NEWSROOM INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS PROUDLY SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED PP328727/00073 [ISSUE 50] MAY 07 NHP NEWSLETTER

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1 PP328727/00073 [ISSUE 50] MAY 07 NEWSROOM INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS FEATURES Overseas Reward for Young Achiever NHP and Engineers Australia recognise and promote talented young Electrical Engineers. Westpac Place Goes Green with NHP Westpac s new corporate headquarters sets new standards in environmental sustainability and workplace design, using selected products from NHP. P 2 P 3 Meet the Team from Motor Control With over 100 years collective experience, meet the team from Motor Control. TemBreak 2 Out in Front and Going Strong Terasaki s TemBreak 2 series is proving to be a success with NHP customers. Discover Our World NHP Launches Global Profile in New Zealand New Zealand discovers the world of NHP. The Discover Our World Exhibition successfully re-introduced Sprecher + Schuh and, in addition, profiled WAGO, Elettronica Santerno and Terasaki s TemBreak 2. NHP s Network - What you want, where, when and how you want it NHP s unique network of resources, facilities and personnel cover close to eight million square kilometers of vast Australian landscape. NHP Gets the Rally Bug NHP rallies around Adelaide with major supply line partners support. NECA and NHP Applaud Apprentice NECA/NHP sponsors achievement awards for young people with Apprentice of the Year and Secondary School Student Awards. It s Official NHP No.1 for Santerno Through delivery of customer-focused solutions, NHP is officially No.1 distributor for Elettronica Santerno VSDs. NHP Live and Online NHP takes advantage of technology to better communicate, inform and transact. Product Reviews Latest additions to the extensive NHP range of automation and switchgear solutions. P 4 P 4 P 5 P 6 P 8 P 8 P 9 P 9 P 10 Visiting our Partner, Spohn & Burkhardt Australia has the best seat in the house with customised chairs from Spohn & Burkhardt. AS-i Safety at Work Saves Costs, Wiring and Lives AS-i Safety at Work package provides the highest level of safety for hundreds of Australian workplaces. The Plant Floor Meets the Top Floor Adroit Version 6 delivers added functionality and boosts levels of manageability as one of the most featured SCADA systems in today s market. P 11 P 11 P 12 PROUDLY SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED NHP NEWSLETTER

2 INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS EDITORIAL What is the True Spirit of Partnership? LLoyd Thomas - Managing Director, CEO A business like NHP does not operate autonomously. Aside from our 600 staff and our thousands of customers around the world, this company represents, what I believe, to be the very best in international partnerships. Successful relationships with worldrespected supply line partners stand us apart in the Australasian electrotechnology marketplace. NHP s recent Discover Our World exhibition and conference in Auckland made me and I m sure everyone else at NHP, very proud. The event was a highlight in the evolution of the NHP business and we were especially delighted to be able to share the stage with some of our closest, most long standing supply line partners. Significantly, the expo provided us an opportunity to highlight our relationship with global motor control brand, Sprecher + Schuh. But just as importantly, we were pleased to prove our commitment to WAGO (masters of I/O connectivity), the Italian variable speed drive kings Elettronica Santerno, and circuit breaker master builders, Terasaki. Each of them a name synonymous with quality, innovation and leadership. As CEO and Managing Director of NHP, I am very well aware of our position in the electrical industry supply chain. Our partnerships are a vital part of that chain. While we are aware that not all technologies are equal and that Australasia s climate and industrial Discover Our World exxhibition, Sprecher + Schuh - Switzerland conditions present some of the most challenging in the world, it is our job to provide world s best solutions so that our customers can operate as effectively and as competitively as possible. Our strict regime of product selection means that NHP puts its money where its mouth is we maintain an ongoing and relentless global product search program to find the very best electrical products the world can offer. Selected technologies are sourced, trialled, tested and tailored to meet the most arduous conditions. Once we have commenced with a supply line partner, the relationship does not end there. We regularly, for example, work with our partners on research, development and innovation to make sure we deliver the best the international market has to offer to our Australian and New Discover Our World exhibition, Terasaki - Zealand customers, Japan and Europe taking into account Australasian specific requirements. All products are fully supported by NHP s expert region-wide staff, our customer training programs, product documentation regime, product spares and technical support programs. While we, naturally, continue to support Australian made, Australian owned products and services wherever we can, our focus remains global. Discover Our World exxhibition, Elettronica Santerno - Italy Please take some time to read the profile of NHP s Discover Our World exhibition on page 5 of this issue of Newsroom. The story and photos show an event where the spirit of partnerships was well and truly evident. NHP s fifty-plus brand portfolio is constantly delivering results for our customers. It is our supply line relationships which are the cornerstone of what we do. Quite simply, we aim to provide our customers with the best of the best. What you want, where, when and how you want it! Overseas Reward for Young Achiever NEWSROOM Managing Director CEO, NHP Lloyd Thomas Editor Nicola Culham Design & Layout Digital Prepress Print Production Peter Collins Contributors Andrew Theodore Andrew Bau Harry Fletcher Steve Nelson Neil Williams Geoff Thorp Jon Rodaughan Hafiz Rahman Goran Angelkovik For further product information please marketing@nhp.com.au Geordie Mitchell is the inaugural winner of the 2005 Engineers Australia Graduate Electrical Power Engineer of the Year Award. The recognition program was established via a partnership with NHP, the Electrical Energy Society of Australia and Engineers Australia to promote talented young Electrical Engineers. We approached Engineers Australia to co-found the awards program so we could address the shortage of graduate Electrical Engineers and help promote our profession, explains NHP National Manager Marketing Communications, Andrew Theodore. Geordie Mitchell is a terrific first recipient of the award and is a very worthy young ambassador for the industry. An Electrical and Electronic Engineer who graduated from James Cook University, Townsville, in 2001, Geordie now works as a Consulting Engineer in Melbourne with Hill Michael Consulting. Geordie impressed the selection panel with his wide ranging attributes, says Andrew. He was an excellent undergraduate student and he s subsequently done a lot of interesting post graduate work in electrical modelling and research. Just as importantly, he also impressed us with his well rounded approach to life. As part of his award, in November Geordie travelled as part of a delegation to Japan visiting Hitachi, and to Germany where he went to the SPS/IPC/Drives Fair in Nuremberg, and also to Reer, safety product supply partner to NHP. Lloyd Thomas, Managing Director/CEO of NHP (left), Amal Hanna, Chair of Electrical Board of Engineers Australia (centre) and Geordie Mitchell, 2005 Graduate Electrical Power Engineer of the Year The trip was a real eye-opener for me, Geordie says. It was great to see different parts of the industry up close and learn more about how the players all work together. I d encourage graduates to enter the awards program to learn more about how our profession works. The factory tours were especially interesting and I was able to observe a lot of diverse aspects of the industry. It was great. Applications for the 2007 Engineers Australia Graduate Electrical Power Engineer of the Year Award can be found at or from Engineers Australia. NHP National Manager Marketing Communications, Andrew Theodore atheodore@nhp.com.au [2]

3 Westpac Place Goes Green with NHP Westpac s new corporate headquarters in the western precinct of Sydney s CBD opened in stages last year to praise not only from the bank s staff and customers, but the green construction industry. Setting new standards in environmental sustainability and workplace design, Westpac Place is fitted with an NHP devised Energy Monitoring and Control System (EMCS) which is paving the way in energy efficiency and productivity. Westpac s new home is one of the largest and most significant property development projects ever undertaken in this country. Occupying a unique and commanding position within walking distance of Darling Harbour, the site covers an entire block and was effectively the last complete city block available for development in inner Sydney. Leighton Contractors was awarded the design and construction contract for the project in Completed some three years later, the result is a stunning landmark development located within the boundaries of Kent, Erskine, Napoleon and Sussex Streets which has effectively consolidated Westpac s 10 former CBD office sites into two towers of 32 and 21 levels covering over 77,000 square metres. The site also features two levels of retail, tenant car parking for 214 cars and a childcare centre. And all of it designed and built to the principles of Environmentally Sustainable Design, or ESD as it is known. Project Evolution From the outset, every type of engineering discipline commissioned by the project was under no doubt that the result would have to achieve a 4 star rating under the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (AGBR) System. From light and power, to ventilation, water recycling, materials, energy sources and processes used, Westpac Place was designed to become a green landmark. NHP was involved in the crucial aspect of Light and Power Monitoring from key early stages. Initially, Webb Australia was commissioned to design an Energy Monitoring and Control System over the Electrical Services package. Engineering Director, Webb Australia, Fred Bowers, recalls Leightons requirement to integrate the many service packages in delivering a seamless and integrated solution. We wanted to work with supply chain partners whom we were confident in delivering an end-to-end Energy Monitoring and Control System that integrated with the other services other than the light and power package, he says. We specified new open architecture technology that allowed communications, status and control to the generators, UPS and mechanical packages with the objective of a single interface back to the operators. A Partnership Approach Leighton Contractors then awarded the electrical services and data contracts to Stowe Australia. Bringing Webb Australia and Stowe Australia together as a partnership worked exceptionally well because of each organisations experience and commitment to making things work. It was Stowe s collaborative attitude and expertise in monitoring systems installation that won Leightons respect. Stowe s General Manager (Sydney and Cumberland Regions), Mick Pawelko, explains. Stowe has an extensive portfolio of delivering large scale projects that involve SCADA and EMCS solutions. Our most recent track record includes the ABC Studios in Terasaki AR2 ACB's and TemBreak MCCB's supplying Light and Power in one of many MSB's located within the Westpac site. Ultimo, the King George V Building at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre - these projects had similar systems, he says. Knowing and understanding these requirements, along with the team at NHP, underpinned our technical and commercial offer to Leightons. I guess Leightons would have seen our proposal as a strong contender as, during the tender evaluation meetings, we had a very well versed team able to value add from an installation perspective. NHP Involvement NHP Electrical Engineering Products first job was in design when product was selected for all facets of the Energy Management System, LV switch gear and control gear. Our products were selected and used throughout the project based on the fact that they met, and actually exceeded, stringent specification and technical requirements, explains NHP s Automation Projects Manager, David Sykes. The foundation of the project s Environmental Sustainable Design model is based on a combined front end utilising NHP s Adroit SCADA software and a Hitachi EH-150 PLC backbone to monitor and control energy consumption, lighting loads, UPS and generators and power factor correction systems. Information regarding power consumption and quality at the final sub-circuit level are produced from information from the IME Nemo 96 power meters. Light and power at the site is controlled by Terasaki Circuit Breakers. K E Brown was the switchboard manufacturer who supplied the main switchboard, distribution boards and lighting control panels. A mixture of custom made and Terasaki Concept Premier style panelboards were used for their robust construction and the need to provide added space for the termination of riser cables, subcircuit wiring and data lines for control monitoring. Working on similar projects in the past with NHP, K E Brown selected NHP to deliver a quality engineered project of over 700 panelboards, adds General Manager, K E Brown Electrical Switchboards, Stephen Lovegrove. Super Efficient, Super Effective The unique ventilation design and highly efficient airconditioning and louvre control was designed by George Floth and Associates. Terry s Electrical were engaged to perform the electrical installation for the mechanical services contractor for this project. Part of their contract was to manufacture the sophisticated motor control centres, which control the air conditioning into the open mezzanine and podium area in the project. Our motor control centres were designed to lower power consumption where possible, explains Terry Electrical s, Director and Workshop Manager, Darrin Jones. LED indicator lights were used, which last up to 100,000 hours. Variable speed drives were used on all large motors, gradually turning them on and off. Low smoke halogen free cables where used where possible. We also worked closely with the BMS contractor, he adds, so they could control the air conditioning plant from one point to prevent unnecessary switching. No Environmentally Sustainable Design stone has been left unturned. Now opened for business, Westpac Place is already renowned as a superior example of green design and construction at its best. Working with the project manager Leightons, the electrical consultant Webb Australia, George Floth & Associates the mechanical consultants, the electrical contractor Stowe Australia, and K E Brown, plus the many others involved in this prestigious project was one of the most exciting and rewarding professional experiences we ve ever had, said NHP National Manager Sales Commercial Projects, Andrew Bau. We re very proud to have been part of Westpac Place and are continually developing cost effective concepts and technologies to meet the increasing demand in the market place for green development, he added. With an ESD infrastructure clearly in place, NHP is ideally equipped to provide a power monitoring system which is fundamental to any Australian Building Greenhouse Rating design. We look forward to more successful customer results just like Westpac Place. NHP National Manager- Project Sales - Commercial, Andrew Bau Telephone: abau@nhp.com.au COVER STORY Environmental Sustainable Design for Westpac Place Project NHP Concept panelboards fitted with WAGO distributed I/O and Dali Lighting controls Environmentally Sustainable Design What is it? Buildings consume a third of the world s resources they use 42 per cent of Australia s energy, 12 per cent of our water, up to 40 per cent of waste going to landfill is from construction and deconstruction sites, and 40 percent of Australian air emissions come from buildings. 1 Green buildings, on the other hand, try to use key resources like energy, water, materials and land more efficiently. They also tend to create healthier environments, with more natural light and cleaner air, and can contribute to improved health, comfort and productivity. Some 84 per cent of Australian architects, contractors and building owners have been involved in green building, says Managing Director, BCI Australia, Chris Rose. And, over 50 per cent of our architects and contractors see their sales associated with green projects on the rise. Mr Rose says that the demand for green building is growing particularly from the government sector and from large corporate building tenants and owners. On the supply side, the majority of Australian construction and property professionals describe their commitment to green building as high or very high. Green building is not a niche occurrence any more, he says It certainly is the way of the future OECD - Environmentally Sustainable Buildings - Challenges and Policies, March As cited on the Green Building Council Australia website. [3]

4 INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS MOTOR CONTROL Meet the Team from Motor Control This year Harry Fletcher celebrates his 30-year anniversary with NHP. In his current role as Business Manager Motor Control, Harry proudly says his team is the best in the business. With more than 100 years collective experience in the electrical industry, the group works as a close and cohesive unit with products that dovetail and support each other. In this story, we profile some of the Motor Control Product Managers and preview their latest product innovations. The inclusion of features such as low water, low pressure and high pressure inputs each with associated user programmable time delays and PT100 input with user adjustable trip temperature, mean that AuCom's pump control interface can convert the basic CSX or CSXi soft starter into an advanced pump controller. The inputs act together to provide protection against wasted water, an unquestionable benefit in our current drought conditions. Spiro predicts that OEMs, Switchboard Manufacturers and Electrical Contractors servicing the pumping industries will find real cost savings. Santerno Stars Sprecher + Schuh D7 pushbuttons Sprecher + Schuh CEP 7-E electronic overload Sprecher + Schuh PCS soft starters with other ACS components Elettronica Santerno Sinus Penta Variable Speed Drives Steve Amor is the Product Manager for Pushbuttons and Terminals including the NHP/Austrol products (Australian Made NHP Exclusive), Sprecher + Schuh s D7 pushbutton and V7W terminal ranges, and TER (Tecno Elettrica Ravasi) pendant control stations. A dedicated long-serving NHP man, Steve s current portfolio includes more than 9500 line items. His Sprecher + Schuh D mm control and signalling range is an exciting new series of products which has been on the market since last year and is proving to be an extremely popular choice with NHP customers. The reasons why are easy to see, Steve says. D7 pushbutton products are highly visual - the new modern compact design and appearance fit in well with new panel designs. The ergonomic shape ensures that operator functionality matches the products good looks. Steve explains that the snap fitting components allow for fast and simple installation. But, he adds, by far the most unique and important safety feature is the D7 Autobreak contact block that is exclusive to this range and developed specifically to suit the D7 emergency stop operators. The result, he adds is an emergency stop operator that will work to specification even in the unlikely event of the contact blocks becoming removed from the back of the operator. Soft Starters On Your Marks Spiro Fkiaras is Motor Control s Soft Starter expert. Looking after the AuCom and Sprecher + Schuh ranges, Spiro is one of NHP's most experienced Product Managers. Sprecher + Schuh have enhanced their PCS Soft Starter products to cater for larger motors. The new Series B models also offer a 6 wire motor connection feature. "The advantages are very clear," explains Spiro. "Through the 6 wire motor connection feature, the PCS will now be suitable for use with larger motors without any commercial penalty to the customer. And, as it offers features and functions beyond that of its PDS sister product, it presents as a much more advanced alternative to star/delta starting for both new and retro-fit installations." Spiro is working towards the release of a new Pump Application Interface for use with NHP's AuCom CSX and CSXi range of soft starters. This is the first of several application specific modules to be released and simply snaps onto the side of the soft starter to provide the additional application-specific functionality. Geoff Thorp has recently joined the Motor Control group as Product Manager, Variable Speed Drives. Geoff has three new products on the books Elettronica Santerno s Sinus Penta full variable speed drive and the Micro Drives Sinus Micro and Sinus Nano. The Sinus Penta drives were launched in Geoff says that the range is going great guns because of their wide power and voltage range, the simple to use and stylish keypad, their many communication options, and reliability. Following in the Penta s footsteps, the Sinus Micro and Sinus Nano are Micro drives which offer a range of enhanced features, are excellent value for money, ultra compact and with a power range of between 0.4 kw and 7.5 kw. Extremely easy to use, the drives have full compatibility with the Remote Drive software used to program the Sinus Penta range of drives, making them an ideal companion. Simply the Best Bob Kostic is the Product Manager for Sprecher + Schuh motor control products and traction contactors (except for pushbuttons, soft starters and terminals), Ghisalba Contactors and Microelettrica DC products. Bob s core work, however, is with NHP s flagship Sprecher + Schuh product range. Sprecher + Schuh is a recognised market leader in motor control switchgear, says Bob. NHP carries approximately 6000 products, including contactors, relays, safety contactors and safety relays, programmable timers, thermal motor protection overloads, rotary cam load switches and push button switches and terminals. They vary in complexity from simple electro mechanical contactors/relays to sophisticated electronically controlled and fully networkable thermal overloads such as the CET 5. Ghisalba specialises in unique high power four pole contactors rated up to 1200 amps while Bob s other product line, Microelettrica, manufacture unique high power DC traction style contactors used in heavy industry, mining and rail applications. Bob explains that NHP is about to launch the Sprecher + Schuh CA 8 range of mini contactors and relays which will replace the older style CA 4. Similar in size and shape to the CA 4, the new CA 8 has improved IP and operational ratings and a more flexible accessories and utilities suite to simplify installation. The CEP 7-E electronic overloads have seen the introduction of some smart side mount modules which will increase their application. The modules add a touch of sophistication and turn the simple CEP 7-E overload into something more potent in terms of motor protection. Customers will be able to add features such as Jam/Stall, Ground Fault, Remote Reset and even DeviceNet at the click of a side module. NHP Business Manager Motor Control, Harry Fletcher Telephone: hfletcher@nhp.com.au [4] Accommodating all of the necessary fault ratings required for any type or size of project, the TemBreak 2 provides enormous benefits to users, from switchboard manufacture stage, all the way through to installation and operation. Innovators in Protection Technology TemBreak 2 Out in Front and Going Strong Since its launch to the market in October last year, NHP s new Terasaki TemBreak 2 range of moulded-case circuit breakers (MCCBs) is already proving a hit with customers. NHP Product Manager, MCCBs and Transfer Switches, Steven Nelson, attributes interest in the TemBreak 2 series to the model s compact size, new visual safety features, ease of installation, simplicity of field-installable accessories, and flexible overload and short-circuit protection. The whole range is built around the switchboard builder or customer being able to customise or accessorise simply and quickly, he says. In fact, much of what a customer needs to do could be done with a screwdriver. TemBreak 2 offers designers of industrial, commercial, marine/ shipping or residential projects simplified design and powerful functionality. The range of field-installable accessories such as terminal covers, motor operators and variable-depth operating handles can be installed using simple locking pegs, aiding rapid switchboard construction or value-add functionality. And as far as safety is concerned, TemBreak 2 offers superior coloured toggle indication which clearly displays the on/off/tripped status of the breaker. The toggle itself is direct driven as a result of a direct mechanical link between the main contacts and the toggle. Coupled with the IP 65 rating of the TemBreak 2 handle, on-site personnel and the switchboard equipment will realise a whole new level of protection. NHP Product Manager MCCB s Chassis & Transfer Switches Steven Nelson Telephone: or visit NHP s Tembreak 2 website at Trademark: TemBreak 2 is a registered trademark of Terasaki Electric Co. Ltd.

5 Discover our World NHP Launches Global Profile in New Zealand NHP s Discover our World exhibition, held during March in New Zealand, has been lauded by 550 staff, partner and customer guests as one of the best events they ve ever seen. Craig said that Discover Our World was also an invaluable way to showcase the depth of NHP talent in NZ. Our technical expertise really is second to none we re delighted to show it off. PRODUCT EXHIBITION DISCOVEROURWORLD Electrotechnology The magnificently renovated Auckland War Memorial Museum was host to the truly international exhibition combining a series of high level presentations, informative seminars, interactive trade displays and hands-on workshops. And all themed to deliver the latest in electrical innovation from NHP and our global network of partners. Staged by a collaboration between NHP s Marketing Department in Melbourne and all of our New Zealand staff, the objective for the event was very straightforward. Sprecher + Schuh had been out of the New Zealand market for some 12 years and in that time they have consolidated their position as a world powerhouse brand in the electrical industry, explains NHP s New Zealand Manager, Craig Vallance. Our goal was to re-introduce them, and ourselves, to the local market. The launch marks a milestone for NHP which currently enjoys a 35 percent share in Australia of the low voltage motor control component market largely thanks to Sprecher + Schuh, With the latest Sprecher + Schuh ranges consolidating our comprehensive switchboard options, we are now offering more complete panel solutions, says Craig. Sprecher components are a great companion to our Cubic modular system. We now have the most extensive, technically advanced and reliable offering on the market. With Sprecher + Schuh back in the New Zealand portfolio, NHP can boast a complete customer service offering in Motor Control. We are now in the position of being able to provide our New Zealand customers with an alternative supplier, explains Craig. We re very pleased to encourage a spirit of healthy competition! NHP Sprecher s Partner of Choice President of Sprecher + Schuh, Mike Dudas, says that due to its success and experience in distributing the brand in Australia, NHP was the partner of choice to reintroduce these products to New Zealand. The people at NHP have a long association with our brand, he explains. They offer extensive product knowledge and expert technical support. We enjoy a very close working relationship with the team and their involvement at all levels of our business including product development. The Discover Our World Exhibition not only re-introduced the Sprecher + Schuh range, it also profiled WAGO, Elettronica Santerno and Terasaki s TemBreak2. The day provided us an opportunity to highlight our relationships with other key international supply chain partners WAGO, leaders in I/O connectivity; the Italian variable speed drive kings Elettronica Santerno, and circuit breaker master builders, Terasaki, adds NHP s Craig Vallance. He also explained the Discover Our World key message was not only around product offering, but the brand, the systems and the credibility of NHP. We ve not only got the product, we ve got the 24x7 technical support, the customer focus and the company infrastructure which NZ customers demand, he said. We have two offices, Auckland and Christchurch, and four regional representatives in both North and South islands. So no matter if a customer comes from mining, dairy, viticulture, construction or commerce, we ve got what they need right where they need it. From NHP staff to supply line partners, to industry media and customers, the day was much appreciated by all guests. NHP is thrilled with the results and very much looks forward to making our presence felt in the New Zealand market, says Craig Vallance. In their own words Over 550 people attended NHP s 2006 Discover Our World exhibition and here s what some of them had to say NHP, Sprecher + Schuh and other supplier partners achieved our mission objective - to introduce into the New Zealand marketplace a value add solutions based distributor which set the new standard for quality products, application assistance, technical expertise and service capabilities via a network of true professionals. Sprecher + Schuh is proud to be part of the NHP team in New Zealand. President, Sprecher + Schuh, Mike Dudas The most welcome feedback we received from customers was that they had never seen anything like this in NZ from any of our competitors. NHP - National Engineering Manager, Alex Coslovich The Discover Our World Exhibition was a great success as far as the Santerno product was concerned. The feedback was very encouraging indeed. The exposure we received at this exhibition with major potential and existing clients could not have gone down any better. NHP - Business Development Manager, Drives & Starters, Tony McGuigan DOW was a great opportunity for NHP to showcase to the NZ market place and to confirm to our existing customers the depth of NHP's technical capabilities. Not only do we have great products but we have the know-how and staff to support them which allows our customers to confidently rely on NHP. This was demonstrated by the high quality seminars and workshops that were conducted during the Discover Our World exhibition. NHP - National Application Engineering Manager, Wes Cassidy It was very rewarding to see how the brand acceptance of Sprecher + Schuh was so prevalent considering the brand had been off the NZ market for some years. Customers associate the brand with quality and reliability and recognise that NHP can give them a level of grass roots support presently not available in the NZ market. NHP - Business Manager Motor Control, Harry Fletcher The genuine interest and support from customers was overwhelming. It s the best exhibition I have been involved with in 10 years! NHP - Business Manager - Automation & Safety, David De Cata Auckland War Memorial Museum President, Sprecher + Schuh Mike Dundas, Managing Director, CEO-NHP, Lloyd Thomas and New Zealand Manager, Craig Vallance Over 450 people attended seminars and workshops Hands on workshops were held throughout the day Special guest speaker, Sir Richard Hadlee, arguable cricket s greatest allrounder, engaged the audience with his professional yet entertaining speech on business and sport - stressing there is no place for mediocrity in either. I was very impressed with the turnout, which I believe speaks to NHP's reputation and the surprisingly high brand recognition the Sprecher + Schuh brand still has in New Zealand. I was also impressed with the level of interest by the attendees. My interaction with the attendees, while limited, showed they attended the event with a purpose, they had questions they wanted answered and were not just killing time. Rockwell Automation Business Team Leader Electronic Motor Protection, Steve Haensgen NHP New Zealand Manager, Craig Vallance Telephone: cvallance@nhp-nz.com Technical product demonstration and advice [5]

6 INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS NHP BRANCHES NHP s Network - What you want, Head Office - Richmond Premises National Distribution and Manufacturing Facility - Laverton Premises Sydney Premises Newcastle Premises Brisbane Premises [6] Success in today s competitive industrial world is elusive; consistent commercial success is a serious challenge. It requires the best-of-the-best: an optimal mix of world-class technologies, refined systems, and knowledgeable and skilled personnel. NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty. Ltd - the leader in the Australasian industrial electrical sector - has earned a reputation for providing this optimal mix to the Australasian industry for close to four decades. When NHP was established in 1968, founder, Nigel Peck, was determined to create a 100 per cent Australian-owned company focused on providing the best service and highest level of quality products. NHP has grown from its humble beginnings of 17 dedicated staff members to become Australasia s leading industrial electrical business with over 600 staff and hundreds of valued supply line partners and customers across every type of industry. Two elements have formed the heart of NHP Bringing the world to Australasia: NHP provides the very best the world can offer that supports our Australasian industrial conditions. Services and solutions: NHP offers a great deal more than boxed production - services and solutions are essential elements in the unique NHP mix. A big territory demands unique resources NHP services customers scattered across Australasia s vast land mass of just under eight million square kilometres a geographic area that is 50 per cent larger than Western Europe. To meet our customers exacting needs across this broad continent demands a unique network of resources, facilities and personnel. BRANCH OFFICE NETWORK Our 15 branch offices are located in all states and territories across Australia and New Zealand. Each branch provides a mini-hq in profile, with extensive local stock warehousing, a technical support team, in-house training facilities, a fullyequipped workshop for product development and customisation everything that is required to support our customers local and immediate requirements. VICTORIA Head Office - Richmond The NHP national head office in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond has been home to the company for almost 30 years. It is the central site for the company s: Extensive product training team and training facilities Technical support team Central show room Product management teams Cubic Centre of Excellence Officially opened: 1985 Address: River St, Richmond, 3121 Size now (approx): 6,000 m 2 Previous Location: 1-3 Lion Street, Hawthorn, 3122 (opened 1st October, 1968) Size then (approx): 1,000 m 2 Original staff numbers: 15 Current staff numbers: 193 Bill Savage, Technical Assistant, 32 years at NHP Richmond NHP has changed significantly since I started in Back then we had 25 employees working out of the Lion Street office, which was made up of a small store consisting of trade counter, internal sales, workshop and dispatch. Across the road in the Simpson Place office we also had manufacturing (HP Electrical), accounts and a small section for storage. In those days we all chipped in to help each other with our various tasks be it unpacking shipments, fulfilling customer orders, serving at the trade counter or performing product conversions. When you compare it to what we witness today at both Richmond and Laverton, I am amazed at how far we have come. National Distribution and Manufacturing Facility - Laverton Located in the Melbourne industrial precinct of Laverton, NHP s National Distribution and Manufacturing Facility forms the heart of the enterprise. With an area of approximately 12,000 m 2, the site is home to the company s major stock holdings, and product assembly/customisation facilities. The centre s impressive inventory-management technologies and state-of-the-art warehouse dispatch many hundreds of units per day across the region. The facility is located close to Melbourne s main airport and sea freight terminals. Its facilities include: Extensive warehousing Product assembly lines Technical workshops Product evaluation and testing facilities Engineering and estimating departments Engineering design and development Officially opened: 1999 Address: William Angliss Drive, Laverton North, 3026 Size now (approx): 12,000 m 2 Current staff numbers: 135 Manufacturing Laverton s manufacturing workshop is a truly world class facility, spanning some 5000 m 2 of air conditioned floor space. The facility employs more than 65 assemblers and 21 support staff, and can provide in excess of 10,000 labour hours per month across two shifts. Activities include the complete assembly of air circuit breakers from knock down kits, the design and manufacture of power distribution boards, power factor correction panels and specialised motor starters, as well as the assembly of standard starters, cam switches, joystick controllers and meters. All manufactured items are subjected to a functional test prior to dispatch to ensure the highest possible consistency in quality and adherence to Australian Standards. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the market demand for value added goods will continue to grow. NHP s manufactured goods output grew by 18 per cent through 2006 and shows no sign of abating. NHP s strategy is to continue to expand workshop facilities to satisfy this demand, freeing up 20 per cent additional floor space and employing six new apprentices in the first quarter of 2007, while budgeting for additional workshop staff in the new financial year. The electrical industry has embraced this service, allowing NHP to retain manufacturing within the Australian market and create employment opportunities. NHP s manufacturing workshops are also spread throughout Australasia, with each city branch consisting of facilities that can provide for the local market. The size and capabilities of these workshops illustrate how NHP can provide for the needs of our customers Australasian-wide on a day-to-day basis. NEW SOUTH WALES Sydney Officially opened: 1987 Address: Day Street North, Silverwater, 2128 Size now (approx): 3,400 m 2 Previous Location: 346 Sussex Street, Sydney, 2000 (opened 1st October, 1968) Size then (approx): 1,600 m 2 Original staff numbers: 5 Current staff numbers: 79 Graham Miller, Sales Rep, 29 years at NHP Sydney From the dark old office at Averill St, Rhodes (1978) to the bright lights at Day St, Silverwater (2007)... To borrow from an old phrase... its been a roller-coaster ride where the only constant is change itself. But it has been the 'passing parade' of the many NHP people with its fair share of characters, which has remained in my memories." NHP extends its capabilities In keeping with its focus on customer support, NHP has just opened a new distribution centre in Campbelltown, South West of Sydney. With a focus on increasing its warehouse level stock capabilities, the new distribution centre will begin as a base for Eldon enclosures, enabling fast delivery to NHP s NSW customers. Additionally, it gives NHP a presence in one of Sydney s fastest growing regions. NHP continues to invest in the future with exciting new initiatives and grow its business where our customers require it most. NEW ZEALAND Auckland Officially opened: 1998 Address: 7 Lockhart Place, Mt. Wellington Current staff numbers: 20 Christchurch Officially opened: 1998 Address: 85 Gasson Street, Sydenham Current staff numbers: 5

7 where, when and how you want it NHP BRANCHES QUEENSLAND Brisbane Officially opened: October 2006 Address: Metroplex Complex, 16 Riverview Place, Murarrie, 4172 Size now (approx): Site - 10,00m 2 Warehouse - 3,300 m 2 Office Size - 1,600 m 2 Previous Location: Turbo Drive, Coorparoo. Current staff numbers: 62 Paul McJannett, Internal Sales Manager, 27 years at NHP Brisbane When I started in 1979 there were approximately eight staff in a 500 m 2 building. The phone system was a plug and lead type switchboard and we also used a telex machine. We would receive customer orders by mail, phone or the telex machine and these were then hand written on to printed order forms. All stock control was done manually using stock cards and Brisbane was the only Queensland branch back then so we serviced all of Queensland, PNG, Northern New South Wales and the Northern Territory. NORTHERN TERRITORY Darwin Officially opened: 1996 Address: 3 Steele Street, Winnellie 0820 Size Now: Office 125 m 2 & Warehouse 200 m 2 Original staff numbers: 3 Current staff numbers: 5 SOUTH AUSTRALIA Adelaide Officially opened: 11th March 2003 Address: Croydon Road, Keswick, 5035 Size Now: Office 426 m 2 & Warehouse 335 m 2 Previous Locations: 29 Croydon Road, then 50 Croydon Road Original Staff numbers: 8 Current staff numbers: 33 Neil Williams, State Manager SA & NT, 25 years at NHP Adelaide When we opened NHP s Adelaide doors in February 1982 at 29 Croydon Road, Keswick, we just had the essentials on hand - one phone, a catalogue/price list, a card table and two deck chairs! We only had eight staff in place for the official opening on 3 March. WESTERN AUSTRALIA Perth Officially opened: 1997 Address: 38 Belmont Avenue, Rivervale, 6103 Size now (approx): Warehouse m 2 Workshop m 2 Office Size m 2 Previous Location: 38 Railway Parade, Bayswater Size then (approx): m 2 Original staff numbers: 41 Current staff numbers: 39 Did you know? NHP Perth currently have nine staff who have worked at that branch since day one. TASMANIA Hobart Officially opened: 2001 Address: 2/65 Albert Road, Moonah, 7009 Current staff numbers: 5 Alan Marshall, Office Manager, 6 years at NHP Tasmania The first day of official trading at the Hobart branch was March I started with NHP prior to this time to help put our first shipment of stock on to the shelf and to become familiar with NHP s processes. We started with two reps (one based up north and the other local) and two internal staff. The internal staff were responsible for sales, customer enquiries and freight - both inbound and outbound. Over the last six years we have grown to now include a storeman/sales person to assist with the ever increasing demand for NHP product in Tasmania. Regional Offices Townsville Officially opened: 1991 Address: 62 Leyland Street, Garbutt, 4814 Current staff numbers: 11 Toowoomba Officially opened: June 1991 Address: Corner Carroll St & Struan Court, Toowoomba, 4350 Original staff numbers: 1 Current staff numbers: 5 Rockhampton Officially opened: September 2001 Address: 14 Robison Street, Rockhampton, 4701 Original staff numbers: 9 Current staff numbers: 13 Graeme Hall, External Sales, 13 years at NHP Rockhampton The pace we do business has changed substantially in the time I have worked with NHP. When I started I was given a pager for mobile communication and the mobile phone was the size of a brick and bolted to the console of the car. These days customers demand better service and it has got to the point where, if the response is not hasty, business is lost to the competitor. The result is a lot of pressure on the organisation as a whole and everyone must do their bit to keep the wheels ticking over. Cairns Address: Unit 2/1 Bramp Close, Portsmith, 4870 Size now (approx): Warehouse m 2 Office Size m 2 Previous Location: Lyons Street, Cairns. Original staff numbers: 3 Current staff numbers: 5 Gary Katt, Storeman, 5 years at NHP Cairns A couple years ago, NHP Cairns doubled in size. New location... bigger warehouse... today, we re bursting at the seams, as we continue to grow. Newcastle Officially opened: 1996 Address: 575 Maitland Road, Mayfield West, 2304 Size now (approx): 815 m 2 Previous Location: 57 Crescent Road, Waratah, 2298 Size then (approx): 250 m 2 Original staff numbers: 7 Current staff numbers: 19 Gary Piper, Technical Sales Rep, 13 years at NHP Newcastle "Whilst the company has grown remarkably, the core values of professionalism, commitment to quality and passion for the customer, values initially instilled in us by Mr. Peck, still remain. I have personally grown with the company and apply much of what I have learnt from the NHP culture to my life outside work." Regional Representative Network Complementing our branch offices, NHP s 16 regional representatives extend our knowledge and customer support to areas beyond the reach of our branch offices. Our fully trained and experienced regional technical staff carry stock of NHP s leading brands, and provide the vital customer support in the most remote locations. Quality Personnel With a 600-plus team of sales support, warehousing, management and engineering/technical support people located in the industrial centres spread across Australasia s vast region, NHP provides its customers with an optimal mix of products and solutions backed by service. No matter how good a product may be, it is nothing without dedicated people to supply, service and support it. Townsville Premises Perth Premises Adelaide Premises Darwin Premises NZ Head Office - Auckland Premises [7]

8 INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS NEWS John March & Co Celebrates a Centenary of Service David Watson of NHP making a presentation to Cheryl Wilkins Australia s oldest electrical contracting company, John March and Co Pty Ltd, has proudly celebrated 100 years of customer service. The company was originally formed by John March, an electrician who began his career with Siemens Bros and Siemens Halske. During his nine-year service with them, John was responsible for installation of the first electric lighting in Horsham. He then established his own business but, like many contractors today, John was also well known for his community work and was immediately recognisable by the bowler hat he always wore. Since those early days, the company s focus has changed from large-scale domestic and commercial projects (such as the Melbourne General Hospital, the State Savings Bank in Elizabeth Street, and the electrical reticulation of Orbost) to work currently specialising in automation and, specifically, high speed doors. Early in 2006, the company relocated from its home in South Yarra to new, larger and more modern premises in Port Melbourne. Commenting on the 100-year milestone, business co-owner, Cheryl Wilkins, says that the company has always recognised the importance of relationships with customers, suppliers and staff, and its dedication to customer service excellence. Congratulations John March & Co! NHP Gets the Rally Bug Late last year Neil Williams, NHP s State Manager for SA and NT and Rod Edwards, NHP Director of Sales Australasia, hatched the idea of participating in the Classic Adelaide Rally. Since its inception in 1997, the event has become one of the world s great car rallies, rating as Australia s foremost international tarmac rally for classic sporting vehicles. The 2006 race marked the rally s 10th anniversary. The car of choice for Rod and Neil was a 1976 MGB, a true classic with a 3.7 litre fuel injected V8 engine and 250 horsepower. Many NHP supply line partners supported the pair Sprecher + Schuh, Terasaki, Elettronica Santerno, WAGO, Carlo Gavazzi, Finder, Katko and Cubic were all involved. The non-competitive rally, open to selected vehicles built up to 1981, was held over five days within a total of 34 stages covering more than 250 kilometres. Neil drove while Rod took on the navigating duties. Even though both hold a CAMS rally licence, it was the first time either had taken part in a motor sport event. I am more comfortable with Neil s driving than he would have been with my driving, reckons Rod. Just finishing the event was a fantastic result, added Neil. Some 300 vehicles started but over 50 didn t finish due to some pretty sizeable crashes but thankfully, no one was hurt. There was even a guy who wrote off a $150,000 Porsche! recalls Rod. Past participation in the rally of identities such as Formula 1 driver Stefan Johansson, Murray Walker, Sir Jack Brabham and Stirling Moss confirms its reputation as an international motor sport event was no different. Mick Doohan, five time 500cc Motorbike World Champion and Vern Schuppan, winner of the Le Mans 24 hour race in 1982, also competed it was a great thrill, added Neil. Not only did Neil and Rod have great fun, they say the rally also raised awareness for NHP and its supply line partners amongst spectators and their fellow competitors. It was great exposure for us, says Neil. I fielded a lot of questions about the company and our partners. Rod was also surprised at the amount of people interested in their MGB. Part of the thing that amazed us was that, typically, this race is full of exotic cars like Porsches and Ferraris. While there were only three or four MGs, we had the only MG with labels on the car. There were some electrical people in the crowd who wanted to know what we were all about so it was a good bit of advertising. Now that the pair has competed in their first rally, it seems they ve been bitten by the rally bug and promise to compete again this year. Neil drives while Rod navigates NECA and NHP Applaud Apprentice NHP and NECA are proud to congratulate John Rist as the official winner of the 2006 NECA/NHP Apprentice of the Year Award. Nominated by his boss at CEC Electrical Contractors in Sunbury, northwest Melbourne, John has just enjoyed the spoils of his award a trip to the Hannover Electrical Trade Fair in Germany. The NECA/NHP Apprentice of the Year Award is recognised in our industry for its support of talented apprentices. Of the 25 national applicants for the 2006 NECA/NHP Industrial category, five finalists were chosen to be put through their paces at NHP s National Distribution and Manufacturing Centre at Laverton, just outside of Melbourne. John Rist (Victoria), Tim Maguire (NSW), Simon Fenwicke (WA), Glenn Hamilton (Victoria) and Nick Dobryznski (SA) competed in a four-part practical exercise designing a circuit, wiring the circuit, fault finding and explaining their way through a site scenario problem. Recognising and Rewarding Apprentices & Students A one-on-one interview with the four judges followed, assessing the boys personalities and their professional commitment. NHP hosted a boardroom dinner for the finalists and staff after the testing, during which John was announced by NECA as the winner. John grew up in Essendon and completed his schooling at Sunbury College in He signed on for work experience in Quarry and Concrete Plants for CEC Electrical in Sunbury which led to full-time employment there as an apprentice. John is currently completing his final year of a four year apprenticeship trade school certificate at Kangan Batman TAFE. He is looking to study Electrical Engineering at University and would eventually like to work in consulting and design. Congratulations also go to Ryan Hogan, winner of the 2006 NECA/NHP Secondary School Student Award. This program encourages school students to take up apprenticeships in our industry. By sponsoring these achievement awards for young people, NHP is continuing to support new and emerging talent, and helping them to understand the importance of developing their career in the electrical industry. For more information on NECA/NHP Apprentice of the Year Award and NECA/NHP Secondary School Student Award, contact: NHP National Manager Marketing Communications, Andrew Theodore atheodore@nhp.com.au Rod Edwards, NHP Director of Sales with John Rist - NECA/NHP Apprentice of the Year. John Hudson, far right, and wife Margaret, front, outside the Bradman museum in Bowral in [8] In Memory It is with great sadness that we report on the passing of a very dear friend and customer of NHP in John Hudson of REMP Electrical. John started his business in his garage in Hitter Avenue, Bass Hill approximately 25 years ago and grew the business necessitating a move into a factory facility in Moorebank after only two years, which then became the home of REMP Switchboards and Service. John Hudson was a big man in stature and with a big heart, and while he had his ups and downs in business, he was a very honest and hard working individual who had presence in the industry, recalls David Watson, Director of Supply Chain. He was an extremely loyal customer to NHP. We have certainly lost a true friend and a mate. "John participated in all of the major events that NHP has put on over the years, with two of the more memorable events being the many NHP Golf Days as well as the 2002 NHP Cricket series held at the Bradman Oval in Bowral, NSW." Ray Cook, Wholesale Manager in Sydney, has plenty of fond memories of John. John was the elder statesman of our switchboard industry in NSW and one of nature s most gentle human beings that I have ever had the privilege of meeting. Always a friend, always a confidant and never forgetting to give you a hug with his massive frame when he greeted you. Our thoughts are with John s wife Meg and his two daughters. John will be remembered for a long time.

9 It s Official NHP No.1 for Santerno In just twelve months of marketing Elettronica Santerno drives on the Australian market, NHP is proud to report it has exceeded the sales of 53 other Santerno distributors worldwide. NHP was awarded the prestigious title of No. 1 Distributor of the Elettronica Santerno drive range of products at the International Training Program held in Imola, Italy late last year. Numerous NHP representatives attending the training program were proudly in attendance with Geoff Thorp (NHP s Product Manager for Variable Speed Drives) and Alex Coslovich (National Engineering & Manufacturing Manager) receiving the award from Giorgio Bombarda, General Manager Elettronica Santerno. All Sinus Penta drives feature a robust full metal enclosure to suit the physical demands of industrial environments, with the option of protection ratings of IP 20 or IP 54, explains NHP Product Manager, Variable Speed Drives, Geoff Thorp. The Sinus Penta range is feature packed and covered by a 3 year warranty, he adds. NHP is very proud to offer the Elettronica Santerno range of drives and looks forward to improved sales results into the future. For more information on the Elettronica Santerno range of drives visit our website at NEWS Through delivery of customer-focused solutions and its recognised expertise and dedication to service, NHP exceeded sales of other international distributors, some of whom have been marketing Elettronica Santerno product for many years. NHP Product Manager for Drives, Geoff Thorp gthorp@nhp.com.au NHP have been involved in a range of small to large scale drive projects throughout Australasia using the Elettronica Santerno range of drives. With the wide power range from kw and voltage range available from V the Santerno suite of variable speed drives will suit any motor application. During NHP s first year of Elettronica Santerno distribution, key projects won by the partnership include a New Zealand pumping station with 900 kw, 690 V drives; a 400 kw special slurry pump application in Western Australia; numerous 1MW active front end drives for a coal unloader conveyor in the Hunter Region; as well as many sugar mills in Newcastle and Townsville. NHP Live and Online As our partners, our suppliers, our customers and our communities all become more internet savvy, it s easy to see that the future of information is online. At NHP, we use internet information and e-communications in a range of immediate, cost-effective and tailored ways to support our more traditional, printed forms of communication. Our new hierarchy of micro websites means that visitors can directly access up to the minute information more quickly and more simply than ever before, explains NHP National Manager Marketing Communications, Andrew Theodore. The NHP corporate website is split into two separate sites one for the Australian market and one for New Zealand. The homepages provide quick links to other useful websites within the NHP family within three categories: 1. The NHP ecatalogue Product Search outlines 23,000 items and provides downloadable product information. 2. The NHP Online Resource Centre provides downloadable CAD, technical data, manuals, software and information on over 40 brands plus a special newsletter for registered users. 3. The ecatalogue Online Ordering Portal allows registered users to view thousands of NHP products at their pricing levels, secure quotes and place orders. A series of specialist product micro sites go into detail on popular NHP product categories such as Sprecher + Schuh - Motor Control and Protection, Elettronica Santerno - Variable Speed Drives, Climate Control, Bernecker + Rainer - Industrial Automation, CUBIC - Modular In order to meet the many and varied requests we receive for information and interaction, we ve re-vamped the website so that it meets more needs more specifically. Switchboard Solutions, Terasaki - Circuit Breakers, Sprecher + Schuh - Motor Protection Relays, Enclosures and Termination Solutions. Just launched are two new functional sites the NHP photo gallery at and NHP s merchandise micro site at So, you can browse and download photos from NHP customer events, or order an NHP branded item at the touch of a button. NHP has a very broad range of audiences, explains Andrew. From our staff all around Australasia, to customers, supply line partners, our industry and government at all levels. But, he says, while NHP is investing strongly in this area because it is immediate and cost effective, the company is continuing to produce materials in more traditional formats as well. The website development work is not replacing other means of communications, rather it is a complementary customer-driven initiative which we feel the need to continuously invest in. As business communications happen more frequently online, where appropriate NHP will continue to take advantage of technology to better communicate, inform and transact. For further information on NHP s online resources, contact: NHP National Manager Marketing Communications, Andrew Theodore atheodore@nhp.com.au or visit to view all NHP micro sites or to watch short videos showcasing the NHP Laverton facility and Dupline products. [9]

10 INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS PRODUCT REVIEWS THE REALITY OF REAL-TIME ETHERNET Ethernet Powerlink is the first real-time deterministic Ethernet. Industrially hardened for sophisticated control applications, it promises to revolutionise network integration and information transparency all the way down to the plant floor. Seamless connectivity is undoubtedly one of the catchcries of the Australian automation industry today. It brings to mind integrated communications, real-time data, e-manufacturing and Internet-enabled control. For many larger companies, the day is already here when senior executives and managers expect the latest production figures on their computer screens at any time of the day or night and from anywhere in the world. Ethernet Powerlink manages the network traffic with dedicated time-slots for transmitting isochronous and asynchronous data. It ensures that only one networked device gains access to the network media at once. Thus transmission of isochronous and asynchronous data will never interfere, and precise communication timing is guaranteed. This combined polling and time slicing mechanism is managed by one particular node in the real-time domain - the Managing Node. All other nodes are called Controlled Nodes. An important feature of Ethernet Powerlink is the fact that there is no need for a dedicated ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Ethernet Powerlink can be implemented on any standard Ethernet chip which reduces the cost of Ethernet Powerlink enabled devices and provides maximum freedom for developing new or migrating existing products. DUPLINE - GET ON BOARD THE SIMPLE FIELDBUS Dupline is a fieldbus that offers unique solutions for a wide range of applications in building automation, water distribution, energy management and many other areas. The system is capable of transmitting 128 signals for up to 10 km, via an ordinary 2-wire cable and even much further with repeaters and modems. These 128 signals can be all analogue, or all digital, or any combination of both. The modular design of the Dupline system and simple operating principle enables even novices to implement its use in new or existing applications. Solutions are engineered by combining products from the wide range of Dupline modules, including digital and analogue I/O modules, PLC and PC interfaces, HMls and Modems. All modules in an installation connect to the same 2-wire cable which is used to exchange data between modules and between a central controller and the modules. Dupline is typically used as a remote I/O system, creating a link between field devices, such as sensors, contactors, valves, or pushbuttons and a central Monitoring Controller, which may be a PLC, PC or the Dupline Controller. Dupline can be used as a simple wire replacement system where signals are transmitted peer-to-peer without involving a controller or any intelligent unit. The Dupline signals can be transmitted not only on copper wire, but also on fibre optic cable, via radio modem, on leased telephone lines or via GSM Modem. Dupline has proven its performance in more than 150,000 installations worldwide since 1986, and even though the latest technology is used today, the new Dupline modules are still compatible with those installed 21 years ago. For more information visit The Bernecker + Rainer range of Integration Automation components utilise Ethernet Powerlink as their preferred communications mechanism which provides the ability to implement sophisticated control system architectures ranging from basic applications to complicated motion control systems. For more information visit Perfection in Automation GOOD VIBES FROM WAGO VIBRATION MONITORING Vibration monitoring and analysis is a well established and commonly used method of predictive maintenance. Motors, pumps, gearboxes, fans and many other types of rotating components of mechanical systems can fail unexpectedly and result in major production losses and expensive repairs. Many of these failures can be predicted by measuring the normal vibration levels of rotating components and watching for increases which can indicate problems. When increased levels of vibration are detected, further investigation of the equipment can be conducted to determine if maintenance needs to be performed immediately, or scheduled for a convenient time to prevent a break down of the equipment from taking place. Vibration monitoring and analysis equipment traditionally has been expensive and often separate to, or awkwardly integrated into, factory control and maintenance systems. WAGO has developed a vibration monitoring system that overcomes many of the problems with existing vibration systems. The WAGO system consists of a vibration sensor that constantly measures both the mean value of the vibration severity and the shock pulse value. Two such sensors can be monitored by the new WAGO vibration module The new module is fully compatible with all of the other modules in the WAGO remote I/O 750/753 series and with all WAGO standard couplers and WAGO controllers. This allows the vibration monitoring information to be transmitted back to a central control system along any of the popular fieldbus types. Limits can be set for the measured values of vibration and if these limits are exceeded then alarms can be raised and further investigation can be conducted. If higher limits are exceeded the module can trigger a slow down, or a shut down of the equipment to protect it from damage. The module employs coloured LEDs to locally display the status of the module and to show if the alarm or shut down limits have been exceeded. The new WAGO Vibration system thus provides another reason to choose WAGO I/O for all of your future remote I/O needs. SPRECHER + SCHUH S CA 6 AND CA 7 WINNERS IN THEIR CLASS Sprecher + Schuh s CA 6 and CA 7 contactors are unique in their class they offer outstanding design features, small footprint, high power to size ratio, wide current range, low power consumption intelligent electronic coils with a prolifera of clever accessories. But, there s one feature which stands out head and shoulders above the rest. That s the uncompromising quality and reliability that is built into every CA 6 and CA 7 contactor. Both ranges are manufactured with Swiss precision from environmentally friendly composite materials. In reliability the CA 6 and CA 7 are stand out performers. On average both contactors have a life expectancy in excess of 10 million operations. Day in day out, week in week out, and year in year out, these powerful contactors will operate flawlessly, regardless of operational conditions. CEP 7-E - NOW WITH SMART CLIP ON MODULES The Sprecher + Schuh CEP 7 range has undergone some radical upgrades in the past 12 months. The new CEP7 E (series B) has been widely accepted by industry and is now supported by the introduction of a number of smart side clip-on modules. The beauty of the new CEP7-E is that its operational range has been extended up to 800 amps. A semiintelligent overload with the addition of a small side mount module extends its capability in terms of clever motor protection. Such modules as the EDN (DeviceNet), EJM (Jam/Stall), ERR and even the soon to be released EGF (Ground Fault) turn the CEP7-E into a high end product. [10]

11 Visiting our Partner, Spohn & Burkhardt PRODUCT FEATURE In November 2006 I had the opportunity to visit one of NHP s leading supply line partners, Spohn & Burkhardt, at their head office and manufacturing facility in Blaubeuren, Germany. Spohn & Burkhardt manufactures a diverse range of controllers, control stations, resistors and starters as well as a broad spectrum of controls for all types of transport machinery, construction and shipping cranes. The company was founded in 1920 by Karl Spohn and David Burkhardt and remains in family ownership. It employs over 200 people, split between head office in Blaubeuren and a manufacturing facility in Schelklingen, some 10 kilometres away. Blaubeuren is a small picturesque town in the Danube Valley, half way between Munich and Stuttgart. It was interesting to note that an internationally recognised and ISO 9001 certified company with such a hi-tech focus could operate so happily among residential buildings, many of which date back more than 400 years. The primary purpose of this visit was to further build on our strong relationship with our partner. While I have spoken to the guys at Spohn & Burkhardt quite a lot over the past 12 months, this visit allowed me to view the team s manufacturing capabilities and compare these to Australian customers specific requirements, as well as research the new fully motorised chair - model FSMMD. The best seat in the house For many years, NHP has been building our reputation as a quality supplier of chairs and consoles for mining, marine and manufacturing applications. Our past successes include dozens of SV1C operator chairs for coal excavation in the Bowen Basin. But I was particularly interested in seeing the work they put into their FSMMD range of motorised operator chairs. International company Liebherr Cranes, specialists in overhead construction cranes, is a major customer for Spohn & Burkhardt. To give you an idea on the sales potential, Spohn & Burkhardt have eight staff continually assembling and wiring chairs to supply Liebherr with over 200 fully motorised chairs per year. At Spohn & Burkhardt I saw first-hand the facilities which enable them to offer customised solutions by a very experienced team of electrical CAD designers. These facilities allow special fittings like stainless steel consoles or non-standard engineered designs to be constructed. NHP took the S&B chair on tour this operator is 6 and a half feet foot tall the most comfortable seat he d ever had. Prior to my visit to Spohn & Burkhardt, we were working very hard with the Rockhampton sales team to secure our first order for the fully motorised FSMMD chair for the multimillion-dollar drag line upgrade at Curragh coal mine in Central Queensland s Bowen Basin. This ergonomically designed chair has all the bells and whistles you can imagine, such as full electrical movement for all chair and console inclinations and ten position memory recall (PLC based), so operators can punch in their code and recall their preset positions. I m pleased to say that we won this order, reflecting the strong relationship between Spohn & Burkhardt and NHP. This particular chair is scheduled for installation in mid 2007 and will be the first of many to be sold into Australia. NHP Product Manager, Jon Rodaughan jrodaughan@nhp.com.au Typical open cut coal mine drag line the perfect application for S&B chairs and controllers S&B s chairs really are the best in the business AS-i Safety at Work Saves Costs, Wiring and Lives The Schmersal AS-i (AS-interface) Safety at Work package is providing hundreds of Australian workplaces the assurance of the highest level of Control Category 4 safety. The Schmersal ASM Type Safety Monitor is the most essential component that connects a variety of safety products to the respected Safety Bus AS-i Safety at Work system. The safety components of a machine or plant for example, guard doors, emergency-stop switches, safety light barriers, safety solenoid interlocks can be connected into the conventional AS-i Network via this monitor. Users can now take advantage of a standard AS-i conventional network, and upgrade it into safety-relevant applications to the highest category, Safety CAT - 4. Cable connections are made with the familiar AS-i yellow two core ribbon cable - saving installation time and costs and reducing the space required in the panel. The Schmersal ASM Safety Monitor supervises the information from all safety components transmitted via the AS-i network and switches the plant to safe condition if a safety circuit is actuated or if a safety component is defective. For this purpose, the ASM safety monitor has one or two enabling circuits which are designed to be redundant. So, downtime is minimised via the complete diagnosis facilities offered by the system. Reaction Time is 35 ms The transmission mechanism for safety-relevant applications is based on the unchanged AS-i Standard Protocol. In operation between the Safety Monitor and the Safety Components, a defined communication is sent for each master call-in. The monitor evaluates this information and opens the enabling circuits in case of a deviation from the required condition. The reaction time for secure switch-off is maximum 35 ms. AS-i Safety at Work operates so reliably that it can be used in applications up to Control Category 4 to EN9541. The TUV and BIA organisations have checked the concept with a positive result. We want people feeling safe and secure at their workplace, explains NHP s Senior Product Manager Safety and Sensing Devices, Hafiz Rahman. Employees deserve to have utmost confidence in AS-i Safety at work system to protect themselves from dangerous situations. The Schmersal Safety AS-i has a very important job to play in workplace safety. NHP Senior Product Manager, Safety and Sensing, Hafiz Rahman hrahman@nhp.com.au AS-i Safety at work. Individual safety functions are programmed by means of drag and drop software. The parameters are then transmitted to the Safety Monitor and protected by a password. [11]

12 INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR & AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS INNOVATIONS The Plant Floor Meets the Top Floor Adroit Smart UI is based on the VIZNET Architecture and provides a Web enabled user interface to the Adroit Agent Server. While the full VIZNET Information Portal (IP) product extends beyond this by bringing together data from a host of disparate, 3rd party data providers, both static/historical and real-time for visual display and manipulation explains Technical Director, Adroit Technologies, Mike Lamusse. NHP Electrical Engineering Products Pty Ltd Melbourne Ph: Sydney Ph: Brisbane Ph: Adelaide Ph: Perth Ph: Newcastle Ph: Townsville Ph: Rockhampton Ph: Toowoomba Ph: Cairns Ph: Darwin Ph: Hobart Ph: New Zealand Auckland Ph: Christchurch Ph: With over 500 distributors throughout Australia to meet your switchgear needs NHP copyright 2007 Adroit is a technologically advanced, native 32 bit Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, designed for process control, manufacturing systems and open automation applications. A newly released feature of Adroit Version 6 is powerful Smart Client technology which delivers added functionality and boosted levels of manageability. Distributed in Australia exclusively by NHP, Adroit Version 6 is one of the most featured SCADA systems on the market. With Smart Client technology now built-in, Adroit Version 6 features: Scalable client-server architecture supporting small stand-alone systems and servers Unlimited I/O and Clients Support for Windows controls Remote deployment Web connectivity C# (C-Sharp) and VB.NET scripting for a richer, value driven environment for operators and managers. The Adroit Agent Server remains the primary I/O server, and the user can select from both the Classic User Interface and the new Smart User Interface, based on the VIZNET architecture. VIZNET is a new generation information portal built on the latest Microsoft.NET Smart Client Technology that solves the perennial business challenge of creating a single user interface across an entire organisation. Adroit s legendary ease-of-use and stability, combined with a comprehensive and powerful set of functional tools, allows users to build a system that supports and enhances control needs, explains NHP Product Manager, Goran Angelkovik. It really is state-of-the-art SCADA. And because it is web-enabled, you can see exactly what every part of your system is doing at any point at any given moment, he adds. VIZNET s user interface (UI) provides a rich Integrated Development Environment that is much easier to use. It employs simple drag and drop methods while retaining exceptional functionality, such as multiple language support, levels and layers,.net scripting and vector graphics. Adroit s flexible, object-oriented, client-server architecture supports everything from a simple standalone implementation, up to an installation spanning multiple sites. From the beginning, Adroit was designed with the aim of being the best of breed SCADA package and, through standard communication interfaces, would interact with other products throughout the IT business model, adds Goran. For the user, this means a SCADA package that is truly open, offering optimum performance, flexibility for future requirements, and a robustness that you would expect from a best of breed product. VIZNET Information Portal (IP) Smart User Interface VIZNET Information Portal is poised to do to User Interface Development what Windows did to DOS. The primary purpose of VIZNET is to provide a secure, Web enabled, data visualisation tool that can collaborate with data from a number of sources. The data can be accessed and manipulated from one or more local, LAN or internet Clients. These sources include those from real-time systems, as well as live data from Web-services; so the office knows exactly what s going on down on the plant floor. Combine real-time graphics, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) information with operational feedback support by way of reporting and key performance indicators, and users will reap the rewards of higher efficiency and greater profits. The VIZNET IP is an extensible framework designed to allow users to meet the most complex challenges, yet is intuitive and easy to use in a single software environment. VIZNET comprises three main components: 1. The Server: this is the data portal - it aggregates data from a number of disparate sources via data source plug-ins which, in turn, convert data from the outside world into a generic VIZNET format called a data element. The server also contains data sources designed to hold all user information and configured graphic forms. 2. The Designer: this is used to configure data sources and data elements in the server and allows for the design of graphic forms to visualise and interact with the data. 3. The Operator: this provides access to the configured graphic forms for the viewing and manipulation of data. High performance graphic cards, internet based Web Clients, Windows and cellular technology have changed the user interface environment. Preliminary tests demonstrate that the new architecture is highly effective at data transfer, and shows significant improvements in speed. Properties can be modified easily, making VIZNET more flexible than its predecessors, while all development can take place live and in real-time. To further understand VIZNET, consider the technological advances that this product encompasses: THEN: Developers would use the same user interface (UI) to design and to view a picture. NOW: VIZNET has two user interfaces types: the designer that is used to edit and configure graphic forms and the operator that loads graphic forms to operate on the data. The Operator is a smart client that has a small footprint, allowing for execution on systems with limited space. THEN: Developers were unable to embed 3rd party controls and components in their pictures and needed to configure separate data views in the development phase. NOW: With VIZNET s digital dashboard type environment, developers can have many items running at one time (e.g. it is possible to show alarms for a system right next to a chart depicting real time values on the same graphic form). THEN: Active X components NOW: Windows components replace Active X components. Windows components are a much more secure and stable form of Active X controls written using the.net development framework. THEN: UI graphics were saved as files in a directory NOW: Pictures are stored on the VIZNET Server inside a special data store and automatically available to all VIZNET user interfaces. This improvement eliminates the need for extensive file searching and redeployment when changes are made to existing files. NHP Product Manager Adroit, Goran Angelkovik gangelkovik@nhp.com.au [12] Environmentally friendly - Printed on recycled paper