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Effective Selective Coordination Set-ups - Pt. 1Author: Chris B Posted Date: 3/11/2010 10:19:06 AM
It doesn't matter much what kind of building you're talking about; an office building, plant, high-rise apartment complex, hospital, or a theater. You need a quality electrical distribution system in all of these. There's nothing more effective than a power failure in stirring up anxiety, wreaking havoc, and causing overall panic because of its unexpectedness. It's exactly why the NEC has called for Selective Coordination for such a long time.
Without properly isolated faulted circuit from all of the other components in an electrical system, you're setting yourself up for many guaranteed power blackouts. Here's a pretty clear illustration of what effective selective coordination is able to do:
The system on the right is obviously 100% more desirable. You have only one circuit (the one with the fault) being affected. The rest of the power system isn't even touched - nothing, nada, zip. There's absolutely no interruption in the rest of the system. And that, in turn, means no unneeded risk of a blackout.
Next time, I'm going to cover some of the popular methods used in determining selective coordination quality in an existing system. Stick around for that because I'll be giving some thoughts on what's really the best way. Comments (0) | Leave Comments |  Permalink      
buldings, selective corrdination, electrical distribution, quality, power, blackouts, faults, nec 2008
Fuses and NEC 2008 ChangesAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 3/9/2010 5:09:56 PM
Recent catastrophic events like hurricane Katrina and 9/11 have made a lot of people take notice, especially those behind the National Electric Code. As part of a huge shift in focus toward life safety (like new AFCI/GFCI and tamper-resistant receptacle requirements), there have been a number of changes in regard to power devices. The events I mention above were monumental in drawing attention to the need for system load reliability. Whenever part of a building is damaged or failing, a key objective is clearly maintaining power to the "vitals" as long as possible.
This is where "selective coordination" comes into play. Selective coordination is the act of isolating a faulted circuit from the rest of an electrical system, which is the best way to eliminate unnecessary power outages. You do this by using overcurrent protective devices that have ratings and settings just like a particular overcurrent condition.
For your own reference, here's a quick list of applications where selective coordination is required per the NEC:
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Healthcare facilities, which have essential electrical systems like critical branches and life safety branches. (Article 517.26)
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Certain types of elevators (Article 620.62)
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Emergency systems in places where people frequently assemble, such as hotels, theaters, sports arenas, health care facilities, etc. (Article 700.27)
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Legally required standby systems, like those that serve loads in heating and refrigeration, smoke systems, communication systems, ventilation systems, sewage disposal, and other processes where any interruption would be hazardous. (Article 701.18)
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Critical Operations Power Systems with loads for communication and data centers. (Article 708.54)
I'll pick up next time with more detail on what selective coordination is, and what compliance means in light of NEC. Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink bussmann, fuses, selective coordination, applications, nec 2008, national electric code, power, safety
Leviton at NFMT Trade Show in BaltimoreAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 3/9/2010 3:28:20 PM
Leviton is going to be at Booth #233 for this year's NFMT. Check it out if you're in Baltimore near the Convention Center; the event starts next Tuesday and lasts until March 18th.
You can simply register at www.nfmt.com. All 4 show are free to attendees! Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink leviton, NFMT, booth, trade show, convention, free, registration
Upcoming Series on "Selective Coordination"Author: Chris B Posted Date: 3/8/2010 5:25:58 PM
What is selective coordination? What do these mean anyway for electrical devices? Does this affect you in any tangible way?
To answer these questions - and certainly a slew of others - I'm starting a series of posts on the latest National Electric Code (NEC) requirements in relation to fuses.
You can look forward to a number of posts over the next few weeks covering all this. Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink bussmann, fuses, selective coordination, support, nec, 2008, electrical
R.E.B. Boxes for Electronic WiringAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 2/23/2010 1:32:14 PM
The Leviton Recessed Entertainment Box (R.E.B.) is designed to help the installer manage home theater electronics from a single location. The R.E.B. centralizes devices connection points for all AC power, audio, video, home theater, data, and phone connections. The R.E.B. enables you to take advantage of the latest technologies such as satellite TV, internet access, home networking, whole-house audio/video, and more. For smaller applications, Leviton also offers Two-Gang Recessed Duplex Receptacles with openings for 6 installer-selected QuickPort® connectors, or, alternatively, the One-Gang Recessed Duplex Receptacle.
By being flush-mounted on the wall, the R.E.B. installs practically invisibly behind wall units and entertainment centers, wall-mounted flat screen TVs, and computer workstations. It also has a low profile frame, which is able to provide a neat and clean installation. A snap-in junction box cover provides the installer with a means of running electrical piping for component-to-component applications. Perfect for both new construction and retrofit applications, the R.E.B. is a cost-effective modular distibution point that is ideal for houses, apartments, coops and condominiums. Its versatility allows for use in a myriad of remodeling applications.
Utilizing "old work" junction boxes and low voltage mounting brackets, the installer can configure the three device openings with any combination of line and low voltage products to support any application. An optional high profile cover is also available that channels all wires through the bottom of the R.E.B. for a neat, finished installation.
The R.E.B. is offered in paintable white ABS molded plastic, which provides structural integrity that meets or exceeds the quality of similar metal enclosures.
Select from Leviton's R.E.B. Product Offering - Direct link to select and purchase Leviton Recessed Entertainment Boxes and accessories from OneStopBuy.com.Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink voice, data, REB, recessed, duplex, receptacles, connectors, entertainment, audio, video, home theater
New Cheetah Speed System Available Soon from OSBAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 1/6/2010 10:10:47 AM
Just around the corner, OneStopBuy will begin providing full access to the new Cheetah Speed System™ line created by the recent Cheetah-Leviton partnership. These products allow the installation of electrical devices, switches, receptacles, and wallplates without the use of screws - just a simple speed anchor and snap & lock system.
Cheetah increases installation speed by up to 50%. It also offers an affordable way to get the elegance, style, and designer look of screwless wallplates in any construction.
Learn more here so you can be ready when the products become available:
Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink leviton, cheetah, speed, installation, style, screwless, wallplates, switches, receptacles, designer, videos, customers
Complete Your Home Theater SetupAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 12/17/2009 2:39:08 PM
Homeowners expect much more from a home than just a place to sleep. It is a place where they like to entertain and to be entertained. Whether it is playing video games, watching a movie, listening to their favorite CD or having a party, it all boils down to enjoying their home.
Entertainment options like home theater systems are an important feature to consider when remodeling or home or building a new one, to help create the perfect ambiance. A home theater system is truly the ultimate in home entertainment that gives a new meaning to TV viewing pleasure. From a simple, yet quality TV and surround sound system in your family room to an elaborate movie theater replica in a dedicated entertainment room, you can create a home theater experience with the perfect combination of lighting control and surround sound.
First things first, it's best to have a centralized connection point for all AC power, audio, video, home theater, and data connections. Using a Leviton Recessed Entertainment Box (R.E.B.) is a fantastic way to manage all of your home theater electronics from a single location. If you have a High-Def TV then there's something else to bear in mind. Any and all connections should be clean and in accordance with building codes. To best achieve this, I would recommend PowerBridge, which is a complete In-Wall Electrical Solution for HDTV installations.
And what about your video player? With an HDTV, of course, you can't sacrifice the quality of one with HDMI output and 1080i upscaling. These features will give you an exceptional image quality. One of our Single-Disc JBL DVD Players is a great option, in that it offers this as well as playback of numerous disc formats, PAL-to-NTSC conversion for region-compatible playback, and complete audio component control.
Finally, your home theater can't go wrong with having soft ambient light controlled by a dimmer, like Leviton's Acenti or Decora Home Controls. When you start up a movie, you can turn the dimmer down to a preset level with merely the touch of a button.
Select from our entire Home Theater product offering here:
Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink home theater leviton powerbridge entertainment remodeling tv sound AC data video audio dvd
How Can I Make My Home Safer During the Holidays?Author: Chris B Posted Date: 12/11/2009 7:29:32 PM
Making a house look occupied, experts say, is the single most effective way to deter break-ins and vandalism. I believe it! Just think of Home Alone's Kevin McCallister, who scared off the "wet bandits" by turning on a basement light when they drew near to the house.
That's why I think Leviton’s House Sitter product line makes a great addition to any security package. Both the Basic and Deluxe Wall-Mount Programmers will let you turn lights on and off at pre-selected times, making it look like someone is always home.
House Sitter lets you leave home with greater confidence, even if you don't leave a kid behind!
Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink security, leviton, decora, home, residential, house, sitter
My neighbor's dod is keeping me awakeAuthor: Georgenne Eggleston Posted Date: 12/7/2009 1:48:42 PM
My neighbor has two begals and they park all night. I don't to call the police to the seen. How do I talked to them and resolve the concern without causing a scene.Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink
Why You Can Trust Leviton Devices are ReliableAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 11/20/2009 10:26:28 PM
I've always been considerably impressed with the reliability of Leviton products. In particular, I'm thinking about the rigorous testing that their Industrial and Hospital Grade devices are subjected to. There's no denying that Leviton has built a line of wiring devices that handle far more than the average heavy-duty product.
Just look at all of these tests:
1. Abrupt Removal of Plug Test - In order to see whether breakage of a receptacle interferes with its function or strength, a 10-pound weight is dropped from at least 2 feet. This yanks a plug from the receptacle . After all this, the receptacle must be able to hold a 0.184" diameter grounding pin (that also weighs four ounces).
2. 500 Pound Crush Test - By placing plugs and connectors between steel plates that slowly increase in their force of weight (all the way up to 500 pounds!), Leviton ensures that devices used in [heavy-duty] environments won't be broken or damaged after harsh wear and tear.
3. Impact Test - Leviton actually surpasses UL requirements by dropping a 10 pound weight on plugs/connectors from 36 inches above. Again, this test ensures that this kind of scenario wouldn't damage or interfere with any device's function.
4. Cord Pull Test - A fourth test involves pulling plug/connector cords with 10 pounds of force for two hours. Not only that, but the pulls are rotating ones, which go around in a 3-inch circle. After all this, the cord insulation on devices cannot have any cuts or tears, and the various parts of the cord cant be out of place any more than 1/32-inches.
5. Mechanical Drop Test - Their last test has plugs and connectors suspended by the cord and then released. Once they fall 45 inches, they hit a hard wood surface. This same motion is repeated 1,300 times to ensure the device still wouldn't be damaged in a way that hinders performance.
Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink Leviton, industrial, hospital, receptacles, plugs, tests, reliability, customers
Our New Resource for Wallplate SizesAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 11/10/2009 10:12:47 AM
Always getting questions like this: What is midway size on Leviton wallplates? How much bigger is an oversize plate? Or, more simply, what does just a standard measure like?
All of the measurements for Residential/Commercial and Decora Screwless wallplates are laid out and easy to understand.
Let us know what you think! Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink wallplates, leviton, sizes, standard, midway, oversize, customers, help
Improved Navigation for Leviton Wallplate PagesAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 9/25/2009 7:36:07 PM
It all started with a tip we received from a customer several weeks ago, that it was difficult for them to find an 81040 Brass Wallplate just by using the categories we already had. So our administrators here decided to jump on it. Since then, we've been working diligently to make our pages easier to sift through.
If you want to find a specifically Brass or Nylon switch plate, you can now do it much easier. Or do you have a color preference? It's covered. Just go to your choice and we narrow it down by your preferred material and application needs. Go ahead and try it!
Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink wallplates, switch plates, wall plates, customers, general
Reliable Occupancy Sensing for Bathroom SettingsAuthor: Chris B Posted Date: 9/1/2009 2:24:24 PM
Going back again to bathroom remodeling, I wanted to mention the use of a wall switch occupancy sensor like the Leviton ODS10-ID. This one is mainly designed as a commercial sensor but actually works well in a residence too. Now, you can use the PR180-1L sensor, which is more of a residential sensor and about half the price. But the "commercial" label has to do with both performance and appearance. These devices have slightly larger capacities in wattage. And arguably, the commercial sensor looks a lot nicer. It's more sleek.
For more detailed information on the different types of occ sensors we offer, see our page here:
http://www.onestopbuy.com/Occupancy-Sensors-28374.asp Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink occupancy sensors, lighting controls, bathroom, applications, leviton, energy saving, green
So You Want to Remodel Your Bathroom?Author: Chris B Posted Date: 7/30/2009 11:05:44 AM
When it comes to redesigning the look and feel of a bathroom, oftentimes, it just takes a little rethinking on a homeowner's part. It's best to start by looking at two aspects - appearance and performance.
You can instantly spruce up the appearance of any room, especially a bathroom, by using designer switches like Leviton's Acenti or Decora lines. Acenti has defined a new standard for premium grade lighting control with a return-to-neutral design that provides the ultimate in visual and touch appeal. Decora devices, as well, have long been some of the best in the decorator-grade electrical device market. Decora is sleek and streamlined, with a profile that looks great in a bathroom setting.
But on the performance side of things, you should look at the benefits that other types of device additions can provide, from increased electrical safety to personal energy conservation. Opting for commercial switches and receptacles over lesser grades is a smart choice. Both are better because they're able to withstand more frequent use. Commercial receptacles are safer, especially, because they have greater insertion retention strength which will allow plugs to stay in place for years of use. GFCI devices are also required for all receptacles near a water source. By installing these in your bathroom and testing them regularly, you can very easily prevent many common electrical injuries that are suffered every year.
You can also reap the enormous benefits of energy savings by using eco-friendly occupancy sensing and timing switches. Setting your lights and exhaust fans to turn off - after a particular amount of non-usage time - is an indispensable tool in keeping energy usage in line, and not risking wasting what you don't have to. Comments (0) | Leave Comments | Permalink bathroom, applications, Leviton, acenti, decora, lighting controls, commercial, switches, receptacles, eco-friendly, green, safety
helpAuthor: gio Posted Date: 7/27/2009 9:49:46 PM
Its my first time using the acenti line. Installed 22 dimmers and switches. Im stuck on one. There is 1 set of wires coming into the box. 1 ground, 1white, 1 black. No matter what i do i cant get it to work. Can anyone help. email me direct i you can. thank you so muchComments (1) | Leave Comments | Permalink
3/11/2010 8:57:52 PM
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