Power Cable Fault Locator

Megger introduces the new PFL20M, a safe, efficient and easy-to-use power cable fault locator. The PFL20M delivers an energy surge of 1500 joules at 16 kV, which allows the user to tackle a wide range of cables, test longer cable and test more capacitive cables. An onboard inverter provides a choice of standard 120 Vac or 240 Vac, or 12 V dc. It is also ruggedly constructed and weatherproof to IP54 specifications.

A MTDR cable analyzer is built into the lid of the PFL20M and has all the familiar prelocating techniques such as time-domain reflectometry, arc reflection, differential arc reflection and current impulse. The MTDR screen is large and extra bright and is easily viewed in direct sunlight.

The PFL20M-1500 includes a 20-kV proof tester and a 60-mA burner for the testing and conditioning of faults. An inductive arc-reflection filter keeps the size and weight down, and assures that maximum energy is delivered to the fault.

The Megger PFL20M is the ideal solution for a wide variety of underground distribution cable. Its compact size and portability make it more attractive than larger, fixed-installation fault-finding systems.
Megger | www.megger.com

Asset Management

Autodesk Inc.'s Topobase Electric software is an infrastructure management solution designed to help electric utilities better manage their transmission and distribution networks by integrating design and facility asset information.

Topobase Electric is a configurable off-the-shelf solution that utilities can implement quickly to achieve operational excellence and maximize the value of their data. Utilities that offer multiple services like electricity, gas, water and wastewater can benefit from a consistent solution for mapping and asset management. The Topobase Electric technology features data models, business rules and workflows that reflect the electric industry's unique data, process and regulatory standards. The product builds standardization into the asset-management process, improving inefficient operations and data quality. The software also tracks network connectivity.
Autodesk Inc. | www.autodesk.com

Handheld Computers with Digital Camera

Trimble announces the availability of two Nomad rugged handheld computers: the 800LE and the 800LC. The Nomad 800LE comes with a fully integrated 2-megapixel digital camera and an integrated laser bar-code scanner. The Nomad 800LC comes with the built-in digital camera only. Both models include integrated Bluetooth, 802.11 and GPS, as well as 1 GB of internal data storage.

Launched in July, the Nomad is Trimble's most capable rugged handheld computer. It offers class-leading performance with an 806-MHz Marvell PXA320 XScale processor, 128-MB RAM and a hot-swappable rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Built-in Bluetooth is standard, with built-in 802.11g wireless communication optional. The Nomad's touchscreen VGA display is sharp and clear in sunlight, and it presents maps and other graphics-intensive files in better detail than a typical QVGA display. The Nomad also comes with Windows Mobile 6.0, the latest version of Microsoft's operating system for mobile devices.

As with other Trimble rugged handhelds, the Nomad meets the MIL-STD-810F standard for drops, vibration and temperature extremes. It also comes with an IP67 rating, which means it's completely sealed against dust and can survive immersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. It weighs just 21 ounces and is shaped to fit comfortably in the user's hand.
Trimble | www.trimble.com/rugged

Asset-Tracking System

Savi Technology, a Lockheed Martin company, has begun deploying solar-powered radio frequency identification (RFID) readers and signposts, enabling customers in the defense and commercial sectors to conserve energy and reduce costs while tracking supplies in real time. Solar energy provides an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly power source for users' RFID hardware, and also eliminates the need to install electrical infrastructure in remote areas.

Savi engineers mounted solar panels and RFID signposts on poles located at a major U.S. Army supply facility. The solar-powered signposts activate RFID tags attached to vehicles or pieces of equipment. The tags report the assets' positions to nearby RFID readers, which relay the information to Savi Site Manager software that automatically updates the assets' locations. The facility is able to track more than 25,000 tags per day.
Savi Technology | www.savi.com

NERC CIP-Compliance Solution

Teltone Gauntlet provides defense-in-depth protection for substation control system equipment from malicious cyber attacks. A complete NERC CIP-compliant solution, Gauntlet detects and prevents unauthorized entry attempts, while providing transparent IP or dial-up access to authorized users. Easy, powerful reporting features make audits almost a pleasure. The security-driven, decentralized architecture provides continuous access even under extreme conditions. Gauntlet is built on the legacy of Teltone's Substation Line Sharing Switch.
Teltone | www.teltone.com

Converter Switches

GarrettCom Inc. has added gigabit support to its Magnum line of converter switches with the release of the industrial-grade CSG14 models. The CSG14 allows industrial installations with multimode fiber to achieve 2000-m (6562-ft) gigabit connectivity, otherwise only available when using single-mode fiber cable.

By using CSG14 Extended SX converter switches on both ends of a multimode connection, it is possible to upgrade multimode fiber to gigabit and still maintain existing fiber-cable-transmission distances of up to 2000 m.

The CSG14 is a high-speed flexible edge-of-the-network industrial Ethernet media converter and switch combination that includes a two-port 10/100/1000 copper switch and a gigabit fiber port that can be configured to support any multimode or single-mode gigabit fiber connector type. The Magnum CSG14 products come in three models: hardened for factory floors, premium rated to withstand outdoor temperature extremes and Power Source PoE for premium-rated outdoor applications that require both power and data on the same wire, such as video surveillance cameras.

Buyers can specify dc or ac input power, and any of a variety of metal case and configuration choices. Hardware is available for panel- or rack-mount installation.
GarrettCom | www.garrettcom.com

Slack Blocks

Chance has introduced a set of Slack Blocks with a 750-lb (336-kg) working load rating. The fully assembled set includes 30 ft (9 m) of 3/8-inch (10-mm) braided Poly rope, two double blocks (each with a spring-loaded latch, one with a rope-snubbing hook) and a swivel hook. The set weighs 4.25 lb (2 kg). Steel block bodies and hooks are galvanized. The swivel hook and a flat hook are available separately as well.
Hubbell Power Systems
www.hubbellpowersystems.com

Substation Automation Platform

The monarch lite software platform from Open Systems International Inc. (OSI) is configured and packaged not only for small SCADA applications, but is also offered as a substation automation platform. OSI's monarch lite is a streamlined and optimized version of OSI's monarch architecture, and is virtually identical in functionality and features. OSI's monarch lite substation automation platform features a flexible communications architecture and is a hardware-independent solution, capable of running on all standard off-the-shelf, substation-hardened hardware. The platform features advanced functions such as process monitoring, a redundant/failover configuration option and full multiple-client support.
OSI | www.osii.com

Infrared Camera

ThermaCAM T400 from FLIR Systems is an affordable feature-rich infrared camera. The T400 comes with FLIR FUSION, a new functionality that allows for easier identification and interpretation of infrared images. This advanced technology enhances the value of an infrared image by allowing the user to overlay it directly over the corresponding visible image. The functionality combines the benefits of both the infrared image and visual picture at the push of a button. The T400 camera does this in real time and the overlay function can be easily adjusted.

The 1.3-megapixel T400 weighs less than 2 lb (0.9 kg) and has a 3.5-inch (89-mm) color LCD, 4-hour battery time, removable memory card and interchangeable optics. The camera also includes free QuickReport software for analysis and reporting.
FLIR Systems | www.flir.com

Utility Lighting

HD Electric Co.'s utility-grade hard-hat safety lights allow wearers to move quickly and efficiently with both hands free. The Cyclops battery-powered headlamps mount onto a hard hat by a secure rugged rubber strap. The front-mounted design and sealed battery compartment eliminate cumbersome external wiring and allow for the even distribution of weight across the forehead. LED (70 hours of burn time), halogen or long-burb (8 hours of burn time) light bulbs may be used. The hinged base allows for positioning lighting at any angle.

Another option, the Rite-Lite disposable hard-hat lights attach to a hard hat with mounting strips or can be used as a handheld utility flashlight. This allows for quick installation and removal. Rite-Lite I comes with a zinc battery, while Rite-Lite II comes with an alkaline battery.
HD Electric Co.
www.hdelectriccompany.com

Automated Emergency, Incident Management

Avineon Inc., a provider of IT, engineering, geospatial and program management services, has released Avineonics, a state-of-the-art information system that enables organizations to automate the preparation, organization, management, execution and documentation of emergency preparedness and incident management functions. Avineonics optimizes industry knowledge and provides advanced technology for both daily and emergency response operations. The new system is based on Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System guidelines.

Avineonics uses intelligent business logic to orchestrate collaborative functions for training, roles management, resource management, planning, mobilization, operational periods, check-in, check-out, task assignments, performance ratings and more. The software produces a common operational picture to manage incidents effectively. Avineonics can be implemented as a stand-alone or an integrated system, complying with service-oriented architecture to support data and event-level integration. The system is web based, with an accessible and easy-to-use interface.
Avineon Inc. | www.avineon.com

Thermal Imager

Wahl Instruments Inc. has added a long-distance model to its line of Wahl Heat Spy Thermal Imaging Cameras. The long-distance model, HSI3003, offers narrow-angle field-of-view optics, which enables the detection and temperature measurement of small objects over long distances. The thermal imager is light, compact, easy to operate and designed for handheld use. It also features a tripod mount for remote use. It is especially suitable where long-distance temperature measurement is required, such as in the power industry for the inspection of substation and overhead distribution and transmission lines.
Wahl Instruments Inc.
www.wahlinstruments.com

Solid Insulation Bushings

Electro Composites Inc. (ECI) is now manufacturing 69-kV to 145-kV solid insulation bushings to replace conventional oil-impregnated paper (OIP) and resin-impregnated porcelain bushings typically used in electric utility substation circuit breakers and transformers. The high-durability bushings are molded using a proprietary resin formulation based on a cycloaliphatic epoxy system supplied by Huntsman Advanced Materials. Compared with OIP porcelain bushings, the one-piece, solid-cast products provide utilities with improved in-service performance, easier handling and storage, and the ability to reduce the safety perimeter required around substations. ECI is applying the same design and casting ability to a 170-kV bushing for delivery in spring 2008.
Electro Composites Inc. | www.eci-co.com