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Intelligent Power Today Magazine
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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

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...

Electrical Safety

Arc Flash Analysis in DC Power Systems

Advanced approaches to addressing direct-current arcing faults

BY MICHAEL FURTAK & LEW SILECKY, Mersen

Let’s face it: there is not very much information available about direct current (DC) arc flashes. And, if you have searched in vain, well hopefully this feature will give you some insight into arc flash with relevance to DC circuits. Essentially, we want customers to be armed with information so that they can accurately determine the necessary level of protection required when working around these circuits.

In this feature, direct-current arcing fault incident energy calculations are presented to assess the level of risk involved when working...

voltage testing

Absence of Voltage Testing – An Update on Accepted Approaches

Absence of voltage testing is a vital step in the process of verifying and establishing a de-energized state of any electrical system. As detailed in NFPA 70E clause 4.2.5., there is a specific and approved approach to establishing an electrical safe work condition with the following steps:

  • determine all possible source of electrical supply
  • interrupt the load current, open the disconnecting device for each possible source
  • verify where possible that all blades of the disconnecting devices are open
  • release or block any stored energy
  • apply lockout device in accordance with documented and established work procedures
  • using an adequately rated portable...

Popular Electrical Safety Articles

Underestimating Arc Flash Hazards

While most discussions about arc flash involve the calculation methods and associated personal protective equipment (PPE), electricians have a number of ways to protect themselves and their gear, including arc-resistant equipment and remote actuation and racking systems that eliminate—rather than...

IEEE Method Vs. the NFPA 70E Tables

IEEE Method Vs. the NFPA 70E Tables: Evaluating arc flash analysis methods BY REZA TAJALI, Schneider Electric Recent changes in workplace safety regulations have heightened the awareness of hazards associated with electrical arcs. The hazard level must be quantified and workers properly protected...

Arc Flash Safety for Data Centers

15 arc flash mitigation strategies for the data center BY DAVID G. LOUCKS, Eaton Corporation Arc flashes—the fiery explosions that can result from short circuits in high-power electrical devices—kill hundreds of workers in the U.S. every year and permanently injure thousands more. They can also...