News | December 24, 2009

AETI Announces Arc-Mitigation Switchgear For Marine Applications

Enhances Operational Safety and Prevents Losses

New Orleans,LA (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - American Electric Technologies, Inc., (Nasdaq:AETI), the premium global supplier of custom-designed power delivery solutions for the traditional and renewable energy industries, today announced it will provide the marine industry arc-mitigation switchgear allowing vessel and workboat operators to create safer marine environments, comply with new electrical regulations for the workplace, and better protect lives and assets.

An arc-flash is an electrical explosion caused by a low impedance fault between ground and another voltage phase in a marine electrical system. Arc-flashes tend to happen during initial equipment start-up and during electrical equipment maintenance.

The marine industry currently incorporates conventional switchgear with limited arc-management capability. Recent arc-resistant switchgear designed for industrial deployments simply channels the arc flash through vents away from the equipment operator in front of the equipment. However, approximately 65 percent of arc-faults occur during electrical maintenance when the equipment doors are open and an operator is standing in front of the equipment. Arc protection is significantly reduced and safety is compromised, when the arc flash is vented in a confined marine space.

AETI's arc-mitigating switchgear effectively contains the arc flash in marine switchgear before it can cause major equipment damage or personnel injuries. AETI's parallel arc-mitigation system uses proven light-sensing detectors. Upon an arc-flash occurrence, the detector sends a signal to open the circuit breaker to isolate the arc-fault and in parallel, sends a signal to the ground switch to extinguish the arc.

"Marine electrical switchgear is subject to harsh conditions and electrical faults that cause dangerous arc fires are not uncommon," said James Steffek, president of the M&I Electric business at AETI. "Speed is essential in minimizing the volatile effects and personal hazards when a short circuit occurs in electrical equipment. The technology is ideal as it provides increased safety for personnel and reduces the lost productivity and downtime associated with repairing an electrical system after a fault."

In comparison to industrial designed arc-resistant switchgear or protective relays, marine arc-mitigation switchgear provides:

Constant protection of personnel and equipment during maintenance
Reduced downtime and equipment damage when faults occur and can be cleared in 10-50 ms
Lower initial costs

The arc-mitigating switchgear system also significantly helps marine operators comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations that require them to review and modify their electrical systems and work procedures to reduce electric hazards of arc flash hazards.

AETI has been delivering power delivery solutions to the marine industry since 1946. In addition to offering Arc-mitigating marine switchgear, AETI also provides a variety of marine/offshore solutions including:

Low-voltage and medium-voltage ANSI and IEC generator control switchgear
Liquid cooled AC Variable Frequency Drives for propulsion and pumping applications
Integrated power control rooms with power distribution and control systems, designed for offshore applications
Marine/offshore services including upgrade/retrofit services
Global technical field services/spare parts

AETI will be exhibiting at the 2009 International Workboat Show in New Orleans in booth 2301, and will be available to discuss the arc-mitigating switchgear technology for safer marine deployments.

Visit http://www.aeti.com/marine or email info@aeti.com for more information on AETI's portfolio of marine product and service solutions.

American Electric Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:AETI) is the premium global supplier of custom-designed power delivery solutions to the traditional and renewable energy industries. AETI offers M&I Electric™ power distribution and control products, electrical services, and E&I construction services, as well as American Access Technologies zone enclosures, and Omega Metals custom fabrication services. South Coast Electric Systems L.L.C., a subsidiary, services Gulf Coast marine and vessel customers.

AETI is headquartered in Houston and has global sales, support and manufacturing operations in Beaumont, TX, Keystone Heights, FL and Bay St. Louis, MS. In addition, AETI has minority interests in two joint ventures, which have facilities located in Xian, China and Singapore. AETI's SEC filings, news and product/service information are available at www.aeti.com.

Forward Looking Statements
Except for the historical and existing factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this document, including statements regarding the anticipated results of our international joint ventures are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There are many risks, uncertainties and other factors that can prevent the achievement of our goals or cause results to differ from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the risks inherent in doing business outside of the U.S. such as political, social and economic instability, currency fluctuations and conversion restrictions. These and other risks which may impact management's expectations are described in greater detail in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future events make it clear that any of the anticipated results expressed or implied herein do not occur.

SOURCE: American Electric Technologies, Inc.