NEWELL, W. Va. (Jan. 25, 2012)

The Diversified Electronics division of Marsh Bellofram Corporation, a member of the Marsh Bellofram Group of Companies, has announced the global market introduction of the UPA-200 high-voltage universal power alert series, available beginning in March 2012.

The UPA-200 series is a reliable safety tool for pre-verification of the presence or absence of residual electrical power or charges, or as a zero energy indicator, both before or during mechanical lock out/tag out (LOTO) procedures. When illuminated, this high-precision safety device (patent pending) provides critical early warning of high-voltage conditions occurring inside of an industrial enclosure, reducing the risk of electrical arcs flash and electrocution. It is ideal for any high-voltage industrial monitoring applications requiring enhanced NFPA70E and OSHA safety compliance.

The UPA-200 series reduces the risk of electrical arc flash by pre-verifying the electrical isolation from the outside of an electrical panel enclosure. Hardwired to the circuit breaker or main disconnect, UPA-200 series LED’s flash to indicate the presence of any hazardous electrical condition (20-600 VAC & 20-1000 VDC) associated with stored energy, as well as the detection of potential ground fault problems. In addition, UPA-200 series units are engineered with built-in redundant circuitry, as there are two lights per phase or ground line, allowing the power alert to be powered by the same voltage as it indicates. The eight-detector UPA-200 series visually alerts to the presence of dangerous AC or DC (Stored Energy) potentials occurring between any combinations of the four monitored input lines (L1, L2, L3, GND). Two LED indicators, assigned to each input line, are designated “+” and “-”. For each input line carrying an AC potential (bi-polar), both  “+” and “-” LED's will be active. A DC or Stored Energy potential will illuminate the “+” LED for the positive line and the “-” LED for the negative line.

Due to the use of fiber-optics to transmit LED lights to the door panel, there is no voltage present on the enclosure door.  As such, UPA-200 series units may be mounted on an ungrounded door panel. The unit is easily installed into the panels through standard push-button 30 mm knockouts, and with its DIN rail or surface mounted base. The series operates over a standard range of AC 20-600 VAC/20-1000 VDC, with maximum line-to-line voltage of 750 VAC/1000 VDC, detection thresholds of 14 VAC three-phase, 18.5 VAC single 15 VDC; and with power consumption of 1.2W @ 750 VAC.