ESAB Introduces Time-Saving Hard-Hat Adaptor

ESAB is now stocking a new type of hat adaptor that will save the wearer the time and bother of changing safety wear for different working situations. The hard-hat adaptor has been developed for sites where welders need to use both a hard hat on health-and-safety grounds and a welding helmet. The equipment is suitable for use in areas such as shipyards and construction sites.

Now, rather than carrying two hats around, the hard-hat adaptor is simply attached to a New-Tech helmet - after the removal of the internal head harness - in a matter of seconds. For extra safety, the user does not even have to remove the hat from his or her head to attach or detach the adaptor and can undertake the operation while wearing heavy work gloves. The hard-hat adaptor can be utilised with any of the New-Tech range of auto-darkening welding helmets, which features the latest technology developed by ESAB.

All four models in the range are lightweight and well balanced to provide maximum comfort. They offer a wide viewing area and provide protection to the ears and neck, as well as just the face. The area in front of the mouth is larger for a good flow of fresh air; this feature also ensures that there is no build-up of carbon monoxide. Hard hats are available in a choice of colours (yellow, white, blue, green and red).

Schneider Unveils Space-Saving Enclosures

Schneider Electric has introduced a range of floor-standing enclosures designed to offer a combination of space-saving features, flexibility and ease of installation. The Spacial SF/SM range has a design that can help reduce the time and cost of putting together an enclosure solution. A key feature of the design is the inset door that reduces the footprint of each enclosure. Enclosures can be coupled in any direction, which enables multiple configurations, with integrated panels optimising available space.

With eight captive screws per panel, installation time is minimised and doors and panels can be mounted by one person. The Spacial SM range is available in 45 different sizes and comprises two parts: a body and a welded back. This body construction is able to withstand admissible loads up to 600kg. Spacial SF products are available in 65 sizes, which have a profile that features high inertia and a framework that withstands loads up to 1,000kg. The Spacial SF range is available with a kit to enable the creation of more than 600 configurations.

'As part of the Spacial range, we also offer electronic support tools enabling standard enclosures to be configured to suit the installed devices in any application, which saves time in the selection process,' said Adrian Walker of Schneider Electric. With a robust design based on a profile that forms the framework, the enclosures are offered as standard in RAL7035. A range of sizes and versions is available with accessories designed for quick and easy cabling. All products meet IP55 regulations and have been independently tested in accordance with the IEC 62208 standard.

Infineon Adds LED Drivers To Energy-Saving Range

Infineon Technologies AG is extending its portfolio of energy-efficient lighting ICs with a range of low-cost linear LED drivers. The BCR320 and BCR420 product ranges address the market for energy-saving and environmentally friendly light-emitting diode (LED) lighting solutions. Designed for driving 0.5W LEDs with a typical current of 150 to 200mA, these LED drivers feature a negative thermal coefficient, contributing to a long lifetime of LEDs and a digital interface for a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal for dimming.

The BCR320 and BCR420 LED drivers are tailored to address deficiencies for 0.5W LED applications, providing a low-cost solution with a small form factor. With both devices, the use of inductors, capacitors and free-wheeling diode can be avoided. The elimination of electrolytic capacitors can also contribute to the extended lifetime of the LED system. The BCR320 products are designed for a peak output current of up to 300mA. For continuous operation, a maximum nominal current of 250mA is recommended.

While this device has an internal breakdown voltage of typically 20V, it can be operated at supply voltages of 24V or higher, since the driver is operated in series with the LEDs. The BCR320 is targeted at general lighting, architectural and mood-lighting applications. BCR320 devices have a negative thermal coefficient, which means that in case of temperature increase the current is lowered with a slope of 0.2 per cent/K. The BCR320U and BCR321U versions are available in a SC-74 package (2.9 x 2.5 x 1.1mm) with 1W power dissipation. The BCR320P and BCR321P types will be offered in a SOT-223 package (6.5 x 7.0 x 1.6mm), providing a higher power dissipation of 2W.

These versions both offer a logic-level input for dimming. The BCR420 products have a higher internal breakdown voltage and a lower output current than the BCR320 devices. The internal breakdown voltage is typically 50V and the nominal output current is 150mA. The BCR420 LED drivers are intended for use in similar applications for a maximum drive current of 150mA. Qualification for use in automotive applications, based on AECQ 101 certification, is ongoing. BCR420 and BCR421 products are available in SC-74 package - BCR421 is the dimmable version with a microcontroller interface.