Utilities and grid operators are keenly interested in battery energy storage systems to support the supplementation and eventual replacement by renewables of fossil fuel generation sources. In recent years, the market for battery energy storage systems has grown to include additional applications such as industrial power backup systems, support for EV charging, and even residential and commercial applications. This broad array of battery energy storage applications has led to a wide variety of options, from large, centralized solutions, to decentralized stationary and portable systems, to sm ..read more

short circuit current ratings Frank Basciano Global Product Manager — This is an update of a 2020 article written by Marcelo E. Valdes, PE, IEEE Fellow Applications Eng. Manager ABB Electrification Business Short circuit current ratings (SCCR) are a critical specification when designing industrial control panels. Determining the appropriate SCCR actually requires no calculations. Instead, there is a simple, four-step process to follow. The UL Standard for Safety for Industrial Control Panels, UL 508A, includes instructions for calculating a panel’s short circuit current rating (SCCR), but ma ..read more

The UL 1008 Standard for Safety – Transfer Switch Equipment encompasses stringent testing for reliable operation under various conditions. This standard helps OEMs and panel builders optimize product safety and performance in critical power applications. The UL 1008 Standard for Safety-Transfer Switch Equipment outlines the robust testing requirements for validating manufacturer ratings associated with Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS). By selecting ATS that have obtained the UL 1008 rating, OEMs and panel builders can ensure the transfer switch equipment they choose adheres to the ..read more

Modern car washes use cutting-edge technologies and eco-friendly methods to enhance safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, contributing to greater profitability. Let’s go behind the scenes to see how advanced, intelligent equipment can help today’s car wash businesses achieve their goals. In most modern cities, old-fashioned car washes are increasingly giving way to more modern, innovative, eco-sustainable, and customer-friendly alternatives. Behind these changes lies the integration of increasingly advanced technology and systems, working to support the objectives of the car was ..read more

Hybrid gensets blend traditional and alternative energy, offering businesses reduced emissions, fuel savings, reliability, and lower operational costs, aligning with green and cost-efficiency goals. Generators have long been used to keep power flowing during emergencies or when a reliable energy source is unavailable. As a supplier to generator OEMs, we’re seeing an increased demand for hybrid genset components. When asked about the demand, these OEMs often share several ways hybrid gensets make good business sense for their commercial customers.  What are hybrid gensets? A hybrid gense ..read more

Smaller-scale power generation systems are creating new opportunities for OEMs and panel builders. But they need to understand the unique feature that generator breakers must include. OEMs and panel builders who work in the low and medium voltage world are increasingly involved with renewable, microgrid, and critical power opportunities. In the past, the medium-voltage devices located upstream from panels or products were specified and supplied by the utilities on the power plant level. Today, however, power-generation components are more distributed and require increased expertise on the lo ..read more

When new UL standards are enacted, electrical component makers and OEMs need to ensure compliance. OEMs in the HVAC market need to be sure their suppliers for contactors can meet the new UL60335-2-40 standard by the January 1 deadline.  The new UL standard for household and other electrical appliances will enhance consumer protections against electrical shock, fire, and mechanical hazards. However, OEMs and panel builders serving the industrial, commercial, and residential markets – especially HVAC system manufacturers – will ultimately be unable to sell their products in the North Amer ..read more

The apps available to monitor, manage, and maintain power control and protection devices offer instant benefits to both panel builders and end users. These apps also represent a simple but strong first step toward digitalization.  There are an ever-expanding number of mobile applications to simplify, speed, and improve both personal and work-related activities. People who build and work with electrical control panels can take advantage of apps that enable monitoring, management, and maintenance of breakers and other power-control devices.  For OEMs and panel builders, apps simplify ..read more

The size and complexity of traditional, multi-component automatic transfer switches created issues for panel builders and OEMs. But today, there are compact, all-in-one switch solutions that open the door to new applications and markets.  It’s natural for buyers to stick with products they know and trust. At some point, of course, they need to leave their comfort zone or risk being left behind by customers eager for the improved features and functions available in the current generation of technology. For many applications that call for an automatic transfer switch (ATS), including crit ..read more

Plug-in technology is gaining wider acceptance among panelboard and switchboard equipment builders. They are capitalizing on the four big benefits of plug-in breakers to differentiate themselves with safer, more reliable products. You’ll find a variety of connection technology being used in any piece of power-distribution or control equipment: lugs, terminals, plugs, terminal blocks, push-on connectors, and more. For breakers used in panelboards and switchboards, you will typically find either traditional bolt-on connections or the newer plug-in style. The bolt-on style is the most widely us ..read more