusion, or rogue voltagesurges.

Finding concealed cable faults will beeasier and without having to damage ex-isting cable to discover the exact locationof the fault as is now done with some“thumping” techniques. By generating se-lective pulses at specific frequencies, lo-cating pinholes in underground or conduitclad cable will become easier, cost less,and be less intrusive to the overall system.

Finally, the sensitivity and flexibility ofthe technology offers another interestingpossibility. By using new patented Ca-pacitive Coupling techniques, utility tech-

nicians will be able to clamp on to the in-sulation of conductors without touchingbare conductor or disconnecting anything,and monitor the lines continuously to de-tect, locate, and report intermittent prob-lems wirelessly.

Who is using the technologynow?

Advanced SSTDR technology is nowembedded in new flight line test equip-ment for the U.S. Navy for use on boardaircraft carriers. Advanced SSTDR is anatural addition for aerospace applicationsto find arc faults in aircraft wiring thatcannot now be detected in installed wiringsystems. It is being used by Halliburtonto develop safer monitoring systems foroffshore drilling rigs. Volvo is using it todevelop 24/7 monitoring of the entireelectrical control systems on their newgeneration of heavy duty trucks.

Schneider Electric has tested the tech-nology on energized lines up to 33 KVand it has performed

to see exactly what is happening and ex-actly where it is happening on live ener-gized circuits on all types of equipmentand over all conditions, and at any volt-age or current level, transmission or dis-tribution.

A traditional TDR cable fault finderuses a generated pulse that is shot downa cable to seek out any variances such asopens and shorts that exist on the cable.The reflected pulse is compared with thedelay at the speed of light which is trans-lated into a distance measurement to the“event”. Old style TDR’s can only workcorrectly when the cable they are “shoot-ing” is unpowered. This is because thenoise of voltage on the line interferes withthe pulse and the reflection gets lost in thisnoise. Advanced SSTDR fixes this limi-tation by generating pulses at a broad se-lection of frequencies that spread out overthe spectrum and skip through noise andsignal impediments on the cable while it isenergized to find exactly where the faultoccurs, when it occurred, and what its





run off the system. In addition, a new fea-ture of the SSTDR technology allows thecontractor to not only see and monitor thelive line itself but to identify the positionand length of junctions and spliced runsoff the main circuit line. This will createa better understanding of how the systemis wired and where each cable is going, towhat equipment, and other vital importantinformation.The detection, location, and characteri-

zation of intermittent electrical faults onlive energized conductors can now bedone easily, which will create safer elec-trical networks everywhere in all indus-tries and let service organizations keepnetworks running smoothly. Smarterstreet lighting systems that self report out-ages of both strings of lights or even indi-vidual lamp failures can be designed intoexisting equipment with embedded mod-ules which are called M.O.L.E.S (Moni-toring Over Live Electrical Systems).Smart Grids can become smarter andmore informative for the owners.

ConclusionA new emerging technology such as

SSTDR will make a lasting and importantcontribution to the electrical contractingand maintenance industry both in the formof handheld and portable test equipmentas well as being embedded in electricalcontrol systems that will have it built inas an important safety feature for each andevery cable run.Advances such as this will help the

complexity of newer and existing systemswork better and be more reliable. As theysay, knowledge is power, and SSTDRtechnology will give more knowledge toelectrical contractors and maintenancetechnicians on all levels, making for saferand better understood systems. �


clearly what is happening, where, and thetime of the “event” occurred. Handhelddigital multimeters with the includedSSTDR feature will give contractors anew tool to not only understand the volt-age and current environment, but to alsoget an accurate length measurement ofwire runs, see opens and shorts, and evenfind arc faults all without taking the cable

flawlessly. So, all types of electrical ap-plications are being investigated by thisworldwide company and others who de-sign and produce equipment for powersystems around the world.

What it means for ElectricalContractorsFor the first time contractors can see



Ron Vogel is CEO of T3 innovation(www.t3innovation.com). He can bereached at [email protected].

About theAuthor



FEATURE • HatiCon Solar

In the first three months of 2012,more than 18,000 solar photovoltaic (PV)systems were installed in the United

States representing power generation of506MW and thousands of jobs, accordingto market research by SEIA and GreenTechMedia1. Solar PV continues to be installedthroughout the nation and its growth con-tinues unabated. In fact, in many states, likeNew Jersey, solar incentive programs havebeen renewed for 2013. Continued on page 22

Solar PV Mounting Materials –Aluminum or Steel?

By Eduardo Laínez, HatiCon Solar

HatiCon Solar Ground Mount system,installed by Fourth Coast.



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Solar PV installations fall under threegeneral categories. Residential solar PVinstallations are usually pitched roof sys-tems. These systems run parallel to theroof and can be installed on all type ofroofs from asphalt shingles to standingseam metal roofs to ceramic tile. Flat, orlow-slope roof systems are usually in-stalled on commercial roofs with a slope

from 5 to 12 degrees. Ground mountsystems are installed in the ground andrange from small residential and off-gridinstallations to large utility-scale instal-lations that generate hundreds ofmegawatts. Ground mount systems areeither single or two post systems with afixed tilt or tracking capability. Fixed tiltsystems’ angle towards the sun is set at

time of installation. Tracking systems,either one-axis or two-axis, follow thesun based on a set schedule or using sen-sors.

Solar PV mounting or racking systemsare made out of either aluminum orsteel. There are many systems rangingfrom cobbled together Do-It-Yourselfkits to systems that are well engineered,have proven performance, andmegawatts of installed capacity. Eachmounting system has its own specificfeatures, advantages, and benefits. Bettermounting systems are engineered forquick assembly, low part counts, mini-mal to no on-site fabrication, and to re-duced labor.

Steel mounting systems are generallyperceived as the lower priced option. Of-ten, they are chosen when only themounting system cost is taken into ac-count. Steel systems are heavy, whichcan make them unsuitable for roofmount applications and potentially morecostly to install for ground mount appli-cations. Steel must have some type ofprotective anticorrosive coating applied.The most common anticorrosive coatingprocess is hot-dip galvanizing. In high-humidity, high-salt locations, steel is un-suitable because it can corrode quickerthan the projected lifespan of the solarPV panels. Steel can even be unsuitablein dry desert locations where high windscan cause particulates to wear away theprotective anticorrosive coating of thesteel over time. This will increase main-tenance and replacement costs over thelifetime of the project.

Aluminum solar PV mounting sys-tems are extremely


FEATURE • HatiCon Solar Continued from page 20



HatiCon Solar mounting systems,installed by homeowner.



and install. If the need arises, aluminumrails and components can be cut ordrilled in the field without affecting the

materials’ anticorrosive qualities even inextreme environments. On the otherhand, galvanized steel

long lasting and cost efficient. The den-sity of aluminum is about a third that ofsteel and it has a great strength to weightratio. According to Di Huynh P.E., pro-ject engineer for solar mounting manu-facturer HatiCon Solar, other propertiesthat make aluminum a great material forsolar mounting systems are that it is non-toxic, lightweight and has natural corro-sion resistance. Additionally, the toolingfor aluminum is low cost and providesalmost unlimited design flexibility.The multiple benefits of aluminum di-

rectly decrease the overall cost of a pro-ject. Less weight decreases the cost ofshipping and the need for heavier dutylifting capabilities on the project site.These savings on a mid to large size pro-jects can easily add up from tens to hun-dreds of thousands of dollars. Lightermaterial also requires less labor to move



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HatiCon Solar Pitched Roof system,installed by Palomar Solar.


Booth, Solar Solutionist at CED Green-tech San Diego, installers, distributors,inspectors, and architects prefer alu-minum mounting systems because theyare lighter, engineered specifically forsolar, and designed to speed up prepara-tion and installation times.

The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)of a solar PV installation is affected bythe material choice for mounting sys-tems. TCO includes purchasing, ship-ping, staging, building, operating,maintaining, dismantling, and disposingof a solar PV installation. In a mountingstructure analysis commissioned by theAluminum Extruders Council2 and per-formed by well regarded IBIS Associ-ates, a Technology Strategy andBusiness Development consulting firmoften referenced for their detailed inde-pendent analysis, the TCO of aluminummounting systems were substantiallylower than for steel systems. The studycompared the costs to fabricate, assem-ble, ship and install the systems of alu-minum versus galvanized steel mountingsystems. Component, labor, and ship-ping costs were included in the analysis.IBIS’ analysis established that aluminumsystems were more cost effective thantheir steel counterparts for pitched roof,flat roof, medium ground mount utility-scale, and large ground mount utility-scale installations. Furthermore, at theend of life of a project, the scrap valueof an aluminum system was 76% higherthan for a comparable steel PV system.

The choice of racking material canhave long term impacts on the TotalCost Ownership of an installation.Mounting system cost should not beviewed in isolation. Instead, it should beviewed as part of the overall projectcosts and take into account its effects onshipping, labor, maintenance, and de-commissioning. For the large majorityof solar PV installations, aluminum solarPV mounting systems will be a betterchoice. �

1US Solar market Insight Report Q1 2012,http://www.slideshare.net/SEIA/us-solar-market-insight-report-q1-2012

2Aluminum Extrusions are Better for PVMounting Structures. http://www.aec.org/pdfs/AEC_IBIS_PV_CostAnalysisFlyer_03_05_2012.pdf


engineers to craft systems optimized forstrength, durability, and ease of installa-tion.

Market demand demonstrates how thebenefits of aluminum are valued. Forsouthern California solar distributorCED Greentech San Diego, the majorityof their customers demand aluminummounting systems. According to Baxter

can be scratched through its protectivelayer and any modifications made to gal-vanized material need to be recoated inthe field to prevent corrosion. The nat-ural corrosion resistance of aluminumdecreases the overall maintenance costsduring the operational lifetime of an in-stallation. The virtually unlimited designflexibility permitted by aluminum allows




the government. For over a decade a 98.6% On Time/In Full de-livery rating has been maintained across all product lines. Sufficientinventory levels are maintained to meet customer requirements.American Pipe and Plastic is a small company compared to oth-

ers in the industry, but that is one of its greatest assets. As a smallcompany, we have a greater ability to react quickly to changingcustomer demands and changes within the market. Close com-munication between the manufacturing division and sales divisionallows us to “do what we need to do to service our customer.” For

35 years, the company hascontinued to respond to thevolatility of rawmaterial pric-ing and rapidly changing eco-nomic conditions.

A Tradition ofManufacturingExcellenceThe company’s manage-

ment is experienced, dedi-cated, steady and competent.Senior management has acombined experience of over100 years in manufacturing.A culture of openness andmutual respect promotes the

exchange of ideas between management and labor.Corporate offices are located on the mezzanine floor overlook-

ing the production floor. It is a short walk up or down a staircase tocommunicate changes in customer requirements or to discuss pro-duction issues. Communications flow smoothly between the dif-ferent departments. Middle management averages 18+ years andthe line workers average 14+ years at American Pipe & Plastics.Employees at all levels feel a responsibility for day-to-day opera-tions, the welfare of fellow employees, and the company’s con-tinuing success.

Where to Find UsAmerican Pipe and Plastics, incorporated in New York State

in 1977, is an American-owned WBE (Women’s Business En-terprise). It is a privately owned, closely held corporation. Lo-cated in Kirkwood, NY, south of Binghamton, at the junction ofI88, I81, and I86 (formerly NYS Rte. 17), the manufacturingfacility offers easy access to highways for shipping east, west,north and south.The New York State “Southern Tier” is a natural fit for a

PVC manufacturing plant because the area has a long history ofsupporting manufacturing companies with a local workforce whooffer loyalty and a solid work ethic. A philosophy of teamworkand flexibility is apparent when talking to American Pipe and Plas-tics employees. A deep pride in the company and its history per-vade the organization. American Pipe and Plastics—Quality andService at Competitive Pricing. �

Who We AreAmerican Pipe and Plastics, Inc. manufactures PVC (polyvinyl

chloride) for the Power Utility, Telecommunications, Cable TV,and Fiber Optic underground infrastructure markets. Their productsare sold to power utility companies, telephone companies, CATVcompanies, distributors and contractors. Products are manufac-tured to meet NEMA TC2, NEMA TC3, NEMA TC6/8 EB/DB,NEMA TC9, NEMA TC10, ASTM F512, and UL 651 specifica-tions. As required, products are tested and approved by numerousutilities, agencies, and thegovernment. For 35 years,they have been supplyingproducts at competitive priceswhile exceeding industry ser-vice levels. All products man-ufactured by American Pipeand Plastics are manufacturedin the USA using domesti-cally produced raw materials.

Known for Efficiency,Flexibility, andTenacityAlthough original target

markets were plumbing andmunicipal markets, through-out the years American Pipe and Plastics has diversified its productlines. Since it’s inception American Pipe and Plastics has servicedthe RBOCs (Bell Operating Companies) supplying millions of feetof conduit and fittings for underground infrastructure to supportthe land lines and later to take cable to cell towers. During the“Dot.Com” boom American Pipe provided thousands of miles ofconduit and fiber optic conduit systems to companies across theUnited States to build the underground infrastructure for fiber op-tic networks.In 1996 the company changed its focus, discontinuing the man-

ufacture of pipes for the municipal markets and refocusing towardsa product offering more synergistic with their Telecommunica-tions products, targeting the utility markets by adding Power Util-ity and CATV conduit and fabricated accessories to its telephoneconduit line. After the change in focus and product offering Amer-ican Pipe and Plastics quickly became a valued supplier to many ofthe power utilities throughout the East Coast region of the US. In2011 UL listed electrical conduit and accessories were added tocomplete the PVC conduit products used in the Power Utility,Electrical, and Telecommunications markets.Power utility companies, telephone companies, and CATV com-

panies use American Pipe and Plastics’ products. Products go tomarket through distribution, direct contracts with utilities and directsales to contractors. Products are manufactured to meet NEMATC2, NEMA TC3, NEMA TC6/8 EB/DB, NEMA TC9, NEMATC10, ASTM F512, and UL 651 specifications. As required, prod-ucts are tested and approved by numerous utilities, agencies, and


COMPANY PROFILE • American Pipe and Plastics, Inc.

American Pipe and Plastics—Quality and Service at Competitive Prices

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efergy: Energy Savingsthrough Awareness

efergy to announce at Solar Power International 2012 the release ofthe new “engage” free on-line energy platform aimed at revolutionizing theEnergy Market. efergy is also in the final development stages of the “en-nova” wireless energy management system.

efergy, a global manufacturer of energy awareness and energy savingproducts, will exhibit at Solar Power International 2012 in Orlando, Floridaon September 10-13, in booth 661.

efergy will be introducing the new “engage” free on-line energy plat-form to allow for remote monitoring of electricity usage in real time or en-ergy consumption history in cost, Kilowatt-hours or amount of equivalentCO2 from anywhere on a personal computer or a smart phone. This freeservice will not have any subscription charges and will only need anefergy “hub” which will also interface with the rest of the efergy line ofwireless electricity monitors, such as the “elite”, the “e2”and the upcom-ing “ennova”. These products will monitor single or 3 phase and 50 or 60hertz electrical systems and carry the ETL, FCC, EU and Industry Canadaseals, allowing them to be used in the USA and Canada.

The “engage” will provide the following:• An on line conservation community - to share ideas on saving energyand compare how your conservation efforts are doing compared toeveryone else for easy benchmarking.

• Reporting provisions - The ability to generate reports on a PC or Macand attach them to e-mails.

• Ability to program “energy since” to follow the utility billing cycle orthe energy sales cycle.

• Budget Provisions so a customer can see throughout the month if he isstaying on budget with no surprise bill at the end of the month.

• Detailed Graphing to follow solar generation performance with dropmenus showing production to any given minute.

• View historical energy consumption data from anywhere on line, in-cluding graphs with total and average consumption from anywhere forup to one year.

• Available with dedicated wireless display that allows customer to goanywhere in and around his home or facility viewing real time energyusage with updates every 10 seconds.

The efergy “ennova” wireless energy management system will bereleased at a later stage to allow residential and commercial remote mon-itoring of solar photovoltaic or other renewable energy systems, showingthe amount of electricity generated and the actual consumption in thesame device. It will also allow for the remote control of appliances andthe download of energy data. According to Juan Gonzalez, P.E., Presidentof efergy USA, Inc., in charge of the USA market, “These new featureswill allow for remote wireless monitoring of photovoltaic and other gener-ating systems and will greatly increase the efficacy of their maintenanceover time. For example, a solar energy company could monitor the pro-duction of a customer’s photovoltaic system over time and dispatch main-tenance personnel if there was a problem with the solar panels or theinverters to minimize lost savings if the customer would have to wait un-til the next billing cycle to know there was an issue”.

efergy designs, develops and manufactures wireless energy moni-tors, displays and related products for the residential, commercial andsmart metering market. With offices in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia,Hong Kong and China, and over 30 distributors around the world, efergyso far has sold close to a million electricity monitoring units over 50 coun-tries in 5 continents.

efergy designs tailored products to suit the strategies of their cus-tomers, offering attractive, inexpensive and innovative energy awarenessand saving products. Its commitment to future technologies ensures beingconstantly at the cutting edge of developments in the industry. �

Industry NEWS



0812EPSp30:Company Spotlight 8/6/12 8:38 AM Page 30


Schneider Electric Revs Up EV Charging with EnhancedIndoor Charging StationEvolutionary upgrades expand Schneider Electric’s industry-leading rangeof features available in its comprehensive line of EV charging stationsSchneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management, today announced at Plug-In 2012 U.S.

availability of its latest EVlink™ indoor electric vehicle (EV) charging station. The new capabilities providecustomers with an unparalleled level of convenience, usability and compatibility, while delivering a per-sonalized effect to home charging. Available for residential and now indoor light commercial applications,the charging station adds to Schneider Electric’s comprehensive EVlink portfolio, which offers a wide-range of EV charging solutions and services.Research forecasts* estimate that the market for plug-in electric vehicles globally will grow at a

compound annual growth rate of 48.4 percent between now and 2017. Additional industry projec-tions** predict that there will be 1.5 million locations to charge vehicles in the U.S., and 7.7 millionlocations around the world by 2017. Schneider Electric offers a comprehensive line of charging sta-tions and services to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure.“Schneider Electric is committed to expanding and improving our EVlink line to help drive con-

tinued growth in EV adoption,” said Mike Calise, director, Electric Vehicles, Power Business, Schnei-der Electric. “We have a history of delivering charging stations of the highest quality and upmostease-of-use that continually surpass our customers’ expectations. With the next generation EVlink in-door charging station, we are delivering a personalized charger that is more convenient and compatiblefor our customers’ various charging needs.”

For more information, visitwww.scheider-electric.com/us

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Cooper Lighting Releases New and Updated Product Selection GuideSixth edition printed guide also available electronically on the App Store and in the Android Market.

Cooper Lighting, an industry leader committed to deliver-ing innovative products and driving transformational tech-nology in the lighting industry, has announced that the sixthedition of its Product Selection Guide (PSG) is now available.The 1680-page printed catalog is Cooper Lighting’s mostcomplete, up-to-date product reference resource and in-cludes 23 easy-to-use sections of the company’s lightingand controls products, including individual product descrip-tions and features, photos, dimensions and complete order-ing information. The guide is also available electronicallyfrom mobile devices, tablets and computers.

The new and updated printed PSG highlights CooperLighting’s extensive lighting luminaires and controls prod-ucts, providing solutions to the commercial, industrial, retail, institutional, residential and utility markets. The guide includesan easy-to-use Table of Contents organized by brand; comprehensive pictorial product index at the beginning of everybrand; complete ordering information; detailed line art and specifications; beautiful application photography; and an easy-to-use numerical Index in the back.

Cooper Lighting has made a significant investment in people, resources and technology to ensure the company providesfirst-class solutions to its customers’ lighting challenges.

For more information, visitwww.cooperlighting.com

Product FOCUS




Versatility that Works for YouHilti PS 38 Multidetector

Costly damage caused by drilling into pipes or cables can become a thing ofthe past with the new Hilti PS 38 Multidetector. Find virtually everything thathides beneath the surface of walls, floors or ceilings. The PS 38 helps you quicklyand easily locate concealed metal, wood, plastic, and electric conduit with highaccuracy so you can drill through-holes and set anchors with confidence.The PS 38 is capable of locating objects in a variety of base materials up to a

depth of 4-¾”. It also features several standard modes for various base mater-ial/composite structures and even includes a unique mode selection for specialbase materials such as floor heating, hollow brick and drywall.This hand held, easy-to-use multidetector indicates approximate embedment depth for clear drilling area, self-calibrates

and marks the detected objects. And, the durable rubber casing is designed to with-stand tough jobsite condition.

Backing the Hilti PS 38 Multidetector is Hilti’s Calibration Service to help ensurereliability and accuracy. Even with Hilti’s built-in protection features, precision in-struments can be affected by everyday use and more. Through the CalibrationService, the multidetector will be calibrated and adjusted as needed, with thecalibration confirmed in writing. The PS 38 Multidetector is also covered byHilti’s Lifetime Service, a unique service agreement that includes two years of

no-cost coverage.

For more information, visitwww.us.hilti.com

Product FOCUS


Product FOCUS



Klein Tools® Introduces a Coax Radial Stripper that Strips Both Utility and Standard Cable SizesExclusive sliding depth gauge pre-measures cable for precise one-step, two-level strips

Klein Tools, for professionals since 1857, introduces a unique Coax Combination Radial Stripper extending its successfulVoice/Data/Video (VDV) line of tools, connectors and testers. This single tool strips both utility and standard cable sizes. It alsostrips two levels (outer jacket and dielectric) in one step. An exclusive sliding depth gauge pre-measures cable for quick, ac-curate and repeatable strips. The radial stripper is per-fect for audio/visual coax applications. Klein Tools’ newVDV Coax Combination Radial Stripper (Cat. No.VDV110-095) works on both standard and utility sizecables including RG6, RG6-QS, RG59, RG11, and RG7.The one-step, two-level (5/16” X 1/4”) stripping alongwith the exclusive sliding depth gauge, take the guess-work out of repeatable cable end preparation. Thisstripper also eliminates the need for the installer to usehis fingers as a backstop for sharp wire tips, reducing ir-ritation. Durable high-carbon steel cutting blades au-tomatically adjust to different cable diameters, and a convenient finger loop facilitates easy, controlled rotation. The simpledesign makes cleaning out debris effortless. “Cable installers who run backbone cable from a utility source and then runstandard cable to equipment, usually don’t have one tool that can prep both these cable series,” states senior product man-ager, Dave Mueller. “This coax combination radial stripper does both utility and standard cable types providing quick, preciseand repeatable one step, two-level stripping -- saving time and effort during an installation.”

For more information visitwww.kleintools.com



Product FOCUS


Platinum Tools® T62 Recon Test Set Now Shipping The 21st CenturyButt Set Offers a Complete Menu for Measuring Data, ActivelyMonitoring and Detection of High Line Voltages

Platinum Tools®, the leader in solutions for the preparation, installation and hand terminationof wire and cable, is proud to announce that the new T62 Recon Test Set is now shipping. Withan MSRP of $269.95, the Recon Test Set delivers more line condition and status informationthan any other telephone line tester in the world.“The T62 Recon Test Set includes the most sophisticated data in-line discovery and protection

available today,” explained Lee Sachs, Platinum Tools, Inc. president and general manager. “TheT62 offers a complete menu for measuring data, actively monitoring and detection of high linevoltages. It also includes a Digi-Secure feature that protects digital lines from disruption by out-side test equipment.”The new Platinum Tools T62 Recon Test Set comes with a slate of features not found on any

other ‘butt’ set in the world. The large backlit display shows information clearly, and with a glowin the dark keypad the unit can be used in low light environments. And, it is 100 percent weatherand rainproof for outside use anytime.“The T62 Recon Test Set is tough as well as talented,” added Sachs. “It is the first 21st Century

telephone test set, and sets a new standard for telephone line analysis.”

For more information, visitwww.platinumtools.com



Product FOCUS


T3 Innovation New Tel-Scope™ Telecomm Test Set Now ShippingUsing Independent Technologies’ Patented ‘Data Defender’ System, the Tough, Talented,and Affordable TLA300 Tel-Scope Offers a Complete Menu for Measuring Data, ActivelyMonitoring and Detection of High Line VoltagesT3 Innovation, a leading provider of advanced handheld test equipment for the ca-

ble/telecommunications, datacom/networking, electrical design and maintenance, and resi-dential/CEDIA custom install markets, has announced the new TLA300 Tel-Scope™ TelecommTest Set is now shipping. With an MSRP of $269.95, the Tel-Scope delivers more line con-dition and status information than any other telephone line tester in the world.“The Tel-Scope includes the most sophisticated data in-line discovery and protection

available today,” explained Ron Vogel, T3 Innovation CEO. “Using Independent Tech-nologies’ patented ‘Data Defender’ system, the Tel-Scope offers a complete menufor measuring data, actively monitoring and detection of high line voltages. TheData Defender feature also includes Digi-Secure features that protect dig-ital lines from disruption by outside test equipment.”The new TLA300 Tel-Scope Telecommunications test set comes with a

slate of features not found on any other ‘butt’ set in the world. The largebacklit display shows information clearly, and with a glow in the darkkeypad the unit can be used in low light environments. And, it is100 percent weather and rainproof for outside use anytime.

For more information, visitwww.t3innovation.com



Company PG# RS# Company PG# RS#

AEE SOLAR 11 11AEMC INSTRUMENTS IFC 1ALCAN CABLE BC 3AMERICAN CONNECTORS INC. 39 25AMERICAN PIPE & PLASTICS 29 20AMERICAN TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS 18 42ARPI OF USA 36 53BACKWOODS SOLAR 32 50BRADY WORLDWIDE 33 22BURNDY 20 43BYTE BROTHERS 22 44C.K TOOLS 43 27CALIFORNIA TURBO, INC. 34 52CONDUIT REPAIR SYSTEMS 4 6COPPER DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 31 21COPPER WIRE STRIPPER 24 45DH SOLAR 37 24EFERGY U.S.A., INC. 42 58EXTECH INSTRUMENTS/FLIR SYSTEMS 5, 9 7, 9E-Z METER 36 54GENERATOR INTERLOCK TECHNOLOGIES 7 8GENSCO 44 60HERCULES INDUSTRIES 34 51HIOKI USA 19 15

ICC 21 16KRENZ & COMPANY 38 55MEGGER IBC 2MH RHODES/CRAMER COMPANY 24 46MINUTEMAN UPS 27 19NATIONAL WIRE & CABLE 30 48NORTHWEST LIGHTING SYSTEMS 41 26PG LIFELINK 15 13PHASE-A-MATIC 38 56PHILIPS CAPRI 23 17PLC MULTIPOINT 16 41PRUF LED 42 59QUICK MOUNT PV 1 4SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC 25 18SNAPNRACK 17 14SOKKIA 5 7SOUTHWIRE 35 23STEELMAN INDUSTRIES 32 49STRIP-TEC 14 40THE HOME DEPOT 13 12UNDERGROUND DEVICES 40 57UTILITY METALS 10 10WATTSTOPPER 26 47

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

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