Static transfer switch helps keep NASA in space

For more than 50 years, Tensolite, St. Augustine, Fla., has been the world leader in the design and manufacture of custom high-tech wire. NASA, Boeing, and the military rely on Tensolite to provide light, high-speed cable and wire to transfer critical data. Prior to 1994, Florida Power & Light (FPL) served Tensolite, a 1.2MW user, by one substation 10 miles away. Furthermore, pine trees surrounded the distribution lines to the company. With such a precarious electrical setup, it's no wonder Tensolite averaged 50 to 60 outages a year.