FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bellingham, Wash., April 23, 2003 - Power supply manufacturer Alpha Technologies announces the addition of the PWE-9 extended runtime enclosure to it’s PWE Series. The PWE-9 enclosure for broadband applications has been designed for customers requiring maximum runtime for pole-mount powering applications.

The new PWE-9 Series enclosures accommodate up to three 36 Volt battery strings providing up to eight hours of battery backup runtime. The PWE-9 incorporates many advanced features previously found only on custom configured PWE enclosures. Passive Thermal Management has been optimized by locating all louvers on the front door. Directing cooler external ambient air onto the electronics, while maintaining uniform battery temperatures over a range of operating temperatures. The enclosure lid tilts up and is removable to allow for unobstructed access to the back of the enclosure during set-up and maintenance. The door is equipped with a positive cam, stainless steel latch with an integral spring mechanism ensuring a secure door closure in all conditions.

Additional benefits of the new PWE Series enclosures include; a slide cable access door for portable generator powering, aluminum prop rod for maintenance convenience in windy conditions, cable routing paths to accommodate all typical wiring configurations, and heavy duty battery drawer slides inclusive of lock-in and lock-out functionality. Extra knockouts for the AC output indicator light and standby utility indicator light have also been added to the outside of the PWE making it possible to optimize mounting locations for road side viewing. A ladder bracket option provides safe access for technicians to service power supplies and batteries.

As with all Alpha outdoor enclosures, each PWE is made from durable aluminum. Each enclosure has a powder coat finish to provide protection from the elements and has been thermally engineered for optimal field performance. Options include lightning protection, AlphaGuard battery charge management, battery heater mats and plastic covers for locks to keep out dust and eliminate corrosion. AlphaLight™, power for deep fiber application, providing cost effective fiber powering solutions for business, residential and optical transition nodes. Alpha’s power supplies are designed to provide clean, reliable and uninterrupted battery back up power to optical network interface devices (NID) and optical amplifiers.

“Our industry is entering an exciting new phase. Deep fiber deployment is becoming more common. Providing reliable power to each active element in a deep fiber network is essential, particularly when primary line phone service is involved. Alpha is committed to providing effective solutions to this evolving market,” commented Rob Anderson, Alpha Technologies’ Director of Product Management.

Alpha Technologies Inc. develops power conversion, protection and standby products for telecommunications and cable television industries, including custom, application-specific power solutions. In addition to product development, Alpha Technologies provides a comprehensive range of installation and maintenance services to support its global customer base. Alpha Technologies is a member of The Alpha Group of companies.

The Alpha Group represents a global alliance of independent companies that share a common philosophy - create world-class powering solutions for communication, commercial, industrial and renewable energy markets.
For this and/or additional information in electronic form, go to http://www.alpha.com/.

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