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Emergency, Standby, Backup November 10, 2020

Implementing 2019 NFPA 110

The 2019 edition of NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems includes a variety of revisions and updates that clarify design

By Richard A. Vedvik, PE
Electrical and Power May 21, 2020

Designing power systems in mission critical environments

Learn about the choices and criteria for the planning and design of mission critical facility switchgear, transformers and UPS

By Brian Rener, PE, LEED AP; and Brandon Stanley, PE, LEED AP BD+C
Lighting and Lighting Controls April 20, 2020

Future-proof health care facilities with wireless lighting controls

As the industry continues to gain momentum in wireless control solutions, what is the future of lighting controls in critical applications such as a health care environment?

By Danna Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Certus, Carrollton, Texas
Building Automation and Controls April 14, 2020

Integrating building systems through controls

By considering updated controls architecture, integrating building systems together becomes much more attainable and streamlined

By Elena Gowdy and Matt Fogarty
Lighting and Lighting Controls March 9, 2020

Illuminating the means of egress

Differentiating the requirements of egress lighting versus emergency egress lighting requires a close look at several codes and standards

By M. Scott Gibbs, PE
Emergency, Standby, Backup March 4, 2020

Your questions answered: How to specify backup, standby and emergency power in mission critical facilities

Additional information from the Feb. 27, 2020, webcast was provided by the presenters

By Bart Hogge, PE, ATD, LEED AP; Danna Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C
Commissioning February 18, 2020

Video: Commissioning Electrical Systems in Mission Critical Facilities

Commissioning electrical systems in mission critical facilities requires great care and planning and save clients the extreme costs from system outages due to improperly tested equipment or insufficient levels of testing

By CxEnergy and the AABC Commissioning Group (ACG)
Lighting and Lighting Controls December 31, 2019

Commissioning lighting occupancy sensors

Installing lighting occupancy sensors and commissioning the devices have many benefits, including reducing operational and maintenance costs

By Michael Chow, PE, CxA, LEED AP BD+C
Electrical and Power December 24, 2019

How to correctly size a transformer

Engineers must make informed decisions regarding the proper transformer sizing selection, electrical and mechanical requirements and impacts to the electrical system under different operating and loading conditions

By Zia Salami, Ph.D., CDM Smith, Charlotte, N.C.; Lilly Vang, CDM Smith, Raleigh, N.C.; and Adrian Hendels, CDM Smith, Boca Raton, Fla.
Lighting and Lighting Controls November 27, 2019

Designing an energy-efficient lighting system

Understanding codes, controls and commissioning are key to an effective lighting design for a new or existing building

By Jerry Manavalan, Kohler Ronan LLC, Danbury, Connecticut
Electrical and Power November 15, 2019

NFPA 110-2019 concepts and changes

Understand NFPA 110 and its relation to emergency power supplies

By John Yoon
Lighting and Lighting Controls November 14, 2019

Following an OPR to design lighting systems

Lighting designers must consider many factors when specifying lighting systems and lighting controls for nonresidential buildings, including the owner’s project requirements

By Michael Chow, PE, CxA, LEED AP BD+C
Electrical and Power October 17, 2019

Specifying the right electrical raceways, busways, wiring and cabling

Electrical and information cabling pathways are a vital component of any new or existing building

By Stephen Berta, EI, NV5, Las Vegas
Electrical and Power August 22, 2019

Safe electrical system design 

Safety is a top priority in a building’s electrical system design

By Danna Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Certus, Carrollton, Texas
Electrical and Power August 13, 2019

Your questions answered: How to design electrical systems to reduce arc flash incident energy

During the Aug. 6, 2019, webcast, several questions were asked; here are the questions left unanswered during the live event

Electrical and Power April 1, 2019

How to optimize electrical systems, from design to commissioning

Learn how to define the procedures of electrical schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration including electrical commissioning.

By Daniel Mendez and Rick H. Reyburn, PE, NV5, Las Vegas
Commissioning March 25, 2019

Commissioning of electrical systems

Commissioning of electrical systems has become an integral and well-established part of the building design and construction process. However, as cities and states increasingly pass more stringent energy legislation while new technologies continue to present countless possibilities, building systems will get smarter and more interconnected—and the role commissioning plays in the built environment will continue to expand.

By Vahik Davoudi, PE, LEED AP; Ander Sahonero, PE; Gaurav Thatte, EIT; and Rahul Mittal, EIT; Arup, Los Angeles
Lighting and Lighting Controls February 4, 2019

LED lighting and control system design considerations

Designers need to explore various approaches and requirements to lighting design as codes and standards are becoming more energy-conscious.

By Jason Danielson, Stanley Consultants, Muscatine, Iowa
Lighting and Lighting Controls December 20, 2018

Designing lighting systems and lighting controls

Lighting designers must consider many factors when specifying lighting systems and lighting controls for their designs. In addition to considering the type of lighting fixture, they must also take into account daylighting, lighting controls, codes and standards, and other factors. To ensure these systems work as efficiently and effectively as possible, commissioning new systems (along with ongoing commissioning) is vital for success.

By Robert J. Garra Jr., PE
Commissioning November 16, 2018

10 reasons lighting controls commissioning goes bad

To ensure complex systems function as intended, a formal commissioning process needs to be established.

By John Yoon
Arc Flash and Electrical Safety October 1, 2018

Your questions answered: Critical power: Arc flash mitigation

The Sept. 20, 2018, “Critical power: Arc flash mitigation” webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event.

By Brian Martin, PE; and Leslie Fernandez, PE, LEED AP
Electrical and Power September 28, 2018

Power-generation systems in high-performance buildings

Electrical engineers must consider many factors when designing power-generation systems. Safety, maintainability, efficiency, code compliance, and economics play crucial roles in determining the topology of a power-generation system. Specific requirements for power vary based on building occupancy type, facility use, and critical function.

By Tom Divine, PE, LEED AP, Smith Seckman Reid, Houston
Electrical and Power August 22, 2018

How important is circuit protection in electrical distribution system design

The electrical engineer is responsible for designing power distribution systems for buildings. Understanding the full circuit-protection requirements will enable the engineer to design the safest and most reliable electrical distribution systems for buildings.

By Danna Jensen, PE, LEED AP BD+C; WSP USA, Dallas
Building Integration System July 31, 2018

Enhancing integration of electric and HVAC design

Know the factors to consider when working to maximize integration of electrical and HVAC system design to achieve economic and operational benefits.

By John McGonegle, PE, LEED AP; IMEG Corp., Rock Island, Ill.
Electrical and Power June 28, 2018

Your questions answered: Electrical distribution equipment

The June 21, 2018, “Electrical: Distribution equipment” webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event.

By Brian Rener, PE, LEED AP; and Freddy Padilla, PE, ATD
Lighting and Lighting Controls April 23, 2018

Lighting controls: Know the updates, changes

There has been a move away from traditional lighting controls approaches, which have only incrementally improved over decades, and toward an entirely new way of thinking about, designing, and implementing lighting controls—wirelessly, with internet connectivity, and in an individually addressable capacity all at once.

By Katy C. Boat, Electrical Engineer & Lighting Designer, SmithGroupJJR
Electrical and Power March 17, 2017

Specifying electrical distribution systems

It is useful for both electrical and nonelectrical engineers to understand basic features when selecting, specifying, and applying electrical distribution systems.

By Brian Rener, PE, LEED AP, SmithGroupJJR, Chicago
Lighting and Lighting Controls August 3, 2016

Your questions answered: LED lighting specifications

Additional information from the July 28 Lighting: LED specifications webcast includes details about color shift, American Medical Association recommendations, and lighting controls. Presenters Haley Darst and Richard Vedvik tackle multiple questions.

By Haley Darst, CannonDesign, and Richard Vedvik, KJWW Engineering Consultants
Smart Grid December 12, 2012

Connecting buildings to the Smart Grid

Engineers should know the NIST and ASHRAE standards for the Smart Grid, and be aware of the availability of Smart Grid-ready products for commercial buildings.

By Mark Fisher, PE, LEED AP

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