Ferraz Shawmut

Arc flash research initiative

$500,000 donation will aid in understanding electrical phenomenon

FROM: Ferraz Shawmut 374 Merrimac St. Newburyport, MA 01950
CONTACT: Mike Lang (770) 740-1315
AGENCY: Eric Mower and Associates 500 Plum St. Syracuse, NY 13204
CONTACT: Carri Gregorski (315) 413-4286 cgregorski@mower.com

BALTIMORE, Md., Oct. 25, 2006 — Ferraz Shawmut, a global leader in the field of circuit protection, was named a platinum-level sponsor for a multi-year initiative by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that seeks to gain a better understanding of arc flash hazards and how to protect electrical workers from them.

Arc flash and blast phenomena are a leading cause of serious injury and death among electrical workers. “Ferraz Shawmut is very excited to continue our involvement with this initiative,” said Ken Hooper, senior vice president for Ferraz Shawmut. “Understanding and mitigating the everyday risks of electrical workers is central to our company’s mission. Contributing to a safer industrial workplace is a priority for us.”

After actively participating on the IEEE 1584 Committee for several years, and serving on the Research, Testing and Planning Committee (RTPC), the sponsorship became a logical next step for Ferraz Shawmut.

“It’s an honor to know that our efforts will contribute to this dramatic step forward in electrical safety, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge, research and resources to help in this initiative,” said Mike Lang, the Ferraz Shawmut representative for the IEEE 1584 and RTPC committees. “We’re amazed by the dedication and willingness of so many people from all parts of the electrical industry to come forward and share their time and knowledge. It’s a profound indication of this issue’s severity and of the desire for solutions to reduce the risks associated with arc flash.”

Total contributions to the multi-year, $6.25 million IEEE/NFPA Arc Flash Collaborative Research and Testing Project now stand at $1.9 million. Additional donations are being sought from electrical utilities, equipment manufacturers, professional associations, safety-related agencies, insurers and others concerned with the safety of electrical workers.

About the NFPA

The NFPA has been a worldwide leader in providing fire, electrical, building and life safety to the public since 1896. The mission of the international non-profit organization is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, training and education. Additional information about the NFPA can be found at: http://www.nfpa.org/catalog/home/index.asp.

About the IEEE

The IEEE has more than 380,000 members in approximately 150 countries. Through its members, the organization is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace, computers and telecommunications to biomedicine, electric power and consumer electronics. The IEEE produces nearly 30 percent of the world's literature in electrical and electronics engineering and in computer science. This nonprofit organization also sponsors or cosponsors more than 300 technical conferences each year. Additional information about the IEEE can be found at http://www.ieee.org.

About Ferraz Shawmut

Ferraz Shawmut has been a leader in circuit protection for industry and the electrical market for more than 100 years. With a complete line of current-limiting fuses and accessories, Ferraz Shawmut prides itself on delivering innovative, problem-solving products like the SmartSpot® open-fuse indicator, Amp-Trap 2000® fuses, ULTRASAFE™ fuse holders, Protistor® semiconductor fuses and Select-A-Fuse® software. Two of the company’s latest innovations are its new line of Amp-Trap® High-Speed Class J (HSJ) fuses, engineered specifically for the protection of today’s sensitive electronic motor controllers, and the industry’s first line of Finger-Safe Power Distribution Blocks (FSPDBs), delivering the ultimate in safety and ease-of-use when making power connections in electrical panels. Ferraz Shawmut, Inc. is a subsidiary of the Carbone Lorraine Group. For more information, contact the company by phone at (978) 462-6662 or visit www.ferrazshawmut.com.