Speed Control of Motors
Jan 1, 2008, By Steve Vidal, P.E., Joseph J. Vidal & Sons, Inc.
An introduction to variable-frequency drives. Speed, torque, and horsepower are three inter-related parameters in motor control. The speed of a motor, measured in revolutions per minute (rpm), defines...
Analyze This
Jan 1, 2008,
Standby Power Stats at a Glance What do microwave ovens, garage door openers, and cable boxes have in common? They are just a few of the appliances found...
Increase Your Motor System's Efficiency
Jan 1, 2008,
Although electric motors consume more electricity than any other technology in industrial and commercial applications, today's energy-efficient and premium-efficiency...
The Changing Shape of Renewables Technology
Jan 1, 2008, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer
Until recently, breakthroughs in renewable electric energy technology debuted in relative obscurity. With high up-front costs and rates of return spanning...
AC-DC Data Center Debate Heats Up
Jan 1, 2008, By Tom Zind, Freelance Writer
The candidates exude power, supporters are campaigning hard, the issues are framed as vital, and the outcome is ultimately uncertain. That's the 2008...
Mortgage Fallout
Dec 1, 2007, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer
Over the past two years, the seesaw that is the construction industry economy was kept level by a thriving non-residential sector. Industry analysis performed...
Searching for Gold in Green Buildings
Dec 1, 2007, By Joe Knisley, Senior Editorial Consultant
A variety of green initiatives in the construction industry are helping to spotlight the importance of being good stewards of the environment. However,...
Bragging Rights
Dec 1, 2007, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer
With overall construction spending in the black and double-digit increases for non-residential construction in the last few years, electrical firms have...
Arc Fault Detection: Your Questions Answered
Nov 1, 2007, By Gerard Winstanley, National Electrical Manufacturers Association
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) have become more stringent with each passing Code cycle, stirring...
Power Play
Nov 1, 2007, By Rajan Battish, P.E., RTKL Associates, Inc.
Power is an essential component of any mission-critical facility, and data centers are no exception. Not only does the computer equipment need to be continuously...
Embracing Change
Nov 1, 2007, By Michael Eby, Editor-in-Chief
Many years ago, when I worked for an electric utility, I found myself in the position of tracking changes to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)...
The Design Burden
Nov 1, 2007, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer
Driven by the desire for lower costs and earlier completion dates, many owners are abandoning the traditional design-bid-build project delivery method...
Article 708: Critical Operations Power Systems
Nov 1, 2007, By Michael A. Anthony, P.E., University of Michigan; Robert G. Arno, EYP Mission Critical Facilities
Focusing on the complex interplay among mechanical and electrical systems needed to support critical infrastructure, Art. 708 is one of four new Articles...
To Serve and Protect
Nov 1, 2007, By Mark Mitchell and Alan Schmidt, Square D/Schneider Electric
Most people are comforted in knowing their homes are protected from electrical hazards by the circuit breakers located behind the door of a home's load...
Adding Value on the Home Front
Nov 1, 2007, By Carlos Villalobos, Watt Stopper/Legrand
Many of today's homeowners are enthusiastic about energy-saving products, especially those that boast a quick payback. Vacancy and occupancy sensors are...
DOE Sets New Efficiency Standards for Utility Transformers
Nov 1, 2007,
Last month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a final rule establishing new energy-efficiency standards for distribution transformers. The...
Introduction To PLCs
Nov 1, 2007, By Steve Vidal, P.E., Joseph J. Vidal & Sons, Inc.
The programmable logic controller (PLC) is a microprocessor-based system that accepts input data from switches and sensors, processes that data by making...
The Art of Selection
Oct 1, 2007, By Michael Eby, Editor-in-Chief
On the surface, incorporating the concepts of selective coordination in the design of power distribution systems seems like a Why wouldn't you want to...
Exterior Egress Lighting Requirements
Oct 1, 2007, By Keith Lane, P.E., Lane Coburn & Associates, LLC
When it comes to egress lighting requirements, there is conflicting verbiage between the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), the Uniform Building Code (UBC),...
The ABCs of Fire Pump Installations
Oct 1, 2007, By Ken Granle, HDR/Jordan Architects
When it comes to fire pumps, there's more to designing and installing these units than meets the eye. As projects become larger and more complex, such...
