IMPACC... Facility-Wide Power Monitoring
IMPACC is Cutler-Hammer's industry leading power distribution monitoring and control system. IMPACC consists of a family of solid state meters, protective relays, control relays, and motor starters designed to provide superior protection and metering at all points in a distribution system–from the Utility incoming line down to a 15 amp circuit breaker or fractional horsepower motor. All IMPACC compatible devices can be connected over a simple, twisted shielded pair of wires back to a central monitoring location. Data from the devices can then be presented to an operator or engineer in an easy to use, Windows-based software package. The monitoring location can be in a maintenance office, engineering office, accounting office, on the plant floor, or off-site and accessed via a modem.

Using the IQ Analyzer, IMPACC communications, and IMPACC software, complete circuit information is available at the central monitoring location. This includes all metered electrical values, historical min./max. values, setpoints, and power quality data. In addition, the Analyzer may be configured over the IMPACC network and events may be initiated. IMPACC WaveDisp software can display wave forms of up to 56 cycles for all currents and voltages–including neutral and ground–allowing quick pinpointing of the source of harmonic distortions, and voltage sags or swells.

The data available from the IMPACC system includes information on energy consumption, power quality and system coordination and protection. Data is available "real time" on the screen, or historically in a computer file or printout. From the data accumulated, energy costs can be accurately allocated to individual plants, departments, building, or tenants. Actual energy usage can be trended to develop usage profiles. These profiles can then be used to formulate and justify specific energy reduction programs. Accurate, "real time" energy monitoring can also provide the information required to effectively manage demand charges.

In addition, circuit breaker or motor starter status and trip characteristics are available over IMPACC, allowing "real time" alarming of impending problems within the distribution system. Circuit loading can be equalized, troubleshooting can be performed immediately and corrective action taken without leaving the office. Preventative maintenance schedules can be implemented based on actual operational data. Coordination of circuits can be checked and verified "real time" without time-consuming plant surveys.

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