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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 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 wreak financial havoc in the form of fines, lawsuits and damage to expensive equipment. Yet, many data center operators are perilously unfamiliar with both the causes of arc flash events and the serious dangers they pose. This feature focuses on arc flash mitigation strategies to improve arc flash safety in data centers.

As we previously...

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 reduce—electrical arc-related dangers while providing quantifiable force and other preventive maintenance data that can help avoid future catastrophes.

Similar to any energy source, an electrical circuit is a ticking bomb. It is simply waiting for the right conditions to blow. A twisted pole, faulty interlock, and enough energy will turn an electrical firecracker into a mortal lightning strike. Moreover, what...

Popular Electrical Safety Articles

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...

Arc Flash Mitigation 101

While the threat of shock and electrocution from inadvertent contact with energized parts has long been recognized, the arc flash and arc blast hazards have only fairly recently been incorporated into the electrical safety standards. The U.S. federal agency the Occupational Safety and Health...

Safety Footwear

When it comes to on-the-job safety, footwear serves as the main point of contact between workers and their environment. Because of the key role safety boots play in personal protective equipment (PPE), it is important to consider the various safety, performance, and comfort features as they relate...

The Guide to Arc Flash Clothing

A new method to choosing personal protective equipment BY JIM WHITE, Shermco Industries, Inc. Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) in the 2012 edition of NFPA 70E: “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace”, published by the National Fire Protection Association, has always been difficult for...