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the magazine of the electroindustryPublished by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association | www.NEMA.org | May 2016 | Vol. 21 No. 5

FEATURES

ei, the magazine of the electroindustry text and cover pages are printed using SFI®-certified Anthem paper using soy ink.• SFIfibersourcingrequirementspromoteresponsibleforest managementonallsuppliers’lands.

• SFIworkswithenvironmental,socialandindustrypartnersto improveforestpracticesinNorthAmerica.

• TheSFIcertifiedsourcinglabelisproofei, the magazine of the electroindustryisusingfiberfromresponsibleandlegalsources.

ECO BOX

Grid Safety: Smart Meters Graduate to Intelligent Sensors in Brave, New, Interconnected World .............10

Intelligent Devices Enhance Safety, Property........................................................................................12

Dynamic Healthcare Communications Begin with Optimized Workflow ..................................................14

Get the Picture? Proper Servicing of Imaging Equipment Ensures Accurate and Safe Diagnoses ......................16

Mass Notification + Fire Safety Training = Aware Campuses ..................................................................17

New Designation Facilitates Mass Notification ......................................................................................18

Insurance Industry Promotes Best Practices in Code Adoption and Enforcement .....................................20

Utility Linemen: Putting Safety on the Line ..........................................................................................21

NEMA@HomeCreating a Safer, Connected Home with the Internet of Things ........................................... NEMA@Home 1

Electric Vehicle Charging Comes Home .............................................................................. NEMA@Home 3

www.nema.org/AMM16

ei, the magazine of the electroindustry Publisher | Tracy Cullen

Editor in Chief | Pat WalshContributing Editors | Ann Brandstadter,

Christine Coogle, William E. Green III

Economic Spotlight | Tim GillCodes & Standardization Trends | Vince Baclawski

Government Relations Update | Kyle PitsorArt Director | Jennifer Tillmann

National Advertising Representative | Bill Mambert

CONTENTS

ei, the magazine of the electroindustry (ISSN 1066-2464) is published monthly by NEMA, the Association of Electrical Equipment and Medical Imaging Manufacturers, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 900, Rosslyn, VA 22209; 703.841.3200. FAX: 703.841.5900. Periodicals postage paid at Rosslyn, Va., and York, Pa., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to NEMA, 1300 N. 17th Street, Suite 900, Rosslyn, VA 22209. The opinions or views expressed in electroindustry do not necessarily reflect the positions of NEMA or any of its subdivisions.

Subscribe to ei, the magazine of the electroindustry at www.nema.org/subscribe2ei.Contact us at comm@nema.org.

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Newsmakers NOTES

DEPARTMENTSGovernment Relations Update ...............................................................................................................7

After Multi-Year NEMA Effort, CBP Has Clear Authority to Share ........................................................................................................7

Advocating for Safer Lithium Coin Batteries .......................................................................................................................................8

Electroindustry News ..........................................................................................................................23

Vint Cerf, Internet Founding Father, to Speak at Annual Meeting .....................................................................................................23

IDEA Announces Quality Milestone in Data Certification Program ...................................................................................................23

Code Actions/Standardization Trends ...................................................................................................24

Updating West Coast Code Adoptions ...............................................................................................................................................24

Compatibility Confirmed between Smoke Alarms and AFCIs ..........................................................................................................24

MITA Updates Cybersecurity in Medical Imaging White Paper ...........................................................................................................24

International Roundup .......................................................................................................................25

Saudi Arabia Consortium to Implement Technical, Outreach, and Trade Goals ................................................................................25

Economic Spotlight .............................................................................................................................26

NEMA Business Conditions Indexes Up Sharply in March ................................................................................................................26

Lighting Systems Index Decreased in Fourth Quarter with Mixed Results for Components ............................................................27

Linear Fluorescent Lamp Indexes Continue Year-Over-Year Decline ................................................................................................27

HID Lamp Indexes Close Out 2015 Down from 2014 ........................................................................................................................27

NEMA Officers .......................................................................................................................................................................................3

Comments from the President ..............................................................................................................................................................3

Views .....................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Ask the Expert .....................................................................................................................................................................................28

I Am NEMA ..........................................................................................................................................................................................28

Visit the NEMA Standards Store for these and other recently published standards:

• ANSI C12.1-2014 Code for Electricity Metering

• ANSI C78.1430 (R2009, R2016) Slide Projector Lamps, Condensing, Dichroic, 1.65-in. (42 mm), Integral Reflector, Rim Reference Tungsten-Halogen Lamps with GX5.3 Bases

• NEMA UC 2-1993 (R2000, R2005, R2010, R2015) Undercarpet Power Distribution Systems

• ANSI/NEMA WC 61-2005 (R2015) Transfer Impedance Testing

• NEMA WD 1-1999 (R2005, R2010, R2015) General Color Requirements for Wiring Devices

Internet Founding Father Vint Cerf foresees a transformed future at 90th Annual Membership Meeting.

Josh Ulrich puts safety on the line.

Dr. Vijay M. Rao predicts that innovation will continue to transform the way diseases are diagnosed, treated, and monitored.

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FROM THE PRESIDENTOfficersWilliam Shakespeare was on to something in Henry IV, Part I that fits with this month’s theme. “[O]ut of this nettle, danger,” he wrote, “we pluck this flower, safety.”

May is National Electrical Safety Month, sponsored by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), and Building Safety Month, sponsored by the International Code Council (ICC). Both proclamations remind us that safety lies at the very center of what NEMA does with and on behalf of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers.

We often take electricity—and its inherent benefits and safety—for granted, whether to charge a smart phone or x-ray a person. Think for a moment of the tremendous power generated by electrical power plants that is sent seemingly without effort through transmission networks to substations and ultimately via building wires and devices to customers. Our members know better; this is anything but effortless in a holistic sense. Because of the reliability of the products that they manufacture, electrical power is transported through all terrains, weather, different distribution networks, and buildings day and night—all year—safely.

How do they do it? NEMA members view safety as integral to everything they make. Further, they promote safety through performance standards that assure users that the products and systems meeting these exacting quality levels are application-ready and safe. This elemental attribute of our built environment was woven by designers, engineers, and production workers across North America.

On a daily basis, NEMA members also devote significant time and expense to preserving the three-year code adoption cycle in every municipality and state across the country. It is our firm belief that the best way to guarantee safety is through adherence to model building codes; strong and efficient code enforcement; and a well-trained, professional installation, maintenance, and inspection workforce. Codes also ensure that the latest and safest technology is being deployed into homes, offices, and factories.

ESFI’s ongoing campaign educates the public about the dangers of electrical fires, and possible, injurie, and property loss that misuse or mistakes with electrical products might cause. The ICC helps the public understand what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures. We salute them both for their persistent commitments to safety awareness and best practices.

I am especially proud to accept an award from ICC this month on behalf of NEMA members. The citation recognizes our industry’s “commitment and leadership in the development and adoption of current safety codes and standards.” This is a 90-plus year commitment and one we willingly intend to carry forward with the same diligence as our forebears. ei

Kevin J. Cosgriff President and CEO

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 3

ChairwomanMaryrose Sylvester President & CEO Current, Powered by GE

Vice ChairmanMichael Pessina Co-CEO & President Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.

TreasurerDavid G. Nord Chairman, President & CEO Hubbell Incorporated

Immediate Past ChairmanDon Hendler President & CEO Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.

President & CEOKevin J. Cosgriff

SecretaryClark R. Silcox

Since their inception, utility companies have provided safe and affordable services to communities everywhere. Now more than ever, they are at the forefront of a modernization movement to provide even more reliable electricity.

The heart of the electricity distribution system is the electricity meter, making the next-generation power system possible. An electricity meter with the computing power to analyze data and take action in the field is making true edge intelligence and assured connectivity a reality. It is critical that utilities continue to deploy smart technologies that improve efficiency and reliability, while empowering consumers to bring about the transformation they seek.

Smart meters and sensors have a leading role in the next generation grid—the active grid. Today’s grid allows for the collection and exchange of data; however, collecting data in a central data store and running reactive analytical data modeling only gets us so far. Dynamic analytical engines throughout the network accelerate and improve decision making and shorten the time it takes to react to dynamic grid conditions—this is the next wave of transformation. In this transformation, the active grid harnesses the power of technology to reduce wasted energy, improve efficiencies, and create even more value for utilities and their customers.

IdentIfyIng OppOrtunItIes fOr effIcIencyData analytics can be used by utilities to identify opportunities for cost-effective distribution system upgrades. These include improving grid efficiency and reliability; effectively integrating distributed generation resources, such as energy storage and rooftop photovoltaic systems; and predicting fluctuations in energy demand before they happen. The combination of distributed computing

The same holds true for commercial use. Submeters, which are installed downstream from main utility meters, may be used for billing purposes in multi-tenant buildings. Their larger purpose, however, is in subsystem energy monitoring, such as lighting, HVAC, and water pumping. Submeters can monitor use in real time, sending data to the building management system, which in turn can flag anomalies that may identify safety problems.

Smart devices, software, and applications have the computing power to not only measure and communicate but also to solve problems in real time. These solutions can dynamically manage loads and outage conditions through an intelligent, distributed, and self-aware network—improving safety and reliability and, ultimately, creating economic gains.

Smart meters and sensors serve as the hub for in-field problem solving in real time. With this capability, utilities will have deeper insight into what is happening throughout their distribution systems to take action based on grid conditions, all for the sake of providing safe and reliable electricity. Through smart meters and sensors, the active grid can help transform how electricity is managed and empower consumers to conserve and save money. ei

Mr. Mezey serves on the NEMA Board of Governors Executive Committee.

Ű Transforming Today’s Smart Grid into Tomorrow’s Safer, Active GridPhilip Mezey, President and CEO, Itron

power and new communications capabilities in meters provides a practical and cost-effective solution for utilities to identify losses, voltage anomalies, and potential safety issues before they become safety hazards or costly liabilities.

Smart meters are intelligent enough to know exactly where they are on the utility distribution system. This location-awareness capability opens up an entirely new frontier of smart grid use cases that were previously hobbled by the lack of a consistently accurate connectivity model.

Philip Mezey

Smart meters also enhance safety by allowing remote disconnection of electric power to a customer in the event of a catastrophe, such as a flood or earthquake. They give customers information about the amount of electricity used throughout the day to identify not only inefficiencies but also abnormalities that could signal electrical safety concerns. For example, a homeowner who notices unusually high energy use might identify a malfunctioning air conditioner as the culprit or determine that it’s cost-effective to replace an old, inefficient refrigerator.

4 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Views

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and, while electrical safety should be a yearlong priority, it is important to have a month devoted to spotlighting safe electrical practices that should be commonplace at home and on the job.

I recently attended the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (better known as IEEE) Industrial Applications Society Electrical Safety Workshop, a forum serving to advance the application of technology, work practices, codes, and regulations to prevent electrical incidents and injuries in the workplace. It was humbling to be among the industry’s most influential people as they presented the latest in electrical safety technology and practices.

BuIldIng safety IntO desIgn prOcessOne recurring theme was the concept of safety by design, which the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines as “addressing occupational safety and health needs in the design process to prevent or minimize work-related hazards.”

An example of this concept was applied to the voltage-testing process by designing equipment with an installed testing instrument rather than relying on a manual testing device. This reduces exposure to electrical hazards and removes the possibility of human error.

While the technical aspects of safety by design are most commonly applied by engineers, its fundamental premise can be applied to occupations across the electrical industry to safeguard employees and consumers. Central to this approach is the enforcement of codes and standards such as NFPA 70E and the National Electrical Code® (NEC). Let’s examine how these codes and standards create the blueprint or design for electrical safety in the field and at home.

Examples of code-driven safety technology advancements include arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and tamper-resistant receptacles (TRRs). These three devices have been proven to save lives by eliminating electrical fires and instances of electrical shock, and application of these devices and the areas requiring their protection continue to expand with subsequent versions of the NEC.

Despite the capacity of the NEC to save lives and property, however, some jurisdictions resist the timely adoption of the newest edition, which precludes constituents from benefiting from the latest advancements in electrical safety. As an industry, we must confront these code adoption threats by educating policymakers and the public about the benefits of full and timely adoption of the NEC.

Codes and standards such as NFPA 70E and the NEC are the cornerstone for eliminating electrical hazards in our day-to-day lives. In the spirit of National Electrical Safety Month, make sure NFPA 70E is followed in your workplace and leverage your influence by helping raise awareness about the importance of the NEC.

Visit www.esfi.org for resources highlighting NFPA 70E concepts and www.nema.org for more information on its Code Adoption Initiative. ei

Ű National Electrical Safety Month: Achieving Safety through DesignBrett Brenner, President of the Electrical Safety Foundation International

desIgn yOur safety cultureNFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace provides requirements for protecting personnel by reducing exposure to major electrical hazards. Key principles outlined in NFPA 70E include lockout/tagout processes, the proper use of personal protective equipment, and verifying that equipment is de-energized before work is performed (also known as the “test before you touch” method).

Brett Brenner

Failure to comply with these practices contributes to an estimated 187 electricity-related workplace fatalities per year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Creating a workplace culture that eliminates complacency by continually reinforcing the importance of the principles outlined in NFPA 70E can help minimize the risk of electrical injuries and fatalities.

The NEC is the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards. It is revised every three years to incorporate new advances in electrical safety technologies, improved installation and safety practices, and critical safeguards for consumers and electrical workers.

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 5

Views

The future of medical imaging remains bright. Technological inventions such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and ultrasound, have revolutionized the field over the last four decades; new innovations will keep it at the forefront of patient care.

The rapid growth of imaging and its associated costs receives much attention from policymakers, but the positive impact of imaging in early detection, patient management, and minimally invasive treatments across a broad spectrum of diseases is often overlooked.

Increased use Of ImagIngRadiologists have worked closely with oncologists, physicists, and equipment manufacturers to optimize dose and maintain rigorous standards of practice through initiatives such as Image Wisely and Image Gently. Many factors will continue to influence medical imaging utilization and promote increased use:

• Growth of aging population. The population of individuals over age 65 is expected to nearly double by 2050, likely leading to increased utilization of medical imaging.

• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This legislation has provided imaging access to millions of Americans who were previously uninsured.

• Defensive medicine. Unless there is tort reform at the national level, physicians will continue to order excessive tests to avoid malpractice liability.

• Consumerism. Easy access to information through the Internet encourages patients to demand imaging tests when they may not be medically indicated.

Ű Innovation Defines the Future of Medical ImagingVijay M. Rao, MD, FACR, Chairwoman, Radiological Society of North America Board of Directors

• Increased interest in screening. Recently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved reimbursement for low-dose lung cancer screening for eligible candidates.

• Technological innovation. Precision imaging has given rise to many exciting technologies. Digital images are rich in data and tend toward developing powerful imaging biomarkers. Combining imaging biomarkers with genomic information may increase imaging utilization, as will popular technologies like 3D breast tomosynthesis.

Vijay M. Rao, MD

decreased use Of ImagIngThere are also factors that may lead to reduced imaging use:

• Utilization management strategies. Commercial payers already use radiology benefits management companies. CMS recently mandated that physicians ordering high-end studies for Medicare outpatients and emergency patients in the future employ appropriate use criteria via a clinical decision support system.

• High-deductible health plans. It is estimated that one-quarter of all workers in the U.S. are enrolled in high-deductible health plans. Patients may avoid expensive imaging tests such as CT, MRI, and PET.

• Accountable care organizations (ACOs) and bundled payments. The number of ACOs is rapidly increasing. These organizations voluntarily coordinate care and tie reimbursements to metrics and reductions in the cost of care. Bundled payments refer to a single aggregate payment for all health services related to an episode of care. These new payment models put downward pressure on use of imaging.

• Evidence-based imaging. A large number of national medical societies participated in the Choosing Wisely campaign in an attempt to identify tests that are overused or should not be performed at all. The vast majority were imaging related.

• Concerns about radiation. The potential risks of radiation from CT scans have been highly publicized and may lead to avoidance of tests.

• Reducing duplicative studies. As vendors increasingly adopt standards for interoperability and cloud-based solutions allow sharing images across health systems, duplication will be reduced.

While a variety of influences will determine the course of imaging in the future, innovation will continue to transform the way diseases are diagnosed, treated, and monitored. It will take imaging into molecular, genomic, and precision medicine. Computers will continue to be a disruptive force, especially in exploring the potential for cognitive learning. The role of physicians, including radiologists, will continue to evolve, and the only constant will be change. ei

Dr. Rao is the David C. Levin Professor and Department of Radiology Chair at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.

6 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Views

Ű After Multi-Year NEMA Effort, CBP Has Clear Authority to ShareSection 302 of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act, signed into law in February, resolves legal uncertainty and strengthens the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to share information and product samples with U.S. electroindustry companies and others who face a threat of counterfeit products entering the U.S.

As part of a multiple-Congress effort to pass a bill reauthorizing the trade functions of CBP, NEMA advocated consistently for the inclusion of language necessary to ensure that the agency can cooperate efficiently and effectively with U.S. holders of copyrights and trademarks to prevent importation of fake products.

NEMA action was necessary for several reasons. First, several NEMA member companies and particular product types have been victims of importation of counterfeit products. These include circuit breakers, batteries, extension cords, receptacles, ground fault circuit interrupters, light bulbs, and grounding rods. In addition to the damage counterfeits can do to sales, counterfeit products are usually unsafe because they have not been built to meet applicable standards.

Second, due to a conflicting interpretation of the Trade Secrets Act, several years ago CBP ceased sharing with U.S. companies, for verification purposes, the images and samples of suspected counterfeit products they detained.

The effort to rectify this situation began to bear fruit in December 2012. At that time, a section in Rep. Kevin Brady’s proposed Customs Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Act would permit CBP, with conditions, to “provide to the owner of a copyright or a registered mark…to assist [CBP] in determining whether the merchandise, packaging, or packing material infringes the copyright or bears

or consists of a counterfeit mark of the registered mark.”

The following spring, NEMA General Counsel Clark Silcox testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance in support of a similar provision included in the Senate version of the bill. Mr. Silcox cited in particular that labeling of some counterfeit products can successfully simulate the labeling on a genuine product. Thus, it can be difficult to tell the difference by visual inspection.

“There are situations where it can be very difficult for a [CBP] port official to determine whether a suspect product is genuine or counterfeit,” he told the committee. “A look under the hood, so to speak, may be required.” Sharing and inspection of product samples by CBP, not just photographs, can be essential.

While NEMA continued its education effort on the Hill, the vital information-sharing provision waited for pent-up demand for trade legislation to build until the 114th Congress in 2015. Open consideration of the bill in the House and Senate began in the spring, but final

compromise and passage was not secured until this year.

Section 302, “Exchange of Information Related to Trade Enforcement,” authorizes CBP to share with rights holders images or samples of suspected merchandise prior to formal seizure by CBP, including any information appearing on the merchandise and its packaging and labels.

In an April meeting with manufacturers about the new law, Michael Walsh, Director of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy and Programs for CBP (an agency of the Department of Homeland Security), explained several additional provisions that will help CBP cooperate with legitimate traders to catch illegal trade. These include better coordination among CBP experts organized in virtual centers and with the National Intellectual Property Rights Center, as well as creation of a joint strategic plan for IPR enforcement. ei

Craig Updyke, Director, Trade and Commercial Affairs, NEMA |

craig.updyke@nema.org

NEMA PAC—your industry’s voice

The NEMA Political Action Committee (NEMA PAC) is a key component of our industry’s policy advocacy.

Through NEMA PAC, industry leaders pool resources to support House and Senate candidates who

• champion issues for the electrical equipment and medical imaging industries and

• demonstrate a record of support for public policy issues impacting our industry.

NEMA PAC is bipartisan. Formed in 1998, it is the only entity that focuses exclusively on candidates that impact the electrical equipment and medical imaging industries.

Make a difference in how public policy

is shaped To learn more about NEMA PAC, visit www.nema.org/NEMA-PAC

nemaPAC-4.9167x3.25.indd 1 4/20/2016 4:55:20 PM NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 7

Government Relations Update

Ű Advocating for Safer Lithium Coin Batteries Lithium coin batteries are ubiquitous in today’s consumer-centric America. Everything from your wrist watch to your garage door opener—not to mention the seemingly endless variety of electronic toys for grown-ups and kids alike—might run on coin cells. The number grows each year—a good trend for the consumer whose life is becoming more integrated with (and dare I say dependent on?) portable electronic devices.

Lithium coin batteries come in various sizes. More than 95 percent measure 20 mm, which is a little smaller than a quarter, fitting nicely into smaller electronics devices. While an advantage in some applications, the smaller size poses a hazard for young children who put them in their mouths. When swallowed, the cells usually pass through the digestive

tract without incident. Occasionally, however, the lithium coin batteries can lodge in the esophagus. In as little as 30 minutes, the battery voltage begins to break down water molecules in the saliva, leading to a high pH substance formation that can damage esophageal tissue.

From the time when NEMA member companies became aware of the hazard, they engaged in a five-pronged approach to mitigate lithium coin ingestion: education/outreach, battery compartment design, warning copy, packaging, and battery design. Thanks in part to these efforts, the number of reported incidents has decreased since 2010, even as the number of coin cells distributed dramatically increased over the same period.

Over the last 18 months, NEMA members have been involved in revising the industry standard for lithium battery safety to include labeling and packaging requirements. As part of this, NEMA developed a new icon that will appear on the blister card and will be engraved on lithium coin batteries. It will more clearly convey (to supervising adults) the presence of an ingestion hazard for children.

As an American consumer, I certainly appreciate the effort and innovation that went into developing lithium coin cell technology. But as an American parent, I appreciate even more the industry efforts to make the batteries safer. ei

Jonathan Stewart, Government Relations Manager, NEMA | jonathan.stewart@nema.org

NEMA Ad 0516_ol.indd 1 4/11/16 3:19 PM

8 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Government Relations Update

Over the past decade, utilities throughout the United States have been installing smart metering networks to automate the collection of energy

and water usage data. Thus far, these smart meter networks have succeeded primarily in reducing costs, increasing efficiencies, and improving customer service. They have not yet provided a robust, intelligent technology platform to enable a broader array of applications to improve the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the power grid.

Greatly increased affordability of computing power for edge devices, coupled with significant advancements in software-defined communications and the evolution of standards-based network architecture, has redefined what is possible for many grid operations–use cases.

By combining these technology attributes in a unified platform, significant improvements in grid operations can be achieved, substantially increasing the return on investment for smart metering technology and network infrastructure. This includes using smart meters as advanced grid sensors to identify potentially unsafe grid conditions that until now have been very difficult to detect in either a practical or cost-effective way.

Stopping Hot Spots Cold According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year, nearly 500 deaths, more than 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage in the U.S. Specifically, arc faults are responsible for starting more than 28,000 home fires, killing and injuring hundreds of people, and causing over $700 million in property damage in the U.S. alone.

Electrical fires have numerous causes, most of which are beyond a utility’s ability to address. But what does keep utility personnel awake at night is the safety concerns associated with high-impedance connections (HICs) on their distribution networks. HICs or “hot spots” on the low-voltage distribution system or at the customer premise represent an ongoing safety risk and contributor to these statistics, while also causing customer voltage problems, equipment damage, and utility energy losses.

Smart Meters Graduate to Intelligent Sensors in Brave, New, Interconnected World

tim Wolf, director of marketing, smart grid solutions, Itron Inc.

Grid Safety:

Using smart meters as advanced grid sensors can identify unsafe conditions such as hot spots, theft, and outages.

By continuously analyzing changes in electricity current flows and voltage levels in the distribution network, utilities can quickly respond to potential safety hazards. Photos courtesy of Itron

10 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Even with current smart metering technology, detecting energy theft can be an inefficient and laborious exercise of analyzing meter alarms and historical data from disparate systems and drawing inferences about where diversion may be taking place. With distributed intelligence added to the mix, diversion detection is now based on real time; continuous and localized analysis of changes in electricity current flows and voltage levels in the distribution network quickly distinguish legitimate metered loads from theft.

This results in a 300-percent increase in the accuracy and reliability of energy theft detection, meaning that utilities can dispatch field personnel more quickly and effectively to not only recover lost revenue but also quickly respond to potential safety hazards on their grid.

Like energy theft detection, the current state of outage detection with the smart metering network is still an inferential exercise based on how many affected meters can successfully transmit “last-gasp” outage messages over the network, how many of those reach the utility, and the filtering and analysis continues from there. This process is still hampered by lack of an accurate connectivity model that associates meters and distribution system assets.

By combining locational awareness on the grid with peer-to-peer communications at the edge of the network, a new generation of smart meters systematically and continually evaluates the status of nearby meters and devices to quickly localize outage events and report reliable and actionable information back to the utility in near-real time. This includes the scale and location of the outage and affected meters and transformers, accelerating outage detection and analysis by 50 percent or more.

These are just some of the use cases now possible to improve grid efficiency, safety, and reliability with a next-generation distributed computing platform. With an open application environment, the platform drives energy management innovation from a broad ecosystem of technology providers. The potential of this platform, operating on a multi-application network, only increases as the smart grid and smart cities markets converge in this brave, new IoT world. ei

Mr. Wolf is responsible for marketing and communications for Itron’s global electricity and smart grid businesses. He is a regular presenter at industry conferences and writer in the industry trade press.

An HIC is simply a poor electrical connection that can be created when splicing, tapping, or connecting wires; when foliage touches a line; or when a conductor or powerline fails.

When current is drawn through an HIC, heating occurs due to increased resistance, and voltage drops across the connection. As heating continues, the connection is further degraded, and this causes energy losses and the HIC to worsen over time. Symptoms start as voltage problems but can deteriorate to power outages and fires. Until now, there has been no practical way for utilities to identify and resolve these issues until they become more serious, with voltage problems, a downed conductor, or even a fire.

So how does this new generation of smart metering technology address this important safety issue? The combination of distributed computing power and new communications capabilities in meters and edge devices provides a practical and cost-effective solution for utilities to identify these losses, voltage anomalies, and potential safety issues before they become a safety hazard or a costly liability.

By continually analyzing high-resolution data about current flows and voltage in the local distribution system and communicating with neighboring meters through peer-to-peer communications to “compare notes,” this new generation of smart meters can continually and ubiquitously calculate and monitor impedance and quickly notify the utility of the presence and location of HICs.

This new generation of smart meters and grid edge devices are smart enough to know exactly where they are on the utility distribution system in relation to transformers, phases, feeders, and other devices. This location-awareness capability opens up an entirely new frontier of smart grid–use cases that were previously hobbled by the lack of a continually accurate connectivity model.

Is this technology a panacea for preventing electrical fires in the home or business? No, but by using a new generation of smart meters as intelligent grid sensors, capable of analyzing lots of data in real time at the edge of the network and taking action, utilities have a powerful new tool for addressing one safety issue that has not, thus far, been easy or cost-effective to solve.

Spotting Theft, Outages in Real TimeHot-spot detection is just one use case related to grid and public safety. Power outages and theft of electricity have a significant financial impact on utilities, businesses, and consumers, representing hundreds of billions of dollars in lost revenue and economic productivity worldwide. Both also present safety challenges for utilities and the public. Electricity theft creates a dangerous environment for perpetrators, utility personnel, and the public alike, while power outages bring forth both direct and indirect public safety issues. So it’s in everyone’s interest to reduce energy theft and the frequency and duration of power outages.

By combining locational awareness on the grid with peer-to-peer communications at the edge of the

network, a new generation of smart meters...report reliable and actionable information back to the utility

in near-real time.

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 11

ElEvATINgSAFETy

Taking the Temperature of SafetyOne method of self-checking a connection would be to take its temperature. Current-carrying connections can loosen the rough surface of the conductor. As parts loosen, relatively fewer peaks touch each other. Since connection resistance is proportional to the area over which the current passes, the resistance of the junction rises. Since energy loss through resistance is proportional to the resistance, the heating of that connection increases. See figure 1.

While this resistance does increase, however, it is still a small fraction of the total circuit resistance that is nearly imperceptible at the source. With such a small increase in series resistance, total load current does not decrease. This same magnitude of current flowing through a higher resistance creates more voltage drop and more heat; it is this heat that can be detected.

If allowed to persist, heating at the point of contact between conductors can rise above the boiling point of the metal and the metal will vaporize, further degrading the connection by reducing the surface area of contact further. The full load current then flows through this high temperature, and ionized gas forms an arc. Because arc temperatures far exceed the boiling point of any known material, destruction of the connectors accelerates as remaining contact material vaporizes.

Adding ProtectionOne solution to this problem might be to detect the temperature rise within an outlet. UL places limits on these temperatures and they can be monitored. If these limits were approached or exceeded, that could indicate a developing failure mechanism within the wiring device.

The cost to add any technology must be scrutinized to be sure there are not any less costly ways of providing the same protection. But the cost to include temperature protection would not need to be excessive. In fact, since the conductors used inside wiring devices are excellent thermal conductors as well as electrical conductors, careful placement of a temperature sensor might allow it to detect problems on either end of the conductor. This would allow a single sensor to detect loosening at any point along the conductor. Protecting the hot and the neutral would require two sensors.

The cost of microprocessors, temperature sensors, and electronic current sensors has decreased dramatically in the last 10 to 15 years. While much

attention has been focused on using microprocessors to connect devices to a network, many of the use cases for residential device communication have focused more on lifestyle or convenience and perhaps less on human safety or property preservation. Having a washing machine email a user when a load is done only begins to hint at the safety potential that a smarter device could provide.

Consider the home electrical safety systems built around circuit breakers, ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), and wiring devices that, today, largely do not examine the quality of the connections made to them. Here is what could happen if connections were able to self-check:

• Wiring devices could detect an improperly loose or otherwise damaged plug and alert or even trip the load off. By identifying this problem, overheating connections that degrade to the point of causing a fire could be prevented. An alerting device could provide the additional benefit of allowing the user to take action to mitigate the failure of the circuit.

• Internal behind-the-wall connections to the wiring device could be monitored for loose or loosening connections. Technology exists to detect problems even before arcing begins, providing even earlier detection of problems than that provided by standard AFCI systems. Detecting a problem before an arc occurs also has benefits for applications installed near combustible or explosive atmospheres.

Intelligent Devices Enhance Safety, Property dave loucks, phd, manager, application & advanced system engineering, eaton

Figure 1 Metal-to-metal connections showing surface roughness reducing the contact surface area

Figure 2 Loose connection at wiring device resulted in overheating of the terminal.

12 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Going further, a control circuit within the outlet could be added to alert appropriate personnel by suitable means of the impending problem that would be leading to imminent tripping of the load. For medical or food storage applications, the benefits of this additional technology are clear.

These application ideas only scratch the surface of the potential safety and property preservation benefits that a more intelligent circuit-protective device could provide. Electrical distribution system components are now at the threshold of providing these and even more exciting safety features. ei

Dr. Loucks, a senior member of IEEE, is a registered professional engineer and Certified Energy Manager®.

Another justification for this technology is evident in severe duty environments. Wiring devices can face accelerated degradation and shortened life if they are subject to severe service, e.g., environmental contaminants, repeated use, or even damaged plugs. Since remaining life is a function of the environment, it may not be easily determined based on numbers of uses. If, for example, a plug was repeatedly inserted and withdrawn from an outlet, the number of operations could be used as a proxy for remaining life. However, if a plug covered with abrasive debris were repeated inserted into an outlet, the wear on the surfaces would be accelerated. In this case, it would be more difficult to predict end of life based solely on the number plugging operations.

Using a temperature-protected wiring device could provide additional protection against accelerated degradation and prevent unsafe operation of a device beyond its end of life. The uncertainty related to holding force could be reduced if the outlet were self-protecting.

Figure 3 GFCI burned at face-load side due to loose plug retention (past end of life)

Figure 4 Thermal protection in outlet could detect loose connections.

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ElEvATINgSAFETy

communications and middleware portfolio allows for quicker adoption by HDO users and satisfaction by patients.

Optimizing WorkflowTo optimize workflow at the point of care, here are some specific areas that the HDO needs to consider:

• Linking mission critical systems with mobile communication: A few minutes can be all the difference for the chance of survival, recovery time, and length of stay in an acute care setting.

• Connecting the patient to the caregiver: Enterprise-class, onsite wireless communication and messaging systems are widely known to effectively optimize staff workflow and enhance staff/patient communications and satisfaction.

• Clinical systems integration: Wireless communications enable automatically notification when lab results are ready.

• Medical technical alarms: Nurse-call systems that are combined with wireless communication solutions can speed up response times to alarms from medical monitoring equipment.

• Personal safety: With a fully implemented distributed alarm system, the initiator of a personal safety alarm can even know that somebody has received it and will respond.

With the increase in patient care needs, clinical staffing challenges, and rising costs of care delivery, there is pressure on healthcare delivery

organizations to rely on technology solutions to help efficiently deliver care. In the modern healthcare environment, an optimized workflow allows caregivers to respond faster to dynamic demands at the point of care and to make decisions more efficiently.

Figure 1 depicts a simplified perspective of the various systems that are typically found in today’s healthcare delivery organization (HDO) ecosphere. These and other systems can be integrated to operate with each other to varying degrees. Some systems can be provided by a single-source manufacturer (e.g., nurse call, wireless communicators, and middleware), or all systems can be provided individually and then integrated by either HDO IT staff or by a contracted third-party systems integrator.

Whichever way the system is delivered and integrated, the challenges of eliminating or significantly reducing the risks associated with interoperability hazards reside primarily with the interfaces between all systems and the cooperation among source providers, including those who provide integration services. Therefore, to achieve and implement the most effective and optimized healthcare delivery environment, the HDO must be an educated consumer and user of all IT technologies with which they are investing.

To optimize workflow at the point of care, the HDO must naturally look into maximizing the potential of all healthcare delivery resources and investments. It begins with input from a cross-section of HDO staff, whose feedback forms a critical part of the process. Their feedback can drive innovations to nurse call system functionality, messaging middleware, and wireless voice and messaging devices where product design can be focused on creating efficient workflows. The overall goal is to provide the safest and most effective patient care solution possible.

From a nurse call, middleware, and wireless communications perspective, simplifying the healthcare delivery process means that nurse staff stations, staff consoles, and wireless devices need to perform in unison and have a consistent user interface. A system with a common look and feel across the entire nurse call

Dynamic Healthcare Communications Begin with Optimized Workflow

dan deHanes, global product compliance, codes, and standards leader, ascom Wireless solutions

Ascom Wireless solutions is a member of the NEMA Business Innovation Council.

An enterprise-class, onsite wireless communication and messaging system is an ideal solution for healthcare delivery organizations. Photo courtesy of Ascom Wireless Solutions

14 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Figure 1: Interoperable healthcare communication system ecosphere

• Systems and facility technical alarms: For staff involved with facilities management or maintenance, a wireless communication system enables quicker response to technical alarms such as low or faulted battery at medical electrical equipment.

All of these concerns have one common denominator: an alarm event or workflow request can be directed to a specific point of care attendant, while effectively addressing and eliminating the ever-present and growing problem of alarm fatigue.

Standardizing ComplianceIn addition to being an educated consumer and user of IT technologies, the HDO must also be compliant with all governing regulations and codes. While a large number of standards exists that effectively address user and electrical safety hazards and risks, there is no single standard that pulls together all safety concerns or defines a singular consensus method for compliance. Nevertheless, it remains the responsibility of the HDO to effectively implement, manage, and place into service all systems that are integrated to interoperate with each other.

A good place for the HDO to start is with ANSI/AAMI/IEC 80001-1 Application of risk management for IT Networks incorporating medical devices —Part 1: Roles, responsibilities and activities. This standard addresses the risk management practices that need to be followed by the HDO to ensure clinical IT ecosphere safety, effectiveness, and data and system security.

NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code defines requirements for a listed nurse call system and integrated wireless communications system. This code is most often referred to in state codes, either

in whole or in part, or may even be extrapolated or adopted directly into code legislation. An installed nurse call system in Category 1 and 2 facilities (i.e., acute care and nursing homes, respectively) must be NRTL-listed to ANSI/UL 1069 Safety Standard for Hospital Signaling and Nurse Call Equipment.

ANSI/IEC 80001-2-5 Guidance on Distributed Alarm Systems provides insight about the implementation and interface risks associated with interoperable hospital communication systems. An effective healthcare communication system that employs wireless communication technology should provide the architecture and operational capabilities described in this document. The HDO is well advised to apply its risk management requirements, especially those that apply to the interfaces between the described architectural elements.

The ANSI/IEC 60601 Medical Electrical Equipment and Systems family of standards addresses the safety requirements for medical electrical equipment and medical electrical systems that can be connected to patients, while the ANSI/IEC 60950 standard addresses the electrical safety requirements for information technology equipment that can be used for additional interoperable purposes.

Collectively, all of these codes, standards, and regulations serve to provide a highly effective structure toward guaranteeing safe and effective implementation and use of interoperable medical electrical systems and healthcare communication technologies. ei

Mr. DeHanes, Technical Committee Chair for the NEMA Hospital Communications Section, is also NEMA’s representative on the NFPA 99 Electrical Systems Technical Committee and a member of the ANSI/UL 1069 Standards Technical Panel.

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 15

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Proper ServicingOne way to avoid these problems is to certify that the people servicing medical imaging devices are properly trained and use reliable, compatible parts. There are several key components of proper servicing:

• Perform regular preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance helps to ensure optimal system performance and identify potential failures before they occur.

• Keep software up to date. Up-to-date software improves performance and reliability.

• Use proper parts. Parts that are sourced from qualified suppliers, meet all original equipment manufacturer’s requirements, and have the latest firmware revisions protect against system failure and injuries.

• Properly train service technicians. A good service technician is capable of proper installation and calibration of delicate and dangerous parts as well as proper maintenance and inspection.

Placing Personal Safety First Today, only manufacturers registered with the Food and Drug Administration are required to meet a clear set of regulations outlining an extensive quality management program intended to make certain that equipment operates safely and reliably. Otherwise, almost anyone could start a business servicing complex medical equipment with no formal training, quality program, or parts control system.

If you are boarding a flight, don’t you want the plane’s mechanics to have been properly trained? There’s no reason for complex, high-powered medical imaging devices to be held to a different standard. When you or a loved one has a medical scan, don’t you expect that the device has been maintained by properly trained personnel using appropriately sourced parts? Would you find it acceptable to be scanned by a device that has been maintained with no quality standards or regulations?

The MITA Service Committee is currently developing a standard that clearly outlines what must be included in a proper servicing program. The standard will help medical facilities understand what they need to require of their service providers to maintain safe and effective medical imaging devices. The goal is that all service providers meet the same standard to best ensure patient safety and device performance. We want to see the proper results every time a patient is imaged to provide an accurate and timely diagnosis. Such a program will protect the interests of both the patient and medical facility. ei

Mr. Nestel chairs the MITA Service Committee.

Over the past century, the miracle of medical imaging has allowed for previously impossible insights into the structure and function of the human body. Rapid advances in science and technology have given us some of the most complex medical devices ever invented.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging uses radiation emitted from thousands of pounds of complex electronics spinning around the human body at more than 60 mph. Ultrasound uses soundwaves generated by electronics which are pressed against the body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses high-powered electromagnets 7,500 times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field, immersed in cryogenic liquids to view soft tissue inside the human body. While these technologies are widely available and routinely prescribed, their operation and use is not to be taken lightly.

Rigorous training aimed at developing a nuanced understanding of these devices is critical for anyone opening them up for purposes of maintenance or service. Properly maintaining them requires a detailed understanding of each component as well as the overall function of the machine. Unfortunately, not all medical imaging devices are always properly serviced; this has potentially significant implications for patient safety and diagnostic efficacy.

What would happen if the transducer on an ultrasound machine were not properly calibrated? Or if the radiation calibration on a CT scanner were performed incorrectly? Or if the super-cooled liquids in an MRI weren’t properly vented? One can imagine the potential harm to patient or physician. Further, what if the image from the scan comes out blurry? Or if a lesion is missed because it is obscured by an incorrect part? This would mean more time and money spent getting tests for the patient or, worse, a missed diagnosis.

Get the Picture?Proper Servicing of Imaging Equipment Ensures Accurate and Safe Diagnoses

Jim nestel, manager service projects and Installations, Hitachi medical systems

16 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a development of the worldwide web in which everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to

send and receive data. The IoT becomes a network of devices, vehicles, buildings, and even people embedded with electronics, software, sensors/actuators, and network connectivity to enable these objects to collect and exchange data.

Each thing is uniquely identifiable through its embedded computing system and interoperable within the existing internet infrastructure. The IoT is expected to expand to 30 billion objects by 2020. For homes, smart systems can deliver significant benefits, including improved security, safety, convenience, efficiency, and financial savings.

Connecting Home to Health For security, a connected system can detect and prevent break-ins by simulating occupancy with pre-programmed or random light-switching sequences or sounds, such as a simulated barking dog that moves from room to room when the system

detects motion on the property. A plug-load controller can even detect when an expensive appliance is unplugged and report it to the owner through the internet.

Networked receptacles and circuit breakers can provide accurate electrical fault coverage and predict—and prevent—fires. Monitoring furnace fan motor and pool pump current can detect clogged filters to help keep air and water quality high.

This same network can prevent fires and shocks, monitor health, provide early warnings, deliver better and faster healthcare (especially in remote areas), monitor family activities when homeowners are away, and monitor senior relatives for health emergencies. In all these areas, the IoT can predict problems, rather than just detect them.

By monitoring and logging health indicators such as blood pressure and quality, heart rate, sleep patterns, and diet, major health degradation can be predicted to enable prevention. Monitoring can reveal aberrations from normal behavior of senior evening activities such as TV viewing, night-time activities such as lights, and morning activities such as using a coffeemaker.

Creating a Safer, Connected Home with the Internet of Things

steve montgomery, chief Operating Officer of 2d2c, Inc, and chairman, nema Internet of things council

NEMA@HOME 1 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

NEMA@HOME

Improving EfficiencyIn many cases, a smart residential system can pay for itself. A homeowner can save money on insurance premiums for homes equipped with water-leak detection, fire prevention, and unattended stove shut-off systems. Home energy management can minimize energy consumption by appliances and environmental control systems by adjusting or shutting them off when not needed. Owners of rental properties can remotely give door access to new tenants and automatically turn off air conditioning, entertainment systems, and spa pumps.

The IoT can extend the life of appliances through power quality monitoring and protection. For example, it can use lightning

forecasts to switch off power feeds to appliances

before electrical surges cause damage. Modern home systems can control lights, shut off appliances, set music, or even do research by cellphone apps, from an internet browser, or by voice commands.

Networked light switches and receptacles enable remote control of lights in a dark house. Excess current in appliance motors can indicate bad motor bearings while they are still repairable. Appliances can be scheduled to

shorten the time needed to get ready for work or

to prepare a meal. Smart appliances or smart receptacles can provide predictive maintenance and energy comparisons of fan motors, pumps, white appliances, and home theatre systems, and they can even estimate the payback from purchasing new energy-efficient appliances.

Balancing Efficiency with Practicality Some manufacturers are embedding internet connectivity into high-end models of white appliances to achieve some of these benefits. Smart devices may consume more energy to operate because of the communication port. Since networked models cost substantially more than traditional ones, and considering the extraordinarily low-cost design requirements of smaller appliances, we may never see smart controls on desk lamps, portable kitchen appliances, space heaters, or electric tools.

The connected approach has risks. Cloud data storage and communication portals depend on the reliability of the internet connection. In some locations, the internet may be getting faster but less reliable due to cost-cutting measures such as wireless line sharing. A connected system should store decision criteria and load control schedules in a gateway inside the home and should have alternative communication access to the internet.

Network access security is important too. Quick smart product development requirements often sideline system security and longevity issues. For example, if you use the same network for your personal computing and your automated monitoring and control system, then a hacker can potentially gather passwords to your bank accounts by sneaking onto your network. Some smart home area networks, such as ZigBee’s Smart Energy Profile, use military-grade encryption and will only allow communication between pre-registered network node addresses to create high security.

Trading Benefits and WeaknessesSensors provide data about motion, occupancy, glass breakage, door and window openings, water leaks, light intensity, temperature, energy consumption, camera, and even appliance plug insertion or removal. Controllers turn power on and off or adjust settings on appliances, furnaces, air conditioners, space heaters, fans, pool pumps, water heaters, lighting, home theatres, music, motorized blinds, door locks, and plug loads.

To be deemed intelligent, an appliance’s sensors and controllers should use internet protocol communication. Most computers use internet protocol version 4 (IPv4), but IPv4 has run out of addresses. Its 32-bit address field only allowed four billion nodes. The new IPv6 uses 128 bit addressing, which can support many more addresses (1038, or more than a billion times a billion times a billion more addresses than IPv4). Ethernet and ZigBee now support IPv6.

Most smart home systems currently connect to the internet through an existing Ethernet network and a router. Nevertheless, inside the home, the system may use many different communication hardware and protocols, including WiFi, ZigBee, Zwave, Bluetooth Low Energy, EnOcean, RFID, Near Field Communication, and proprietary communications. These different sub-networks each trade off benefits versus weaknesses, such as low energy in exchange for low bandwidth.

The best intelligent home systems choose the best communication method for each application. ei

Mr. Montgomery dedicates much of his work to improving electrical safety and has helped write several electrical safety standards for UL and CSA, serves on the Canadian Board of Directors for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, and was one of the inventors of Out-of-Parameter Circuit Interrupters.

2 NEMA@HOMENEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Electric Vehicle Charging Comes Homecharles Botsford, pe, chemical engineer, aeroVironment

Of all the places to charge your electric vehicle (EV), your home is one of the most important. Home charging is called the 80-percent solution,

which means that EV manufacturers and others estimate that 80 percent of all EV charging occurs at home. The next-most-important place to charge is where you work; public charging takes up the rest of the slack.

EV supply equipment (EVSE) comes in Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V). The charger that comes in the trunk of an EV is Level 1, although that may change to a dual Level 1/Level 2 charger. A Level 1 charger is plugged into a 120V garage wall outlet. Since it will be charging at a rate of about a 1kW, it will take all night (and then some) to charge your EV.

Level 2 EVSE, on the other hand, charges much faster (typically 3 to 4 hours), depending how many miles were driven. Level 2 EVSE usually requires an electrician-installed, dedicated circuit breaker on a line that runs from the house panel to the garage. Not to worry—this is now very common for electricians and city planning departments (a permit is required). With a Level 2 EVSE, charge time can be cut by a factor of three for a 16A EVSE or a factor of five for a 30A EVSE.

Residential EVSE have been non-networked up until now. That means you just plug in the EV and it starts charging. It also means you don’t have access to data, charge scheduling, or tracking of electric utility rates. However, EVSE is being introduced that can track kilowatt hours used, monitor utility rates, schedule charging to get the best rate, and make sure your EV is charged in the morning when you wake up.

That you are able to monitor and potentially control how you charge your EV can enormously benefit the grid. It also enables solar and wind power generation to integrate with traditional power plants much more easily and effectively.

One new benefit coming to EV residents in California and Oregon is carbon credits through the states’ Low Carbon Fuel Standards (LCFS) programs. Driving an EV means lowering your carbon footprint. In California, the utilities take the residential credits and transfer that benefit back to the resident. ei

Mr. Botsford is a chemical engineer with a wide range of experience relative to electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, power electronics, oil refining, and air quality issues.

Prototype shown in home garage simulation. The pictures are residential EVSE from a California Energy Commission program, which funded the supply and installation of Level 2 EVSE.

NEMA@HOME 3 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

NEMA@HOME

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The next step for the committee was to roll out a pilot program, hosted in December at Montclair State University in New Jersey. The final product will be fine-tuned using feedback from that program.. Approximately 40 officials from campus, municipal, and industry affiliations across the Mid-Atlantic attended. The response was very positive, with attendees indicating that there is a true need for this type of training. It leads trainees to better understand the benefits and necessity of effective communications during fire and non-fire emergencies.

The committee continues to meet to apply lessons learned and further improve quality and content. The committee, which agrees on the need for more training opportunities, hopes to continue the partnership between NEMA and CCFS to offer this important training program in 2016 and beyond. Stay tuned for more details.

Many industry leaders support the MNS committee, including Richard Roberts, Dan Finnegan, Maria Marks, Rodger Reiswig, Susan Adam, Fred Santos, and Wayne Moore. CCFS board member Tim Knisely manages the project, with support from Cathy Tabor (CCFS Director of Marketing and Communications) and Bobby Ferrara (CCFS member) of Montclair State University.

Mr. Knisely is a director and project manager for the Center for Campus Fire Safety in Newburyport, Massachusetts. He has worked in fire code enforcement and life safety education for 20 years, and emergency services for more than 30 years.

In 2015, NEMA and the Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) collaborated to establish an informational training program that combined mass

notification systems (MNS) and fire-safety training for college and university officials. The overall goal of the partnership is to develop and deliver a free training program in the major college markets across the country. The objectives include raising the awareness of campus personnel and providing resources for them to improve or create customized systems and programs.

Once the MNS committee identified its tasks, members spent a great deal of time developing individual presentations and confirming that the content was appropriate for the intended audience. The program was designed as two half-day sessions that start with an introduction to MNS and the evolution of MNS in the code development process, followed by the history, purpose, and fundamentals of MNS.

The afternoon session offers a glimpse into the CCFS Fire-Smart Campus training, which includes a roadmap for creating a campus fire-safety program, as well as guidelines for building partnerships. The program strongly emphasizes methods that encourage all stakeholders (i.e., administrators, parents, landlords, students, and staff) to act as a team to overcome common problems and obstacles and to improve fire safety.

Mass Notification + Fire Safety Training = Aware Campuses

tim Knisely, senior fire Inspector, centre council of governments

College officials learned the benefits of combined mass notification systems and fire-safety training in a one-day pilot program at Montclair State University. Photo by Susan Adams, Honeywell

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 17

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17 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

New Designation Facilitates Mass Notification denise l. pappas, executive director, technical standards, Valcom, Inc.

gordon Bailey, director, engineering services, Valcom, Inc.

Changes to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) code on fire alarms reflect a movement in the fire alarm world that acknowledges

the evolving role of technology. In 2010, NFPA changed the name of NFPA 72 from National Fire Alarm Code to National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. The change reflects significant changes and expansion in the 2010 edition.

NFPA technical committees reordered chapters of NFPA 72 into logical sections that allow for future expansion and added chapter 24, “Emergency Communication Systems,” to detail what is required when a mass notification system is able to override an active fire alarm signal. While permitted, this override capability can only be used after a complete risk assessment of the site has been completed.

This change is seen in this section of NFPA 72, 2010 edition:

24.4.1.7.2. When the fire alarm system has been activated, and mass notification has been given priority over the fire alarm system, a distinctive audible and visible indication shall be provided at the building fire alarm control unit.

As the need for mass notification grew along with building system convergence, NFPA committees struggled with how to include Ethernet as a viable pathway option. Some committee members made attempts but failed during the 2013 code-making process. The majority had concerns with reliability and survivability of this type of pathway.

After 2013, NFPA formed the Correlating Committee Task Group to develop a way to use Ethernet. This group included members from large-scale public infrastructure, fire alarm companies, engineering consultants, mass notification system manufacturers, end users, Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI), and UL. As a result of their efforts, the new pathway designation of Class N was introduced into the 2016 Code.

Pathfinding Class NWhat constitutes a Class N pathway? Class N is different from the other class pathway designations in a number of ways. The old pathway designations (Class A, B, and X) presumed a pair of wires looped to multiple devices in parallel, a two-wire circuit.

According to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72, a Class N pathway is as defined below.

12.3.6 Class N. A pathway shall be designated as Class N when it performs as follows:

(1) It includes two or more pathways where operational capability of the primary pathway and a redundant pathway to each device shall be verified through end-to-end communication.

Exception: When only one device is served, only one pathway shall be required.

18 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Network infrastructure, i.e., components that make up a Class N network, are not defined as “devices” by NFPA. They are considered transport equipment (e.g., switches, routers, and hubs) and do not require the specific supervision required for Class N endpoint devices. General supervision is provided, as they are part of the end-to-end supervision to the Class N endpoint devices. Backup power is required for all Class N network transport equipment used for life safety and, of course, for Class N devices.

As stated, a redundant pathway is not required where a Class N endpoint device encompasses only one device or appliance. On the other hand, if an endpoint services more than one device or appliance downstream, it is required to have a redundant pathway. The exception to this rule is illustrated in figure 2 by the dotted line. Redundant pathways are not required inside an enclosure or raceway within 20 feet in the same room.

Figure 2 Redundant Pathways

Other considerations for Class N pathways are physical separation of redundant pathways and pathway survivability levels. Class A and X are required to have their redundant paths supervised. Class N does not require physical separation of redundant pathways, but local codes, design specifications, or the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) may require it. Pathway survivability levels are defined in NFPA 72, section 12.4. Requirements are typically agreed upon by the design professional and the AHJ for the specific project.

As the convergence of technology continues, Class N pathway designations will evolve over the next several code cycles. Always consult your local AHJ and system designer when implementing any fire alarm system or mass notification system/emergency communication system. ei

Ms. Pappas serves on NFPA 72, 101, 5000 Technical Committees; NFPA 99 Correlating Committee, BICSI ESS Committee; BICSI Wireless Standard Subcommittee Chair; and ICC Technical Committee. She is a published author and JMT-certified speaker.

Mr. Bailey has spent more than 30 years in the telecommunications industry, designing and installing overhead paging and sound systems.

(2) A loss of intended communications between endpoints shall be annunciated as a trouble signal.

(3) A single open, ground, short, or combination of faults on one pathway shall not affect any other pathway.

(4) Conditions that affect the operation of the primary pathway(s) and redundant pathways(s) shall be annunciated as a trouble signal when the system’s minimal operational requirements cannot be met.

(5) Primary and redundant pathways shall not be permitted to share traffic over the same physical segment.

The Class N pathway opens up the opportunity to safely and reliably use modem network architectures for control units and devices, such as smoke detectors, strobes, pull stations, speakers, audio amplifiers, and digital signage. It offers a way to converge mass notification systems with fire alarm systems to form an emergency communication system.

Choosing the Right TechnologyNFPA 72 defines the requirements for Class N and allows designers to choose the technology and techniques required to comply with those requirements. A basic Class N application is depicted in figure 1.

Figure 1 Class N Pathway

The main control unit on the left could be a fire alarm control unit, autonomous control unit (for mass notification systems), or emergency communications control unit (see NFPA 72, chapter 24.) In this figure, there is a note to reference the supervision exception in the code for the 20-foot maximum inside a protected enclosure or raceway. This means that where the control unit is in the same room (and protected by conduit, raceway, or enclosure) as the network switch, it does not require a redundant network pathway to it. Redundant pathways are shown between switch 1 and switch 2 but only one path is shown between switch 2 and the endpoint devices. This illustrates that when a section of Class N pathway services or controls only one endpoint device, a redundant pathway is not required.

ElEvATINgSAFETy

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 19

Code-adoption advocacy is channeled through the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported solely by property insurers and reinsurers. It is critical to the industry that codes and standards are adopted and enforced, as written, without any amendments that reduce safety requirements.

A program developed by the Insurance Services Office, which promotes best practices in code adoption and enforcement, is the Building Code Effectiveness Grading Scale (BCEGS). This program evaluates building codes in effect in a particular community and how the community enforces those codes. The BCEGS community insurance rating can reduce insurance premiums for property owners up to 25 percent. It can also result in substantial discounts on premiums for flood insurance policies under the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) uses BCEGS ratings to determine disaster recovery funding. Today, more than 20,800 communities participate in the BCEGS program, covering 87 percent of the U.S. population. Increased property and flood insurance premiums, along with decreased FEMA disaster recovery funding, can serve as a huge deterrent for a jurisdiction to delay adoption of construction codes or to implement code amendments that reduce the electrical and fire safety.

Another insurance industry program related to electrical safety is the “increased cost of compliance” or “law and ordinance” coverage offered to policyholders in homes and buildings more than five years old. In the event that a claim is filed to repair or rebuild a covered property, the increased cost of compliance or law and ordinance coverage will pay for electrical equipment and system upgrades necessary to meet the most recently published NEC and other electrical and alarm standards.

The insurance industry remains an essential partner of the electroindustry in its endeavor to promote electrical safety. With the availability of insurance to cover increased costs of compliance with newer construction codes, home and business owners can bring their properties to the most current electrical safety standards when repairs or rebuilding occurs. ei

Mr. Holland (bryan.holland@nema.org) has 20 years of experience in the electrical industry and has been a NEMA field representative since 2014.

One sentence in the foreword to the 2015 edition of NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace posits, “It can be debated that all of the

requirements of the [National Electrical Code®], when traced through a chain of events, relate to an electrical hazard.”

This is likely true for every code and standard developed for the manufacture and installation of electrical and alarm products. Therefore, it can be deduced that electrical and alarm products manufactured and installed in compliance with an applicable code and standard significantly reduce or eliminate potential hazards from the use of electricity to persons and property.

The insurance industry’s involvement in the development and promulgation of electrical and alarm codes and standards dates back to the beginning of the electroindustry. In 1881, C.J.H. Woodbury of Factory Mutual Insurance reported at a meeting with the New York Board of Fire Underwriters that “there were 65 installations of electrical light in the mills insured by the Manufacturers’ Mutual Insurance Companies of New England, which were followed by 23 fires in six months, presenting a most hazardous and alarming condition of affairs.”

This meeting led to the publication of the first set of adopted rules for the installation of electrical systems by a local jurisdiction. That was October 19, 1881. Nearly 135 years later, the insurance industry still plays a major role in electrical safety.

Investing in Compliance The insurance industry has representatives on committees at all levels of codes and standards development, including NFPA code-making panels, UL standard technical panels, and International Code Council development committees. Many states and local jurisdictions also have insurance industry positions on their code councils. The industry also serves as a major source of information and guidance to legislators and local policymakers in the development of laws and rules that regulate construction.

The insurance industry has a vested interest in the property it covers, thus ensuring that electrical and alarm systems comply with the most recently published editions of applicable codes. This is achieved through the industry’s endorsement of and support for the Coalition for Current Safety Codes and the three-year code adoption cycle.

Insurance Industry Promotes Best Practices in Code Adoption and Enforcement

Bryan p. Holland, southern region field representative, nema

20 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

What is it like working during major storms?

A: Mississippi is prone to flooding, hurricanes, and tornadoes. During a recent storm, there were multiple tornadoes, and we worked from 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. in wet and windy conditions. I was part of a team that worked over the Christmas holiday to help a neighboring utility restore power after tornadoes ravaged the region. While restoring power during the storm, it’s critical to listen for generators and to make sure a transfer switch is installed before we work on the line. Despite our warnings to residents to use transfer switches, people don’t follow our instructions. We could be electrocuted if we aren’t careful.

How do you mitigate the danger?

A: It is important to be as observant as possible. Job briefings are critical to address the hazards, weather conditions, and traffic in the area. I constantly observe the crew to make sure everyone wears the proper personal protective equipment and that there are no changes that could be a distraction. Everyone should strive to not make mistakes at work, but a mistake in our profession could be a matter of life and death.

Why did you become a lineman?

A: I wanted a career I could take pride in. My coworkers and I take great pride in seeing our hard work on display as we look at the power infrastructure. I began as an electrician, working residential and industrial low-voltage for five years. I learned about Coast Electric’s lineman program and thought it was a perfect next step, so I began taking night classes and working toward my Electrical Utility Technology degree. As part of the course of study, I earned many certificates, including emergency medical response and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, in addition to hands-on training and coursework. Naturally, I had extensive safety trainings on job site safety, underground and overhead installations, and mechanical equipment.

The electrical industry is constantly evolving, from telecommunications to power distribution. Just as we have to be adaptable in our day-to-day roles, we have to adapt to grid modernizations. We recently cut a ribbon on a new solar power generation facility, so we are about experience firsthand how this renewable energy will impact the future of power distribution. ei

Ms. Chavanne (julie.chavanne@esfi.org) promotes ESFI through media relations, marketing, public relations, and communications.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, electrical power line installers and repairers are ranked as the ninth-deadliest occupation

in the United States. This distinction should come as no surprise given the inherent danger of the job.

Being fearless is an unwritten job requirement for utility linemen. In 2013, the U.S. Senate heralded these otherwise unsung heroes by declaring April 18 National Lineman Appreciation Day. To better understand the people who work tirelessly to provide us with power, we spoke with Josh Ulrich, a lineman for Coast Electric Power Association in Mississippi since 2004. Recognized among colleagues as a high performer, he was recently promoted to foreman.

How do you cope with various weather conditions?

A: In order to succeed as a lineman, you have to plan ahead and be adaptable. Power outages often accompany severe weather, so we have to be prepared to be outside for long periods of time. We work in all conditions, from freezing to hot, from rain to snow.

Utility Linemen: Putting Safety on the Line Julie chavanne, communications director, electrical safety foundation International

Josh Ulrich (on left) is a lineman for Coast Electric Power Association. Photo courtesy of Coast Electric Power Association

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 21

ElEvATINgSAFETy

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ElectroindustryNewsNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OFELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTORS

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Ű Vint Cerf, Internet Founding Father, to Speak at Annual Meeting

Ű IDEA Announces Quality Milestone in Data Certification Program

Vinton G. (Vint) Cerf, PhD, an acknowledged “Father of the Internet,” will address attendees at NEMA’s 90th Annual Membership Meeting in Cleveland on November 16 and 17. One major focus at the event will be an in-depth look into the Internet of Things.

Mr. Cerf, Vice President and Chief Internet Evangelist for Google Inc., is responsible for identifying new enabling technologies to support the development of advanced, Internet-based products and services for the company.

program launched in 2015, the primary focus has been on manufacturers achieving compliance by completely populating each of 43 critical fields. The count of compliant items rose from an initial 16,000 items to 1.5 million items today.

In 2016, IDEA kicked off the second phase of the program—programmatic excellence, in which a manufacturer’s compliant items are subjected to quality checks based on industry standards and best practices. By October 1, 2016, all compliant items must also pass the programmatic excellence quality check. Once an item has reached compliance and programmatic excellence, it will undergo a final visual quality check, at which point it will be identified as “IDEA data quality certified.”

The following NEMA members achieved at least 95-percent compliance and programmatic excellence for their IDW items and are on their way toward full data certification:

Helping lay the foundation for the internet as we know it more than 30 years ago, Mr. Cerf was the co-creator of the protocols that became TCP/IP, the standard for what is now called the Internet.

Mallory Rood, Meeting Manager, NEMA | mallory.rood@nema.org

• Allied Moulded Products, Inc.

• ANAMET Electrical Inc.

• Appleton Group

• Atkore - AFC Cable Systems, Inc.

• Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.

• Eaton’s Cooper Lighting Business (Cooper)

• Eaton’s Cooper Lighting Business Canada (Cooper)

• Electri-Flex Company

• Hubbell - BURNDY LLC

• Lutron Electronics Company, Inc.

• Milbank Manufacturing Company

• Universal Lighting Technologies

• Wheatland Tube Company ei

Colleen Psomas, Marketing Manager, IDEA | cpsomas@idea4industry.com

The Industry Data Exchange Association, Inc. (IDEA) announced the first quality milestone of its data certification program. Twenty-two manufacturers achieved programmatic excellence for their compliant (complete and fully attributed) items in the Industry Data Warehouse (IDW), one month into the quality phase of the data certification program.

“As these manufacturers supply more complete product attributes, marketing content, and pricing information to the IDW, they’re improving recognition of their brands throughout the supply chain and making business easier,” said IDEA President and CEO Paul Molitor. “The manufacturers who have already provided high quality product information are ahead of the game and have truly set the bar for the type of quality content distributors can expect to find in the IDW.”

The data certification program measures the breadth, depth, and quality of pricing information and marketing content available in the IDW at the item level by assessing 43 critical data fields. Since the

For up-to-the-minute information on NEMA’s 90th Annual Membership Meeting, visit www.nema.org/AMM16

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 23

Code Actions/Standardization Trends

Ű Updating West Coast Code Adoptions California adopted the 2016 California Building Standards Code, also known as Title 24. It goes into effect January 1, 2017. It is based on the 2014 National Electrical Code® (NEC); building, fire and residential codes based on the 2015 International Code Council codes (I-Codes); plumbing and mechanical codes based on the 2015 Uniform Codes; and CalGreen, a California-specific code. The California Energy Code (part 6 of Title 24) was also adopted under a separate rulemaking process.

The NEC was adopted with minimal amendments. During public hearings, several California Building Standards commissioners and some state agency directors supported using the model codes with as few amendments as possible. Of note is the inclusion of standards pertaining to disability accessibility to electric vehicle charging equipment, the first such standard in the nation.

elseWHere In tHe West The 2014 NEC was adopted, effective on March 6, 2016, in Alaska, which is using the 2009 editions of the I-Codes. There is no timeline for when newer codes will be adopted.

Hawaii is moving closer to adoption of the 2014

NEC and the 2012 I-Codes. On February 16, the Small

Business Regulatory Review Board recommended adoption of the 2014 NEC. Its recommendation now goes to the State Building Code Council and then to the governor for his signature. The anticipated effective date is June 2016.

Utah adopted the 2014 NEC and 2015 I-Codes with amendments. The legislature passed HB 316, which tied updating codes to a delayed cycle for residential construction until 2021. NEMA and others opposed this delay, but homebuilders and their allies prevailed. The coalition worked with legislators to amend the bill. With NEMA’s amendments, it maintains the Utah Uniform Building Code Commission’s ability to amend the

fIeld rep repOrt

Mike Stone, West Coast Field Representative, NEMA

Ű MITA Updates Cybersecurity in Medical Imaging White PaperIn a recently released version of NEMA/MITA CSP 1-2016 Cybersecurity in Medical Imaging, the U.S. Department

of Homeland Security (DHS) provided comments that improved the white paper’s language. To access

the paper, visit www.nema.org/Standards/Pages/Cybersecurity-for-Medical-Imaging.aspx. ei

enforced code on a yearly basis, and revises the requirement to adhere to a restrictive cost-benefit analysis.

In Washington, the State Building Code Council adopted the 2015 editions of the International Building Code®, International Fire Code®, International Mechanical Code, International Residential Code, Uniform Plumbing Code with state amendments, and the 2015 Washington State Energy Code. The 2015 I-Codes are effective on July 1, 2016. The NEC is adopted under a separate rulemaking process with the Department of Labor and Industry.

Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Oregon will consider adoption of the 2017 NEC in late 2016 and early 2017. ei

Mike Stone, West Coast Field Representative, NEMA |

mike.stone@nema.org

Ű Compatibility Confirmed between Smoke Alarms and AFCIs The 2014 National Electrical Code® requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection for all 15- and 20A branch circuits that supply outlets or devices in kitchens, family rooms, bedrooms, closets, hallways, or similar areas. This requirement includes the circuit that supplies smoke alarms in these rooms.

Concerns about the compatibility between AFCIs and smoke alarms have been raised in the past. NEMA ABP 11-2016 Compatibility between Smoke Alarms and AFCIs states that an analysis of unwanted tripping reports filed with AFCI circuit breaker manufacturers did not uncover any incompatibility. When properly installed, smoke alarms do not

cause AFCI circuit breakers to trip. This white paper can be downloaded at no charge on the NEMA website. ei

Ed Larsen, Industry Standards Manager, Schneider Electric |

ed.larsen@schneider-electric.com

24 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

International RoundupCode Actions/Standardization Trends

Ű Saudi Arabia Consortium to Implement Technical, Outreach, and Trade GoalsIn 2015, with the support of specific NEMA member companies and related stakeholders, NEMA organized and launched the Saudi Arabia Market Access Consortium as a matter of necessity for specific companies and service providers who face challenges as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia implements several important transitions in its market for electrical products.

The consortium has three main goals:

• Inclusion of North American (ANSI/NEMA) performance and safety standards, as acceptable within the framework of the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO)

• Facilitation of the import, use and/or manufacture of members’ products manufactured to ANSI/NEMA standards in KSA

• Increased confidence on the part of KSA officials that their national standards and quality system effectively identifies and quarantines counterfeit and low-quality electrical products, while recognizing and valuing the quality of NEMA members’ products

The consortium has adopted a three-pronged strategy to implement the work plan, which consists of technical, outreach, and policy and trade components.

In February, a consortium delegation, led by NEMA’s Khaled Masri, visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for meetings and to deliver a workshop for SASO and other stakeholders on standards for products used in explosive atmospheres. About 50 people attended the two-day event. See photo on page 32. NEMA also delivered a presentation on the U.S. electrical safety system to a separate workshop of the Ministry of Water and Electricity. ei

Khaled Masri, Program Manager, NEMA | khaled.masri@nema.org

Craig Updyke, Director, Trade and Commercial Affairs, NEMA |

craig.updyke@nema.org

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NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 25

Economic Spotlight

Ű NEMA Business Conditions Indexes Up Sharply in March NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Conditions Index (EBCI) for current conditions in North America surged in March, climbing to 64.7 from 44.4 the previous month, as more panelists reported conditions improved than eroded. Compared to February, a larger share of the survey panel reported that business conditions improved (41 percent in March compared to 22 percent in February) and a smaller share reported that they deteriorated (12 percent in March compared to 33 percent in February). Forty-seven percent claimed conditions were unchanged in March.

The intensity of change in electroindustry business conditions also improved markedly in March, swinging to +0.5 from −0.2 in February. Panelists are asked to report intensity of change on a scale ranging from −5 (deteriorated significantly) through 0 (unchanged) to +5 (improved significantly).

The EBCI for future North American conditions also improved in March, rising to 61.8 from 52.8 in February. A slightly larger share of the panel (35 percent) reported positive expectations than was the case last month (33 percent), while a substantially smaller share (12 percent) reported negative expectations than was the case in February (28 percent). The share expecting to see no change in business conditions over the next six months rose to 53 percent in March from 39 percent in February.

Visit www.nema.org/ebci for the complete March 2016 report. ei

Tim Gill, Deputy Chief Economist, NEMA | tim.gill@nema.org

26 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

Economic Spotlight

Ű Lighting Systems Index Decreased in Fourth Quarter with Mixed Results for Components

Ű Linear Fluorescent Lamp Indexes Continue Year-Over-Year Decline

Ű HID Lamp Indexes Close Out 2015 Down from 2014

NEMA’s Lighting Systems Shipments Index, a measure of demand for lighting equipment, decreased 2.6 percent quarter to quarter while posting a 0.1 percent increase year over year (y/y) during Q4 2015.

Fixtures, emergency lighting, and miniature lamp, components of the index, gained ground on a y/y basis, while ballast and large lamp, components recorded y/y declines. ei

Laurie Miller, Director, Statistical Operations, NEMA | laurie.miller@nema.org

NEMA’s linear fluorescent lamp shipments indexes continued their year-over-year (y/y) decline in Q4 2015. After declining for seven consecutive quarters, the index for T12 lamps posted a 4.2 quarter-over-quarter increase but declined 17.4 percent from Q4 2014. T8 and T5 shipments also continued to decline, decreasing by 13.4 and 9.3 percent, respectively, on a y/y basis.

T8 lamps accounted for a 72.4-percent share of fluorescent lamp shipments in Q4 2015, with T12 lamps claiming a 16.8-percent share and T5 lamps a 10.7 percent share. ei

Laurie Miller, Director, Statistical Operations, NEMA | laurie.miller@nema.org

NEMA’s shipments indexes for high intensity discharge (HID) lamps declined in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. Sodium vapor lamp shipments fell 15.6 percent compared to the same period last year, while shipments of mercury vapor lamps decreased by 24.9 percent year over year (y/y).

Shipments of metal halide lamps decreased by 11.6 percent y/y. Sodium vapor lamps accounted for 31.7 percent of high-intensity discharge lamp sales in Q4 2015, while mercury vapor and metal halide lamps accounted for 3.4 percent and 64.9 percent of sales, respectively. ei

Laurie Miller, Director, Statistical Operations, NEMA | laurie.miller@nema.org

NEMA electroindustry • May 2016 27

NEMAI AM

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stOcK art credIts

Cover, 1: ©iStockphoto.com/roman02310: ©iStockphoto.com/koya7916: ©iStockphoto.com/mattjeacock

17: ©iStockphoto.com/viktor_vector18: ©iStockphoto.com/PashaIgnatov20: ©iStockphoto.com/ phichit

N@H 1: ©iStockphoto.com/Horst GerlachN@H 2: ©iStockphoto.com/mikkelwilliam

Have a question? Ask the experts at ei@nema.org.

Promoting Safety I joined NEMA’s government relations team after having spent nearly 12 years entrenched in legislative and political battles at federal, state, and local levels. As manager of state government

relations, I educate policymakers and provide practical solutions consistent with NEMA’s core values.

One of the issues I manage for NEMA is promoting safety and innovation through the adoption of current building codes—the cornerstone of our industry. Conducting NEMA “advocacy days” plays an integral role in dispelling any myths around code adoption. These events recognize our industry as the champion for safety in the design, manufacture, and use of electrical products.

During a recent meeting, an elected official asked me, “What can I do to improve our state’s business environment for your members?”

My response was NEMA’s mission: expand market opportunities, remove business barriers, and reduce manufacturing costs. I relish these opportunities since they provide an opening to build a relationship that promises to strengthen over time.

I take great pride in working for NEMA and value the collaborative culture instilled by our leadership. The electroindustry continues to set the pace for codes and standards. I appreciate the wealth of knowledge and tremendous support from colleagues and member companies. I am NEMA because I advocate for U.S. industry. ei

Our company is in a public bidding situation. The specification calls for a NEMA 12 enclosure. We know that our competitor will have to cut holes on both sides of the enclosure as well as cutting a section of the cover. If these cuts are made, will the enclosure retain its NEMA 12 rating?

NEMA responds:

There are three options:

1. No knock-out holes; let the installer field-install holes only as required; mark as “NEMA Type 12.”

2. Include the knock-out holes but provide closure plugs that are also rated NEMA Type 12 (typically with multiple NEMA Type numbers); mark as “NEMA Type 12.”

3. Include the knock-out holes and provide instructions to use at all unused openings closure plugs that are also rated NEMA Type 12; mark as “NEMA Type 12K” (“K” for “knock-out holes”).

Michael L. Belitzky, Manager, State Government Relations, NEMA

28 NEMA electroindustry • May 2016

We Are NEMA

ExpertASK THE

NEMA organized a workshop with SASO in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February, during which three NEMA members provided technical training on safety of electrical equipment used in explosive atmospheres. See also, “Saudi Arabia Consortium to Implement Technical, Outreach, and Trade Goals,” page 25. Attending the workshop were (from the left) Greg Steinman, Thomas and Betts; Abdulkhaliq Alsaif, Emerson; Steve Blais, Emerson; Dirk Muller, UL; and Ed Leubner, Eaton. Photo by Khaled Masri, NEMA

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