Sparks Electrical News September 2019

DBS, SWITCHES, SOCKETS AND PROTECTION

15

MINING DUST SUPPRESSION CONTROL PANEL PROJECT

NEW INTEGRATED EARTH LEAKAGE PROTECTION TECHNOLOGY FOR CIRCUIT BREAKER RANGES

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC has announced the introduction of integrated earth leakage protection for its Compact NSX & NSXm moulded circuit breaker ranges. “The award-winning Compact NSX moulded case circuit breaker range and the new, smaller Compact NSXm range, now both feature integrated earth leakage protection, Micrologic Vigi,” explains Maphuti Levy Moholola, Offer Manager at Schneider Electric South Africa.

“This is a technology that monitors the flow of current and sends pre- alarms in the event of earth leakage, interrupting the circuit instantly, should it detect any organic disruptions, and effectively pre- venting the danger of electric shocks. “This innovation means that during the process of installing circuit breakers, panel builders and contrac- tors are no longer required to install an additional earth leakage module, which can lead to savings of up to 40 % in installation time. Because the ranges have integrated earth leakage protection, the same frame size as a standard breaker, they are designed to con- veniently fit in the same row.” The ranges are part of the Connected Products portfolio of the Schneider Electric IoT enabled archi- tecture, EcoStruxure Power, an open, interoperable, IoT-enabled system architecture and platform. It deliv- ers enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity for its customers. EcoStruxure leverages advancements in IoT, mobil- ity, sensing, cloud, analytics, and cybersecurity to deliv- er innovation at every level. This includes connected products, edge control, and apps, analytics & services. EcoStruxure has been deployed in over 480 000 sites, with the support of more than 20 000 system integrators and developers, connecting over 1.6 mil- lion assets under management through more than 40 digital services. “Designed with high-breaking capacities for all standard and specific applications, and with an oper- ating current up to 630 A, the Compact NSX circuit breaker range features integrated earth leakage pro- tection, and offers local and remote communication with trip alarm and pre-alarms for proactive opera- tional and energy efficiency,” continues Moholola. “The range provides corrective, preventative and predictive maintenance and energy management to

Compact NSX

Compact NSXm

enable potential savings, and ensure customer instal- lations can be optimised, in terms of performance and protection.” “As the newcomer to the range, for applications up to 160 A, the Compact NSXm range is designed for low-voltage panel boards and control panels. As the smallest frame size in the Compact NSX range, and similarly featuring integrated earth leakage protection, it is an ideal space-saving solution for installations. “This efficient solution offers a flexible installation, thanks to a built-in DIN rail and plate mount capability, while field-installable options such as rotary handles and one-click auxiliaries make it easy to configure the circuit breaker to the user’s specific needs. The Compact NSXm range also features EverLink creep- compensating technology. This patented technology ensures a lasting connection by mitigating the loosen- ing effects of heat cycling or vibration.” “There is more pressure than ever on panel builders and contractors to come up with time and cost saving solutions during the process of efficient mounting, installing and cabling of switchboards for their customers. “As leaders in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, we recognise that our partners demand innovations that offer efficiency, re- liability and connectivity. We are responding to this need with integrated earth leakage protection tech- nology, all of which means that Compact NSX and NSXm circuit breakers are easier than ever to install – and in some cases, help to make installation time up to 40% faster,” concludes Moholola.

I n March, the ACDC Dynamics Panel work- shop team, headed by newly appointed panel workshop manager Lucky Dube, started production of dust suppression con- trol panels for a coal mine outside the bor- ders of South Africa. The project addressed air pollution complaints of the surrounding community. The solution encompassed designing a complex electrical system that would pump water from a spillway dam 20 km away to supply 27 water cannons to be stationed at the coal loading area. The 42 electrical panels performing this work needed to be

weatherproof and controlled remotely from the main control station. The motor control centre, nine distribution boards, five com- munication RIO panels and 27 field isola- tor panels were fully crated and ready to be shipped complete with tilt and impact monitors to ensure proper handling at the beginning of July. ACDC Dynamics is proud of the work produced by its team who ex- ceeded all client specifications, and execut- ed a successful project within major time constraints.

Enquiries: +27 (0) 10 202 3300

CABINET MONITORING SOLUTIONS TO CUT INSPECTION TIME

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 245 6400

visual, and MSX video is output in standard MJPEG, MPEG, H.264 formats, adding multipurpose image capabilities. Safer, more efficient electrical IR inspection Inspection via IR windows requires the in- volvement of fewer personnel and elimi- nates the need for cumbersome PPE. In short, IR windows offer considerable poten- tial for exposing faults before they become costly failures, saving costs in the process without compromising personnel safety. Although primarily designed for use with the entire range of FLIR thermal imaging cameras, the FLIR IRW-Series of IR inspection windows can be used with any camera brand. Indeed, they bring important benefits to the market irrespective of the camera used, the most important being robust design and simple installation. FLIR IRW windows feature a permanent hinged cover that flips open easily, so there’s nothing to drop, mix up or lose. The range provides a choice between standard, anti- corrosion, anodized aluminium frames or durable stainless steel if there are mixed metal concerns.

FLIR has introduced a combination of measures to cut inspection time of energised electrical equipment. The AX8 thermal sensor allows the continuous monitoring of critical electrical infra- structure and the FLIR IRWWindows provide an easy and affordable option that reduces the cost and time associated with thermal inspection and add a safety barrier to protect the thermogra- pher from arc flash accidents. Easy-to-install thermal imager for continuous condition monitoring The FLIR AX8 is a temperature sensor with thermal imaging capabilities, combining thermal and visual cameras into a compact, affordable package. The sensor provides continuous temperature monitoring and automated alarming when pre-set temperature thresholds are exceeded. It is designed to guard against unplanned outages, service interruptions and equipment failure. Measuring only 54 x 25 x 95 mm, the AX8 is easy to install in tight spaces and consumes little power. It allows the user to view thermal images, visible light images, or the two combined thanks to FLIR’s proprietary MSX® multispectral imaging capability. MSX provides image detail from the visible camera that is embedded onto the thermal image, giving exceptional image clarity and the ability to read labels. Overall it helps to put the problem in context for quicker diagnosis. Enabled by FLIR’s ground-breaking Lepton® thermal imaging core, the AX8 has 4 800 active temperature points per image, provides streaming temperature data over industry-standard interfaces (Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP) for easy analysis, has a built- in web interface, and includes a full suite of analysis functions. The AX8 easily integrates into electrical installations or indeed any manufacturing environment. Its streaming thermal,

Enquiries: +27 (0)11 300 5622

SEPTEMBER 2019 SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS