E+C August 2018

round up

ELECTRICAL PROTECTION + SAFETY

Beyond the surge protection device

faced with inexplicable lockups, downtime and even some failures in surge protection caused by low level switching transient events. This is because typical SPDs are voltage triggered only. Their clamping will only oc- cur at a set point above or below the am- plitude of the sine wave, and will therefore not act upon low level switching transient events. While the Sine wave has remained the same since the late 1800s, the sensitivity of equipment connected to the grid is now higher. It is clear that standard SPDs are not doing enough to protect valuable sys- tems, such as in elevators, factory convey-

Around 25% of the world's electrical ener- gy is consumed by electric motors in indus- trial applications. However, as John Mitch- ell, global business development manager at CP Automation explains, installing vari- able frequency drives (VFDs) and surge protection devices (SPDs) are not the final steps in creating ultimate cost-efficiency. By implementing VFDs, many business- es experience an increased bottom line due to increased efficiency and reduced energy costs. However, the VFD is not without its problems – its normal operation can cause negative effects. Issues arise with VFDs as a result of power fluctuation. This could be caused by an anomalous event such as a lightning strike to the grid, or by lower level transient surges caused by VFDs countless times a day. These transient surges are a change in fundamental frequency in a microsec- ond time frame. If not accounted for, they can lead to confusion in electrical systems, such as false zero crossings, false trigger- ing of diodes and timing issues. A basic SPD may be used alongside a VFD to mitigate the damaging impact of high power surges, yet many users are still

ors or petroleum production equipment. The next step is to eliminate low level switching transient events. Surge and tran- sient protection systems such as the Sine- Tamer, offer a new opportunity to protect valuable assets from transient events that can occur millions of times per day. The fre- quency attenuation network of Sinetamer does this by monitoring the frequency, as well as the voltage. CP Automation has partnered with the makers of SineTamer, Energy Control Sys- tems, to supply this equipment across Eu- rope, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Enquiries: John Mitchell. Email john.mitchell@cpaltd.net

Next generation hand-held ScopeMeter

After 17 years of leading the 20 MHz and 40 MHz hand-held industrial oscilloscope category, Fluke models 123, 124 and 125 ScopeMeter test tools are being replaced by models 123B, 124B and 125B. The compact ScopeMeter ® 120B Se- ries, is the rugged oscilloscope solution for industrial electrical and electro-me- chanical equipment troubleshooting and maintenance applications. It is an inte- grated test tool, with oscilloscope, mul- timeter and high-speed recorder in one instrument. The ScopeMeter 120B Series also integrates with the Fluke Connect ® mo- bile app and FlukeView ® for ScopeMeter software to enable further collaboration, data analysis and archiving of critical test information. The 120B Series Industrial ScopeMe- ter test tools include innovative functions specifically designed to aid technicians in troubleshooting. Additionally, wave-

forms can be displayed with Connect and View™. Fluke’s IntellaSet™ technology triggers and sets up technology and allows for automatically view related numerical measurements, all without having to make manual measurement adjustments. With Recorder Event Detect capabili- ties, elusive intermittent events are cap- tured on repetitive waveforms up to 4 kHz and logged for easy viewing and analysis. Other features of the Fluke 120B ScopeM- eter include: • Dual-input digital oscilloscope and multimeter. • 40 MHz or 20 MHz oscilloscope band- width. • Two 5,000-count true-rms digital mul- timeters. • Dual-input waveform and meter read- ing recorder for trending data over ex- tended periods. Enquiries:Tel. +27 (0) 10 595 1821 or email sales@comtest.co.za

8 Electricity + Control

AUGUST 2018