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...

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...

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

Arc Flash Hazards: Understanding the Risks and Implementing Protective Measures

Overcurrent faults, including short circuits, pose a significant threat within electrical systems. Beyond equipment damage and system outages, these faults can also lead to a dangerous phenomenon known as an arc flash. Arc flashes are intense electrical discharges that generate extremely high temperatures and a powerful pressure wave. This article explores the dangers of arc flash events, highlights the importance of arc flash hazard analysis, and discusses various protective measures to minimize the risk of injury.

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Understanding Arc Flash Hazards

Arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that results from a short circuit through the air. It releases intense, rapid bursts of energy that can cause fires, explosions, and emit harmful levels of heat, light, and pressure.

Causes of Arc Flash

Common causes include accidental contact with electrical systems, equipment failure, poor maintenance, or an environment conducive to electrical discharge, highlighting the...

Electrical Protection Articles

A Closer Look into the True Cost of Replacing Electrical Switchgear

During my switchgear modernization presentations all over the US, I am constantly reminded of the concerns customers face with their aging electrical infrastructure. For the most part, these center around safety, reliability and productivity: Replacements parts are very hard (or impossible) to...

Overcurrent and Short Circuit Protection

Wireless Monitoring and IoT

The realm of electrical protection is continuously evolving, embracing advancements in technology to enhance system performance and reliability. One exciting development is the integration of wireless monitoring and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies into overcurrent and short circuit protection...

Generator Protection

Integration of Generator Predictive Maintenance

The reliable and efficient operation of power grids relies heavily on the effective protection of generators. Traditionally, generator protection focused on reacting to faults after they occur. However, advancements in sensor technology, data analytics, and machine learning are enabling a paradigm...

Transformer Protection

The Rise of Digital Relays

For decades, transformer protection relied on analog electromechanical relays. While these served their purpose, the advent of digital relays has revolutionized this crucial aspect of power system operation. This article explores the key advantages of digital relays over their analog counterparts,...