Power Xpert SPD

Eaton’s advanced surge protective devices guard precision machinery

Since its founding in 1952, Main & Company, Inc. of Jackson, Michigan, has been contract precision machining prototype and production parts to very close tolerances and performing turnkey completion of precision parts for the aerospace, medical and other highly technical industries. The company’s capabilities are a perfect match for the exacting tolerances and complexity required for intricately detailed components.

Summary

Challenge

Main and Company produces highly complex components by utilizing precision manufacturing equipment, which is being damaged during frequent utility power issues.

Solution

Eaton Power Xpert SPD, Eaton SP1 series

Results

Since the installation of the Eaton solution, Main & Company has not had a single failure of a fine electronics related to power issues.

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Challenge: Prevent damage to fine electronics

In 2021, a gravel pit supplying a construction contractor was expanded, increasing the demand on the common utility substation that feeds Main & Company. This caused an increase in the frequency of power issues, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damage to their machines, fine electronics such as vector drives, circuit boards and drive amplifiers. This also resulted in scrapped material/parts and production delays.

Josh Freysinger, a Tool & Die/Design Engineer Journeyman at Main & Company, reached out to the utility for assistance. Their lead power quality engineer recommended Mr. Freysinger contact RC Merchant & Company, power quality specialists and a manufacturers’ representative for Eaton.

“The confidence and peace of mind that this protection provides in reducing downtime and eliminating damage to our fine electronics due to these external power issues is well worth the investment.”

Gerald Brown, Main & Company President/CEO

Solution: Eaton’s heavy-duty Power Xpert SPDs with web monitoring

Together, Mr. Freysinger and RC Merchant & Co. assessed the vulnerabilities at Main and Company and implemented a system shield approach for protection of equipment. A heavy-duty Power Xpert SPD (Surge Protective Device) was installed on the 1200A 480V main, and smaller compact SP1 series SPDs, coupled with phase loss monitor/relays were installed on over 35 precision manufacturing machines and support equipment.

“This main electrical service protection shield approach, coupled with internal surge control, has enabled us to utilize our state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled workforce more efficiently, with less repair downtime and significantly less machine electrical part failure, while providing more confidence that our equipment is safe from future major electrical event damage.”

Josh Freysinger, Tool & Die/Design Engineer Journeyman, Main & Company

Results: Not a single fine electronics failure

Since the installation of this system shield protection scheme, Main & Company has had several major power events that previously would have caused extensive equipment damage. They have not currently experienced a single fine electronics failure to date. Unfortunately, some unprotected LED lighting and overhead A/C units did experience some damage. They are currently improving ground-bonding in these areas and installing additional SP1 SPDs and phase loss monitor/relays to complete the plant protection.

With the Eaton solutions in place, Main and Company is now able to:

Reduce scrapped materials and production delays

Reduce repair costs and downtime

Use their highly skilled workforce effectively

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