Alltec Corporation News & Articles
Gain Control of your Equipment's Power Quality: Eliminate Critical and Costly Downtime
Product-Spotlight by Alltec Corporation
Monday January 11, 2010
In the technologically progressive world that we live in today, companies rely more heavily than ever on sensitive electronic equipment. Technology is becoming faster, smaller, & more efficient. In exchange for faster speed, however, electronics are becoming increasingly susceptible to surges. In response to this demand Alltec Corporation has created PowerTrip® Surge Protection Devices (SPDs).
PowerTrip® Surge Protection Devices reduce the magnitude of random, high energy, short duration electrical power anomalies. These occurrences are typically caused by atmospheric phenomena (such as lightning strikes), utility switching, inductive loads, and more. Over 80% of transient activity is internally generated, and it is estimated that electrical transients cost US companies more than $26 billion per year in damages and losses. High energy spikes take place and can damage equipment such as computers, instrumentation, and process controllers often without causing noticeable physical damage to components. This can cause system upset, lost data and data lines, erroneous signals and false system operations.
The installation of Surge Protection Devices (SPDs) is essential to reduce the risk of personal injury, physical equipment damage, and loss of operations. PowerTrip® surge suppressors provide ultimate protection for modern sensitive microprocessors based equipment in the harshest of transient environments. These applications are being used in residential homes, telecommunication facilities, information technology buildings, automation controls, oil & gas industries, wind farms, and much more. PowerTrip® SPDs are designed with “Discrete All Mode Protection” to eliminate the transient voltage between all possible modes: L-L, L-N, L-G, and N-G. The ultimate goal of our approach is to keep sites and systems operating safely, reliably,
PowerTrip® devices are available for AC and DC power, telephone/data, and RF cabling protection. Experienced engineers will assist you in choosing the correct product for your application. Our expert installation team will make certain that your products are installed correctly, ensuring that sites and systems are operating safely and reliably.
Surge Suppression Technology
Voltage Responsive Circuit Technology provides the best suppression of high energy impulses and operates at a fixed low let-through voltage. In addition to the fixed system, Frequency Responsive Circuit Technology has thresholds which track the AC & DC sinewave and are able to respond to any transient activity on the system at whatever polarity and phase angle it occurs; it filters all frequency disturbances other than 50/60 Hz. PowerTrip® SPD products are engineered to meet the demanding requirements of countless applications.
PowerTrip ® Features
- Withstands repeated transients
- Quick response and recovery time
- Tight nominal clamping levels
- Frequency Responsive Circuitry and EMI/RFI filtering capabilities
- Surge Counters, Audible Alarms and Dry Relay Contacts
- Array of NEMA rated enclosures
- Fail Safe
- Thermal Insulation
Compliance
• ANSI/UL 1449 3rd Edition Listed and UL 1283 Listed
• IEEE C62.41-2002 and C62.41.2-2002 Tested Standards
• NEMA LS-1 (1992)
Transient Voltage Sources
• Power company & load switching
• Generator switching
• HVAC equipment
• Industrial equipment
• Fluorescent lights
• Elevators
• Switching of inductive loads
• Lightning activity
View More: Product-Spotlight, Surge-Suppression
Signal Reference Grids: Grounding Solutions with Exceptional Results
News by Alltec Corporation
Friday October 2, 2009
Proper bonding and grounding are essential factors in today’s quest for ultimate power quality, and it is critical to have a system that is driven by both safety and performance. Alltec Corporation’s Signal Reference Grids (SRGs) are used around the world in communication/data centers to reduce static and noise and to protect equipment. SRGs are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and very successful at protecting equipment from voltage surges.
The Need for an Equipotential Plane
Electronic equipment is typically affected when there is a potential difference between devices. Proper grounding and bonding of sensitive electronic systems, including computer installations, require careful consideration of all frequencies. Alltec’s SRGs provide an equipotential plane for equipment where all electronic and electrical equipment connected can rise and fall together. These signal reference grids (SGRs) reduce or eliminate high frequency transients by achieving a common ground reference for all equipment within an adjoining area. The equipotential grid significantly decreases potential differences and diminishes current flow, thereby eliminating the adverse affect on logic circuits.
Requirements
Signal Reference Grid installation is normally required when:
- The logic ac-dc power supplies used in the electronic equipment are installed with one of the terminals connected to the equipment’s metal frame. This prevents damage to inter-unit signal units by providing a low-inductance, and hence, effective ground reference for all externally installed AC and DC power, telecommunications, or other signal level line to-ground chassis connected Surge Protection Devices that may be used with the associated equipment.
- The signal-level circuits and logic ac-dc power supply common terminals are OEM dielectrically insulated or galvanically isolated from equipment against recommended practice and are instead connected to an insulated “ground” terminal that is intended for connection to an externally installed signal reference circuit.
- There are actual performance problems occurring with the equipment which can be assigned to common-mode electrical noise; they are used to prevent or minimize damage to inter-unit signal-level circuits and equipment power supplies when a power system ground-fault event occurs.
- Low-impedance return path for RF noise currents
- Containment of EM (noise) fields between their source and the plane
- Increased filtering effectiveness of contained EM fields
- Shielding of adjacent circuits or equipment
- Conductive grid embedded in, or attached to, a concrete floor
- Metallic screen under floor tile
- Ceiling grid above equipment
- Supporting grid of raised access flooring
Signal Reference Grids as Grounding Solutions
The purpose of Signal Reference Grids is to enhance the overall reliability of the signal transfer between interconnected items of equipment by reducing the inter-unit common mode electrical noise over a broad band of frequency. All metallic enclosures, conduit, and ductwork should be bonded to the Signal Reference Grid for it to function properly.
Advantages of a well designed Signal Reference Grid
Forms of available Signal Reference Grids
Alltec Corporation designs and manufactures copper ground grids for grounding applications. Typical ground grids are manufactured from #6 solid copper wire on a 6” spacing or grids can be made from 2” wide soft copper strap on a 24” spacing. All connections are welded with silver brazing or wire grids can be exothermically welded for an additional cost. Copper ground grids are available with a continuous perimeter wire or with extended grid wires for making connections to additional grids.
View More: News, Product-Spotlight
Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Mast Systems: Surviving all Environmental Stressors
Product-Release by Alltec Corporation
Thursday September 3, 2009
Creating a lighting protection system that is durable and cost-effective has never been as simple as with Alltec Corporation’s Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Mast system. Constructed with lightweight and corrosion resistant glass fiber reinforced composition, FRPs are durable, lightweight and will outperform traditional steel mast systems.
With traditional steel masts, over time environmental conditions such as ocean spray, wind, and continued exposure to the elements will degrade the integrity and facilitates the need for periodic inspection and regular replacement.
Alltec’s FRP Masts safeguard lightning protection systems from harsh environments, which decrease maintenance costs and will outperform traditional steel mast systems. These masts are also aesthetically pleasing and are highly customizable with configuration options that make them perfect for variety of applications, including: residential facilities, factories, industrial plants, hospitals, schools, golf courses, and virtually any other rooftop installation, including large structures or open areas.
With the FRP’s lightweight and modular construction, ESE Terminals are more cost effective to ship and can be configured for an optimal protection zone. This makes them a perfect choice and especially valuable for large facilities that would otherwise be difficult or cost prohibitive to protect by conventional means.
For a longer service life and decreased maintenance costs, choose Alltec’s FRP Masts. Contact us today so that we can discuss total solutions to your lightning protection needs.
View More: Product-Release, Product-Spotlight
TerraFill XT Enhanced Composite Backfill
News by Alltec Corporation
Thursday April 23, 2009
Difficult grounding situations require enhanced grounding solutions. Alltec’s TerraFill® products provide a simple, dependable, and environmentally friendly way to lower the earth resistance of grounding systems. Alltec’s TF-50XT specifically combines the engineering and mixing properties of cement with the low-resistivity required by modern grounding systems. The result is a stable, maintenance-free and permanent grounding installation.
TerraFill® XT has an indefinite shelf life providing for excellent long term storage. TerraFill® XT is an ultra secure and efficient way to create a reliable, low resistance, electrical connection between the grounding system and the earth. Enhanced composite backfill encasements will not shrink or change resistivity values, and TerraFill® XT is particularly suited for use in areas of poor conductivity, such as rocky or sandy soils and areas of moisture variation.
Features:
- Effective: results in a typical resistivity up to 20 times lower than bentonite clay
- Dependable — maintains stable resistance for the life of the ground system
- Permanent: does not dissolve, decompose or leak away
- Flexible: can be installed using Trench (Horizontal) or Ground Rod (Vertical) Backfill methods
- Secure: excellent solution for prevention of copper theft
- Simple: easily installed in a slurry form
- Environmentally Friendly: meets EPA requirements for landfill
- Functional: performs in all soil conditions, even during dry periods
- Handy: provided in convenient 22.68 Kg (50 Lb.) Bags
- Useful: aids in small footprint grounding system implementations and other special applications
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DC Transient Voltage Surge Suppression
Surge-Suppression by Alltec Corporation
Thursday December 11, 2008
Extremely low let through voltage performance for DC Surge Supprssion
Today enterprises rely more heavily than ever on high speed mission critical electrical equipment. The tradeoff for faster speed, however, is that equipment is becoming increasingly more susceptible to electrical surges. The PowerTrip® Model PTE-OT (DC) devices provide the most unique transient protection available for series connected individual applications. These premier products offer safety at locations. They are extremely effective in limiting transients generated at the facility, yet strong enough for first line protection.
Alltec’s DC TVSS unit is that it has a 25 year unlimited free replacement warranty, and it is paramount in the industry. It has twice the Maximum Surge Current capacity of other TVSS products, maintains operational integrity under severe conditions, and dramatically reduces software confusion. Applications include remote cameras, solar power system controllers, PLC controllers, RTU data collection & acquisition equipment, DC Power supplies & distribution systems, & DC fed communication and control equipment.
Since 1991, Alltec Corporation has offered a comprehensive facility protection approach to solving the world’s most difficult lightning, grounding, and power quality problems. As “Solution Providers for an Energized World ™,” their highly qualified engineers continuously innovate new products and services in order to implement the best possible solutions. PowerTrip®’s DC Transient Voltage Surge Suppression products offer the highest level of protection possible to meet these needs. Please contact their US office for more information on their extensive line of products and services.
View More: Surge-Suppression, Product-Spotlight
