Intelligent Power Today Magazine

News and Trends

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 facilities—also known as intelligent buildings.

According to the Institute for Building Efficiency, intelligent buildings use smart technologies to improve system functionality, control operating costs, and to keep building occupants safe, secure, comfortable, and, of...

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...

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...

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...

Building Automation Training

The Language of Buildings: Exploring Smart BAS Standards and Protocols

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have transformed the way we manage buildings. These systems control and optimize various aspects like HVAC, lighting, security, and access control. However, for these disparate components to communicate and function cohesively, a common language is essential. This role is filled by communication protocols – standardized sets of rules that govern how devices within a BAS exchange information.

This article explores the world of smart building standards and protocols, examining their benefits, types of commonly used protocols, performance considerations, and the importance of standardization in building automation.

Benefits of Standardized Communication Protocols in BAS

Standardized communication protocols offer several advantages in building automation:

Interoperability: Protocols enable devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly within a single BAS. This allows building managers to select the best equipment for each function, regardless of brand, fostering greater flexibility and vendor independence.

Reduced Integration Costs: Standardized protocols simplify system integration...

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

The Internet of Things: Building Automation Meets Granular Control

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have established themselves as a cornerstone for optimizing energy consumption in buildings. However, the recent explosion of Internet of Things (IoT) technology presents exciting new possibilities for BAS. By integrating BAS with a network of smart sensors and...

HVAC

Protecting HVAC Systems within a Building Automation Network

In modern buildings, the HVAC system is rarely an isolated entity. Building automation systems (BAS) integrate HVAC components with an array of sensors, controllers, and a central management platform — all connected through networks. This interconnectivity provides significant benefits in...