Automation is becoming the new standard in convenient and efficient commercial applications. Units, wires, switches, accessories, and components no longer operate as a standalone hodgepodge piecemealed together. Uniting commercial equipment in one purpose and one goal is what made the products in The NEWS’ fourth annual Dealer Design Awards’ Commercial Controls category winners.

Gold winner, Veris Industries, solved the problem of large controls and small boxes with its Hawkeye 300. Silver winner, Emerson Climate Technologies, brought The Control Link™ Case Display, a case-mounted temperature display to the market. Bronze winner, Eaton Corp.’s HVAC Enclosed Control Panel, is a combination motor starter with a compact design.

GOLD WINNER

Veris Industries’ Hawkeye 300 (H300) impressed the judges in the Commercial Controls category. This current switch is a micro-split current sensor. Smaller than a matchbook and thinner than a large pack of gum, the H300 fits in the smallest and tightest enclosures, which makes it an ideal solution for multiple applications.

“Finally, a current switch that fits in small boxes,” rejoiced one of the judges. “This is an excellent product.”

Based on Veris’ current sensor technology, which offers a 0.15 A turn on threshold, it is a go/no-go switch that monitors the status on direct-drive units, unit vents, fan coil units, exhaust fans, and other fixed loads. It features a 100 percent solid-state design, polarity insensitive output, and a 5-year warranty. According to one contractor, “Size does matter, and the 5-year warranty is special.”

“This control is well done,” said one contractor judge. “The small size allows for easy installation in smaller electrical control boxes and it has a wide range of amp capability.”

The H300 is just a little larger than a quarter. Its size and split-core design saves panel space and eases installation. According to the company, it is currently the smallest split-core current switch offered in the industry.

SILVER WINNER

The Control Link™ Case Display (CD), from Emerson Climate Technologies, is a case-mounted LED temperature display system. Available as a standalone product, or as a networked product with the E2 Facility Management System, it helps eliminate the common errors associated with manual monitoring and recording methods.

Control Link CD was designed to provide temperature display for standard circuit refrigerated cases in the retail industry. Not only does it enable service technicians to monitor individual case behavior, but it also calculates superheat remotely without requiring the technician to connect gauges. This helps simplify troubleshooting and ensures that cases are operating optimally.

It displays case names at the touch of a button and provides easy access to the controller. It also monitors and displays values for up to four analog temperature probes, such as discharge air, product defrost termination, and coil out. Control Link CD has digital input for devices and two outputs for lighting, refrigeration solenoid or alarming.

Wiring components in daisy chain reduces wiring costs, and all service codes are listed on the main controller for quick reference. The modular nature of Control Link CD allows contractors to replace components only as necessary, which helps reduce troubleshooting time and increase maintenance efficiency.

“This is an excellent product, and a major competitor to European versions,” praised one judge.

BRONZE WINNER

Eaton Corp.’s Cutler-Hammer HVAC Enclosed Control Panel (ECH) is part of the packaged control product line. The ECH combines the experience of the enclosed control panel product line with Division 15 specification requirements, creating a market-focused solution.

According to the company, the ECH is ideal for air-handling equipment, such as circulation, exhaust, and heating fans, and can potentially be used in chiller and compressor applications. “This is a good looking product,” said one judge. “It comes with good options.”

The ECH is a combination motor starter. The compact design not only reduces footprint, but it also enhances the simplicity of installation.

The Type 1-rated enclosure is made from 14-gauge steel and can hold a CPT, disconnect, and a starter. The C362 rotary handle mechanism comes with multiple safety features including a handle that can be locked in the “off” position, and an integral door interlock that prevents the door from being opened in the “on” position. A Type 3R enclosure is also available.

HONOREES: COMMERCIAL CONTROLS

GOLD
Veris Industries
www.veris.com
Hawkeye 300

SILVER
Emerson Climate Technologies
www.emersonclimate.com
Control Link™ Case Display

BRONZE
Eaton Corp.
www.eaton.com
HVAC Enclosed Control Panel

Publication date: 07/16/2007