October 2019

Motor tester ‘combines all of the functions needed’ n TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY n October 2019 www.drivesncontrols.com 26 THE FAN-MAKER Fläkt Woods has collaborated with Danfoss to develop and certify a range of high- temperature fan/VSD packages that comply with the EN12101-3:2015 standard, making it easier to provide efficient, reliable smoke control in buildings during fires. The certified fan/VSD packages are the first of their type to reach the market. The EN12101-3:2015 standard, which came into effect in 2017, offers three options for controlling fans that must continue to operate during fires. These are: to bypass the VSD controlling the fan motor during fires; to derate the fan motor by 20% and fit a voltage waveform filter; or to use a tested and certified high-temperature fan/VSD package. Fläkt Woods believes that, for most applications, the third option offers significant benefits in terms of increasing the safety of building occupants. “Bypassing the VSD during a fire event means that the fan must run at full speed, which makes it difficult for designers to implement their required smoke control and extraction strategies,” explains Fläkt Woods’ axial fans product manager, Andy Cardy. “And using a non-certified fan/VSD package means fitting an oversized motor and an expensive filter that may well cost more than the VSD. With all of this in mind, we decided to go ahead with developing a tested and certified fan/VSD solution.” Engineers from Fläkt Woods and Danfoss spent more than two years investigating the possible options for controlling fans during fires. The package they eventually developed uses Danfoss VSDs with operating parameters specifically selected for the application. The finalised products were subjected to rigorous third-party tests at BSRIA – as required by EN12101-3:2015 – which they passed. “We see this as an important breakthrough in building safety because knowing that they will retain full control over fans during a fire event gives designers many more options for efficient and effective smoke control,” says Cardy. www.flaktgroup.com High-temp fan-drive packages will make buildings safer during fires Lütze Limited. 3 Sandy Hill Park, Sandy Way, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 4DU. T 01827 313330 sales.gb@lutze.co.uk www.lutze.co.uk Many manufacturing companies today see focussing on core competency as the name of the game. The trend of handing over production of machine cable systems to a specialist partner fits very comfortably with this concept. Lütze with it ʼ s wide range of cabling products, automation knowledge and in-house production facilities, is well placed to offer this service. Our expertise means we can become involved at the design stage and assist customers in achieving the optimum solution for their application. Benefits can be reduced inventory, reduced machine manufacturing time and reduced costs. Download Lütze Connectivity Solutions from our website and call our Technical Sales Team today on 01827 313330 to discuss your next project. Connectivity solutions to further improve your efficiency • C e l e b r a t i n g 2 5 y e a r s • 1 9 9 4 - 2 0 1 9 • E f f i c i e n c y i n A u t o m a t i o n 25 The combined axial fans and VSDs have been tested and certified for their ability to continue operating during fires MEGGER HAS launched a handheld instrument that, it says, combines all of the functions needed to test electric motors in a single easy-to-use device. The MTR105 static motor analyser provides a full range of insulation resistance tests, along with four-wire low-resistance measurements. It also offers capacitance, inductance and temperature measurements, as well as phase rotation and diode-checking functions. “Testing motors is a very common requirement, but for comprehensive testing, several instruments are usually needed,” explains Megger’s European distribution manager, Simon Wood. “We are very pleased to offer a better solution with the MTR105, which gives users all the functions they need in one convenient and readily portable instrument.” The instrument has a graphical display and all of its functions are selected using a single rotary dial. It can perform insulation testing at stabilised test voltages from 50V to 1kV. As well as standard insulation tests, it supports PI, DAR and timed testing. The instrument is suitable for use in Cat III applications at up to 600V. www.megger.com Megger says its handheld instrument combines all of the key motor tests in one device