ASCO Power Technology, the world’s leading provider of critical infrastructure for information and communications technology systems, introduces the ASCO® Sigma LT to meet market demand for entry-level, remote and local controllers for portable, 100 kW resistive load banks.

"The ASCO Sigma LT meets market demand for cost-effective, yet fully-featured load bank controllers that optimize testing efficiency and productivity," said Bob Daniel, vice president and general manager of ASCO Load Banks for Emerson Network Power. The ASCO Sigma LT product development team, comprising design, engineering and applications experts from ASCO and its Avtron and Froment product lines, perfected the easy to use, advanced Sigma LT platform.

The available ASCO Sigma LT hand-held, remote controller networks up to 25 load banks using extremely fast and reliable industry-standard CAN bus communications protocol. Operators can monitor and control all networked load banks, or a single unit in the network, up to 800 ft. away. The capability to vary, accept or reject load on a single unit within a network is a truly unique feature available only on this remote controller. Single-unit control allows data centers to simulate hot zones to determine how an HVAC system reacts to temperature changes at specific server rack locations. A robust, aluminum case protects controller components.

Networking is an important capability because a series or mix of smaller load banks can provide larger, more flexible test capacity, especially for rental fleets. Smaller load banks also make it easier to get test capacity into restricted areas, eliminating the need for long cable runs from large, street-based load banks. Networking multiple units provides redundancy during 24-hour commissioning tests.

A 4.3 in. color touch screen on the remote controller displays 3 phase voltage, power, current and frequency readings, and selected load. It also provides true, de-rated loading when the working voltage is less than load bank nominal voltage. Data logging and statistical data can be downloaded to a USB flash. The digital toggle switch control with LED display—unique in the load bank industry--is standard with ASCO Series 2110 Portable Load Banks.

It combines the simple operation of traditional toggle switches with the accuracy and precision of full digital monitoring. Digital load select toggle switches overcome the typical block loading deficiency of standard toggle switches. Individual load step LEDs and an integrated, one-second delay synchronizes load step changes, producing clean load changes not possible with conventional toggle switch technology. 

The on-board controller features toggling for 3 phase voltage and load selection, metering, local and remote operation and operational mode, and a connection for the remote controller and other load banks.     

Safety features in either mode of operation include over temperature and over voltage protection. ASCO Sigma LT load banks are supported by the extensive ASCO field service force.

For more information visit www.ascoapu.com.