April 2007.pdf - Electrical Business Magazine
April 2007.pdf - Electrical Business Magazine
April 2007.pdf - Electrical Business Magazine
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INFO NO. 1<br />
T&B_LUG_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/27/07 2:23:30 PM<br />
Page 12<br />
Check out what Ford and GM offer this<br />
year in the way of work vans.<br />
Page 18<br />
Montreal wraps up the most successful<br />
High Lights Festival to date.<br />
Page 30<br />
With their frosted lenses, these lamps<br />
provide soft, even light distribution.<br />
PM # 40063602 PAP registration # 10774<br />
DriveRx<br />
VARIABLE SPEED DRIVE CABLE<br />
1000 VOLT – CSA
INFO NO. 3
<strong>Electrical</strong><br />
B usiness<br />
THE AUTHORITATIVE VOICE OF<br />
CANADA’S ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY<br />
<strong>April</strong> 2007<br />
Volume 43 • Issue 4<br />
ELECTRICAL BUSINESS is the magazine of the Canadian<br />
electrical industry. It reports on the news and publishes<br />
articles in a manner that is informative and constructive.<br />
Editor<br />
Anthony Capkun - acapkun@clbmedia.ca<br />
Publisher<br />
Bill Begin - bbegin@clbmedia.ca<br />
Account Representative<br />
Jennifer Sewell - jsewell@clbmedia.ca<br />
EB Editorial Advisory Board<br />
Tom Crist, Kerry Heid, Ron Bergeron, Stephen Tatrallyay,<br />
Dan Mott, John Vickery, Ian Dempsey and Pierre Dowd<br />
Art Director<br />
Svetlana Avrutin - savrutin@clbmedia.ca<br />
Production Manager<br />
Robert Russell - rrussell@clbmedia.ca<br />
Contributing Editor, Quebec Report<br />
Normand Gosselin - ngosselin@clbmedia.ca<br />
Creative Director<br />
Einar Rice - erice@clbmedia.ca<br />
Manager, Production<br />
Lisa Drummond - ldrummond@clbmedia.ca<br />
Subscriber Customer Service Representative<br />
Kristen Schulz - kschulz@clbmedia.ca<br />
240 Edward Street, Aurora, ON L4G 3S9<br />
Tel: 905-727-0077 Fax: 905-727-0017<br />
President<br />
Stuart Morrison<br />
Vice President, Media, Publishing<br />
Niel Hiscox<br />
Vice President, Finance/Corporate Development<br />
Kent Milford<br />
Vice President, Human Resources<br />
Susan Bishop<br />
Vice President, IT and Operations<br />
David Overall<br />
Director, Sales and Marketing<br />
Frank Shoniker<br />
Director, Editorial and Production<br />
Jackie Roth<br />
Director, Circulation<br />
James Zammit<br />
Director, Facility Management and Logistics<br />
Steve Dale<br />
Director, Human Resources<br />
Denise Desrosiers<br />
Director, IT<br />
Phillip Damianidis<br />
Member, CLB Media Management Committee<br />
Nigel Bishop<br />
SUBSCRIPTION RATES:<br />
Canada: Single issue $7.00 • Ten issues: $35.00<br />
(including tax)<br />
USA: $59.00 (US) and International: $75.00 (US) per year<br />
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ELECTRICAL BUSINESS, P.O. Box 8145, Lewiston, NY 14092<br />
The contents of <strong>Electrical</strong> <strong>Business</strong> are copyright by ©2006<br />
CLB Media Inc. and may not be reproduced in whole or part<br />
without written consent. CLB Media Inc. disclaims any warranty<br />
as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents<br />
of this publication and disclaims all liability in respect of<br />
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Agreement 40063602 ISSN 0013-4244<br />
Printed in Canada<br />
Although we’ve been around<br />
for 43 years as Canada’s<br />
national publication for<br />
electrical professionals, we by no<br />
means want to become stale. And<br />
this philosophy extends to our<br />
Editorial Advisory Board, which<br />
we launched last year to serve as a<br />
‘Brain Trust’ to the magazine.<br />
As such, we intend to shake<br />
things up every year with the addition<br />
of new voices and opinions<br />
to the board while thanking previous<br />
members for their efforts<br />
and commitment to the magazine.<br />
This month, we bid farewell<br />
to Maureen Bzowy, Ted Olechna,<br />
Erhard Hermann, Tim Jones and<br />
Debbie DeCaire. Staying on board<br />
for another term are Ron Bergeron<br />
of Bergeron Electric, Pierre Dowd<br />
of Desdowd Inc. and construction<br />
law expert Stephen Tatrallyay.<br />
And we welcome<br />
the following<br />
to our Editorial<br />
Advisory Board:><br />
Photo by Paul Wright<br />
lighting showcase<br />
20 Lightfair a beacon to the world<br />
of lighting<br />
20 Energy-efficient streetlights<br />
show us the way home<br />
21 The present and future promise<br />
of LED technology<br />
25 Pity the poor incandescent bulb<br />
Tom Crist<br />
Tom is the president and CEO<br />
of Eecol Electric, a prominent<br />
Canadian electrical distributorship<br />
founded in 1919.<br />
Headquartered in Calgary,<br />
Alta., Eecol is a member of the IED Limited<br />
Partnership. You’ll remember Tom from our<br />
Round Table discussion in last month’s issue.<br />
Kerry Heid<br />
Kerry is the president of<br />
Magna Electric (Regina, Sask.)<br />
and was the first Canadian<br />
sworn in as president of<br />
the InterNational <strong>Electrical</strong><br />
Testing Association (NETA), an<br />
accredited standards developer for the American<br />
National Standards Institute (ANSI). He was our<br />
“Meet the Players” profile in September 2006.<br />
Dan Mott<br />
Dan is the president of Mott<br />
Electric, a prominent electrical<br />
contractor in British Columbia<br />
that’s in its 77th year of business.<br />
Dan was profiled in our<br />
January 2006 issue and, more<br />
recently, we told you how he was selected to<br />
chair the board of directors of B.C.’s construction<br />
industry training organization (ITO).<br />
FEATURES<br />
8 Getting to the root cause of motor failures<br />
The squirrel cage induction motor remains the workhorse of industry, which is<br />
why it is important to pay more attention to root cause failure analysis.<br />
17 Grouping of motors on a single branch circuit<br />
There are code limitations with motor starters when we group them on a single<br />
branch over-current device, and these limitations are not always well known.<br />
37 Voltage regulators provide MRI solution<br />
A variable transformer controlled voltage regulator solves a design dilemma<br />
for the world’s first manufacturer of upright MRI scanners.<br />
REGIONAL FOCUS<br />
11 Atlantic Focus<br />
This month’s focus is on Nova Scotia—the “Gateway to the New World”.<br />
18 Quebec Report<br />
In Quebec, basic education is changing for maintenance and construction<br />
electricians, which are often considered two distinct trades.<br />
From the editor ▼<br />
Refreshing the Brain Trust<br />
ON THE COVER & PAGE 19<br />
Lighting Showcase–Lightfair 2007<br />
John Vickery<br />
The president Vickery Electric<br />
(Whitby, Ont.), John holds<br />
a number of electrical<br />
licenses, worked with Durham<br />
College and the Ministry<br />
of Colleges and Universities to establish<br />
the Apprenticeship Certification Act, and is<br />
listed on the Faculty of UNSOED University in<br />
Powerkerto, Central Java, Indonesia.<br />
Ian Dempsey<br />
Ian is a registered professional<br />
engineer and a<br />
member of the Association<br />
of Professional Engineers of<br />
Nova Scotia (APENS). He is<br />
currently a full-time instructor<br />
at Nova Scotia Community College (Institute<br />
of Technology Campus) in Halifax, where he<br />
has taught a number of various courses,<br />
including Fundamentals of Electricity.<br />
Again, we welcome our new members,<br />
and thank them for their commitment to<br />
both <strong>Electrical</strong> <strong>Business</strong> and Canada’s<br />
electrical industry.<br />
CONTENTS<br />
Lightfair is the preeminent North American showcase of lighting products and technology,<br />
and it’s also the reason we present this month such a huge Lighting Showcase, starting<br />
with our cover feature on the present and future promise of LED technology (presented by<br />
T.Y. Wang, Ph.D., shown in photo).<br />
26 Innovative products from<br />
lighting leaders<br />
27 Drugstore chain’s<br />
sustainability initiative<br />
29 Lighting impacts your<br />
health more than you know<br />
31 Lighting Efficiency Coalition<br />
issues call to action<br />
DEPARTMENTS<br />
4 Industry News<br />
7 Personalities<br />
12 Trucks for the Trade<br />
16 From the Legal Desk<br />
Specific tender questions<br />
33 Calendar<br />
36 Meet the Players<br />
CECA’s Rick Brodhurst<br />
39 EB Careers<br />
40 Library<br />
41 Marketplace<br />
42 Code File<br />
Rule 10-700 Grounding Electrodes<br />
42 Code Conundrum<br />
page 18<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 3
INDUSTRY NEWS<br />
Alberta funds training for over 3600 apprentices<br />
The Alberta government is investing more than $15 million<br />
to provide the in-class portion of apprenticeship programs to<br />
more than 3600 additional apprentices across the province.<br />
“The demand for skilled tradespeople in Alberta is at an<br />
all-time high,” said Doug Horner, minister of advanced education<br />
and technology. “This investment is a positive step toward<br />
addressing the province’s labour shortage and increasing access<br />
to post-secondary learning.”<br />
This investment in apprenticeship is part of the government’s<br />
10-year labour strategy, “Building and Educating Tomorrow’s<br />
Workforce”, which aims to improve the supply of appropriately<br />
skilled and motivated workers in the province.<br />
“It’s important that government continue to increase access<br />
to technical training,” said Brian Bickley, chair of the Alberta<br />
Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. “More apprentices<br />
will now receive top-notch technical training, which is<br />
great news for apprentices, industry and our province.”<br />
“Alberta Construction Association applauds the Alberta<br />
government’s ongoing investment in the development of a<br />
world-class apprenticeship training system,” said Ken Gibson,<br />
executive director of ACA. “Construction trades play a critical<br />
role in the continuing prosperity of the Alberta economy, so<br />
we’re pleased that increasing the number of skilled tradespeople<br />
is a priority for government.”<br />
The number of registered apprentices in Alberta has<br />
reached 60,000, up 47% in two years and 141% in<br />
10 years. Of the 3621 additional apprenticeship<br />
technical training seats, 372 are slated for electrician,<br />
which are broken down as follows:<br />
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology<br />
(NAIT)–Edmonton: 100<br />
• NAIT–Grande Prairie: 80<br />
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology<br />
(SAIT): 100<br />
• Lethbridge Community College: 29<br />
• Red Deer College: 32<br />
• Keyano College: 31<br />
There are a variety of technical training delivery options—such<br />
as distance learning, onsite training, mobile delivery, Alberta<br />
SuperNet delivery and others—to meet the needs of apprentices<br />
and their employers. For more information about apprenticeship<br />
programs or to find available technical training seats in<br />
Alberta, visit www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.<br />
Scott Lynch, driver of the Cooper Bussmannsponsored<br />
#63 Ford F-150 NASCAR Craftsman<br />
Series MB Motorsports race truck.<br />
Win a trip to NASCAR Ford<br />
Championship, courtesy Cooper<br />
Authorized Cooper Bussmann distributors can<br />
now register for the 2007 Winners Circle sales<br />
promotion. It kicked off <strong>April</strong> 1 and runs through<br />
September 30, with sweepstakes winners travelling<br />
to the 2007 NASCAR Ford Championship Race<br />
Weekend in November. Register online by visiting<br />
www.cooperbussmann.com. The promotion kit is<br />
available for $100/unit and can be purchased using<br />
available Cooper Bussmann co-op funds.<br />
INFO NO. 4<br />
<br />
3M is a Trademark of 3M. Used under license in Canada. TTS is a trademark of Thermon.<br />
Used with permission by 3M in Canada. 0703-CP-28484 E BA-07-11824<br />
<br />
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$2M from province creates trades,<br />
technology campus<br />
British Columbia is investing $2 million to create<br />
a second Cranbrook campus for the College of the<br />
Rockies, offering trades and technology training to<br />
support local industry. Premier Gordon Campbell<br />
said this investment would support training for—<br />
among other things—electricians.<br />
The $2 million covers the purchase price of 3.92<br />
hectares on Cranbrook’s southeast boundary and<br />
includes five buildings on the site. The workshops<br />
and office buildings occupy almost 2400 sq. m,<br />
or one-sixth of the area. The college plans to use<br />
the new campus initially to house trades programs<br />
currently operating out of leased space, adding<br />
technology programs later.<br />
“This is the sixth campus we’ve created in British<br />
Columbia, and it gives the College of the Rockies<br />
room to expand in the future,” said Murray Coell,<br />
minister of advanced education. “This new site,<br />
along with our expansion of the main Cranbrook<br />
campus, will open up more great places for young<br />
people in the Kootenays to train for exciting<br />
careers in trades and technology.”<br />
In the long term, the college plans to occupy all<br />
the buildings at its new campus, which is expected<br />
to open this September. In the shorter term, extra<br />
space may be leased to generate revenue.<br />
Since 2001, B.C. has invested more than $1 billion<br />
in new facilities on campuses around the province,<br />
which includes $15.4 million to design and<br />
build an academic and trades facility expansion at<br />
the College of the Rockies’ main Cranbrook campus,<br />
also scheduled to open this September.<br />
SIAST Palliser to upgrade facilities<br />
Pat Atkinson, Saskatchewan’s minister of advanced<br />
education and employment, recently announced<br />
$3.9 million in additional funding to enable the<br />
Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and<br />
Technology (SIAST) Palliser campus in Moose Jaw<br />
to enhance the quality of its facility and expand its<br />
current training capacity.<br />
“The expansion of the lab and shop space for<br />
the instrumentation program will help meet the<br />
critical need for skilled labour in our booming<br />
economy,” the minister said.<br />
According to the ministry, this capital investment<br />
in SIAST Palliser is part of the greatest total<br />
annual provincial investment in training by any<br />
government in the province’s history. The investment<br />
began in <strong>April</strong> 2006 with the addition of<br />
$15.5 million to the training budget, followed by<br />
a November commitment of $52.6 million.<br />
“Renovations in the instrumentation area will<br />
ensure that training keeps pace with contemporary<br />
4 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
3M_7x10_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/27/07 2:37:02 PM
INDUSTRY NEWS<br />
requirements,” said Bob McCulloch, SIAST’s<br />
president and CEO. “It will also enable us<br />
to build on our flexible training model, expanding<br />
capacity through brokerage arrangements<br />
with other institutions and custom training<br />
for employers.”<br />
Work on the SIAST Palliser project is expected<br />
to begin in the spring.<br />
British Columbia outlines energy plan<br />
B.C.’s minister of energy, mines and petroleum<br />
resources, Richard Neufeld, unveiled the province’s<br />
new “BC Energy Plan: A Vision for Clean<br />
Energy Leadership”, which includes aggressive<br />
targets for zero net greenhouse gas emissions,<br />
new investments in innovation, and an ambitious<br />
target to acquire 50% of BC Hydro’s incremental<br />
resource needs through conservation by 2020.<br />
The plan’s 55 policy actions focus on the<br />
province’s key natural strengths and competitive<br />
advantages of clean and renewable sources<br />
of energy. Among the highlights The province<br />
aims to be electricity self-sufficient by 2016. Visit<br />
energyplan.gov.bc.ca for more information or a<br />
copy of the plan.<br />
GE to open new Canadian facility<br />
GE is opening a new Canadian Assembly Centre<br />
in Mississauga, Ont., for its low-voltage electrical<br />
distribution products. Now Canadian distributors<br />
and end-users can benefit from faster lead<br />
times and customized service solutions for a range<br />
of distribution products, including switchboards<br />
and power and lighting panelboards.<br />
According to Pat Haughey, general manager<br />
with GE Consumer & Industrial, Canada, “This<br />
new facility underlines GE’s dedication to serving<br />
the needs of Canadian customers and will enable<br />
us to satisfy individual product requirements<br />
while providing faster turnaround”.<br />
A reception to mark the opening of the centre<br />
is planned for <strong>April</strong> 25th. For more information<br />
call (877) 259-0941 ext. 2912.<br />
iPod is a trademark of Apple Inc.<br />
Comprising 450 employees coast-to-coast, the business will<br />
go to market under the Edwards Sprinkler and Troy Sprinkler<br />
brand names. The sprinkler component is made up of Troy<br />
Sprinkler Ltd. in Ontario, Upper Valley Fire Protection<br />
in British Columbia and Alberta, and the former Barley/<br />
Edwards Sprinkler business in Atlantic Canada.<br />
Dave Heaps, GM/vice-president, Suppression Division, for<br />
the new team, said there are already big plans underway: “A<br />
divestiture such as this is the ideal way to gain rapid growth<br />
and we have hit the ground running, working with a team<br />
that is experienced and incredibly committed to success”.<br />
Heaps has been in the suppression business for over 30 years<br />
and was the former owner of Upper Valley Fire Protection.<br />
Saskatchewan provides funding to Skills Canada<br />
In support of upcoming provincial and national competitions<br />
being held in Saskatoon, the Wheat Province is<br />
providing nearly half-a-million dollars to Skills Canada–<br />
Saskatchewan.<br />
“With the critical need for skilled labour in this booming<br />
economy, it is important that we promote skilled trades<br />
as a lucrative career choice for our young people,” said Pat<br />
REGISTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!<br />
www.tnb-canada.com/en/tyduct.asp<br />
Atkinson, minister of advanced education and employment.<br />
“The two upcoming competitions will profile and promote<br />
the broad range of careers in skilled trades and technologies<br />
that are available to our youth.”<br />
The $446,750 in funding comes from the Dept. of Advanced<br />
Education and Employment, Dept. of Learning, Crown<br />
Investments Corp., and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship<br />
Trade Certification Commission.<br />
The 9th annual Saskatchewan Skills Provincial Competition<br />
takes place June 4-5, with the winners competing at the 13th<br />
annual Canada Skills Competition June 6-9. Both events will<br />
be held at Saskatoon’s Prairieland Exhibition Park.<br />
Skills Canada is a national not-for-profit organization<br />
devoted to addressing the skills gap and encouraging young<br />
Canadians to consider trade and technology careers.<br />
ENGINEERED TO PROTECT<br />
YOUR WIRES, YOUR HANDS,<br />
AND YOUR REPUTATION.<br />
Wiring Duct<br />
®<br />
Siemens completes Flender integration<br />
Siemens Canada Ltd. has completed its integration<br />
of Flender Power Transmission Inc. As<br />
the new member of the Automation & Drives<br />
group, Flender’s product range of gear technology<br />
will broaden and round off Siemens’ drive<br />
systems portfolio.<br />
The product brands of MOTOX gear<br />
motors and CAVEX gear units will merge into<br />
Siemens’ Standard Drives business unit, allowing<br />
Siemens to offer fully integrated mechanical<br />
gears, low-voltage NEMA and IEC motors and<br />
general purpose electrical drives for all industrial<br />
applications.<br />
The Loher Motor division of Flender—specializing<br />
in custom-made motors and explosion-proof<br />
applications—is now part of Siemens’<br />
Large Drives business unit, thereby expanding<br />
Siemens’ offerings of large motors and low- and<br />
medium-voltage Sinamics drives.<br />
The Flender Heavy Duty, Industrial Drive<br />
Applications, Standard Gear units and Coupling<br />
businesses form the new Mechanical Drives<br />
business unit, offering mechanical drive solutions<br />
that benefit from Siemens’ nationwide<br />
sales and support offices. The Flender operations<br />
continue to be managed through the Markham,<br />
Ont., facility.<br />
Smooth, coined edges<br />
won’t scratch fingers<br />
or damage wires.<br />
No-hassle,<br />
snap-on cover<br />
Panel builders agree that<br />
Thomas & Betts’ new line of<br />
Ty-Duct ® Wiring Duct is better in<br />
every critical way.<br />
Writeable protective film keeps the covers<br />
clean and blemish free, smooth coined<br />
edges won’t damage wires or scratch<br />
hands and a no-hassle cover snaps on<br />
simply and easily.<br />
Troy Sprinkler announces<br />
management buyout<br />
Jim McCoubrey, president of Troy Sprinkler<br />
Ltd., announced that members of the Canadian<br />
management team from GE Security Canada<br />
have purchased the Troy business, along with<br />
12 fire sales and service operations in Canadian<br />
non-metropolitan areas. Troy is a privately<br />
owned company offering a lineup of fire alarm/<br />
suppression, communications, nurse call and<br />
security products.<br />
Atlantic<br />
1-877-862-4357<br />
Quebec<br />
1-800-465-1399<br />
Ontario<br />
1-877-291-7771<br />
Mid-West<br />
1-866-540-8220<br />
Alberta<br />
1-888-664-5666<br />
B.C.<br />
1-866-540-8220<br />
w w w . t n b - c a n a d a . c o m<br />
See the difference for yourself. Schedule your<br />
free product demonstration today. Simply log<br />
on to www.tnb-canada.com/en/tyduct.asp<br />
and submit your request.<br />
INFO NO. 5<br />
T&B_7x10_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/27/07 1:50:05 PM<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 5
INDUSTRY NEWS<br />
The future of electricity transmission<br />
One of the dilemmas facing governments and utilities is supplying<br />
large amounts of electrical energy for growing populations in<br />
a way that is both efficient and has minimal impact on the environment.<br />
The answer may lie in ‘ultra-high voltage’ (UHV).<br />
In countries such as Brazil, China and India, ultra-high voltage<br />
(UHV) can get electricity from power generating stations<br />
thousands of kilometres away to urban populations. Defined as<br />
voltages of 1000kvac (or higher) and 800kvdc (or higher), UHV<br />
first delivers large quantities of power over very long distances<br />
with very little loss of power (higher voltage means lower current<br />
on the transmission line) over fewer lines. Hence, no proliferation<br />
of transmission lines, thereby minimizing environmental<br />
impact.<br />
Standards for UHV do not exist yet, so they need to be developed<br />
to ensure the safe and efficient use of this technology. This<br />
is why world experts on UHV are convening in Beijing, China,<br />
this July (under the auspices of the International Electrotechnical<br />
Commission [IEC] and the International Council on Large<br />
Electric Systems [CIGRE])—to map out the way forward for<br />
this new technology and its potential applications.<br />
The first issue is to develop reliable equipment and systems<br />
that deliver electricity safely. At present, the highest voltages<br />
used for long-distance transmission are about 765kvac, and<br />
that’s pretty much the limit—today’s equipment could not<br />
withstand higher voltages. The next task is to then develop new<br />
transformers, breakers and associated equipment, new transmission<br />
lines and insulating equipment designed for UHV.<br />
The IEC/CIGRE symposium is recommended for utilities, transmission<br />
system planners and operators, contractors, equipment<br />
manufacturers, transmission design engineers, research and test<br />
laboratories, government regulators and universities. To learn more,<br />
visit www.cigre.org, click on Events, then click on CIGRE Events.<br />
Capital Investment for University<br />
College of the North in The Pas<br />
The Government of Manitoba is committing $17<br />
million to several capital projects for the University<br />
College of the North (UCN) at the existing campus<br />
headquarters in The Pas.<br />
“Our government is committed to developing<br />
Manitoba’s north and UCN was developed in collaboration<br />
with northern Manitobans for northern<br />
Manitobans. This unique institution will have a longterm<br />
impact on the quality of life for all northern residents<br />
by contributing to community and economic<br />
development, increasing opportunities for employment<br />
and training, and helping people develop the<br />
skills and means to improve housing and other critical<br />
infrastructure,” said Premier Gary Doer.<br />
The capital planning and design phases will begin<br />
immediately and construction could start as soon<br />
as Spring 2008. Equity hiring provisions will be a<br />
consideration in development agreements to ensure<br />
Aboriginal and northern residents are employed at<br />
the various stages of development.<br />
“The Manitoba government has made training<br />
and employment initiatives a priority over the past<br />
seven years as part of our Northern Development<br />
Strategy,” Doer said. “Northern and Aboriginal<br />
people are undertaking education and training programs<br />
that have prepared them to work in a variety<br />
of jobs, such as designated trades and construction<br />
support services. These capital projects will offer<br />
more job opportunities closer to home.”<br />
INFO NO. 6<br />
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SDTC supports NxtPhase’s<br />
optical sensors for electric power<br />
NxtPhase T&D Corp., a provider of digital relays,<br />
recorders and fibre optic solutions for the electric<br />
power industry, announced that Sustainable<br />
Development Technology Canada (SDTC) is contributing<br />
$986,000 toward the development of a<br />
family of optical voltage and current sensors for use<br />
on high-voltage electric power grids.<br />
NxtPhase is to develop and demonstrate a class<br />
of environmentally friendly, safe, reliable and costeffective<br />
optical sensors for the electric power industry.<br />
These sensors employ fibre optics for measuring<br />
current and/or voltage, eliminating the need for<br />
insulating oil and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas currently<br />
used by traditional instrument transformers.<br />
(NxtPhase says SF6, a greenhouse gas, is 22,000<br />
times more potent than carbon dioxide.)<br />
“As Canada’s electric grid is upgraded to enhance<br />
both capacity and its ability to accommodate more<br />
renewable electricity, there is a great opportunity to<br />
introduce environmentally friendly components to<br />
the infrastructure,” said Vicky J. Sharpe, SDTC’s<br />
president and CEO.<br />
The total value of the project is $3 million. It<br />
is leveraged by investments from other sources,<br />
including consortium members Powertech Labs (a<br />
wholly owned subsidiary of BC Hydro) and the<br />
British Columbia Transmission Corp. (BCTC), the<br />
crown corporation responsible for the planning,<br />
operation and maintenance of British Columbia’s<br />
publicly owned electrical transmission system.<br />
Building permits, January 2007<br />
(StatsCan, The Daily)<br />
The value of building permits surged to their highest<br />
level ever in January, thanks to huge gains in the<br />
value of residential and non-residential permits. It<br />
was the third time in four months that the $6-billion<br />
mark was surpassed.<br />
Builders took out a record $6.3 billion in building<br />
permits in January—11.3% higher than December<br />
2006. These results point to a busy spring on building<br />
sites, as permits are a leading indicator of construction<br />
activity.<br />
The value of non-residential permits increased<br />
19.3% to a record $2.6 billion in January, the third<br />
monthly gain in four months. January’s gain was<br />
due largely to surges in the values of both industrial<br />
and institutional permits in Ontario.<br />
In the residential sector, the value of building<br />
permits rose 6.3% to $3.7 billion after two monthly<br />
6 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
Rittal_EB_Nov2006 1 11/23/06 3:39:13 PM
INDUSTRY NEWS<br />
declines. This was the third highest monthly level<br />
on record. Intentions increased in both single- and<br />
multi-family components.<br />
Provincially, the largest gain (in dollars) occurred<br />
in Ontario, where municipalities approved $2.6<br />
billion worth of permits in January, thanks to new<br />
record highs in both the residential and non-residential<br />
sectors.<br />
On the other hand, the value of building permits<br />
fell in six provinces. The biggest decline in terms of<br />
dollars occurred in Alberta, where a large drop in<br />
commercial and industrial permits more than offset<br />
a gain in the housing sector.<br />
Residential: record-high value<br />
of single-family permits<br />
Municipalities set a record for the value of building<br />
permits for single-family units for a second consecutive<br />
month. They issued $2.4 billion in singlefamily<br />
permits, up 2.8% from December. A major<br />
contributing factor was higher construction costs.<br />
Demand remained high for single-family dwellings,<br />
as municipalities authorized 10,220 new<br />
units, a slight 0.6% decline from December. This<br />
level was 3% higher than the monthly average of<br />
9920 units set in 2006. The demand for new-single<br />
family units has been on an upward trend since the<br />
middle of 2006.<br />
Following two monthly declines, the value of<br />
multi-family permits rebounded, rising 13.8% in<br />
January to $1.3 billion. The increase was powered<br />
by gains in the three types of multi-family dwellings<br />
(apartments/condominiums, semi-detached<br />
and row houses).<br />
In January alone, permits for 10,005 new multifamily<br />
units were issued, up 27.4% from December.<br />
A vast majority of the January permits were for new<br />
apartments/condominiums.<br />
Among the provinces, six showed increases in<br />
their value of housing permits in January. The<br />
largest gains (in dollars) were recorded in British<br />
Columbia (+16.7% to $719 million) and in Alberta<br />
(+15.1% to $758 million). The gains in both provinces<br />
were due to jumps in the values of single- and<br />
multi-family permits.<br />
PERSONALITIES<br />
To strengthen its product development<br />
department, W.A.C. Lighting<br />
has appointed Eric Silverman to<br />
project director of R & D, where<br />
he is responsible for helping develop<br />
custom lighting products, updating<br />
Eric Silverman products to comply with changing<br />
standards, and identifying and<br />
developing new lighting technologies in the residential<br />
and commercial markets.<br />
Paul Caragher has been named<br />
president of Fluke Networks, a<br />
provider of solutions for the installation<br />
and certification, testing,<br />
monitoring and analysis of copper,<br />
fibre and wireless networks.<br />
He comes to Fluke from his role<br />
Paul Caragher<br />
as business unit director at Hach<br />
Lange—which, like Fluke Networks, is a part of the<br />
Danaher family of companies.<br />
Ontor Ltd., a national distributor<br />
of industrial automation systems<br />
and HVAC component parts, has<br />
appointed Lawrence Rosen to the<br />
position of vice-president, Industrial<br />
Systems Division. Rosen comes<br />
Lawrence Rosen to Ontor from running his own<br />
rep agency, RoMark Technologies<br />
Corp., for the last 10+ years. Ontor has acquired<br />
RoMark and will be the exclusive Canadian representatives<br />
for several new product lines.<br />
The housing sector continued to be positively affected<br />
by the very dynamic economy in Western Canada. Other<br />
contributing factors were advantageous mortgage rates,<br />
the continued strength in full-time employment and in<br />
personal disposable income, not to mention the high level<br />
of immigration.<br />
Non-residential: rebound in institutional<br />
and industrial components<br />
Strong growth in the values of both institutional and industrial<br />
permits was the main factor behind the new monthly<br />
record in the non-residential sector.<br />
Permits in the institutional sector rebounded a spectacular<br />
69.3% to $620 million, after falling 51.1% in December. It<br />
was a fourth monthly increase over the last six months, and<br />
was largely the result of higher construction intentions for<br />
medical and educational buildings. Among provinces, six<br />
showed gains in the institutional sector. The largest gain (in<br />
dollars) was recorded in Ontario (+115.0% to $337 million).<br />
In fact, the value of institutional permits has been on an<br />
upward trend since February 2006.<br />
In the industrial sector, the value of permits surged<br />
45.9% to $650 million. The big gain, which followed<br />
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an 11.1% decline in December, was the result of large<br />
increases in the manufacturing and utility building categories<br />
in Ontario. Alberta showed the biggest drop (in<br />
dollars) on the heels of a 125.6% gain in December. The<br />
value of industrial permits has been on an upward trend<br />
since January 2006.<br />
Commercial sector permits fell 2.6% from December to<br />
$1.3 billion. Behind this decline was the lower demand for<br />
permits associated with warehouses and recreation buildings.<br />
Despite the retreat, the value of commercial building permits<br />
in January remained 12% higher than the average monthly<br />
level in 2006.<br />
Provincially, the biggest gain (in dollars) in the non-residential<br />
sector occurred in Ontario, where all three components<br />
(commercial, industrial and institutional) registered huge<br />
gains. In contrast, the largest decline (in dollars) occurred in<br />
Alberta, the result of important drops in the industrial and<br />
commercial components.<br />
Several economic factors were consistent with the strength<br />
in the non-residential sector, including growth in consumer<br />
spending and declining vacancy rates for industrial and commercial<br />
buildings. In addition, corporate operating profits hit<br />
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www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 7<br />
INFO NO. 7
By Austin Bonnett and Chuck Yung<br />
Getting to the root cause<br />
of motor failures<br />
The squirrel cage induction motor<br />
remains the workhorse of industry<br />
because of its versatility and ruggedness.<br />
It has its limitations, however,<br />
which, if exceeded, will cause the stator,<br />
rotor, bearings or shaft to fail. Numerous<br />
industry surveys document which parts<br />
fail and how, but very little data is available<br />
to explain why a given part fails.<br />
As industry’s approach to maintenance<br />
and repair gradually evolves from reactive<br />
and preventive to diagnostic and predictive,<br />
it is important to pay more attention<br />
to root cause failure analysis. Neglecting<br />
to do so will often result in repeated failures<br />
and expenditure of valuable resources<br />
and time in an effort to get back online.<br />
FIGURE 1<br />
Distribution of failed components<br />
TABLE 1 Motor components and stresses TABLE 2 Detailed summary of motor stresses<br />
failed. The root cause may be contamination,<br />
vibration, lack of lubrication, etc.<br />
Data provided by an Institute of<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)<br />
study (Figure 1) is helpful because it points<br />
to the most likely cause of motor failure by<br />
virtue of which component has failed. It<br />
is the responsibility of those analyzing the<br />
failure to search for the root cause that led<br />
to the failure of that particular component.<br />
(These percentages in Figure 1 may vary<br />
for a specific industry or location.) The<br />
real challenge, then, lies in reducing the<br />
large category of ‘unknown’ failures, as<br />
they are the ones that make analysis of the<br />
entire motor system so critical.<br />
INFO NO. 8<br />
Failure surveys<br />
Most failure survey data for electric motors<br />
is influenced by the particular industry,<br />
geographic location and combination of the<br />
motors in use. As such, specific numbers may<br />
not always be relevant. Most failure surveys<br />
focus on the component that actually failed,<br />
but do not address the root cause of that failure.<br />
For example, a bearing failure is not the<br />
root cause; it is simply the component that<br />
Root cause methodology<br />
Root cause methodology is a step-by-step<br />
method for examining a failed motor and<br />
its system, focusing on the stresses that<br />
acted upon the failed component. By<br />
better understanding these stresses, the<br />
service centre is more likely to uncover<br />
the root cause of the failure. The five key<br />
steps in root cause methodology are:<br />
1. Failure mode. The manifestation,<br />
form or arrangement of the failure (i.e.<br />
turn-to-turn, phase-to-phase, etc.).<br />
2. Failure pattern. How the failure is<br />
configured (i.e. symmetrical<br />
or asymmetrical).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Appearance. Examination of the<br />
failed part, the entire motor and the<br />
system in which it operates. Care must<br />
be taken to inspect all motor parts<br />
for damage, contamination, moisture,<br />
cracks or other signs of stress.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4. Application. A close examination of the work<br />
performed by the motor and the characteristics<br />
of those types of loads.<br />
5. Maintenance history. An examination of the<br />
work performed to keep the motor and system<br />
in proper operating condition.<br />
In an ideal world, all relevant information pertaining<br />
to the application, appearance and maintenance<br />
history would be available prior to the actual inspection<br />
of the motor or failed component. In real<br />
life, however, the methodology usually unfolds by<br />
first inspecting the failed part, then the motor and<br />
finally acquiring information about the application,<br />
appearance of the system and its maintenance history.<br />
This sequence is usually driven by the urgency<br />
to return the motor to service, as well as the availability<br />
of application and historical data.<br />
The good news is that the root cause of failure is<br />
obvious in some cases. Such examples could be:<br />
• A balancing weight comes loose and<br />
strikes the winding.<br />
• The winding is saturated with water.<br />
• The bearing lubricant is contaminated.<br />
In a case where the root cause must be known,<br />
however, it is imperative to complete each step of<br />
the methodology.<br />
Summary of motor stresses<br />
Most motor failures are caused by a combination<br />
of various stresses acting upon the bearings, stator,<br />
rotor and shaft (Table 1). When these stresses are<br />
kept within the designed capabilities of the system,<br />
premature failure should not occur, but when stresses<br />
combine to exceed the designed capacity, then the<br />
life of the system may be drastically reduced and<br />
catastrophic failure could very well occur.<br />
8 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
FIGURE 2<br />
The typical motor<br />
and system<br />
vice, and may not be the operator<br />
who is familiar with the motor or<br />
its application.<br />
Incorrect, incomplete or even misleading<br />
information is the norm. It<br />
may be impossible to draw the correct<br />
conclusion from the evidence<br />
provided. Never assume a piece of<br />
evidence exists just to force a conclusion<br />
that fits the ‘facts’.<br />
When a conclusion is built around<br />
erroneous information mingled with<br />
‘facts’, the root cause of failure is seldom<br />
correct. The result is additional<br />
failures or assigning blame to the<br />
wrong parties.<br />
Chuck Yung is a technical support specialist<br />
at the <strong>Electrical</strong> Apparatus Service<br />
Association (EASA), while Austin Bonnett<br />
is EASA’s education and technology consultant.<br />
EASA is an international trade<br />
organization comprising over 2000 electromechanical<br />
sales and service firms.<br />
Driving at the root cause<br />
A winding has failed after a very short<br />
run time, with a turn-to-turn failure.<br />
Be it new or rewound, the customer<br />
is prone to think the motor’s short life<br />
indicates poor workmanship.<br />
The customer failed to advise (or<br />
the service centre failed to ask) that<br />
the motor was operating on a pulsewidth<br />
modulated (PWM) drive with a<br />
100-ft cable run. This would have been<br />
a valuable piece of information for the<br />
service centre and, at the same time,<br />
it would have accurately described the<br />
motor’s power supply.<br />
Lacking knowledge of the PWM drive,<br />
the service centre forces the conclusion<br />
that the motor manufacturer damaged<br />
the winding, even though there was<br />
no such evidence. The manufacturer<br />
“must have damaged it in some notso-obvious<br />
way”.<br />
The wrong party is assigned responsibility<br />
for, and the cost of, repairing<br />
the failed motor. More importantly,<br />
the problem is not fixed and will likely<br />
occur again.<br />
The location of the failure is critical<br />
evidence that may explain the real<br />
reason for the winding failure. If the<br />
turn-to-turn failure is in a coil connected<br />
to a line lead, then a transient<br />
voltage could be the culprit. The location<br />
of this failure should alert the<br />
service centre to find out more about<br />
the power supply.<br />
When a motor is operating from a<br />
PWM drive, especially with a long cable<br />
run (more than 50 ft), a turn-to-turn<br />
failure in the lead coil is a classic indication<br />
of high voltage spikes produced<br />
by the PWM drive and long cable run.<br />
The difference in knowledge will:<br />
• assign the responsibility and cost of<br />
the repair to the correct party, and<br />
• most importantly, make sure the<br />
root cause of the failure is identified<br />
and corrected.<br />
These stresses can be classified as follows:<br />
• Bearing stresses: thermal, dynamic and static<br />
loading, vibration and shock, environmental,<br />
mechanical, electrical.<br />
• Stator stresses: thermal, electrical, mechanical,<br />
environmental.<br />
• Rotor stresses: thermal, dynamic, mechanical,<br />
environmental, magnetic, residual, miscellaneous.<br />
• Shaft stresses: dynamic, mechanical, environmental,<br />
thermal, residual, electromagnetic.<br />
For a more detailed summary of these stresses, see<br />
Table 2.<br />
Analysis of the motor and system<br />
Surrounding the motor is a system that consists of<br />
the power supply, mounting, coupling and driven<br />
equipment. The environment—including the ambient—acts<br />
as an umbrella covering all of the elements<br />
of the system. Even the end product or process can<br />
be considered part of this system (Figure 2).<br />
Many factors affecting the system will also affect<br />
the motor, and may contribute to motor failure<br />
and vice-versa. Failure to consider each of these<br />
elements of the complete motor system could lead<br />
to an incorrect diagnosis of the root cause of failure.<br />
An effective tool for a systems approach is to conduct<br />
a failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) of the<br />
complete system. The idea behind this is to determine<br />
the possible failure modes for a component,<br />
then determine how that failure can impact the<br />
system where the component resides. This analysis<br />
provides at least some of the possible scenarios that<br />
can lead to a motor failure.<br />
It is important to note that a number of failure<br />
mechanisms can lead to the same failed part with a<br />
common mode and pattern of failure. As examples,<br />
improper voltage, too much load, blocked ventilation,<br />
and excessive cycling and ambient can all<br />
produce the same type of winding failure. It is not<br />
always possible to correctly identify the problem<br />
without considering the entire system.<br />
In many cases, arriving at the correct conclusion<br />
is a process of elimination driven by the collection<br />
of accurate data and facts associated with the system.<br />
At the risk of stating the obvious, failure to eliminate<br />
the root cause usually assures expensive downtime<br />
and repeated motor failures. A classic example is the<br />
repeated replacement of failed bearings without ever<br />
trying to assess the root cause of failure.<br />
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When analyzing a motor failure, it is important not<br />
to assume facts that may fill in the gaps in information<br />
supplied by the customer.<br />
The service centre often does not know much<br />
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www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 9
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INFO NO. 10
NEWS FROM THE<br />
“Gateway to the New World”<br />
ATLANTIC<br />
FOCUS<br />
Photos courtesy Province of Nova Scotia.<br />
Photo of the MacDonald Bridge from Dartmouth at night. During the<br />
winter months, Nova Scotia’s peak power demand occurs in the evening<br />
hours, typically between 6 and 8 o’clock.<br />
Province and utilities look for savings<br />
A new study is looking for ways to save money for municipal<br />
electric utilities and the customers they serve. Launched jointly<br />
by the Municipal Electricity Utilities of Nova Scotia Co-operative<br />
and the Department of Energy, the study will examine<br />
ways to manage electricity use during winter months.<br />
“Electricity is most expensive to produce during times of<br />
peak use... We want to help municipal electricity utilities manage<br />
that peak, and the costs that go with it,” said Bill Dooks,<br />
energy minister.<br />
“If we can shift customer demand away from the peak,<br />
everybody can save money—our utilities and our customers,”<br />
said Don Regan of the Berwick Electric Commission. Berwick<br />
is one the province’s six municipally owned electric utilities that<br />
buy energy from Nova Scotia Power and distribute it to local<br />
residents in Antigonish, Berwick, Canso, Lunenburg, Mahone<br />
Bay and Riverport.<br />
“We all want to find ways to save<br />
money. And we need to do it with minimal<br />
disruption to the routines of these<br />
customers, to make sure our study is<br />
grounded in reality,” said Regan.<br />
Nova Scotia commits to green energy market reform<br />
By 2013, almost 20% of Nova Scotia’s electricity—roughly<br />
400MW per day—will be generated by renewable energy: wind,<br />
tidal, biomass, solar and hydro.<br />
The new regulations under Nova Scotia’s Electricity Act call<br />
for renewable energy increases of 5% to the total supply by 2010,<br />
and 10% by 2013 (on top of renewables already in the system as<br />
of 2001). To meet the 2010 target, only independent power producers<br />
will be able to bid on new renewable projects. Electricity<br />
utilities pay a penalty up to $500,000 a day for failing to meet<br />
these targets.<br />
“This is excellent news<br />
because it will create economic<br />
growth for independent<br />
power producers as<br />
well as environmental benefits<br />
and stability in Nova<br />
Scotia’s power supply,” said<br />
Luciano Lisi, Cape Breton<br />
Power Ltd.’s CFO.<br />
Photo of the Pubnico Point Wind Farm.<br />
Nova Scotia expects most of its renewable<br />
supply growth over the next six<br />
years to come from wind generation.<br />
Energy Minister Bill<br />
Dooks promised more<br />
action in the coming<br />
months: “I want to remind<br />
Nova Scotians that we are<br />
going to do more to support<br />
Nova Scotia’s renewable energy industry, and we will continue<br />
to look at electricity market reform”.<br />
By spring, Dooks expects to complete his assessment of additional<br />
options for independent power producers to sell green<br />
energy, including: a rate for buying energy shortfalls (‘top-up’) and<br />
selling surpluses (‘spill’); and legislation for the retail sale of green<br />
energy to industry, municipalities and the public.<br />
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INFO NO. 13<br />
Half-million-dollar<br />
research investment<br />
Nova Scotia is investing $500,000 in<br />
renewable and non-renewable research<br />
to help develop both green energy (such<br />
as tidal power) and a better understanding<br />
of natural gas deposits.<br />
Premier Rodney MacDonald said the<br />
government’s investment will make it<br />
easier to move forward on projects such<br />
as in-stream tidal power and create new<br />
interest in Nova Scotia’s offshore oil and<br />
gas fields. $250,000 will be used to support<br />
a strategic environmental assessment<br />
for offshore renewable energy.<br />
“This strategy is good for OTANS<br />
members, and we agree with the<br />
approach,” said Barry Clouter, chair<br />
of the Offshore/Onshore Technologies<br />
Association of Nova Scotia. “This<br />
industry has huge upsides, and we need<br />
to do all we can as a province to maintain<br />
momentum and keep our member<br />
companies working in Nova Scotia.”<br />
The strategic environmental assessment<br />
will gauge the impact of offshore<br />
renewable energy projects in the Bay<br />
of Fundy, a crucial step in moving<br />
technology—such as in-stream tidal—<br />
closer to the water. The $250,000 grant<br />
is being offered to OEER, an offshore<br />
energy and environmental research<br />
association, to do an assessment.<br />
The second $250,000 grant will<br />
be used to reprocess seismic data<br />
and make it available online through<br />
the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore<br />
Petroleum Board’s new data management<br />
centre.<br />
INFO NO. 11<br />
Did you know that...<br />
... just seeing a demonstration of our new<br />
www.tnb -canada. com<br />
Ty-Duct ® Wiring Duct between<br />
now and June 22, 2007 also gets you<br />
a chance to win a new iPod nano<br />
Request your demonstration today at<br />
www.tnb-canada.com/en/tyduct.asp.<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 11<br />
T&B_vert_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/27/07 3:42:51 P<br />
iPod is a trademark ofApple Inc.<br />
INFO NO. 12
Trucks for<br />
the trade<br />
offerings:vans<br />
GM’s and Ford’s<br />
work truck<br />
GMC’s workhorse, the Savana<br />
GMC’s 2007 Savana continues to offer versatility in the fullsize<br />
van segment. Available with two wheelbase lengths—<br />
regular (135 in.) and extended (155 in.)—it offers stable<br />
handling, precise steering, good ride motion control and<br />
balance, as well as a quiet driving experience.<br />
The three-piece frame features fully boxed sections for<br />
strength and rigidity, while extended and tapered front frame<br />
rails improve crashworthiness. Additional tubular frame crossmembers<br />
are used to increase torsional stiffness.<br />
A standard four-wheel antilock disc brake system with<br />
Hydroboost works with a high-volume brake master cylinder<br />
to provide increased stopping power with an easy, linear<br />
feel on the brake pedal. Dynamic rear proportioning also is<br />
used and helps apply the correct amount of pressure to the<br />
rear wheels, depending on whether the van is loaded.<br />
And you’ll like some of the other details found throughout<br />
the van if you use it as a mobile office. This includes<br />
supportive front seats, good interior lighting, glove-friendly<br />
door handles, storage pockets, secondary power outlets and<br />
durable carpeting. Also, a 60/40-split left-hand, side-hinged<br />
door provides flexible loading capability.<br />
The Vortec 5.3L V8 delivers 295 hp and 335 lb-ft of<br />
torque, resulting in great acceleration, and is the standard<br />
engine in H1500 cargo and conversion models. You can also<br />
order a GM FlexFuel E85 version of the Vortec 5.3L, which<br />
delivers the same horsepower and torque as its gasoline<br />
counterpart but runs on E85 ethanol fuel or a mixture of<br />
E85 and gasoline.<br />
Other Savana engines include: the 195-hp Vortec 4.3L<br />
V6 with multiport fuel injection (base for light-duty Savana<br />
cargo); the Vortec 4.8L V8 with 285 hp (found in the<br />
2500 Series); the Vortec 6.0L V8, which delivers 300 hp<br />
and 360 lb-ft of torque; and, for maximum performance,<br />
the Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 engine, which delivers<br />
250 hp and 460 lb-ft. of torque. Boasting fast-heating glow<br />
plugs, the diesel is teamed with the Hydra-Matic 4L85 electronically<br />
controlled four-speed automatic transmission, and<br />
is available on G2500 and G3500 cargo van models.<br />
The 1500 Series vans include light-duty models rated at<br />
7200-lb GVW. The 2500 Series includes heavy-duty models<br />
rated at 8600-lb GVW. The heavy-duty 3500 Series includes<br />
full-bodied cargo vans rated at 9600-lb GVW, and commercial<br />
and RV cutaway chassis with GVW ratings of 9600 lb to<br />
14,050 lb.<br />
Protect Yourself<br />
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INFO NO. 14<br />
Complies with<br />
UL 61010-1<br />
CSA C22.2 NO.61010-1<br />
& Part 2 61010-2-31<br />
IDEAL INDUSTRIES (CANADA), CORP.<br />
Customer Service 800 824-3325<br />
www.idealindustries.ca<br />
12 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
Ideal_FusedLeads_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd1 1 3/19/07 11:35:11 AM
Trucks for<br />
the trade<br />
side collisions. The standard four-wheel anti-lock brake<br />
system (ABS) helps provide steering control in hard-braking<br />
situations.<br />
Meantime, electronic throttle control and engine oil<br />
cooler are now standard on all E-Series models. Larger rear<br />
anti-roll bar and driveshaft increase the capacity of E-150<br />
models to more than an 8500 lb Gross Vehicle Weight<br />
Rating. Also added to the lineup is the E-250 cutaway with<br />
4.6-L V8, electronically controlled 4R75E transmission and<br />
midship fuel tank.<br />
Ford’s E-Series<br />
It was 1960 when Ford first introduced the E-100<br />
Econoline as a 1961 model, and it’s come a long<br />
way since then.<br />
Several engines are available and, when properly<br />
equipped, the E-150 van can tow up to 7500 lb and<br />
the E-350 Super Duty up to 10,000 lb. An available<br />
Class II/III/IV trailer tow package includes an electric<br />
brake controller with tap-in capability, a sevenpin<br />
trailer wiring harness with bumper bracket, and<br />
a relay system for backup and running lights.<br />
Ford E-Series has aerodynamic styling that<br />
complements its image as a working vehicle.<br />
Wraparound bumpers help protect front-end sheet<br />
metal in minor impacts, while a medium platinum<br />
bumper is standard on the commercial van. The<br />
van is available in regular- and extended-length<br />
models, with a Cutaway version and Stripped<br />
Chassis version—each with three wheelbases—also<br />
available. The standard side doors on the van are<br />
60/40 swing-out, but a sliding cargo door is a<br />
no-cost option. The standard E-Series offers up to<br />
236.5 cf of rear cargo space, with up to 275.1 cf in<br />
extended van versions.<br />
The E-Series cargo area features a doublewall<br />
design, leaving the exterior sheet metal less<br />
vulnerable to damage from shifting cargo. The<br />
Masterack work-bin rack system is good for customers<br />
who must secure tools and parts. It includes<br />
fully installed steel shelving, drawers and cabinets.<br />
A full-width safety partition provides workarea<br />
access from the passenger compartment.<br />
The QuietFlex Racks and Bins System is made of<br />
composite material and provides a quieter, more<br />
flexible storage solution. The QuietFlex package<br />
includes a lockable composite bulkhead that offers<br />
the driver 4 in. of additional seat recline. These<br />
packages are available at no charge.<br />
E-Series also offers a full suite of conventional<br />
safety features. The driver and front-passenger air<br />
bag supplemental restraint system provides protection<br />
in frontal collisions. Side-door intrusion<br />
beams provide additional protection in certain<br />
2287<br />
®Adrian Steel is a registered trademark of Adrian Steel.<br />
That’s the retail value of the Work-Ready Equipment you can receive when you<br />
purchase or lease an eligible new GM van through the <strong>Business</strong> Choice program.<br />
Quality Adrian Steel ® all purpose storage bin system helps you put all the plentiful<br />
space inside Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana to very good use. With<br />
Adrian Steel, you know the upfitting equipment is going to be durable, just like your<br />
GM van. The right choice for your line of work – <strong>Business</strong> Choice. It’s Your <strong>Business</strong>,<br />
It’s Your Choice. Visit fleet.gmcanada.com or call 1-800-866-0313 for more information.<br />
INFO NO. 15<br />
GM_7x10_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 1/25/07 10:07:15 AM<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 13
Trucks for<br />
the trade<br />
INFO NO. 16<br />
INFO NO. 17<br />
AEB047<br />
Go to bradycanada.com to see<br />
NEW lower prices on our<br />
most popular printers!<br />
WHEN PERFORMANCE MATTERS MOST <br />
Brady_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/20/07 1:40:46 PM<br />
New voltage-indicating<br />
safety switches for improved<br />
personnel Safety.<br />
Now you can tell when voltage is present<br />
in Square D safety switches, helping to<br />
prevent arc-flash hazards and electric<br />
shocks during maintenance work.<br />
Voltage monitors can be factory installed<br />
on Heavy Duty, 600V, 3 Pole, Type 3R/12<br />
and 4/4X stainless steel enclosures,<br />
on the line and/or the load side. Bright,<br />
high luminescent LEDs are highly<br />
visible and their readings are not<br />
affected by ambient light.<br />
They can detect and indicate current<br />
leakage greater than 2 mA or any<br />
remaining voltage on the load-side<br />
of the switch.<br />
Combined with many other safety<br />
features such as visible blades,<br />
viewing windows, and colour-coded<br />
handles, Square D safety switches<br />
are the industrial choice for<br />
personnel safety.<br />
Square D<br />
Turn It On.<br />
www.schneider-electric.ca<br />
Taking Safety<br />
to a new level<br />
®<br />
Astro body returns to GM lineup<br />
Great news for commercial customers who loved<br />
the Chevy Astro and GMC Safari: GM offers an<br />
all-new Astro body package on 2007 Chevrolet<br />
Colorado and GMC Canyon pick-ups.<br />
“Shortly after we discontinued Astro and Safari,<br />
a number of our commercial customers told us<br />
that the midsize vans filled a number of important<br />
needs,” said Tim Cavanaugh, marketing product<br />
manager for General Motors mid-size trucks, adding<br />
that many of these customers used Astro and<br />
Safari for trade applications.<br />
The 2007 Astro package delivers more capacity<br />
than the original mid-sized vans. Compared to the<br />
2005 Astro and Safari vans, the Astro body is taller<br />
(78 in. versus 75 in.), longer (82 in. versus 80 in.)<br />
and can carry wider items (43.1 in. above the wheel<br />
housings) safely and securely inside the vehicle.<br />
Total payload capacity for Colorado and Canyon<br />
Astro body is nearly that of the mid-sized vans<br />
(1515 lb versus 1647 pounds) once you consider<br />
that the mid-sized vans required a driver partition<br />
that weighed about 100 lb.<br />
Cargo loading and unloading is accomplished<br />
via either the 30-in. side door opening or the<br />
48.45-in. double-rear doors that swing out 180°<br />
for greater efficiency. The side and rear doors are<br />
keyed the same as the vehicle cab for greater convenience.<br />
The box portion of the package features the<br />
same door handles, taillights and CHMSL (centre<br />
high-mounted stop light) as those on Colorado and<br />
Canyon models, and is constructed of commercialgrade<br />
fibre glass for durability. The inside features a<br />
durable floor and a 12V dome light. A host of bin<br />
packages and ladder racks are also available from<br />
GM suppliers.<br />
The standard engine is the new 3.7L I-5, which<br />
delivers 242 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque. It features<br />
variable valve technology (VVT), electronic<br />
throttle control and other features that contribute<br />
to high levels of operating efficiency and fuel economy.<br />
The 3.7L is coupled with the Hydra-Matic<br />
4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic.<br />
The Astro package is available on Colorado<br />
and Canyon Chassis Cab models, in 2WD and<br />
4WD configurations.<br />
These vehicles were specifically designed based<br />
on customer input and engineered to offer GM<br />
Fleet and Commercial customers models designed<br />
for unique uses—ordered right from the factory<br />
and backed by GM warranties and service.<br />
Reading someone<br />
else's copy of<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> <strong>Business</strong><br />
Visit<br />
EBmag.com<br />
and click SUBSCRIBE!<br />
Chances are you qualify for a<br />
FREE SUBSCRIPTION.<br />
14 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
Schneider_7x10_EB_Jan07.indd 1 1/9/07 12:17:14 PM
R<br />
R<br />
EMTBUSHINGS<br />
THE BEST CABLE PROTECTION<br />
• Fast & easy press-on installation<br />
• Holds tight as cables are pulled<br />
• Protects cable from abrasion<br />
• Can be substituted for costly fittings<br />
when used just for wire<br />
Arlington<br />
for 1/2" to 4"<br />
EMT • Rigid • PVC<br />
Listed for<br />
Air Handling<br />
Spaces<br />
800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com<br />
© 2001, Rev 2006 Arlington Industries, Inc.<br />
© 2001-2006 Arlington Industries, Inc.<br />
THE<br />
2"<br />
TL20<br />
TL50<br />
for a<br />
5" diameter<br />
bundle<br />
2.5"<br />
TL25<br />
Arlington<br />
LOOP <br />
LOW-COST HANGER<br />
for COMMUNICATIONS CABLE<br />
5"<br />
TL50<br />
Flexible and<br />
non-metallic,<br />
The LOOP holds<br />
a 2" to 5"<br />
diameter bundle<br />
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fiber optic cable<br />
without sagging,<br />
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The 2.5" TL25 holds<br />
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Listed for<br />
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Patented.<br />
800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com<br />
LOW VOLTAGE<br />
MOUNTING BRACKETS<br />
• Seats wall plates<br />
flush with<br />
mounting surface<br />
• Adjusts to fit<br />
1/4" to 1" thick<br />
drywall, paneling,<br />
etc.<br />
• Installs faster<br />
costs less<br />
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LV1 Single-gang<br />
Low Voltage Mounting<br />
Bracket<br />
2-gang<br />
LV2<br />
Arlington<br />
for CLASS 2 WIRING<br />
Recessed<br />
Screw Hole<br />
seats wall plate<br />
flush with wall<br />
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Thin<br />
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seats better<br />
on drywall<br />
Oval<br />
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Patented<br />
800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com<br />
© Arlington Industries, Inc.<br />
GARD N POSTM<br />
ENCLOSURE & SUPPORT<br />
for OUTDOOR FIXTURES and DEVICES<br />
Arlington’s Gard-N-Post Enclosures and Supports<br />
offer the attractive, safe, and easy way to install a light<br />
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More<br />
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Use the<br />
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INFO NO. 18 INFO NO. 19 INFO NO. 20<br />
Low<br />
voltage<br />
separator<br />
LOW<br />
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• Non-metallic, heavy-duty UV rated plastic<br />
• Heavy duty – resists damage from lawn equipment<br />
• No chipping or loss of color<br />
• New stabilizer position –<br />
post sits higher above ground<br />
• GARD-N-POST – in a variety<br />
of styles from 9" to 73" tall<br />
Patented. Other patents pending<br />
ONE &TWO PIECE<br />
FAN/FIXTURE BOXES FOR SIDING<br />
8141F<br />
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• UV rated plastic<br />
• Textured, paintable finish<br />
• Installation before<br />
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VS 8081F<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Box<br />
Two-pieces<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> cover<br />
and box<br />
For light fixtures &<br />
standard receptacles<br />
Both come with<br />
NM Cable connector<br />
Arlington 800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com © 2001 Arlington Industries, Inc. REV 0307<br />
GP19B<br />
INFO NO. 22<br />
A NEAT UP<br />
BOX COVER for UNUSED FAN/FIXTURE BOXES<br />
Our CP3540 Box Cover is<br />
the neatest way to cover<br />
unused fan/fixture boxes<br />
(pan boxes too!) and poorly<br />
cut drywall.<br />
The bracket offers<br />
‘A’ and ‘B’ openings<br />
for use on flat or uneven<br />
ceilings. Attach bracket<br />
to box with #8 or #10 screws,<br />
backing them out just far<br />
enough to slip the bracket on.<br />
for<br />
Pan Boxes<br />
too!<br />
‘B’ for uneven<br />
or textured ceilings<br />
Thread stud into<br />
opening until tight<br />
CP3540 Box Cover<br />
‘A’ for flat ceilings<br />
Push stud into<br />
opening to seat cover<br />
R<br />
R<br />
Patented.<br />
Other<br />
patents<br />
pending.<br />
CSA listed with<br />
grounding lugs<br />
© 2005 , 2006 Arlington Industries, Inc.<br />
• No screws show on<br />
the ceiling plate<br />
• Fits 3.5" or 4" round<br />
or octagonal boxes<br />
• Non-metallic<br />
• Textured, paintable<br />
Stud<br />
Improved Bracket Design!<br />
Arlington<br />
800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com<br />
Arlington 800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com © 2002 Arlington Industries, Inc. REV 0107<br />
Patented. Other patents pending<br />
INFO NO. 21<br />
INFO NO. 23
From the Legal Desk<br />
Non-compliant bids and fairness<br />
And other specific tender questions<br />
By Stephen<br />
Tatrallyay<br />
Do the rules of fairness in tendering apply to<br />
relations between a GC and a subtrade, or just<br />
between owners and contractors<br />
The Supreme Court of Canada answered this in Ellis Don<br />
v. Naylor Electric. 1 There was clear evidence that Ellis was<br />
bid shopping among the electrical trades while it waited for<br />
a decision from the owner as to whether the project would<br />
proceed. Ellis told one subtrade, Naylor, that it could base<br />
its price on non-union workers, although Ellis knew there<br />
was an application against it at the Labour Relations Board<br />
(LRB) wherein the IBEW claimed bargaining rights for all<br />
electrical workers on Ellis projects in Ontario.<br />
Ellis continued to negotiate with Naylor, carrying its<br />
price in the final submission to the owner, which was made<br />
some time after an adverse LRB ruling declaring the IBEW<br />
Collective Agreement covered all electricians employed by<br />
both Ellis and Naylor on Ellis projects. In the end, Ellis<br />
contracted with a union electrical subtrade and Naylor sued,<br />
claiming it had been unfairly treated by Ellis.<br />
Ellis argued that a clause in the contract gave it the right to<br />
refuse to deal with Naylor if it had a “reasonable objection”<br />
to using them. Apart from the fact that the clause was clearly<br />
drawn to protect the owner, the court held that Ellis—by its<br />
actions in inviting Naylor’s bid and negotiating with Naylor,<br />
not to mention carrying Naylor’s price in its final tender<br />
with full knowledge of Naylor’s affiliation with another<br />
union—had waived any right of objection it may have had<br />
under this clause.<br />
This was further reinforced by the fact that Ellis had continued<br />
to use Naylor’s price, especially to get better prices<br />
from other subtrades, even after it learned of the LRB’s decision<br />
against it. Ultimately, Naylor was awarded damages for<br />
breach of the duty of fairness in Contract A, leading to the<br />
reasonable conclusion that such a duty exists between GCs<br />
and subtrades, as well as owners and GCs.<br />
What about when all bids are non-compliant<br />
This situation often arises in circumstances where there is an<br />
upset price for an improvement. A fixed price is allocated to<br />
part of the improvement—say, the gymnasium in a school—<br />
and the architect designs it to a performance specification.<br />
The trades tender to what the architect has designed, and all<br />
the prices come in way over budget.<br />
There are two theories as to what should be done in this<br />
situation. The first says you reject all bids, tear up the specs<br />
and try to design something cheaper, then allow all previous<br />
tenderers to provide a new price. The other says you<br />
negotiate with the lowest bidder complying with the original<br />
specs. (The Canadian Construction Documents Committee<br />
[CCDC] takes this position in its Document 23.)<br />
In Dominion Construction v. Keewatin-Patricia District<br />
School Board, 2 the lowest price—which was still more than<br />
the upset limit—came from a contractor who found a different<br />
way of doing the work. In essence, both the work and<br />
the price he proposed were non-compliant. When the owner<br />
let all trades re-tender on the basis of the revised specs, then<br />
awarded the contract to another trade (whose original price<br />
was non-compliant but at least based on the specs), the first<br />
contractor sued.<br />
Justice Zielinski held that since all bids were non-compliant,<br />
the owner could essentially do what it wanted. It did<br />
not have to comply with CCDC Document 23 (which, in<br />
any event, is only a suggestion). The fact that the owner<br />
did let the non-compliant bidder back into the rebidding<br />
process made no difference: once non-compliant, always<br />
non-compliant.<br />
Most recent decision: are the times a-changin’<br />
On 25 January 2007, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered<br />
its decision in Double N Earthmoving v. City of<br />
Edmonton. 3 This decision signals a change in the nature<br />
of the way the majority of the court thinks tendering fairness<br />
claims should be treated, and suggests that the owner’s<br />
duty to tenderers is much less substantial than previously<br />
thought. We will explore this decision, and hopefully early<br />
judicial reaction to it, in the next column.<br />
The information contained in this column is not a legal opinion.<br />
For more specific interpretations, feel free to contact the author or<br />
consult your own legal counsel.<br />
Notes<br />
1. [2001] 2 SCR 943.<br />
2. An unreported decision of the Ontario Superior Court<br />
(Zielinski J) released 4 June 2004, Court File No. Thunder<br />
Bay 010758).<br />
3. Not yet reported, [2007] SCC 3.<br />
Stephen Tatrallyay is a prominent Toronto construction lawyer and can<br />
be reached via e-mail at statrallyay@rogers.com or by calling (416)<br />
482-5164. He is also a member of EB’s Editorial Advisory Board.<br />
The new, stay-safe<br />
Ballast Disconnect<br />
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Meets CEC 30-308(4) code changes<br />
Perfect for OEM or retro t lighting<br />
Wide wire range: 12-18 AWG<br />
LUMINAIRE DISCONNECT<br />
3HME<br />
INFO NO. 24<br />
Permanent safety<br />
standard labels included<br />
with PowerPlug<br />
IDEAL INDUSTRIES (CANADA), CORP.<br />
Customer Service 800 824-3325<br />
www.idealindustries.ca<br />
16 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
Ideal_PowerPlug_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/19/07 11:38:15 AM
Grouping of motors on<br />
a single branch circuit<br />
As required by the Canadian <strong>Electrical</strong> Code (CEC)<br />
By Rick Martin, P.Eng., MaSc.<br />
Even though they are being used in this capacity, not<br />
all motor starters are branch circuit over-current<br />
protection. There are code limitations with motor<br />
starters when we group them on a single branch over-current<br />
device, and these limitations are not well known.<br />
Two types of motor starters are certified for use in Canada:<br />
motor starters and Type E combination motor controllers.<br />
Motor starters do not offer any branch circuit protection,<br />
while Type E combination motor controllers offer branch<br />
circuit protection for motors.<br />
The following definitions are from a CSA T.I.L K-17:<br />
Manual Motor Controller (Motor Starter):<br />
A device designed for manual-only control of a motor under normal<br />
and locked rotor conditions. A motor controller may incorporate a<br />
means to automatically interrupt motor overload currents. Some<br />
manual motor controllers are provided with limited short circuit<br />
interrupting capabilities; however, the certification report will state<br />
that the ability of these devices to open the short circuit currents was<br />
not evaluated. A manual motor controller is evaluated to CAN/CSA-<br />
C22.2 No. 14.<br />
Type E Combination Motor Controller:<br />
A single device designed to control a motor under normal and<br />
locked rotor conditions, disconnect the motor branch circuit and<br />
interrupt short circuit and overload over-currents having nonreplaceable<br />
or integral discriminating overload and short circuit<br />
sensors, and provided with one or more sets of contacts where the<br />
contacts cannot be isolated for separate testing. A Type E combination<br />
motor controller is evaluated to the requirements of CSA<br />
Standard C22.2 No. 14-95.<br />
Perhaps the similarity in their names is what causes motor<br />
starters to be misapplied as branch circuit protection.<br />
The misapplications started slowly with the introduction<br />
of IEC starters many years ago. Although they are accepted<br />
in Europe as over-current devices, these starters could not<br />
meet North American standards as over-current devices as<br />
per C22.2 No. 5.1. Instead, they’ve been certified similarly<br />
to NEMA starters as required in C22.2 No. 14.<br />
Although the literature is clear in saying they must meet<br />
NEC and CEC, there is no clear Canadian literature to<br />
explain the code rules. Add to that the fact they’re accepted<br />
in Europe as an over-current device, and it slowly became<br />
common to see the popular IEC starters applied as “Branch<br />
Over-Current Devices” in many applications.<br />
To add to the confusion, some devices are certified as motor<br />
starters while others are certified as Type E combination<br />
motor controllers—neither of which is defined in the code.<br />
So what are the specific issues<br />
1. Maintaining consistent code application.<br />
2. Motor starters not having adequate over-current<br />
protection in front of the motor starter, resulting in<br />
severe welding of contacts and failure.<br />
3. Oversized over-current for motors and conductors when<br />
group-fusing.<br />
The following, then, is an explanation on how to apply<br />
rules from Ontario’s electrical safety code when using motor<br />
starters so that a number of motors can be grouped under a<br />
single branch circuit over-current device, and to show how it<br />
is different for Type E combination motor controllers.<br />
Use of manual motor starters when grouping<br />
motors on a single branch over-current device<br />
The term ‘motor starter’ is not defined in Ontario’s code. In<br />
Rule 28-206(b)(i), the words “the control equipment” mean<br />
‘motor starter’. This rule permits the use of a single branch<br />
circuit over-current device for a group of motors, and related<br />
“control equipment” (i.e. motor starters)—subject to a few<br />
limitations that we will discuss.<br />
This rule allows the grouping of a number of motors<br />
under one branch circuit over-current device provided:<br />
• Rule 28-206(b)(i): motor starters are used (and marked<br />
with the maximum group fuse rating).<br />
• Rule 28-206: a single over-current is selected based on<br />
the motor feeder rule (Rule 28-204[1]).<br />
• Rule 28-106(3): tap conductors to motors are 1/3 the<br />
feeder ampacity.<br />
Basically, select one branch circuit over-current device to<br />
protect a number of motors and related control equipment<br />
so that the latter can withstand a fault until the branch circuit<br />
over-current device operates.<br />
Code rules can be difficult to read, so I’ve highlighted the<br />
key parts in the following:<br />
Rule 28-206 Grouping of Motors<br />
on a Single Branch Circuit<br />
Two or more motors shall be permitted to be grouped under<br />
the protection of a single set of branch circuit over-current<br />
devices having a rating or setting calculated in accordance<br />
with Rule 28-204(1) provided that the protection conforms<br />
to one of the following:<br />
(b) Protection is provided for the control equipment of<br />
the motors by having the branch circuit over-current<br />
devices rated or set at:<br />
(i) Values not in excess of those marked on the<br />
control equipment for the lowest rated motor<br />
of the group, as suitable for the protection of that<br />
control equipment...<br />
Rule 28-106(3) Conductors, Individual Motors<br />
Tap conductors supplying individual motors from a single<br />
set of branch circuit over-current devices supplying two or<br />
more motors shall have an ampacity at least equal to that of<br />
the branch circuit conductors, except where the tap conductors<br />
do not exceed 7.5 m in length, they shall be permitted<br />
to be sized in accordance with Subrule (1) or (2) provided<br />
the ampacity so determined is not less than 1/3 of the<br />
ampacity of the branch circuit conductors.<br />
Use of a Type E Combination Motor Controller<br />
How does a Type E combination motor controller get referenced<br />
in the code<br />
The type of equipment referred to in Rule 28-200(c)<br />
and 28-210 is a Type E combination motor controller.<br />
These rules are difficult to read, so I’ve highlighted the<br />
key parts:<br />
28-200 Branch Circuit Over-Current Protection<br />
Each ungrounded conductor of a motor branch circuit shall<br />
be protected by an over-current device complying with the<br />
following:<br />
(c) Instantaneous trip (magnetic only) circuit interrupters<br />
shall be permitted where applied in accordance with<br />
Rule 28-210...<br />
28-210 Instantaneous-Trip Circuit Breakers<br />
(see Appendix B)<br />
Instantaneous-trip circuit breakers, when used for branch<br />
circuit protection, shall be:<br />
(a) Part of a combination motor starter or controller that<br />
also provides overload protection...<br />
These two rules give us over-current protection of the conductor<br />
and the motor when we use a Type E combination<br />
motor controller. The Type E controller is a device that<br />
meets the requirements of 28-200(c) and 28-210(a).<br />
Method for grouping motors when using starters<br />
(not Type E)<br />
Step One: Know that manual starters/protectors are not<br />
certified as over-current devices in North America (see CSA<br />
Technical Information Letter TIL K-17). Starters can be certified<br />
for branch circuit over-current protection for motors<br />
only. These are certified as Type E combination motor controllers.<br />
If it is just a ‘motor starter’, then it has no over-current<br />
application within the CEC.<br />
Step Two: We can use these motor starters in North America<br />
based on Rule 28-206(b)(i). Some manufacturers have tested<br />
their devices and have marked ratings up to 2000 amperes for<br />
the maximum fuse size for group fusing. This is the maximum<br />
size of over-current allowed for group fusing. However, this<br />
does not mean that this is the allowable code setting of the<br />
upstream branch circuit over-current as shown in Step Three.<br />
Step Three: Rule 28-206 refers us back to 28-204(1) for the<br />
setting of the over-current device. This rule generally forces us<br />
to use a much smaller over-current setting than the maximum<br />
marked on the device. Go to Table 29 to pick an over-current<br />
device, then add the other loads that are in operation at the<br />
same time. That is the setting of the single branch over-current<br />
device. Now we have the over-current device for the motor,<br />
but we still need the over-current for the motor conductors.<br />
Step Four: Rule 28-106 (3) gives us guidance when<br />
looking for the over-current protection for the conductors<br />
supplying the individual motors. The ampacity of the tap<br />
conductors to individual motors cannot be less than 1/3<br />
the ampacity of the branch circuit conductors and cannot<br />
exceed 7.5 metres.<br />
Example: Grouping of seven motors<br />
on a single branch circuit<br />
Data:<br />
• One 10-hp motor, full load amps 14,<br />
supplied with #12 wire.<br />
• Six 2-hp motors, full load amps 3.4,<br />
supplied with #14 wire.<br />
• Motor starters are each marked 1200<br />
amperes maximum group fusing.<br />
Method:<br />
Select single over-current fuse per Rule 28-206 Table 29<br />
time delay fuse at 45 amperes.<br />
Explanation:<br />
1.75 x 14 amp (for the 10 hp) + 3.4 amperes load per motor<br />
x 6 motors = 45 amperes.<br />
A number 14 conductor is OK for the 2-hp motors (Motor<br />
Tap Rule). A Number 12 is OK for the 10-hp motor (Motor<br />
Tap Rule). Maximum conductor length from the over-current<br />
protection ahead of the motor starter to the motor is<br />
limited to 7.5 metres.<br />
In summary, the seven motors are protected with one fuse<br />
rated at 45 amperes.<br />
Note<br />
The wire size for the motor starters may not exceed the maximum<br />
terminal size of the motor starter. For example, for a starter<br />
with a maximum terminal size of #10 AWG, when we use the<br />
Motor Tap Rule 28-106(3), the maximum over-current protection<br />
size is really limited to 90 amperes (3 x 30 i.e. not 1200<br />
amperes). The feeder rule may still reduce this size as well.<br />
Rick Martin, P.Eng., MaSc., is a senior research engineer with the<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Safety Authority’s (ESA’s) Field Evaluation Services Group.<br />
He has attended the universities of Toronto, York and Waterloo, taught<br />
at Seneca and Sheridan colleges, and possesses 35 years of diverse<br />
experience in the electrical industry.<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 17
QUEBEC REPORT<br />
Scouts’ evening parade on Place Jacques-Cartier draws crowds and sets the festival’s atmosphere for children.<br />
Buildings are adorned with beautiful, distinctive lighting. In the background you see Montreal’s City Hall.<br />
High Lights Festival lights up Montreal<br />
The Montreal High Lights Festival “has established its identity”. These were the words of<br />
Alain Simard, founder and chair of Montreal’s lighting festival, which just completed its<br />
eighth season. The event was held in Old Montreal and the quays of the Old Port this year,<br />
which made it easier to set new activities and a different program for every day of its run.<br />
The festival’s three-pronged program of culture, gastronomy and outdoor celebration really took<br />
Montrealers and visitors out of hibernation to join in Hydro-Quebec’s celebration of light.<br />
Among the highlights was the 5-km downtown/underground footrace, which boasted well over<br />
700 participants and thousands of onlookers, all of whom got to know the city better. Ending at Le<br />
Complexe Desjardins, the race was the sparkle to a great party.<br />
Of course, great food, fine wines and wonderful performances gave the festival a very special<br />
atmosphere. But the magic and impressive Milk Ice Slide—built in the middle of Place Jacques-<br />
Cartier—brought a unique sense of celebration to the Festival. It took 600 blocks of ice, each<br />
weighing 135 kg, to have 120 metres of fun!<br />
Thanks to free shuttle services provided by Société des transports de Montreal (the transit<br />
authority), the 4th Montreal All-Nighter took 175,000 night-owls through three great neighbourhoods—Old<br />
Montreal, Complexe Desjardins and Plateau Mont-Royal. Festival-goers had<br />
86 activities to choose from and 12,500 of them attended performances at Place des Arts between<br />
midnight and 4:30 AM. All this concluded with participants sharing in a huge free omelet at<br />
Complexe Desjardins, comprising 10,000 eggs, gallons of milk and a few whole cheeses.<br />
Toronto to be treated like royalty<br />
Next year’s edition of the festival will<br />
feature the City of Toronto, as chef<br />
Susur Lee will bear the title of honorary<br />
president of the Wine and Dine<br />
Experience. This place of honour given<br />
to Toronto is well deserved, as it is now<br />
regarded as one of the great dining cities<br />
of North America.<br />
Montreal has received more than<br />
210 chefs and winemakers since the<br />
first High Lights Festival in 2000.<br />
“No event of this kind brings together<br />
as many chefs from the host city to<br />
prepare festival menus and welcome<br />
guest chefs into their kitchens,” beamed<br />
this year’s honorary president, Daniel<br />
Boulud.<br />
Kids are given plenty of room with performances they appreciate.<br />
In the background, the sphere of Hydro-Quebec Place<br />
warms participants and provides another look at light.<br />
The 2008 festivities will run from February 20 to March 2, and will honour Quebec City,<br />
(which is celebrating its 400th anniversary) while Chile showcases its great wines, now topranked<br />
the world over.<br />
The festival opening event required 1250 metres of electrical wire and 1.3 million watts! Hydro-<br />
Quebec can be proud of its accomplishments, especially this annual celebration of light at a time<br />
of year when daylight gets longer and the weather is mild.<br />
Photo by Jean-François Leblanc.<br />
Photo by Jean-François Leblanc.<br />
The difference between construction<br />
and maintenance electricians<br />
Did you know that Quebec makes it a point of<br />
distinguishing between construction and maintenance electricians<br />
In fact, the difference is such between these two categories that we often consider them<br />
two distinct trades. While construction electricians (CEs) spend most of their time<br />
installing all manner of electrical and lighting equipment, maintenance electricians<br />
(MEs) spend their days ensuring everything installed runs smoothly. They do a lot of<br />
troubleshooting and concentrate on preventive maintenance, so it should come as no<br />
surprise that their studies and apprenticeship are also quite different.<br />
Until now, basic education has been longer for MEs than CEs: 1800 hours versus<br />
1350 hours. But this will change in September 2007 when the basic courses for the<br />
two are merged into one at 1800 hours.<br />
Although MEs already study more than CEs in Quebec, they’ve always had to<br />
attend additional courses to be able to transfer into the construction field, whereas<br />
CEs have been able to work in maintenance without any additional preparation.<br />
This one-way privilege remains in place with the new rules going into effect<br />
January 1, 2008, but the apprenticeship will take quite a turn.<br />
CEs will continue as before; they have to invest 8000 hours (courses and apprenticeship)<br />
to get their companion card. After completing their studies, MEs will get an apprentice<br />
logbook in which they record their prescribed experience (countersigned by the<br />
mentoring companion). Depending on the skill of the apprentice in question, he could<br />
complete his education in less than 8000 hours (though the minimum has yet to be set).<br />
In the months ahead, we’ll hear hours of discussion on this topic. Maintenance<br />
electrical is still an underdog to many, but the manufacturing industry, institutions<br />
and large building owners are far from giving up and hiring electrical contractors to<br />
do their maintenance work. The latest statistics available say there are approximately<br />
16,000 construction electricians and 7500 maintenance electricians in the province.<br />
ERCO awarded<br />
$2.5 million for energy<br />
efficiency projects<br />
Under its energy efficiency programs for<br />
large-power customers, Hydro-Quebec<br />
will provide ERCO Worldwide (a division<br />
of Superior Plus LP) with $2.5 million in financial<br />
assistance for 50 energy efficiency projects.<br />
The projects are designed to improve the<br />
energy efficiency of the electrolysis process used in<br />
the production of sodium chlorate, an industrial<br />
salt used to produce chlorine dioxide—the key<br />
ingredient in an environmentally preferred pulp<br />
bleaching process. The electrolytic cells now in<br />
use will be replaced with high-performance cells<br />
to reduce electricity consumption.<br />
The projected power savings for the 50 projects<br />
will amount to 50GWh per year; that’s the<br />
equivalent of the average annual consumption<br />
of about 3000 Quebec households. In terms of<br />
greenhouse gases, these savings will represent the<br />
equivalent of 17,500 tonnes of CO 2<br />
per year.<br />
ERCO Worldwide is a major producer of<br />
sodium chlorate for the North American pulp<br />
and paper industry, and a leader in chlorine dioxide<br />
generator technology. In addition, ERCO’s<br />
Buckingham plant produces sodium chlorite<br />
for water treatment and food processing markets<br />
throughout North America. Hydro-Quebec<br />
plans to invest $1.3 billion by 2010 with a view<br />
to reaching annual electricity savings of 4.7TWh<br />
as targeted in its Energy Efficiency Plan.<br />
Events<br />
<strong>April</strong> 24 and 25, Montreal<br />
PIDE (Partners in Distribution<br />
Excellence) has organized a twoday<br />
seminar (English), Leadership<br />
Skills for the Wholesale Branch<br />
Manager, with Jim Ambrose.<br />
For details, visit www.pide.ca and<br />
click on Training and Education.<br />
<strong>April</strong> 24, Quebec City<br />
<strong>April</strong> 26, Montreal<br />
Le salon Lumen: an exhibition<br />
featuring over 100 industryrelated<br />
manufacturers, hands-on<br />
labs and seminars. To register,<br />
visit www.lumen.ca and click<br />
on Le salon Lumen.<br />
May 22, Montreal<br />
It’s time for the Annual<br />
EFC–Quebec Region Golf Event at<br />
Beaconsfield Golf Club. $1 million<br />
up for grabs for a hole-in-one.<br />
For details, e-mail golfquebec@<br />
electrofed.com.<br />
September 19, Brampton, Ont.<br />
EFC’s Economic Forecast Day:<br />
featuring Maureen Farrow and<br />
other knowledgeable speakers.<br />
More details to follow.<br />
www.tnb-canada.com<br />
Over 75% of Thomas & Betts products sold in Canada are made in Canada.<br />
80% of these products are manufactured in Quebec.<br />
Thomas & Betts — electrical products for Canadians since 1928.<br />
INFO NO. 25<br />
18 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
TnB_ENG_Banner_EB_Feb07.indd 1 1/31/07 4:31:57 PM
lighting<br />
showcase<br />
26 Innovative products<br />
from lighting leaders<br />
27 Drugstore chain’s<br />
sustainability initiative<br />
29 Lighting impacts<br />
your health more<br />
than you know<br />
31 Lighting Efficiency<br />
Coalition issues<br />
call to action<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 19
lighting showcase<br />
LIGHTFAIR a beacon to<br />
the world of LIGHTING<br />
Lightfair (LFI) is the preeminent North<br />
American showcase of lighting products and<br />
technology. Last year’s show, which was held<br />
in Las Vegas, attracted 16,676 registered attendees,<br />
of which 1390 were international registrants—many<br />
of those Canadian.<br />
And because it is a lighting show, there were<br />
architects and interior designers in attendance,<br />
as well as a strong showing by electrical and<br />
general contractors. The strongest showing, however,<br />
came from engineers and electrical engineers<br />
(13%) and, check this out, lighting and electrical<br />
distributors, accounting for a whopping 18.82%<br />
of registrants.<br />
LFI 2006 welcomed 550 exhibiting companies,<br />
including 97 international exhibiting companies<br />
and 138 first-time exhibitors.<br />
This May, the architectural and commercial<br />
lighting industry will be connected to the industry’s<br />
largest and most diverse educational initiative<br />
in New York, N.Y., offering 72 courses,<br />
totalling more than 210 hours of programming.<br />
LFI 2007 takes place at the Jacob K. Javits<br />
Convention Center May 6-10 (trade show May 8-<br />
10). Strategically structured and designed in close<br />
partnership with industry experts, conference topics<br />
address everything from lighting software and<br />
applications, to business and lighting fundamentals,<br />
to design innovation and product updates.<br />
For example, the session “New Residential<br />
Lighting Trends and Technologies” will help participants<br />
better understand the forces that are<br />
driving technology and design trends in residential<br />
lighting. Another session, “Emerging Standards<br />
for LED Performance”, speaks to the standards<br />
issues raised in our cover feature by T.Y. Wang,<br />
“The present and future promise of LED technology”,<br />
found on the next page.<br />
And while <strong>Electrical</strong> <strong>Business</strong> will report on all<br />
it has seen and learned at Lightfair, it simply does<br />
not compare to actually being there. Go online to<br />
www.lightfair.com, and see you in New York!<br />
FUN<br />
facts<br />
about New York City<br />
Why is NYC called “The Big Apple”<br />
In the 1920s, a sportswriter for the Morning<br />
Telegraph named John Fitzgerald overheard stablehands<br />
in New Orleans refer to NYC’s racetracks as<br />
“The Big Apple”. He named his column “Around<br />
the Big Apple”. A decade later, jazz musicians<br />
adopted the term to refer to New York City—especially<br />
Harlem—as the jazz capital of the world.<br />
There are many apples on the trees of success, they<br />
were saying, but when you pick New York City,<br />
you pick The Big Apple.<br />
The Bronx: how Swede it is<br />
The Bronx was settled in 1639 and named for the<br />
Swedish settler Jonas Bronck. It is the only New<br />
York borough connected to the mainland.<br />
Why NYC cabs are yellow<br />
John Hertz, founder of the Yellow Cab Co. in<br />
1907, chose yellow for his cabs because he had read<br />
a study conducted by the University of Chicago<br />
indicating yellow was the easiest colour to spot.<br />
• There are 6374.6 miles of streets<br />
in New York City and 578 miles of<br />
waterfront.<br />
•<br />
Broadway’s original name was the<br />
Wiechquaekeck Trail (it was an old<br />
Algonquin trade route).<br />
•<br />
Babe Ruth hit the first home run<br />
in Yankee Stadium in the first<br />
game ever played there.<br />
•<br />
In 1898, the five boroughs—The<br />
Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan,<br />
Queens and Staten Island—were<br />
incorporated into a single entity<br />
known as Greater New York.<br />
•<br />
As late as the 1840s, thousands<br />
of pigs roamed Wall Street to consume<br />
garbage: an early<br />
sanitation system.<br />
•<br />
Under the Dutch, Wall Street—<br />
where there really was a wall—<br />
was the city limit.<br />
• In 1664, the city’s tallest structure<br />
was a two-storey windmill.<br />
•<br />
The vaults of the Federal Reserve<br />
Bank on Maiden Lane store more<br />
than one-quarter of the world’s<br />
gold bullion.<br />
•<br />
Without firing a shot, the<br />
British seized control of Nieuwe<br />
Amsterdam from the Dutch in 1664<br />
and renamed it New York City.<br />
• The Brooklyn Bridge was the first<br />
bridge to be lit using electricity.<br />
•<br />
The New York Stock Exchange<br />
began in 1792 when 24 brokers<br />
met under a buttonwood tree facing<br />
68 Wall Street.<br />
•<br />
The New York Mercantile Exchange<br />
began as the Butter and Cheese<br />
Exchange in the 1750s. Today it is<br />
the world’s largest physical commodity<br />
futures exchange.<br />
Photo © Jeff Greenberg/NYC & Co. Inc.<br />
Show me the way to go home... with LEDs<br />
Energy-efficient streetlights unveiled at Exhibition Place<br />
Canada’s largest LED streetlight installation went<br />
‘live’ recently at Toronto’s Exhibition Place. The<br />
pilot project shows how LEDs can reduce city<br />
lighting costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Each<br />
streetlight comprises 117 LEDs to produce the same<br />
intensity as a conventional streetlight but with 50% less<br />
electricity. For this pilot, the LED fixtures were installed<br />
along the south side of Princes’ Boulevard while the older,<br />
conventional streetlights still run along the north side.<br />
The pilot will continue through 2007 to test public<br />
acceptance, durability, light performance and weather<br />
resistance. Additional pilot tests of LED technology are<br />
planned for a number of the <strong>Business</strong> Improvement Areas<br />
(BIAs) in Toronto.<br />
Toronto’s CN Tower can be seen behind the new LED streetlight<br />
installation unveiled at Exhibition Place. A pilot project of<br />
GreenTbiz, Exhibition Place and Electromega, these streetlights use<br />
50% less electricity than older, conventional streetlights and last<br />
five times longer. It is estimated the city could save $6 million/year<br />
in electricity were all of its 160,000 streetlights LED based.<br />
Left to right: Dianne Young (Exhibition Place GM & CEO); Joe Pantalone (deputy<br />
mayor and chair of board of governors, Exhibition Place); John Kiru (executive director,<br />
Toronto Association of <strong>Business</strong> Improvement Areas [TABIA]); Chantal Brundage<br />
(program manager, GreenTbiz); Peter Love (Ontario’s chief energy conservation<br />
officer); Barry Beale (director, Conservation and Distributed Energy Branch, Office<br />
of Conservation and Strategic Policy, Ministry of Energy); Mayor David Miller; and<br />
Brian Owen (program advisor, GreenTbiz).<br />
20 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
The present and future promise of<br />
lighting showcase<br />
LED technology<br />
By Tung Yang Wang, Ph.D.<br />
Since the mid-1990s, when semiconductor-based<br />
blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) became<br />
widely available, LED technology has become<br />
an interesting and promising alternative to traditional<br />
light sources, such as incandescent, fluorescent and<br />
high-intensity discharge (HID). Initially playing the<br />
role as passive lighting indicators, LEDs began coming<br />
into their own when it was discovered you could<br />
generate white light from a blue LED by introducing<br />
a yellowish phosphor coating.<br />
Due to its unique characteristics, this dynamic new<br />
light source has been providing tremendous improvements<br />
to the lighting industry in recent years. LED<br />
performs extremely well in specific application areas<br />
where its advantages over traditional light sources are<br />
obvious and necessary, such as automotive interior<br />
and exterior lighting, and backlight sources for various<br />
personal digital assistants.<br />
The global LED business has grown from $1 billion<br />
dollars in 2000 to about $4 billion in 2006 and, if industry<br />
projections prove correct, will continue to grow at an<br />
impressive double-digit rate for years to come.<br />
LEDs have been perceived as ‘high tech’ in the<br />
lighting industry, and are often referred to as ‘solid-<br />
1. lm/W comparison of different light sources<br />
2. Linear flex 3. Bridge with LED<br />
4. Colour mix application<br />
5. Yorkdale sign<br />
before<br />
after<br />
6. LED MR16 7. Building with LED (Sweden)<br />
state lighting’ (SSL). With the dramatic performance<br />
improvement of the high brightness (HB)<br />
LED along with significant cost reductions, LEDs<br />
are slowly but surely penetrating the broader general<br />
illumination market, where they will surely find<br />
their greatest potential.<br />
Technology with unique features<br />
Unlike traditional light sources that contain filaments<br />
and glass, LEDs consist of several layers of<br />
semiconductor materials that produce visible light<br />
when voltage is applied to them. The way this<br />
device generates light also defines some of its unique<br />
characteristics, such as:<br />
• small dimensions<br />
• (potentially) high luminous efficacy (lm/W)<br />
• long life (50,000 to 100,000 hours, depending<br />
on materials and operation conditions)<br />
• high shock resistance<br />
• directional light<br />
• high colour efficiency<br />
• no UV/IR radiation<br />
• no mercury<br />
One of the most important parameters for general<br />
illumination is its efficiency; namely, the luminous<br />
efficacy measured in lumens/watt. Currently,<br />
typical commercially available LEDs exhibit about<br />
40 lm/W (depending on the quality of the device<br />
and colour selection). Just five years ago, the<br />
best you could hope for was up to just 10 lm/W<br />
(Photo 1). Another important feature is the long<br />
life of LEDs, because this translates into less<br />
maintenance and waste generation, and lower<br />
ownership cost.<br />
Optimistic projections suggest that this luminous<br />
efficacy will approach about 100 lm/W by the year<br />
2010. Regardless, current LEDs are more efficient<br />
than incandescent (~10 lm/W) and halogen (~15<br />
lm/W) bulbs, and are competing against wellestablished<br />
gas discharged-based light sources,<br />
such as fluorescent, neon and HID.<br />
With its small dimensions, an LED is suitable<br />
and attractive in applications where space is<br />
limited. LEDs also present new opportunities for<br />
compact and aesthetic lighting fixture designs.<br />
Individual LEDs can be assembled in a flexible<br />
array or cluster configuration with<br />
different modular formats (Photo 2)<br />
to illuminate some objects that<br />
heretofore could not be illuminated,<br />
or illuminated only<br />
with great difficulty, like this<br />
stone bridge in Regensburg,<br />
Germany (Photo 3).<br />
Taking advantage of<br />
RGB (Red-Green-Blue)<br />
colour mixing, LEDs can<br />
produce dramatic results<br />
and offer amazing lighting<br />
design solutions in<br />
decorative, architectural<br />
and entertainment lighting<br />
applications (Photo 4).<br />
With a 50,000-hour typical<br />
lifespan for white LEDs,<br />
property owners and facility managers<br />
will realize significantly lower maintenance<br />
costs when LED systems are employed in<br />
signage applications. For example, a 74%<br />
energy savings was achieved compared to<br />
traditional neon sources in the Yorkdale<br />
Shopping Centre sign project (Photo<br />
5, Before and After). Here, the LED backlighting system also<br />
improved overall efficiency, because LEDs are a directional light<br />
source, going only to the targeted area. The versatile and flexible<br />
backlight LED module offered an ideal retrofit solution for this<br />
custom-made channel letter, allowing for easier installation without<br />
any of the fragile glass one associates with neon tubes.<br />
The fact that one versatile LED product can fit into all kinds of<br />
shaped channel letters is reshaping the signage industry. In addition<br />
to these advantages, LEDs provide higher luminous efficacy<br />
in lower temperatures (good news for Canadian winters), whereas<br />
the light level from a neon system drops significantly<br />
under similar low temperatures.<br />
Continued on page 24<br />
Photo by Paul Wright<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 21
OUR COMPETITORS HAV<br />
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GE_Universal_EB_Feb07.indd 1 1/23/07 8:36:18 AM<br />
Continued from page 21<br />
Applications for today and<br />
adoption for tomorrow<br />
Replacing existing lighting products<br />
Because LEDs are more efficient than incandescent<br />
and halogen bulbs, it comes as no surprise they<br />
are being designed and marketed as a replacement<br />
for some existing products, such as halogen MR16<br />
(Photo 6) and GU10 lamps, as well as incandescent<br />
chandeliers. It makes particular sense against the<br />
backdrop of an increasingly energy-conscious, environmentally<br />
friendly marketplace.<br />
When it comes to colour-based decorative lighting<br />
products in the consumer market, LEDs again offer<br />
great advantages; not just because of colour efficiency<br />
but also due to more vibrant colour appearance and<br />
longevity. Red and Green Christmas lights clearly<br />
demonstrate how important a role LEDs can play in<br />
the residential decorative lighting market.<br />
New light source opportunities<br />
The low-profile, high-lumen features of LEDs open<br />
entirely new light source opportunities, such as<br />
undercabinet lighting. More intelligent and sophisticated<br />
RGB colour mixing solutions will eventually<br />
make it possible to customize a light source’s colour<br />
temperature according to the user, or even the season.<br />
This could have a deep impact on the future of residential<br />
and office lighting design, and the healthiness<br />
of the environments in which people live and work.<br />
Architectural and entertainment lighting<br />
With unlimited colour possibilities, LED lighting<br />
has shown great promise in the architectural lighting<br />
field. Façades of great buildings with LED lighting<br />
components (Photo 7) employ this light source, not<br />
only to enhance architectural design, but communicate<br />
art and corporate identity. LED lighting transforms<br />
the role of architecture—combining elements<br />
of science and engineering with advertising and public<br />
art—and redefines a building’s relationship with<br />
surrounding spaces.<br />
In entertainment lighting (where colour applications<br />
are critical), LEDs are becoming a preferred<br />
lighting solution for major attractions at significant<br />
venues and concert halls.<br />
Looking ahead at LEDs<br />
The benefits of LED technology are undeniable,<br />
leaving users with the simple matter of choosing the<br />
right LED for the desired result. Informed decisions<br />
are made through an open dialogue between lighting<br />
designers and lamp/fixture manufacturers, who can<br />
specify solutions that meet the needs and requirements<br />
of different lighting applications.<br />
Given the high cost of LED products at this time,<br />
specialty applications will be the major driving force.<br />
However, cost will continue to improve as demand and<br />
volume increase. Also, there are some technical issues<br />
that still need to be addressed, such as: colour consistency<br />
and performance reliability; thermal management;<br />
system solutions (including control and optics systems);<br />
and standardizing testing procedures and specification<br />
definition/agreement among manufacturers.<br />
Awareness and education throughout the entire<br />
value chain are also crucial for quick LED adoption<br />
in the marketplace. Taking the advantages of LED<br />
light sources and applying them to lighting design<br />
and/or application projects will accelerate their adoption.<br />
For example, a completely new low-profile fixture<br />
with low weight can be designed that will lower<br />
material and shipping costs.<br />
LED products with long lifespans provide users with<br />
great low-maintenance benefits, which will motivate<br />
electrical contractors to consider employing them in<br />
retrofits for their clients in applications where relamping<br />
could be very costly, such as residential exteriors,<br />
swimming pools and landscape lighting. As we all start<br />
to embrace LED technology, it is important to note that<br />
LEDs cannot completely replace other light sources, but<br />
will happily co-exist with them.<br />
INFO NO. 25<br />
Tung Yang Wang, Ph.D., is the manager of product marketing<br />
for high-intensity discharge (HID), display/optic and LED<br />
systems for Osram Sylvania Ltd.<br />
24 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
lighting showcase<br />
Pity the poor incandescent<br />
GE speaks out against looming bulb bans<br />
By Anthony Capkun<br />
Illustration by Enrique Corts<br />
Photos courtesy Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium<br />
Ever get the feeling the whole world is<br />
against you General Electric must be<br />
experiencing this feeling, and it’s all<br />
because of an innocuous little thing: the<br />
incandescent light bulb.<br />
As more attention turns to protecting the<br />
environment and saving energy, many jurisdictions<br />
are declaring all-out war against the<br />
125-year-old light bulb. California is looking<br />
at banning the sale of these bulbs starting in<br />
2012. Connecticut, too. Australia announced<br />
it would ban incandescent bulbs by 2010.<br />
Closer to home, Ontario is considering<br />
becoming the first province to follow<br />
Australia’s lead. In that province, politicians<br />
like Conservative Leader John Tory have said<br />
the Liberals should stop mulling over options<br />
and act now, starting with a ban on incandescents.<br />
“This technology is outdated, it’s antiquated<br />
and it needs to go,” said Chris Winter,<br />
executive director of the Conservation<br />
Council of Ontario, while Julia McNally,<br />
manager with Ontario’s Conservation Bureau,<br />
agrees: “You need a ban.”<br />
GE issued a Position Statement in response<br />
to these movements, in which it explains:<br />
GE believes legislation, regulations and other<br />
programs should support the ongoing market<br />
transition to more efficient lamp types<br />
and further development of current and<br />
emerging lighting technologies. We think<br />
these efforts should target efficiency levels<br />
and support emerging energy efficient technologies,<br />
not dictate the technology used to<br />
achieve a required efficiency.<br />
— GE Position Statement<br />
(23 Feb 2007)<br />
Prompted by all the commotion in various<br />
legislatures, GE was somewhat ‘forced’ to tell<br />
us—earlier than planned—about something<br />
it has been working on. GE Consumer &<br />
Industrial’s Lighting division recently proclaimed<br />
advancements to the very same hated<br />
incandescent light bulb that would, potentially,<br />
elevate the energy efficiency of this 125-<br />
year-old technology to levels comparable to<br />
those of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).<br />
Over the next several years, GE says these<br />
advancements will lead to the introduction of<br />
high-efficiency incandescent<br />
lamps that provide<br />
the same light quality,<br />
brightness and colour as current incandescents<br />
while saving energy and decreasing greenhouse<br />
gas emissions.<br />
Setting a goal based on lumens per watt<br />
encourages innovation and the development<br />
of emerging technologies... It’s shortsighted<br />
to freeze technology in favour of today’s highefficiency<br />
compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)<br />
and other fluorescent products. We’d rather<br />
keep innovating and offering traditional, commercial<br />
and industrial consumers more energy-efficient<br />
choices—not fewer choices.<br />
— GE Position Statement<br />
(23 Feb 2007)<br />
The HEI (high-efficiency incandescent)<br />
lamp—which incorporates materials being<br />
developed by GE’s Lighting division and<br />
Global Research Center—would initially<br />
replace traditional 40W to 100W household<br />
incandescent bulbs, but could be expanded to<br />
all other incandescents as well. The target for<br />
these bulbs at initial production is to be nearly<br />
twice as efficient (at 30 lumens/W) as current<br />
incandescents. Ultimately, HEI technology is<br />
expected to be about four times as efficient as<br />
current bulbs and comparable to CFLs.<br />
GE made this announcement in conjunction<br />
with its decision to support legislation in<br />
the European Union, the United States and<br />
other areas that would accelerate the introduction<br />
of all types of high-efficiency lighting<br />
products as part of the global effort to promote<br />
energy security and reduce greenhouse<br />
gas emissions. (The company says it has<br />
invested more than $200 million in the last<br />
four years on the development of energy-efficient<br />
lighting.)<br />
There’s not a direct CFL replacement for<br />
every incandescent lamp type. Also, it’s<br />
impractical and draconian to require consumers<br />
to use only CFLs in the more than 40<br />
light sockets in the average U.S. home.<br />
— GE Position Statement<br />
(23 Feb 2007)<br />
“In addition to offering significant energy savings<br />
comparable to CFLs, the 21st Century<br />
version of Edison’s bulb provides all the desirable<br />
benefits... at a price that will be less than<br />
CFLs,” said Kevin Nolan, vice-president of<br />
technology for GE Consumer & Industrial.<br />
The photo on the left is a shot of Edison’s<br />
first commercial incandescent bulb<br />
(produced November 1879 to May<br />
1880), while the one on the right<br />
shows a drawn tungsten lamp circa<br />
1911. Over 100 years later and<br />
today’s incandescents employ the<br />
same technology as their somewhat<br />
odd-looking predecessors. Will today’s<br />
incandescent bulbs soon be the stuff of<br />
a museum’s collection Perhaps, especially<br />
if GE has its way with HEI.<br />
He went on to say that GE, along with other<br />
lighting manufacturers, have been aggressively<br />
developing and marketing CFLs, but conceded<br />
that consumers want more options.<br />
“It’s important that we offer consumers a full<br />
range of products that meet their personal<br />
desire to reduce their negative impact on the<br />
environment while preserving their ability to<br />
pick the best lighting product for their needs,”<br />
said Nolan. “That’s why we are moving aggressively<br />
to commercialize these new lamps.”<br />
The target year for introducing the first of<br />
these HEI lamps is 2010, which is just a few<br />
short years away. However, a lot can happen in<br />
three years. By that time, incandescents may be<br />
banned altogether, regardless of newfound efficiencies.<br />
On the other hand, the market may be<br />
clamouring for them all the more, simply<br />
because they bring more choice to market.<br />
Ultimately, most (if not all) consumers of<br />
lighting products crave energy-efficient, costeffective<br />
offerings in the market. What<br />
remains to be seen is the road by which we<br />
achieve this ideal.<br />
Philips head criticizes GE<br />
“I don’t think we should wait until 2010 because there are alternatives<br />
available now,” said Philips Lighting’s CEO, Theo van Deursen, commenting<br />
on GE’s statement in an interview with The Associated Press. He<br />
added that, while he didn’t know the details of General Electric’s plans, he<br />
didn’t believe traditional incandescent lighting has a long-term future.<br />
“We believe there are better technologies going forward,”’ he said, predicting<br />
that halogen lights and CFLs will continue to gain market share in the<br />
medium term, but that LEDs will dominate the market in the long term.<br />
— With files from SiliconValley.com<br />
We want<br />
YOUR<br />
feedback!><br />
How do you feel about the situation Do you feel government<br />
should dictate precisely the kinds of products we are to use to attain energy efficiency<br />
objectives, or should they simply set the objectives and leave us free to decide the means<br />
by which we attain them Visit EBMag.com and take our poll!<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 25
lighting showcase<br />
Check out<br />
lighting products<br />
these innovative products from lighting leaders...<br />
INFO NO. 26<br />
Hazlux pulse-start metal<br />
halide fixtures<br />
The Hazlux pulse-start ballast option is a<br />
high-efficiency alternative to the traditional<br />
ballast. Benefits include increased efficiency<br />
of up to 120 lumens per watt (up to 20%<br />
improvement in lumen maintenance and a<br />
longer lamp life). Hazlux pulse-start ballasts<br />
extend lamp life from 15,000 to 20,000<br />
hours on 175W and 250W units compared<br />
to the traditional 10,000 hours of<br />
a normal ballast. The ballast provides<br />
faster re-strike time, requiring only six minutes to re-light, compared<br />
with 15 minutes for a standard MH ballast. Fixtures are fully illuminated<br />
in two minutes compared to four minutes for MH. It also allows<br />
for colder ignition temperatures of -40°F compared to-20°F in traditional<br />
MH. Available on Hazlux 3 and Hazlux 5 fixtures.<br />
101 Thomas & Betts<br />
AeroDomeTM<br />
Electronic HID ballasts<br />
Ultrasave’s line of electronic HID ballasts is designed<br />
for low-wattage, 20W through 150W MH lamps.<br />
With programmed cold start configuration, these<br />
ballasts have high power factor and low total harmonic<br />
distortion. Lightweight and small ballast<br />
housings provide flexibility in fixture designs.<br />
Featuring electronic circuitry, the ballasts offer significant<br />
energy savings<br />
over incandescent and<br />
magnetic HID alternatives.<br />
Ballasts<br />
are available in<br />
thermal or programmed<br />
electronic<br />
protection<br />
options.<br />
102 Ultrasave Lighting Ltd.<br />
High Performance Optics...<br />
Precision Full Cutoff and<br />
Advanced Vertical Lamp Design<br />
www.ruud.ca<br />
• Perfect for illuminating large commercial lots<br />
with strict cutoff and uniformity codes<br />
• Improved for greater spacing, fewer fixtures<br />
• 250- to 1000-watt lamp<br />
Easy Installation...<br />
Saves Time and Money<br />
• Separate removable ballast module means you can<br />
install the fixture with less weight<br />
• Simple, direct pole Side-Arm or Post-Top Mount<br />
• Tool-less lens frame saves time, eases installation<br />
and maintenance<br />
Longer Life...<br />
With Less Maintenance and No Worries<br />
• Thermal Chimney and isolated ballast compartment manages heat for<br />
longer component life (rated for 40˚C ambient)<br />
• Seamless, die-cast aluminum housing with Colorfast DeltaGuard TM<br />
finish<br />
• High-temperature silicone gasket seals optical system from debris and<br />
insects to reduce maintenance (IP65)<br />
Let us prove... how AeroDome is the<br />
best solution for your next project.<br />
Contact your local Ruud Lighting agent<br />
today for a layout.<br />
Ruud Lighting products are available in Canada<br />
exclusively through authorized electrical distributors.<br />
Part of the Aviator Family of Area Lights<br />
Ruud Lighting Canada<br />
(800) 473-1234<br />
®<br />
CFL PAR<br />
Standard’s CFL Professional<br />
Series uses advanced amalgam<br />
technologies to provide<br />
stable light output over broad<br />
temperature ranges and burning<br />
positions in indoor/<br />
outdoor applications.<br />
By replacing an<br />
incandescent lamp<br />
with one of these<br />
CFLs, you can enjoy<br />
up to 75% energy savings<br />
with enhanced<br />
light output.<br />
103 Standard Products<br />
LED low-bay fixture<br />
Make the switch to an energyefficient<br />
lighting system<br />
with the LED<br />
low-bay fixture<br />
from Philips.<br />
Compared to<br />
HID, low-bay lighting<br />
fixtures use advanced LED<br />
technology that provides long life<br />
(twice the average life of metal halide and HPS),<br />
energy efficiency, improved visibility with white light<br />
and high colour rendering, instant on, and easy installation.<br />
The Philips low-bay fixture is designed for use<br />
in warehouses, stockrooms, parking garages—anywhere<br />
reliable low maintenance lighting is required.<br />
104 PHILIPS<br />
Next generation CFLs<br />
GE has added an extra-small<br />
size to the screw-in CFL product<br />
line’s list of attributes. Not<br />
only are they among the smallest<br />
in the industry, but among<br />
the longest rated life Energy Star<br />
products available (from 10,000<br />
to 12,000 hours)! This broad<br />
range of products—including<br />
reflectors, three-way and decorative<br />
lamps—offers value to the customer<br />
by reducing costs through<br />
longer life and reduced energy costs.<br />
Several lamps are even smaller than<br />
their incandescent equivalent. Other<br />
benefits include great colour rendering (82 CRI),<br />
warm pleasing colour (2700K) and flicker-free<br />
instant start.<br />
105 GE Lighting<br />
Hazlux 3 induction<br />
lighting fixtures<br />
In the typical industrial<br />
plant, lighting is often<br />
required in hazardous,<br />
hard-to-reach places.<br />
Lamp replacement can<br />
put employees at risk<br />
and may require the<br />
rental of expensive<br />
equipment, such as scissor<br />
lifts. Hazlux 3<br />
induction lighting fixtures<br />
deliver over six<br />
times the life of traditional<br />
MH lamps, drastically<br />
reducing maintenance/relamping operations<br />
and related installation risks. The fixtures retrofit<br />
into existing Hazlux 3 installations and are certified<br />
for use in hazardous (Class 1, Zone 2, Groups IIA,<br />
IIB, IIC, Exn R II T3 [restricted breathing], Division<br />
2, Groups, A, B, C, D) and non-hazardous areas.<br />
106 Thomas & Betts<br />
26 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
RUUD_EB_Feb07.indd 1 2/1/07 1:15:36 PM
case study<br />
lighting showcase<br />
ILLUMINATING<br />
before after<br />
the need for reducing<br />
greenhouse gases<br />
One drugstore chain’s sustainability initiative<br />
The drugstore chain’s lighting retrofit resulted in better lighting overall, reduced maintenance<br />
hassles, and pronounced energy savings.<br />
Founded in 1962 by Toronto pharmacist,<br />
Murray Koffler, Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. has<br />
grown to become a leading player in Canada’s<br />
retail drugstore marketplace. Shoppers Drug Mart/<br />
Pharmaprix now has over 950 drugstores nationwide,<br />
and recorded annual sales of $7.2 billion in 2005.<br />
Despite their size and leading market position,<br />
Shoppers remains dedicated to reducing costs and<br />
improving the shopping experience for its customers.<br />
In addition to improving its bottom line, the company<br />
implemented an ambitious sustainability policy<br />
to help improve the environment by reducing energy<br />
consumption. Analysis of their lighting requirements<br />
revealed opportunities for improving quality, reducing<br />
costs and helping the environment.<br />
For certain specialty sections, like the cosmetics<br />
department, Shoppers used 90W PAR38 halogen<br />
bulbs. While the halogens succeeded in bringing additional<br />
attention to the products, there were some drawbacks<br />
in terms of replacement frequency and maintenance.<br />
Furthermore, their high wattage created a great<br />
deal of heat, making both employees and customers<br />
feel uncomfortable. To deal with these temperatures,<br />
air-conditioners had to run for most of the year.<br />
Discontented customers and expensive energy bills<br />
provided the impetus for change. The replacement<br />
and maintenance headaches faced by Shoppers is<br />
clearly illustrated by Norman Peck, the company’s<br />
manager of store premises and maintenance, who<br />
explains, “The PAR 38s were causing a number of<br />
headaches because they are only good for 4000 hours.<br />
Our stores are open for an average of 5800 hours per<br />
year; that means every nine months we had to replace<br />
the lights... and at $12 a shot, that adds up”.<br />
light, making the indoor environment<br />
more natural.<br />
Light intensity was a concern for Peck.<br />
In the first generation of stores, Shoppers<br />
had roughly 150 spotlights per store (even<br />
more depending on the size of the store).<br />
This number has been reduced to anywhere<br />
from 120 to 130 per store. In the<br />
end, the decision to move toward a more<br />
sustainable lighting solution resulted in<br />
a one-year return on investment with an<br />
estimated annual energy savings of 76%.<br />
“The new lights have resulted in significant<br />
energy savings and produce a more<br />
comfortable light in which to work,”<br />
Simons summarizes. “It enhances the<br />
look of our displays and is especially<br />
important to our cosmetics department<br />
in accentuating facial tones. Overall, our<br />
return on investment is approximately<br />
one year.”<br />
90W halogen versus 25W HID<br />
In the fall of 2005, Shoppers started testing the<br />
MasterColor Integrated 25W CDMi from Philips as a<br />
potential alternative to the halogens at two of their locations.<br />
The product is an HID lamp with an integrated<br />
ballast that can be instantly retrofitted into existing<br />
halogen sockets. Not only did they do the trick, but<br />
Shoppers feels they improve the visual impact of displays,<br />
making merchandise more appealing.<br />
Peck has not replaced any of the lights in the past<br />
16 months at these two locations, as the 25W integrated<br />
has three times the life of a standard halogen.<br />
By the end of <strong>April</strong>, Shoppers expects to have installed<br />
40,000 of these lamps across 250 stores nationwide.<br />
The decision to use the 25W HID lamps was not<br />
based solely on reduced replacement costs. Switching<br />
from 90W halogens to 25W HIDs not only reduced<br />
the wattage, but the amount of heat generated. The<br />
new lights lowered the ambient temperature and<br />
conserved a great deal of energy, which translates into<br />
diminished greenhouse carbon dioxide emissions.<br />
Advantages like these are typically weighed<br />
against certain drawbacks, such as limited light<br />
quality or intensity. However, Peter Simons—the<br />
manager of strategic procurement for Shoppers—<br />
explains he didn’t have to face this problem. The<br />
light produced by the 25W lamps was comparable<br />
(if not preferable) to the 90W halogens. Nowhere<br />
was this more evident than in the cosmetics department<br />
of the stores. Cosmeticians would often take<br />
customers to the front of the store where natural<br />
daylighting could more accurately show the true<br />
effects of a product. The 25W produced a ‘whiter’<br />
INFO NO. 27<br />
Cambrian_7x10_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/27/07 2:47:47 PM<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 27
lighting showcase<br />
CFL electronic ballasts<br />
Offering maximum application<br />
flexibility, Ultrasave’s line of<br />
CFL ballasts operates twin<br />
tube, PL-H quad and triple<br />
tube, circline, 2D and long<br />
twin tube (Biax / PL-L)<br />
lamps. Each ballast has<br />
multi-lamp/wattage<br />
capabilities, as well as<br />
high power factor, low total<br />
harmonic distortion, sound rating A<br />
and lamp end-of-life protection. In addition, the<br />
CFL-T4 series has colour-coded, poke-in connectors that ensure<br />
wiring accuracy and reduce installation time. Available in normal<br />
or high case temperature options, they’re ideal for numerous<br />
applications.<br />
107 Ultrasave Lighting Ltd.<br />
XL31 fluorescent/Optistart<br />
Retrofit existing T12 fluorescent fixtures with energy-efficient<br />
XL31 T8 fluorescent tubes and Optistart electronic ballasts to<br />
lighting products<br />
capture up to 40% in energy savings without reducing light<br />
levels. XL31/Optistart retrofit systems can increase tube life<br />
from 20,000 hours to as much as 36,000 hours.<br />
108 Standard Products<br />
Linear fluorescent coated lamps<br />
Philips TuffGuard linear fluorescent<br />
coated lamps can<br />
improve the bottom line<br />
while offering the same<br />
protection from breakage as<br />
standard coated fluorescent.<br />
The Philips fluorescent lamp<br />
family offers long life, which reduces maintenance<br />
costs by extending the re-lamping cycle. Lower<br />
wattage lamp options—such as the Energy<br />
Advantage 25W—reduces operating and energy<br />
costs. And, using Philips reduces the impact on the<br />
environment with its patented ALTO low-mercury<br />
lamp technology.<br />
109 PHILIPS<br />
ConstantColor<br />
CMH lamps<br />
ContantColor CMH<br />
lamps are a great light<br />
source for all applications.<br />
They have<br />
a crisp white halogen-like<br />
light that<br />
provides dramatic<br />
accents and highlights,<br />
with excellent<br />
colour rendering (up to 92 CRI). GE’s CMH<br />
lamps use an advanced three-piece arc tube design<br />
developed through rigorous Six Sigma processes. In<br />
fact, GE offers a variety of shapes and sizes to allow<br />
maximum creativity and design flexibility. Designs<br />
available include elliptical, single- and doubleended,<br />
as well as PARS.<br />
110 GE Lighting<br />
Survive-All NXM Series battery unit<br />
Create your Free Listing by Filling out<br />
your information for verification or go online at<br />
www.EBmag.com<br />
Publishing Fall 2007<br />
The Emergi-Lite Survive-All NXM series battery<br />
unit sets a new standard for centre-to-centre path of<br />
egress illumination, lighting an egress path up to<br />
70-ft long and 3-ft wide. Visually appealing, the<br />
Survive-All NXM battery unit is designed for use in<br />
commercial and industrial environments where<br />
humidity, dust, water infiltration and the risk of<br />
vandalism are specification criteria. This series also<br />
features advanced diagnostics, a non-intrusive magnetic<br />
test switch, 0.5-in. conduit entry on top and<br />
back, tamper-proof screws and an MR16 light<br />
source—all standard. Optionally, this series offers a<br />
cold weather choice that will withstand temperatures<br />
of -40°C. This series is fully approved for<br />
NEMA-4X and NSF type installations.<br />
111 Emergi-Lite<br />
Linear T5/T5HO electronic ballasts<br />
Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .<br />
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Check here if you wish to have numerous locations (you will be contacted by phone or email)<br />
Fax completed form to (905) 841-4357<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> <strong>Business</strong> is published by CLB Media Inc. 240 Edward Street, Aurora, ON L4G 3S9<br />
T. 905.727.0077 F. 905.717.0017 www.ebmag.com<br />
Ultrasave’s broad line of electronic ballasts for T5<br />
and T5HO linear fluorescent lamps offers proven<br />
performance, reliability, flexibility and energy savings.<br />
Each is designed with a lamp end-of-life protection<br />
circuit that shuts off power automatically,<br />
thereby preventing overheating and protecting the<br />
ballast. The ER-T5HO high-bay series is ideal for<br />
high-bay fixtures, operating T5HO 54W and long<br />
twin tube lamp types. It is available in wire or pokein<br />
connector options, and has a case temperature<br />
rating of 90°C.<br />
112 Ultrasave Lighting Ltd.<br />
28 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
Lighting impacts<br />
lighting showcase<br />
your health more than you know<br />
Scientists and designers exchange information about lighting and health<br />
Did you know that certain lighting methodologies<br />
help people who work the night<br />
shift Or that light while you sleep could<br />
lead to cancer<br />
The second Commission Internationale de<br />
l’Eclairage (CIE) Symposium on Lighting and<br />
Health held in Ottawa last fall provided a wealth of<br />
new information on the effects of light on health,<br />
and the implications for practical lighting design.<br />
Some highlights from the presentations included:<br />
described a dynamic lighting system that changes both in intensity<br />
and colour temperature throughout the workday, in response to<br />
visual, circadian and energy-efficiency requirements.<br />
Industry leaders’ perspectives<br />
Industry leaders summarized their views on practical applications.<br />
The central theme of these comments was the connection<br />
between healthy lighting and sustainability. In fact, the research<br />
findings point most strongly to the role of good daylighting in<br />
providing healthy lighting, which offers additional justification—on<br />
top of sustainability—for investment in daylighting.<br />
Going beyond symposium walls<br />
The symposium speakers and discussions identified many<br />
areas for new research and its application. For their part,<br />
lighting researchers in NRC Institute for Research in<br />
Construction’s (IRC’s) Indoor Environment program are<br />
developing new research projects, building on work presented<br />
at the symposium.<br />
The Symposium was co-hosted by the NRC and<br />
Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage, with financial<br />
support from Philips, GE, Osram Sylvania, Velux,<br />
Zumtobel and Canlyte.<br />
Lighting for jet lag and shift work<br />
Resetting a maladjusted circadian rhythm (your<br />
24-hour biological cycle)—like what you would<br />
experience when flying across time zones or working<br />
a night shift—can be achieved with intermittent<br />
bursts of 20-minute exposure to 1200-lux white<br />
light, provided that the exposures are properly<br />
timed and the worker avoids light exposure during<br />
non-working hours. This information represents an<br />
important advance because the solution does not<br />
require energy-intensive additions to room lighting,<br />
contrary to what was previously thought.<br />
Lighting for well-being<br />
The National Research Council of Canada’s (NRC’s)<br />
Dr. Jennifer Veitch reviewed research from the U.S.<br />
and Finland suggesting that well-being could be<br />
enhanced by increasing the amount of light to<br />
which people are exposed on a daily basis. Thus far,<br />
it appears that the lighting increases might not need<br />
to be very large, nor constant.<br />
Simplicity is a lighting solution that makes sense for your<br />
needs, and the needs of our planet.<br />
Cancer risk from light at night<br />
It is known that night-shift workers face an elevated<br />
risk of breast cancer, and animal studies have shown<br />
that light exposure at night can speed tumour<br />
growth. At the symposium, attendees learned about<br />
a test of the hypothesis that light at night increases<br />
human breast cancer risk by reducing levels of the<br />
hormone melatonin. The pattern of results suggests<br />
that disrupted melatonin rhythms are a significant<br />
risk factor for human breast cancer, and possibly<br />
other cancers. From a practical perspective, this<br />
means that healthy lighting includes healthy darkness.<br />
Experts advise that one sleep in a dark room, using<br />
light-excluding window coverings, and direct lights<br />
away from neighbours’ windows.<br />
®<br />
MasterColor<br />
Integrated PAR38 -<br />
A sustainable lighting<br />
solution<br />
Extra Long Life T8s -<br />
An environmentally<br />
friendly, cost-saving<br />
solution<br />
New lighting technologies<br />
One paper addressed a possible treatment for night<br />
restlessness experienced by Alzheimer patients, which<br />
is a serious problem for patients and caregivers alike.<br />
Exposure in the late afternoon or evening to bright<br />
blue light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs)—as compared<br />
to dim red LED light—reduced the frequency of<br />
patients’ early-morning waking. Another presentation<br />
philips.com<br />
INFO NO. 29<br />
Philips_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/21/07 10:23:39 AM<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 29
lighting showcase<br />
Switch to LEDs<br />
Considering changing conventional lamps to LEDs<br />
Light emitting diodes provide many advantages over<br />
conventional lighting, such as increased energy<br />
efficiency and savings, very long life,<br />
reduced maintenance costs, cooler operation,<br />
and shock and vibration resistance. Standard<br />
offers an extensive line of LED lamps, specializing<br />
in retrofit exit sign and miniaturebased<br />
replacements.<br />
113 Standard Products<br />
High-efficiency electronic ballasts<br />
Advance Optanium<br />
2.0 electronic ballasts<br />
are designed to<br />
offer high efficiency.<br />
Constant current design ensures maximum<br />
energy savings, and lamp auto re-strike capability means lower<br />
maintenance costs. The Optanium anti-striation circuitry<br />
eliminates lamp striation problems, and its anti-arcing protection<br />
will safeguard system components in the event of damage<br />
lighting products<br />
to sockets or poorly seated lamps. They are ideal for temperature-sensitive<br />
applications.<br />
114 PHILIPS<br />
Marrette luminaire disconnect<br />
As of January 1, all new and existing fluorescent<br />
lighting fixtures and ballasts over<br />
150V must be equipped with integrated<br />
electrical disconnects. CSA-approved, the new Marrette luminaire<br />
disconnect from Thomas & Betts is the device of choice<br />
to meet this new requirement. When disconnected, the device<br />
enables safe servicing of the fixture and ballast without exposure<br />
to dangerous electrical shock hazards. Connected, it provides<br />
great conductivity. Quick and easy to install, the Marrette luminaire<br />
disconnect is available in convenient kits for electricians<br />
and bulk packaging for fixture and ballast manufacturers.<br />
115 Thomas & Betts<br />
Linear T12/T12HO electronic ballasts<br />
Ultrasave’s new generation of linear T12/T12HO electronic<br />
ballast is designed to replace magnetic T12 ballasts affected by<br />
the federal ballast efficiency ruling (<strong>April</strong> 2005). These ballasts<br />
generate up to 20% in energy savings compared to<br />
their magnetic counterparts. They are lighter, smaller<br />
and quieter, offering longer warranty coverage than<br />
traditional magnetic ballasts. The same wiring configuration<br />
makes converting from a magnetic fixture<br />
to an electronic one simple and effortless.<br />
116 Ultrasave Lighting Ltd.<br />
Standard ICE<br />
With their frosted lenses,<br />
ICE lamps provide consistent,<br />
even light distribution,<br />
putting the light where<br />
you need it. ICE lamps emit a<br />
soft light enhancing the white<br />
look of halogen and eliminating<br />
dark lines and shadows. An<br />
added benefit is their ability to<br />
disperse heat off the front lens,<br />
leaving a cooler-feeling lamp.<br />
117 Standard Products<br />
Extra-long-life T8 lamps<br />
Now available from Philips are the T8 32W and<br />
Energy Advantage T8 25W Extra-Long-<br />
Life lamps. They provide a<br />
cost-saving, environmentally<br />
friendly<br />
solution lasting<br />
to 40,000 hours<br />
(tested at 12 hours<br />
per start, instant-start<br />
ballast), will operate on all<br />
existing T8 ballasts, and are suitable for both new<br />
construction and retrofit applications.<br />
118 PHILIPS<br />
4-ft T8 lamps<br />
Standard’s energy-efficient 30W, 28W and 25W 4-ft<br />
T8 lamps offer a minimum three-year payback,<br />
reduced lamp-end blackening, TCLP compliance,<br />
high CRI and lumen maintenance, and are also a<br />
direct replacement for conventional 32 W lamps.<br />
119 Standard Products<br />
Retract-a-Lite series battery unit<br />
INFO NO. 30<br />
The new and improved Emergi-Lite Retract-a-Lite<br />
battery unit is virtually unseen, emerging only during<br />
a power failure. The motorized door will rotate 180<br />
degrees, allowing the MR16 lamps to illuminate the<br />
path to safety. Upon restoration of AC, the motorized<br />
door will rotate the remaining 180 degrees, returning<br />
the light source back into its invisible state. It can be<br />
fully recessed in the wall or ceiling, and comes complete<br />
with an electrical box for connections. There is<br />
no need for an external junction box. The Retract-a-<br />
Lite comes standard with two MR16 lamps up to 50W<br />
each, which will cover an extensive path of egress at<br />
various mounting heights.<br />
120 Emergi-Lite<br />
30 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
GE_7x10_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/28/07 8:14:25 AM
Photo © Philips.<br />
lighting showcase<br />
Lighting Efficiency Coalition issues call to action<br />
The Philips-led Lighting Efficiency Coalition is a<br />
group of energy-efficiency advocates who have proposed<br />
legislative action for a major shift toward incorporating<br />
high-efficiency lighting technologies in home and office<br />
settings. In essence, they seek to phase-out inefficient<br />
lamps through the substitution of existing energy-efficient<br />
alternatives, such as compact fluorescent (CFLs)<br />
and halogen lamps, and light emitting diodes (LEDs).<br />
The coalition comprises the Alliance to Save Energy,<br />
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy,<br />
Californians Against Waste, Natural Resources Defense<br />
Council and Earth Day Network.<br />
Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Ill.) explained, “We<br />
can either build more power plants, or we can increase<br />
the energy efficiency of what we have.” Manzullo said<br />
he became involved with Philips about two months ago,<br />
when they told him about a program that would save<br />
“the equivalent of 30 nuclear plants or up to 80 coal-fired<br />
plants”. However, Manzullo did note that while the push<br />
would be on CFLs, halogens and LEDs, he recognized the<br />
potential for “new generation incandescent lamps”.<br />
Noah Horowitz, senior scientist with the Natural<br />
Resources Defense Council, admitted that the Lighting<br />
Efficiency Coalition’s main priority is to work out the<br />
details on exactly how efficient replacement products<br />
should be, and how they are to be phased in. “We are<br />
able to send the message to manufacturers that it’s worth<br />
making the investment [in energy-efficient lighting products],”<br />
he added, noting there are roughly four billion<br />
screw-sockets in the United States that could use replacement<br />
products.<br />
Although the coalition said it wants to move quickly, it<br />
added that it wants to move intelligently while advocating<br />
performance standards.<br />
Through the Lighting Efficiency Coalition, Philips wants<br />
to introduce sweeping lighting reform in the United<br />
States, making traditional incandescents obsolete by<br />
2016, to be replaced by more energy-efficient solutions,<br />
such as solid-state lighting.<br />
In a live webcast last month, lighting manufacturer<br />
Philips—along with several American<br />
politicians and environmentalists—announced<br />
their plans for proposed legislative action for a<br />
major shift toward incorporating high-efficiency<br />
lighting technologies in home and office settings in<br />
the United States.<br />
“We want sweeping public policy for energy-efficient<br />
[lighting] alternatives by 2016,” said Senator<br />
Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), who opened the broadcast.<br />
Brian Dundon, CEO of Philips Lighting<br />
Electronics North America, said setting the year<br />
2016 as the target elimination date for energywasteful<br />
incandescents should ensure an orderly<br />
phase-out. “The time has come for this technology<br />
to be moved into a museum,” he said.<br />
Lighting giant acquires<br />
Canada’s TIR Systems<br />
Royal Philips Electronics has reached<br />
an agreement with Vancouver, B.C.’s<br />
TIR Systems Ltd. under which it will<br />
acquire all of the outstanding shares of TIR for<br />
a total consideration of about $75 million (to<br />
be paid in cash upon completion). The transaction<br />
is subject to the terms and conditions<br />
of the merger agreement, and approval of TIR<br />
shareholders. It is expected to close Q2 2007.<br />
“... Through the acquisition of TIR Systems<br />
we now strengthen our position in delivering<br />
integrated lighting products to lighting<br />
fixtures manufacturers,” said Peter van Strijp,<br />
chief executive of Philips Lighting’s SSL (solidstate<br />
lighting) business unit. “Our focus will<br />
now be on making lighting products that utilize<br />
TIR Systems’ solid-state lighting modules<br />
widely available.”<br />
TIR is involved in SSL technology for products<br />
that generate high-quality white light. The<br />
company is commercializing its newly developed<br />
Lexel technology for SSL-based spotlighting<br />
with a platform of fully integrated SSL<br />
modules. Supporting the company’s technology<br />
and products is a solid and sizeable intellectual<br />
property portfolio that, when integrated<br />
into Philips’ SSL patent portfolio, should create<br />
a strong competitive advantage.<br />
INFO NO. 31<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 31
lighting showcase<br />
PRODUCT<br />
SHOWCASE<br />
SMALLER. BRIGHTER. GREENER.<br />
leading the way through research & design<br />
<br />
<br />
FINALLY ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITH<br />
NO SACRIFICE IN LIGHTING DESIGN<br />
It seems as if everyone wants an LED replacement for the<br />
halogen bulbs and up until now everything the competitors<br />
offered fell short of practical. More often then not, the<br />
bulbs are more for decoration then they are for illumination.<br />
WELL NO MORE. Turolight has the brightest MR16<br />
at 8Watts replacing a 35Watt Halogen. It can flood or<br />
spot and beat out every conventional LED technology<br />
known today. It’s not cheap, but it is worth it.<br />
INNOVATION USING<br />
GENESIS FUSION T2 TECHNOLOGY<br />
The first 3” and 4” recessed can fixtures (potlight) that can<br />
replace an MR16. Using our patented Genesis Fusion <br />
bulbs we’ve created the smallest, brightest, most innovative<br />
CFL fixture that is light years ahead of our competitors.<br />
Just think how many MR16 fixtures can now be replaced<br />
with energy efficient Genesis Fusion fixtures. Available in<br />
11W and 13W versions these bulbs produces and unbelievable<br />
50W of flood light.<br />
PHASE4<br />
PAR-P SERIES<br />
A DIMMABLE FLASHABLE FLUORESCENT<br />
Turolight Litetronics Micro-brites are the perfect solution:<br />
CFL’s can not be dimmed or flashed while LED’s are<br />
directional light and fairly expensive. Micro-Brite CCFL’s<br />
are the perfect solution. This large family of bulbs is very<br />
versatile being used in everything from household fixtures<br />
to the mammoth signs in Las Vegas and Macao. Micro-<br />
Brites have a rated life of up to 25,000 hours, and can be<br />
used in or outdoors making them perfect for signage and<br />
marquees.<br />
A TUROLIGHT REVOLUTION<br />
Turolight first introduced Phase 4 Par Series Bulbs over<br />
3 years ago and has set the benchmark for quality CFL<br />
lighting ever since. These bulbs are successfully being<br />
used in countless commercial/industrial buildings across<br />
Canada. Some features include: Same shape and size of<br />
a halogen PAR30 or PAR38 bulb. An outstanding 1300<br />
Lumens and average life span of 8,000 hours. Available<br />
in 2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4100K, 5000K and 6400K.<br />
These bulbs are above standard in every way.<br />
MEOM<br />
VIRTUALLY MAINTENANCE FREE<br />
The TL-ELLED bulb is the ideal replacement for all incandescent<br />
and PL fluorescent based emergency exit light bulbs.<br />
Completely self ballasted, this product runs on 120V and<br />
can last up to 50,000hours or longer. Using less then 1W<br />
this Turolight LED far surpasses all of its competition when<br />
it comes to brightness and energy savings. A swivel base<br />
design allows you to focus the beam precisely where you<br />
need the light. These bulbs will pass any fire code with<br />
ease. CSA Approved.<br />
ONE BULB MANY LOOKS<br />
There is no comparison when it comes to the MEOM<br />
Turolight’s very own Multi cover series bulbs. Starting at<br />
5Watt (comparable to 40Watt incandescent) these bulbs<br />
come with the option of three cover types; Bullet, Globe, or<br />
R20. When the bulb expires there is no need to purchase<br />
a new cover. Simple replace the bulb itself. Just one way<br />
to reduce waste and future costs.<br />
FOR A DISTRIBUTOR NEAR YOU CALL: 1-877-736-0447<br />
OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.TUROLIGHT.COM<br />
32 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
Arc Flash: Measures for Prevention & Control<br />
Schneider Electric (CSA)<br />
Halifax, N.S., <strong>April</strong> 24<br />
Moncton, N.B., <strong>April</strong> 26<br />
Visit learningcentre.csa.ca<br />
Static, Transient Voltages & Lighting Protection<br />
Systems (Fundamentals/Evaluation/Control)<br />
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)<br />
Edmonton, Alta., <strong>April</strong> 25<br />
Vancouver, B.C., <strong>April</strong> 27<br />
Ottawa, Ont., May 23<br />
Halifax, N.S., May 25<br />
Visit learningcentre.csa.ca<br />
Healthcare Lighting Design Solutions<br />
The Source/Cooper Lighting<br />
<strong>April</strong> 26-27<br />
Peachtree City, Ga.<br />
Visit www.cooperlighting.com and click<br />
Source, then Course Calendar<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Learning Expo<br />
Alberta <strong>Electrical</strong> League (AEL)<br />
May 3<br />
Grande Prairie, Alta.<br />
Visit www.elecleague.ab.ca<br />
Annual Meeting<br />
National Association of<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Distributors (NAED)<br />
May 5-9<br />
Washington, D.C.<br />
Visit www.naed.org<br />
NEW<br />
DATE!<br />
Design, Installation & Certification of<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Equipment in Hazardous Locations<br />
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)<br />
Vancouver, B.C., May 7-8<br />
Moncton, N.B., June 14-15<br />
Niagara Falls, Ont., June 18-19<br />
Visit learningcentre.csa.ca<br />
Lightfair<br />
International Association of Lighting<br />
Designers (IALD) and Illuminating<br />
Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)<br />
May 8-10<br />
New York, N.Y.<br />
WILL BE<br />
THERE!<br />
Visit www.lightfair.com<br />
Industrial Ethernet and IEC 61131-3 Seminar<br />
WAGO Corp.<br />
May 14-16<br />
September 24-26<br />
November 5-7<br />
Germantown, Wis.<br />
For details, e-mail info.us@wago.com<br />
Lighting Fundamentals/Lighting Basics<br />
The Source/Cooper Lighting<br />
May 16-18<br />
Peachtree City, Ga.<br />
Visit www.cooperlighting.com and click<br />
Source, then Course Calendar<br />
Quebec Region Golf Tournament<br />
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)<br />
May 22<br />
Pointe Claire, Que.<br />
Visit www.electrofed.com<br />
Annual General Meeting and Convention<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Contractors Association<br />
of Alberta (ECAA)<br />
May 24-26<br />
Lake Louise, Alta.<br />
Visit www.ecaa.ab.ca<br />
CALENDAR<br />
<strong>April</strong> is just around the corner and, before you know<br />
it, the Ontario <strong>Electrical</strong> League’s (OEL’s) <strong>Electrical</strong><br />
Industry Conference will be upon us. As the date gets<br />
closer, more details about the event are solidified, so we<br />
present an update as to what else you can expect this year<br />
in Windsor.<br />
Reid Bigland, president and CEO of DaimlerChrysler<br />
Canada Inc., will help kick off the conference Thursday<br />
<strong>April</strong> 19th with a discussion on the state of the Canadian<br />
manufacturing industry. He will also talk about the initiatives<br />
manufacturers are undertaking to develop fuel-efficient<br />
and environmentally friendly vehicles.<br />
And it appears confirmed that Friday’s keynote speaker<br />
is Dwight Duncan, Ontario’s minister of energy<br />
and chair of cabinet. He will talk about his goals for<br />
fostering a culture of conservation while ensuring a reliable,<br />
sustainable, diverse and affordable supply of power for the province.<br />
Also on Friday (“Contractor Day”) is the Product Expo/Lunch & Learn, where <strong>Electrical</strong><br />
<strong>Business</strong> is exhibiting along with other well-known industry names. Afterward, drinks are<br />
on us, as we proudly sponsor the Friday Afternoon Hospitality Suite, which precedes Friday<br />
evening’s South of the Border Dinner/Dance.<br />
The event runs from <strong>April</strong> 18-21. Visit www.oel.org for more information.<br />
NEC/CEC: A Comparison<br />
of Requirements<br />
Canadian Standards<br />
Association (CSA)<br />
Windsor, Ont., May 24-25<br />
Niagara Falls, Ont., June 25-26<br />
Visit learningcentre.csa.ca<br />
Annual Conference<br />
Supply & Distribution Council,<br />
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)<br />
May 30-June 2<br />
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.<br />
WILL BE<br />
Visit www.electrofed.com<br />
THERE!<br />
WILL BE<br />
THERE!<br />
Canadian <strong>Electrical</strong><br />
Code 2006 Essentials<br />
Canadian Standards<br />
Association (CSA)<br />
Montreal, Que., June 7-8<br />
Halifax, N.S., June 11-12<br />
Visit learningcentre.csa.ca<br />
National Conference<br />
Canadian <strong>Electrical</strong> Contractors<br />
Association (CECA)<br />
June 13-16<br />
Ottawa, Ont.<br />
WILL BE<br />
Visit www.ceca.org<br />
THERE!<br />
Spring Golf Tournament<br />
Alberta <strong>Electrical</strong> League (AEL)<br />
June 14<br />
Visit www.elecleague.ab.ca<br />
or call (403) 514-3085<br />
IESNA Teachers<br />
of Lighting Workshop<br />
The Source/Cooper Lighting<br />
June 17-22<br />
Peachtree City, Ga.<br />
Visit www.cooperlighting.com<br />
and click Source, then Course<br />
Calendar<br />
Power Distribution<br />
and Lighting<br />
Solutions<br />
NQOD Panelboards<br />
Offer reliable performance for 120/208Vac<br />
or 240Vac lighting systems and electrical<br />
distribution systems. Available in 600A main<br />
circuit breaker and main lug configurations.<br />
Accept bolt-on or plug-on branch circuit<br />
breakers for 120/208Vac or 240Vac<br />
lighting systems.<br />
NF Panelboards<br />
Provide a cost effective solution for all<br />
your lighting and electrical distribution<br />
needs at 600/347Vac. Available in stock<br />
with up to 600A main breaker or 800A<br />
main lug interiors, and a wide range<br />
of accessories.<br />
Square D<br />
panelboards<br />
offer you the<br />
best quality,<br />
reliability,<br />
flexibility<br />
and ease of<br />
installation.<br />
I-Line Panelboards<br />
Offer sophisticated power-distribution<br />
at 600Vac/250Vdc and 1200A ratings.<br />
They are the ultimate solution for all<br />
your commercial and industrial electrical<br />
distribution applications. A unique<br />
plug-in connection style offers the<br />
easiest installation for power branch<br />
breakers in the industry.<br />
www.schneider-electric.ca<br />
INFO NO. 32<br />
INFO NO. 33<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 33<br />
Accubid_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/19/07 1:52:26Schneider_half_EB_Feb07.indd PM<br />
1 2/1/07 12:01:12 PM
CALENDAR<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Showcase<br />
British Columbia <strong>Electrical</strong> Association (BCEA)<br />
June 21<br />
Kelowna, B.C.<br />
Visit www.bcea.bc.ca<br />
53rd Pulp and Paper Industry Conference<br />
Institute of <strong>Electrical</strong> and Electronics<br />
Engineers (IEEE)<br />
June 24-29<br />
Williamsburg, Va.<br />
Visit www.pulppaper.org<br />
Annual Convention and Exposition<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Apparatus Service Association (EASA)<br />
June 24-27<br />
Minneapolis, Minn.<br />
Visit www.easa.com<br />
Residential Lighting Design Solutions<br />
The Source/Cooper Lighting<br />
June 25-26<br />
Peachtree City, Ga.<br />
Visit www.cooperlighting.com and click Source,<br />
then Course Calendar<br />
Annual Golf Tournament<br />
Ontario Energy Network (OEN)<br />
July 26, 2007, Gormley, Ont.<br />
Visit www.ontarioenergynetwork.org<br />
If you haven’t already, mark your calendar for the 2007 National<br />
Industry Conference presented by the Canadian <strong>Electrical</strong><br />
Contractors Association (CECA), and hosted by the <strong>Electrical</strong><br />
Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO).<br />
Change is Good is the theme of this year’s event, being held June<br />
13-16, which will feature exciting speakers and great social functions<br />
held in some of Ottawa’s finest venues. The conference kicks<br />
off with the Welcoming Reception held at the National Gallery<br />
where, as an added bonus, delegates will enjoy a private viewing of<br />
the Renoir Landscapes. (Ottawa is the only Canadian venue for this<br />
travelling exhibition.)<br />
The weekly presentations begin with keynote speaker,<br />
Warren Macdonald, the first double above-knee amputee to<br />
WILL BE<br />
THERE!<br />
reach the summit of Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro,<br />
and America’s tallest cliff face, El Capitan. Meantime, luncheon speaker and<br />
political guru, Mike Duffy, will paint a picture of Canada’s political scene... its colourful<br />
history and ever-changing landscape.<br />
Educational opportunities abound throughout the week on marketing, productivity,<br />
management, finance, health and safety, and more. ECAO’s conference committee<br />
is also pleased to announce the addition of a Product Exposition to this year’s lineup<br />
of activities, where the electrical industry’s partners will showcase their products and<br />
services and provide an opportunity for networking and information exchange.<br />
Visit www.ceca.org for more information. See you in Ottawa!<br />
CFL FLUORESCENT ELECTRONIC BALLASTS<br />
UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE<br />
<br />
Fundamentals & Lighting Basics<br />
for Distributors & Contractors<br />
The Source/Cooper Lighting<br />
August 1-3<br />
Peachtree City, Ga.<br />
Visit www.cooperlighting.com and click Source,<br />
then Course Calendar<br />
Annual Golf Tournament<br />
Ontario <strong>Electrical</strong> League (OEL)<br />
August 15<br />
Nobleton, Ont.<br />
Visit www.oel.org<br />
Atlantic Golf Tournament<br />
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)<br />
August 16<br />
Moncton, N.B.<br />
Visit www.electrofed.com<br />
Retail & Hospitality Lighting Design Solutions<br />
The Source/Cooper Lighting<br />
August 22-24<br />
Peachtree City, Ga.<br />
Visit www.cooperlighting.com and click Source,<br />
then Course Calendar<br />
Federation Cup Annual Charity Golf Tournament<br />
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)<br />
August 28<br />
Bond Head, Ont.<br />
Visit www.electrofed.com<br />
INFO NO. 34<br />
• 120V - 277V<br />
• < 10% ATHD<br />
• High Power Factor<br />
• End-of-Life Protection<br />
• Operate 1x, 2x Lamps<br />
• Twin, Triple, Quad,<br />
Double Quad 9-70W<br />
• UL, cUL<br />
• 90ºC Max Operating Temp.<br />
Advanced Features:<br />
• Programmed start for extended lamp life in frequent switching applications<br />
• End-of-lamp-life protection to safely remove power from the lamp as it nears end-of-life<br />
• Cold starting to ensure proper functionality even in low temperature applications<br />
• Improved reliability due to precision control flicker-free operation<br />
• Auto-restart which eliminates the need to reset the power mains after lamp replacement<br />
• Versatile mounting: Side and back leads included with optional ballast<br />
• Auto light compensation during low power situations<br />
• Dual entry color coded connector<br />
Fulham HeadQuarters (USA)<br />
12705 S. Van Ness Avenue<br />
Hawthorne, CA 90250<br />
Tel: (323) 599-5000<br />
Fax: (323) 754-9060<br />
info@fulham.com<br />
www.fulham.com<br />
Trusted worldwide for cost efficient lighting solutions.<br />
Fulham Electronic Co. Ltd (South China)<br />
Room 415 Junda <strong>Business</strong> Center, No.23 Road<br />
Dongguan City Guangdong Province P.R.. China<br />
Tel : +86-769-2234-7250/7251/7252<br />
Fax : +86-769-2234-9904<br />
tonyzhang@fulham-china.com<br />
Fulham Company Ltd (International)<br />
Unit 2617, Miramar Tower, 132 Nathan Road<br />
T.S.T., Kowloon, Hong Kong<br />
Tel: +852-2314-4801<br />
Fax: +852-2314-4186<br />
anita-lau@fulham.com.hk<br />
Fulham Electronic Co. Ltd (Mid China)<br />
Room 312-315, Xing Yuan Technology Plaza,<br />
No 418, Gui Ping Road,<br />
Caohe-Jing Hi-Tech Park,<br />
Shanghai, P.R.C.<br />
Post Code: 200233<br />
Fulham Company Ltd (Middle East)<br />
LOB-2, No 127<br />
P.O. Box 261051,<br />
Jebel Ali Free Zone,<br />
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.<br />
Tel: + 9714-8873577<br />
Fax: + 9714-8873599<br />
fulhamdubai@fulham.com<br />
Fulham Electronic Co. Ltd (North China)<br />
No. 9 Xingchang Road, Nanshaozhen<br />
Changping Science Park<br />
Beijing 102200<br />
P.R. China<br />
Tel : +86-10-6073-5858<br />
Fax : +86-10-6073-3765<br />
tonyzhang@fulham-china.com<br />
Fulham Co., Inc. (Canada)<br />
2967 Lotus Court<br />
Coquitlam, BC V3B 7B3<br />
Tel: (604)-288-2609<br />
Fax: (604)-288-2554<br />
thughes@fulham.com<br />
Patent Pending<br />
Fulham Co., Inc. (Caribbean / Latin America)<br />
12705 Van Ness Avenue<br />
Hawthorne, CA 90250<br />
Tel: (800) 2-FULHAM<br />
Fax: (323) 754-9060<br />
jrodriguez@fulham.com<br />
Fulham/Lightech (Dominican Republic)<br />
Calle 24 Este No. 16<br />
La Castellana<br />
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic<br />
Tel: (809) 476-9965<br />
Fax: (809) 412-4224<br />
lightech@tricom.net<br />
Fulham/Carlson Trading, (Philippines)<br />
#97 Tomas Arguelles St.<br />
Cor Bayani Brgy.<br />
Santol Quezon City, Philippines<br />
Tel: +632-712-8888<br />
Fax: +632-749-9950<br />
christopher_tiu@carlsonphil.com<br />
Fulham Electronics India Pvt Ltd. (India)<br />
A1 , 2nd Floor , Chirag Enclave , GK-I<br />
New Delhi - 110 048 INDIA<br />
Tel: 0091-11-46567394<br />
Fax: 0091-11-46567398<br />
Fall Golf Tournament<br />
Alberta <strong>Electrical</strong> League (AEL)<br />
August 30<br />
Visit www.elecleague.ab.ca or call (403) 514-3085<br />
Lighting Fundamentals/Lighting Basics<br />
The Source/Cooper Lighting<br />
September 5-7<br />
Peachtree City, Ga.<br />
Visit www.cooperlighting.com and click Source,<br />
then Course Calendar<br />
Advanced IRiS Solutions<br />
The Source/Cooper Lighting<br />
September 17-18<br />
Peachtree City, Ga.<br />
Visit www.cooperlighting.com and click Source,<br />
then Course Calendar<br />
Annual Conference & Convention<br />
National <strong>Electrical</strong> Contractors Association (NECA)<br />
October 5-8<br />
San Francisco, Calif.<br />
WILL BE<br />
Visit www.necaconvention.org/2007.htm<br />
THERE!<br />
34 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
VENTILATION FANS DESIGNED TO BE VIRTUALLY<br />
IMPOSSIBLE TO HEAR, SEE, OR RESIST.<br />
When it comes to upgrades, it’s the details that make the difference. That’s why Broan and NuTone QT Series<br />
ventilation fans are not only attractive, but also engineered to run nearly silent without sacrificing power.<br />
They’re available in a number of Energy Star-rated models. Whichever you choose, you’ve got one easy-toinstall<br />
HVI-certified fan and one very happy customer. To locate a distributor nearest you or for additional<br />
product information, call 1-888-882-7626 or visit our Web sites: www.Broan.ca or www.NuTone.ca<br />
©2007 Broan-NuTone, Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of Broan-NuTone LLC. Patents pending.<br />
INFO NO. 35
Meet the players<br />
From mechanic wanna-be to<br />
electrical leader<br />
By Anthony Capkun<br />
CECA’s president, Rick Brodhurst<br />
“It was by pure accident that I got into the<br />
electrical field. I didn’t have any particular<br />
interest in electrical whatsoever.”<br />
These were not the words I expected to hear from Rick Brodhurst, president of both Quantech<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> Contractors Ltd. and the Canadian <strong>Electrical</strong> Contractors Association (CECA).<br />
I met with Rick not long ago to learn more about CECA itself—particularly as the date<br />
of their annual conference in June is fast approaching—so I was taken aback to learn that not<br />
only did Rick not have any interest in electrical, he would have much rather worked as an auto<br />
mechanic.<br />
“When I left high school, I needed to find a job... any kind of a job,” explains Rick. “I was<br />
hoping someone would offer me a mechanic’s apprenticeship—I like repairing old cars—and<br />
while I had knocked on a number of doors, no one would let me in. So when someone offered<br />
me an electrical apprenticeship, I jumped at the opportunity.”<br />
His start as an electrical apprentice came in October 1958 when he joined the Robert Simpson<br />
Company (a huge department store that would hire additional staff around Christmas). At the<br />
time, their maintenance department was looking for an apprentice electrician, and Rick figured<br />
it was something he could do. “In retrospect, thank God I didn’t land an auto mechanic apprenticeship<br />
back then,” he admits.<br />
Rick completed his apprenticeship October 1962, and was in among the first groups to receive<br />
an Inter-Provincial Seal. He then joined the International Brotherhood of <strong>Electrical</strong> Workers<br />
(IBEW) and started working in construction for Noble Electric in 1963.<br />
“During my first four or five years at the trade I attended Ryerson Polytechnical Institute three<br />
or four nights a week with the goal of obtaining enough education to be accepted into Waterloo,”<br />
says Rick, explaining that the University of Waterloo had a co-op program in electrical engineering<br />
that he wanted to get into, as he could learn and earn simultaneously. “I applied for a spot,<br />
and I got it,” he says, then admits, “but I decided to work one year to save some money before<br />
entering co-op, and ended up getting too distracted by both work and good times (it was the<br />
first time I had any money). In the end, I never got to university.”<br />
In the grand scheme of things, that was probably a good thing, because a couple of pals of<br />
his formed Quantech Services Ltd. in <strong>April</strong> 1967. Rick decided to join them several years later,<br />
so he sold his one-third interest in a ski chalet in Collingwood, Ont., to buy into<br />
Quantech. “I did it with $1200,” he says, noting that things were much cheaper in<br />
1971, and “it was a real small business”. And a tough one too, it seems. “<strong>Business</strong> was<br />
certainly a struggle in the early years, with the partners working many hours,” Rick<br />
recalls. “Hard work was the only substitution for our lack of knowledge and business<br />
experience, and we learned a lot of lessons that, once learned, we never forgot.”<br />
Quantech underwent a change in 1973, when the partners divided the company<br />
into a maintenance entity and an electrical construction company. “I became the<br />
owner of Quantech <strong>Electrical</strong> Co. Ltd. and, having arranged some financing, started<br />
expanding the business,” says Rick.<br />
Through the early years, Quantech’s main field was mainly institutional and commercial<br />
projects. Some significant early projects included the redevelopment of the<br />
Old Mill Complex (“our first design-build project for the Skyline Hotel Group”), the<br />
redevelopment of CNE stadium for Toronto’s new baseball team (The Blue Jays) and<br />
even an offshore project—a large hotel development in Panama. “In the early 1980s<br />
we did a few water and wastewater projects, and found this to be a market at which<br />
Quantech excelled, so we opened a Process Control Division in the 1990s. This type<br />
of work has now become our area of specialization,” says Rick.<br />
Learning where to go to learn<br />
So how did Rick go from wanna-be mechanic to president of CECA<br />
“Early on, I perceived I needed more education, which is what prompted me to<br />
get involved in an electrical association,” Rick remembers. “And, at some point, I<br />
must have been asked to serve on some committee for the Toronto ECA. From there,<br />
I gravitated to the provincial association (ECAO), then CECA.” He also became a<br />
member of NECA early on. “Someone had once told me that the best bargain around<br />
at that time was a NECA membership. They have tremendous resources, and I got<br />
a lot out of my participation.” The great thing about a CECA membership, Rick<br />
continues, is that—as the Canadian distributor of NECA products—all of these great<br />
resources are at your fingertips.<br />
Which, of course, brought me back to my main reason for chatting with Rick in<br />
the first place: to learn more about CECA.<br />
“CECA is an association of associations,” says Rick, explaining that it’s more of<br />
a forum where provincial ECA representatives meet to discuss issues of national<br />
importance. It’s not set up like a typical association with a corporate staff, large budgets<br />
and the like. “We meet formally a minimum of twice a year and communicate<br />
informally several times a year as required. We discuss things like a prescriptive- versus<br />
performance-based national electrical code, worker mobility, reverse auctions,<br />
MasterFormat and construction documents,” he explains. “And we use CECA to get<br />
word out to regional associations; let them know what’s happening in other jurisdictions<br />
that might be coming their way.” And let’s not forget holding national conventions<br />
“to facilitate the exchange of ideas among industry peers”.<br />
For a small fee, contractors can become CECA members directly without having to<br />
be members of any provincial association. Although the provincial associations tend<br />
to have union members only, Rick assures me CECA membership is open to both<br />
union and non-union contractors. “It’s a tremendous value if you look at just what<br />
you get in the way of both CECA and NECA materials for all manner of subjects,<br />
including training courses, installation standards, management, safety and organizational<br />
development,” he adds. Throw in networking and social activities, and you just<br />
can’t lose. “I encourage everyone to consider attending CECA’s annual conference,<br />
hosted by ECAO, in Ottawa this June. You won’t be disappointed.”<br />
Outside the president’s office<br />
Rick’s father, who ran a successful painting contracting company, once told him,<br />
“Once you have a skill, no one can take it away from you”. Rick took that advice to<br />
heart, and would love to see more young people get into skilled trades, but he suggests<br />
that the trades are perhaps less attractive these days. “I don’t know if the trades have<br />
done enough to sell themselves,” he muses, adding, “Maybe we should do more in<br />
the way of publicizing the wages, the opportunities for advancement—even owning<br />
your own business.”<br />
One issue Rick would like to see everyone work on is ethics. “We are often the<br />
authors of our own destruction,” he laments, explaining that some electrical contractors<br />
will complain long and loud for general contractors to respect the sanctity of the<br />
low bid, use fair and reasonable contracts, then turn around and “beat up” their suppliers—not<br />
offering them the same fair treatment. “We all have to try to be fair with<br />
all our partners—particularly the client—and be proud of the jobs we do,” he states.<br />
On the bright side, he notes a better attitude between management and labour<br />
these days. “IBEW is being proactive, producing well-trained and motivated people.<br />
They realize we have to be competitive,” he says. “North America-wide, we are realizing<br />
that we have to be more like partners. I feel more positive about the management/labour<br />
relationship today than ever before,” Rick happily concludes.<br />
36 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
CASE STUDY<br />
By Paul Heiligenberg<br />
Voltage regulators provide<br />
solution for unique MRI<br />
In 1980, Fonar revolutionized diagnostic imaging though the introduction of the world’s first commercial MRI scanner.<br />
Now, Fonar offers an upright MRI—the world’s first that performs upright imaging and position imaging.<br />
At the heart of the upright system are electromagnets that require a stable<br />
power supply to ensure a high degree of reliability and image clarity. In fact,<br />
controlling the voltage to a few parts per million is required.<br />
Fonar was the world’s first manufacturer of upright MRI scanners,<br />
which allow doctors to scan patients in a weight-bearing state,<br />
recumbent position, or both, then compare the results. At the<br />
heart of their system are electromagnets that require a stable power<br />
supply to ensure a high degree of reliability and image clarity.<br />
In fact, controlling the voltage to a few parts per million is<br />
required. This is achieved using several stages of regulation.<br />
Regulating the incoming line voltage is the critical first step.<br />
Incoming line voltage (which is normally supplied at ±10%) is regulated<br />
to ±1%. Output from the voltage regulator is sent to a power<br />
supply where it is converted to DC with a stability of 1 ppm.<br />
How important is the initial stage of the process In areas that<br />
are prone to brownouts, voltage fluctuations can have disastrous<br />
effects. “In a best case scenario, it would require the technologist<br />
to repeat a scan,” says Fonar’s Mark Gelbein, director of electrical<br />
systems engineering, adding, “In the worst case, it would turn the<br />
scanner off. A technician would then have to restart the system<br />
after the voltage dip had passed.” Although the time required for<br />
the magnets to re-stabilize is brief, it could seem like an eternity to<br />
an anxious patient.<br />
Because of the high 225kva required to power the electromagnets,<br />
the Fonar design team originally considered tap switchers,<br />
ferroresonant-type voltage regulators, direct sine wave synthesis,<br />
and the Staco variable transformer controlled voltage regulator.<br />
Three key considerations<br />
When considering technology options, three parameters were vital<br />
to the final decision. From a performance perspective, the input<br />
line voltage has to be regulated to ±1%. Each of the considered<br />
technologies is capable of achieving this level.<br />
The second consideration is reliability. The unit has to perform<br />
reliably on a daily basis with Fonar’s low-impedance power source<br />
requirements. Linear, rather than stepped, regulation was required,<br />
since any transient voltage jumps would disturb the<br />
power supply, translating to output disturbance—<br />
which is unacceptable.<br />
Ferroresonant constant voltage transformers use a<br />
capacitor in series with the transformer coil and tend<br />
to be high impedance devices. Additionally, their sensitivity<br />
to load changes and inability to handle high<br />
inrush load well compound the reliability problem.<br />
Furthermore, because they can interact with switchmode<br />
power supplies to produce transients and<br />
electrical (output) noise, their resonant circuits make<br />
The supplier was able to custom-engineer a solution for<br />
Fonar that did the job without breaking the budget.<br />
them particularly sensitive to frequency changes. The<br />
compound effect of these multiple reliability issues<br />
ruled out ferroresonant technology.<br />
Other technologies such as tap-switchers use solidstate<br />
switching circuits for changing taps on transformer<br />
for regulation. Although these regulators are<br />
fast, this rapid response time can often create instability<br />
when powering equipment with switch-mode<br />
power supplies. Their output waveform tends to produce<br />
harmonics and radio frequency. The combination<br />
of these undesirable attributes made tap-switchers<br />
a less-than-optimal choice.<br />
A voltage regulator suggested by Staco Energy<br />
Products employs a variable transformer/buck-boost<br />
transformer design. The buck-boost transformer<br />
reduces the work the variable transformer must perform,<br />
and multiplies the power rating of the transformer.<br />
The buck-boost reduces the current per coil<br />
requirement of the variable transformer, which results<br />
in increased MTBF (mean time between failures)—a<br />
key measure of reliability.<br />
Additional reliability-oriented advantages include<br />
the ability to withstand substantial current overloads,<br />
no additional harmonics or wave form distortions, a<br />
low impedance (less than 1%), high overload capacities<br />
(1000% for 30 cycles), attenuation of electrical<br />
noise and imperviousness to frequency changes.<br />
The final parameter within the decision-making<br />
process was one of cost. While each of the technologies<br />
can regulate voltage to the ±1% design specification<br />
at the 225kva, the Staco option proved most<br />
cost-effective.<br />
Product customization<br />
Many Fonar installations are used in 480V service,<br />
so the standard 225kva voltage regulator suited their<br />
needs and met budget requirements. For 208V installations,<br />
however, the task of voltage regulation was<br />
disproportionately expensive. (At 208V, you essentially<br />
have twice the amps, meaning the magnetic<br />
components are twice as large—making the unit bigger,<br />
heavier and more expensive.)<br />
“We had a 208V unit that was 50% more expensive<br />
than the 480V model,” explains Gelbein, adding they<br />
asked the supplier to come up with something that<br />
could meet budget without impacting performance.<br />
The supplier was able to custom engineer a solution<br />
at a price acceptable to the customer. By including an<br />
autotransformer to step up the line voltage from 208V<br />
to 480V, engineers were able to use standard 480V<br />
components, which significantly reduced the cost of<br />
the 208V version while providing the performance of<br />
a larger model. The supplier also arranged to have the<br />
unit field-inspected to meet UL standards.<br />
As is often the case with complex technologies,<br />
the success of Fonar’s upright MRI hinges on several<br />
components working together. Tight regulation of the<br />
incoming line voltage provides a stable input to the<br />
power supply that, in turn, produces a very tightly controlled<br />
DC output that powers the electromagnets. As<br />
this case study illustrates, just about anything is achievable<br />
when you work closely with your supplier.<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 37
PRODUCTS<br />
Expanded line of washdown motors<br />
Elektrim has expanded its line<br />
of Barracuda stainless steel washdown<br />
motors with ratings from<br />
fractional to 30 hp. To help it do<br />
its job, the Barracuda relies on<br />
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beverage, and other washdown applications. Other features<br />
include: severe duty; C-face; TEFC; squirrel cage rotor; Class<br />
F insulation; and protection degree IP55.<br />
125 Elektrim Motors<br />
Motors aplenty in this catalogue<br />
Bodine has published a new and expanded standard products<br />
catalogue that boasts over 1000 AC, DC and brushless DC<br />
fractional horsepower motors, gearmotors and controls. There<br />
are over 100 new standard products,<br />
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is available as a downloadable PDF at www.bodine-electric.<br />
com, as are links to a complete library of 3-D CAD drawings<br />
of Bodine products.<br />
126 Bodine Electric Co.<br />
Explosionproof manual motor starters<br />
Adalet has a new line of explosionproof manual motor starters<br />
that complements its line of motor control products for hazardous<br />
and industrial areas. The MS2000 line of explosionproof<br />
manual motor starters includes the Cutler Hammer A302 series<br />
starters, available in sizes rated up to 25A. Features include<br />
easy-to-operate pushbutton actuation with a lock-out provision<br />
Improving business efficiency throughout<br />
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power control product lines — every<br />
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to lock the manual motor<br />
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The MS2000 is UL classified<br />
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areas, and is complemented<br />
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shunt release is available to electronically trip<br />
the starter when voltage is applied (120V or 220V)<br />
while an optional undervoltage release protects the<br />
motor from low-voltage situations.<br />
127 Adalet, a Scott Fetzer company (subsidiary<br />
company of Berkshire Hathaway)<br />
Motor protection relay<br />
The SEL-710 motor<br />
protection relay from<br />
Schweitzer boasts accurate<br />
motor protection together<br />
with settings, mounting<br />
and communications<br />
options designed for easy<br />
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calculates speed based on<br />
voltage and current, and the electrical<br />
model of the motor and, because it knows the speed,<br />
SEL-710 can calculate the heat, solving problems of<br />
high inertia. SEL claims the same technology permits<br />
some repeated starts, without delay, on most motors.<br />
With the AccuTrack thermal model, the relay determines<br />
the longest starting time, with no need for a<br />
speed switch, and reduces wait time between motor<br />
starts up to 33%. You can set protection easily based<br />
simply on motor nameplate data.<br />
128 Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Inc.<br />
XT IEC POWER CONTROL<br />
IT. IEC POWER CONTROL<br />
Underfloor branch circuit<br />
monitoring system<br />
PDI unveiled a new way to<br />
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monitors current, voltage<br />
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circuits from overloading.<br />
129 Power Distribution Inc.<br />
INFO NO. 36<br />
XT IEC Power Control<br />
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Modular Combination Motor<br />
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IT. IEC Power Control<br />
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Eaton is proud to be able to offer the<br />
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For more information visit us at:<br />
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Toll Free 1-800-268-3578<br />
Filter solution for<br />
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Sola/Hevi-Duty’s STF<br />
series of Active Tracking<br />
filters is designed to<br />
safeguard industrial,<br />
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equipment<br />
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low-energy voltage<br />
transients and highfrequency<br />
noise. The<br />
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isolated from input disturbances. Available in oneand<br />
three-phase configurations with input voltage<br />
of 120, 240 and 480 VAC at 50/60 Hz, STF power<br />
filters allow you to meet a range of power quality<br />
requirements. The simple-to-mount hardwired filters<br />
can be installed on a single piece of equipment<br />
or at the branch panel.<br />
130 Sola/Hevi-Duty (EGS <strong>Electrical</strong> Group)<br />
38 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
Great Rates!<br />
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INFO NO. 37<br />
Hubbell Canada LP, Wiring Products division (HWP), is a leader in the design, manufacture and<br />
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INFO NO. 38<br />
Visit us online<br />
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To apply for the above position, please forward<br />
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We will provide you with a competitive base salary, benets package, company car, and an incentive program.<br />
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Let’s do<br />
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The world’s foremost manufacturer of wire and cable products has an immediate need for an:<br />
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The successful candidate will execute the overall account approach and<br />
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INFO NO. 42<br />
INFO NO. 41<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 39
(800) 473-1234 • Fax (800) 890-7507 • www.ruud.ca<br />
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53 44 XX 38<br />
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steel. Choice of material thickness and<br />
grade can vary depending on the physical<br />
properties required by the end user.<br />
Other materials are available upon<br />
request.<br />
Northern Cables Inc.<br />
STANDARD Products Inc.<br />
55 46 40 49<br />
1-(800) 361-6965 Dial option #1<br />
47 56 50 41<br />
888-524-5050<br />
42 51 48 57<br />
marketing@standardpro.com<br />
info@northerncables.com<br />
www.standardpro.com<br />
www.northerncables.com<br />
Wunpeece Duct Spacer<br />
The Wunpeece Spacer is the ideal duct<br />
spacer for all concrete encased duct<br />
bank projects. The Wunpeece replaces<br />
traditional base and intermediate duct<br />
spacers. With its sturdy one piece construction<br />
and snap-in design, field<br />
assembly is significantly reduced and<br />
labor can be cut by as much as 50% on<br />
installation. Additionally, with only one<br />
item to order, inventory hassles are<br />
eliminated.<br />
Underground Devices Inc.<br />
Call (800) 800-2118,<br />
or visit www.udevices.com<br />
for more information<br />
40 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com
For more information, enter the appropriate number on the Complimentary Subscription/Info Card found in this issue<br />
MARKETPLACE<br />
INFO NO. 58<br />
WANTED<br />
Molded Case Circuit Breakers. New & Used, All Brands.<br />
Motor Control & MCC. Buckets in A&B, S.D. & W.H. & C.H.<br />
Please call, email or fax Ralph Falvo with your list.<br />
INFO NO. 59<br />
FALVO ELECTRICAL SUPPLY LTD.<br />
5838-87A St., Edmonton, Alberta<br />
1-800-661-8892<br />
780-466-8078 Fax 780-468-1181<br />
email: rjf@falvo.com<br />
INFO NO. 61<br />
DeltaGroup_EB_March07.indd 1 2/22/07 8:29:50 AM<br />
Magic Lites LED products use the latest Chip On Board LED<br />
technology and are cUL approved for indoor / outdoor applications.<br />
Falvo_EB.indd 1 1/11/07 12:14:25 PM<br />
INFO NO. 60<br />
The Constructor / Res Wire Pro (RWP)<br />
– Constructor Ladder Logic, <strong>Electrical</strong> Circuit & Control<br />
– RWP: A New Standard for Residential Wiring<br />
– PocketCAD: Take CAD With You<br />
– Tutorial Software – Motor Control – CLX Trainer<br />
– PLC w/ Logix Trainer and Logix Pro Simulator<br />
2526 Speers Road, Units 4 - 9<br />
Oakville, ON L6L 5M2<br />
Tel: 905-825-9592<br />
www.magiclite.com• lights@magiclite.com<br />
LED REFLECTIVE LIGHT<br />
INFO NO. 62<br />
RAYLEW<br />
POWER SYSTEMS INC.<br />
Always buying and selling used Generator sets<br />
and power equipment<br />
Contact: Neil O. Lewis<br />
Ph: 1-800-385-4421<br />
Edmonton, Alberta<br />
Email: neil@raylewpower.com<br />
www.raylewpower.com<br />
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Ask for details on all Magic Lite LED and Xenon products<br />
MagicLite_EB_<strong>April</strong>07.indd 1 3/21/07 8:55:05 AM<br />
INFO NO. 63<br />
www. mag.com • APRIL 2007 • 41
CODE FILE<br />
BY LES STOCH, P.ENG.<br />
Rule 10-700 Grounding Electrodes<br />
CEC defines a grounding electrode<br />
as: “a buried metal water-piping system<br />
or metal object or device buried<br />
in, or driven into, the ground to which a<br />
grounding conductor is electrically and<br />
mechanically connected”. In other words,<br />
it’s whatever metal objects the code allows<br />
you to drive into, or bury in, the earth and<br />
use for grounding electrical systems.<br />
The requirements for grounding electrodes<br />
up to 750V are found in Rule 10-<br />
700, which has been substantially rewritten.<br />
The rule opens by listing three different<br />
types of grounding electrodes—manufactured,<br />
field-assembled and in-situ—that<br />
form a part of an existing infrastructure,<br />
like a building. The rule provides several<br />
new definitions and expands on the number<br />
of permissible options for establishing<br />
a grounding electrode.<br />
Unfortunately, the new rule may also<br />
cause confusion, because parts of it are<br />
now less prescriptive.<br />
Manufactured grounding<br />
electrodes, Rule 10-700(2)<br />
Subrule 2(a): A manufactured grounding<br />
electrode may consist of two ground<br />
rods, spaced no closer than 3 m apart,<br />
bonded together and driven full length<br />
into the earth. Except for some new verbiage,<br />
nothing much has changed here.<br />
Subrule 2(b): As before, it may also<br />
consist of an approved plate electrode<br />
buried in the earth, at least 600 mm below<br />
finished grade or encased in the bottom<br />
50 mm of a concrete slab that is in direct<br />
contact with the earth, and not less than<br />
600 mm below finished grade. A plate<br />
electrode must provide at least 0.2 sq.<br />
m surface area in contact with the earth.<br />
Once again, nothing has changed.<br />
Field-assembled grounding<br />
electrode Rule 10-700(3)<br />
Subrule 2(a): A field-assembled grounding<br />
electrode may consist of a bare copper<br />
conductor at least 6 m long, sized in<br />
accordance with Table 43 and installed in<br />
the bottom 50 mm of a concrete footing<br />
or foundation and not less than 600 mm<br />
below finished grade. This has sometimes<br />
been referred to as a ‘Ufer Ground’, named<br />
for the person who dreamed up the idea.<br />
Again, nothing has changed.<br />
Subrule 2(b): A bare copper conductor<br />
at least 6 m long, sized in accordance with<br />
Table 43 and buried in the earth at least<br />
600 mm below finished grade is a brand<br />
new alternative now permissible in CEC<br />
2006. (The American electrical code provides<br />
a similar option, but in the form of a<br />
‘ground ring’ surrounding a building and<br />
installed underground.)<br />
In-situ grounding electrode<br />
Rule 10-700(4)<br />
Rule 10-700(4) just specifies that an insitu<br />
grounding electrode is not considered<br />
electrical equipment, must be located at<br />
least 600 mm below finished grade and<br />
have a surface exposure to earth equivalent<br />
to a manufactured grounding electrode.<br />
The rule doesn’t say it must be metallic<br />
(but of course we knew this from the original<br />
definition in Section 0). This selection is<br />
new and not specifically spelled out.<br />
When we turn to Appendix B, we find<br />
that an in-situ grounding electrode must<br />
have a surface area in contact with the<br />
earth at least as great as that of a manufactured<br />
grounding electrode. (A helpful hint<br />
in Appendix B tells us that the necessary<br />
specifications for manufactured grounding<br />
electrodes may be found in the CSA C22.2<br />
No. 41, which is okay if we all have access<br />
to this document.)<br />
Appendix B also provides a number of<br />
examples for in-situ grounding electrodes<br />
including:<br />
• an underground metal water system<br />
at least 600 mm below finished grade<br />
and extending at least 3 m beyond the<br />
building foundation, which has traditionally<br />
been recognized as a suitable<br />
grounding electrode; or<br />
• something brand new: the reinforcing<br />
steel of concrete slabs, foundations and<br />
pilings, or metal pilings in contact with<br />
the earth and at least 600 mm below<br />
finished grade. (Of course, building<br />
reinforcing steel and steel pilings treated<br />
against corrosion would be unsuitable<br />
for use as grounding electrodes.)<br />
How does one determine that the requirements<br />
of the rule are met for the examples<br />
provided in Appendix B No doubt the<br />
CSA standard provides some data in the<br />
form of minimum metal surfaces required<br />
to be in contact with the earth. But how<br />
easily can we relate this data to the surface<br />
areas of different diameters and lengths of<br />
piping and building reinforcing steel<br />
My suggestion <strong>Electrical</strong> inspection<br />
authorities should work out the equivalencies<br />
and provide some guidelines to<br />
help reduce the inevitable number of<br />
uncertainties.<br />
Les Stoch, P.Eng., is president of L. Stoch &<br />
Associates, specialists in quality management/<br />
engineering services. He is a member of PEO, OEL<br />
and IAEI, and develops and delivers electrical code<br />
and technical workshops for Dalhousie University.<br />
He also developed the Master Electrician training<br />
program and Exam (Ontario) for the <strong>Electrical</strong><br />
Contractor Registration Agency.<br />
Always consult<br />
the electrical inspection<br />
authority in your province/<br />
territory for more specific<br />
interpretations.<br />
Great Rates!<br />
Targeted Audience!<br />
Questions and<br />
answers compiled<br />
by Ted Olechna<br />
Tackle the<br />
Code Conundrum...<br />
if you dare<br />
So, you think you know the electrical code, eh<br />
Well, we’ll soon find out if you’re an electrical code<br />
junkie or downright code-clueless. Take a look at the<br />
following questions and check your answers in May’s<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> <strong>Business</strong>.<br />
How did you do<br />
3 of 3 – Not only are you smart, you love to show off.<br />
1 of 3 – Your understanding of these questions is<br />
not up to code.<br />
2 of 3 – You’re pretty smart, but you still missed one.<br />
0 of 3 – Did you come up with your answers by<br />
playing Eenie, Meenie, Minie, Moe<br />
Question 1<br />
The maximum spacing between posts in a<br />
fence guarding outdoor electrical equipment<br />
is ___ m.<br />
a) 1.5 b) 3 c) 4.5 d) 6<br />
Question 2<br />
Incandescent lighting stringers installed outdoors<br />
at a used car lot shall be permitted to<br />
be connected to branch circuits protected by<br />
overcurrent devices rated or set at not more<br />
than 30A.<br />
a) True b) False<br />
Question 3<br />
Receptacles of configuration 5-15R—<br />
intended to supply shore power to boats and<br />
installed outdoors, or on fixed or floating<br />
piers, docks or wharves—shall be protected<br />
by Class A type GFCIs.<br />
a) True b) False<br />
EB Code Conundrum brought to you by...<br />
▼▼▼<br />
Answers<br />
▼▼▼<br />
to Code Conundrum<br />
<strong>Electrical</strong> <strong>Business</strong> March 2007<br />
Q-1: The length of high-voltage cable from the<br />
high-voltage terminal of a neon supply to the first<br />
neon tube shall be not more than ___ m when the<br />
cable is installed in metal raceway.<br />
c) 6 m. 34-404 Length of high-voltage cable from<br />
neon supplies. 1) The length of high-voltage cable<br />
from the high-voltage terminal of a neon supply to<br />
the first neon tube shall be, a) not more than 6 m<br />
when the cable is installed in metal raceway...<br />
Q-2: The maximum allowable ampacity of 3/0 AWG<br />
aluminum Type NS75 neutral supported cable having<br />
two insulated conductors is ___ amps.<br />
c) 245 amps. 4-004(5) Ampacity of wires and<br />
cables. The maximum allowable ampacity of neutral<br />
supported cable shall be as specified in Tables<br />
36A and 36B.<br />
Q-3: Where a multi-winding motor is used with<br />
windings connected in a permanent configuration, it<br />
shall be treated as a single winding motor with ratings<br />
corresponding to the winding configuration used.<br />
a) True. 28-802 Permanent connection. Where a<br />
multi-winding motor is used with windings connected<br />
in a permanent configuration, it shall be<br />
treated as a single winding motor with ratings corresponding<br />
to the winding configuration used...<br />
INFO NO. 64<br />
CSA_banner_EB_Feb07.indd 1 1/24/07 4:06:21 PM<br />
42 • APRIL 2007 • www. mag.com<br />
Call 905-713-4335<br />
ADVERTISER INDEX<br />
Advertiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page<br />
3M Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4<br />
ABB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10<br />
Accubid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33<br />
Arlington Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15<br />
Brady Canada Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14<br />
Broan NuTone Canada Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35<br />
Canadian Standards Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42<br />
Cambrian College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 & 39<br />
Delta Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41<br />
Eaton Cutler-Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38<br />
Enstar Air-Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39<br />
Falva <strong>Electrical</strong> Supply Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41<br />
Flir Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9<br />
Fulham Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34<br />
General Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24,30 & 44<br />
General Motors of Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13<br />
Hammond Manufacturing Co. Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11<br />
Ideal Industries (Canada) Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 & 16<br />
IPLC Vantera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7<br />
Magic Lite Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41<br />
Nexans Canada Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 & 39<br />
Philips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29<br />
Power Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41<br />
Raylew Power Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41<br />
RUUD Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26<br />
Rittal Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6<br />
Schneider Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 & 33<br />
Standard Products Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2<br />
Techspan Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43<br />
Thomas & Betts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 5, 11 & 18<br />
Turolight Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23<br />
Ultrasave Lighting Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31<br />
Underground Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8<br />
WAGO Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24<br />
Waltech Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
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INFO NO. 65<br />
Direct-On-Line Motor Starters<br />
Modular Design Makes Modication a SNAP!<br />
Choose Type and Overload<br />
1 - Remove Cover<br />
Wires pre-positioned for overload<br />
2 - Insert & Wire Overload<br />
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3 - Close cover<br />
Select from 4 different Amperage sizes (9A, 12A, 18A, 25A)<br />
3 styles of buttons<br />
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INFO NO. 66<br />
www.techspan.biz/te/controls<br />
All enclosed contactors<br />
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Overloads are sold separately<br />
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INFO NO. 67<br />
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Colours in Stock<br />
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Cord Band<br />
UV Black<br />
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Fluorescent Colours<br />
Marker Ties<br />
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INFO NO. 68