Annual Buyers Guide

Annual Buyers’ Guide 2020 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 39 the devices do not start up at all or, because the output lines from the fire panel are fused, the sum of this initial surge current from several devices can blow this fuse. The answer is to manage the inrush current over a longer period of time to reduce any spikes. There are several ways of managing this inrush current for alarm devices, at Eaton for example our engineers developed patent pending current clamping technology for our X10 industrial sounders and sounder beacons. The result is less voltage drop and a far lower chance of a circuit breaker tripping or the fuse blowing (see diagram 1 red line). Such solutions mean that you will need to purchase slightly more expensive devices, because of the componentry needed to achieve this; but in relation to the cost of over engineering an entire system or stopping preventable downtime, this pales into insignificance. Of course, not every application will require you to install devices with this capability. If you are using a mains voltage line, or only require one or two devices then there may be nothing to worry about. The problem is that for too long the issue has been hidden. Surely it’s time for manufacturers to clearly quote not only the operating current on sounders and sounder beacons but also their startup current. Given all the information that you need, you can then design a cost- effective notification system that will avoid downtime and keep your personnel and equipment safe. +353 47 80500 COMBILIFT.COM SAFETY | STORAGE | EFFICIENCY Ourpioneeringproductrange includesmulti-directional,articulated,pedestrianforkliftsaswellasstraddlecarriers.Companiesofallsizes,acrossadiversearrayof industries,areusing Combilift handling solutions – but what our customers all have in common is an understanding of how clever design can maximize efficiency, safety and profitability in their business. SPECIAL FOCUS Health & Safety