Articles

Figure 4: NEC Chapters 6 and 7 can be used together to properly design microgrids using renewable energy sources. Article 690 details the requirements of photovoltaic electrical energy systems, including arrays, inverters and controllers. Article 705 defines the connections to a primary source of electricity such as the utility grid. Articles 706 and 710 include guidelines for energy storage systems and their installation and operation as stand-alone systems. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Electrical and Power

What to know about NEC 2023 in electrical design

New program outlines 2026 sessions on commissioning practices

Figure 2: A detail of a vertical multistage domestic water booster pump assembly. The unit is a triplex skid mounted assembly with a hydro-pneumatic tank, control panel with variable frequency drive capabilities, and a pump bypass. Courtesy: WSP

Booster pumps for buildings with future high-rise vertical expansion

Do you know whether your salary is competitive?

Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s Product of the Year

Product of the Year program accepting entries through end of January

Table 2: An example of the pressure conversion rate between pounds per square inch (psi) and feet of head (feet). This conversion is used for pressure lift calculations in building water systems. The example shows various building levels and the associated pressure required to deliver water to each level. Courtesy: WSP

Plumbing, Pumping and Pumps

Design basics for booster pumps in high rise buildings

Figure 2: This shows the percentage of last year's commissioning revenue earned by the 2025 Commissioning Giants in the following building types. Data centers and hospitals/health care facilities were the top building types for commissioning revenue last year. Courtesy: Consulting-Specifying Engineer

Commissioning Giants earn even more in 2025

Figure 4: Simplified one-line diagram for a well station. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Case study: How to size circuitry for low-voltage motors at a well station

Figure 2: A heat recovery variable refrigerant flow branch controller in a mechanical room. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Back to basics: How to design industrial HVAC systems

Figure 2: Motor branch-circuit protective device and motor starter installed in a motor control center bucket at a wastewater treatment facility. Courtesy: CDM Smith

Motors and Drives

Know the NEC design requirements for low-voltage motors