Stourbridge College's new GBP 8 million Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) has recently taken delivery of building and industrial automation training kits from leading automation supplier. switchgear sp.

Stourbridge College's new GBP 8 million Advanced Technology Centre (ATC) has recently taken delivery of building and industrial automation training kits from leading automation and switchgear specialist, Moeller. The centre, located at the Waterfront Business Park, Brierley Hill in the West Midlands and opened in September 2001, is the base for all Stourbridge College's built environment courses. It is equipped with state-of-the-art information and communications technology.

The ATC also runs courses for industrial control engineers, and as a part of its City and Guilds courses it has launched a new course called 'Introduction to Moeller Programmable Logic Controllers' as a natural progression from its existing Moeller's switchgear-based course on contactor control.

As a basis for this course, the ATC has selected Moeller's PS4 programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and an Easy 620 relay.

The course training kits comprise six PS4 PLCs and training boards, three system simulators and one Easy 620-DC-TC mounted in an F and G Concept 2000 board complete with an Easy power 0.5 power supply.

The system simulators provide students with the experience of programming the PLC with realistic industrial control examples such as silo control, goods lifts and conveyor motors.

The Easy relay can be programmed using Easy soft 3.1, which can be run on a PC or lap-top.

Students developing their own programs can down load it into the Easy trolley mounted demonstrator, where the results of their labours can be shown with, for example, the actuation of lights or motors.

On the College's 50 inch plasma display screens the student's programs or examples of programs can be shown to the class and analysed line by line.

The Easy relays can be programmed simply via touch buttons and an LCD screen.

Bob Hughes, course director, said: 'From my experience in industry, applied automation skills such as PLC programming are absolutely essential for our students to compete in the market place.

Moeller, with its industry-renowned name in automation and switchgear, together with user friendly functionality, yet sophisticated equipment is the ideal partner for our new automation courses.' Aimed at fledgling engineers who have completed the Introduction to Moeller PLCs course, an applied drives course is planned to commence at the ATC in the near future.

Based on Moeller's popular Optidrive, the course will serve as a comprehensive introduction to the programming of drives for applications such as ramped start-ups of motors in conveyors and controlled motor acceleration and deceleration.

Hughes added: 'The course on drives is a logical extension to the course on PLCs and enables our students to acquire the prerequisite skills to contribute to industry, providing students with a competitive edge in pursuit of their desired engineering career.'

An extensive range of withdrawable medium voltage (MV) switchgear is available and offers a choice of vacuum or SF6 gas insulated circuit breakers.

Merlin Gerin has launched MCset, the most extensive range of withdrawable medium voltage (MV) switchgear available, offering more options to meet the demands of more applications in more markets and with a shorter delivery time. MCset switchgear is available in ratings up to 3150A and with a choice of vacuum or SF6 gas insulated circuit breakers. MCset is also available with SF6 contactors for motor starting applications.

Vacuum based contactors will be available for the range shortly.

MCset provides the MV section of HV/MV substations and high power MV/MV substations.

Typically, MCset can be delivered in 12 weeks, one of the shortest delivery times available for withdrawable MV switchgear and half that of its predecessor, the Merlin Gerin YSF6 range.

Wide range of applications - the major applications for MCset are in the heavy industrial sectors such as chemicals, petrochemicals, power generation, pulp and paper, steel and water, which have high power demands and an overriding concern to minimise downtime.

Such industries typically specify withdrawable switchgear because faulty circuit breakers can be replaced quickly, unlike switchgear with fixed circuit breakers in which the whole panel would need to be replaced, taking much longer.

MCset is also aimed at the demanding building services sector, such as data centres that require withdrawable switchgear for their main incoming board to protect against downtime.

Marine versions of MCset for merchant shipping and offshore applications, and a seismic version are also available.

Typically, the nuclear power industry would demand earthquake-resistant switchgear.

Safe and easy to maintain - MCset offers full protection for operators against internal arc faults.

Protection is achieved by venting hot gases and particles away from the operator in accordance with IEC 60298-AA: AC Metal-enclosed Switchgear and Controlgear for Rated Voltages above 1kV and up to and including 52kV.

Other safety features include all switching being prevented unless the doors are closed; shutters to prevent access to live parts even when the switchgear is opened; and compartments being locked against opening unless circuit breakers are in the test position and the earthing switch is closed.

MCset circuit breakers use the same mechanism as the Merlin Gerin MasterPact range of low voltage circuit breakers.

Not only are parts for Masterpact low cost, but they are easily obtained from low voltage distributors worldwide, enabling users of MCset to reduce their spares parts stockholding, further saving costs.

For heavy duty industrial applications, high power, manually operated, rotary packet switches are used for isolation, changing over and selection of all types of high power electrical circuits.

Available in the UK from Aerco are high power, rotary packet switches from Santon Switchgear that are ideally suited for heavy industrial applications such as railways and military equipment where high quality and reliability are essential. These manually operated rotary switches are used for isolation, changing over and selection of all types of high power electrical circuits. They have self-cleaning, wiping action clip and blade contacts that give excellent electrical continuity and are shock and vibration proof.

Standard products are rated at 16 to 1,000A at 440V AC and 250V DC IEC947-3 and custom-built switches of higher ratings can be produced to meet individual specifications.

Santon rotary packet switches are used in many areas but are ideally suited to heavy industry where quality and reliability are paramount.

They have been used as battery isolator switches on trains, have been specified on the three Astute submarines being built by bae systems in Barrow-in-Furness and used in steel works, quarries and cement works where isolation in dusty, dirty, aggressive environments is highly important.

Santon Switchgear has manufactured rotary switches since 1921.

Manufacturing was originally carried out in Newport, South Wales, where the UK office is still located, but the worldwide manufacturing facility is now in Rotterdam, Holland.

Four Stahlin ranges of non-metallic enclosures are included on a new Web site and all are available from stock straight away and through a custom modification and build service.

After recently announcing the introduction of the Stahlin range of super-tough electrical enclosures to the UK, Spelsberg has launched the website designed to provide UK customers with an easy to use central point of information for Stahlin products and services available in the UK. Four of the most popular Stahlin ranges of enclosures are included on the website at launch, all are available from stock straight away and via Spelsberg's custom modification and build service. They include: Diamondshield, J Series, Duraboxx and the Classic range.

The enclosures offer a variety of sizes, mounting and entry options but all feature tough construction and materials, and are ideal for use as instrument housings or junction boxes both indoors, outdoors and on mobile plant equipment.

Graham Fox, Spelsberg managing director commented, 'This is the first stage of the web presence in the UK for the Stahlin range, providing a variety of useful product and service information so that customers new to the range can get a good overview of the product lines on offer and the technology behind them.

We have also made the site as intuitive and easy to use as possible, allowing for easy navigation and plenty of opportunities to make product specific enquiries.' Jeff McIlroy, Stahlin international business manager and vice-president of parent company, Robroy Industries commented on the UK Web site launch, 'Part of the reason we partnered with Spelsberg to introduce the Stahlin range to the UK and Europe was local knowledge and experience, there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to find local support and information for a new product you are interested in.

The new Web site also has the facility for us to expand the content as the availability of products increases, and launch new language versions quickly and easily as the range is rolled out into the rest of Europe.' The Stahlin range provides protection for electrical junctions, switchgear and monitoring and control equipment in virtually any industrial environment.

Stahlin's J Series for example offers more than 300 configurations and 13 sizes ranging from 150mm x 100mm to 500mm x 400mm.

The J Series ensures reliable durability including moisture ingress protection up to IP68.

Due to the use of inert moulding materials the ranges are also ideal for use in hazardous areas, chemical process industries, oil and gas, mobile plant and other harsh outdoor environments.

The Stahlin range is well proven in some extremely tough applications and does provide very high resistance to weathering, corrosive atmospheres and physical impacts.

All Stahlin products are moulded from the company's patent pending SolarGuard material formulation, delivering extremely high protection from UV degradation.

All enclosures are available through Spelsberg's customisation and assembly service.

Spelsberg's in-house customisation service offers enclosures ready fitted with din-rails and bus bars, circuit breakers, colour coded clip-on terminals for rail mounting and a wide selection of cable entry devices from simple push-in protection up to fully clamping IP68 cable glands.

Modifications include anything from milling, drilling and engraving to custom cable entries, brand logos or simple instructions.

The service provides customers with the benefits of reduced overall costs, faster production time, reduced stock, administration and minimised administration.

A portable load bank ideal for generator testing can test three phase power up to 100kW in 1.25kW steps and is also suitable for testing single phase power up to 33kVA in 400W steps.
Cressall Resistors has launched the AC100, a new portable load bank, ideal for testing three phase power up to 100kW in 1.25kW steps. It is also suitable for testing single phase power up to 33kVA in 400W steps. The new device is the largest load bank in Cressall's standard range and, thanks to manufacturing efficiencies, is available on extremely short lead times.

The AC100 is suited to both testing on initial set up of generation plant and continual planned maintenance.

Customers include contractors, facilities managers, financial institutions, telecoms and IT firms and other companies where the consistent supply of power is crucial.

Amongst the key advantages of the AC100 is its portability.

Measuring just 1150 x 700mm and weighing 140kg, the load bank fits comfortably into the back of a small van and can be easily manoeuvred by a single person.

The load bank is mounted on braked rubber castors and fitted with push bars at front and rear with a top mounted cable stowage tray.

Another advantage is its rugged control system, featuring a voltmeter, ammeter and frequency meter, all controlled using durable pushbuttons.

Lower AC voltages can be applied, resulting in the maximum power being reduced accordingly.

For example, 220V three phase power, at 50/60Hz, would result in 28kW in 350W steps while 110V single phase power, at 50/60Hz, would result in 7kW in 85W steps.

The AC100 uses metal sheathed wire elements manufactured from high-grade nickel/chrome resistance wire in magnesium oxide insulated stainless steel tubes and 600V primary insulation.

It is cooled with a single 450mm fan powered from the test load itself or an external supply.

The fan is mounted in the base of the load bank and blows vertically through mesh bird screens at the top and bottom.

The enclosure in which it is housed is manufactured from sheet steel with an all-welded steel frame.

Options include a dual AC/DC model, which has all the capabilities of the standard version plus an additional rating of 0-190A (42kW) at 220V DC.

Twin industrial connector allows the Harting Han modular inserts to be combined in a compact hood and housing system, offering space-saving in servomotor systems and related installations.

The new Han-Modular Twin industrial connector from Harting allows the company's Han modular inserts to be combined in a new compact hood and housing system, offering space-saving as well as significant handling advantages in servomotor systems and related industrial installations. The new connector has been developed for applications where space is at a premium and it is necessary to mount two connectors in a single housing system: for example, where two different connection lines are needed to connect a servomotor to a shielded power supply and incorporate additional shielded control and signal lines. Currently M23 circular connectors have become established as a quasi 'standard' in the servomotor sector, but problems can arise when two circular connectors have to be mounted next to each other in a small area, making mating difficult and time-consuming.

Because the Han-Modular Twin connector incorporates both connector inserts in the same housing, it is possible to replace a defective drive or motor very quickly, thereby helping to obtain significant reductions in downtime.

With dimensions of 39 x 44mm, the Han-Modular Twin looks like a miniature IP65 industrial connector.

It is produced from a robust aluminium die-cast alloy, and also features the panel mounting housing with the proven Han-Easy Lock locking lever.

The Han-Modular Twin has a two-piece hood, consisting of an upper part with the cable entry and a lower carrier housing.

This design makes it easy to mount the inserts into the hood on the one hand, while the cable-side assembly is also quick and reliable.

Even cable-to-cable connections can be implemented easily, without additional coupling housings or other special parts.

The power and signal inserts are housed in two distinct, metallically separated chambers.

The cable screen can be clamped to a metal screening frame in the hood, ensuring seamless ground connections to achieve the required EMC protection.

The user can choose contact inserts from the extensive range of single modules from the Han-Modular range, which makes the system very versatile, as optimally designed modules are already available for the widest range of requirements.

Various power modules up to 50A and 830V, signal modules with up to 25 contacts and special data modules can be mounted in different combinations.

A further advantage is the use of the familiar Han contacts, which have become established as the standard in the industrial connector area.

The crimp contacts are well known and accepted by assemblers and users, and most users already have access to the appropriate crimp tools.

The system integrates proven connection technologies in a new compact housing concept, which is both open and flexible because of its modular assembly.

A highly effective corrosion preventative grease applied to conductors during manufacture protects against both galvanic and crevice corrosion even in the presence of corrosive pollutants.

Corrosion of overhead power conductors, mainly ACSRs (aluminium conductors steel reinforced) is a major and costly problem and is especially severe in heavily polluted areas. Some 25 years ago, in response to this problem, Vapor-Tek developed a highly effective corrosion preventative grease to be applied to conductors during manufacture. The grease protects against both galvanic and crevice corrosion even in the presence of corrosive pollutants.

Unlike some greases, which must be applied molten, Cablegard's unusual rheology enables the grease to be cold applied straight from the drum as received.

Cablegard is manufactured to the internationally recognised specifications EN 50326:2002 and IEC 61934 and well exceeds the corrosion requirements of the specifications.

The performance of Cablegard has recently been confirmed by SECRI (Shanghai Electricity Cable Research Institute), an important step towards its approval and use in the People's Republic of China where the corrosion problem is especially acute.

SECRI were sufficiently impressed with the test results that they are to sponsor Vapor-Tek in the presentation of a technical paper at a seminar to be held in Chonging in November 2006.

The delegates to the seminar will be comprised of scientists and engineers concerned with all aspects of electricity generation and distribution in China, including problems of corrosion.

The main topic is to be the 'Discussion of High Voltage and Ultra High Voltage Transmission Projects over Long Distances'.

In receiving this invitation, Vapor-Tek is uniquely privileged as the first non-Chinese organisation to attend the symposium which is held every two years.

The company hopes to seize this opportunity to emphasise the need for a high quality product which, whilst adding negligibly top the overall costs, can contribute substantially to conductor life and effect massive long-term savings.

New style remote power controller, ideal for factory automation and process control, features plug-in transistorised switching device for protection and signalisation.
New style remote power controller, ideal for factory automation and process control, features plug-in transistorised switching device for protection and signalisation. E-T-A Circuit Breakers has introduced a new version of a solid state remote power controller which reduces installation times when used in combination with an E-T-A power distribution module. The plug in device provides inexpensive power amplification for PLC outputs, protects output loads and lines against overload and short circuits, and monitors wire breakage.

The new 700 Series version of the E-T-A E-1048 Solid State Remote Power Controller is a plug-in transistorised switching device providing both protection and signalisation.

It provides in-rush current limiting, disconnection upon over-current and short-circuit, and wire break monitoring for applications up to 24V DC in current ratings from 0.5A up to 4A.

By monitoring the load circuit in process control applications involving switching of motors, solenoids and lamps, and providing power amplification for PLC outputs in industrial automation where the existing output capabilities are insufficient, the compact device offers ultra-reliable protection and status signalling.

When designing a flexible, pre-wired assembly consisting of several power controllers with a common power supply and group failure indication, the 7 Series E-1048 can be used in combination with the DIN-rail mountable E-T-A 17plus power distribution module.

The pairing creates a very flexible system which is capable of later extension or change.

Busbars, pre-wired signal contacts and spring-loaded screwless terminals reduce installation times considerably.

The E-1048 700/710 models have integral wire break signalling and LED indication for load circuits when they are off, while the models 702/712 monitor circuits which are either on or off.

The 710 and 712 models also provide fault storage.

The E-1048 is a compact, plug-in unit just 12.5mm wide.

It utilises a relay, physically isolating the fault indicator signal from the control signal and the load output.

With a similar time / current characteristic for overload disconnection to that of a thermal-magnetic circuit breaker, it also provides very rapid current limitation, followed immediately by disconnection in the event of short-circuit or overload.

Circular industrial connectors for use on control equipment in the robotics and automation sectors are made from tough polyamide material and offer protection of IP65 or IP67.

PEI-Genesis, the international distributor of commercial, industrial and military connectors, has expanded its range of products from Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics with the addition of the new eco-mate series of circular industrial connectors. Particularly suitable for use on control equipment in the robotics and automation sectors, the eco-mate connectors are made from tough polyamide material and offer environmental protection of IP65 or IP67, depending on model. They also feature a vibration-proof coarse-threaded cable gland and are ergonomically shaped to facilitate quick mating/unmating even under extreme environmental conditions.

Available from stock from the PEI-Genesis European headquarters in Basingstoke,UK, the eco-mate series consists of male and female panel-mount receptacles, together with male and female cable connectors in both straight and right-angled versions.

All variants are equipped with a pre-mating earth contact and can be specified with either three or six additional contacts in a choice of screw, solder or crimp termination styles.

The cable connectors incorporate a clamping ring that can accommodate cable diameters ranging from 6.0 to 12.5mm, and the straight versions are also available with an optional internal strain relief mechanism.

All receptacles feature an integral fastener for the optional protective cap.

Having evolved from Amphenol-Tuchel's C16-1 series, the new eco-mate connectors are completely intermateable and interchangeable with the old C16-1 products.

Engineers can now accurately measure from picoamps to kilovolts using a multifunction device that features a 71-2-digit (26 bits) digital multimeter and 1.8MS/s isolated digitiser.
Engineers can now accurately measure from picoamps to kilovolts with the new National Instruments PXI-4071 FlexDMM multifunction device that features a 71-2-digit (26 bits) digital multimeter and an 1.8MS/s isolated digitiser. The NI PXI-4071 FlexDMM offers fast, accurate voltage measurements from +/-10 nV to +/-1000 V and resistance measurements from 10 microohm to 5 Gohm. It also uses a solid-state current shunt configuration that offers 8 DC current ranges from 1 microA to 3A and 6 AC rms current ranges from 100 microA to 3A.

This capability gives engineers the flexibility, resolution, functionality and isolation required for challenging applications such as fuel cell testing, leakage measurements, IV curve tracing and data converter linearity testing.

The FlexDMM is the most accurate DMM available for PXI with DC reading rates of 7S/s at 71?2 digits.

For higher throughput needs, the FlexDMM offers a maximum DC reading rate of 10kS/s at 41?2 digits, five times faster than traditional GPIB-controlled DMMs.

In isolated digitiser mode, the FlexDMM can acquire DC-coupled waveforms in all voltage and current ranges with a 1.8MS/s maximum sample rate.

With the built-in isolation, engineers can measure differential waveforms up to 500V common-mode voltage such as fuel cell stack testing.

By changing the digitiser sampling rate, engineers can vary the resolution of the digitizer from 10 to 23 bits.

Engineers can analyse transients, fly-back signals or other aperiodic high-voltage AC waveforms in both the time and frequency domains using the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment with the FlexDMM in isolated digitiser mode.

Engineers can quickly increase the channel count of their FlexDMM systems by integrating them with NI switch modules such as the NI PXI-2532 512-crosspoint high-density matrix.

Engineers using the FlexDMM with NI switch modules and NI Switch Executive switch management software can measure thousands of channels with a single multimeter.

The NI PXI-4071 FlexDMM includes NI-DMM driver software for NI LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI, and Microsoft Visual Studio.NET.

* About NI Modular Instruments - NI offers essential technologies for test, which combine high-performance hardware, flexible software and innovative timing and synchronisation technology for test and design applications.

NI modular instruments offer accurate, high-throughput measurements from DC to 2.7GHz.

The product family includes: * High-resolution digitisers (up to 24 bits, up to 200MS/s).

* Signal generators (up to 16 bits, 200MS/s).

* Digital waveform generator/analysers (up to 400Mb/s).

* Digital multimeters (up to 71?2 digits).

* RF vector signal generators and analysers (up to 2.7GHz).

* Dynamic signal analysers (up to 24 bits, 204.8kS/s).

* Switching (multiplexers, matrices and general purpose).

* About National Instruments - National Instruments is a technology pioneer and leader in virtual instrumentation - a revolutionary concept that has changed the way engineers and scientists in industry, government and academia approach measurement and automation.

Leveraging the PC and its related technologies, virtual instrumentation increases productivity and lowers costs through easy-to-integrate software, such as the NI LabVIEW graphical development environment, and modular hardware, such as PXI modules for data acquisition, instrument control and machine vision.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 3,400 employees and direct operations in approximately 40 countries.

To celebrate the 10,000th customer purchasing test and inspection software, Amtech presented FG Skerritt with a case of champagne and a plaque to commemorate this landmark purchase.
When FG Skerritt placed their order for AMTECH Test and Inspection software at the beginning of August, 2006, little did they realise they would become Amtech's 10,000th customer. To celebrate this major milestone, Amtech have presented FG Skerritt with a case of champagne and a plaque to commemorate this landmark purchase James Cooper, sales director at Amtech said: 'We want to thank Skerritt for their order and hope with the champagne they can join us in the celebrations'. 'This represents a significant milestone for us.

With so many users in the field, we now have such a large user base providing feedback that we know what the industry wants and can continue to improve our software to meet the exact needs of our customers.' Many customers order more than one licence, including multi-licence versions.

This means over 20,000 electrical contractors, engineers and consultants have installed AMTECH software, further establishing Amtech as the UK market leader in electrical software.

Peter Saxby, FG Skerritt, business development manager said: 'It was a great surprise to hear that we were Amtech's 10,000 customer and are pleased to join their celebration.

We are often working as principle contractor on major projects, responsible for all installation and design requirements so having the latest software tools is important to streamline and co-ordinate projects.

Amtech's software will further increase our efficiency and the addition of the mobile version makes on site testing even easier.' F G Skerritt specialise in mechanical, electrical and plumbing building services including property care and refurbishment services and operates both locally and nationally.

Frank Skerritt started his plumbing firm in 1899 and since then the company has continued to grow and now has over 200 employees and a turnover in excess of GBP 27 million.

A wide range of accessories is available that enhance electrical/electronics enclosures and the 'Swing Panel' option addresses situations where easy access to the circuitry is required.
Phoenix Electronics is pleased to announce the release of new product additions and enhancements to the Fibox MNX range, all of which have a Swing Panel Option. The range has been extended to over 240 standard options which are available in either Polycarbonate or ABS with matching covers in opaque or transparent smoked grey. The smallest enclosure is now 100X100X35mm and the largest 255X180X175mm.

but by mixing base depths and cover depths (There are two base depths 25mm and 50mm, and two cover depths - 10mm and 25mm) the designer has a wide range of options.

The 50mm high base also comes with 2 x M20 moulded knock-outs on two opposing sides.

The two largest sizes in the range the 175H (180X180X50 mm) and 200H (180X255X50 mm) benefit from a two-component mould process where a TPE-gasket is applied during the moulding process.

This technology, common in the mobile phone industry, assures a consistent quality of gasket, guaranteeing the IP66/67 rating of the enclosure.

A wide range of accessories is available which enhances the product and the 'Swing Panel' option addresses situations where easy access to the circuitry is required.

These new products will be of interest to designers of electronic and electrical equipment where good protection is required coupled with easy access for servicing or maintenance purposes.