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Electrical and Power December 5, 2024

Understand how to size wire and cables in medium-voltage electrical systems

Medium-voltage cables need to be sized appropriately per the 2023 NEC to minimize the risk of fire

By Lilly Vang, PE, and Joshua Hunter, PE
Lighting and Lighting Controls December 4, 2024

How to design, coordinate and maintain an emergency lighting system

Engineers should know the different types of emergency lighting systems, and best practices for their installation and maintenance

By Henry Baker, PE
2023 MEP Giants Project Profiles December 2, 2024

2025 40 Under 40 awards program open to nominations

Nominate a junior team member to the 2025 40 Under 40 awards program today. Nominations close Jan. 31, 2025.

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer

Building Automation and Controls

Building Automation and Controls December 2, 2024

CxEnergy 2025 announces preliminary technical program

Discussions with facility managers include topics on commissioning, decarbonization, AI, and energy management.

Figure 3: Diagrammatic comparison of traditional building system silos and integrated operational technology (OT) network. Source: Smith Seckman Reid Inc.

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: October 24-31,2024

November 1, 2024
Figure 3: Diagrammatic comparison of traditional building system silos and integrated operational technology (OT) network. Source: Smith Seckman Reid Inc.

Converged networks for controls and operational technology

October 8, 2024
See more about Building Automation and Controls

Buildings

Commissioning November 22, 2024

Top five Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles November 15-21, 2024

Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles this week covered topics including switchgear, battery energy storage systems and NFPA 70

By Anna Steingruber

Weekly mergers and acquisitions update: November 22, 2024

November 22, 2024
Courtesy: Jim Roof Creative

Hospital design trends focus on patient experience and energy savings

November 21, 2024
See more about Buildings

Codes and Standards

Courtesy: HDR
Codes and Standards September 25, 2024

Codes and standards focus on energy efficient university buildings

Engineers need to be up-to-date on the latest codes and standards to ensure that college and university buildings are designed to the highest possible standard

By Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Figure 1: The 2024 edition of NFPA 101 has updated requirements for interior exit discharge. Courtesy: NFPA

Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed codes and standards articles in 2024

March 28, 2024
Figure 2: Estimated improvement in energy savings for specific model codes. Courtesy: U.S. Department of Energy

Ten things to know about ASHRAE 90.1-2022 updates

March 7, 2024
See more about Codes and Standards

Electrical and Power

Figure 2: The west side view of the plant shows its outdoor cooling towers and access staircase. The first floor houses the plant's electrical room and pumping area, with the second dedicated to the chillers. Courtesy: Flad Architects
Electrical and Power December 10, 2024

The importance of SCCR and UL for equipment in district energy systems

Incorporating SCCR in electrical system design ensures continuity of service, safety and reliability

By Ulises Cubas, PE; Chase Davis, PE, CEM; Robert Talley, PE
Figure 1: Single conductor medium-voltage cable simple construction. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Understand how to size wire and cables in medium-voltage electrical systems

December 5, 2024
Courtesy: Dan Schwalm, HDR

Enhancing patient care and energy efficiency in hospital electrical design

November 27, 2024
See more about Electrical and Power
New Products for Engineers
Search Products And Discover New Innovations In Your Industry

Fire and Life Safety

Courtesy: Jensen Hughes
Fire and Life Safety October 29, 2024

Key considerations for fire protection of seismic isolation bearings

By Morgan J. Hurley, P.E., FSFPE
Top 10 2024 MEP Giants by rank

Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: September 6-12, 2024

September 13, 2024

HVAC/R and Mechanical

Courtesy: Jim Roof Creative
HVAC/R and Mechanical December 3, 2024

Enhancing energy efficiency for HVAC systems in health care facilities

By Consulting Specifying Engineer
A retrofit project for housing historical documents included the replacement of an existing air handling unit (AHU, on the right) and a new DOAS unit (on the left) to assist in space humidity and temperature control. Courtesy: Stanley Consultants

How to choose the right HVAC System: Code and efficiency considerations

November 19, 2024

Lighting and Lighting Controls

Figure 2: Unit equipment “bugeye” style emergency lighting fixture. Courtesy: Kohler Ronan Consulting Engineers LLC
Lighting and Lighting Controls December 4, 2024

How to design, coordinate and maintain an emergency lighting system

By Henry Baker, PE
Figure 1: Recessed style emergency lighting unit equipment. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Emergency lighting definitions

October 30, 2024

Made in America

Courtesy: Cincinnati Incorporated
Made in America August 28, 2024

Reshoring, nearshoring trends making North American manufacturing competitive

By Carrine Greason

U.S. price not competitive? Look at TCO, automation, says Reshoring Initiative

August 13, 2024
New Products for Engineers
Search Products And Discover New Innovations In Your Industry
Motors and Drives
Figure 4: Variable frequency drive cable test stand diagram. Courtesy: Southwire
Motors and Drives August 27, 2024

Testing shows drive to motor cables significantly influence system performance

By Steve Wetzel

A Letter From The Editor

Consulting-Specifying Engineer is written and peer reviewed by engineers and industry professionals. These engineers design, specify and commission mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), fire/life safety, lighting and controls systems for nonresidential buildings. Consulting-Specifying Engineer covers codes and standards, smart and high-performance buildings and design specifications in a variety of commercial buildings.

Amara Rozgus - Consulting-Specifying Engineer