Partial Discharge Tools

EA Technology has added two new accessories to its range of UltraTEV instruments and systems for detecting, locating, measuring and monitoring partial discharge (PD) activity in medium- and high-voltage assets.

The new PD Simulator is designed to train engineers in a safe environment how to detect, locate, measure and interpret PD activity using any of EA Technology's UltraTEV (transient earth voltage) instruments and systems. It works by generating realistic simulations of PD emissions commonly found in medium- and high-voltage assets, including five levels of TEV signal and five levels of ultrasonic sound. The battery-powered PD Simulator is fully portable and can transfer simulated PD signals to any type of medium- and high-voltage assets, via a magnetic contact or clip.

The new Ultrasonic Contact Probe is used to measure PD activity on the surface of sealed enclosures, where the use of microphones to pick up ultrasonic emissions is impractical because of a lack of air paths or vents. The plug-in probe has a magnetic base, which allows it be used hands-free, and is accurately tuned to identify ultrasonic frequencies associated with surface PD discharges. Readings are expressed in decibels, and the probe is fully compatible with the handheld UltraTEV Plus+ instrument, together with UltraTEV Monitor, UltraTEV Locator and UltraTEV Alarm systems.

EA Technology | www.eatechnology.com

Rugged Gigabit Ethernet Workgroup Switches

Belden expands its Hirschmann portfolio with three new MACH100 devices, designated MACH104-20TX-F, MACH104-20TX-FR and MACH104 TX-F-4PoE.

These rugged gigabit Ethernet workgroup switches, characterized amongst others by fanless (passive) cooling, can be used for connecting workgroups to the backbone in production environments using twisted-pair cables as well as optical fibers. Each of the three versions provides 20 RJ45 ports (10/100/1000 BASE-TX) as well as four combination ports (100/1000 BASE-FX) for SFP fiber-optic transceivers.

Further features include comprehensive management and redundancy capabilities, various configuration and diagnostic functions, low thermal footprint and noiseless operation. This is complemented by a redundant power supply on the MACH104-20TX-FR, and by four IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) ports. The MACH104-20TX-F-4PoE has a rated output of 15.4 W per connected field device.

Media redundancy via HIPER Ring, MRP (IEC ring function), Rapid Spanning Tree and Link Aggregation provide high network availability. Security mechanisms include access control according to IEEE 802.1x, IP and MAC port security as well as SNMP V3 and SSH. Detailed information can be displayed by means of a standard web browser. An additional central management function is offered by an integrated SNMP interface, permitting the use of network management software such as HiVision.

The new MACH100 Gigabit switches are designed for an operating temperature range of 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F), assembly in 19-inch (483-mm) racks and plug-and-play commissioning. They can be configured by either means of Command Line Interface, Telnet, BootP, HiDiscovery, Watchdog Configuration or DHCP Server. By connecting an ACA 21-USB auto-configuration adapter to its USB port, all configuration data and the operating system can be saved and recalled at any time without tools or a PC — even onto a replacement switch.

Hirschmann | www.belden.com

Vibration-Resistant Cable

Southwire's vibration-resistant, dual-conductor VR2 overhead conductors are now available in transmission sizes.

The larger sizes bring VR2's vibration-resistant benefits to high-capacity grid applications. Longer run lengths squeeze installation costs by reducing multiple-reel handling time.

The biggest catalog listing for Southwire VR2 is two 1113-kcmil conductors, though even larger sizes are available upon request. Southwire's manufacturing equipment can process run lengths that exceed the limits of most field pay-off equipment. VR2's patent-pending construction keeps the conductors together during installation. That eliminates bagging, cuts installation costs and preserves schedules.

Southwire www.southwire.com

Capacitor Controls

HD Electric Co.'s VarCom Communicating Capacitor Controls with ComFlex are communications ready. The controls can be deployed with factory-installed communications or as local controls with the ability to upgrade with communications. This allows them to work with a variety of systemwide VAR-management strategies.

HDE's capacitor controls provide VAR and voltage support on power distribution systems. When installed on switched capacitor banks, these controls help maximize power system efficiencies and improve power factor.

HD Electric Co.
www.HDElectricCompany.com

Ground Set Configurator

To make easier the task of configuring temporary grounding sets to serve specific applications, Chance has introduced an online interactive program. Ground Set Configurator lets you model any ground set you want from an open stock of Chance-brand grounding components (clamp, cable, terminal). A Quick Ship program allows you to order ground sets that qualify for shipment in five days. Hubbell Power Systems
www.hpsapps.com/groundset

Vacuum Interrupter Monitor

The patented Vacstat Vacuum Interrupter monitor from Thomas & Betts offers real-time vacuum-loss detection. The unique monitor is featured on the Josyln Transmaster, Varmaster and VerSaVac capacitor bank switches. It continuously monitors vacuum integrity while the switch is energized and in service. In the event of vacuum loss, the VacStat technology provides immediate local and remote vacuum-failure indication and blocks further switch operation to prevent possible equipment damage or personnel injury.

The VacStat incorporates a visual indicator that immediately alerts operators and engineers if the interrupter has lost vacuum and is at risk of failing. This allows immediate action to be taken to protect your valuable resources.

Thomas & Betts Corp. | www.tnb.com

Non-Contact Current Measurement

Current measurement at high voltages has become a big issue in this age of smart grid and FERC regulations. The CMD II technology measures current on high-voltage systems with zero footprint, no solid insulation to ground and no batteries. It uses 5.8-GHz communication technology to transfer data securely, economically and reliably from the high-voltage system to ground potential in real time. Ideal for space-constrained retrofits.

Southern States, LLC
www.ssipower.com

Voltage Detector

Hastings announces a new non-contact voltage detector. Static discriminator technology exclusive to Hastings provides more reliable detection on low-voltage ranges. The product features electronic touchpad control, built-in self-test, high-quality beeper, low-battery indicator, auto power off and operator feedback.

The electronic touchpad includes 11 range settings from 240 V to 230 kV and two URD settings, 15 kV and 25 kV. The product requires three C cell batteries, which are included with each order.

Hastings | www.hfgp.com

Silicone Transmission Insulator Brand

MacLean Power Systems, a MacLean-Fogg Company, has relaunched its silicone-rubber transmission insulator product line under the brand name APEX Insulator Systems. The APEX Insulator Systems family of products and services includes suspension and post insulators, insulator assemblies and services for transmission applications. The newly branded APEX Insulator Systems is designed to meet growing customer needs by providing the equipment and value-added services from the tower to the conductor.

The APEX Insulator Systems for transmission applications feature two efficient production platforms: modular production for custom designs and special applications from 69 kV to 765 kV, and molded production for cost-efficient, high-volume needs from 69 kV to 161 kV. The system also includes transmission suspension and tension insulators; transmission line post insulators; braced post insulators and load curve systems; complete insulator and hardware assemblies; as well as advanced engineering solutions and custom packaging.

MacLean Power Systems | www.macleanpower.com

Smart Grid Communications Gateway for AMI

Arcadian Networks announces a new smart grid communications gateway that advances AMI connectivity to its AE11g platform. The FCC-certified AE11gOW device, the latest product in its SMART Grid Gateway series, integrates the Itron OpenWay cell relay with the Arcadian Networks' 700-MHz platform. The two companies are currently working toward commercial authorization of the solution.

Arcadian Networks' Gateway series is a custom line of modular plug-and-play devices designed with the perspective of the industry's leading smart grid players. The AE11gOW is among the first devices to put an AMI collector directly into a backhaul radio “box” for smart meter functionality. In fact, the AE11gOW combines three radios in one box — allowing for simultaneous connectivity and performance of multiple applications including distribution automation, AMI concentrators and OpenWay smart meters directly connected to the Arcadian private network.

Like other devices in the Gateway series, the AE11gOW seamlessly connects utilities' WAN and LAN layering with a cost-effective solution — a solution that integrates successfully with major partners including Cisco, and now Itron.

Arcadian Networks | www.arcadiannetworks.com

Compact Solutions for Power System Protection

ABB announces the worldwide release of three new Relion product solutions for utility distribution and industrial applications. This includes the Relion 615 series version 2.0 ANSI relays — REF615, REM615 and RET615 — designed to specifically serve North American customer needs in feeder, motor and transformer distribution applications. These new products are ANSI-qualified and UL Listed.

The Relion 615 series portfolio of distribution protection relays serve basic to moderately complex applications as part of the larger Relion product family of transmission and distribution protection and control intelligent electronic devices. Common features include ease of use with one programming tool, flexibility of ordering to best fit application and advanced technologies.

All Relion relays are equipped with an Ethernet port and embedded web server that allow for ease of access and data retrieval by field technicians using a readily available Ethernet cable and web browser interface. This reduces the potential for losing critical time locating unique software and adapter cables that have traditionally been commonplace. The compact and withdrawable design further allows for quicker installation, maintenance and testing, and allows for cases to be installed and wired before delivery of the plug-in units. The 615 series also can be equipped with arc flash detection for increased personnel and equipment protection.

ABB | www.abb.com/relion