Harrison Power Station Allegheny Power
Shinnston, West Virginia

   Fuellgraf Electric had the privilege of providing the design/construct for the electrical systems on the 1,000 ft. concrete chimney for Allegheny Power Systems, Harrison Power Station, located in Shinnston, WV. This project, constructed by Pullman Power Products Corporation, Kansas City, MO, is the largest chimney contract ever awarded in the United States.
   The construction of this chimney used a continuous slipform system, working 24 hours per day, five days a week. The total construction time for the electrical systems was twelve months.

Aviation &- Obstruction Systems

   Fuellgraf Electric Company has been the industry leader for over 30 years in the design and installation of tall structure systems, specializing in the design and installation of aircraft obstruction lighting, pollution monitoring systems, and controls for chimneys, towers and other high structures. Beginning with the first hand made strobe lights for Ohio Edison in Toronto, OH, the Company has been involved in over 1800 installations in all 50 states as well as numerous international projects.

   Fuellgraf Electric Co. provides complete maintenance and support services for your structures. Our factory trained technicians provide 24 hour emergency services, in accordance with FAA regulations, for over 1500 sites nationwide. 

Relamping a Tower

by Troy Conner
Owner, Tower Maintenance Specialists

   Brasstown, N.C. One problem I constantly face on transmission towers deals with old red beacon lighting systems. Many should probably be replaced, and most are in need of considerable rebuilding. They also go through an inordinate number of light bulbs.

   When confronted with any ailing lighting system, I call Jason Jennett at Fuellgraf Electric Co., an engineering and contracting firm in Nashville, Tenn. The people at Fuellgraf are true lighting specialists, versed in red systems and strobe systems. The company sells parts and service lighting systems, and also trains tower technicians to service all the existing strobe systems typically found on towers: EG&G, Hughey & Phillips and Flash Technology, to name a few.

   Fuellgraf Electric primarily is devoted to lighting systems on smokestacks and cooling towers. The company does, however, perform some lighting work on transmission structures. The number for the Nashville office is (615) 883-9405, or in Butler, PA, Fuellgraf can be reached at (412) 282-4800.

A Clear Choice

   There are two basic types of beacon fixtures: older ones with clear outer lenses and red glass inner "filters," and the newer style with red exterior lenses. Ask any tower worker which they prefer to service and the answer is universal - the new ones with the red glass outside and clean, uncluttered insides.

   While talking with Jennett a couple of weeks ago, I was lamenting the condition of a top beacon on a small, 300-foot AM tower that I had just relamped. The gaskets and O-rings were shot and the red inner filters were both cracked. In addition, there were a number of chips and small cracks in the clear outer lenses.

   The insulation of the cord connecting the beacon to the conduit was cracked and the entire bottom of the fixture was awash in at least 2 inches of broken glass from the exploded bulbs of years past.

   The options for the long run are fairly obvious - either lower and rebuild the existing fixture, or replace it altogether.

   Jason suggested another option: Reuse the metal components of the beacon and replace the clear glass with red. Not only are four red Fresnel lenses cheaper, but using them makes relamping and future service considerably easier to perform. The current cost difference between clear and red lenses is significant. Most of the clear lenses seem to be manufactured in Europe. As one might imagine, after shipping, tariffs and distribution costs, prices are practically doubled.

   A full set of red lenses can be purchased between $400 and $700. A full set of clear glass lenses can be more than $900; these in turn require a pair of delicate red color filters for a minimum of $70 each.

   If your lighting system is showing its age and contractors have suggested a rebuild, definitely consider switching to red exterior lenses. Not only will you save a bit of money, you will probably make the tower worker happier.