Alltec Corporation News & Articles
Risks to Broadcast/Satellite Facilities Due to Lightning
E-lights by Alltec Corporation
Tuesday December 13, 2011
Ground based satellite audio and video services operate 24 hours a day seven days a week. They are “on-air” all of the time. Therefore, service interruptions and equipment breakdowns that result in periods of downtime are obviously detrimental to revenue and profit margins. It is generally accepted by commerce professionals that lightning activity is a primary malefactor responsible for 5% (approximately 4-5 billion dollars) of all claims each year. Lightning has proven to be a notorious root cause of extended periods of downtime as it damages or disrupts communication equipment in all industries.
Much of lightning’s foreboding destructive potential can be mitigated with the proper application of a comprehensive lightning protection system. A three tiered approach; a “protection pyramid,” calling for the implementation of a proper grounding system, the installation of quality surge protection devices (SPDs), and an appropriately appointed lightning protection system will significantly reduce the likelihood of satellite communication systems suffering lightning related damage or operational disruptions. Each of these actions symbolizes a method to protect facilities from damages caused by lightning induced current. Rather than treating them as independent protection stages, each tier is regarded to be an interlocking component of an overall lightning protection routine. When all three tiers are managed together as a total system, comprehensive communication equipment protection can be achieved.
The foundation tier of the protection pyramid establishes the design, installation, and maintenance of a code compliant and low impedance/low resistance grounding system that can be relied upon to protect both man and machine from catastrophic lightning activity. Upon this foundation, surge protection devices are staged to suppress the momentary bursts of energy that lightning induces on power and data lines to render them harmless to equipment loads. Crowning the pyramid is a well-designed lightning protection system that is established to protect structures against direct lightning strikes.
The primary goal of the grounding system is to maintain a low resistance level between the earth grounding electrode(s) to the surrounding soil. Higher levels of lightning immunity result as that resistance is reduced. While the National Electrical Code requires the resistance value between the earth and the grounding electrodes not to exceed 25 ohms to maintain the grounding system’s safety integrity, lowering ground resistance values to levels as close to 0 ohms as possible will further inoculate the facility against lightning related damage. A cellular tower provider, for example, aims for less than 5 ohms of ground resistance.
There are numerous variables to take into consideration when designing and implementing a grounding system that have nothing to do with the grounding components. For example, the makeup and mineral consistency of the soil, its moisture and oxygen content, along with climatic temperature and seasonal weather variations that alter its resistivity, all have to be evaluated. If a growing facility, in another example, does not have a comprehensive grounding system blueprint in place when planning for expansion, then augmenting the grounding for the added growth may be inadequate, resulting with imposing increased risk factors to the entire facility and staff. A properly installed grounding system may ultimately consist of an elaborate array of grounding electrodes, soil enhancement materials, and complex installation and bonding techniques.
A compromised or corrupted grounding system or component not only poses a serious threat to human safety concerns, but also precludes any ground referencing SPD or Lightning Protection equipment from performing to its full capacity. Moreover, a compromised neutral/ground bond can create a dangerous temporary overvoltage (TOV) event between at least one phase conductor and the ground reference.
Sensitive modern microprocessor based communication equipment is not as tolerant of transient events as were their predecessors. The reason being; as the number of active components incorporated within a “single-chip” microprocessor increases, the spacing between them decreases, and they are simultaneously called upon to dissipate more heat as they are called into service by greater numbers; making them increasingly vulnerable to transient overvoltage events.
State of the art surge suppressors, now more than ever, are required to protect sophisticated modern day electronic communications equipment.
SPD safety standards have been revised in recent years; calling for testing that stresses SPDs to failure, while ensuring they do so safely. The fact is, SPD failures were and still are typically caused by temporary over voltage (TOV) events, rather than transient surge activity. While most surge suppressors have always easily withstood momentary voltage bursts, they could and would fail catastrophically when subjected to a sustained overvoltage high enough to drive them into continuous conduction. SPD safety testing, beginning in February 2007 when ANSI/UL 1449 2nd edition (and included in ANSI/UL 1449 3rd edition) was revised to include extended abnormal overcurrent test parameters. These parameters require SPDs to be subjected to a full gamut of abnormal fault current scenarios; necessitating them to conduct various amounts of fault current until they fail in a safe and orderly fashion. SPD products of yesteryear, without redesign or augmentation, do not meet the new enhanced safety requirements. A strong argument can be made that SPDs still in service and manufactured before February 2007 are not completely safe for use, thus posing another risk to a facilities operation.
The final layer, topping off the protection pyramid, regards protecting sites from direct lightning strikes. A well designed lightning protection system will meet NFPA 780 and UL 96A standards. The most common and best known lightning protection system is the traditional lightning rod, or Franklin Rod system. This approach applies a series of metal rods and cables that are designed to carry massive amounts of directly induced lightning energy safely to the ground, protecting structures from fire related hazards. While, in days past, the levels of protection delivered by the Franklin system were thought to be sufficient, they can no longer be relied upon to be the sole protection means for modern equipment loads. Charge Dissipation Systems, for example, can be utilized to counteract the charge differential that attracts a lightning strike to a structure. These devices are highly recommended for use on critical equipment sites to reduce the likelihood of being struck directly by lightning.
Lightning protection systems, based on the aforementioned protection pyramid, employing a combination of lightning mitigation technologies, grounding techniques, and quality surge protection devices come as close as is humanly possible to delivering absolute levels of lightning protection. Properly designed and installed lightning protection systems for satellite communication systems protect human beings, physical structures, and sophisticated electronic equipment.
View More: E-lights, Lightning
Alltec Corporation - PowerTrip® Surge Protection Devices KSB series
E-lights by Alltec Corporation
Tuesday December 13, 2011
The PowerTrip® KSB product family features state-of-the-art suppression technology, a 5-year replacement warranty, compact and easy installation parameters, high energy handling performance, negligible insertion losses, and ultra-fast reacting suppression circuitry.
Alltec Corporation introduces a complete line of SPD products designed to robustly protect virtually any type of data circuit against lightning induced transient voltage surges. The KSB product family includes models that are specifically designed to protect networked systems equipment applications including CAT 5/CAT5e Ethernet, RS422/RS485, Power over Ethernet (PoE), T1, Digital Data Services (DDS), Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), Analog Dial-up Modems and Faxes, xDSL, along with most other communication and data interfaces.
Lightning induced surge energy constantly threatens the operation of today’s sophisticated data communication equipment. However, those threats can be mitigated by protecting computer and radio equipment with quality surge suppressors. SPDs serve as the ultimate and final line of protection for your valuable equipment. Safeguard your operations by simply installing protectors between the incoming communication lines and the I/O ports of the vulnerable processing devices.
The KSB product family features state-of-the-art suppression technology, a 5-year replacement warranty, compact and easy installation parameters, high energy handling performance, negligible insertion losses, and ultra-fast reacting suppression circuitry. They are available in DIN and non-DIN mount packages that can be ordered with either modular or hardwired connectors. Multiple circuit rack-mount protection panels are also available.
The KSB SPD product family further bolsters the suppression block of Alltec Corporation’s Protection PyramidTM, the three-tiered protection model incorporating effective grounding techniques, surge protection products, and lightning protection systems to accomplish comprehensive facility protection to keep man and machine safe and sound. Since 1991, Alltec Corporation has been protecting modern facilities and sophisticated equipment loads worldwide. We provide optimal solutions for protecting against lightning strikes, grounding anomalies, and power quality issues.
Please contact our US office for more information on this extensive line of products and services.
View More: E-lights, Product-Spotlight
Alltec Corporation is proud to be a presenter for the IECEP in Philippines
Corporate by Alltec Corporation
Thursday November 3, 2011
Alltec Corporation is proud to announce that its President/CEO, Christopher Bean has been invited to present at the IECEP (International Electronics Conference & Expo Philippines) on November 5, 2011 in Philippines.
Alltec Corporation is proud to announce that its President/CEO, Christopher Bean has been invited to present at the IECEP (International Electronics Conference & Expo Philippines) on November 5, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Philippines. He will share concepts regarding how to protect structures from lightning strikes; and how to bolster the immunity levels of today’s sophisticated electronic equipment from lightning related damage. His discussion will focus on the importance of protection, what needs to be protected, methods of protection, and what latest protection technologies are available as well as applications.
In the Philippines, thunderstorm activity has been observed to be increasing in recent years. Its geographical location and physical environment routinely exposes it to the problems associated with tropical weather; including cyclones, extreme rainfall, typhoons, thunderstorms, and lightning activities. Statistics show that every year, over 6,000 thunderstorms occur in the country. It is an unfavorable fact that lightning related hazards bring chaos to life and property, and disturb the lives of millions of citizens. Moreover, on the assumption that the theory of global warming is true, we could see double or triple, even more, in the number of lightning strikes by mid-century.
Whether small or large, Businesses suffer massive annual financial losses resulting from lightning related property and equipment damages. Computer and communications equipment are especially vulnerable to lightning induced peril. Business owners and corporate managers invest a tremendous amount of time, money and resources to make their ventures successful; and yet, while the importance of emergency planning to minimize the adverse effects of natural disasters may be seem to be self-evident, planning and protecting against threatening lightning activity often gets put aside in the face of more immediate concerns.
The Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines-Pampanga Chapter (IECEP-Pampanga) was chosen as this year’s host of the 61st Mid-year Conference and General Membership Meeting. This year’s theme is “Electronics Engineers: Industry, Innovation and Ingenuity”. The announcement was made by IECEP National President Engr. Ornan Vicente, who stated that “This is a very timely theme as it captures the three basic ingredients every electronics engineers should possessed to survive and be successful in this challenging world of information age.”
• The audience consists primarily of engineers in the field of Electronics;
• Telecommunications-Information and Communications Technology (Hardware & Software Development; Networking; Content Development; Access Network Design; IS Providers; & Others); Biomedicine; Broadcasting; Cable TV; Semiconductor and Manufacturing; Instrumentation and Control; Avionics, Medical Electronics, etc.
• Owners/entrepreneurs of Small & Medium Enterprise of Info Tech (SMEIT); members of the Academe, Executives, Managers, and Supervisors from different industries are also expected to attend.
• There are six tracks: ICT; Electronics and Computing; Broadcast & Communications; Security & Defense; BICSI and Career Development.
• Around 500 – 700 delegates per track are expected.
The host, IECEP-Pampanga Chapter has lined-up exciting and worthwhile activities to give members a memorable stay in Pampanga. Highlights of the program are the technology show and exhibits, opening ceremony with prominent local officials of the province, interesting and new seminar topics, grand raffle promo, launching of IECEP-Pampanga websites, fellowship nights and group activities. For more information on IECEP (International Electronics Conference & Expo Philippines), visit www.iecep.ph.
Alltec Corporation is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of lightning protection, grounding systems, and surge protection devices. As Solution Providers for an Energized World™, they offer a comprehensive facility protection approach to solving the world’s most difficult lightning, grounding, and power quality problems.
For more information, please click here.
Alltec Corporation
64 Catalyst Drive
Canton, North Carolina 28716 USA
Phone: +1 828-646-9290
Toll Free: +1 800-203-2658 (U.S. & Canada)
Fax: +1 828-646-9527
www.allteccorp.com
pr@allteccorp.com
Alltec Achieves ISO 9001:2008 Certification
Industry by Alltec Corporation
Thursday November 3, 2011
Alltec Corporation is pleased to announce its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001: 2008 reassessment and certification completion for the year 2011. ISO represents a set of value principles created to provide technological, economic, and societal benefits for all parties involved. ISO develops safety, quality, and testing measures around the world, and ensures that products and services measure up to these specific standards. ISO works to safeguard consumers, make trade more fair, and make products and services more efficient. ISO assists businesses in creating effective management systems and helps them to remain competitive in their industry.
The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, is an international-standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations.
Why is ISO important for Alltec Corporation?
ISO 9000 guidelines provide a comprehensive model for quality management systems that can make any company competitive. Implementing ISO often gives the following advantages:
• Creates a more efficient, effective operation
• Increases customer satisfaction and retention
• Improves employee motivation, awareness, and morale
• Promotes international trade
• Increases profit
• Reduces waste and increases productivity.
ISO Certification is a type of self-improvement method for Alltec in its internal processes and procedures. It is a measure of quality control, as it streamlines the overall ordering process and requires documentation for every in-house position and system. Offering many additional benefits, ISO certification assures that internal systems have been defined and corrective action systems have been implemented. ISO provides uniform and predictable results while improving operational efficiency, ultimately reducing costs and increasing profitability.
Many countries require ISO certification to enter the global marketplace, and numerous corporations view ISO documentation as an essential prerequisite for conducting business. ISO instills trust and confidence in clients and prospects. For all of these reasons ISO Certification is a celebration for Alltec Corporation, as it can only enhance current business practices and better the overall quality of Alltec’s goods and services.
To learn more about ISO Certification visit their site at: http://www.iso.org/iso/home.htm
View More: Industry, Corporate
Alltec Corporation introduces the integrally safe KSB 600 VDC PR surge protective device (SPD)
Product-Release by Alltec Corporation
Thursday November 3, 2011
Alltec Corporation is pleased to introduce the integrally safe KSB 600 VDC PR surge protective device (SPD); designed specifically to protect the DC power circuits utilized by state-of-the-art solar power generation systems.
Alltec Corporation is pleased to introduce the integrally safe KSB 600 VDC PR surge protective device (SPD); designed specifically to protect the DC power circuits utilized by state-of-the-art solar power generation systems. It is intended for installation between both the DC+ and DC- conductors and the Ground at combiner junctions; and at DC inverter power inputs.
The KSB 600 VDC PR’s suppression circuits employ advanced design parameters that enable them to facilitate multiple roles; using fewer components than competing brands, but without sacrificing performance capabilities or safety considerations. This makes the KSB 600 VDC PR a very cost effective, yet highly efficient solar protection product. While its primary purpose is to protect critical DC load components by absorbing abnormal levels of surge energy, the KSB 600 VDC PR’s extended functions present advanced operational monitoring and control functionality. These cutting-edge surge suppressors employ Alltec’s “thermal-reactive operational supervisor” (TROS), a proprietary invigilating circuit that both monitors SPD operation and provides a means for it to disconnect from the DC power source during a DC fault condition. This feature delivers assurances that relate directly to its functionality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
“Lightning is an obvious menace to the operation of solar power generating equipment, but insulation faults in the system’s DC power circuits can be disastrous to the surge protectors that are employed to counter that threat”, said Jim Grasty, Engineering Administrator at Alltec Corporation. “The KSB 600 VDC PR’s intrinsic safety features, along with its robust performance capabilities, put it on the cusp of greatness with regard to protecting solar generating equipment.”
Alltec Corporation is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of lightning protection, grounding systems, and surge protection devices. As Solution Providers for an Energized World™, they offer a comprehensive facility protection approach to solving the world’s most difficult lightning, grounding, and power quality problems.
For more information, please click here.
Alltec Corporation
64 Catalyst Drive
Canton, North Carolina 28716 USA
Phone: +1 828-646-9290
Toll Free: +1 800-203-2658 (U.S. & Canada)
Fax: +1 828-646-9527
www.allteccorp.com
pr@allteccorp.com
View More: Product-Release, Product-Spotlight
