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...

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...

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...

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

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Building Automation Systems

Building Automation Systems (BAS) have revolutionized how buildings operate, offering centralized control and automation of various functions like lighting, HVAC, and security. However, with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), BAS are poised for a significant transformation. AI can analyze...

Energy

Building Automation Systems and Occupant Experience

Modern buildings are increasingly focusing on occupant well-being, recognizing the link between a comfortable environment and occupant satisfaction, productivity, and overall health. Building Automation Systems (BAS) play a crucial role in achieving this goal, offering a range of features that...

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...