Author: inoLECT

    8Jun, 2018
    Remote Racking for Medium Voltage Contactors

    DSC_0133inoLECT is proud to announce their latest product in the inoRAC Remote Racking line – the i90. This lightweight, easily installed accessory allows the Remote Racking unit to connect and disconnect a contactor to an energized bus remotely, from outside of the Arc Flash boundary. The process of ‘throwing’ these switch-style levers involves serious hazards, similar to that of racking circuit breakers. Operators are at risk of severe injury or death. Utilizing the i90 device with the advanced technology of an inoRAC, eliminates these risks for personnel and provides optimal equipment protection. No switchgear modifications are required and users can quickly install, use and uninstall the accessory to move to the next breaker or motor starter. Multiple versions are available for compatibility across most major manufacturers medium voltage contactors and other electrical equipment. Call 1-844-inoLECT for a free onsite demonstration or visit www.inolect.com for details.

    Watch the i90 in action! Click the link for the video.

     

    11Jan, 2017
    Webinars & Tutorials

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    A new year means new technology and new industry information to get out to our valued customers. inoLECT is excited to be hosting a series of educational webinars and tutorials on our latest products and services – all for FREE! These short, mini-sessions will take place twice a month, and last around an hour. It’s the perfect way to fill a lunch spot and learn something valuable. Here’s the calendar of events:

    1/5/17         Remote Racking Demonstration
    1/19/16       Rep Training
    2/2/17        Remote Racking Demonstration
    2/16/17      Power System Studies
    3/2/17        Remote Racking Demonstration
    3/16/17      Arc Flash Remediation
    4/6/17      Remote Racking Demonstration
    4/20/17     INR1 – INR2 Conversion
    5/4/17       Racking Demonstration
    5/18/17      Power System Studies
    6/1/17        Remote Racking Demonstration
    6/15/17      Relay/Meter Retrofits
    7/6/17        Remote Racking Demonstration
    7/20/17     Rep Training
    8/3/17        Remote Racking Demonstration
    8/17/17      Power System Studies
    9/7/17        Remote Racking Demonstration
    9/21/17      Arc Flash Remediation
    10/5/17      Remote Racking Demonstration
    10/19/17    INR1 – INR2 Conversion
    11/2/17      Remote Racking Demonstration
    11/16/17    Power System Studies
    12/7/17     Remote Racking Demonstration
    12/21/17   Relay/Meter Retrofits

    Email info@inolect.com to RSVP or for details on any of these webinars!

    11Jan, 2017
    We’re Hiring! New Position Available

    inoLECT is currently seeking a Regional Business Developer to actively and aggressively promote the sale of our solutions in the Western U.S.

    Candidates should have specific experience with circuit breakers, power generation facilities or Petro chemical manufacturers. The Regional Business Developer applies specialized training and experience in areas of industrial, electrical and technical sales and marketing. This position is responsible for a large geographic territory, with specific product focus. The Regional Business Developer is responsible for generating sales revenue and financial-goal achievement in an assigned territory (Western United States) and for assigned strategic accounts.

    Click for more from LinkedIn

    8Aug, 2016
    Ouch! If you’re an Electrician, where does your salary compare?

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    If you’re an electrician who lives in the South, chances are you may not be pulling in the same pay as your colleagues living in other parts of the United States. Based on the latest research available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational Employment and Wages Study from May 2015), the “Tar Heel State” pays electricians less than any other state in the nation. Unlike Alaska (the highest-paying state for electricians with an average of $38.18 per hour), North Carolina and several other southern states fall at the low end of the pay spectrum. (Note: Puerto Rico was actually the lowest-paying location for electricians at an average $12.69 per hour and $26,390 annual average salary, but it’s technically a U.S. territory — not a state.) Let’s take a look at the rankings in descending order. Here are the full articles from EC&M. http://ecmweb.com/contractor/5-worst-paying-states-electricians-2015#slide-0-field_images-138151

    8Jun, 2016
    Battery Powered Remote Racking is Here!

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    The newest and most highly anticipated accessory in the product line for the inoRAC2 Universal Remote Racking device is a rechargeable UPS Battery Power System. This optional accessory allows the unit to perform all functions, racking and operations, using battery power instead of 110v electrical outlets. Extension cords are no longer required! The Battery Power System will allow the inoRAC2 approximately 1 hour of usage before requiring a recharge. It was designed to aid customers who are in outages, have lost power for any reason, or have remote breakers or substations where the usage of cables is difficult.

    The inoRAC2 is the most versatile, technologically advanced Remote Racking product on the market, with over 100 breaker connection tools available. No switchgear modifications are required. Unlike competing products, the unit monitors torque and breaker position during the entire racking process, providing optimal equipment protection while eliminating the risk for personnel.

    Battery Power Systems are available for all inoRAC2 Remote Racking devices today – call for your free onsite demonstration of this life-saving product! 1-844-INOLECT

    Click here for more details, pictures and videos!

    2Mar, 2016
    New Product Release – ABB Advac Actuator

    Many of you know that inoLECT manufactures a universal, technologically-advanced Remote Circuit Breaker Racking Device, the inoRAC2, which eliminates the risk of Arc Flash to personnel. The newest addition to the inoRAC Product Line is the ABB Advac Actuator, which allows compatibility with Advac circuit breakers.

    The custom-designed tool is a lightweight, aluminum housing, surrounding a linear actuator equipped with a roller. It easily attaches to switchgear doors with industrial-strength magnets and requires no modifications. When operating, the actuator/roller engages the breaker’s interlock lever, allowing it to perform disengage/engage functions. The tool is installed quickly, very user-friendly and requires one connection cable.

    This is only one of the many solutions that make the inoRAC2 the most universal remote racking product on the market. Unlike competitors, the inoRAC2 provides optimal breaker protection by monitoring torque and breaker position, and applying torque only when needed. It is also the only device available that stores breaker profiles for easy access next time it it needed.

    Screen Shot 2016-02-08 at 2.36.23 PMSchedule a free demo by calling 1-844-inoLECT or watch the ADVAC video online here.

    14Jan, 2015

    OSHA_IMGAs you probably know, the OSHA Revised §1910.269 and Subpart V compliance deadline for provisions on fall protection, minimum approach distances, and arc-flash protection is April 1, 2015. The employer must determine the maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage, phase-to-ground, through an engineering analysis no later than this date, for voltages over 72.5 kilovolts. For more information about why OSHA revised its ruling and how you can prepare, visit this helpful list of FAQ. You can find a copy of the rule by clicking here.

    28Aug, 2014
    New Product Release: Westinghouse DB-50 & DB-25 Racking Systems

    inoLECT is proud to release a brand new Remote Racking system for Westinghouse DB-50 and DB-25 circuit breakers. This all-in-one racking system is easily installed and operated just like the full inoRAC2 Remote Racking unit. The device constantly monitors torque and breakers position throughout the entire racking process, allowing a more precise operation that will protect against equipment damage. Operators perform functions from over 75 feet away, using a Portable Touch Panel which features a high-definition color touchscreen. Step-by-step instructions allow ease of use for personnel.

    The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that more than 400 fatalities and nearly 10,000 serious injuries occur each year due to Arc Flash related incidents, with industry experts estimating even higher numbers. These frightening statistics equate to an Arc Flash related incident occurring up to 10 times a day and at least one worker losing their life, every day in the U.S. Don’t let your employee be the next victim. Click here for more information and to request a quote on this life-saving product.

    6Aug, 2014
    Reducing Electrical Hazards in the Workplace


    The 2015 Edition of NFPA 70E will incorporate a number of significant changes when it becomes effective in the third quarter of this year. Whether for the first time, to revisit its provisions, or to update NFPA 70E-based policies and procedures, this is an opportune time to examine how NFPA 70E might be a solution for “how” to comply with OSHA requirements related to electrical hazards.

    There are numerous recognized hazards that workers in a construction and maintenance environment are potentially exposed to on any given day and in the performance of any given task (see photo above). Many of these hazards result from the lack of attention to safety by design and leave a worker feeling that he or she has little choice other than to use PPE to perform the task — that is, if PPE is even provided and used at all. Read the full article from EC&M

    12May, 2014
    Maintenance is Key in Arc Flash Prevention

    breakerThe Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)’s White paper on Protective Devices and Maintenance states that “Industry Standards for an manufacturer’s of LV power circuit breakers recommend a general inspection and lubrication after a specified number of operations or a least once per year” and “most requirements for LV circuit breaks apply to MV breakers as well. Manufacturers recommend that these breakers be removed from service and inspected at least once per year”. Similar to other aging infrastructure systems in the US, very little maintenance and testing is done to electrical systems, with many LV systems never seeing period maintenance at all. This is very alarming when you consider that electrical personnel have been injured by arc flash incidents where arc flash prediction was Category 0 because upstream breakers failed to trip. A poorly maintained electrical system is a serious hazard present to all who work on or around it, and should not be neglected. “Several studies have shown that LV power circuit breakers which are NOT maintained within a 5 year period, have an average of 50% failure rate”, also stated by IEEE.

    Need some help backing up your concerns to decision makers within your facility? Consider the following:

    •  The 2012 edition of NFPA 70E states “The arc flash hazard analysis shall take into consideration the design of the overcurrent protective device, including its condition of maintenance”. Refers to Section 21.10 of NFPA 70B-2006 for maintenance of protective devices; this section specifies overcurrent time-current testing of the protective devices.

    •  NFPA 70E Article 205.3, General Maintenance Requirements, states, “Electrical equipment shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or industry consensus standards to reduce the risk of failure and the subsequent exposure of employees to electrical hazards.”

    Several recent studies have determined that failure rates of LV circuit breakers are increasing, after only a few years of use. One recent survey states that 23% of circuit breakers tested had an issue affecting the protective device operations and over 10% did not function at all. We should assume that all older gear that have not been maintained in accordance with NETA MTS or NFPA 70B, will trip per their overcurrent time-current curves. Such a critical assumption would likely not be included as a description on the equipment arc flash warning label. An arc flash calculation based on actuation of a protective device that has never been maintained will not present accurate and correct data in the models or on the labels. The calculated incident energy depends on how long it takes an upstream protective device to sense, respond to, and eventually clear the arcing fault. If the breaker hasn’t been maintained and tested as required, there is no assurance that it will respond in accordance with its published time-current curve.

    Before beginning an Arc Flash Study for your facility, determine whether or not your equipment maintenance has been performed at the acceptable level. If not, there is no promise that the circuit breakers will actually respond to their time-current curves or if they are capable of opening properly at all. It’s important to confirm that Arc Flash calculations are performed using correct data, on properly maintained equipment, so that the arc flash ratings are correct. The safety of personnel depends on it.

    Click here for more information on inoLECT’s preventative maintenance services, including breaker refurbishing and reconditioning.