Cooper Industries Offers Comprehensive Storm Preparedness and Recovery Solutions

HOUSTON, Sept. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- From North Carolina to New England, the eastern seaboard is now recovering from the damage and loss of power to millions in the wake of Hurricane Irene and is firmly entrenched in Hurricane Season. Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), a global provider of electrical solutions, offers a range of products and services designed to help facility owners and communities better prepare for and quickly recover from the damages caused by tropical storms, tornados and other natural disasters. When safety and reliability are a must, facility managers can have confidence and peace-of-mind with Cooper Industries' products for storm preparedness and rapid recovery.

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During Hurricane Irene and the Virginia earthquake, East Coast emergency management officials from the National Capital Region to counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey relied on Cooper Notification's Roam Secure Alert Network (RSAN) personal alerting system to send more than 18 million messages to coordinate efforts among government officials and first responders. The system also helped to provide frequent updates to the public on the storm's track, business and school closings and important information to speed recovery.

In severe weather conditions, Cooper Notification provides multiple means to inform people quickly when there is an emergency situation. Instead of relying on just one technology to make sure everyone is informed, multiple communication systems ensure that information will successfully reach those in harm's way. Cooper Notification's WAVES Wide-area Mass Notification Systems (MNS) and SAFEPATH In-building MNS are ideal for emergency preparedness, response and recovery. WAVES Mobile Speaker Array (MSA) can be rapidly deployed, allowing for the distribution of critical information before, during and after a natural disaster. Powered by batteries with generator and solar power as alternate sources for charging the batteries, the MSA broadcasts intelligible voice messages, tones and sirens that can be heard from great distances.

Cooper Power Systems maintains a designated storm response team as part of its customer service center. Highly trained members provide customers throughout the United States with information and products for quick and efficient power restoration.

Cooper Power Systems CYME™ and OutageAdvisor automation products can help to locate a fault quickly and send repair crews directly to the affected scene. Yukon Feeder Automation minimizes the impact of a fault by isolating and reconfiguring the troubled area to redirect power where needed.

The company's Modular Integrated Transportable Substation (MITS) provides rapid and efficient installation and recovery time for emergency and portable power applications. The turnkey design, which can include fully integrated, pad-mounted regulators, reclosers, switchgear, metal enclosed capacitor banks and transformers, plus the MITS skid, offers the perfect solution for utilities needing to replace a storm-damaged substation. The equipment can be mounted on a D.O.T.-compliant trailer for mobile applications.

With an extensive offering of overcurrent protection and connection components for primary distribution systems, Cooper Power Systems is fully equipped to provide reliable and superior performance in harsh climates. Arresters, fuses, connectors, cutouts and other transformer components safeguard electrical systems from excessive currents produced by line faults, line or equipment overloads or equipment failure.

Also, solutions for providing temporary power are essential during a storm. Cooper Crouse-Hinds help to meet the need for safe and reliable temporary power with the Posi-Max® panel, a turn-key solution for short-term power restoration. The Posi-Max power distribution panel provides a fast, safe and dependable method of connection to portable generators in the event of a power outage. The heart of the system is the field-proven Posi-Lok® power distribution system designed to meet Articles 520.53(K) and 530.22(A) of the NEC®. The sequential port interlock requires the user to connect and disconnect each plug in the proper sequence ensuring ground connection. Additionally, the panel is equipped with a quick-release latch for a tool-free operation while a stainless steel padlock hasp provides lockout/tagout capability for added safety.

Personal safety during emergencies such as hurricanes is dependent on maintaining power to vital loads as identified by the National Electrical Code® (NEC®) selective coordination requirements. These include Emergency, Legally Required Standby, Healthcare Essential Electrical and Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS) per 700.27, 701.18, 517.26 and 708.54. When designing in new construction or retrofits, the Cooper Bussmann Quik-Spec™ Coordination Panelboard (QSCP) makes full fuse system selective coordination easy, from branch to source, to prevent unnecessary blackouts.

Facilities management or maintenance staff should periodically conduct a fuse audit to ensure sufficient spare fuse inventory is kept on-site convenient to equipment. The Cooper Bussmann QuikShip™ service offers emergency and after-hour circuit protection product shipping to help quickly replenish products aiding in recovery after the next major storm. Next flight out or will call shipment can cover time-critical needs.

Cooper Industries recommends customers review the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) standard for Evaluating Water-Damaged Electrical Equipment. Electrical equipment, including electrical distribution, motors, motor control, transformers and communication systems exposed to water can be extremely hazardous if reenergized without proper reconditioning or replacement.

For post-storm power restoration and safety, it may be necessary to replace the meter socket. Conforming to the requirements of local utilities, Cooper B-Line offers a comprehensive line of UL- Listed Meter sockets for residential as well as commercial applications. These include – Single Meter Sockets, Meter Mains, Test Block Bypass, Class 320 Metering, Utility/Current Transformer, Multiple Metering, Mobile Home Metering and Bussed Gutters.

Solutions for providing temporary lighting during and immediately following a severe storm are critical. Cooper Lighting offers a range of portable options. The Might-D-Light™, an innovative rechargeable folding LED worklight, can provide lighting for up to two hours while the LED105 Rechargeable Sticklight features a swivel hook and three-way rocker switch for added convenience. The LED120 Rechargeable Worklight provides up to three hours of lighting, featuring 35 long-life LEDs with the end doubling as a spotlight. For post-storm cleanup efforts or emergency maintenance, Cooper Lighting's portable Halogen Worklights provide large light output and can be plugged into generators. Motion Activated Solar Floodlights serve as an additional option, charged by sunlight during the day to provide lighting in remote areas.

For post-storm connectivity needs, Cooper Wiring Devices' Arrow Hart brand's electrical and power connection devices help facilities and communities quickly re-establish power. Convenient Hurricane Readiness Kits, comprised of common hurricane-related electrical and power connection devices, provide safe and fast restoration. Kits include locking and straight blade plugs and connectors, industrial receptacles, RhinoBox™ power distribution centers, cordsets and portable GFCIs.

"When it comes to safely and effectively handling severe weather emergencies, preparation is critical," said Cooper Industries CEO Kirk Hachigian. "Whether it's a notification system or the ability to quickly and safely restore power and distribution services, Cooper Industries provides facilities and communities with the fundamental tools to prepare for storm season."

To learn more about Cooper Industries, visit www.cooperindustries.com.

About Cooper Industries

Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2010 revenues of $5.1 billion. Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation, evolving business practices while maintaining the highest ethical standards and meeting customer needs. The Company has seven operating divisions with leading market positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products. With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety. In 2010 fifty-nine percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and thirty-nine percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2011. For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.

SOURCE Cooper Industries plc