Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year finalists: Apps for engineers

Read about the four finalists in the Apps for Engineers category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Product of the Year program.

By Chris Vavra April 15, 2014

Fault current calculator

Eaton Bussmann’s Fault Current Calculator (FC2) mobile application (app) is designed for calculating available fault current levels in single- or three-phase electrical systems. The FC2 app is available for all iOS and Android devices, and allows contractors, engineers, electricians, and electrical inspectors to quickly and easily determine available fault current levels anywhere in an electrical distribution system. The FC2 app is designed to simplify the point-to-point calculation process with an intuitive interface. Beyond calculations, the FC2 app also includes a fuse sizing guide for main, feeder, and branch circuits.

Eaton’s Bussmann Business
www.eaton.com


Fuse, fuse block database

The FuseFinder mobile app from Eaton’s Bussmann Business is available on iOS and Android mobile devices. The FuseFinder app features a comprehensive database of more than 130,000 fuse and fuse block cross-reference part numbers. FuseFinder is designed to ensure information can be obtained quickly and easily, accessed anywhere, anytime even without a network connection. The mobile app’s home screen allows users to cross-reference products, use its distributor locator feature to search for nearby distributors, or access the valuable fuse selection guides for motor protection applications.

Eaton’s Bussmann Business
www.eaton.com


Mobile programming application

Schneider Electric’s Altivar 212 mobile programming app and drive to iPad converter cable allows users to perform all Altivar 212 and S-Flex drives programming through iOS tablets. The application contains simple menu-driven parameter sets that walk users through the drive configuration process. Digitizing the start-up and programming of a drive streamlines the process, allowing customers to store pertinent drive information in a single location, and facilitates a standard drive configuration throughout a facility. The Altivar 212 mobile app addresses programming challenges that emerge from the coded parameter sets commonly found in these very flexible products. The new app enables an iPad to function as a drive keypad for easy setup using pre-loaded common default parameters for HVAC fan and pump applications, significantly streamlining the configuration process.

Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.com


HVAC/R energy savings calculator

Schneider Electric’s HVAC/R energy savings calculator app is designed to accurately quantify how much energy can be saved when floating high (head) pressure control with VSD technology is applied to chillers and refrigeration systems. This technology is incorporated into the Condenser Fan Pak, which reduces energy costs by up to 30%. Energy savings potential is calculated using the user’s location weather bin data, cost per KWH, chiller tonnage, and operational schedule. After performing calculations, the user can generate a tablet view and PDF report, which can be saved and e-mailed to other users. The app is available in Web and mobile versions.

Schneider Electric
www.schneider-electric.com


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Author Bio: Chris Vavra is web content manager for CFE Media and Technology.