Intelligent Power Today Magazine

News and Trends

Counterfeiting Kills

Each year, the counterfeiting of well-known brands and products continues to rise, creating an even more threatening problem. Such well-known counterfeited brands, including consumer safety and critical electrical products, are estimated to be five to seven percent of world trade. The International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition (IACC) estimates that the counterfeiting of distinguished brands costs industries $600 billion each year worldwide and may result in as many as 750,000 lost jobs every year in the United States.

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Buyer's Guide

News & Trends

State of Industry

Illuminating Decisions: EPRI Lights the Way for Modern Lighting Adoption

Facility managers and operators understand the critical role lighting plays in their daily operations. Accounting for roughly 30% of a commercial building's energy load, lighting significantly impacts energy consumption and associated maintenance costs. However, focusing solely on the...

Featured

Advanced protection against electromagnetic exposures and electric arc

HAZARDS AROUND While working live in the energized grid, presence of voltage around the workers requires special attention. However, live-line (live working) techniques are widely applied for decades, several accidents in the past prove that the level of safety must be improved to minimize...

2024 CE Code Training - Better Understanding of the Rules

CE Code training is intended to do a lot more than instruct about what changes have taken place since the last time Canada issued a national electrical code. We are producing a series of courses across Canada by one of Canada’s leading experts on the 2024 Edition of Canada’s Electrical...

Electrical Protection

Compatibility Issues with Generator-Backed Power Systems

Line-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems play a vital role in maintaining seamless operation during power outages. Their integration with backup generators, however, can pose challenges regarding synchronization and power quality.

While both UPS systems and generators serve as safeguards against power disruptions, their integration isn't always seamless. Understanding these compatibility concerns is crucial for ensuring reliable backup power and avoiding damage to sensitive equipment.

Visit Our UPS Systems Study Course

Voltage and Frequency Stability

Generators, particularly smaller portable models, may not provide the same level of voltage and frequency stability as utility power. Line-interactive UPS units are designed to operate within a specific input voltage and frequency range. Wide fluctuations outside these tolerances can trigger the UPS to switch to battery frequently, draining reserves and potentially causing premature battery wear.

Synchronization Issues

When power from a generator is restored, there may be a phase shift or momentary mismatch...

Electrical Protection Articles

Lightning Protection Systems

Design and Installation Challenges

Lightning strikes pose a significant threat to structures and electrical equipment. A well-designed and installed lightning protection system (LPS) is crucial to safeguard buildings, infrastructure, and personnel from the damaging effects of lightning strikes. However, designing and installing...

Transformer Protection

Improving Grid Stability

Electrical transformers are vital components in power transmission and distribution systems, stepping up or down voltage levels to efficiently deliver electricity. However, these transformers are susceptible to various internal and external faults that can lead to catastrophic damage and widespread...

Generator Protection

Smart Technologies in Generator Protection

The protection of electrical generators is undergoing a significant transformation with the integration of digital and smart technologies. These advancements, encompassing digital relays, smart sensors, and Internet of Things devices, are revolutionizing the way generators are monitored,...

Cybersecurity for Protective Devices

Securing Communication and Data Integrity

The ever-growing complexity of electrical grids, with their increasing reliance on interconnected communication and data exchange, necessitates robust cybersecurity measures. Traditional security solutions struggle to keep pace with the evolving sophistication of cyberattacks targeting critical...