Wires, Cables, Conduits and Overcurrent Protection News

IEC60601-1 Edition 3.2 is the internationally recognized safety standard for medical electrical/electronic equipment. It covers the basic safety and essential performance requirements, in order to protect both operators and patients. It includes strict guidance for critical parameters, such as isolation voltages, creepage and clearance distances and leakage currents. Compliance with the standard is vital to prevent risk of electric shocks which could cause serious injury or even prove fata...

Altech Corporation, a pioneer in industrial automation solutions, announces the launch of its 200A and 400A UL 98 Disconnect Switches, setting new standards for sustainability, safety and performance in high-amperage switching applications. Altech's UL 98 Disconnect Switches An industry first, these high-amperage disconnect switches are made from 100% recyclable plastic materials, reflecting Altech’s commitment to environmental responsibility without compromising performance. Built for...

While today’s critical mineral markets may appear well supplied, with prices well down from the highs seen in 2021 and 2022, a new IEA report finds that a combination of increasing supply concentration in a handful of countries and the spread of export restrictions is raising the risk of painful disruptions. The 2025 edition of the IEA’s annual Global Critical Minerals Outlook, presents the latest data and analysis on supply, demand, investment and more for key energy-related minera...

Shemar recently secured the second phase of Chile's Kimal-Lo Aguirre ±600kV HVDC project. Having won the first phase in 2024, Shemar has thus become the sole insulator supplier for this project's transmission lines. This 3-million-kW, 1,500-km project through the Atacama Desert demands high-performance insulators due to harsh UV and pollution conditions. Shemar's proprietary long-life composite insulators, with superior anti-pollution flashover and anti-aging capabilities, offer the...

In recent years, there has been a rapid surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as more and more individuals recognize the environmental and economic benefits they offer. However, with this surge comes the need for proper charging infrastructure to ensure efficient and safe charging. While many EV owners resort to using a standard household socket, commonly referred to as a “granny socket,” to charge their vehicles, investing in a smart charger is not only a smarter choice...

In an era defined by technological advancements and environmental consciousness, the United Kingdom stands at the forefront of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. As the adoption of electric vehicles accelerates, the importance of an efficient and secure charging infrastructure becomes paramount. Beyond the convenience and sustainability factors, the discussion surrounding data security and privacy in smart EV charging networks emerges as a critical aspect. Securing and Encrypting Data Sma...

Delta, a global player in power and smart green solutions, is showcasing its upgraded portfolio of fully integrated Smart Energy Infrastructure Solutions at The Smarter E Europe 2025. Offering advanced energy storage, EV charging, PV inverters, an AI-driven energy management system, and hydrogen energy solutions, Delta empowers utilities, commercial enterprises, and industries to accelerate sustainability goals and enhance grid resilience. Key highlights this year include the new 50kW DC Wallb...

Methane emissions from fossil fuels remain at stubbornly high levels, according to the IEA’s latest global tracking update, which notes that efforts to bolster data collection and monitor methane leaks are making progress. The Global Methane Tracker 2025, presents the IEA’s latest sector-wide emissions estimates, based on the most recent data from satellites and measurement campaigns, and examines different abatement options along with their associated costs. Methane abatement is a...

The Summit on the Future of Energy Security concluded at Lancaster House in London with a strong signal of renewed international cooperation and resolve. Co-hosted by the IEA and the UK Government, the landmark two-day event brought together decision makers from 60 governments and over 50 major energy companies, alongside international institutions and civil society organizations, to confront a major global challenge: securing the energy systems of today and tomorrow. Keynote speeches The Sum...

As part of a modernization project to establish their desired electrical control functionalities, Fannie Mae elected to modify existing electrical equipment. In lieu of replacing the existing electrical equipment to achieve the desired intent, our engineers and electricians undertook field retrofit services of the existing switchgear lineup at their facility in Herndon, VA.  Smart Retrofitting Instead of replacing the equipment various benefits can be achived by retrofitting This appro...

In an effort to reduce electricity costs and enhance the reliability of their electrical distribution system, Bergen County Utilities Authority established a cogeneration system at their facility in Hackensack, NJ.  As part of this project, their engineers and field service team collectively designed, developed, and implemented a turnkey solution to meet the customer’s requirements. Energy Usage The peak demand is determined by the utility company as the highest instantaneous powe...

As part of a reliability improvement project to minimize facility downtime to a greater level, Verizon elected to enhance their emergency generation system.  As part of this project, our engineers and field service team collectively implemented a customized turnkey solution to meet the specific customer requirements at one of their cell sites in Washington DC. Communication Safety Emergency power is an integral part of a cellular site, particularly a site that also houses emergency resp...

As part of a modernization project to ensure the continued reliability of their rapid transit system, Port Authority Trans Hudson in New Jersey undertook a capital improvement project to replace an existing traction power substation near Jersey City, NJ.  As part of this project, the engineers performed AC & DC short circuits, coordination, and arc flash studies for the proposed electrical facilities. Reliable Train Operations A properly modeled short-circuit study contributes to the...

For a wastewater treatment plant, nothing is more important than preventing a sanitary sewer overflow. An unintended sewage overflow would bear public health, ecological, and economic consequences. From an operating standpoint, the influent pumping station of a wastewater treatment plant plays a vital role in ensuring the flow of influent sewage throughout the plant’s disinfection processes. Thus, ensuring the reliability of electrical power to the influent pumping station is vital. Sma...

Luminus Devices is expanding its Gen4 LED COB portfolio with two new Pico-COBs with high-output and very small light emitting surfaces (LES) that enable spot lights with compact form factors, narrow beam angles, and high center beam candle power. Small, 6mm LES COBs are typically limited to approximately 9 degree viewing angles. Precision Spotlighting Luminus’ new Pico-COBs enable fixtures with viewing angles as narrow as 3 to 5 degrees Luminus’ new Pico-COBs enable fixtures with...

Artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the energy sector in the coming decade, driving a surge in electricity demand from data centers around the world while also unlocking significant opportunities to cut costs, enhance competitiveness, and reduce emissions, according to a major new report from the IEA. The IEA’s special report Energy and AI, offers the most comprehensive, data-driven global analysis to date on the growing connections between energy and AI. Electricity d...

LOVATO Electric expands its range of protection devices with the new miniature circuit breakers type P1MD, dedicated to DC applications for systems up to 1000 VDC. P1MD are primarily intended for photovoltaic plants to ensure protection against overloads and short circuits of the cables between the photovoltaic panel strings and the inverter. Other DC-1 category loads In addition to photovoltaic applications, they can also be used for other DC-1 category loads In add...

A more efficient and resilient electricity system can support a secure, affordable energy transition in Germany, according to the IEA’s new Energy Policy Review. Under its long-standing Energiewende policy, Germany is transforming its energy system. It is moving towards a system based largely on renewable electricity, which it views as a long-term opportunity to improve energy security and economic competitiveness. However, more work is needed in the energy sector to reach Germany’...

Delta, a global pioneer in power management and smart green solutions, highlighted at Hannover Messe 2025 a versatile set of AI-driven smart manufacturing, energy infrastructure, and data centre solutions. These include, the award-winning D-Bot series cobots, featuring advanced cognitive capabilities and integration with NVIDIA Omniverse to develop next-generation digital twins; and DeltaGrid®, the AI-enabled energy management platform to optimize efficiency in the energy infrastructure sup...

IEA Executive Director - Fatih Birol had a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan in Tokyo in which they discussed a range of issues related to domestic and global energy markets and security. Dr Birol stressed the IEA's commitment to assisting Japan in its efforts to implement its new Strategic Energy Plan, particularly in terms of its focus on balancing energy security, climate, and competitiveness objectives. Prime Minister Ishiba underscored the Japanese government&rs...

Lanner Electronics, a global pioneer in industrial computing and network security solutions, proudly announces the launch of the ICS-P770. An IEC 61850-3, IEEE 1613, and EN50121-4 certified industrial grade computing platform designed to power mission-critical substation automation, virtualization, and network security. Powering Digital Substations The ICS-P770 is a rugged 3U rackmount industrial computer built to handle the demands of digital substation automationThe ICS-P770 is a rugged 3U...

Circuit breakers are an essential component of any modern electrical system. Designed to protect the home or business from potential overloads or short circuits, these devices are the first line of defense against electrical fires. There are, however, situations where remote tripping of the circuit breaker may be required. It could be for operational reasons, for example, being able to turn off machinery from the switch room, which is not in the same location as the machine. Fire alarm or secu...

Naturgy has commissioned its first photovoltaic plant in the Region of Murcia. Located in the municipality of Jumilla, the facility has a capacity of 34 MW and will produce 73 GWh of renewable energy per year, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of approximately 21,000 homes. This production will prevent the emission of 46,400 tons of CO2 per year, equivalent to taking 19,300 vehicles off the road, and will accelerate the energy transition in the region. An investment of 26 milli...

After a period of development, EdmoLift introduces EC64, an innovative and future-proof electrical control system. With a modular design and smart features. The new electrical control system is designed to meet both current and future needs. The initial sales launch will take place on June 1, 2025. Future Ready electrical control system "EC64 is the result of several years of development, combining EdmoLift’s expertise in smart lifting solutions with the latest technology".  "Than...

Naturgy will supply renewable gas to Aena to boost the decarbonization of its airport network. The agreement reached by the two companies includes the supply of some 83 GWh of natural gas over the next two years, of which at least 20 GWh will be biomethane, with which the airport manager will significantly reduce its emissions linked to thermal energy consumption and make progress in decarbonization by consuming sustainable and competitive energy. The biomethane supplied to Aena will be produce...

A special thematic workshop focused on the status and prospects for fusion energy convened at the IEA’s headquarters, alongside the official meeting of the IEA's Committee on Energy Research and Technology (CERT). The event brought together representatives from academia and industry to share perspectives on fusion energy with CERT members, who represent IEA member governments. With more than 30 participants attending in-person, and an additional 40 joining online, the workshop addressed...

Efforts to expand and modernize electricity transmission grids around the world face mounting challenges as supply chain bottlenecks intensify, according to a new IEA report. Prices and procurement times for essential components like power transformers and cables have almost doubled in four years, creating significant hurdles for grid developers. The report, Building the Future Transmission Grid: Strategies to Navigate Supply Chain Challenges, highlights that developing transmission infrastruc...

The world’s electricity consumption is forecast to rise at its fastest pace in recent years, growing at close to 4% annually through 2027 as power use climbs in a range of sectors across the economy, according to a new IEA report released. Electricity 2025, the latest edition of the IEA’s main market analysis of the sector, forecasts that the growth in global demand will be the equivalent of adding an amount greater than Japan’s annual electricity consumption every year betwee...

India's natural gas demand is forecast to increase by nearly 60% by 2030, a new IEA report finds, marking a significant shift in the country's energy landscape and putting India’s projected gas demand on a par with some of the world’s largest consumers. The report, India Gas Market Report: Outlook to 2030, shows the country’s gas consumption is set to reach 103 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually by the end of the decade. Following over a decade of slow growth and periodic de...

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol addressed pioneers from around the world at the French government’s Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, highlighting the deep links between AI and energy and stressing the need for greater cooperation among the energy industry, the tech sector and policy makers as the development and uptake of AI accelerates. Dr Birol spoke to an audience including French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who jointly chaired t...