Intelligent Power Today Magazine

News and Trends

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 initial fixture cost misses a crucial aspect of responsible lighting management – the long-term perspective.

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Beyond the Sticker Price: Unveiling the True Cost of Light

Modern lighting solutions promise a...

Buyer's Guide

News & 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...

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...

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

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

Taking BAS to the Cloud: Exploring the Advantages and Considerations

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have become a cornerstone of modern building management, offering the promise of optimized energy consumption, improved occupant comfort, and streamlined operations. However, traditional on-premise BAS solutions can present limitations in scalability, remote...

Energy

Building Automation: A Conductor's Guide to Energy Efficiency

In the ever-growing symphony of a building's operation, energy consumption plays a critical role. However, left unmanaged, this crucial element can quickly become a discordant note, driving up costs and jeopardizing environmental well-being. Building Automation Systems (BAS) emerge as...

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...