News Electrical | Education

In this NEW series, we unpack motor protection.   In Part 1, we discussed the importance of motor protection. We continue the series with Part 2 – a comparison of circuit breakers to fuses. In the beginning, only fuses were used in electrical distribution systems to protect people and equipment against short circuits, circuit overloads, and other types of faults. Then, circuit bre...

When it comes to downtime, motors are a disproportionally large contributor compared to other causes, simply because motors are used in so many processes, from pumping to material management. So, a failure in a motor will have a serious ripple effect on productivity. We’re wrapping up our series on Motor Protection. Before we get into the fifth and final instalment, take a moment to catch up on previous articles in the series… Part 1 ...

Our friends at SIEMENS remind us that drives are literally everywhere. You don´t always see them, but they are an important part of machines, of production facilities or of baggage handling systems in airports... Data for Digitalization Digitalization needs data. Information is considered the fuel of digitalization. To get more flexibility, more efficiency and ultimately more productivity out of machines, production facilities and even airports, you need to know what t...

  In Part 1 of our series on Motor Protection, we outlined the importance of motor protection. In Part 2...

Did you know that improperly protected motors might result in unexpected production downtime, losses, and breakdowns in the machinery? In this NEW series, we unpack the many facets of motor protection. We kick off Part 1 with an overview as to the importance of adequately protecting motors. Why protect your motors?               The basic idea behind electric motors is pretty simple – supply electricity at one end and a metal rod or an axle at the other end, which will pro...

In Part 1 of our series on Motor Protection, we outlined the importance of motor protection. In Part 2...

In our NEW series, we unpack protective relays. We start the series off with an introduction to protective relays, and then touch on relay categories and classifications. Keep an eye out for the second instalment of the series… What is electrical circuit protection? Electrical circuit protection is the purposeful use of a fail-safe device that automatically causes a disruption in an electrical circuit when it recognizes an excess and unsafe load of power in a circuit. Common circuit protection devices and components include circuit break...

In this article, created by our friends at a-eberle, we discuss current changes in energy technology, the effects of grid repercussions, and what influence they have on measuring devices with which we detect faults in the grid. Increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs – not possible without changes Industries are abandoning old technology for power-controlled technology (Figure 1). A good example is the change from an asynchronous motor to a frequency converter with a controlled drive. The asynchronous motor had two states: on and o...

In Part 1 of this NEW series, we unpacked the definition of a protective relay, the five functional categories of relays, and then ended off by touching on the classification of relays. We wrap up the series by discussing the types of protective relays, and then move on to transformers, protection zones and end off with the applications of a relay… What types of protective relays are used? Digital protective relays The d...

Our friends at EATON have recognised that we're in the midst of a significant transformation - the digital transformation of manufacturing. Here’s how they intend working towards a future that’s connected, data-driven and smart... The 4th industrial revolution Industry 4.0, is the automation of traditional manufacturing practices using digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, additive manufacturing, factory simulation and augmented and virtual reality. Manufacturing models are becoming autonomous and using algorithms and machin...

In our NEW series on Advanced Metering, we unpack why advanced metering devices should not only be truly reliable devices but also, provide information that helps users to achieve tangible results. In part 1, we gave an overview of traditional PQ data reporting, touched on workforce dynamics and then outlined the path to tangible results. In the second instalment, we discuss how Advanced Metering e...

Having a truly reliable monitoring device is certainly the starting point for any business that relies on power availability, but it is certainly not enough. What use it is for engineers and facility managers to have access to highly accurate data if they can’t get real insight from that data? In this NEW series, we unpack why advanced metering devices should not only be truly reliable devices but also, provide information that helps users to achieve tangible results, information that is meaningful and actionable. In part 1, we give...

Electrical contractors face risks on the jobsite every day. But risk assessments for electrical installations, when performed correctly, can help reduce the overall risk of injury. In this article, we take a deeper dive into this invaluable tool. What are electrical installation risk assessments? An electrical installation risk assessment is a procedure that helps electrical workers identify hazards, assess risks, and implement risk controls before beginning work at a site. During the assessment, a worker must weigh the likelih...

  In PART 1...

Are you working in an explosive environment? Are the areas in your workplace properly classified according to the necessary documentation? Is the equipment installed and properly rated for safe operation in those explosive atmospheres? In the first article of the series, we introduce you to explosive environments in the workplace. We give an overview on how to classify explosive areas according to the necessary standards, and explain the compliance standards your company should adhere to, for...

The power availability and reliability of a distribution system encompasses its entire lifecycle, from design to operations. Schneider Electric challenges you to consider these five approaches: 1. Pre-engineered reference designs A pre-engineered medium and/or low voltage electrical distribution system will be based on a reference design that has been validated for the specific application. A design should include the core power system design...

Are you planning on renewing or adding circuit breakers to your current electrical installation? Is it possible to reduce the cost of purchasing these circuit breakers whilst still being adequately protected? This NEW series introduces you to the technique of how circuit breakers are cascaded in a system. In Part 1 we give an explanation of what cascading is, its advantages, and the conditions required to implement cascading. In Part 2...

In our latest series, we’re discussing the cascading of circuit breakers. In Part 1, we give an explanation of what cascading is, its advantages, and the conditions required to implement cascading. This second and final instalment in the series touches on the topic of selectivity, by giving an overview on how it can be enhanced in your system by the implementation of cascading circuit br...

Due to technology advancements, thermal imaging has become more affordable, easier to use and more broadly deployed in a variety of industrial and commercial markets. That is good news if you’re a contractor looking to add thermal imaging to your range of services, because most customers have likely heard of it. Thermal cameras produce thermal (heat) pictures of equipment, allowing your customers to see nearly immediate benefits from such a service. In one pass through a facility, you can usually find at least one comp...

  Anyone who makes their living by working with electricity quickly develops a healthy respect for anything with even a remote chance of being "live." Yet, the pressures of the getting a job done on time or getting a mission-critical piece of equipment back on line can result in carelessness and uncharacteristic mistakes by even the most seasoned electrician… The list below was developed by FLUKE as a quick reminder of what not to do when taking electrical measurements: Replace the original fuse with a cheaper one. If your digital multimeter meets today's safety standards, that fuse...