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.

Schedule a free demo by calling 1-844-inoLECT or watch the ADVAC video online here.

As 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.

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.

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

The 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.

The inoRAC2 Portable Remote Racking System adds mobility to your safety racking procedures. It features the same easy setup, step-by-step instructions, and great features and benefits as the original inoRAC, but allows portability like no other competing product. The control panel and touchscreen have been removed from the base unit, and placed in cases for easy relocation. Watch the video to see just how simple this life-saving product is to use.

Arc Flash Remediation is the process of developing a plan to correct deficiencies within your electrical system. We’ll be hosting seminars in the upcoming months, in different areas of our customer base, to touch on the importance of Remediation planning. We’ll discuss solutions for optimum system performance, for whatever plant size, budget and time constraints you may have. Learn more about the steps you can take to move towards a safe and reliable system. Click here to inquire if there’s a seminar happening near you.

inoLECT is an authorized reseller of Siemens MV Vacuum Roll-in Replacement Breakers. Replacing breakers increases the reliability, safety and performance of your site, while reducing operating and maintenance costs. Siemens offers the best Vacuum Circuit Breaker in the industry, and when paired with a Remote Racking unit, can eliminate the risk of Arc Flash hazards. Regardless of the type of current breakers you have onsite, we will assist you in finding the replacement which best meets your needs. Contact us today for details or a price quote. Click here for more information.

Random samples, the null hypothesis and bell curves are but distant concepts learned taking statistics in a college class long ago.  Yet, statistics are used daily, and one cannot escape using or being a part of a statistic.  Without knowing how well you performed [statistically] it is difficult to forecast any future event.  For example, your favorite baseball team has the lead at the bottom of the 9^th inning.  The coach signals the bullpen to send in the “closer.”  Why?   Based on statistics, the closer is proven to be effective in getting the remaining outs to win the game. 

So what do statistics and baseball have to do with inoLECT?

Many of our readers are customers of inoLECT and take advantage of the many products and services we provide, including the inoRAC Remote Racking device.  Numerous customers have seen an inoRAC demonstration and agree it is a well-engineered product beneficial in removing personnel from hazards and protecting equipment.  Yet, many have not purchased the inoRAC, or any other device, as they do not see any issue for their particular plant.  “We’ve been doing it like this for 20 years without any incident” or “we never perform work, unless we have a dead bus” are some of the statements commonly heard when considering safety equipment in a plant.  Perhaps statistics do not concern them?  Perhaps they think electrical safety is just nonsense born from safety directors with nothing better to do?  Perhaps they believe they are in no danger of being the next plot on a bell curve? 

Consider this: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that electrocution is the fifth leading cause of work place fatalities in the US.  Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that every 30 minutes during the work day, a worker suffers an electrically induced injury that requires time off the job for recovery.  Over the last ten years, more than 45,000 workers have been injured from on-the-job electrical hazards.  OSHA reports that 80% of electrically related accidents and fatalities involving “Qualified Workers” are caused by arc flash / arc blast.  Between 2007 and 2011, more than 2,880 fines were assessed for not meeting OSHA regulation 1910.132(d) which averages out to 1.5 fines a day.  97% of electricians have been shocked or injured on the job. These are merely just statistics. They really don’t matter, do they?

Consider the facts:

• Arc Flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air following a phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground fault.  The resulting force produced is known as the Arc Blast.
• The core of the arc flash can reach temperatures of 35,000℉ (19427℃) in less than 1/1000th of a second, which is four times the temperature of the sun’s surface.
• The intense heat turns copper instantly into a plasma state making it expand 67,000 times its solid-state size.
• The quick expansion of copper causes a pressure wave measured at thousands of pounds, which propels shrapnel, nuts, bolts and debris at speeds up to 700 miles per hour.
• The light flash produced is intense enough to damage human sight.
• The sound wave can exceed 165 dB causing permanent hearing damage.

 The paradigm of yesterday is truth today and the dangers of arc flash are violent and real.  It is imperative that each facility review and regard steps to prevent electrical hazards as a serious matter when presented with statistical data. There are many factors when considering adding safety equipment, such as the inoRAC Remote Racking device. However, the absence of a decision is a decision that is costly.  Statistics and facts are two issues that cannot be eluded. 

It’s the bottom of the 9^th inning.  Are you ready to send in the closer?  Statistically, the inoRAC will help get the win.

We’re excited to be participating in this year’s VPPPA Safety and Health Conference in Nashville, TN. The 29th Annual show will take place on August 26th – 29th, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in the heart of Nashville. Come by and check out booth #1007 in the exhibit hall. We’ll have product demonstrations, prizes and give-aways.

The four-day conference offers attendees countless opportunities to network, learn and advance as leaders in occupational safety and health. Features include: two full days of workshops addressing current safety, health and environmental issues; inspiring keynote and general session speakers; the VPPPA Expo 2013 with vendors showcasing their cutting-edge products and services; and evening receptions and other social activities that provide the perfect setting for attendees to network and exchange best practices.

VPPPA conference participants represent a wide range of individuals involved in safety and health. Safety and health managers, employee safety team members, industrial hygienists, union representatives, consultants, environmental health specialists, human resource managers and government agency representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Energy (DOE) all come together for networking and education. Click here for for registration info.