A recently patented bus bar protection high temperature detection device called HotWatcher™ has been introduced by LMR Systems, Portland, OR. (US 7,712,431)
HotWatcher™ is a temperature sensor in the form of a specially coated flat washer that is used in lieu of the plain washers commonly used in all electrical bolted connections containing lugs, bus bars, terminal strips etc.
The inexpensive HotWatchers™ may be retro-fit to existing electrical equipment or included in new-built systems as the following:
- Switchboards
- Power distribution systems
- Motor control centers
- Neutral and ground bus connections
- Soft start controllers
- Circuit breakers
- Any size bolted electrical junction
- Any voltage or current AC or DC
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A poor, corroded or loosened connection will generate heat which can be observed at a glance without any instruments as the HotWatcher ™ will have changed color. HotWatcher™ is a direct indicator showing that maintenance is required to the connection before major damage is done to the connection and downstream equipment. It can also be observed from a position outside of the arc flash boundary. In short, it provides easy power interruption protection.
HotWatcher™ is a flat washer coated with temperature sensitive material that changes color depending on the temperature it is subjected to and provides a visual indication of poor electrical connections, whether the circuit is energized or not. HotWatcher TM may be used in any voltage system and is ideal for spotting intermittent or sustained bad connections.
Two models are available in different temperature ranges and hardware sizes:
Model 1 changes color irreversibly after reaching a pre-determined elevated temperature. The circuit does not have to be energized to indicate that a prior hot or intermittently marginal connection has existed.
After the connection fault has been detected and corrected, the low cost HotWatcher ™ is simply replaced with a new one.
Model 2 changes color dynamically with the variations of the connection temperature indicating poor or degraded connections, imbalances of phase current or overloads.
No instruments or training are required.
For further information contact Dick Roche at LMR Systems 6211 N. Ensign St. Portland, OR 97217.
503-880-8250
Or, email your questions to: hotwatcher@comcast.net
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