Shake, Rattle and Roll: Emerson Power Transfer Switches Exceed Seismic Requirements
Share:
Provides Peace of Mind to Facility Managers
FLORHAM PARK, N.J., April 4, 2007 -- Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), reports ASCO Power Transfer Switches meet or exceed International Building Code (IBC) 2003 requirements for seismic events. ASCO is a division of Emerson Network Power.
Independent tests show that ASCO Transfer Switches exceed the IBC requirement by operating during a simulated severe seismic event. This is significant as the requirement only requires the transfer switch to operate before and after an event. IBC 2003 certification for severe seismic events is critical for states such as California, Washington, Nevada, Idaho and Colorado.
"We know of no other transfer switch that has been tested to transfer power during simulated seismic events," said Ron Schroeder, director of ASCO Product Development for power transfer switches.
ASCO had its transfer switches tested because IBC requirements now demand that transfer switches be subjected to simulated seismic events, rather than an engineering analysis. The IBC 2003 edition states "every manufacturer providing a piece of equipment that embraces the term 'emergency' must now certify through outside third party testing their component will start and continue to operate after being subjected to the specified seismic forces."
ASCO Power Transfer Switches were tested on a seismic simulator at a nationally recognized testing facility. The simulator replicated a severe seismic event, punishing the switch with thousands of pounds of force to ensure it complies with IBC 2003 requirements.
Transfer switch mounting bolts and enclosures took the brunt of the force. They are a critical factor in withstanding a seismic occurrence. Test results show the transfer switch's ruggedness ensures mounting bolts remain seated, doors remain shut and the system remains operational during and after the test. The robust design of mechanically locked critical components, such as main contacts, prevents jamming. The new requirements required bracing and other reinforcement to the enclosure, which is available as an option, Accessory 125.
The certificate of conformance from the testing lab states that the ASCO Power Transfer Switch "meets or exceeds the requirements of the 2003 International Building Code for Importance Factor 1.5 Electrical Equipment, for use in Zone 4 or less severe seismic regions."
It is critical for the power transfer switch-the "brains" of any emergency power system-to not only to immediately sense loss of utility power, but to start the engine-generator and feed electrical power to its loads as soon as possible. For emergency power for a hospital, for example, power would need to be restored to critical loads within 10 seconds after loss of utility power. Failure to restore power could produce life-threatening consequences.
Besides hospitals and other healthcare facilities, the IBC designates a number of specific buildings and structures as essential facilities. They include but are not limited to fire, rescue, and police stations, designated earthquake and hurricane shelters (i.e. public schools), power generating stations, structures containing highly toxic material as defined by the IBC, national defense structures, waste water treatment facilities, aviation control towers and air traffic control centers.
For more information about ASCO Power Transfer Switches meeting and exceeding IBC 2003 seismic requirements, call 800-800-ASCO or visit www.ascopower.com
About Emerson Network Power
Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), is the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity(TM). The company is the trusted source for adaptive and ultra-reliable solutions that enable and protect its customers' business- critical technology infrastructures. Backed by the largest global services organization in the industry, Emerson Network Power offers a full range of innovative power, precision cooling and connectivity products and services for computer, communications, healthcare and industrial systems. Key product brands within the Emerson Network Power family include Liebert, ASCO, Astec, and Lorain. For more information on Liebert mission-critical power and cooling technology, visit www.Liebert.com. For more information on the full spectrum of enterprise-wide solutions from Emerson Network Power, visit www.emersonnetworkpower.com
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE:EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2006 were $ 20.1 billion. For more information, visit www.GoToEmerson.com
CONTACT:
Greg Schmalz,
First Team Marketing and Communications,
email: gschmalz@first-team-usa.com,
phone: 732-785-9317
