TheThe KECKEC Newsletter
News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait A Year of Focus on Customer Service, 22000055: Growth and Product Range Expansion
Issue 6 he year 2004 proved another excellent year with ‘double-digit’ growth for KEC, March 2005 Tunderpinned by higher levels of construction activity, new showroom openings and product introductions and several major project successes. Further efforts in our quest for improved Page 1 levels of customer service no doubt also played a major part in this business growth.
2005.... A year of The growth in our one-stop KEC-Novar low-voltage ‘intelligent building’ systems business - growth.... comprising in the main of Gent fire detection and alarm and voice annunciation equipment, VisiOprime CCTV systems, Trend Building Management systems and Brand-Rex structured Page 3 cabling and data solutions - was particularly impressive, as was the performance of our MK KEC’s Technical Wiring Device and MK/Ega Cable Management businesses. Lighting expands... Equally encouraging was increasing business levels for our Page 4 ‘MK Boutique’ and ‘KEC
Project Applications: Technical Lighting’ operations at Holiday Inn lights Sun City, Shuwaikh - see page 3 up with CEAG.... and picture to right - the latter of which features a complementary Page 5 decorative lighting design and
The hotel boom in product service for customers Kuwait.... using market-leading products from leading European niche Page 7-9 brands such as Martini and
Intelligent Buildings: Kreon. Novar & KEC has New KEC Technical Lighting Showroom in Sun City the solution.... And for 2005......
Page 10-13 For KEC, this year will be one in which we will continue to place even greater emphasis on growth through innovations in Service and New Products to reinforce KEC’s position as Kuwait’s Cables or Busbars: leading low-voltage electrical installation equipment, systems solutions and lighting supplier. A comparative study from In this edition of the KEC Newsletter, we feature a much-welcomed article - courtesy of Zucchini Zucchini - see pages 10 to 13 - on the benefits of busbar cable management solutions: a particularly topical subject in view of the trend towards more and more high-rise buildings here Page 14 in Kuwait. In addition, views are offered concerning the trend towards ‘intelligent building solutions’. The MK- KEC 2005 This, together with the usual array of articles on new products, notable product application Cricket stories and news from around the industry, will hopefully make interesting reading. Sponsorship May we take this opportunity to thank you again for your ongoing support and welcome you Business Address KEC to the first edition in 2005 of the KEC Newsletter - a year which we expect to be mutually P. O. Box 46476 rewarding in terms of further exciting expansion and success. Fahaheel 64015 Kuwait Phone: +965 3985580 Fax: +965 3985581 Kuwait’s leading low-voltage electrical installation equipment, email:[email protected] © Copyright KEC systems solution and lighting supplier.
Issue 6 Page 1 News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
Major Corporate News Stop Press ----- Stop Press ----- Stop Press ----- Stop Press ----- Stop Press
Novar plc, the UK-based parent company of MK Electric, Ega, Trend, Gent, Brand-Rex, Friedland and many other famous brands has been the subject of a takeover bid from American giant Honeywell. The bid, worth some £800mn in cash, has been launched by Honeywell to secure the ‘Intelligent Building’ division of Novar, considered by Honeywell to be the most attractive component of Novar. Other divisions of Novar, cheque printing and aluminium extrusions in the US, are to be divested in due course, according to Honeywell’s press release. The Novar main board has agreed in principle to recommend this offer unconditionally to its shareholders. At this stage, however, approval is in the process of being sought from the European Union competition authorities and, as of the publication date of this Newsletter, final agreement is still pending although fully expected by the end of March 2005. At the time of going to press, it is envisaged that the Novar IBS companies would be integrated into the Honeywell Automation and Controls Division which has global sales of over $8bn per annum and employs some 40,000 people. If this is achieved, it is expected to be a positive development for the future growth of KEC’s low-voltage electrical installation equipment, systems solutions and lighting business portfolio.
Rigid Metal Conduits & Accessories: a welcome addition to MK’s Cable Management range
Widely gaining acceptance - competitively priced MK rigid metal conduit range
A recent product introduction within the MK-Ega Cable Management family that is gaining acceptance rapidly is a range of competitively-priced Rigid Metal Conduit and Fittings. This new range complies fully with BS 4568/BSEN 50086 -Part 1 - and is ideal for those exposed electrical installations e.g. car parks etc. - and now a standard stock item at KEC. Among the orders already taken, one for some 100km of conduit readily confirms the successful introduction of these products into the Kuwait market.
Manufactured in high quality, hot-dipped galvanised steel, this extensive conduit range is available in 20mm, 25mm and 32mm, 1.5 inch (38 mm) and 2 inch (50 mm) sizes with a complete range of accessories.
A brand new MK Cable Management catalogue covers the whole range. Call the KEC literature hot-line on Tel: 398 5580 for your copy. Furthering Development in the Electrical Engineering Profession ...... Electrical engineers need to keep up with the latest in technology and professional standards. One facility in this endeavour is to become a member of the local IEEE section here in Kuwait. IEEE provides you with every assistance to ‘Access the World of Technology’’. The IEEE sponsors more than 300 conferences worldwide annually and members have exclusive access on-line to a wide range of technical developments and news. Members also receive the award-winning Spectrum magazine. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL You can join on-line at www.ieee.org/join meet with other engineers on a regular basis and participate in numerous events which will IEEE - KUWAIT SECTION contribute to your expertise and broaden your exposure to the dynamism of your chosen profession. IEEE For more information, contact the local IEEE Section Chairman at: Networking he World Networking ttt he World [email protected]
Page 2 The KEC Newsletter News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
Intelligent Buildings: KEC Technical KEC Hosts Seminar at Lighting Expands Kuwait Society of Engineers
seminar on ‘Intelligent Buildings’ was hosted by KEC at ollowing some excellent successes in 2004 featuring A the Kuwait Society of Engineers to an audience of more Fquality decorative lighting products from well known than 90 members/guests of The Institution of Engineers (India) leading European brands such as Kuwait Chapter. Martini, Kreon, TAL, Robers, and DPS our decorative lighting business is delighted to announce the recent opening of a second showroom located in the Sun City Complex - Tel: 224114/5.
The seminar was presented by Pugazhendi Sundararajan (Puga), KEC’s specialist in data and structured cabling systems. “With the concept of Intelligent Buildings now more and more a feature of the future landscape” commented Mohan Paranjpe, the ex-Chairman of the IEI, Kuwait Chapter - “the seminar provided an excellent opportunity for our members to receive presentations and contribute to the latest thinking in what is “The enhanced showroom facilities will enable us to display now increasingly becoming a reality in the Kuwait construction far more contemporary lighting products and solutions than market” has been possible before,” commented Fadi Salame - KEC’s Low-voltage Intelligent Buildings - want to know what KEC can Commercial and Showroom Manager - with specific offer? Contact the KEC Systems Solutions Team on responsibility for our lighting and ‘MK Boutique’ showroom Tel: 395 5580 or email them on [email protected] businesses. “This additional investment in facilities will undoubtedly KEC Welcomes Cooper CEAG’s new contribute to the growing significance of KEC Technical Regional Business Manager Lighting as a leading supplier of quality decorative technical lighting solutions in Kuwait today.” KEC’s Rajan Peter recently had the pleasure of welcoming Cooper - CEAG’s Jyotish Warrier during his first visit to Kuwait and to KEC. Jyotish, shortly relocating to Bahrain, has become recently the Regional Business Manager for CEAG - part of the Cooper Group of the USA - and will be a regular visitor in support of KEC’s growth goals for the award-winning CEAG Intelligent Emergency Come and ‘let the lights speak for themselves’ at Lighting Systems. our new KEC Technical Lighting showroom. KEC’s Rajan Peter said, “Jyotish brings Opening hours are: Saturday to Thursday 09:00am - several years of hands- 01:00pm and 04:30pm - 09:00pm. on CEAG technical design & product support You’ll be pleasantly surprised. experience to our overall market proposition and KEC’s Rajan Peter welcomes Our new KEC Technical Lighting Showroom Cooper-CEAG’s new Regional we look forward to is located at Sun City Complex, Shop 146, Business Manager - working closely with Shuwaikh. Tel No: 2241114/5 Mr. Jyotish Warrier him.”
Issue 6 Page 3 News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
New Holiday-Inn Lights Up with - A Leader in Intelligent Emergency Lighting Solutions
Kuwait’s new Holiday Inn Hotel has CEAG central battery systems offer chosen CEAG’s innovative Emergency such technically advanced features Lighting System as: to provide life & safety protection ! Star Technology to connect for its new Maintained, Non-maintained & location in Ras Switched Maintained lights all in Salmiya. one circuit. ! A fully Addressable System Already brand with individual lamp monitoring leaders in many backed up by Smart Card. European ! Modular, plug-in type Kuwait’s new Holiday Inn Hotel – another CEAG markets for more than 30 years – and a Emergency Lighting Solution from KEC construction of the system for significant player in the United Arab increased reliability. Emirates, the CEAG product range of All these features are coupled to a service ! Advanced Charging Technology addressable central battery emergency proposition that is second to none. for high battery life lighting systems & solutions heralds ! LON Bus Technology for several unique technically advanced Integration with Building CEAG is part of the performance features. It is already Management, global Cooper Industry rapidly becoming a totally ! Central Monitoring Computer with organisation. complementary part of an expanding Building layout software. KEC Systems Solutions portfolio.
Call our KEC Systems Solutions Team now on Tel: 3985580 or email them direct on [email protected] for more information concerning your next project.
Shuaiba Power Station Signs Up for Novar’s CCTV Technology
“The VisiOprime CCTV solution will be used for plant monitoring purposes - a fine example of an Industrial Automation application,” commented Puga - KEC Systems Sales Engineer who was party to designing the installation. Based on the latest digital technology, the VisiOprime solution is highly modular and provides total flexibility. Moreover, the latest Wavelet compression technology facilitates better video transmission for clearer images. VisiOprime’s Remote Management tool The VisiOprime central monitoring station will also represent a state-of-the-art facility featuring a large plasma screen with digital switching while the various cameras used Pro-Active recording will allow the system to record just are to withstand extreme conditions prevalent in the plant such before the occurrence of an event, thereby allowing better as burner areas, turbine areas etc. analysis thereafter if required. What’s more the Intelligent monitoring facilities on board can The installation is being carried out by Kuwait’s Al Meer be configured by adjusting the sensitivity of each camera, Technical Services Company with technical support and thereby offering a highly versatile system. Additionally, commissioning provided by KEC and offers another excellent recorded images/videos can be recovered ‘on the fly’ as the example of VisiOprime CCTV technology in action. VisiOprime system is able to move on to a particular time slot Kuwait’s Shuaiba Power Station is just one effortlessly due to the random access retrieval technology built into the system. of several clients who have recently adopted Novar’s VisiOprime’s CCTV technology.
Page 4 The KEC Newsletter News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
Kuwait’s New Marina Waterfront Phase V Decides on a Building Management Controls Solution
Kuwait’s newly-opened Marina The overall project will Waterfront, has chosen a Building comprise of a network of Management Controls Solution from Intelligent Multi-function Trend - the UK market leaders in BMS Controllers spread for the Waterfront Phase V. across the facility having a run length of 7 kms. “It’s part of an overall strategy in order These controllers are to get the Trend BMS name more interconnected through established here in Kuwait - following a LAN and the operators major successes by Novar in the UAE have access to the system through a GUI- KEC’s Systems team is logistically well and Qatar - and we are delighted to have based workstation. The Graphical User equipped and trained to handle projects of been awarded this exciting project,” Interface (GUI) based workstation different magnitudes. commented Pugazhendhi Sunderajan removes any ambiguity the operator might [Puga] - KEC’s Sales Engineer. KEC Systems team works in tandem with come across in the daily operations. Novar ME and draws from their experiences Trend is a member of Novar’s ‘Intelligent Building division‘ in the Middle East region in designing and commissioning large projects.
KUWAIT HOTEL SECTOR EXPANSION OVER NEXT 3 YEARS
Room to Expand Name of Hotel Siii te Capaciii ty Planned - the Kuwait Hotel iii n Rooms Openiii ng - the Kuwait Hotel 1.Safir Kuwait Marina Kuwait Central 91 2005
Sector is Booming 2. Moevenpick extension Shuwaikh 40 2005
3. Ritz Salmiya Hotel Salmiya 66 2005
4. The Square - Refad Abu Al Hassaniya 300 2005 With room demand anticipated to increase 5. Al Manshar Rotana Hotel Fahaheel 190 2006 rapidly over the next 3-5 years, the Kuwait hotel sector is set to enjoy a major boom. 6. Cerruti Hotel Salmiya 350 2006 7. Holiday Inn Kuwait Central 170 2006 Quite apart from more than 10 new quality hotels that are already under construction, 8. Intercontinental Salmiya 310 2006 a staggering 80 plus applications were 9. Le Meridien - Mubarakiya Kuwait Central 92 2006 made for new licenses during 2004. 10. Le Meridien - Salmiya Salmiya 80 2006
France’s Le Meridien chain is all set to 11. Four Seasons Salmiya 225 2007 open two new boutique hotels in the next 12 12. Monarch Hotel - Refad Kuwait Central 250 2007 months adding to the recently established Total New Capaciii ty 2,164 ‘Le Meridien Tower’ located in the heart of Kuwait City - suitably installed, naturally, with Source: TRI Hospitality Consulting, United Kingdom and Dubai, trihc.com MK Wiring Devices. Altogether, 12 new hotels with an The hotel boom adds up to an exciting Many new developments are underway in estimated additional 2,000 rooms are 2-3 years of further growth in the Kuwait Kuwait to meet demand growing at over 10% apparently already confirmed - see chart. construction industry - and in turn for the p.a. These include the 300-room ‘The Corporate guests are expected to mechanical and electrical professions. remain the main driver of demand. Square Hotel’, the 350-room ‘Symphony’, The ever-changing face of Kuwait’s city the ‘Cerruti’ Hotel in Salmiya, the ‘7-star’ new “Needless to say the KEC team will be landscape should continue to challenge ‘Messilah Beach Hotel’ and the 100-room very much involved working alongside us all. ‘Kuwait Marina Hotel’ - see page 5 - operated specifiers and designers, ensuring, by Safir Hotels which recently ‘soft opened’ - where appropriate, that special products See Page 6 for some more not forgetting a new ‘Four Seasons’, an and plate finishes are on hand for their special plate finishes from MK ‘Intercontinental’ and a ‘Rotana’. requirements” says KEC’s Rajan Peter.
Issue 6 Page 5 News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
New Products
Special MK Wiring Device Plate Finishes - for that preferred look
To cater for a growing number of special needs - particularly in the luxury hotel and VIP villa sectors - MK has further developed its Specials capability.
Recently this has included:
o Traditional MK Grosvenor - complete with rope- edge front plates – in an unique Antique Bronze finish. o Insignia Flat-Plate also in an Antique Bronze finish (see 3 gang toggle switch plate - to right) These special finishes, when coupled with MK’s capability in oMK Albany decorative range front plates in a special products such as card entry switches and the multi- Brushed Stainless Steel [BSS] finish, complete aperture and function Insignia plates (introduced in the last with matching rockers, and edition of KEC Newsletter and designed for hotel and hospital o MK Aspect in a Brushed Bronze finish. installations), confirm the scope MK offers in meeting those more demanding specifications. All of these have been specified and are being installed in a number of prestige projects in the recent past as well as So for that special application in villas or hotels, future projects including the upcoming Capitol Towers why not contact us at KEC so we can not only provide a sample but explain to you the many Hotel in Dubai. options now available.
Addition to Brilliant Masterseal Range - 1 gang Switched Socket
The Masterseal range has always reaped considerable praise from specifiers and users alike for being a brilliant design in delivering protection to IP56. Ingress protection (IP) is rated in terms of resistance to dust and water entry. In the case of Masterseal, the product is protected against the ingress of sawdust, dust and other small particles such as sand and waterproof to strong jets of water from any direction. Gel seals The latest addition of a 1 gang switched unit (MK 46486 The gel seal on the sockets, which secures ingress GRY or WHI) to complement the 2 gang switched unit already protection around the wiring cable, remains the most admired available has been launched in response to specific feature on these award-winning products. The gel is to a secret requests from the Middle East region and MK is currently formula specially supplied to MK only and ensures Masterseal working flat out to meet some large priority orders. sockets are rated IP56 in use while some other products on the market can only achieve this when NOT in use - just as an Within a full range of switches, unswitched and switched enclosure. BS sockets, German type sockets, RCD-protected sockets, data outlets, connection units and dusk-dawn switches, three Masterseal is available in white or grey finish and can be common features prevail in the Masterseal line-up: surface or flush-mounted on special bezels. i. tough product enclosures, Masterseal applications are numerous but we are always interested to hear of new ones. The latest we have heard about ii. innovative approaches to sealing and are data stations in greenhouses and power sockets in individual dog kennels. Have you an interesting one to tell us about? iii. a 20 year warranty (except electronic products - 10 years).
Page 6 The KEC Newsletter News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
Intelligent Buildings: Novar & KEC have the Solution for Low-Voltage System Integration
“Intelligent buildings” is probably the most talked about subject in the low-voltage electrical systems business today and the KEC Systems Solutions Team have been building up actively their market credentials....….
“Our overall KEC Systems Solutions business has grown tenfold over the past 2-3 years courtesy of some major project wins and we are continuing to invest in our people and their skills - firm in the belief that we can continue to grow strongly in this exciting area of our overall business by adding value and providing a first class service - backed up by the technical and product development skills of Novar,“ explains Peter Woods, KEC’s Managing Director with specific responsibility for Sales and Marketing. Interestingly, in comparison with the days when we were just supplying and commissioning Gent Fire Detection and Alarm systems, we are increasingly being Sheikh Issa Library & Conference Center, Bahrain asked to design and quote for virtually a complete package of: Selling technology in the office, villa, An example of a major regional project " Security systems apartment building or investment is the Sheikh Issa Library, Bahrain [see [including Access Control and CCTV] property is a major potential selling above]. point but understanding the systems " VA/PA as an integrated part of an Overlay the trend towards ‘integrated available is not obvious to all. So there systems’ and there Novar also now have overall fire detection and alarm solution is a major learning curve for some in an innovative edge in the form of [to take into consideration the trend the industry. ‘Sytronics’, an intuitive OPC-based towards high-rise buildings in Kuwait] Experience in the region ‘open’ software interface solution that " Building Management Controls " Systems technology is a field in which provides a single source of information on all systems. " Data facilities and our long-standing partners Novar plc have been particularly active with such This software provides the " Nurse Call systems leading brands as Gent, Trend, intelligence that allows you to make [in the medical sector] Ackermann, VisiOprime and of course informed decisions on your business in fibre and copper cable solutions, operation/building, resulting in direct Canny real estate investors have also courtesy of one of the leading European cost savings and improved productivity increasingly been catching on to the concept data systems players - Brand-Rex. - all of which lead to maximized of ‘intelligent buildings’ and starting to get Systems expertise is exactly what profitability. their minds around not only what cost benefits Novar offers to specifiers in the region. there might be but also what superior returns More on page 8 ...... there could be.
or the traveller arriving at an airport to his eventual departure on an aircraft, Novar provides the systems to control the airport environment through which the traveller passes. Whether Fit’s controlling the lighting and temperature to create a comfortable atmosphere, designing security systems to protect passengers and property or controlling the utilisation of ground services and passenger bridges, Novar’s systems enhance the performance of the infrastructure and the operation of the airport.
Issue 6 Page 7 News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
Intelligent Buildings Continued from page 7 Hotels and Airports Hotels The hotel sector for example can ensure that guest Smart Hotels will be provided with a so-called redundant bedrooms are only air conditioned, backbone network with a technology life ventilated or heated to comfort span of about 25 years. This backbone offers the owners the capability to start with levels when occupied, by integrating Integration ...... the hotel’s booking system with the a technology such as ITV and progress on HVAC system. The benefit here is Integration in an hotel will allow the to technologies such as Asynchronous TV obviously a reduction in wasted operators to enhance their services and HDTV as they become commercially energy which will lead to cost to their guests with minimal effort. available. It will also allow the owners to savings for the hotel - and hopefully It offers the owner an opportunity upgrade to a 5.1 audio and digital audio - a satisfied guest. to increase profits through better streaming to each room at a fraction of the management of resources and, most cost. Advanced communications systems Integration of the Access Control importantly, for the guest to have a such as IP phones will offer a simple way system to the hotel PMS (property memorable experience and come for the customers to interact with the management System) will ensure back for more. services of the hotel. that a single access control system can open the doors to a wide range of services with little intrusion to a guest’s privacy viz. a single door access card can be used to open the guest’s room doors, Airports open a mini-bar, pay for restaurant bills, open doors to the Airport operators around the globe can improve safety and pool area, the gym etc. security by integrating the fire systems, for example, with the Privacy access control and CCTV systems. Filters in CCTV cameras can ensure that the guests’ faces The Intelligent Airport Wiring Devices: whi are blocked out as well as other areas within the hotel to power, ingress-protected maintain the privacy of visitors at the same time maintaining and switches Controls: graphic interface that the required level of security. These filters can be removed by controls the various integrated a higher authority for evidential purposes etc. technologies A unified communication backbone architecture will offer the operators a greater flexibility in running the hotel. Ballrooms and restaurants can be re-configured at a moments notice, locations of POS/KOT terminals. Entertainment centers, lighting/Music/AV controllers can be relocated anywhere within the facility effortlessly. Facades, water features, lighting and other devices can be controlled automatically to offer a seamless functioning. Specials effects for events can be programmed and be used at the time of need, thereby offering quicker response times and more satisfied guests. A lighting layout for wedding receptions, corporate presentations/seminars, parties etc. can be pre-programmed into the system and can be recalled during an event to offer a professional service to the guests. Detailed building statistics reports can be generated to allow the operators to fine-tune their operations to ensure increased profitability and better resource management and allocation. For instance, the load consumption in various kitchens can be monitored to tally with the meal sales and thereby better utilisation of the kitchens can be arrived at. Use of asset tracking devices will allow the hotel operators to keep track of all assets such as trolleys, Electrical/Electronic Equipment, Housekeeping equipment etc. within the premises. The asset racking system can also be used to Cable Management: keep track of the status/maintenance logs of these equipments cable and distribution to ensure longer productive life for these equipments and better systems containment in Fire Detection and Emergency Lighting: Access control: comfort for the guests. providing power and analogue addressable panels and control modules, information networks ancillaries, with integrated and public proximity readers, around the building address and voice alarm, emergency exit keypads signs and luminaires
Page 8 The KEC Newsletter News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait Intelligent Buildings Airports (continued) & Commercial Buildings
In the event of a fire, not only can the coexist on the same network as CCTV systems appropriate cameras display the area for security with functional isolation. where the alarm was raised, providing additional verification but also access The entire airport can be wired with a rights to these areas can be immediately redundant backbone network that will allow changed. the various services to be plugged in. This modular approach will allow airport operators In addition to this, energy costs can be to re-configure or reallocate spaces within a reduced by activating arrival gate lighting, short time thereby offering greater flexibility. heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as escalators, baggage carousels and Newer systems can be plugged into the access controls, in coordination with backbone network seamlessly without incoming flight schedules. affecting the existing services.
Face Recognition systems and other Automation in airports will allow the support biometric systems can be used for passport systems to function transparently, thereby control or to control access to restricted allowing greater passenger control and better areas within the airport. services coordination. Integration of the The NOVAR & KEC Service Automation systems to the FIDS (Flight CCTV systems for monitoring the baggage Solution Information Display System) will offer systems and other service systems can improved support to the airlines and other users of the facility.
The operators can also lease out bandwidths to other te, decorative, portable Building Management and Energy Monitoring: services and the availability of a Redundant Backbone will d, RCD protected, sockets advanced building control systems for HVAC, lighting and environmental control allow the placing of Kiosks, POP materials and other displays anywhere within the facility. Commercial Buildings Smart commercial buildings offer owners greater access to profits as it reduces the cost of maintaining the property over time and adds value to the property in terms of additional services that can be marketed. Real Estate Companies can have a central Command & Control Centre to manage their properties located around the country. This would allow them to have a central response team to react to any emergencies or necessary maintenance of any property in the system. This concept will also allow the tracking of maintenance (periodic & incident-based) and thereby ensure that buildings are maintained regularly. Real estate companies benefit from: · Reduced energy costs · Longer life of equipment due to better maintenance · Ease in effecting moves & changes to the building · Revenue from value added services · Enhanced security & safety
Communications: voice alarm and PA systems, graphical display units It all adds up to a more flexible and intelligent low- voltage systems solution for the client and the end- Datacoms: structured cabling systems for data and voice communication, modular user at, very often, lower total installed cost. data, telecom and digital TV modules APBSystems: automated guidance Security: digital CCTV with object tracking When considering the design of your next project, systems for connecting and motion detection. Two-way lip synching contact the KEC Systems Solutions Team on Tel: air bridges to aircraft speech communication 3985580 or email them on [email protected]
Issue 6 Page 9 News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait Cables or busbars?
Zucchini’s Simon Boutros and his colleagues at Zucchini Italy, provide an insight with the following comparative study
o compare the prices of two categories of product as The capacity of the cables is greatly affected by the type of Tdifferent as traditional Cables and Busbars, it is installation, which determines the effectiveness of heat necessary to make some preliminary considerations based dissipation, and reactance depends on their reciprocal position. on actual cases, particularly as regards calculating the actual Application factors for the different types of installation, cost of installation. Clearly the price of cable depends on the particularly for close grouping as in our example, are taken price of the raw materials. Here we have taken the price of from Table C, IEC 64-8, part 5, 4th edition. This comparison copper as 4700 lire per kilo. Busbars are quoted as if they only takes into account cables laid in perforated ducts, which refer to an offer for an end user of average importance for ensure good ventilation and hence good heat dissipation. building a medium-size system. Installation prices for busbars, cables and cable ducts are calculated as the average of prices provided by several major companies COMPARATIVE STUDY dealing in wiring installations. Note that IEC 64-8 considers cables as laid “in the air” if at least 30% of the surface of the tray supporting them is Busbars perforated. At present the only tray on the market meeting these requirements are the wire type. The cables used in this busbar is defined by IEC EN 60439-2 as “a type tested comparison are PVC insulated, which means the copper they assembly (TTA) comprising a system of conductors A contain can withstand temperatures of up to 70°C. For reasons with one or more bars separated and supported by insulating of cost, ease in procuring materials and assembly, we decided material and contained in a conduit or similar casing”. not to use multi-pole cables greater than 185 mm2 or single- Zucchini busbars are assemblies that have been type-tested 2 (TTA) and comply with IEC 439/1 and IEC 439/2 product pole cables greater than 240 mm . standards and the corresponding harmonized Italian standards IEC EN 60439-1 and IEC EN 60439-2. Here, from among the vast range of Zucchini busbars we have selected Comparison of power supply costs for a the series of Armoured Ventilated Bars (AVB) for places not medium-size metal working company. requiring a high short-circuit current and where there are no major problems of space, and the Super Compact (SC) line where a high short-circuit current, compact size and a high Transformer – low-voltage switchboard connection degree of protection (IP55) are required. The cost of connecting the transformer and switchboard Power Cables depends mainly on two factors: 1. the rated power of the transformer he sizing of power cables must be done very carefully. 2. the wiring layout They must be built according to IEC 20-14, IEC 20-22/ T To make a reliable cost estimate, it is necessary to consider 2 and IEC 20-37 product standards. actual routing. Let us examine two typical situations: In the first example We have a connection between a transformer and a low- voltage switchboard that is short and straight (see Figure 1 on page 11).
Sizing of the wiring system starts by calculating the power required to run the factory in question. When calculating installed power, it is necessary to consider the contemporary load coefficient, the utilization coefficient, the average cost of loads, and a convenient upscale coefficient taking into account possible extension to the system. When the installed power has been calculated, you can select the most suitable size of transformer for the factory. Now, presuming that the link between the transformer and Typical factory with power distribution and a lighting low-voltage switchboard is short and straight, we can prove system comprised entirely of busbars. that the cost depends only on the power of the transformer.
Page 10 The KEC Newsletter News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
Cost ratio between connections with busbar cabling Cost ratio between connections with busbar cabling
cabling cabling
busbar busbar Transformer Transformer Busbar Busbar Distribution Board Distribution Board
Figure 1: Straight connection between transformer and low-voltage switchboard, 1) Figure 2. Complex connection between three transformers and low-voltage transformers; 2) busbar; 3) low-voltage switchboard. switchboard. 1) transformers; 2) busbar; 3) low-voltage switchboard.
The graph in Figure 1 shows the cost ratio between connections Designing a wiring system in a 15-storey busbars and the traditional – but often obsolete – method using office block power cables. Taking the cost for cable connection as 100, we can see for each size of transformer that the cost of a cable et us suppose we have to design a wiring system in a connection increases with the size of transformer, and cost parity L 15-storey office block and we need to power utilities (materials plus installation) is reached for a 1000 kVA transformer. rated at 45kW. All the floors are supplied via a single shaft. Each floor needs a control panel with a knife switch and fuse In the Second example holder (or a thermal magnetic circuit breaker) to protect and Complex connection between three transformers and cut off the system for the entire floor. In our example, the low-voltage switchboard. (Figure 2) switchboard supplying the various floors via the shaft is not in the immediate vicinity of the shaft, it is about 30 metres from the base of it. Let us suppose that for reasons of system reliability and flexibility that the factory has decided to install three transformers This means three different systems can be considered: and the connection between transformers and switchboard has 1. The entire system can use busbars, i.e. link the at least two horizontal, rather than straight, angles. switchboard-shaft and the 15-floor riser using a prefabricated system of busbars. In the second example here, the cost ratio between connecting 2. Alternatively, the low-voltage switchboard and the riser with busbars and cables has a similar trend to the previous power supply box can be connected using busbars with a example, but cost parity is reached for smaller transformers (see bundle of suitably sized cables and the riser alone using Figure 2 above). busbars. The problems in connecting a bundle of cables and the 3. Lastly, the entire system can be laid with power cables. transformer terminal and switch versus a busbar are highlighted This means that the same number of bundles of cables as (see Figure 3 below). floors in the building will have to run from the switchboard and each bundle will have to run up the shaft vertically, stopping at its own floor, so the number of bundles decreases the further up you go (see Figure 6).
Now let us examine the advantages and disadvantages of these three solutions.
Busbars
A study of the power for each floor shows that the
capacity of the busbar must be 1000 A. Where the busbar leaves the low-voltage switchboard, it is protected by a thermal magnetic circuit breaker. As the busbar runs the 30 metres to the shaft, it passes through the boiler and air-conditioning rooms and then runs up the shaft vertically to the top floor (see Figure 4 on page 8).
There is a tap-off at each floor to supply the utilities on that floor. Flame barriers can be situated along Figure 3. Transformer- switchboard connection. The problems in connecting a the shaft at the various floor levels to prevent the spread of fire, bundle of cables and the transformer terminal and switch are highlighted. smoke and heat if a fire should break out on a lower floor.
More on page 12......
Issue 6 Page 11 News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait Cables or busbars? Continued from page 11
FloorFloor 1515 Floor 15
Floor 15
Floor 2 2 Floor 2 Floor 2
Floor 1 Floor 1 Floor 1
Figure 4. Switchboard-transformer link using Figure 5. Mixed cable/busbar link Figure 6. Switchboard–floor substation link 1000 A busbars powered at both ends. with 3 x 50/25 mm2
Mixed cable/busbar layout If we suppose that the absorbed power at each floor in the building increases by about 10%, the power of the main transformer is no longer enough to meet demands, so in this Figure 5 shows a mixed layout for the system supplying power case the best technical and economic solution is to install to the various floors in the building. It takes four 3 x 185/95 mm2 another transformer of a suitable capacity. The new transformer multi-pole cables in parallel to supply the 1000A busbar riser will only have to be connected to the busbar from the top of the with a cable link. This bundle of cables connects with the busbar riser (top floor). Thus in this case it will only be necessary to via the switchboard at the front end. pass one cable along the shaft to supply the busbar on the other side. This solves the problem easily and economically. (See To supply the riser, the cables too need to pass through the Figure 4) heating, cooling and ventilation rooms, so steps must be taken to prevent toxic and corrosive gases from spreading through the Let us now consider the more common case in which total building from the air conditioning plant in the event of a fire. power required by the building is constant, but division between Alternatively, cables with a low emission of gas and toxic agents the floors varies. In the cable solution it is necessary to check must be used. that the various cables supplying the floors of the building can withstand the new load and if necessary add another cable in Cable layout parallel if the power exceeds the capacity of the cable. With the busbar solution, this will not be necessary thanks to the flexibility Figure 6 shows the power supply to the various floors of the of the system. At most, it will be necessary to change the building with a bundle of cables each from the switch-board to protection device of the cable from the switchboard to the floor its own substation at each floor. The cables used are multi-pole, substation - only a few metres of conductor. section 3 x 50/25 mm2. The switchboard needs to have as many circuit breakers as the outputs (15), or alternatively the individual System cost comparison cables can be fused. When considering all the above factors and taking the cost of a system made entirely of busbars as 100, the cost for a mixed Flexibility of the different types of system cable/busbar set-up is equal to 125, whereas if the system is made entirely with cables the overall cost is 108. hen calculating ratings, designers generally take into Wconsideration a convenient upscale coefficient for future Technical comparison extensions to the building. So with cables it will be necessary between cables and busbars to oversize all the system’s cables at the outset. For obvious economic reasons, this coefficient will only take into account the part from strictly economic reasons that increasingly favour probability of a slight increase in load power. If the power Athe prefabricated solution as against the one to be wired increases excessively, the transformer supplying the building up, there are various advantages of the busbar version in will have to be replaced or paired with another transformer. With technical terms. The rated current that a cable can carry refers to the use of busbars, later extensions do not involve many the average daily temperature of +30°C, whereas busbars - technical problems. according to IEC 60439/2 - are sized to work at an average ambient temperature of +35°C, peaking at +40°C.
Page 12 The KEC Newsletter News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
Cables or busbars? (continued)
istorically speaking, Zucchini S.p.A. committed itself to a When sizing busbar risers, the designer only needs to make Hbusbar configuration that was not always appreciated for calculations on a single riser, which reduces design times and its fundamental importance in the sizing of wiring systems. In costs. actual fact, Zucchini S.p.A. Busbars are the ideal way of connecting the transformer and busbars are sized, tested and the switchboard. In this type of connection the decisive factor is guaranteed fully operational at Cable Busbar the short-circuit current that the busbar can withstand. Zucchini average daily temperatures of busbars series SC withstand short-circuit currents (Icw) up to +40°C up to +45°C. This gives 176 kA for one 1 second and 387 kA peak current without getting a 5% advantage over the damaged. Due to the compact structure and the fact that the competition and a 10% factor conductors are sandwich assembled, short-circuit currents in over cable. the Super Compact can be withstood mechanically & thermally Another advantage is the fact without damage. that cables are generally Unlike cable connections, it is often not necessary to install installed in bundles and with additional protection due to the short link between transformer such a cross-section that they and the low-voltage switchboard. The medium-voltage on the cannot be bent tightly. primary circuit of the transformer also protects against short- Busbars, on the other hand, circuiting and overloads on the low-voltage side, so it is often have a highly compact suitable for protecting the short link between transformer and structure and can achieve switchboard. angles of up to 90° (see Figure When laying large cables, their weight is often a problem and to right). a hazard. It takes 4-8 men to pull them through the galleries and Fire load is the energy fix them in such a way that they can withstand the dynamic stress generated by the complete of short circuiting. In vertical installations particularly, where there combustion of the flammable is a shaft, the cables need to be winched up to the relevant floor. materials in a room. The use of busbars involves a very low fire Under these conditions, the cable has to bear its own weight load which makes them ideal for areas where this factor is of and the insulation can get damaged by scratches, cuts and extreme importance. micro-cracks that are not visible to the naked eye but may become The graph below shows how an increase in current means a visible later when the system is powered up, most likely affecting virtually exponential increase in the fire load of the cables. In high reliability. The installation of busbar risers, on the other hand, capacity busbars, the weight of plastic materials used is up to 1/ does not require more than 2 workers. As they are modular and 10 that of cables of a similar capacity. rigid, the work can easily be carried out in limited space. A further advantage of busbars with respect to cables is their huge operating flexibility. For example, once the power required by the various floor distribution boards has been calculated, it is not possible in a cable system to redistribute loads with the Cable same total installed power, whereas busbars are equivalent to having a distribution unit extending the entire length of the building, which means it is easy to re-distribute the loads. Conclusion Busbar As busbars are compact and extremely versatile, they open up new horizons in the design and installation of industrial, commercial and tertiary wiring systems. There are huge Current (A) economic and technical advantages in situations where there Another problem that designers have to tackle is that making a is a high fire risk, since busbars are highly heat resistant and high power connection requires several cables in parallel. Three feature a much lower fire load than cables of equivalent capacity. conditions must be met to ensure that the current is divided equally All the features described above should be taken into between the cables - all the cables must be the same type, the consideration when designing an actual plant. same length and laid in the same way. If any of these conditions Considering the enormous difference in technical and is not met, the cables cannot be considered the same and thus installation cost terms, a mere comparison between the cost of protected by a single device. It is necessary to protect each cable cables and busbars per metre is not technically or economically individually, for example by means of a fuse. Furthermore, when significant. laying a bundle of cables it is necessary to anchor them properly Last but not least, a busbar system has an intrinsic value that so that they can withstand the electro- dynamic forces that are will never depreciate. If necessary it can easily be dismantled generated in the event of a short circuit. and re-installed in another building or part of the investment Lastly, when designing cable risers, it is important to size each can be recovered at the end of the system’s working life since cable separately (15 in our example) by suitably protecting them busbars are mainly made of copper and steel, which maintain against overloads and short circuits, calculating the voltage drop their value through time. for each and checking the earth fault conditions.
Issue 6 Page 13 News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait
Al Sharq Star International puts on a New Face
Al Sharq Star International - one of KEC’s long-standing distribution partners - has recently ‘put on a new face’ with the launch of a redesigned showroom - see insert - at one of its key locations in Tunis Street, Hawali.
“The new showroom concept - complete with a prominent MK logo - is part of a nationwide face-lift and showroom expansion programme” explained proprietor Abdul Rahman Al Bukai, “and one that we certainly hope will allow us to continue to expand our product offering and customer base - and as a result continue to develop our overall MK business.”
With five showrooms nationwide strategically located in Shuwaikh, Fahaheel, Hawalli and Kuwait City - the Al Sharq Star business stocks a truly comprehensive range of MK Logic Plus, Albany Plus, Masterseal and Saudi Ega PVC trunking product The new-look Al Sharq Star International ranges - everything for the small to medium-sized electrical Showroom in Tunis Street, Hawali can be installation contractor: a product line-up that is growing virtually contacted on Tel: 2639214 daily. The MK-KEC 2005 Cricket Sponsorship Programme Gets Underway with Gulf Consult Now available….the very latest MK Cable Management The 2005 MK-KEC Cricket Sponsorship Programme, in association with Underfloor Catalogue providing a one of Kuwait’s leading firms of architects, planners and consultants - Gulf detailed 68 page insight into the Consult, got underway in fine form recently. one of the most comprehensive ranges of underfloor solutions in the business today.
This year’s sponsorship of the Kuwait national cricket team helped to provide them with the opportunity to participate in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2005 Qualifying Series Trophy recently staged in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They played against eight cricketing nations, won two of their matches but unfortunately did not progress to the next qualifying stage for the Cricket World Cup in 2007 to be played in the West Indies. Call our catalogue hotline today Jeff De Lange MBE, Gulf Consult’s Deputy Managing Director, speaking at a on Tel: 3985580 to obtain your recent training match held at Kuwait’s Entertainment City ‘paid tribute to the copy or email your request to partnership which he added aimed to put something back into developing Kuwait’s young cricketing enthusiasts’. keckuwait.com ‘In addition, our MK-KEC 2005 sponsorship programme of the Gulf Consult X1 also continues throughout the winter season’ advised KEC’s Peter Woods, ‘its aim being to bring to the local game opportunities to participate and improve one’s skills.’
Page 14 The KEC Newsletter News from your local MK channel partner in Kuwait KEC Celebrates 28 Years!
ollowing a remarkable year of growth and success, KEC Frecently celebrated its 28th anniversary with a traditional cake cutting ceremony and a party - as well as the presentation of long service certificates and awards to its long serving employees. Presenting the awards Hazem Al Nouri - KEC’s General Manager – remarked, “It really gives me pleasure in welcoming you all to KEC’s 28th Anniversary Party. We in KEC are very excited about the pace at which KEC is growing - with 5 showrooms to its credit and a steadily expanding team, we are confident of succeeding in our growth plans and aspirations.” KEC has currently 11 employees who have now completed more than 25 years and an expanding team of customer-facing professionals.
Cutting KEC’s 28th Anniversary cake together. From left to right are Peter Woods, Hazem Al Nouri, Rajan Peter - the longest-serving employee and Vijay Kumar - the newest employee in KEC.
‘Kreon’ Lighting Puts on a The Latest MK Wiring Sparkling Display Device Electronic Catalogue and Belgium based lighting organisation – Kreon - in association with KEC Specification Guide… put on a sparkling display at the recent ‘Villa Expo 2005’ exhibition held at the Arraya Ballroom, Kuwait Have you got your Known for their quality architectural lighting the world over, Kreon’s copy yet? participation alongside KEC at the ‘Villa Expo 2005’ coincided with the visit of Kreon’s General Manager – Dirk Bruyninckx and Riet Vandenbranden - Kreons Lighting Consultant and an ‘Introduction to Kreon’ seminar for lighting Now availableavailable….. the latest designers, interior designers and specifying engineers held at the Crowne MK 2004-2005 Wiring Device Plaza Hotel. electronic catalogue containing all the relevant information required to evaluate, select and specify MK products from the comfort of your PC.
Specific features and benefits, a product selector guide product selector guide, as well as technical datasheets - are all now available at ‘the touch of your fingertips’ in electronic CD Rom format.
The MK Wiring Devices catalogue continues to set the standard in customer information and guidance.
Phone our catalogue hotline on 398 5580 if you Come and see the extensive range of Kreon products at the new KEC haven’t got your Technical Lighting showroom or contact them on tel: 2241114/5. copy yet.
Issue 6 Page 15