New Cosmos Electric Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka; President: Tetsushi Shigemori, Hereinafter New Cosmos Electric), and Hitachi Cable, Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Seiji Hara, Hereinafter Hitachi Cable), are pleased to announce the release of the "CAN Netsu-kun" abnormal temperature detection system, a system which makes use of odor capsules. Sales will commence on April 1, 2002.

Unusual temperature detection systems for Switchboardsor cubicle-type substations make use of an odor detection device that has long been commercially available. Such devices detect the smell of burning wire or cable sheathing and emit a warning signal. A key problem with these systems is that they are only able to detect abnormalities after insulating material has already suffered significant damage, depending on such installation condition as the size of the distribution board. However, combining New Cosmos Electric's long-standing odor detection device with the new odor capsule jointly developed by Hitachi Cable and the Kanto Electrical Safety Inspection Association has enabled the development of a system that emits a warning signal when the temperature reaches a pre-set level. This new system works more quickly than previous systems, and is the first such system to be sold in Japan.

When this system is installed in a switchboard or a cubicle-type substation, odor capsules are attached using double-sided adhesive tape or holders to such electrical equipment that can "predict" unusual temperatures as terminal blocks, bus bars, and transformers. These odor capsules are button-shaped metal containers 15mm in diameter and 7mm thick that contain odorous substances. When the temperature exceeds pre-set levels, the solder sealant dissolves and the odorous substances are released. When the odor detection device sensors detect the odor, a warning signal is emitted.

The melting point for solder is usually slightly less than 200 degrees. However, Hitachi Cable has developed a proprietary compound that enables the development of solder with lower melting points of 80 degrees, 100 degrees , or 120 degrees . This allows a detection device to detect lower pre-set temperatures.

In addition, the odorous substances are treated with different colors, enabling onsite staff to know with one glance which capsule is being used. These capsules also need no wiring or power source. This means that their installation is easier than that of previous heat detection devices, which keeps down installation costs. At the same time, odor detection devices include an external connection terminal, allowing the detection signal to be broadcast at a remote location. This means that the "CAN Netsu-kun" system can be constructed as a centralized detection system at a fire prevention center or other such facility.

Leveraging the strengths of both Hitachi Cable and New Cosmos Electric will bring about an increase in sales outlets. Sales targets for fiscal year 2003 call for the two companies to sell a total of 10,000 sets, which generates revenue of approximately 400 million yen. The goal for fiscal year 2006 calls for the sale of 100,000 sets, which generates revenue of approximately 4 billion yen.

The products in this release are manufactured by the following factories: