2010 Magazine Archive
December 2010
Mechanical engineering: What are we in for?Current technologies are vastly different than the technologies in place when most mechanical engineers started. » more
DOE rules impact transformer efficienciesBuilding designers must keep the Dept. of Energy’s new standards when selecting and evaluating distribution transformers. » more
Why choose medium-voltage drives?Energy savings and other benefits of more common, low-voltage AC drives are becoming well known. Medium-voltage drives, operating from higher electric supply, bring ‘heavy lifting’ capability and... » more
Three stages for implementing arc hazard protection: Part 3
This third part in our series on arc hazard protection focuses on choosing management systems that are both effective and sustainable in the long term. » more
This third part in our series on arc hazard protection focuses on choosing management systems that are both effective and sustainable in the long term. » more
Building engineering confidence through market knowledgeSupplementing engineering knowledge with market knowledge will grow your career and your company’s business. » more
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How to select a VFDThese guidelines dispel the confusion about matching variable frequency drives (VFD) and motors to fans and pumps that are typically encountered in commercial building applications. While the... » more
Prepare for the Smart Grid surgeGet your brain around the Smart Grid with three key documents. » more
Firestopping exposed wires and cablesAn “almost perfect” firestopping system isn’t good enough when a fire starts in a building. There are several reasons for providing firestopping for wires and cables. It may be a requirement of the... » more
Protecting nonstructural systems in earthquakes
The performance of nonstructural systems—like mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components; architectural components; and contents—is generally not given sufficient consideration, except in... » more
The performance of nonstructural systems—like mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components; architectural components; and contents—is generally not given sufficient consideration, except in... » more
Choosing LEDs for indoor useHere are practical evaluation criteria for selecting LED lighting for indoor, ambient applications. » more
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Integrating lighting and HVAC retrofitsThe renovation of lighting and the HVAC system in an existing building can greatly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. » more
Fire and life safety design trends fuel innovation Fire and life safety innovations arise from current design trends in tall buildings. In response to these trends, a number of fire and life safety innovations have been developed. » more
Gray matters; Water reuse systemsGray-water reuse systems are becoming a staple in both newly constructed and existing facilities. Industry experts share the benefits and pitfalls of specifying and implementing the systems. » more
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Generator RatingsThis question-and-answer article outlines how to use manufacturer ratings for generators to choose the proper equipment for the job. Also covered: How to consider conditions that could "de-rate" the... » more
UPS SelectionUPS technologies vary in physical size, weight, form factor, capacity, supported input power source, topology, and cost. » more
Unlocking the Code: Requirements for A/V System CablingAudio/visual systems must be installed to meet the cabling requirements of the NEC. The audio/visual (A/V) system in an office or school is often installed long after the base-build phase of... » more
Tier 4i EmissionsExperts answer questions about EPA Tier 4i emissions regulations and generator operating procedures. » more
Designing Efficient SchoolsWorking to design a LEED-certified school? This article highlights some MEP trends, including the latest HVAC trends. » more
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The death of HVACThe death of HVAC can lead to the rise of thermal environmental engineering. Here are some thoughts on the effectiveness, efficiency, and installation and operating costs of modern air conditioning... » more
Certified equipment ratings for HVAC
Keeping abreast of standards is a must for specifying equipment. » more
Keeping abreast of standards is a must for specifying equipment. » more
BACnet: Setting the new standardBACnet has to be specified correctly to be fully interoperable. The BACnet Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement is designed to aid in this process. » more
Avoid failure with smoke control commissioning How to adjust when the installed system does not meet the performance criteria of the approved design or there are inconsistencies with the design concepts in the approved design documents. » more
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Flexible, Sustainable Data CentersSustainable data center design can be a tricky business because of the inherent need for an organized yet flexible approach. However, in recent years, design firms have come up with solutions that... » more
Welcome back to CFE Media, Consulting-Specifying Engineer, Control Engineering, Plant EngineeringWe’d like to welcome you back, and welcome you to something new. Longtime readers of this magazine will notice very few changes, yet CFE Media is something entirely new – and not just in name. When... » more
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