News

Schneider Electric
The Newsletter of
Schneider Electric
New Zealand
December 2008

Inside this Issue

New Switchgear Range - Clipsal Saturn
New PDL LexCom Audio
Sweet dreams for Balclutha
Schneider Electric Service Warranties
Modicon celebrates 40 years
Schneider Electric News December 2008

Schneider
Electric
wishes you a
Merry Christmas
and a Happy
New Year!


Schneider Electric News December 2008

Home Ideas Centre

Come and Schneider Electric ISC Solutions stand is in aisle 3,
stand no. 227
visit us at the
Auckland Home See our interactive display of the PDL and Clipsal
Ideas Centre – electrical ranges including
165 The Strand, > LexCom Home Network technologies
> PDL Strato and Modena ranges of switches and
Parnell sockets
> Clipsal C-Bus® Home Automation solution
> Clipsal Saturn 250V and Slimline ranges of
switches and sockets

See first-hand our touch screens and automation

technology, the stunning range of switches and
finishes available, and let us show you how we can
create a whole electrical solution for your customers’
homes.

We look forward to seeing you there.

For more information on how our products and

solutions can help meet your electrical requirements,
contact us on 0800 652 999 or visit us at
www.schneider-electric.co.nz

clipsal.co.nz hits the World Wide Web

It's the official We’ve spent months revamping the entire site and
the result is a comprehensive electrical accessories
website of the site featuring a powerful but user-friendly search
Clipsal brand engine. With only a few clicks you can easily find
in NZ. the information you’re looking for with clipsal.co.nz’s
simple navigation system.

The new site has many new features including:

> Integrated Product Search
Search for Clipsal products from anywhere in the site!
Just type your catalogue number into the search
box, and hit go!
> News
Read all about what’s happening at Schneider
Electric, exciting new Clipsal product releases and
relevant industry information in this section.
> Downloads Section
Clipsal.co.nz has an array of information available
24/7. Download and view the full range of colour
product brochures, data sheets, installation sheets,
operating instructions, case studies and more.
> Videos
Download and view the latest Clipsal videos.
> Exclusive Club Clipsal section
Password secure and dedicated to Club Clipsal
members! Exclusive opportunities exist here that all
other users online do not have access to.

We have now introduced 2 new searches to help you

locate all the products you need!
> Contents Search: The Contents search is best
suited to users with little part number knowledge,
but a good understanding of general electrical
terminology.
Please visit > Group Search: The Group search allows you to This site will be continually developed to provide
www.clipsal.co.nz browse each of Clipsal’s major product groups with our customers with the very best electrical industry
a thumbnail preview. information.

Stands out  from the crowd, blends in with the home
Ocean Mist Espresso Black

LED Pushbutton Switches

Single, Double, Quad Switch Sockets

Universal Dimmer, Data Communication Wall Plates, Cooker Switch

Product Features and Benefits

• Clipsal Saturn 250V Range 20A / 16AX current rating
• Communication plates provide solutions to voice and data needs
• Blue LED indicator provides a stylish ‘Halo’ effect around the switch pushbutton
• Universal dimmer suits leading and trailing edge transformers
• Suits standard mounting accessories


Schneider Electric News December 2008
After years
of customer
The Clipsal Saturn 250V range expands on the
popular existing Clipsal C-Bus wall switches by
offering a switch to suit every electrical application.
demand the This allows the homeowner versatility to complete
Clipsal Saturn installations that have select rooms on C-Bus
control, creating the same look throughout. Rated
250V collection at 20A/16AX the push button technology gives a
has arrived. smooth reliable operation at the touch of a button,
incorporated into the switch mechanism is a subtle
blue LED.
Clipsal Wiring Devices Product Manager, Vanessa
Willats says, “The great thing about the Clipsal
Saturn 250V range is that it’s a whole home aesthetic
solution, which doesn’t just look great, but is also
straightforward to install. Saturn 250V uses the same
mounting brackets as standard switches and outlets,
so it’s simple and easy to change over the complete
electrical theme in your client’s home.”
This premium modern range is constructed from a
unique chemical resistant material, making them the
perfect accompaniment to glass splashbacks and
granite benches in kitchen areas. The new ‘glass look’
fascia comes in two contemporary colours - Ocean
Mist (OM) and Espresso Black (EB), and is designed
to complement any modern style.
The new Saturn
250V products were
introduced mid
October 2008, for more
information on the range
(brochures are available)
contact Schneider
Electric 0508-254-7725
or visit www.clipsal.co.nz
Product Features
• Switches 20A / 16AX current rating suitable for
fluorescent loads
• Socket current rating is 10A, voltage 250V a.c.
• Made from hard wearing scratch and chemical
resistant material
• Coverplates available in Espresso Black (EB) or
Ocean Mist (OM)
• Switches are Arctic Silver with Chrome Bezels
• Fully assembled switch plates are available in 1,
2 and 3 gang and come complete with LED push
button mechanisms
• Optional LED indication wired in any configuration
(LED on when lights are on, or LED on when lights
are off)
• Universal 450W dimmers available
• Grid and plates available in 1 – 6 gang (60PBL)
• Data communication plates available in 1,2,3,4, and
6 gang ( 5 gang not available), suits any Clipsal 30
Series mechanism.
• Suits standard mounting accessories
Product Benefits
• Glass look electrical accessory range, a whole
home solution
• Reliable, low profile, push button mechanical
switching
• Message caps available for push button switches
• Communication plates provide solutions to voice
and data needs
• Blue LED indicator provides a stylish ‘Halo’ effect
around the switch push button
• Universal dimmer suits fans and available leading or
tailing edge

Schneider Electric News December 2008


Schneider Electric News December 2008

Cat5e

IR


Schneider Electric News December 2008

Sweet dreams
for Balclutha
Residents of Balclutha will sleep much easier next winter,
taking comfort from the knowledge that the town’s
electricity supply is now much more reliable
and secure.
It follows Schneider Electric’s recent installation of new, 33kV switchgear in the
town’s Charlotte Street substation, a decision taken by the local electricity authority
– PowerNet – to improve reliability of supply.

PowerNet’s Balclutha engineer Lloyd Williamson says the previous switchgear

was particularly vulnerable because of its outdated design and exposure to
weather. “It comprised two incoming feeds – neither of which had any protection.
They connected to two separate sections of an overhead bus, and if one tripped,
half of the bus failed.

“The new switchgear does away with the ‘split bus’ issue. If there is a trip on either
of the incoming lines, we can still keep supply to the entire bus. And that means
greater reliability.”

In addition, says Williamson, the substation’s transformers now have better

protection. “There are two 33kV–11kV step-down transformers in the switchyard,
and where they previously relied on drop-out fuses, they’re now protected by circuit
breakers. It’s much safer, and offers greater peace of mind.”

Construction & Installation

The modular design of the Schneider Electric switchgear, he adds, provided
a significant advantage to the project, contributing to rapid construction
and installation.

“The 33kV air-insulated switchgear (with SF6 circuit breakers) comprises

14 separate units bolted together and installed within a Portocom structure.
Schneider Electric was able to pre-assemble the switchgear in Christchurch
and truck it down to the Balclutha site as a completed, drop-into-place structure.
So it happened very speedily.”

Schneider Electric engineer John Maindonald says the Balclutha project could be
engineered very quickly because the company carries an extensive inventory and
the SM6 components are standard, off-the-shelf items.

Williamson says one of the major benefits for PowerNet was being able to outsource
the entire project to Schneider Electric.

“With the new switchgear designed, built, delivered and installed as a completed
solution, it effectively meant our small contracting team only had to connect it, and
disconnect and remove the old system.”

He says the new switchgear has also provided PowerNet with an element of future
proofing – there is sufficient capacity for expansion should Balclutha’s electrical
load increase.


Schneider Electric News December 2008


Schneider Electric News December 2008
When was the
last time your
switchboard
was serviced?
The Merlin Gerin Selpact Air Circuit
Breaker (ACB) is a familiar sight in
many commercial and industrial
installations dating as far back
as the early 1970’s. Whilst still
functional, these ACB’s are often
overlooked in terms of planned
maintenance and service regimes.
Its now nearly 40 years since this
product was first released. Spare
parts are no longer available and it
classes the Selpact well and truly
at the end of its viable life.
10
Whilst our customers have had a long and trouble free
life from the Selpact product, the age servicing and
spare parts situation requires urgent assessment and
migration planning.
A recent example is a customer who experienced
an issue with a Selpact tripping on thermal overload
caused by increased plant demand. Disaster struck
as the ACB couldn’t be reset and the plant was without
power for an extended period of time. Although
the issue was ultimately resolved by a Schneider
Electric Service Technician, the lack of reliability and
serviceability for this product rang alarm bells and the
onsite electrical staff knew they had a major decision
to make.
Since the board was generally in good condition, it
was considered cost effective to retrofit the Selpacts
on site for a newer, modern ACB. The current Merlin
Gerin Masterpact NW range was chosen as the most
optimal solution. This option was by far the most
economical in terms of both capital expenditure and
plant down time.
The retrofit took 8 hours and at completion, the site
had the benefits of Schneider Electric guaranteed
retrofit, backed by a comprehensive extended
warranty, optional Schneider Electric service and
maintenance contract and all the benefits of modern
Masterpact NW technology.
If your installation’s electrical reticulation utilises
Schneider Electric [Merlin Gerin] ACBs then you
need to plan now regarding routine maintenance and For more
testing, and scheduled migration paths to the new information
Schneider Electric range of ACBs. If your plant utilises
other [non Schneider Electric] ACBs we can also help
please phone
with modernising to a fully supported and warranted Services on
Schneider Electric package. 0800 735 435
Schneider Electric News December 2008

Schneider Electric Services

LV / MV Retrofit
Why Retrofit?

LV / MV Retrofit
In today’s business environment, maintenance staff are
increasingly under pressure to increase up-time yet reduce
costs. Plant engineers are therefore being driven to find less
expensive ways to maintain and extend equipment life.

Alternative solutions for maintaining electrical switchgear

include reconditioning, conversion and partial or total
replacement of equipment.

Upgrading switchgear by replacing old circuit breakers with

new ones inside existing cubicles is known as Retrofitting
(Retrofit under ANSI definitions) and is recognised as a reliable
means of extending equipment life without the high costs and
hazards that can be associated with total replacement.

Why Retrofit?
The metal enclosures, busbars and other static components
within a switchboard are often still in good condition even
after years of service. As a result, the replacement of such
portions of a board is often not justified. For older installations,
changing of boards can also necessitate expensive civil works
or moving of old cables with resulting insulation failure.

By comparison, many drawn-out main incoming and feeder

circuit breakers/cradles have worn mechanisms from constant
use after time. In addition, upgrades are sometimes driven by
factors other than wear and tear.

11
Schneider Electric News December 2008

MODICON
40 years of industrial automation
and lasting innovation
October, 1968. Forty years ago this year.

That was when a group of engineers in Bedford, Massachusetts imagined a better way to
control the processes of industrial manufacturing. They ingeniously combined an innovative
new technology of their time (solid state circuitry) with ladder logic (a well-known method of
drawing electrical logic schematics) to create a new device that could replace the manually
wired electro-mechanical relays widely used in the factory environment.

The resulting invention was a control system that could not only be installed in a fraction of the
time, but which could be modified through simple graphical programming instead of manually
rewiring an entire factory floor.

They called the device a programmable logic controller. The name they gave it was the “084”
since it was the 84th project of the design group that invented it. And the company they created
to carry out its commercialisation was called MODICON, an abbreviation for MOdular DIgital
CONtrol.

Today of course, MODICON the company, and its products, have become part of Schneider
Electric, the global leader in automation and control. Yet the MODICON name still lives on as
the family name for Schneider Electric’s range of PLCs.

In the 40 years that have passed since then, MODICON has remained firmly embedded
in the world of industrial automation, and not just because of its original contribution to the
development of the PLC and the industry it launched, but also for its lasting innovations and
contributions to the entire automation industry, some of which are still in use today. Does
Modbus sound familiar? Hot standby? Hot swapped I/O? Modbus TCP/IP? Online programming
and embedded Ethernet communications? These are all examples of technological innovation
developed by MODICON, innovations which are still employed throughout the industry today.

So what does the future hold, 40 years after the 084 was first designed, and 40 years after
MODICON was first incorporated?

Certainly there will be more industry-leading innovation. That’s evident from the fact that
Schneider spends 4% of sales on R&D, and globally has more than 7000 R&D employees
working every day to make the future happen today.

Only time will tell exactly what is to come, but it won’t be much of a surprise if the next 40 years
look much like the last 40, with a record of innovation and leading automation technology that
sets the standard for our industry.

The 084…did you know?

In addition to being a huge technological achievement for its day, the 084 was also remarkably
rugged and dependable. After all, being an entirely new technology it had to work right, and
right from the start, or else it would never succeed.

> In one instance, an 084 fell over as it was being brought in for a customer demo. If you have
ever seen an 084, it is about the size of a small refrigerator and very heavy, and it made an
enormous crashing sound when it hit the ground. The customer was stunned as he watched
the MODICON technicians calmly stand it up, finish the installation for their demo, and start
it right up without requiring any repairs at all!
> In another famous example, a nervous competitor tried to sabotage an 084 installation at
a major customer’s site by wrapping a live welding cable around it and then spraying it
with soda! However, despite this act of industrial sabotage, and much to the competitor’s
surprise, the 084 kept right on running, making the customer even more loyal than before!
> As testimony to its durability and ruggedness, almost 40 years after it was first introduced,
there were still over one hundred 084’s in use in factories all around the world!
> Because of its technological significance, there is an 084 in the Smithsonian Institute in
Washington, DC.

12
 What’s new?
Schneider Electric News December 2008

Twido Suite V2.10 released!

A new version of TwidoSuite has now been released along with two
new analogue input modules.

The new software includes the new modules, allows the possibility
of configuring a modem on an optional port, and has a new Modbus
driver version for Vista.

The new analogue input modules are designed for HVAC and
refrigeration applications.

They allow the connection of 8 x PT100 or PT1000 temperature

sensors through either removable screw terminal or RJ11 connector.
Note: TwidoSuite V2.10 will be required for the configuration of these
modules.

TM2ARI8LRJ TM2ARI8LT

Introducing the new Advantys

STB EtherNet/IP Module
Advantys STB is more than a distribution I/O system. When combined with
Schneider's world leading motor control and protection devices it provides the
perfect solution for Smart Motor Control. The easy integration of these devices into
Advantys gives the user the ability to easily monitor motor currents and other motor
data. The addition of an Ethernet/IP network interface module (NIM) now makes this
control and monitoring possible via Ethernet/IP networks.

Other Networks Supported

> DeviceNet
> Modbus TCP
> Modbus Plua
> CanOpen
> ProfiBus DP

13
Schneider Electric News December 2008

Water Solutions
SENZ and Citect help NZWWA celebrate 50th anniversary

For the third straight year, Schneider Electric New Zealand took part in the National
New Zealand Water and Wastes Association Conference and Water Expo, which
was held in Christchurch from September 24-26th.

The event is held annually to celebrate the NZWWA, a non-profit organization and
principal voice for the three water segments (fresh, waste and storm) that focuses
on strategies for sustainable management and promotion of the water environment.

More than 1500 delegates from across the country attended the three-day event,
which was also the 50th anniversary of NZWAA’s founding in 1958.

With the theme being “Open Connectivity and High Availability,” SENZ and Citect
shared a booth, where they showcased Ampla (MES), SCADA Reports (Historian
and Reporting), and Vijeo Citect SCADA projects. Connectivity products including
M340, Premium Hot Standby and XBT GT Magelis HMI were also displayed along
with the new Water V-Box, which generated a great deal of interest. The System
Architecture Building Tool and I/O Scaler were a huge hit with attendees,
in particular.

Ryan McGowan, a Goulburn Valley Operations IT Coordinator and a key customer,

delivered a presentation, “AMPLA -Turning SCADA Data Into Information,” where
he explained to over 150 attendees how Ampla and VijeoCitect SCADA reports
solutions are an effective and efficient way to meet the data needs of his customers.

Following the conference, a number of “Water Solutions” seminars were held in

Auckland for leading Consultants and End Users within the New Zealand Water
Sector. Overall, the event was a great success and SENZ is looking forward to next
year’s conference!

For information on the products or solutions exhibited at the NZWWA Conference

and Water Expo, please contact Richard Coulter, National Sector Manager –
Water & Waste, on 021 225 8892 or email richard.coulter@nz.schneider-electric.com

Got a great
idea?
At Schneider Electric New Zealand we understand
that there is always room for our products to be
improved. And you as the users of these products in
the real world have the best insight to those changes
that can make all the difference.

A dedicated email address has been set up to receive

these suggestions.

product.improvements@nz.schneider-electric.com
(Or see the link on the Schneider Electric NZ website)

We also want to acknowledge your creativity by

offering a small reward periodically for the best
suggestion.

Simply send your idea in an email, with as much detail

as possible, and you can be part of the Schneider
Electric product development team.

14
Schneider Electric News December 2008

Schneider Electric expands

business in New Zealand
In spite of the economic slow down, 2008 has been a solid year of growth says
David Gardner CEO of Schneider Electric New Zealand. A key component of
this success is our long standing strategic commitment to our partner network of
Electrical Wholesalers, System Integrators and Panel Builders. End user’s today
rightly expect more than just safe and reliable product. Together with our partners
this combined strength enables the delivery of end to end solutions competitively,
that will continue to meet the expectations of our end customers well into the future.

In the first week of November, Schneider Electric hosted a conference at the Hilton
Hotel in Auckland for System Integrator and Switchboard Builder partners. This
was an ideal opportunity to keep our partners well informed of recent innovations.
A highlight of the conference was the partner launch of the Compact NSX circuit
breaker range that will allow direct access to energy efficiency.
Artists impression of new Schneider Electric building
It was also announced that Schneider Electric has integrated their Citect SCADA currently under construction in Highbrook, Auckland
and engineered services business to form the largest Automation company in the
Pacific region. The Citect business activity acquired in 2006 will be amalgamated
into Schneider Electric to form a single Automation division. In New Zealand we will
be integrating the Citect operation on Jan 1, 2009. This integration dovetails nicely
into our existing plans to expand our Automation capabilities, by investing in more
New Zealand based systems experts to assist our customers with real solutions.

2009 will be a significant year for Schneider Electric New Zealand with the opening
of a new office and logistics facility in the Highbrook business park at East Tamaki.
Our growth over the last few years has far outstripped the capacity of our current
buildings. The move to a state of the art facility at Highbrook will realise significant
improvements in efficiency that will flow through to benefit our customers.

Challenging times also create opportunities. Prisma G enclosures illustrated the versatility in design
Schneider Electric New Zealand is well positioned
to expand further in 2009 and beyond.

Bruce Morrison, Product Manager of the new NSX

range of moulded case circuit breakers demonstrates
the interactive capabilities of the new equipment

Ross Colville of Macro Automation, (left) and Dave Mclver of Industrial Controls
(right) receive achievement awards for the NZ Dairies project from National Power
& Automation Sales Manager, Steve Gallagher Systems Integrators Conference
15
New Schneider Electric
catalogues available:
Electrical
Solutions
Your home, to suit
smart home, your needs
smart living.
> entertainment
> convenience
> comfort
> security

Clipsal Saturn Clipsal Slimline PDL LexCom Multi-Room Clipsal C-Bus Consumer Clipsal & PDL
Brochure Brochure Audio Brochure Brochure Range Flyer
Order Code: Order Code: Order Code: Order Code: Order Code:
NZCLIPSAT250V0808 NZCLIPSLIMLINE0908 NZPDLLEXCOMA1108 NZCLIPCBUSC0808 NZISCRANGEFLY0908

To order your copy, please contact Customer Care on 0800 652 999

The 2009 Schneider Electric training schedule will be available next March.

© 2008 Schneider Electric. As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, always ask for confirmation of the information given in this publication.

Schneider Electric (NZ) Ltd.

14 Charann Place, Avondale, Auckland 1026 Customer Care: 0800 652 999
PO Box 15355, New Lynn, Waitakere 0640 After Hours Service Hotline: 0800 735 435
Tel: +64 9 829 0490 Email: sales@nz.schneider-electric.com
Fax: +64 9 829 0491 www.schneider-electric.co.nz

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