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

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...

Introducing Intelligent Power Today

Welcome to Intelligent Power Today Magazine, our publication that explores and explains the who, what, where, when, why and how of intelligent electrical devices, a collection of complex mechanical devices and sophisticated control systems used in industrial, commercial, and institutional...

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...

Building Automation Training

Life Safety & Security Systems: Balancing Sensitivity for Optimal Safety

Life Safety & Security Systems: Balancing Sensitivity for Optimal Safety

Automated life safety systems, seamlessly integrated within a building automation system (BAS), promise vast improvements in emergency detection and response. However, achieving optimal safety depends on striking the right balance of sensitivity within these systems. An overly sensitive system risks flooding operators with a barrage of false alarms, potentially leading to complacency and a dangerous "cry wolf" scenario where genuine incidents go unnoticed. On the other hand, an under-tuned system may fail to detect genuine threats in a timely manner, jeopardizing occupant safety and hindering effective emergency response. This article dives into strategies for finding the ideal level of sensitivity and best practices for maximizing the effectiveness of automated life safety systems within a BAS.

The Cost of False Alarms

Frequent false alarms generated by automated life safety systems have several detrimental effects. A persistent stream of false positives can desensitize...

Communications

The Backbone of Building Intelligence: Network Infrastructure and Design for BAS

Building Automation Systems (BAS) rely on a robust and well-designed network infrastructure to ensure seamless communication and reliable data exchange between various building systems and devices. This article delves into the intricacies of network infrastructure for BAS, exploring different...

Energy

Navigating the Cost-Benefit Equation for BAS in Energy Management

Building Automation Systems (BAS) offer a powerful tool for optimizing energy consumption in buildings. While the potential for cost savings through improved energy efficiency is significant, the initial investment required for BAS implementation can be a hurdle for building owners and facility...

HVAC

Using Building Automation Analytics to Drive Operational Insights

Building automation systems (BAS) continuously generate an enormous amount of data on HVAC equipment operation, energy consumption patterns, sensor readings, and more. This data, when properly harnessed, holds the key to unlocking critical insights that can significantly enhance building...