Cooper Power Systems announces Next Generation SMP I/O
New format and analog capabilities allowing substation and distribution automation Key for Smart Grid solutions

September 23, 2009
PEWAUKEE, WI

Cooper Power Systems, a division of Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE), today introduced the next generation of the company’s modular discrete Input/Output unit, the SMP I/O. The SMP product line turns substation data into valuable enterprise information and streamlines automation projects, giving utilities complete control of their valuable substation assets. The SMP I/O, initially released by Cooper Power Systems in 2008, replaces traditional centralized remote terminal unit (RTU) installations in monitoring and controlling breakers and switches. It is a scalable, distributed monitoring and control device, suited for today’s substation automation requirements. It is smaller than traditional RTU modules, and uses innovative DNP3 protocol. The SMP I/O is a distributed I/O, and is located at close proximity to intelligent electronic devices. It is a substation grade input/output unit which receives input data entries from the IO and forwards information to the breakers and switches. This action helps ensure data integrity between substation I/O’s and control centers, saving time and money by reducing the amount of necessary wiring and configuration. The new wall-mount version of the SMP I/O can be installed in switchyard cabinets or on surfaces where no rack is available, and provides the same advantages and functionalities as the rack-mount model. The SMP I/O can also be installed in pole top cabinets. When combined with the Cooper Power Systems SMP 4 data gateway, the solution provides automation at the distribution level, and stands to play an important role in Smart Grid projects.

Both the rack- and wall-mount SMP I/O models can be equipped with newly released analog input cards. In addition to traditional digital input and output capability, the SMP I/O can collect analog inputs including voltage, current or frequency with transducers. Analog input cards are factory-calibrated, ensuring a higher level of accuracy over a broad temperature range. “Utilities are looking for flexibility in substation data connectivity,” explains Tom Pitstick, Vice-President & General Manager of the Energy Automation Solutions division at Cooper Power Systems. “The traditional application of large I/O count RTUs with proprietary protocols is being replaced with smaller RTUs mounted in a variety of locations. With this new format and additional analog capability, the new SMP I/O offers more flexibility while helping utilities save time and money.”

Cooper Power Systems - Commitment to Smart Grid:
Cooper Power Systems practices a forward-thinking approach to providing utility customers with comprehensive reliability and productivity solutions and is well positioned to benefit from the $4.5 billion in funding allocated specifically for Smart Grid investment by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the federal government’s economic stimulus plan. Within Cooper Power Systems, the Energy Automation Solutions (EAS) group is a leading provider of innovative technologies and solutions that allow electric utilities to optimize their performance in the areas of Advance Metering Infrastructure, Demand Response, Smart Sensors, and Distribution Automation – all technologies that will be critical to the overall development of a Smart Grid.

Editor’s note: For more information on Cooper Power Systems products and its commitment to smart grid technology, please contact Mark Doheny at (713)-209-8484 or mark.doheny@cooperindustries.com.

About Cooper Power Systems
Cooper Power Systems, Inc., with 2008 revenues of approximately $1.4 billion, is a division of Cooper Industries, Ltd. (NYSE: CBE). Cooper Power Systems is a global manufacturer of world-class power delivery and reliability solutions for the electrical and industrial markets. Through its Energy Automations Solutions group, it is also a leading provider of software, communications and integration solutions that enable customers to increase productivity, improve system reliability, and reduce costs. For more information, please visit www.cooperpower.com.

About Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global manufacturer with 2008 revenues of $6.5 billion, approximately 88% of which are from electrical products. Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained level of 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 eight operating divisions with leading market share positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; CrouseHinds 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 2008, sixty-one percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and thirty-seven percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States. Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2008. For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.