Australia’s Truly Universal Mech

You could be forgiven for thinking that every possible enhancement and innovation has been eked out of this remarkable design. However, not so. The engineering team at Clipsal’s head office in Gepps Cross, South Australia has now introduced a new model to the 30 Mech family, the 30USM (Universal Switch Mechanism).

The new 30USM has a whopping 20A capacity and can switch fluorescent loads up to 16AX as well as increased performance in high short circuit conditions, which makes it a truly universal switch mechanism and ideal for any application.

The team has also introduced a deep contact action and 3mm air gap within the mechanism. This eliminates visible arcing and crackling, preventing carbon deposits on the dolly (switch) and aperture. Not to mention an independent snap action of the dolly bridge that stops the switch from being partially turned on or off.

Cathryn Blair, Clipsal Marketing Operations Manager says that the combination of new features and modular 30 Mechanism design gives electrical contractors a flexible switch solution.

“The huge switching capacity and modular design of the 30USM provides contractors with a convenient and flexible switch solution, which can be used across many applications. The great advantage of this is that contractors only need to carry one switch mechanism, preventing the need to carry several switch mechanisms for different applications.”

Have You Considered a Ceiling Fan?

Now that summer is well in force, it might be time to consider cheaper options to keeping cool in the heat.

Ceiling fans can be the perfect energy saving option; depending on the type of fan being used they can consume about 15 to 30 watts on low speed, 30 to 50 watts on medium speed, and 50 to 80 watts on high speed. Ceiling fans should be an option to consider when looking for an energy solution for both the summer and winter months.

How will a ceiling fan keep you cool?
Ceiling fans make us feel cooler rather than lowering the temperature of a room. Moving air increases the amount of heat leaving our body which as a result makes us feel cooler up to 8 degrees cooler.

Can a ceiling fan really help keep you warmer in winter?
Not many people know this, but a ceiling fan can actually be switched over to reverse in winter. Usually underneath the fan or towards the back there will be a switch, once that’s turned on a different effect takes place. Once the blades are running in reverse the hot air in the room starts to rise and once hitting the fan its circulated throughout the room.

Remember there are many different fans out there to choose from depending on the size of your room. To find the best fan for your home, simply contact one of our friendly staff or shop online today!

ABB acquires Darwin company Powercorp

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has agreed to acquire Powercorp, an Australian renewable power automation company. This acquisition strengthens ABB’s portfolio of control technologies used to manage the integration of renewable energy sources.

Darwin based Powercorp employs around 30 people and offers automation and intelligent control solutions to manage renewable energy generation in isolated grids, ensuring utility grade power quality and grid stability. This enables very high levels of wind and solar power penetration into isolated diesel powered grids, thus reducing emissions and dependency on fossil fuel.

“Powercorp brings expertise for the integration of renewable energy generation into conventional micro and remote island grids,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “This bolt-on acquisition will add specialist know-how and solutions to our control systems offering and further strengthen our position in the renewable space.”

Powercorp has installed several systems to integrate renewable power into remote grids and keep generation in balance with consumption. The company also supplies systems that dynamically store and release energy in response to frequency and voltage deviations, to stabilize small or remote grids.

“Joining forces with ABB is a logical next step for the growth of our business,” said Alan Langworthy CEO of Powercorp. “It will expand our global reach and help create optimal solutions for higher and better use of renewable energy generation.”

The transaction is expected to close before year end.

Loy Yang Power in debt $565 Million Dollars

Loy Yang Power has been given the OK by the government to keep trading after declaring debt of approximately $565 million.  Australian Securities and Investments Commission was notified of the current situation that Loy Yang Power was in November and since has not issued a “no action” cease trade notification.

The government conducted a report that predicted that in the event that Loy Yang Power was to close, wholesale electricity prices would nearly double which would directly affect household power costs. The report found that the estimated power prices would increase up to 80 per cent in the east coast.

Other energy industry sources told the WA Today that  Loy Yang Power was emerging as the first big test of the government’s policies aimed at ensuring the electricity market coped with the introduction of the $23-a-tonne carbon price in July without major disruption.

Loy Yang Power lobbied fiercely for amendments to the carbon tax laws that would have allowed deferred payments when producers bought forward-dated pollution permits under the scheme, a provision that was included under the Rudd government’s emissions trading scheme that would have reduced the sudden increase in their working capital requirements.

Loy Yang Power’s chief executive Mr Nethercote said it was ”more than likely” Loy Yang would have had to get a no action letter from ASIC even without a carbon price, which will cost it about $450 million a year.

(Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/)

Cheap Solar Systems Failing Australians

Thousands of new solar power systems are failing because of poor quality components. Industry insiders have told The Courier-Mail many consumers were unaware the cheap systems they had bought were faulty or not performing efficiently. They said some faced a costly “time bomb” as warranties ran out and low-cost inverters failed, leaving them with replacement bills of about $2000.

Yesterday it was revealed 6000 households had panels but were losing money while they waited months for Energex to install “smart meters” that measure the value of the surplus power. This latest problem relates to customers unknowingly being sold poor-quality inverters with components from countries such as China. Inverters are the most important component in solar power systems, converting energy generated from roof panels into power suitable for households and the grid.

They are also expensive, so the use of cheaper ones can save $1000 even on a standard 1.5kW system. However, the imports have a high failure rate and also don’t extract the optimum energy from panels. Businessman Brian Springer, who operates Springers Solar, said there had been a rise in “suspect business models” in the industry. Mr Springer said his main concern was that reputable companies were being tarnished by those chasing a fast buck. “Cheap systems have become a major problem and it’s getting worse,” he said. “Customers are missing out on energy efficiency and reliability”.

Master Electricians Australia’s chief executive Malcolm Richards said he was aware of issues with cheaper products being used in solar systems. Mr Richards said a key issue was many systems were not operating efficiently because the size of the inverter was not ideally matched to the panels. “There has been a shortage of 1.5kW inverters because of demand, so 3kW inverters were sold as an up-sell to customers. They still work but with less efficiency and require more electricity to run so this detracts from the performance of the system,”

(Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/)

 

BizLine Receives Recognition

Bizline’s testing laboratory receives EA accreditationBizline -  Specialising in fasters, fixings, tools, and electrical accessories for electricians now operates an in-house testing facility based near Orleans, in central France.

Following a detailed audit the lab was granted official accreditation from COFRAC, the French arm of the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA).

This recognition certifies that the tests made in the laboratory are of the same value and standards as those performed by a national testing body.
The testing center ensures Bizline that its products are fully compliant with all local regulations in its different markets throughout the world, but also accelerates the normalization process, in comparison to tests made in an external laboratory.

Bizline’s lab employs four people and currently tests almost 400 products a year. Bizline products are currently distributed in Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, New Zealand, Portugal Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.

AEMC’s Report On The Future of Residential Energy Prices

A report conducted by the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) on residential prices within the next three years shows that the estimated growth by 2014 will be approximately 37 per cent in nominal terms for Australia as a whole.

The chart shows the different components that contribute to the percentage increase:

 

(Source: http://www.aemc.gov.au Australian Energy Market Commission)

 

Looking at it State by state, here are some of the results:

Western Australia as retail prices in Western Australia are subsidised by the Government, the report estimates the expected movements in the price required to supply electricity to residential customers rather than movements in retail electricity prices. The price required to supply electricity to residential customers is forecast to increase by 30 per cent in nominal terms between the base year and 2013-2014.

Tasmanian residential electricity prices are forecast to increase by 25 per cent in nominal terms between the base year and 2013-2014.

South Australia residential electricity prices are forecast to increase by 36 per cent in nominal terms.

Northern Territory As retail prices in the Northern Territory are subsidised by the Government, the report estimates the expected movements in the price required to supply electricity to residential customers rather than movements in retail electricity prices.  Northern Territory residential electricity prices are forecast to increase by 16 per cent in nominal terms between the base year and 2013-2014.

To see a copy of the full report please click here.

Don’t Risk It – Clipsal

Within the electrical industry there is an increasing concern regarding the number of electrical products being sold that don’t comply with Australian Standards. These products, whilst appearing genuine, are often made from inferior materials with little regard for meeting stated ratings or safety requirements.

Because it places everyone at risk! Products that don’t comply with Australian Standards mean they are potentially electrically unsafe and are more susceptible to causing harm to people and property.

Inferior products also create significant potential problems for electrical contractors, wholesalers and the industry as well.

If you choose to buy products on-line consider the following:

  • Always buy from trusted on-line stores.
  • It’s harder to determine the legitimacy of products and distributors on-line
  • It’s safest to purchase from the same, trusted wholesalers that you buy from in-store
  • If you buy from an overseas distributor/website, you will be legally recognised as the distributor of the product in Australia, and will be liable should a product fail or cause harm.
  • Check your products bought on-line carefully to determine their validity as genuine Clipsal products.
  • Look for branded packaging, instructions, warranty statements and the correct Certification markings.

If you are an electrical contractor or wholesaler who buys or installs electrical products that don’t meet the Australian Standards, you will be placing yourself at risk. Your livelihood and your business could face potential fines, civil and criminal action. Your profits and hard earned reputation are also in danger. Find out more about the legal ramifications.

Most importantly, you place other people’s lives and property at serious risk. So remember to ask yourself whether it’s worth the risk.

Christmas Trading Hours

As we get closer to the festive season, EIW branches will be trading at different hours between the 24th December 2011 and the 3rd of January 2012.

For more information please contact your nearest EIW branch.

 

The Mining Industry Showing Growth…

As reported on ABC Online, The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported WA’s annual growth rate has jumped to 16.4 per cent.

The Premier Colin Barnett used yesterday’s release of national economic growth figures to send a warning about the widening gap between Western Australia and the rest of the country.

WA accounted for more than half of the one per cent expansion of the national economy in the September quarter and the Premier says he expects the divide between the states to increase in coming years.

That assessment is supported by demographer Bernard Salt from KPMG, who says the Mr Barnett’s words were right on the money.

Mr Salt says WA’s economy will continue to outstrip the rest of the nation for several years.

“I think Perth and Western Australia’s trajectory is very different to the Eastern seaboard,” he said.

He says the State Government should not use the eastern states as an economic reference point, and should instead focus on WA’s strategic position on the Indian Ocean rim.

ABS figures also show the unemployment rate in WA remains steady at 4.3 per cent, while nationally it has risen to 5.3 per cent in November, in seasonally-adjusted terms.

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