CSE1206_COVER.indd 2
5/30/12 4:19 PM
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CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 2
5/31/2012 12:42:32 PM
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input #2 at www.csemag.com/information
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd
Consulting
Spec Eng SEP.indd 1 1
6/4/2012
11:29:45
AMPM
7/26/2011
3:50:17
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input #3 at www.csemag.com/information
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 2
12-JMC-0170_ad_20ft_savings_app_forECMag.indd
1
6/4/20124/12/12
11:30:348:12
AM AM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Wheatland Tube Sets the “Standard” for Innovation
in the Steel Industry
The highlight of Wheatland’s social media platform
is its weekly blog: the Wheatland Standard.
The blog was created to provide insight, information, and perspective on the issues that matter in
the steel industry. From “green” energy solutions
to what “Made in America” truly means, the
Wheatland Standard is committed to staying
current with posts featuring best practices and
emerging technologies.
Wheatland Tube, the largest steel pipe and electrical
manufacturer in North America, sets the “standard” in
innovation. Wheatland has become the “one-stop-shop”
for quality standard pipe, sprinkler pipe, electrical conduit, and electrical elbows, couplings, and nipples in the
industry. Known for its outstanding service as well as its
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meet stringent Made in America standards, with 100%
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However, providing high quality products is only part of the
equation at Wheatland Tube. Aside from cutting-edge
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begun to set the mark when it comes to disseminating
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With the launch of its social media program that
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create a new level of interactive dialogue between the
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products.
info@wheatland.com | 800-245-8115 | www.wheatland.com
JUNE 2012
FEATURES
28 | Boiler systems:
Economics and efficiencies
Engineers can meet a building’s
hot water needs with today’s boiler
systems.
BY DOMINIC TABRIZI, PE
ON THE COVER: In an emergency, people
rush from a facility in a confused state. This
photo also represents the minimal and obstructed visibility
that is possible during an emergency evacuation situtation.
Courtesy: istockphoto.com
33 | Automatic transfer switch protection
Automatic transfer switch short-circuit current protection
has some common misconceptions. Here we’ll discuss the
deficiencies of “non-current limiting” protection.
BY MIKE STANEK
COVER STORY
20 | Fire and life safety: Emergency lighting
Emergency lighting is just one component of the meansof-egress, a part of a building’s life safety system. In the
event of a power outage, a backup lighting system may be
the occupants’ only guide to a safe exit.
BY DALE WILSON, AIA
DEPARTMENTS
40 | Economic analysis
in individual project
selection
Using net present value analysis
instead of the rate of return will
treat investment scale as one of
the key value drivers, and will help
engineers select money-making
projects.
07 | Viewpoint
16 | Codes & Standards
Innovating our way
through the recession
Documenting ASHRAE 90.1
compliance
08 | MEP Roundtable
27 | New Products
Industrial strength
Emergency lighting
15 | Career Smart
63 | Advertiser Index
The art of asking a good
question
AUTOMATION & CONTROLS
HVAC
64 | 2 More Minutes
COMMUNICATIONS
LIGHTING
The next big thing in
data centers
ELECTRICAL
PLUMBING
BY STEVE KIHM, CFE
SCOTT HACKEL, PE
AND
KEY
FIRE, SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY
CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER (ISSN 0892-5046, Vol. 49, No. 5, GST #123397457) is published 11x per year, monthly except in February, by CFE Media, LLC, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite
#250, Oak Brook, IL 60523. Jim Langhenry, Group Publisher /Co-Founder; Steve Rourke CEO/COO/Co-Founder. CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER copyright 2012 by CFE Media, LLC. All rights reserved. CONSULTINGSPECIFYING ENGINEER is a registered trademark of CFE Media, LLC used under license. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Brook, IL 60523 and additional mailing offices. Circulation records are maintained at CFE Media, LLC, 1111
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of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever.
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CSE1206_TOC_V5msFINAL.indd 3
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
3
6/5/12 1:48 PM
online now csemag.com
When engineering systems for manufacturing and industrial facilities,
what is the No. 1 most difficult issue you face?
Automation
and controls
38%
Energy efficiency,
sustainability
32%
Electrical
and power
10%
Fire and
life safety
10%
Codes and
standards
5%
HVAC
5%
Read the roundtable discussion about manufacturing
and industrial facilities on page 8. For more poll results,
visit www.csemag.com/poll/cse.
Career Smart
Engineers Conference
Build career development and business management skills at the nation’s
only dedicated soft-skills training event for professionals in the buildings industry
at the Career Smart Engineers Conference. Gain tools and insights through two
tracks of educational sessions covering business development, personal development, marketing, networking, mentoring and communications. The two-day event
is October 17-18, in downtown Chicago at the Hilton Chicago. Register today at
www.csemag.com/careersmart.
2012 Product of the Year
Last chance to vote! Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s
Product of the Year contest is a premier award for new
products in the HVAC, fire, electrical, and plumbing systems engineering markets. Review the 2012 POY finalists and cast your vote by June 29 for your favorite product online at www.csemag.
com/votePOY. The winners will be announced in the September 2012 issue of CSE
and online.
4
Would you prefer to
receive this issue as a digital publication? Update
your subscription, and
get our digital edition, on
our new more interactive
platform, in your e-mail inbox: www.csemag.com/
subscribe.
Subscribe directly to e-newsletters,
and receive focused technical content
on a regular basis. Subscribe at www.
csemag.com/newsletters. Select from:
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Electrical Solutions
Energy Solutions
Fire & Life Safety
HVAC Solutions
News Watch
Product & Media Showcase
Pure Power
View live and on-demand webcasts at
www.csemag.com/webcast. Topics
include:
Electrical Distribution:
Innovative Approaches That
Save Money
Strategies for Implementing
Energy Efficient Data Centers
Critical Power: Gensets—
Designing Reliable and Flexible
Emergency and Standby Power
Systems
Fire Systems: Protecting
Hospitals
Update on the 2011 National
Electric Code
Consulting-Specifying Engineer is now
on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, and
Twitter. Follow CSE, join the discussions, and receive news and advice
from your peers.
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Cut the Copper
Google+:
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Read Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s newest blog, Cut the Copper, by Joe Guentert. Guentert is owner and sole proprietor of Power Distribution Systems, Charlotte, N.C., which focuses on mission critical electrical power systems, with the vast
majority of projects being large data centers. Join him in discussing electrical and
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Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_ECONTENTS_V3msFINAL.indd 4
6/5/12 1:48 PM
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wood floor
concrete floor
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of power, communications and A/V. In addition, these boxes feature
a fully finished interior, removable modules, a cover designed to
open 180° and a choice of five finishes. Learn more by visiting
www.legrand.us/efb.
input #4 at www.csemag.com/information
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 5
6/4/2012 11:32:01 AM
usa.siemens.com/sinorix
The environment is just one of
the critical assets we’re protecting.
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are protecting a critical data center, clean rooms or
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input #5 at www.csemag.com/information
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 6
6/4/2012 11:33:27 AM
Editor’s Viewpoint
1111 W. 22nd St. Suite 250, Oak Brook, IL 60523
630-571-4070 Fax 630-214-4504
CONTENT SPECIALISTS/EDITORIAL
AMARA ROZGUS, Editor in Chief/Content Manager
630-571-4070, x2211, ARozgus@CFEMedia.com
PATRICK LYNCH, Project Manager
630-571-4070, x2210, PLynch@CFEMedia.com
AMANDA MCLEMAN, Project Manager
Amara Rozgus
Editor in Chief
630-571-4070 x2209, AMcLeman@CFEMedia.com
BOB VAVRA, Content Manager
630-571-4070, x2212, BVavra@CFEMedia.com
MARK HOSKE, Content Manager
630-571-4070, x2214, MHoske@CFEMedia.com
PETER WELANDER, Content Manager
630-571-4070, x2213, PWelander@CFEMedia.com
MICHAEL SMITH, Creative Director
630-779-8910, MSmith@CFEmedia.com
CHRIS VAVRA, Content Specialist
630-571-4070, x2219, CVavra@CFEMedia.com
BRANDON MARCELLIS, Content Specialist
BMarcellis@CFEMedia.com
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
ANIL AHUJA, PE, LEED AP, RCDD,
President, CCJM Engineers, Chicago
PATRICK BANSE, PE, LEED AP,
Senior Mechanical Engineer,
Smith Seckman Reid Inc., Houston
PAUL BEARN, PE,
Associate Electrical Services Engineer,
KlingStubbins, Philadelphia
MICHAEL CHOW, PE, LEED AP BD+C,
Principal, Metro CD Engineering LLC, Dublin, Ohio
DOUGLAS EVANS, PE, FSFPE,
Fire Protection Engineer, Clark County Building Division, Las Vegas
RAYMOND GRILL, PE, FSFPE,
Principal, Arup, Washington, D.C.
RAJ P. GUPTA, PE, LEED AP,
President, Environmental Systems Design Inc., Chicago
GERSIL KAY,
President, Conservation Lighting Intl. and Building Conservation
Intl., Philadelphia
WILLIAM KOSIK, PE, LEED AP,
Managing Principal, EYP Mission Critical
Facilities Inc., Chicago
TIMOTHY E. KUHLMAN, PE, RCDD,
Electrical Engineer CH2M Hill, Portland, Ore.
KEITH LANE, PE, RCDD, LC, LEED AP,
President, Lane Coburn & Assocs., Seattle
KENNETH L. LOVORN, PE,
President, Lovorn Engineering Assocs., Pittsburgh
ALI MAHMOOD, PE,
Senior Mechanical Engineer, Stanley
Consultants Inc., Chicago
ERIN MCCONAHEY, PE,
Associate Principal, Arup, Los Angeles
SYED PEERAN, PE, Ph.D.,
Senior Engineer, Camp Dresser & McKee Inc.,
Cambridge, Mass.
MARTIN H. REISS, PE, FSFPE,
President, CEO, The RJA Group Inc., Framingham, Mass.
BRIAN RENER, PE, LEED AP,
Senior Manager, M+W Zander U.S. Operations Inc., Chicago
DAVID SELLERS, PE,
Senior Engineer, Facility Dynamics Engineering Inc., Portland, Ore.
GERALD VERSLUYS, PE, LEED AP,
Innovating our way through the recession
A
difficult—and yet rewarding—
outcome of this recession has
been the boom of small engineering firms and other businesses.
Individuals, once cut loose from larger
firms that have trimmed back on the
workforce, have launched their own
firms—a dream they may have never
considered unless pushed. By forging their own paths, engineers have
been forced to succeed independently. Small firms have had
to expand their capabilities
by adding new services or
refocusing their business.
Even large firms, seemingly
untouched by the recession, have
repositioned themselves, bringing in
new business development teams or
expanding services to include previously untouched markets. Kudos to
those firms who are staying competitive and innovative in our industry.
One of the best things about being
in the engineering field is that we
get to witness new technologies and
processes as soon as they’re on the
market—new products, groundbreaking projects, and unique engineering
solutions.
The engineering firms that fill these
pages with technical articles each
month are at the forefront of innovation. For example, the cover story
on emergency lighting (page 20) discusses the most important issues in
life safety and lighting with special
coverage that includes relevant new
products (page 27).
On page 16, best practices for
documenting ASHRAE Standard 90.1
compliance are detailed. While many
of these tips seem obvious, they are
frequently overlooked in the documentation phase, so they remain vital
to any successful project with ambitions to comply with and exceed
ASHRAE Standard 90.1.
To me, innovation means
staying ahead of the competition, making decisions
quickly, thinking differently, and
setting the curve, not responding to
it. I’ve been fortunate in my career to
work at innovative firms—CFE Media
LLC (the publisher of this publication
and others in the engineering field) is
one of these cutting-edge companies.
Our company is celebrating its 2-year
anniversary with the issue you hold in
your hands, and we got here by practicing innovation in action.
No matter the size of your firm, I’d
like to hear about how you and your
team have been innovative in the past
year. We’ll post these innovations
online at www.csemag.com for everyone to learn from. Please send me
your success stories, tips, tricks, best
practices, photos, videos, etc. Keep
it short, and we’ll help you show off
your own innovative spirit.
Principal, Senior Electrical Engineer, TLC Engineering
for Architecture, Jacksonville, Fla.
MIKE WALTERS, PE, LEED AP,
Principal,Principal,
AEI/Affiliated
Confluenc,
Engineers
Madison,
Inc., Madison,
Wis.
Wis.
PETER D. ZAK, PE,
Send your questions and comments to:
Principal, GRAEF, Milwaukee
ARozgus@CFEMedia.com
www.csemag.com
CSE1206_VIEW_V2ms_FINAL.indd 7
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
7
6/5/12 1:51 PM
PARTICIPANTS
MEP Roundtable
Industrial strength
Michael Chow,
PE, LEED AP BD+C
Principal
Metro CD Engineering LLC
Dublin, Ohio
Manufacturing and industrial structures can have wide-ranging
engineering needs, depending on the processes conducted inside.
CSE: When starting out on a manufacturing/industrial facility, what are some
questions to ask early in the project?
Jonathan M. Eisenberg, PE
Vice President
Rolf Jensen & Assocs. Inc.
Framingham, Mass.
Jason R. Gerke,
PE, LEED BD+C, CxA
Mechanical Engineer
GRAEF
Milwaukee
Timothy E. Kuhlman,
PE, RCDD
Telecommunication Design
CH2M HILL
Portland, Ore.
8
Michael Chow: It is important to develop the
owner’s project requirements (OPR) and the
basis of design (BOD). Questions to be asked
early in the project include: Is the project going
for U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification? Is U.S. EPA Energy Star a requirement?
Is commissioning a requirement?
Jonathan M. Eisenberg: One of the first
pieces of information to learn is the process
description, starting with the incoming raw
materials (how they are delivered, stored, and
transferred into the batch or continuous process
areas of the facility). The next step of our study
of the process is to understand the conditions.
Is this a chemical synthesis or simply a mixing
process? What are the temperature and pressure
conditions? What is the duration of the process
and what role does the operations staff play?
Is there a purification and/or drying step, and
how is the final product packaged and stored?
Jason R. Gerke: The most important piece of
information to obtain when starting an industrial project, or any project for that matter, is
to find out from the end client what it wants to
achieve with this project. Defining and understanding the client’s project goal is the most
important piece of information you will document during a project.
Timothy E. Kuhlman: Similar to the components of any good story, you need to know
the basics of what, where, when, how, and,
of course, what the budget is. An established
manufacturer will know most of these prior to
contacting an architectural/engineering (A/E )
firm. A startup company may need more time
understanding the design process or possibly
the scaling up of its own manufacturing process. As the A/E I need to know what you want
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_MEP_Roundtable_V7msFINAL.indd 8
to manufacture and how much of it you want
to make. Do you have a manufacturing process
and is it scaled for the output you are targeting?
Have you selected a site and have an understanding of the local permitting and taxes?
When do you want the new factory to start up?
Have you established a design, construction,
and tool budget? Do you have funding?
CSE: What are some common missteps
that engineers might make on a manufacturing/industrial facility project? Any lessons that you’ve learned?
Kuhlman: Once you have answered the basic
project questions for a new facility, it is necessary to take the time to identify with the client
the goals of the project. This goes beyond setting target dates and spending budgets. Through
the use of a chartering session you can document the other goals and priorities of a client.
For example, is the client targeting this project
for LEED certification? What are the client’s
criteria for considering this a successful project? What is the client’s perception of a quality design? Answering these questions at the
beginning of the design process can make a
difference in whether a client believes you have
provided them a quality design. This comes
down to communication. Our client has a corporate culture, and so do we. The time spent
between our client and our design team in the
project charting will help us to communicate.
Gerke: I see many engineers going into
industrial facilities with the mind-set with ruleof-thumb estimates and “that’s how we have
always done it” attitudes. It is a real disappointment to see that happen and wonder at what
point the client will become frustrated with
the results. My goal is listen to what clients
have to say about their project goals and then
strategize a game plan to help them achieve
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:16 PM
their goals in the most energy efficient
and cost effective way. It is my objective
whenever meeting a new industrial client
to find out what the client actually wants
to accomplish with the current project.
Eisenberg: Every industrial project
is different, even if it may seem quite
similar to a past job. We need to ask the
same questions and look for those subtle
differences that always seem to translate
into unique fire protection and process
safety features.
CSE: When working on such facilities outside the U.S., what differences, challenges, or best practices
have you observed?
Kuhlman: There are the obvious language and cultural differences. We are
often asked by a U.S. manufacturer
to replicate a manufacturing facility
in another country. A client may not
understand that the level of detail in
the design we show for a facility in the
U.S. may need to be greater or less for
a given system in foreign country. For
example, on a project where we replicated a manufacturing facility in China,
the U.S. design for the automation network cabling would typically show each
network port, the cable plant layout,
cable tray layout, and communication
rooms all in 1/8-in. plan drawings. For
the same facility in China, the system
would be issued as a performance specification with a system one-line but no
communication system plan drawings
since the vendor is expected to do the
detail design. In this case it has to be
discussed with the client up front, do the
client want a U.S. level of detail design
in a foreign country or is it looking for a
competitively locally produced design?
Eisenberg: We need to get alignment
from the design team on the applicable
codes and standards and obtain English
translations. If we do not have a local
office, we look to retain local engineers
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CSE1206_MEP_Roundtable_V7msFINAL.indd 9
On one CH2M HILL project, chilled water storage tanks are used to provide thermal
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that are able to assist in analyzing the
requirements, speak the native language,
and attend meetings as needed. We turn to
these resources to review our reports so we
don’t miss anything that may be specific to
the local country or regional codes.
CSE: What factors do you need to
take into account when designing
BAS and controls for a manufacturing/industrial facility?
Gerke: The design engineer needs to
determine how the end users will make use
of the information that is available to them
through the proposed automation system.
Defining how the client will use the information it can obtain through the control system will direct the design engineer down
the path to a happy client. So many clients
will ask for an automation system or say
they want a full direct digital control (DDC)
system. However, really, the client simply
needs a system that will schedule equipment run times/setpoints and will provide
alarms if critical situations occur. Working
with the client on what is actually important and whether it will really be able to use
the information obtained through the DDC
system will save the client money now and
in the long run.
Eisenberg: A key is to understand and
document how the controls and interlocks
will function and what will occur when
they are activated. What are the alarm
points? Who responds to an alarm and
what is the response protocol? Is the local
fire department notified and the plant
evacuated?
CSE: Which aspect of codes and
standards has presented the most
challenges or obstacles?
Kuhlman: In the manufacturing of
semiconductors, the types and quantities of
hazardous production materials can have an
effect on the occupancy classification of the
building. In turn this can affect the design of
the building and systems. In leading-edge
technologies it is not uncommon to see new
chemistries not yet comprehended by the
codes or by the local jurisdiction enforcing
the codes. We go through a process with the
factory owner, the local jurisdiction, and the
underwriter for all parties to comprehend
the hazardous production materials in the
factory along with design and operation of
the facility.
Eisenberg: There are many codes and
standards on the chemical process side
that are not well-known and understood.
One of our roles is to identify the applicable code for a specific industrial process
(e.g., NFPA 86 for ovens and furnaces)
and help a facility understand how it
applies to its situation.
CSE: What’s the most important
factor to keep in mind when wrestling with codes/standards issues?
Kuhlman: The local authority having
jurisdiction (AHJ) has to understand and
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
9
6/5/12 2:16 PM
MEP Roundtable
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be comfortable that the new facility will meet its requirements
and be code compliant. A manufacturing or industrial facility can be very complex. A company deciding to open a new
manufacturing facility in a small town can sound like blessing
to the local workforce, but it can also be a nightmare for a local
jurisdiction or fire marshal to comprehend the complexities of
the facility and the applicable codes. Often third-party consulting services for the jurisdiction are required to bolster the local
permitting processes. As the design firm for the new factory, it is
necessary to be constantly engaged with the jurisdiction and its
permitting or code consultant such that when it is time to grant
operational readiness to the factory, there are no outstanding
code issues.
Eisenberg: It is important to know that a facility may not be able
to implement all of the applicable code requirements immediately
or even in the first year after a survey or audit. As consultants,
one of the most important tasks is to help categorize our recommendations into priorities, so facility managers can put together a
multiyear compliance plan. Also, our findings need to be in a form
that is useful for the facility—i.e., 1. code requirement, 2, how it
applies to the specific site condition, and 3. our recommended solution. Simply put, a code summary with no context or recommended
solutions is of little use to a plant manager.
CSE: What’s the one factor most commonly overlooked in electrical and power systems?
Chow: Proper arc-flash training and procedures are often
overlooked. We heard of an arc-flash that occurred on a project
that had a 480-V panelboard left energized with its cover off. A
input #7 at www.csemag.com/information
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painter got too close to the panel and an
arc-flash occurred, resulting in injuries.
Kuhlman: In a manufacturing/industrial facility it is important to perform a
circuit breaker coordination study. Due
to the critical nature of the manufacturing
process or the cost impact to the interruption of manufacturing, it is important
that an electrical fault is isolated at the
source without unnecessarily impacting
other systems.
Eisenberg: There should be a clear
agreement on what systems should be
on emergency or standby power, and for
how long.
CSE: How have sustainability
requirements affected how you
approach electrical systems?
Kuhlman: One of the largest costs
to manufacturing is the cost of energy.
Therefore, these types of facilities would
typically have some degree of power
monitoring to help them in understanding their energy use. There continues
to be progress in the industry to reduce
energy usage in lighting systems. This is
being achieved in implementing lighting
controls and new products for efficient
lighting.
Chow: Energy efficiency is an important part of a sustainable facility. Lighting
controls are important in reducing energy
consumption. Our firm commissioned a
large distribution center with over 2,000
lighting fixtures each with their own
occupancy sensor. The cost savings with
using occupancy sensors was tremendous compared to leaving the lights on
24/7/365. More LED lighting fixtures are
being specified due to their long life (up
to 50,000 hours), and in LEDs there are
not any toxins such as the mercury found
in fluorescent lamps. Also, LEDs are able
to be switched on and off continuously
without shortening their life; fluorescent lamp life is decreased if the lamp is
switched on and off frequently (e.g., with
an occupancy sensor).
Eisenberg: On laboratory ventilation systems, for example, we are often
faced with questions on the number of air
changes required in occupied and unoccupied modes. There may be acceptable
methods for maintaining employee and
facility safety, while addressing some of
the sustainability challenges.
CSE: When commissioning electrical/power systems in such facilities, what issues do you face?
Kuhlman: It is not uncommon for our
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MEP Roundtable
clients to include in the commissioning
requirements for us to field verify such
things as power system circuiting or that
the wire gauge matches the design. To
do this requires our field personnel to
observe panels with the covers removed.
The issue with this is personnel safety.
Our field personnel are typically engineers and designers that were part of the
design team. They are not electricians.
However, they too need to be trained in
arc flash safety, how to recognize and
validate a de-energized panel before they
start the field verification work.
Chow: It is difficult to find qualified
commissioning agents for electrical and
power systems. Lighting controls (e.g.,
light sensors) are frequently not calibrated correctly from the factory and/or
installed incorrectly.
CSE: What sustainability issues
concern your clients?
Gerke: One of the most prevalent
issues I have seen is water use. There are
so many older existing factories with city
water-cooled equipment still in operation.
Most of these manufacturers are attempting to reduce water use not from a monetary savings point of view, but rather from
the angle of this is the right thing to do.
Many manufacturers will then market the
fact they have reduced water use in their
facilities. Water use reduction importance
will vary from point to point in this country and may count for even more in other
parts of the world.
Kuhlman: The issues concerning manufacturing have more to do with their
resources and materials for manufacturing than the facility we are designing.
The facility is still a concern, but unlike
commercial or institutional facilities, the
highest monthly costs for manufacturing
will be from resources and manufacturing and not the facility operations. We
will consult with our clients on whether
the use of a manufacturing material will
have an impact on the design or operation of the facility. For example, the
manufacturing choice for an etching process may have an impact on the waste
treatment process. We would consult
with our client if the process it selected
meets the project sustainability goals.
Chow: Several manufacturing clients
are demanding LEED certification, and
some require a minimum of LEED Silver certification.
Eisenberg: We field many questions
these days on supply and exhaust ventilation requirements, and how they
match up with sustainability goals.
CSE: Are you seeing increased
demand for sustainable building
features in manufacturing/industrial
facilities? Has the economy affected
this?
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Kuhlman: When the “green building” initiative such as
LEED was developed, I don’t think they had manufacturing or industrial facilities in mind. However, we are seeing
some of our clients press for LEED certification for their
semiconductor manufacturing facilities or industrial facilities. I haven’t seen where the current state of the economy
has impacted this. The current business culture is that
sustainability is good for business and good for corporate
image.
Eisenberg: We are seeing this trend more in our commercial
and higher education laboratory work. On the industrial/chemical side, the focus is more on the hazards involved, although
occasionally we field questions on sustainable materials for
finishes in areas such as clean rooms.
CSE: What unique requirements do manufacturing
HVAC systems have that you wouldn’t encounter on
other structures?
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Chow: Manufacturing HVAC systems may need to exhaust
fumes, vapors, or mists from oil. Also, dust collection may be
a requirement.
Eisenberg: There are often requirements for dedicated
exhaust systems from certain areas of the facility, with complications around the routing of the exhaust to the outdoors.
Some areas need low supply and exhaust to get a complete air
change for vapors that are heavier than air.
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CSE: How can automated features and remote HVAC
system control benefit these clients?
Gerke: An automated HVAC control system is able to ben-
efit end users in many ways. Take for example the “run to failure” operator. The HVAC control system is able to provide
this client type with simple status signals and alarms that
help recognize system components that are nearing failure.
The client can then perform maintenance on this equipment
before it does fail. Now take a look at the “preventive maintenance (PM) checklist for everything client.” This client is
able to leverage the capabilities of the HVAC control system
to help it improve its monitoring and diagnostic activities.
The client who has an organized PM program will be able
to take advantage of the system to fine-tune setpoints and
use trend log data to review system performance. This performance can be reviewed down to the level of a particular
system component and schedule maintenance for this item
directly from the HVAC control system data.
Eisenberg: Features such as real-time exhaust monitoring
can automatically alert the facility staff (including off-hours),
initiate their response, and also log the data and time to help
determine the cause of a spill or release.
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CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 14
6/4/2012 12:06:54 PM
Career Smart
BY JANE SIDEBOTTOM
AMK LLC, Louisville, Ky.
The art of asking a good question
Asking good questions as an interviewee is an art, not a game.
R
ecently, I interviewed a candidate for a newly created business development position within
a client’s organization. The candidate
had been prescreened by both the head
hunter and the hiring manager, and the
individual’s resume looked very strong.
After the initial 20 to 25 minutes of asking about him, his experience, and his
interests, I turned the conversation over
to the candidate and offered to answer
any questions he may have. Unfortunately, he didn’t have any questions
for me or any of the other interviewers.
That ended his possible career with this
firm—he didn’t receive an offer as his
actions sent a negative message. Asking
good questions is often associated with
setting a good first impression.
A quick poll of my colleagues
revealed that few were ever taught how
to ask questions. Yet it is a skill that is
important, whether you are looking for
a new job, trying to win new business
for your firm, or attempting to make a
positive impression on your business
leaders or colleagues.
There are two key parts to developing
a good question: formulating the question and listening closely to the response.
Whether you are starting from scratch
or just brushing up on your skills, these
guidelines will serve you well.
Do your homework: Know your
audience. Make sure you understand
their position and level of influence.
Use your contacts to learn as much as
you can about their background, experience, and interests. As other Career
Smart authors and I have encouraged in
www.csemag.com
CSE1206_CAREER_V2msFINAL.indd 15
previous articles, effective networking
and good research using LinkedIn and
other social media sources can give you
a starting point.
Have a cheat sheet: During an interview or meeting, you may not have control over the time or schedule, so have
some notes and questions prepared for
each interviewer. Then, identify one or
two must-ask questions that will help
you present yourself well and allow
you to glean as much information as
possible. Consider adding these to your
cheat sheet:
1. If you were sitting in my seat, what
do you think would be most important to
understand about this company or role?
2. How much will I be working with
you in this role, and how would you
measure success?
3. What role do you have in the decision-making process?
4. Do you have any concerns with
how I have answered your questions? If
so, how can I alleviate those concerns?
5. Would you feel comfortable sharing with me your impressions of me?
Would I be a good fit for this position?
Develop a context for your question; interviewers are busy people.
They are often taking a few minutes out
of their day to meet with you and sometimes their brains are focused on other
priorities. So use an old media trick to
focus the questioning. For example: “I
have a couple of questions that focus
on the culture of the company and how
it impacts the team with whom I will
be working.” Or: “You mentioned earlier that you are looking for stronger
communications from the team. Could
you give me some specific examples of
where it has failed in the past?” These
types of questions not only show that
you are listening but can provide relevant, focused answers.
Speaking of listening, listen to
understand, not just to respond. Take
a few brief notes based on the interviewer’s reply and then take a moment
to make sure you understand what his
or her answer means. Don’t be so busy
preparing your response that you miss
the point of the answer. And, don’t be
afraid to give yourself a moment to
think. Showing that you are thinking
about your next question can be powerful and demonstrates understanding of
the opportunity.
Asking good questions is an art, not
a game. Focusing on the quality and
not the quantity will showcase your
interest, give you the opportunity to
confidently share your knowledge and
expertise, and make a positive impression. Don’t wait until you have been
passed over for a new job, promotion,
or other opportunity to strengthen your
questioning skills.
Sidebottom is the owner of AMK LLC, a
management and marketing consulting
firm that provides market development
and growth expertise to small- and
medium-size firms. She has 20 years
of management and leadership experience in both consulting engineering
and Fortune 100 organizations. Sidebottom is a graduate of the University
of Maryland.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
15
6/5/12 2:00 PM
Codes & Standards
Documenting ASHRAE 90.1 compliance
There are three paths to ASHRAE 90.1 compliance, and documenting
compliance with Standard 90.1 is not as difficult or confusing as engineers
believe it to be.
BY JIM HUBER, NEBB CP, CEM, Complete Commissioning Inc., Annapolis, Md.
A
The
requirements
of 90.1 affect
the overall
energy
efficiency of any
structure and
can reduce the
energy needed
to maintain
a healthy,
comfortable, and
fully functioning
indoor
environment.
16
SHRAE Standard 90.1—Energy Conservation in New Buildings Except LowRise and Residential Buildings—was
originally published in 1975. The current standard is 90.1-2010, and it was rewritten with the
goal of reducing building energy costs by 30%
compared to the 2004 version of the standard.
ASHRAE 90.1 addresses the energy-efficiency
requirements for the design, materials, and equipment used in nearly all new construction, additions, renovations, and construction techniques.
The requirements of 90.1 affect the overall energy efficiency of any structure and can reduce the
energy needed to maintain a healthy, comfortable,
and fully functioning indoor environment. The
standard applies to:
Building envelope
HVAC systems, equipment, and controls
Service water heating systems and equipment
Power
Lighting systems, equipment, and controls
Other equipment.
While ASHRAE 90.1 covers many areas in
a building, this article will concentrate on the
HVAC requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 (Section 6
of the standard). There are several common methods available to document compliance, including
prescriptive forms, software-generated forms,
and modeling runs. ASHRAE also publishes the
90.1-2010 user’s guide, which can be a big help
in clarifying the requirements of the standard and
includes the necessary compliance forms.
ASHRAE 90.1 provides for exceptions to the
compliance requirements. Simply put, the exceptions are:
When HVAC serving a building addition is
provided by existing HVAC systems and equip-
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_CODES_V6msFINAL.indd 16
ment (new systems installed as part of the addition still must comply with the standard)
Equipment that is being modified or repaired
but not replaced
Where replacement or alteration of a piece of
equipment requires extensive revisions to other
systems, equipment, or elements of a building
For a refrigerant change of existing equipment
For the relocation of existing equipment
For ducts and pipes where there is insufficient
space to meet the requirements of Section 6.
The easiest method for documenting compliance with 90.1 is to download the compliance
forms from the ASHRAE website. The forms
are provided as PDFs and can be modified and
printed. They also serve as a good template if
you prefer to create compliance forms on your
company letterhead. If, as we do, you place too
much value on your time to “reinvent the wheel,”
just use the “stock” ASHRAE form.
Once you have determined whether your
building must comply with the standard, the next
step is to determine the best path for compliance.
Standard 90.1 gives you three options:
1. The simplified approach option for HVAC
systems (Section 6.3)
2. Mandatory provisions (Section 6.4) required
for prescriptive path (Section 6.5)
3. Mandatory provisions (Section 6.4) required
for energy cost budget (ECB, Section 11).
The simplified approach option for HVAC
systems can reduce the effort required to show
compliance for small buildings with gross floor
area less than 25,000 sq ft. Many of the requirements in Section 6 do not apply to simple
systems, so the small building criteria have been
compiled into one section (6.3). It is intended to
alleviate the designer’s burden of sorting through
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:02 PM
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Codes & Standards
Prescriptive
requirements
(Section 6.5)
HVAC
design
Mandatory
provisions
(Section 6.4)
Energy cost
budget method
(Section 11)
Equipment
efficiencies
(Section 6.8)
Submittals
(Section 6.7)
Standard 90.1
compliant
HVAC system
Simplified
approach
(Section 6.3)
Figure 1: This shows the compliance path for ASHRAE 90.1-2010. Courtesy: Complete Commissioning Inc.
requirements that are not applicable while using the simplified approach option. that applies to your system. If the system
still maintaining consistent requirements It is laid out as a simple checklist for requirement is not applicable, just leave
documenting compliance with each of the box blank. Section 2 also includes
with the prescriptive path.
The prescriptive compliance path may the requirements, and is the only form a systems worksheet to help you docube used for any HVAC system, but it is required with this compliance option. ment mandatory compliance for each air
primarily used for larger buildings and There are 17 requirements in that sec- system. Part 3 of the compliance form
buildings with more complex systems tion, and your systems must comply contains a checklist of the prescriptive
where the simplified approach option is with every applicable requirement. requirements for air, hydronic, and spenot applicable, such as multi-zone systems You’ll still have to flip through the cial systems.
All told, there are 13 requirements, and
or central plants. Systems complying using standard for each section to determine
the prescriptive path also must meet the if you can “check the box.” If your there is also a systems worksheet to help
design is in compliance with all of the you document prescriptive compliance for
mandatory provisions of Section 6.4.
each system. The compliance
The energy cost budget
method is intended for buildAll told, there are 13 requirements, form also includes tables on the
third page to document the staning systems that are unable
and there is also a systems worksheet dard’s fan power requirements.
to meet all of the prescriptive
You can use either the namerequirements or for designto help you document prescriptive
plate horsepower option or the
ers who want to explore
compliance for each system.
brake horsepower option.
design alternatives. It allows
trade-offs between various
building systems and components. A 17 requirements, the next step is to fill Documenting the energy
computer program is used to calculate out the equipment efficiency table to cost budget method
the design energy cost for a proposed include with the submittal. There is a
When using the ECB method, the
building design as if all mandatory and simplified table included at the bottom building design must still meet the manprescriptive requirements had been met. of Part 1 in the compliance form you datory provision of the standard, not only
The program is then used to calculate the downloaded.
for the HVAC requirements (Section 6.4),
energy cost for the proposed design. The
but also for Sections 5.4, 7.4, 8.4, 9.4,
energy cost for the proposed design can- Documenting the prescriptive path
and 10.4. The mandatory requirements
not exceed the energy cost for the budPart 2 of the compliance form contains in each of those sections are not available
get design. Systems complying using the the mandatory requirements specified for trade-off under this method. In addiECB method must also meet the manda- in Section 6.4. This includes tables for tion to documenting compliance with the
tory provisions of Section 6.4 as well documenting the equipment efficiency. mandatory provisions, the ECB method
as the ECB requirements in Section 11. Beneath the efficiency tables are 10 has some additional compliance requiregeneral requirements and five special ments, including a summary to document
mandatory requirements. You’ll need to design energy cost versus budgeted cost.
Documenting the simplified approach
You’ll also need to provide a list of
Part 1 of the form is specifically for check the box next to each requirement
18
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energy-related features that exceed the
standard’s requirements, as well as a list
of features that are being traded off. The
input and output reports from the simulation program must be provided, including an energy usage breakdown, and the
number of hours the heating and cooling loads are not met for both the budget
building design and the proposed building design. Any error messages provided
by the program must also be explained.
Submittal requirements
The last step in documenting compliance for all paths is the submittal requirement, and it includes the following:
1. Record drawings
a. Record drawings must be provided to the owner within 90
days of building acceptance.
2. O&M manuals: The manuals
must include (at a minimum):
a. Submittal data
b. HVAC manuals
c. Service agency
d. HVAC control information
3. System balancing
a. Construction documents must
require the systems to be balanced.
b. A test and balance report must
be provided to the owner for
spaces greater than 5,000 sq ft.
4. System commissioning
a. For projects larger than 50,000
sq ft (except warehouse and
semi-heated spaces), the instructions for commissioning the
HVAC system must be provided
by the system designer in the
project plans and specifications.
These instructions are also
included in the record drawings
provided to the owner.
Summary
Documenting compliance with
ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is a straightforward
process, as long as you follow a systematic
approach. The checklists and tables provided in the standard are not a submittal
requirement, but are an invaluable tool in
ensuring that you are not missing any of
the requirements. This article has provided
an overview of each of the three paths to
compliance, and hopefully has shown that
documenting compliance with standard
90.1 is not as difficult or confusing as
many folks believe it to be.
Huber is president of Complete Commissioning, and is a National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) Certified
Professional, and a Certified Energy
Manager.
input #13 at www.csemag.com/information
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19
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2:02
PMPM
Emergency lighting is just one component of
the means-of-egress, and part of a building’s life safety system.
In the event of a power outage, a backup lighting system may
be the occupants’ only guide to a safe exit.
BY DALE WILSON, AIA,
Aon Fire Protection Engineering Corp., Glenview, Ill.
20
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E
verywhere, people eat, work,
and shop in abundantly illuminated public facilities. But,
what if that light so many of
us take for granted suddenly
ceased to exist, especially in an unfamiliar space, during an emergency?
People may become frightened, anxious,
uncertain, or disoriented. Coupled with
the smell of smoke or another impending emergency, people may even panic.
Fortunately, most public facilities are
mandated by code to be equipped with
emergency lighting that is required to
automatically activate in the event of a
power failure.
Fire protection engineering and life
safety consulting involve a large array
of specialty services. One responsibility is to assist architects, engineers, and
owners in determining if their buildings
include the proper fire protection and
life safety amenities that help protect
the building’s occupants during an emergency. One important life safety amenity includes the design and installation
of the emergency lighting system. Fire
protection engineers work in conjunction with architects and electrical engineers to ensure that emergency lighting
is properly specified and located in the
required means-of-egress pathways in a
manner consistent with the applicable
building codes.
Emergency lighting is one component
of the means-of-egress illumination and
is part of a building’s life safety systems.
Emergency lighting can be described as
any approved illuminating device and
appurtenance designed to automatically
turn on when the primary power goes
out. Exit signs are used in combination with emergency lighting to provide
means of egress lighting. Emergency
lighting and exit signs are regulated difIn an emergency, people rush from
a facility in a confused state. This
photo also represents the minimal and
obstructed visibility that is possible during an emergency evacuation situation.
Courtesy: istockphoto.com
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CSE1206_FFIRE_V4msFINAL.indd 21
Emergency lighting can serve to provide light for other emergency operations
besides egress. Courtesy: istockphoto.com
ferently but share some requirements,
like the requisite to be connected to an
emergency backup or 60-sec power system.
From the viewpoint of the various
national building codes, emergency
lighting is a backup lighting system
that illuminates a building or portion
thereof. More specifically, the purpose
of emergency lighting is to provide a
minimum level of visibility of exits or
escape routes to help direct occupants
safely out of the building in the event of
loss of primary power. Emergency lighting is also used to help building occupants, essential personnel, and emergency responders locate firefighting and
safety equipment, to perform necessary
safety functions, or to shut down equipment and operations that might become
hazardous if abandoned. It may seem
practical that all buildings should have
emergency lights, but not all facilities or
occupancies require emergency lighting,
and the requirements for installation can
also vary from facility to facility.
Historical concept
The need for emergency lighting
became imminent almost immediately
after the invention of the light bulb.
Requirements for emergency lighting
can be found in national building codes
as far back as the 1920s, and likely earlier. The National Fire Protection Assn.
(NFPA) 1927 Building Exits Code says:
The lighting source shall be
arranged to assure continued illumination of exit-ways in cases of
emergency caused by failure of
the principle lighting of the building. Where electric current is the
source of the lighting of buildings
used for public assembly or congregation, the emergency lighting shall be from a source independent of that for the general
lighting or shall be controlled by
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
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There are numerous versions of building codes and various editions
of these building codes in use around the country.
gency lighting to activate in brownout
conditions, which is defined as an electrical voltage drop of more than 10%.
These differences mean that emergency
lighting devices used in one part of the
country may not be suitable for use in
other parts of the country. It is important
to verify the requirements for each
project location.
Occupancy: Of all the requirements associated with emergency
lighting, the type of occupancy is
one of the more difficult to navigate.
Although it would be good practice
to install emergency lighting in all
spaces of all buildings, there are
exceptions. Exceptions depend on
whether the building is public or private and if the building is used as an
assembly space, a residential space, a
business operation, a storage facility,
or one of the other occupancy types
specified in the code. Even the size
of the structure (area, height, stories,
etc.), applications within the building
Regulations
Like code requirements them- Poorly illuminated access routes can lead to confu- (equipment or materials employed),
or whether the structure is new or
selves, the language from one sion and a loss of valuable time during an emerexisting can determine if emergency
code to another and from edition gency. Courtesy: istockphoto.com
lighting is required. For example,
to edition can vary, even though
the general intent is the same. Language nationally recognized code requirement. NFPA 101 does not require emergency
from state to state or even city to city In the City of Chicago, the requirement lighting in board and care occupancies,
can also vary. For example, New York for emergency lights to operate is also where each sleeping room has a direct exit
City explicitly prohibits the use of bat- more restrictive. In lieu of emergency to the exterior at grade level. To simplify
teries independent of conductors as a lighting operating in a blackout condi- the process, it should be common practice
primary use for emergency lights. Emer- tion, the City of Chicago requires emer- to include emergency lighting throughout
an automatic device which will
operate reliably to switch the circuit to an independent secondary
source in the event of failure of
the primary source of current.
The general purpose and intent of
emergency lighting has essentially
remained unchanged over the years,
despite changes in technology and
more detailed building code language. Changes have been made
as to where emergency lighting is
required, what is required of the system components, how the system is
installed, and when it is to be tested.
There are numerous versions of
building codes and various editions of these building codes in
use around the country. The most
widely used codes in effect today
are NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
(LSC); and ICC: International
Building Code (IBC).
gency lights must be encased in steel
housing; all corridors and possible exits
must be accommodated, not just those
corridors that are part of the exit plan;
and lighting must provide a minimum of
2 fc measured at the floor level, which
is a higher illumination level than the
Table 1: Illuminance recommendations
Activity
Category
Foot-candles (fc)
Public spaces with dark surroundings
A
2-3-5
Simple orientation for short temporary visits
B
5-7.5-10
Working spaces where visual tasks are only occasionally performed
C
10-15-20
Performance of visual tasks of high contrast or large size
D
20-30-50
Performance of visual tasks of medium contrast or small size
E
50-75-100
Performance of visual tasks of low contrast or very small size
F
100-150-200
Performance of visual tasks of low contrast or very small size over a prolonged period
G
200-300-500
Performance of very prolonged and exacting visual tasks
H
500-750-1,000
Performance of very special visual tasks of extremely low contrast
I
1,000-1,500-2,000
A-C for illuminances over a large area
D-F for localized tasks
G-I for extremely difficult visual tasks
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) publishes a table of general illuminance recommendations. Courtesy: Illuminating Engineering Society
22
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the building. Besides, the value and benefits of added safety are immeasurable.
Installation
Locations: In general, illumination
is required along exit access pathways
leading to exits, exit stairs, aisles, corridors, ramps, and at the exit discharge
pathways that lead to a public way. Some
authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs)
do not consider luminance or illuminance levels, but instead require specific spacing or locations within buildings. Designing the emergency lighting
system involves strategically locating
fixtures to assure that minimum levels
of lighting and the maximum levels of
contrast are not exceeded. Emergency
lighting is typically located along the
walls in compact units or integrated into
the general overhead lighting system.
The lighting layout can be challenging
in irregularly shaped rooms or in spaces with large quantities of furnishings,
which can block the light source from
reaching the designated surface and create dark spots.
Illumination levels: The level of illumination and quality and consistency
of emergency illumination are important for the building occupants’ safety.
Good emergency lighting depends on
more than just the levels of illumination.
The direction, distribution, and quality
of light all contribute to better visibility and a successful emergency lighting
design. Effective lighting starts with
illuminance, which is the level of light
falling on a surface. Emergency lighting
illuminance is measured along the path
of egress at the floor level. General overhead illumination for emergency lighting is typically dispersed from larger
fixtures and in a more vertical, wider
pattern, which is less likely affected by
contents in the building. Wall-mounted
fixtures, which have narrow or smaller
lenses, tend to disperse light in a slightly
more horizontal fashion and are more
easily affected by building contents like
partitions, furniture, and other obstructions.
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A poorly illuminated fire escape is dependent on an outside light source. Courtesy:
istockphoto.com
The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) publishes a table of general
illuminance recommendations. Selected
portions of this are shown in Table 1.
The two most commonly used building codes (NFPA 101, Section 7.9.2.1,
and IBC, Section 1006.4) require that
emergency lighting provide a minimum
average of 1 fc for a period 1.5 hours
with a minimum of 0.1 fc at any point
and a maximum fc level that cannot
exceed 40 times the minimum. The minimum- to maximum-level relationship is
required to avoid bright to dark patches
that could make emergency egress more
visually challenging in an already stressful situation. Compared to the IES recommendations for general lighting, the
level of illumination required for emergency lighting is relatively minimal.
The minimum fc level for emergency
lighting is actually below the recommendation for public spaces with dark
surroundings; however, the higher end
of the spectrum for emergency lighting
of 40 fc is more comparable to that suggested for performance tasks.
Power: Emergency lighting is one
of several building life safety features
required to be connected to a secondary power source (i.e. batteries or generators). Other systems include exit
signage, fire pumps, alarm system,
elevators, smoke control systems, and
specialty buildings such as airport traffic
control towers and buildings containing
toxic materials.
Emergency lighting is required to be
equipped with at least two sources of
functional power so that in the event one
source fails, it does not affect the capability of the second source. In the event
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
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The applicable building codes that define emergency lighting
can vary significantly from place to place.
of power failure, the second source is
required to activate within 10 sec. Once
activated, the second source of power
is required to maintain the minimum
illumination levels for a minimum of
90 minutes. The second power source
may be in the form of a generator, secondary electrical service, batteries, or
any other power source approved by
the AHJ capable of meeting the minimum duration and illumination
criteria. The secondary power
source is activated by a series of
control devices including voltagesensing relays, frequency-sensing
relays, time-delay relays, and the
like. An automatic transfer switch
automatically transfers the electrical load from normal power to an
alternate secondary power, should
the normal power fail upon loss of
emergency power.
over. After a change in tenant, a building alteration, or an interior remodel is a
good time to conduct a more comprehensive test using light meters to ensure the
minimum and maximum lighting values
are maintained.
Testing and maintenance requirements
for emergency lighting can be found in
NFPA 101, Section 7.9.3. In general, a
monthly visual inspection and a monthly
system, he or she often works closely
with architects and electrical engineers
to ensure the system is adequately distributed and located in places that will
help occupants safely evacuate a building during an emergency. Emergency
lighting is an important component of
a building’s emergency systems. Emergency lighting luminaries are often
the last thought in the lighting design.
This can create problems with
the placement of fixtures as they
relate to the surrounding room and
egress environment.
The applicable building codes
that define emergency lighting
can vary significantly from place
to place, so it is important to conduct the necessary code research
prior to designing the emergency
lighting system. Although it may
be possible to design, locate, and
simulate the effects of emergency
lighting in a particular design,
Testing
best practices should always
Testing is critical for a success- This is an example of a poorly maintained exterior
ful emergency lighting installa- egress light fixture that should be replaced. Courtesy: include testing the systems prior
to allowing occupancy of a struction. No matter how accurately istockphoto.com
ture. Post-occupancy testing
an engineer designs a system, or
how precisely a contractor installs the functional test of the devices for a 30-sec should be routine. The testing should
specified devices, invariably, the building interval are expected, and a complete be conducted after the tenant moves in
users will locate furnishings, fixtures, and system test should be conducted annu- and sets up its furnishings, fixtures, and
other contents in places that can affect ally for not less than a 1.5-hour dura- finishes. Furniture and other fixtures
the performance of the emergency light- tion. The annual test requires the actual may obscure the illumination levels and
ing system. Unanticipated obstructions power to the emergency lighting system result in areas not properly illuminated.
can easily change the design characteris- be cut, by unplugging the unit, tripping In this way, the placement of the fixtures
tics, so in addition to testing the system a breaker, or by another approved, safe can be adjusted to ensure complete covwhen installed to ensure it is functioning method. If the devices do not function, erage of the areas, and that the tenant’s
properly, it is important to incorporate a the lights are dim, or the system fails to amenities have not obstructed visibility
post-occupancy inspection and test into function for the full duration of the test, or created undesirable shadows.
Public facilities and workplaces
the project. By adding this last measure, the owner is responsible to make sure
the design engineer and contractors the unit is repaired or replaced. Records should be provided with emergency
can make the necessary adjustments to of each test should be maintained by lighting, even where the building codes
ensure optimum performance. Once the the owner for review by the AHJ. The do not require these systems. Do not take
engineers and contractors leave the con- records should include system identi- lighting for granted.
struction site, regular testing becomes the fication, test dates, test times, tester’s
name, results, comments or action items, Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree in
responsibility of the building owner.
Regular testing and maintenance and a confirmation that any service architecture and a master’s degree in
public service/public administration. He
is required of all emergency lighting repair or replacement was conducted.
is a registered architect, project manager,
systems. Ensuring the systems are rouand healthcare practice group director
tinely inspected and tested is tedious, Conclusion
but important nonetheless. Testing may
Although the fire protection engineer for Aon Fire Protection Engineering with
be required more frequently, especially is not always the primary consultant to over 25 years of experience providing life
in occupancies with higher tenant turn- design or specify an emergency lighting safety and code consulting services.
24
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FFIRE_V4msFINAL.indd 24
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Electrical products for hazardous areas
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• UL 844; Class
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• All hubs have a minimum of five
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CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 25
input #14 at www.csemag.com/information
6/4/2012 12:15:03 PM
Western Canada Sales
Ph: 403.873.5131
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Ph: 415.892.4165
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Ph: 614.545.8020
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Ph: 905.355.2340
input #15 at www.csemag.com/information
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 26
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Emergency Lighting Products
E-MAIL PRODUCT NEWS TO: CSEPRODUCTS@CFEMEDIA.COM
Architectural
emergency light
Canopy light for emergency lighting
The Sure-Lites Architectural Emergency Light
from Cooper Lighting
is designed to provide
superior illumination
while blending into the
surrounding space. The
housing is constructed of
die-cast aluminum with an integral refractive polycarbonate lens and advanced optical design, which in conjunction
with energy-efficient, long-lasting LEDs provides maximum
path of egress lighting performance. Sure-Lites line-latched
electronic circuitry makes installation easy and economical.
MaxLite offers an LED Canopy Light for emergency
lighting that operates at 40 W. It is constructed with
DLC-compliant optics for parking structure illumination. This fixture is also supported with an enclosed
emergency battery backup system, which runs for
90 minutes at 30% output illumination. Running on 120 or 277
V systems, these canopy
lights can be wall- and
ceiling-mounted, using either
a junction box or conduit connection. This fixture conforms
to fire, light, and safety requirements for egress illumination.
Cooper Lighting
MaxLite
Input #200 at www.csemag.com/information
Input #201 at www.csemag.com/information
Emergency lighting control devices
Schneider Electric has three emergency lighting control solutions: the
UL924 Emergency Lighting Control Relay, the UL924 Emergency Lighting
Control Relay with Panel Mount, and the UL924 Emergency Lighting Dimmer Control. The UL924 Emergency Lighting Control products offer a versatile, simple, and energy-efficient solution that enables standard, existing
fixtures to also be used for emergency lighting applications, saving the costs
associated with the installation of additional emergency lighting fixtures.
Schneider Electric
Input #202 at www.csemag.com/information
Compact, concealed emergency
lighting solution
Appropriate for new construction or retrofit projects,
the Sylvania LED Emergency Light by SentryLight
is compact and concealed, hiding the light source
inside the wall or ceiling until the event of a power
failure. Virtually invisible until activated, the internal
rechargeable battery automatically deploys LED
lighting in a durable housing, providing enough light
to guide people along the
path to safety in an emergency for up to 2 hours.
Sylvania
Input #203 at www.csemag.com/
information
www.csemag.com
CSE1206_FIREPROD_V4msFINAL.indd 27
Emergency
exit signage
Rounding out its line
of edge-lit emergency exit
signs, Lithonia Lighting
has introduced the EDGR
exit. Available with one or
two faces, this exit sign is
ideal for recessed applications
where a clean, edge-lit appearance is desired,
but cost is driving the decision. Universal directional
chevrons are field installable. All emergency models
feature a standard Ni-Cad battery.
Lithonia Lighting
Input #204 at www.csemag.com/information
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
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6/5/12 2:05 PM
Condensing boilers are used in a
1.5 million sq ft high-rise mixed-use
tower in Chicago. Courtesy: Mark Andersen, Environmental Systems Design
W
Boiler systems:
Economics
and efficiencies
Engineers can meet a building’s hot water
needs with today’s boiler systems.
BY DOMINIC TABRIZI, PE, Environmental Systems Design, Chicago
28
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FHVAC_V7msFINAL.indd 28
hen a hot water heating system is designed, all the components must work together
in order to achieve maximum system
efficiency, while minimizing first cost.
Hot water heating accounts for 40%
to 50% of the market, and while noncondensing boilers have been employed
for decades and engineers and facility
operators know how to design, specify,
maintain, and operate them, the popularity of condensing boilers has risen steadily over the past decade. In 2011 alone,
sales increased 20% over the previous
year, according to figures from the AirConditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration
Institute. That’s because the seasonal efficiency, which is the overall effectiveness
of the boiler over the entire season, for
today’s noncondensing boilers is roughly
at 70% to 75%, compared to 84% to 92%
for new condensing boilers.
But, achieving these high efficiencies
in the field isn’t a simple task. System
components and configuration, outdoor
air temperatures, equipment size, and
manufacturer support all determine boiler
system effectiveness in real time.
From the traditional, noncondensing
boilers to today’s new condensing boilers
and hybrid configurations that use both
condensing and noncondensing boilers,
the specifying engineer has a number of
options when choosing the right water
heating system for each application.
Noncondensing boilers
The traditional, noncondensing boiler
should operate without condensing the
flue gases within the pressure vessel. It
can be a Scotch marine-style boiler (frequently referred to as “fire tube boiler”),
flexible water tube, firebox, or cast iron.
These boilers are used in commercial,
healthcare, and educational facilities for
heating and are rated by boiler horsepower, with one unit of boiler horsepower
being equal to 33,475 Btu/hour. Nonconwww.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:06 PM
Most condensing boilers operate with natural gas as the
primary and propane as the secondary source of fuel.
30
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FHVAC_V7msFINAL.indd 30
% Efficiency
Master boiler man100
agement controller:
98
The master controller
will stage the boilers and
96
modulate firing rates to
94
achieve the highest boiler
92
efficiency. The controller
90
will also rotate the lead/
lag/standby boilers on a
88
time schedule to distrib86
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
ute run time hours. This
% Firing rate
functionality also could
be performed by a BAS.
Refer to Figure 3 for Figure 3: This figure shows increase in boiler efficiency
increase in boiler effi- as the fire rate decreases. Courtesy: Environmental Sysciency as the firing rate tems Design
decreases, with all other
If one or more valves actually drive fully
variables remaining constant.
Outside air temperature (OAT) open, then the supply water temperature
input: The hot water supply temperature is ratcheted up a bit until you get back to
setpoint should be reset based on the out- one or more valves that are almost—but
side air temperature to conserve energy not quite—fully open.
The outside air sensor can be wired
and reduce return water temperature to
the boilers. While this strategy is most directly to the boiler master controller
common when there is a direct correla- or the reset logic can reside in the BAS
tion between OAT, load, supply water with a supply water temperature setpoint
temperature, and delivered capacity, the output to the boiler master controller.
emergence of direct digital control sys- Most condensing boilers operate with
tems has introduced other approaches. natural gas as the primary and propane
One of the more common is a trim-and- as the secondary source of fuel. There
respond approach that keeps lowering are one or two manufacturers that have
supply water temperature until one or units that can operate with natural gas
more reheat valves are nearly fully open. and fuel oil #2.
If the facility or its design requires
condensing
boilers to operate with proHeating
Controller
coil
pane as a secondary source of fuel, it
OA
is important to check local codes; some
AHU-1
may restrict the amount of propane
Pressure
independent
storage (e.g., as in the city of Chicago),
140 F
control
VSD
while other municipalities may allow the
valve
VAV’s
reheat
storage of propane outside the building.
coils
Both condensing and noncondensing
140
F
Condensing
boiler
boilers are constructed in accordance
Pressure
(Typ. of 4)
VSD
independent
110 F
with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
control valve
Code, Section IV, and controls and fuel
valve train for both should follow ASME
110 F
Radiant panel
CSD-1 and UL standards. Other codes,
Air separator
such as NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas
Code also apply to these installations.
The design engineer should review the
Figure 2: This shows a heating system with condensing boilers serving the airfacility’s insurance underwriter requirehandling unit’s heating coils, variable air volume (VAV) reheat coils, and radiant heatments in case they are not in alignment
ing panels. Courtesy: Environmental Systems Design
regulations. The conditions for the discharge of condensates into the public
drainage systems are determined by the
local authorities. Normally a neutralization system should be added in the drain
pipe to increase the pH of the condensate.
The neutralization media should be periodically replaced as necessary.
Figure 2 shows a heating system serving the air-handling unit’s heating coils,
variable air volume (VAV) reheat coils,
and radiant heating panels. The system
includes four condensing gas-fired boilers piped in parallel, each with a dedicated constant volume pump as part of
the primary loop. The secondary loop
consists of two pumps, each with a variable speed drive (VSD), an air separator,
and an expansion tank.
How well the condensing boilers fit
within boiler systems design and operate
in condensing mode depends on the return
water temperature. Therefore, the design
engineer should select the heat users in
a way that will allow the system to meet
the design-day load with 140 to 150 F.
However, this adds cost to the project and
the designer may have to sacrifice a bit on
efficiency to reduce first cost.
To achieve the highest systems efficiency and run time, condensing boiler
system controls should include the following:
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:06 PM
Condensing boilers
While condensing boilers have grown
in popularity since their debut on the U.S.
market more than a decade ago, their
performance will continue to play out in
the coming years. Engineers specifying
them can choose from so many different
manufacturers with different designs and
quality of materials, they may sometimes
have a difficult time specifying condensing boilers to be equal in design and construction in the competitive bid process.
When choosing condensing boilers, some
questions to ask may include: What type
of maintenance support is available to
the facility engineers? How are the components put together? How easy will it
be to replace these parts as necessary to
maintain the equipment and desired efficiency? Can all specified boilers work on
a common flue? Is the master controller
on all specified boilers compatible with
the BAS?
While condensing boilers currently
have a limited heating capacity compared
to noncondensing boilers, manufacturers
will continue to enhance this feature in
the coming years, and as the technology
improves, the condensing boiler will
emerge as the future choice for hot water
boiler systems.
Condensing boilers work by allowing
the flue gas water vapor to change phase
and condense out of the flue gas products.
www.csemag.com
CSE1206_FHVAC_V7msFINAL.indd 29
100
Natural gas = 1050 Btu/ft3
98
Stoichiometric air = 17.24 lb/lb of fuel
or 9.57 ft3/ft3 of fuel
96
94
Boiler efficiency, %
densing boilers normally operate using
natural gas as their primary fuel and fuel
oil #2 as secondary fuel.
Fireside corrosion will occur when
the flue gases are cooled below the dew
point and come in contact with carbon
steel pressure vessel. To avoid corrosion,
the heating systems should be designed to
operate in a way that ensures a minimum
return water temperature of 150 F to the
boiler. (Note: It is important to verify the
return water temperature with the manufacturer’s literature to avoid corrosion.)
All heating components should be selected to operate with a minimum supply
water temperature of 170 F, assuming 20
F differential temperature across supply
and return water lines.
92
Noncondensing mode
90
Dew point
88
86
10%
Condensing mode
Exces
s air
84
82
80
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
Inlet water temperature, F
Figure 1: This is from the 2008 ASHRAE Handbook, Chapter 31 on boilers, and shows
the effect of the inlet water temperature on boiler efficiency. Courtesy: ASHRAE
The phase change occurs on the heating
surfaces of the heat exchanger, providing additional energy, while latent heat
is transferred to the water within the heat
exchanger and therefore increases boiler
efficiency. Condensing boilers should
be constructed from corrosion-resistant
materials throughout the combustion
chamber and heat exchanger.
Figure 1 from the 2008 ASHRAE
Handbook Chapter 31 on boilers shows
the effect of the inlet water temperature
on boiler efficiency, dew point, and the
condensing range. As the return water
temperature to the boiler decreases, boiler
efficiency increases.
Over the past decade a large number of
manufacturers have designed new boilers
to be able to operate in condensing mode
and therefore offer higher efficiencies.
These boilers can be fire-tube, watertube, cast-iron, or cast-aluminum design.
The first cost of condensing boilers is
higher than that of the traditional noncondensing boilers. Therefore, the challenge
the designer faces is to ensure that return
water temperature to the boiler stays
below 130 F; otherwise, boiler efficiency
drops and the condensing boiler operates
in noncondensing mode.
As shown in Figure 1, with a system
return water temperature of 130 F, condensing boilers are approximately 87%
efficient, but this efficiency can go as
high as 98%, with a return water temperature of 60 F. In addition to increasing boiler efficiency, a lower supply and
return water temperature also will reduce
the piping loop heat losses, and at low
load condition, the controllability can be
improved with higher gpm across control
valves.
The condensate occurring in both the
boiler and the flue gas pipeline with new
condensing boilers should be removed
in accordance with local codes and
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
29
6/5/12 2:06 PM
Hubbell DataCenter_CSE JUNE2012_Layout 1 5/14/12 9:41 AM Page 1
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Data center owners and operators rely on critical
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Electrical
•
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•
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input #16 at www.csemag.com/information
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 31
6/4/2012 12:18:37 PM
Noncondensing boilers are piped in parallel as part of the
primary loop, each with a dedicated pump.
and the system can maintain space design
conditions with lower supply water temperature, during which the condensing
boilers will operate in condensing mode
and water will circulate through the secondary loop only.
Controls for a hybrid heating system
are more complicated than those for a
heating system with either noncondensing or condensing boilers. System water
temperature should be monitored continuously to determine which boiler should be
with applicable codes, to find a mutually
acceptable common ground.
Hybrid heating systems
A hybrid system containing both noncondensing and condensing boilers may
be used when an owner is trying to reduce
initial cost and also wants to enhance
operational efficiencies.
Figure 4 shows a hybrid heating system serving the air-handling unit’s heating coil, VAV’s reheat coil, and radiant
Controller
OA
VSD
180 F
Non-condensing
boilers
(Typ. of 2)
CW
Air separator
VSD
1
2
3
Expansion tank
140 F
150 F
110 F
Load To Space
Condensing boiler
Condensing boiler
1 Air handling unit’s
heating coil
2 VAV’s reheat
3 Radiant ceiling
panels
to coincide with the operating conditions
of the condensing and noncondensing
boiler operations.
Automatic isolation valves to switch
between condensing and noncondensing boiler operation: The automatic
isolation valves will operate as two-position to switch between condensing and
noncondensing modes of operation. The
OAT should be used to determine when to
switch between condensing and noncondensing modes of operation.
Even though the hybrid heating system
can reduce the initial costs of a heating
system, the facility operating engineers
must receive specific training on the operating differences between the condensing
and noncondensing modes of operation.
The two position valves shown in Figure 4 also could be used in modulating
fashion to warm up the noncondensing
boiler loop fairly quickly, minimizing
the amount of time the boiler condenses
during warm-up; it also can minimize
the thermal shock potential by blending
colder return water with the boiler loop
gradually.
What’s next?
Figure 4: A hybrid heating system serves the air-handling unit’s heating coil, VAV’s
reheat coil, and radiant ceiling panels. Courtesy: Environmental Systems Design
ceiling panels. The heat users are selected
to meet the design-day load with 180 to
190 F supply water temperature, and 150
to 160 F return water temperature. Noncondensing boilers are piped in parallel as
part of the primary loop, each with a dedicated pump, while condensing boilers are
piped in parallel as part of the secondary
loop, each having a dedicated pump. Two
distribution pumps, each with a variable
speed drive, serve the heat users.
When the required system’s supply
water temperature is 180 to 190 F, which
is too high for condensing boilers to condense, the system will operate with the
less expensive, noncondensing boilers.
Based on OAT, the system’s supply
water temperature shall be adjusted.
When it is relatively warm outside, the
supply water temperature can be reduced
32
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FHVAC_V7msFINAL.indd 32
enabled. To achieve the highest systems
efficiency, the controls should include the
following:
Master boiler management controller: The master controller will stage
the boilers and modulate firing rates to
achieve the highest boiler efficiency. The
controller will also rotate the lead/lag/
standby boilers on a time schedule to distribute run time hours. This functionality
can also be performed by a BAS.
Outside air temperature input: The
hot water supply temperature setpoint
should be reset based on OAT to conserve energy. The outside air sensor can
be wired directly to the boiler master controller or reset logic can reside in the BAS
with a supply water temperature setpoint
output to the boiler master controller. The
range of reset schedule should be selected
While the high operational efficiencies of condensing boilers will drive
their future specification, noncondensing
boilers will continue to be employed in
retrofit applications where legacy design
issues apply and where cost is a major
factor, until higher operational efficiencies are mandated under new energy use
codes. Until then, hybrid systems will
provide a middle road for the energyconscious, fiscal building owner.
Tabrizi is vice president at Environmental Systems Design and has more than
25 years of experience in the design of
mechanical solutions for pharmaceutical facilities, research and development
laboratories, food processing plants, and
commercial buildings. As project engineer, he works closely with the other discipline managers to establish and implement project requirements, schedules,
and budgetary parameters.
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:06 PM
Automatic
transfer switch protection
Automatic transfer switch short-circuit current protection has some
common misconceptions. Here we’ll discuss the deficiencies of
“non-current limiting” protection.
BY MIKE STANEK
400 A ATS label example
Cooper Bussmann, Baltimore
A
utomatic transfer switches
(ATSs) are a vital part of many
life safety and mission critical
systems where continuity of service is
crucial. The NEC requires 600 V or less
ATSs to be “listed for emergency system
use” when installed in these systems. UL
1008: Transfer Switch Equipment is the
product standard for ATSs.
When designing a power system
and specifying an ATS, two important
design considerations must be evaluated: An ATS’s withstand and closing
(close on) rating (WCR), and how the
overcurrent protective device (OCPD)
protecting the ATS affects system selective coordination. A misapplication of
the relationship between an ATS and its
OCPD can have a severe impact on the
integrity of the system and on the overall project cost.
A clear understanding of the relationship between an ATS’s WCR and the
OCPD is imperative to assure a welldesigned installation. An ATS must be
properly protected for short-circuit currents from either source of power, or in
the case of closed transition ATSs, the
combination of the fault current from
each source. If an ATS is subjected to a
fault current above its maximum WCR,
severe damage, severe injury, or death
may result.
Options for ATS protection
ATSs generally are tested, listed, and
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CSE1206_FATS_V4msFINAL.indd 33
Circuit
breaker
option 1
Circuit
breaker
option 2
Circuit
breaker
option 3
When protected by type designated circuit breaker shown rated not more
than amperes shown, this transfer switch is rated for use on a circuit capable
of delivering not more than RMS symmetrical amperes at the Volts maximum
shown.
RMS sym
amps (kA)
Volts
max
Circuit breaker
manufacturer/type
Amps rating
max
50
480
Cutler-Hammer/HKD, CHKD, KDC
HLD, CHLD, LDC, CLDC
400
600
50
480
General Electric/TBC4
SGL1, SGL4, SGP4
400
800
50
480
Siemens/HJD, HJXD, SHLD
MD, MXD
400
800
When protected by a circuit breaker without short-time delay, this transfer
switch is rated for use on a circuit capable of delivering not more than RMS
symmetrical amperes at the Volts maximum shown. (This is for circuit breakers
with an instantaneous trip.)
RMS sym
amps (kA)
Volts
max
Circuit breaker
manufacturer/type
Amps rating
max
65
240
Any
Per NEC
35
600
Any
Per NEC
This transfer switch is intended for use with an upstream circuit breaker
having a short-time rating not exceeding 30,000 A at 480 V, for 24 cycles
(0.40 seconds).
RMS sym
amps (kA)
Volts
max
Circuit breaker
manufacturer/type
Amps rating
max
30
480
24 cycles (0.40 seconds)
Per NEC
When protected by specified ampere maximum class fuses shown, this transfer
switch is rated for use on a circuit capable of delivering not more than RMS
symmetrical amperes and at Volts maximum shown.
Fuse
option
MS sym
amps (kA)
Volts
max
Circuit breaker
manufacturer/type
Amps rating
max
200
600
Class J
600
200
600
Class L
800
Figure 1: This chart provides the tested and listed WCRs for this specific device.
The circuit breakers or fuses that supply this ATS must adhere to these types and
ampere ratings. In addition, the available short-circuit current at the ATS installation
point cannot exceed the RMS symmetrical amperes as shown for the corresponding
circuit breaker or fuse option used. This information is presented in different formats
on actual ATS labels. The terminology, wording, and formats can vary considerably.
Courtesy: Cooper Bussmann, division of Cooper Industries plc
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
33
6/5/12 2:09 PM
A clear understanding of the relationship between an ATS’s WCR
and the OCPD is imperative to assure a well-designed installation.
table for all the ampere ratings for a
manufacturer’s specific ATS series. This
would be useful during the specification/procurement process. The Figure
1 label and Figure 2 table are fictitious
and for illustrative purposes only. When
interpreting actual manufacturer’s WCR
tables and equipment labels, be sure to
read all pertinent footnotes, referenced
materials, etc.
labeled for use with either fuses or circuit breakers, each offering different
levels of protection. Within this standard there are two main short-circuit
current withstand tests an ATS must
surpass. First, the ATS must withstand
a short circuit when the switch is in
a closed position. During the second
withstand test, the ATS must transfer,
close, and hold on to the short circuit.
ATSs must pass both of these tests at
the same available short-circuit current
magnitude and survive within a specified acceptable damage criterion.
Figures 1 and 2 are aids for understanding the protection options and illustrate a typical ATS manufacturer’s data
available for proper specification and
application. Figure 1 is a sample label
for a 400 A ATS. The label is typically
affixed on the inside door of the enclosure. The label would be useful during
installation, inspection, and post-installation alterations. Figure 2 is a WCR
Circuit breaker protection options
ATSs protected by circuit breakers
can be classified by one of three WCRs:
1. “Specific breaker” rating
2. “Any breaker” rating: 3-cycle circuit breaker rating
3. Short time rating (18 to 30 cycles):
circuit breakers without instantaneous
trip.
These three ATS short-circuit protection options for circuit breakers are
indicated in Figures 1 and 2 by the corresponding number (1), (2), or (3).
(1) “Specific breaker” WCR
For an ATS switch to receive a “specific breaker” rating in accordance with
UL 1008, it must be short-circuit current tested when protected by a specific
circuit breaker (manufacturer, type designation, and ampere rating). ATS manufacturers typically provide documentation for specific circuit breaker choices
that have been tested and listed for a particular ATS. See Figure 1, option 1, for a
sample label. Figure 2, Specific Breaker
Rating column marked (1), provides the
levels of protection, in amperes, achievable through the use of specific breakers for a particular ATS series. To view
the list of specific breakers tested and
accepted, contact the ATS manufacturer.
Certain issues may arise when specific breaker combinations are used. It
is important to note that specific breaker
ratings are usually a hindrance on bid
day because, in most circumstances, the
vendors providing the circuit breaker and
ATS UL 1008 withstand and close-on ratings
(symmetrical RMS amperes, Sym RMS amp)
ATS protected by circuit breaker
1
3
2
ATS
specific
circuit
breaker
WCR *1
Max
voltage
ATS any
circuit
breaker
*2
Max
voltage
NA
--
10,000
70, 100
22,000
480
125, 150, 200
22,000
260, 400, 600
Transfer switch
amp rating
ATS protected by current-limiting fuse
4
ATS short time WCR
(circuit breaker without
instantaneous trip)
ATS fuse
WCR
Fuse
max
amp
Fuse
UL
class
Max
voltage
WCR
rating
Duration
cycles
Max
voltage
600
NA
--
--
200,000
60
J
600
10,000
600
NA
--
--
200,000
200
J
600
480
10,000
480
NA
--
--
200,000
300
J
600
50,000
480
42,000
480
30,000
24
480
200,000
600
800
J
L
600
800, 1,000,
1,200
65,000
600
50,000
600
35,000
18
480
200,000
1,600
L
600
1,600, 2,000
100,000
480
100,000
600
65,000
30
480
200,000
3,000
L
600
40
*1 WCR with specific circuit breaker: With this option the ATS manufacturer will provide a list of specific circuit breakers detailing the circuit breaker manufacturer,
circuit type or series, max. voltage, max amp rating, and ATS WCR rating with that specific circuit type. Contact ATS manufacturer.
*2 WCR with “any” circuit breaker: the circuit breakers for this option must have an instantaneous trip and clear within 3-cycles (1.5 cycle clearing for switches 400 A
and less and tested for 10,000 A WCR). The circuit breaker ampere rating would be based on NEC requirements.
Figure 2: This chart and notes provide an example of the information ATS manufacturers provide as a starting point for specifying
overcurrent protection for their transfer switches. Fuses provide WCR protection typically up to fault currents of 200 kA. Circuit
breaker protection, on the other hand, typically results in lower ATS WCRs, and there may be many exceptions to this chart.
Courtesy: Cooper Bussmann, division of Cooper Industries plc
34
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FATS_V4msFINAL.indd 34
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:09 PM
the ATS are not the same. This places
extra responsibility on the contractor
and consulting engineer to make sure
the ATS/circuit breaker pair is a tested,
listed combination. Specific breaker
combinations are often highly scrutinized by the authority having jurisdiction
(AHJ) during an inspection. Although a
specific breaker may be properly shortcircuit combination rated with the ATS
at the time of the initial installation,
it is very likely that over the life of a
system, the circuit breaker may need
to be replaced. The person tasked
with finding a replacement circuit
breaker may not fully understand the
importance of the relationship between
the circuit breaker and the ATS it is protecting. If a new circuit breaker is installed
that differs in type and/or rating, it may
not be listed to protect the transfer switch
and could be a potential hazard. Finally,
if proper maintenance is not performed,
the trip characteristics of circuit breakers
may change as they age. The tripping time
may become slower, thus exposing the
ATS to energy above its tested and marked
WCR rating.
(2) “Any breaker” WCR
The 3-cycle rating was introduced
into UL 1008 in 1989. It allowed ATS
manufacturers to provide another rating
category for short-circuit current WCR.
An ATS that passes this test is able to
withstand a fault of a given magnitude
for 3-cycles and not exceed certain
damage criteria (See Figure 1, option 2;
and Figure 2, column marked (2)).
The purpose of the test is to allow
an ATS to be marked for use with any
manufacturer’s circuit breaker that
incorporates an instantaneous trip when
the ATS and circuit breaker are applied
within their ratings. The umbrella ratings provided by this test give an engineer more flexibility when specifying
circuit breaker protection for an ATS.
Hospital ATS example
T
here are severe cost implications due to the proper selection of an
OCPD for an ATS. Let’s look at a common ATS example. The following
pricing example has been taken from a real ATS quote and is a common
occurrence across ATS manufacturers. The manufacturer’s name and
part numbers have been omitted.
Requirement
A consulting engineer needs to specify the following for a hospital
patient wing addition. In the design, circuit breakers will be used upstream
to protect the ATSs. Quantity: Five automatic transfer bypass isolation
switches, 600 A, 480 V, 4-pole switched neutral, with a NEMA 1 enclosure.
Initial ATS cost estimate
From ATS manufacturer:
The estimated cost per switch: $15,000
Cost for 5: $75,000
Footprint dimensions per switch: 34 in. x 28 in. (height not considered)
ATS cost modified due to fault current
However, when the available fault current is calculated, it is determined
that there is a 58 kA root means squared (RMS) symmetrical short-circuit
current available at the ATS. The designer concludes that these ATSs will
require a 65 kA 3-cycle WCR. (This assumes instantaneous trip circuit
breakers will be used without short time delay.)
After reviewing the WCR chart provided by the ATS manufacturer
(similar to Figure 3), the engineer discovers the ATS quoted above is
only rated to withstand 42 kA for 3 cycles. In order to assure the ATS can
withstand a fault current of this magnitude, it is necessary to move up to
the next ATS frame size, and purchase an ATS with adequate WCR. The
next frame size offered by this ATS manufacturer is 800 to 1200 A. The
engineer again reviews the WCR chart and learns that a switch of this
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CSE1206_FATS_V4msFINAL.indd 35
size is only rated for 50 kA for 3 cycles. Again, this will require the move
up to an even larger ATS. The next ATS frame size manufactured is 1600
to 2000 A. After reviewing the WCR chart, the consultant sees that these
switches can withstand faults of 85 to 100 kA depending on the required
ATS characteristics. Either way, this switch will be able to withstand the
58 kA available and meet the 65 kA 3-cycle requirement. The consultant
goes back to the ATS manufacturer for a new price.
New cost from ATS manufacturer
The new cost per switch: $35,000
Cost for 5: $175,000
Footprint dimensions per switch: 38 in. x 60 in.
Additional cost
$20,000 per ATS x 5 = $100,000 to owner
Additional electrical room floor space required = 20 in. x 160 in.
This is a very common situation. It may or may not be made clear during a bid or submittal review that these changes have occurred, but the
added costs are real. These additional costs are in most cases figured in
by the ATS manufacturer during the initial bid and never questioned. When
using circuit breakers, a substantial price premium can be incurred when
the system has higher available short-circuit currents. The larger ATSs
will also take up more floor space in already crowded electrical rooms.
An alternative solution would be to use fuse protection. If current limiting
fuses are specified upstream of the ATS, the energy let through during
a fault will be far below the withstand threshold of the ATS, allowing the
original 600 A ($15,000) ATS to be protected from any fault up to 200 kA.
With fuse protection, the original ATS cost estimate would be applicable.
This, in turn, would have saved the end user over $100,000, reduced
overall project completion time, and conserved floor space.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
35
6/5/12 2:09 PM
Certain ATSs have optional connect versions to help accommodate
sizing concerns and aid in installation.
In the past this option was thought to
alleviate many of the procurement,
installation, or replacement issues
that occur when using the “specific
breaker” option above. For this reason,
the rating was referred to as the “any
breaker” rating and was considered the
best practice solution when using circuit breakers for ATS protection.
This, however, has changed with
the advancement and growing
understanding of selective coordination.
(See Figure 1, option 3; and Figure 2,
column (3)).
Fuse protection option for ATS WCR
The other option for ATS protection
is the use of current-limiting fuses.
The current-limiting ability of fuses
limits let-through current and thereby
Normal
source
Alternate
source
OCPD
(3) Short time WCR with
circuit breakers
New considerations for ATSs
came to the forefront with the
addition of selective coordination requirements for emergency
Transfer
N
E
systems, legally required standby
switch
systems, and healthcare essential
electrical systems to the 2005
NEC.
Designers desiring selective
coordination with circuit breakers often use circuit breakers with Figure 3: ATSs must comply with the WCR
short time delay and no instanta- requirements of UL 1008. Courtesy: Cooper
neous trip in vital systems. These Bussmann, division of Cooper Industries plc
circuit breakers increase the time
that an ATS must withstand a short- reduces the damaging energy during
circuit current. Because the short-time a fault. This assures the ATS will be
delay opening time will likely exceed protected even when exposed to very
the 3-cycle time limit for the 3-cycle high fault levels, in most cases up to
“any breaker,” option 2 of Figure 1 and 200 kA. The combination tested fuse
column 2 of Figure 2 cannot be used.
class and maximum amp rating is given
Because of selective coordination by ATS manufacturers along with the
requirements circuits powering life WCR protection level [See Figure 1,
safety-related loads, the 3-cycle “any option 4; and Figure 2, column (4)].
breaker” ratings that were previously In addition to the ease in achieving
the norm for ATS protection in circuit ATS WCR of 200 kA because of their
breaker designs are no longer sufficient. current-limiting ability, fuses are easy
In recent years, ATS manufacturers to achieve selective coordination, even
have introduced short time rated ATSs for high fault currents.
to aid in circuit breaker designs requirAnother important consideration
ing selective coordination. The short is the availability of ATS options for
time test subjects an ATS to a given the different protection options just
fault current for up to 30 cycles. The discussed. When protected by fuses,
options available for ATSs with short typically ATSs with any option can
time ratings are limited and also usu- be used and the ATS will have a 200
ally carry a higher price tag when com- kA WCR. However, when protected
pared to ATSs with standard WCRs. by circuit breakers, the designer or
36
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FATS_V4msFINAL.indd 36
installer must be vigilant to verify the
ATS WCR for various configurations or
ATS options based on the type of circuit breaker used. The following lists
outline some of the ATS characteristics
that must be evaluated to adequately
specify fuse or circuit breaker protection for ATS WCR.
What determines an ATS’s WCR
when protected by fuses
Only the switch amp rating
and the fuse UL class/max. amp
rating. (Almost all ATSs, regardless of manufacturer, amp size,
and options used, have a WCR
of 200,000 A when protected by
current-limiting fuses.)
What determines an ATS’s WCR
when protected by a circuit breaker
ATS manufacturer (ASCO,
Russelectric, Zenith, Cummins,
Caterpillar, Eaton, Kohler, etc.)
AT S S e r i e s ( i . e . ,
300,4000,7000)
Voltage (240,480,600)
Frame size (amp rating)
Bypass/Non-bypass switch
Number of poles (2,3,4)
Type of neutral (solid, switched,
overlapping)
Connection type (front/rear connect, mechanical/compression lugs).
As you can see in the second list,
many factors define the protection
level provided by a circuit breaker.
Following the ATS manufacturer ’s
WCR chart a specifier or installer ca
not be assured that in all applications
a circuit breaker will provide adequate
protection. Common configurations
will actually afford an ATS with a
lower WCR in certain cases. For one
major manufacturer, an ATS from 260
to 600 A has a 42 kA, 3-cycle WCR at
480 V when protected by an instantaneous trip circuit breaker. However,
with a 4-pole overlapping neutral this
ATS would only have a rating of 35
kA when protected by an instantaneous
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6/5/12 2:09 PM
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Another
e-newsletter?
Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s
e-newsletters provide helpful and
specific information that’s directly
applicable to your career:
■
■
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Fire and Life Safety Solutions
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NewsWatch
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Business of Engineering
Product Showcase
CSE Codes & Standards
Another commonly overlooked design concern
is the connection type chosen for the ATS.
circuit breaker. These same ATSs protected by appropriate fuses have a 200
kA WCR.
Another commonly overlooked
design concern is the connection type
chosen for the ATS. Certain ATSs have
optional front, rear, or side connect
versions to help accommodate sizing
concerns and aid in installation. For
instance, an ATS when designed as a
rear connect switch is rated for 65 kA
WCR with instantaneous trip circuit
breaker protection, but it may have
only a 50 kA WCR if the front connect version is chosen. Similarly, when
protected by a circuit breaker, the WCR
for an ATS may vary with the type of
cable connections specified. While in
most cases the standard connection
type for ATS installation is mechanical
screw-type lugs, many projects request
compression lugs for ATSs. This will,
in most cases, also adversely affect the
WCR given to an ATS when protected
by a circuit breaker. If using fuse protection, these ATS characteristics are
a non-issue and the WCR is typically
200 kA.
Proper emergency system design
requires full understanding of the
relationship between a transfer switch
and the systems overcurrent protec-
tion. Many factors—such as available fault current, overcurrent device
coordination, and even the accessories chosen for a given ATS—could
have dramatic impact on protection
requirements. By failing to investigate all available options or failing to consider variables during the
construction process and over the life
of a system, a serious misapplication may occur. Likewise, diminished
protection ratings or significant and
unnecessary costs and size implications for the ATS may be introduced
to a design. With insufficient design
scrutiny, these issues may exist during the initial construction process or
could surface during the future life
of the system.
Stanek is a field applications engineer
for Cooper Bussmann and has spent
the entirety of his career specializing in emergency system design both
with Bussmann and working as a field
applications engineer for a major ATS
manufacturer. Through his experience
working in the field with consulting
engineers, contractors, and system
owners, he has encountered countless
misapplications of transfer switch protection.
Right-size to avoid change orders
T
Subscribe today at:
www.csemag.com
he following is another real ATS example. This illustrates issues that may arise after initial
design. A consulting engineer specifies an ATS protected by circuit breakers. The engineer
calculates the available fault current as designed at the ATS to be 48 kA and labels the drawings
accordingly. After reviewing the drawings, the contractor purchases an ATS with a WCR of 50 kA.
When installing the conduit and pulling the cables, the contractor finds a shorter path to run the
cabling to the ATS than originally planned and is able to save on conductor material and installation
costs. The ATS is manufactured, shipped, and installed at the job site. When the “as installed”
short circuit and coordination study is conducted, it is determined that the available fault current
at the ATS is now 52 kA. The ATS, however, is only rated to withstand a fault of 50 kA. An inspector
will not approve this ATS that is not rated for use with the maximum available fault current, plus
there is a liability if installed in this manner. If the contractor requests a return and purchases
a properly rated ATS from the manufacturer, there will be severe change order cost involved.
This situation is common across the industry. An alternative solution would have been to use
fuse protection, which is typically 200 kA WCR, and eliminate the need to “right-size” the system
every time a project plan change is made.
38
cse1008jh_eNews3rdV.indd 1
CSE1206_FATS_V4msFINAL.indd
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd
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Economic analysis
in individual project selection
Using net present value analysis
instead of the rate of return will
treat investment scale as one
of the key value drivers, and will
help engineers select moneymaking projects.
BY STEVE KIHM, CFA, and SCOTT HACKEL, PE,
Energy Center of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.
C
onsulting engineers are always under pressure to deliver
the most cost-effective project possible for their client,
whether it is for a simple replacement pump selection or
a full HVAC system selection on a large building. This is no
small feat, as cost effectiveness depends not only on the upfront
cost of a project, but also on its impact on future operational and
other costs. Most engineers will use some type of lifecycle cost
estimate to make these types of decisions, to balance upfront
and future costs for a client. This analysis might include consideration of any of the following measures:
The project’s payback ratio (simple payback)
Its internal rate of return
The net present value of its cash flows.
The payback ratio is an ad hoc measure that, while easy
to apply, can provide misleading signals. The finance literature supports the internal rate of return and net present value
metrics as the more proper tools for general economic analysis. Nevertheless, when a specific problem involves mutually exclusive investments, analysts should employ only the
net present value measure, and not the rate of return. When
projects compete directly against each other for capital, it is
important that differences in investment scale factor into the
analysis. The internal rate of return measures only return per
dollar of capital invested, thereby eliminating the impact of
scale in specific project analysis.
Finance principles make it clear that firms should maximize
wealth, which can be measured only in dollars. Unlike rates of
return, which are percentages, the net present value result is
dollar based, aligning more properly with finance principles
in that regard.
Table 1:
Financial metrics for hospital HVAC projects
40
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FFINANCE_V4msFINAL.indd 40
Project
Simple
payback
Internal
rate
of return
Net present
value
of cash flows
Boiler/chiller
9 years
9.5%
$439,900
Geothermal
system
11 years
8.6%
$523,100
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:10 PM
We demonstrate these points using
theoretical finance examples, then end
with a real-world example showing that
a large-scale geothermal heating and
cooling system is economically superior
to a smaller-scale conventional HVAC
design, even though the conventional
system has a quicker payback and a
higher rate of return.
Problems with the payback ratio
While the payback ratio can provide
some useful information about a project, it is at best an incomplete measure
of economic attractiveness. Applying a
strict payback criterion (e.g., all projects
must have a payback of 2 years or less)
can in many cases steer us away from
economically attractive capital investments.
The payback ratio tells us how long
it takes for the cumulative cash flows
generated by an investment to cover the
upfront capital cost of the project. That
is all that it tells us. For example, if an
energy recovery unit costs $50,000 to
install, and it produces annual energy
savings of $20,000, the payback is:
Making sound project decisions requires in-depth knowledge of economic tools.
Courtesy: istockphoto.com
Note that if our criterion required a
2-year payback, we would reject this project. It is difficult to
know whether that is a proper economic decision because the
payback ratio ignores critical information, such as the expected life of the project, the cost of capital, and other ancillary
effects such as changes in cash flow due to inflation.
One big problem with the payback ratio is that it ignores cash
flows that occur past the point of capital recovery. Returning to
our example, note that the payback ratio for the energy recovery
unit is 2.5 years whether the equipment lasts 3, 10, or 30 years.
Assuming a 10% discount rate, the net present value (to be
discussed in a moment) of the 3-year version of the equipment
is negative (meaning the project destroys economic value rather
than creating it), the 10-year version is worth about $70,000,
and the 30-year version is worth about $140,000. The payback
ratio provides no hint that the economic value varies to this
extent depending on the useful life of the measure.
www.csemag.com
CSE1206_FFINANCE_V4msFINAL.indd 41
Financially sound metrics: Is one as good as the other?
Both the internal rate of return and net present value metrics
rest on the same simple, but powerful, notion: If the project
earns more than it costs to finance it, it creates economic
value. The internal rate of return measures the result in percentage terms (i.e., in the form of an interest rate); the net
present value calculation provides the result in terms of wealth
(i.e., dollars).
When analyzing a project in isolation, the internal rate of
return and the net present value approaches provide the same
signal as to whether to invest. That is, if a project produces
a rate of return in excess of the cost of capital, it will also
produce a positive net present value result. This suggests to
many that one can use either the internal rate of return or the
net present value measure to select projects, regardless of the
circumstances.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
41
6/5/12 2:10 PM
Projects with high rates of return might not create much wealth if the
investment scale is small or if the cost of capital for the project is high.
That conclusion is incorrect. We encounter problems with
the internal rate of return metric when selecting among competing, mutually exclusive projects (projects in which multiple
options exist, but only one can be chosen). In that realm, the
net present value measure is superior to the internal rate of
return. That is to say that firms will be better off financially
if they consistently select from among mutually exclusive
projects using the net present value criterion rather than the
internal rate of return.
Project evaluation using financial metrics
We demonstrate all these financial metrics using data for
two hypothetical, mutually exclusive projects, as presented
in a standard financial management text (Robert C. Higgins,
Analysis for Financial Management, Irwin, 1989). In this case
let’s assume two different renewable energy installations, one
being about twice the size of the other. Project engineers can
recreate our calculations for their own projects quite easily
in a spreadsheet.
Project Small requires an upfront investment of $522,000
and produces annual cash flows of $100,000 for each of the
next 10 years. Project Large requires an upfront investment
of $1.1 million and produces annual cash flows of $195,000
over the same period. The property owner can raise capital to
finance either project at an annual cost rate of 10%.
The payback ratios for the projects in question are:
We see that we recover our upfront capital slightly faster
under Project Small than we do under Project Large. If speed
of capital recovery is our guide, then Project Small wins this
contest, albeit only by a slight margin. But speed of capital
recovery is not linked directly to wealth creation, which should
be the ultimate objective of any for-profit firm.
One calculates the internal rate of return by setting the discounted present value of the project cash flows equal to the
upfront cost. The internal rate of return is the discount rate (r)
that solves the equation.
As noted above, a project creates value if its return exceeds
the cost of capital (10% in this example). The internal rates
of return for both projects meet that criterion, suggesting that
both create value. If these were independent projects, the owner
should invest in both.
This might be possible if the owner had two separate pieces
of property upon which to place a renewable installation, but
here we assume he has only one. As such, the projects truly
are mutually exclusive. If we build the smaller version of the
installation, we then forego the opportunity to simultaneously
build the larger one at that same site.
Under those conditions, if maximizing the rate of return is
our guide, then Project Small is clearly the winner, this time by
a more noticeable margin. But maximizing rates of return is not
the proper objective of a financially oriented business—maximizing wealth is the proper objective. We can measure wealth
in one and only one form—dollars. The amount of wealth a
project creates depends on the simultaneous interaction of three
key variables:
1. The rate of return
2. The cost of capital
3. The investment scale.
Note that none of these measures, when viewed in isolation,
provides particularly useful information. Projects with high
rates of return might not create much wealth if the investment
scale is small or if the cost of capital for the project is high.
On the other hand, projects with low rates of return can create
large amounts of wealth even if the return exceeds the cost of
capital only by a small margin, as long as the investment scale
is large enough.
Of course, one should not reject all high-return, small-scale
projects. Nor should one invest in all low-return, large-scale
projects. It is the specific interaction of the three key variables
shown above that determines which project creates the most
wealth.
This leads us to the net present value measure, which simultaneously considers all three key value drivers. For this metric,
instead of solving for r as we did when calculating the rate of
return, we rearrange the terms and substitute the cost of capital
(10% or 0.10) for the return.
The interaction between the key value drivers over the
10-year investment horizon reveals that investing in the larger
project creates more economic wealth than does investing in
the smaller one, even though the larger project produces a lower
42
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FFINANCE_V4msFINAL.indd 42
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:10 PM
internal rate of return, as we saw earlier. As a standard corporate finance text suggests, if you want to
feel good about making great percentage returns,
select projects based on the internal rate of return.
If you want to get rich, use net present value.
Net present value and excess returns
Letting scale influence the result as it does in
this case may seem counterintuitive to many—don’t
we want to use the rate of return to select projects
because it eliminates the differences in scale, allowing for a more-balanced comparison? The answer is
an unequivocal “no.” If we are interested in measuring wealth creation, which can be expressed only
in absolute dollars, not percentages, we need to let
scale shine through in the analysis, not be eliminated as it is in the rate of return calculation.
The internal rate of return fails to provide the
proper signal here because it is insensitive to the
scale of the investment, and scale is one of the primary wealth drivers. The net present value represents the excess dollar amount, that over and above
the funds that flow to the capital providers. If the
owner builds the smaller installation, it will produce
a 14% return, the funds from which he uses to pay
10% to the capital providers, leaving him with the
equivalent of $92,500 in excess funds; if he builds
the larger installation, it will produce a 12% return,
the funds from which he uses to pay 10% to the Installing efficient conventional HVAC systems may produce high rates of
capital providers, leaving him with the equivalent return, but large-scale geothermal projects often yield greater net present
of $98,250 in excess funds.
value cost savings. Courtesy: Energy Center of Wisconsin
The choice here is clear. We purchase goods and
services with dollars, not percentages. In the end, the owner geothermal system. He must use financial analysis to determine
can earn more dollars on the 2 percentage point spread (12% to which of these two options will be more effective.
10%) for the larger installation than he can on the 4 percentage
Replacing the boilers, chillers, pumps, and ancillary equippoint spread (14% to 10%) on the smaller installation. How ment is estimated to cost $4.30/sq ft, or $1.5 million. It will
can he make more money on the smaller spread? It’s all about save approximately $85,000 per year in electricity, $63,000
differences in investment scale.
per year in natural gas, and $15,000 per year in maintenance.
The capital expenditure for the geothermal system is, of course,
much more expensive. Though the inside equipment is actually
Application: a geothermal heat pump system
The discussion above would be well represented by a more somewhat similar (heat recovery chillers are installed in place
concrete example. Let’s take a common building engineering of chillers, and only a small backup boiler is necessary), the
challenge: an aging HVAC system. An engineer is brought in geothermal system is much more expensive because a ground
to a 350,000-sq-ft hospital in the mid-Atlantic to determine heat exchanger must be drilled in the field outside the hospital;
the best course of action in dealing with an aging boiler/chiller the retrofit cost is estimated at $9.00/sq ft. But energy analysis
central plant that seemed to the owner to be a potential spot for indicates that the loads of the hospital are well suited to geotheran energy-efficiency upgrade. The engineer initially considers mal, and this technology will actually break even on electricity
replacing the old boilers and chillers, and installing new high- usage, while completely eliminating the hospital’s $265,000
efficiency units, pumps, and controls. This will certainly save natural gas bill; maintenance savings is estimated to be a little
the hospital energy and maintenance cost over time. But recently larger at $31,000 per year. The geothermal option also does not
he has also attained some experience with geothermal systems, require replacement of cooling towers and boilers over time,
and decides to consider a much bigger change to a central plant saving the hospital $300,000 every 20 years.
www.csemag.com
CSE1206_FFINANCE_V4msFINAL.indd 43
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
43
6/5/12 2:10 PM
The geothermal system has a slower payback and a lower rate of return. Those
metrics are nothing more than distractions for mutually exclusive projects.
The engineer takes all of those project details and calculates
the financial metrics in the manner described above (see Table
1). We ask you to consider this information to make the call as
to the better investment option. (Note: The hospital’s cost of
capital is 7%.)
Before you answer this question, consider another question:
If you could receive a gift today of either $439,900 or $523,100,
with no strings attached, which would you prefer? That is essentially the same question we ask here. The net present value calculation tells us how much wealth we create in today’s dollars
after adjusting for risk and the timing of the cash flows, and
after paying back both the principal and the required returns to
those who provide the capital necessary to install the equipment.
After considering all costs, including the capital costs, the hospital will increase its net worth in today’s dollars by $439,900
if it chooses the boiler/chiller; it will increase it by $523,100 if
it chooses the geothermal system.
It is true that the geothermal system has a slower payback and
a lower rate of return. But those metrics are nothing more than
distractions for mutually exclusive projects. The only metric
that matters when we choose between investments of this nature
is the net present value result, and the geothermal system wins
hands down by that measure.
Key takeaways
As a matter of practical advice to engineers, this analysis suggests that payback is a poor tool under most circumstances. It
further suggests that we take a harder look at the scale of project
options in our consulting assignments. Perhaps some of those
larger projects are more valuable than we might have initially
thought, especially if we were screening based on rates of return.
Using net present value analysis instead of the rate of return will
treat investment scale as one of the key value drivers, and will
help us select wealth-maximizing projects.
Kihm is research director and Hackel is senior energy engineer at Energy Center of Wisconsin. Kihm evaluates energyefficiency programs and develops, analyzes, and critiques
energy policy. He was a 2011 Career Smart Engineers Conference presenter. Hackel consults with architects and engineers
on energy-efficient building designs and systems. He conducts
applied research on energy efficiency technologies and assists
utilities in developing efficiency programs. He was a 2011 40
Under 40 award winner.
Watch Steve Kihm’s 2011 Career
Smart Engineers Conference presentation “How to Supplement
Project Proposals with Improved Economics” at www.csemag.com
/careersmart. In one hour, learn how economic strategies can make your
next engineering project smarter.
44
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_FFINANCE_V4msFINAL.indd 44
Why maximizing NPV
works for privately held firms
S
ome claim that while maximizing net present value may
make sense for publicly traded firms that raise capital in the
financial markets, privately held firms operate under different financial circumstances that make the net present value rule
less applicable. As we shall see, such is not the case.
Assume a single-owner firm that has $25,000 of cash available for
investment. The firm has two mutually exclusive, 1-year projects. Project
A requires a $10,000 upfront investment and produces a $20,000 cash flow
at the end of the year (a 100% internal rate of return); Project B requires a
$20,000 upfront investment and produces a $35,000 cash flow at the end
of the year (an 80% internal rate of return).
If the firm wanted to raise capital to fund these projects, it would need
to pay capital providers a 10% return. When we conduct proper financial
analysis, whether the firm actually uses external funds is not importantóthe cost of capital measures the opportunity cost of raising those
funds. If you are skeptical, stay with us.
The net present value metric is only a tool to guide us to wealth maximization. We will demonstrate that following that rule leads to greater wealth
for the private firm, even if the firm uses internal funds to finance its
projects. Using the opportunity cost concept, we have enough information
to calculate the net present values for the projects:
So if we use internal rate of return, we would select Project A (100%
rate of return); if we use net present value, we would select Project B (net
present value of $11,818).
But how does this mathematical analysis translate into firm performance? We can see the effect by examining the impact of each project on
the firmís wealth. Neither project uses the entire $25,000 cash balance.
We assume for the sake of simplicity that the unused cash amount sits
idle in the firmís checking account. We show below the firmís cash flow
trail over the year for each project:
Project A: $25,000 beginning cash balance - $10,000 investment +
$20,000 cash inflow = $35,000 ending cash balance
Project B: $25,000 beginning cash balance - $20,000 investment +
$35,000 cash inflow = $40,000 ending cash balance
If you think $40,000 is better than $35,000, then you want to use net
present value, and not internal rate of return, to select projects. That notion
holds for all for-profit firms, regardless of ownership structure.
Portions of this example come from Brealey, Myers and Allen, Principles
of Corporate Finance, McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2006.
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:10 PM
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Models Available
2220 ERV Ad_CSE.indd 1
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 45
input #19 at www.csemag.com/information
3/7/12 10:46 AM
6/4/2012 12:25:25 PM
MEP
Giants
Reception
and Dinner
October 17 at
Chicago Hilton
OCT. 17–18, 2012 — CHICAGO
➾ Get Career Smart at the nations best
Join the top
professional development conference
electrical,
for engineers October 17–18, 2012, in
mechanical,
downtown Chicago.
plumbing, and
fire protection
engineering
TRACK ONE: CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
firms in the
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
PRINCIPALS AND MANAGERS
United States
for an evening of
networking and
celebration.
• Mentoring: Making the Match
Speaker: Amy Smith
• Networking to Develop Your
Business:
Speaker: Brian Alcorn
• How To Spin Off A New
Consulting Firm
Speaker: Mike Walters, PE
Other topics covered:
• Training and staffing programs
• Leadership, sales, marketing and
management
ATTEND THE SESSIONS AND HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO NETWORK
WITH THE MOST PROMINENT ENGINEERING FIRMS IN THE NATION.
cseCareerSmar_June12SpreadAd.indd 1
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 46
6/1/2012 3:18:07 PM
6/4/2012 12:28:26 PM
➾ ABOUT THE EVENT:
Designed to boost individual and company performance, this
two-track conference with sessions focused on business
development, marketing, networking, mentoring and
communications also provides information on topics typically
not covered by technical conferences and trade shows, and
ample opportunities to network.
FULL CONFERENCE INCLUDES ACCESS TO BOTH TRACKS, LUNCH, AND
BOTH THE MEP GIANTS AND 40 UNDER 40 DINNER EVENTS.
40
Under 40
Awards and
Dinner
October 18 at
Chicago Hilton
Meet the upand-coming
young engineers
building our
future. Join the
TRACK TWO: INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
ENGINEERS FROM EARLY TO SENIOR LEVELS
winners of the
40 Under 40
awards at the
40 Under 40
• Managing Your Future
Speaker: Erin McConahey, PE
• Two Paths: Engineering
or Business
Speaker: John Suzukida, PE
➾
• Presentation Skills That
Sell You and Your Ideas
Speaker: Danielle Turcola
Other topics covered:
• Skills for Success: Communication
and Productivity
dinner reception
the evening of
October 18 at
the Chicago
Hilton.
For more information and to register for this
event, go to www.csemag.com/careersmart
Find CSEC on Twitter: #CSEC2012
cseCareerSmar_June12SpreadAd.indd 2
6/1/2012 3:18:37 PM
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 47
6/4/2012 1:16:01 PM
Product & Literature Digest
Input #100 at www.csemag.com/information
Fike’s Integrated Voice Messaging System
Fike’s advanced Integrated Voice Messaging system is
now Listed to the new UL 2572 Mass Notification Systems
standard, making it ideal for Mass Notification (MNS) or
Emergency Communication (ECS) Systems. Additionally,
Fike's ECS system offers several key product enhancements,
including an optional Local Operating Console (LOC) or
remote microphone. For more information, visit us at NFPA
Booth #1525 or http://www.fike.com/products/faive.html.
Email: facilitiesprotection@fike.com
R
Phone: 866-758-6004
Input #103 at www.csemag.com/information
Input #102 at www.csemag.com/information
Upload your Digital Ads to the CFE Ad Portal.
Sign up today... it’s FREE!
It’s Easy and Secure!
Log on today at http://ads.cfemedia.com and
start using this simple, fast and convenient service!
Follow the easy step-by-step instructions to submit
a new ad. Once uploaded, review your ad on screen
for compliancy, then approve for submission.
The portal also offers helpful tips for pdf creation,
plus a useful archive and status report of all ads
you have submitted.
http://ads.cfemedia.com
cse201009_portalFiller.indd 1
Place Your Advertisement TODAY!
9/14/2010 5:22:05 PM
For further information on advertising contact: Tom Corcoran at 215-275-6420 email: tcorcoran@cfemedia.com
48
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_ProdMartREVIEW.indd 48
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6/5/12 2:12 PM
As we proudly celebrate our two-year anniversary,
we invite you to also celebrate the success stories
of these participating manufacturing innovators:
ASCO
Fike Corporation
Generac
Greenheck
Lutron
Mersen
MTU Onsite Energy Corp.
Russelectric Inc.
Siemens Industry, Inc.
System Sensor
Thomas & Betts
Wheatland Tube
Yaskawa America, Inc.
Look for the special Innovations videos at:
www.csemag.com/innovations
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5:01:11 PM
6/3/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
The Power to Know
It’s all about the need to know…
Your need to know what’s happening with your facility’s
on-site power and distribution system. That includes
automatic transfer switches, generator paralleling
control switchgear, gensets, circuit breakers, paralleling
bus, protective relays and other gear.
It’s not only to know, but to understand. To act. To solve
issues when seconds count.
Your need to know about equipment condition, operation
and status is more critical than ever. Essentially, to make
sure that all equipment and components are healthy and
“playing nice.” That’s especially important as system
complexity and sophistication increase.
Knowing can help ensure power reliability for critical
operations, and thus continuity of those operations. To
make sure when questions are asked, you have answers.
Now there’s a way to get exactly the amount of
communication, monitoring and control capabilities you
want for your utility source and on-site power system.
The PowerQuest® family is the most comprehensive
communication, monitoring and control solution ever
offered by Emerson Network Power.
It empowers you. It fulfills your need to test, manage
loads, optimize the bus bar, remotely monitor and otherwise be aware of the status of your facility’s utility source
and on-site power. You have both the Power to Know and
the Power to Do. Whether you require standard monitoring and control, or a comprehensive Critical Power Management System, PowerQuest can satisfy your needs.
Hardware. Software. Installation and testing. Service.
And upgrades and technology refreshes. A truly
complete solution for all your communication, monitoring
and control needs.
www.EmersonNetworkPower.com | www.AscoPower.com | www.AscoAPU.com
input #20 at www.csemag.com/information
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6/4/2012 1:50:12
5:05:12 PM
5/23/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Fike Leads in Fire Technologies
Known for its great
customer service and
technical superiority, Fike
is a leader in effective,
innovative fire protection
technologies.
Integrated Voice
Messaging System
Fike’s advanced Integrated
Voice Messaging system is
Listed to the new UL 2572
Mass Notification Systems
standard, making it ideal for
Mass Notification (MNS) or
Emergency Communication
Systems (ECS). Additionally,
Fike’s system offers several key product enhancements, including an optional Local Operating Console
(LOC) or remote microphone.
SigniFire™ Video Flame, Smoke and
Intrusion Detection
SigniFire video image is the unique, innovative,
camera-based detection system that visually detects
the presence of smoke and flame at its source,
independent of airflow in the area — providing a
critical advantage for early warning detection.
surveillance capabilities as a bonus. The versatile
SigniFire can detect fire in seconds, supply vital live
video to remotely located guards, trigger fire alarms,
and provide vast amounts of pre-recorded forensic
evidence for fire investigations. SigniFire is perfect
where traditional smoke detection may not be
practical, such as open area venues and challenging
environments.
ECARO-25® Clean Agent
Fire Suppression
Fike’s ECARO-25 clean agent with
Impulse Technology is the costeffective solution for suppressing
fires and protecting high-value
assets and business continuity.
ECARO-25 virtually eliminates
the downtime and fire clean-up
associated with water. And
with minimal modifications,
ECARO-25 can often work with
existing Halon pipe networks to
transform an old suppression
system into an effective,
environmentally-sound, clean
agent solution.
ProInert® Fire Suppression
Inert gas systems are the safe, natural way to
extinguish a fire. Fike’s ProInert is safer and more
economical than any system on the market. Due to
the unique, patented valve assembly, ProInert agent
enters the protected room at a steady flow rate,
preventing destructive turbulence. Only the amount
of extinguishant needed is discharged, and the
necessary venting area is much smaller… reducing
installation costs by as much as 60%.
The UL Listed, FM Approved, CE Marked SigniFire
cameras can recognize smoke and flames in
large spaces at great distances, while providing
Additionally, Fike’s ProInert system is designed for
superior, long-distance delivery, allowing containers
to be located in virtually any non-critical area.
R
Visit www.fike.com | Telephone: 1-866-758-6004
input #21 at www.csemag.com/information
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5:05:36 PM
5/14/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Generac’s Modular Power System
Generac’s Modular Power System (MPS) is a powerful combination of the industry’s most
reliable generators and state-of-the-art integrated paralleling technology, providing the
highest level of reliability in automatic standby power. Not only does MPS boast a rate of up
to 99.9999% reliability, it is more cost effective and flexible than single gensets with the
same load capacity, making expensive stand-alone switchgear systems obsolete.
Redundancy
Superior Protection of Critical Components
Given typical load factors and the potential for
minimal load shedding as needed, an MPS
solution can easily offer application redundancy
without increasing capacity—a significant
advantage over single genset solutions.
Each generator’s controller in the MPS system is
housed in a protective aluminum enclosure with
carefully sealed plug connections, unlike other
systems that leave control boards exposed to potential
physical damage and external electrical noise.
Flexibility
The Most Durable Switching
Multiple smaller gensets offer greater location
flexibility than a single large unit. Weight
distribution makes rooftop installations
possible and a low profile allows for parking
garage installations. And less electrical space
is required because of the elimination of
switchgear and large external panel boards.
Generac’s MPS uses a cyclic rated power contactor for
active switching, and a shunt trip molded case breaker
for over-current protection and redundant isolation
capabilities. The result is a power switching device with
an extended lifespan and significantly more reliability
than any other standard system available.
Scalability
Because each module is designed to easily
integrate with an existing MPS, there is no
need to install more power than you currently
need, reducing your capital investment. Simply
add more modules as your business grows and
power requirements increase.
No Single Point System Failure
Generac’s MPS system is the only one that
automatically supports paralleled generator
operation through all failure modes. This means
that when active communications go down, MPS
generators are still fully capable of automatic starting,
paralleling, and load balancing without manual
starting. No other system is able to supply this level
of automatic backup.
Contact Generac at 888-GENERAC (888-436-3722) or visit us online at www.generac.com/industrial
input #22 at www.csemag.com/information
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5:06:00 PM
5/29/2012
AM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Air Movement Keeps Evolving With Leadership from Greenheck
Greenheck, the worldwide leader
in manufacturing and distributing
air movement and control
equipment, maintains a product
line that is vast and varied, from
the industry’s best-selling rooftop
and wall-mount exhaust fans, to
an ever-growing selection of special purpose
products such as super-efficient energy recovery
ventilators, dampers, louvers, make-up air units,
variable-volume kitchen ventilation systems,
centrifugal fans, high velocity laboratory exhaust
systems and more.
Innovative Product
Development Continues
Greenheck maintains on-site laboratories
to test products against the latest industry
performance requirements issued by
AMCA, ANSI, ASHRAE, UL and EPA.
On-site testing also allows the company to
continuously develop reliable new products
and to enhance performance of existing
products by adding important new features.
Innovative Products: The Vari-Green Motor
Greenheck’s latest product innovation to meet the
industry’s demands for energy efficiency and sustainability is the Vari-Green motor. It’s available with
downblast, centrifugal upblast, utility and sidewall
exhaust fans as well as inline exhaust and supply
fans. The Vari-Green motor is a low maintenance
brushless EC (electronically commutated) highefficiency motor that can operate at 80% turndown
of full speed, as compared to only 20% adjustment
on belt drive fans with variable pitched pulleys. By
achieving a wider range of variable speeds, the
Vari-Green motor can perform at lower RPMs —
saving energy the moment turn-down begins.
Specifying a direct drive Vari-Green EC motor over a
belt drive fan can provide significant energy savings
with no transmission losses, make speed adjustment
and system balancing even easier, and virtually
eliminate fan maintenance.
The motor is available in 1⁄6, ¼, ½, ¾, 1-, and 2-HP
sizes and offers various control options including
constant pressure, constant CFM, VOC and
temperature/humidity. Greenheck’s Vari-Green
motor can help earn LEED building credits under
Prerequisite Two: Minimum Energy Performance
and Credit One: Optimize Energy Performance.
As a result, Greenheck continues to lead the
industry with the most AMCA certified louvers
and dampers, has introduced energy-efficient
kitchen ventilation systems and has established itself as an innovative industry leader
in energy recovery, make-up air systems and
laboratory exhaust systems.
For more information about Greenheck
products, visit www.greenheck.com.
Contact Greenheck, P.O. Box 410, Schofield, WI 54476-0410 | Tel: 715-359-6171 | Fax: 715-355-2399
input #23 at www.csemag.com/information
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5:06:17 PM
5/14/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Delivering innovative solutions
that continue to revolutionize the industry
Exhaustive research and unwillingness to
compromise performance led Lutron to the
development of Clear Connect RF Technology2.
Lutron conducted RF emission surveys in the
field to assess the best bands for operation and
considered numerous regulatory requirements.
In an effort to understand real-world issues
and activity, measurements were taken in major
cities and around major RF transmission sites.
For more than 50 years, Lutron has pioneered
changes in light control technology to support
greater energy efficiency and deliver innovative solutions that continue to revolutionize the
industry. Notable technological advancements
include: wireless occupancy sensors with a
10-year battery life and XCT™ Fine Motion
Sensing Technology. To ensure reliable RF
Communications, Clear Connect™ Wireless
RF Technology is embedded in all Lutron
wireless products.
Lutron spent many years testing a variety of
occupancy sensing technologies. Arriving at the
conclusion that Passive Infrared (PIR) sensing
represented the right approach, Lutron saw an
opportunity to improve upon existing technology
to avoid false trips and missed detection. XCT
Sensing Technology is the result of empirical
research into the way human beings move in a
typical business environment, and the signals
they transmit to an occupancy sensor. Resulting
data showed that movements are often much
smaller than current sensors can detect, and
Lutron developed an improved algorithm to
detect this fine motion1.
Existing RF products were also put to the test
to ensure users that their Lutron sensors would
not be affected by the omnipresent “traffic” at
popular frequencies from cell phones, baby
monitors, security systems, and the like. The
result is a widely successful, globally installed
wireless communications system.
Include Lutron’s product innovations in your
project today! Call 1.888.LUTRON1 (588-7661).
1
Steiner, J.P. (2009). XCT Technology from Lutron: The New
Standard in Sensing. A Technical White Paper. http://www.lutron.
com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/white%20paper%20XCT%20423-09%20B.pdf
2
Black, R. (2009). Clear Connect RF Technology.
http://www.lutron.com/TechnicalDocumentLibrary/Clear%20
Connect%20Technology%20whitepaper.pdf
Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | www.lutron.com | custsvc@lutron.com
input #25 at www.csemag.com/information
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5:06:38 PM
5/25/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Increase system safety and longevity with a wide range
of Mersen electrical protection solutions for solar power
Solar power designers, integrators, contractors,
and equipment manufacturers turn to Mersen for
innovative electrical protection products and unmatched technical support. You’ll find a dedicated
range of products from overcurrent protection to
surge protection as well as thermal management
for power electronic components. And thanks to
our HelioProtection® product family, faulty circuits
are safely isolated and system longevity and
reliability are increased allowing for continuous
generation of clean and efficient power.
Mersen
HelioProtection®
Photovoltaic Fuses
HelioProtection
Photovoltaic Fuses provide
overcurrent protection
at the combiner box and
inverter levels. Ideal to
withstand continuous
temperature and current
cycling, they cover
applications from 1 to 400A,
600VDC and 1000VDC.
Selections include HP6M,
HP10M, and HP6J fuses.
HPJ Series 1000VDC Class J Fuseholders
Designed specifically for Mersen’s HP6J
HelioProtection series of photovoltaic fuses,
these fuse blocks are certified for use with
90°C temperature rated conductors, an industry
first. Fuseholders are available with box
connectors, stud connectors, or combination
of the two in order to meet various customer
requirements. Insulators are either molded
glass-filled polycarbaronate or phenolic with
verified dielectric strength in excess of 2500V.
All fuse clips are made of high conductivity
tin-plated copper.
UltraSafe™ 1000VDC Touch-safe Fuseholders
Mersen’s HelioProtection line of UltraSafe fuseholders
delivers the function, safety, and level of electrical
protection demanded by PV applications. Mersen specially
selected enhanced materials when designing this fuseholder
in order to provide the level of reliability and system
longevity required under constant temperature fluctuation
of typical PV sites while providing the level of electrical
insulation required for 1000VDC applications. The touch-safe
design and tool-free fuse change-outs increase user safety.
SXDC-PV Disconnect Switches
Designed for solar applications,
the SXDC series of non-fused
switches are IEC-rated for
1000VDC for 4-poles in series
and 750VDC for 3-poles in series.
The small footprint and low profile allow for a secure mounting
in the toughest applications!
They are listed to UL98 at
600VDC for “service entrance”
applications and are available
in 3 or 4-pole configurations.
For solar power electrical protection solutions you can rely
on, contact Mersen at info.nby@mersen.com or 978.462.6662.
input #26 at www.csemag.com/information
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6/4/2012 3:17:01
5:07:00 PM
5/18/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
MTU Onsite Energy generates innovative power solutions
Series 1600 generator sets
Generators are designed and packaged in Mankato, Minnesota.
A heritage of innovation
MTU Onsite Energy is one of the newer names
in power generation, but behind it is a global
manufacturing organization with more than 100
years of innovative engine manufacturing and 60
years of power generation packaging. Industry
legends such as Maybach, Daimler-Benz, Detroit
Diesel and Katolight are all integral parts of MTU
Onsite Energy’s heritage of experience and
expertise. As the global power generation brand
of the Tognum Group, MTU Onsite Energy has
gained strengths from each of these different
companies. Headquartered in Mankato, Minnesota, MTU Onsite Energy Corporation offers a
comprehensive power generation product
portfolio, unmatched customer service and a
history of developing innovative power solutions.
New sizing software offers complete solutions
The MTU Series 1600 engine that powers this line of
generator sets is the industry’s only engine in the 230 kW
to 600 kW power node developed specifically for power
generation. Available in 12V, 10V, 8V and 6-cylinder inline
configurations, MTU Series 1600 generator sets feature
enhanced levels of fuel efficiency, durability and flexibility.
With more cylinder displacement than comparable
generator-drive engines, the Series 1600 has greater reserve
power for better load acceptance and transient response.
The 8V Series 1600 generator set is a Finalist in ConsultingSpecifying Engineer’s 2012 Product of the Year contest.
New 8V
Series 1600
generator is a
class-leading
design
New PS-SPEC 4.0 sizing software
MTU Onsite Energy’s powerful new version of its PS-SPEC 4.0
sizing software now enables users to select generator sets
for projects of any size and produce precise specifications.
PS-SPEC 4.0 is a complete generator sizing program with
an intuitive graphic user interface and extensive step-bystep help files. PS-SPEC 4.0 enables users to generate more
detailed and application-specific power system specifications than ever before. Other distinctive features include
engine, alternator and cooling package calculations based
on site conditions such as altitude, temperature or airflow
limitations. The software also includes a voltage dip prediction calculator. PS-SPEC 4.0 allows viewing of sizing details
while entering load parameters, plus it saves and exports
specifications in multiple formats, and it provides results for
undersized and oversized generator sets.
powergen3@mtu-online.com | 800-325-5450 | www.mtu-online.com
input #27 at www.csemag.com/information
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5:07:23 PM
5/21/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Medium-Voltage Circuit Breaker Automatic Transfer Switches
and Bypass/Isolation Switches
For open-transition retransfers, the switch first verifies
that the primary source has returned, opens the emergency source breaker, and then closes the primary
source breaker. For closed-transition retransfers, the
switch first checks to ensure that the primary source is
in synchronism with the emergency source, parallels
the two sources by closing the primary source breaker,
and finally opens the emergency source breaker.
Russelectric Medium-Voltage (5-15kV) Circuit Breaker
Automatic Transfer Switch
Russelectric’s new Medium-Voltage (5-15kV) Circuit
Breaker Transfer Switches and Bypass/Isolation
Switches are fully UL tested, listed, and labeled
under UL 1008A, making them suitable for use in
legally required emergency power systems.
Through the carefully controlled opening and closing
of circuit breakers, these switches transfer electrical
loads from a normal power source to an emergency
source upon reduction/loss of voltage and retransfer
loads when normal power is restored. Switches may
be configured for open- or closed-transition transfer.
All models meet or exceed stringent IEEE, NEMA, and
ANSI standards.
Russelectric’s powerful
new RPTCS programmable
microprocessor-based
control system
Russelectric Medium-Voltage Circuit Breaker
Bypass/Isolation Switches provide all the functions
of an ATS plus the ability to manually bypass power
from live source to load if the transfer switch becomes
disabled. Switches are designed to allow isolation and
de-energization of the automatic transfer breaker for
maintenance, testing, and repair. Operators can easily
choose between load-break bypass and no-load-break
bypass by means of a selector switch on the control
cubicle front door. Like the ATSs, these bypass/
isolation switches are controlled by the Russelectric
RPTCS control system.
Russelectric equipment is backed 24/7/365 by factorytrained employee field service.
All functions of these ATS and
Bypass/Isolation Switches are
controlled by Russelectric’s
powerful, versatile RPTCS
programmable microprocessorbased control system. For
both the open- and closedtransition configurations, if the
primary source is lost, the control initiates an open-transition
transfer to the emergency
source by tripping the primary
source breaker and closing the
emergency source breaker.
Breakers in a
Russelectric
Medium-Voltage
Circuit Breaker
Bypass/Isolation
Switch
Tel: 1-800-225-5250 | E-mail: info@russelectric.com | www.russelectric.com.
input #28 at www.csemag.com/information
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6/4/2012 2:33:45
5:09:04 PM
5/10/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
rom
industimeustrial
d Water
(drives,
ore)
ross
with
oduce
s the
ntrol,
an
total
market.
ram,
l and
to 30%
Siemens Industry, Industry Automation Division
The Siemens Industry Automation Division supports
the entire value chain of its industrial customers – from
product design to production and services – with an
unmatched combination of automation technology,
industrial control technology and industrial software.
With its software solutions, the division can shorten
the time-to-market of new products by up to 50 percent.
Industry Automation comprises four Business Units:
Industrial Automation Systems, Control Components
and Systems Engineering, Sensors and Communications, and Water Technologies.
“How does Totally Integrated Automation
drive maximum productivity?”
Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) has been the
core intelligence of over 100,000 automation products
(drives, motor control centers, energy management
and control, PROFINET/PROFBUS networking, and
much more) for nearly 15 years. This is the foundation
for open flexible technology
and maximum interoperability
across multiple devices to
transform them into a totally
integrated automation
system. TIA, when
synchronized with customer
requirements, optimizes
factory, machine and process
operations allowing you to
not only produce more, more
efficiently,
but increase
Raj Batra, Vice President,
your
innovation
and
Siemens Industry
competitiveness.
Automation Division
TIA Portal – one engineering framework
for all automation tasks.
Siemens has redefined engineering with the Totally
Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal. The TIA Portal is
the most intuitive, efficient, and proven engineering
framework, enabling you to integrate PLC, PC-based
control, HMI and Network configuration in a single
engineering environment.
This ground breaking innovation can shorten your
engineering cycle, save commissioning time, reduce
maintenance costs, and reduce your total cost of
ownership. This has resulted in up to 40% reduced
engineering time, thus reducing your time to market.
The TIA Portal is the key to unlocking the full potential
of Totally Integrated Automation.
Safety – Siemens Safety Integrated increases
safety and reduces complexity.
The SIMATIC Safety Integrated solution provides
proven technology, as part of your overall safety
program, to save lives. This safety solution blends
seamlessly into Totally Integrated Automation and
lowers initial and operating costs, reduces down-time,
increases productivity and much more. This results in
savings up to 30% in total cost of ownership.
www.usa.siemens.com/automation
input #29 at www.csemag.com/information
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6/4/201211:10:59
5:10:34 PM
5/20/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
System Sensor FAAST Fire Alarm Aspiration
Sensing Technology®
Aspiration Anywhere
The FAAST aspirating smoke
detector uses its unique Dual
Vision sensing technology to
provide the earliest and most
accurate smoke detection
available. FAAST’s unique
combination of nuisance
immunity, incipient fire
detection, five programmable
alert levels, integral Internet
communications, and
e-mail notifications opens up a world of application
possibilities. With FAAST, you can truly take
aspiration anywhere.
FAAST has been installed all over the world, protecting
facilities with a wide range of requirements. The
following are just two examples of the many spaces
FAAST is being used to protect.
Tool Manufacturing Plant
A major tool manufacturer was required to install
smoke detection in two of its switchgear rooms. Unfortunately, the plant’s manufacturing processes produced
airborne particulate that would cause nuisance alarms
and dirty detector warnings every couple months in
traditional spot detectors.
Because of its advanced ability to provide
early warning of fire while rejecting nuisance
conditions, the fire system designer for the plant
chose to protect the switchgear rooms with two
FAAST units connected to the existing fire alarm
panel. Soon after installation, FAAST was put to
the test when one of the devices initiated a
low-level alert programmed for supervisory.
An inspection revealed a smoke event in an
adjacent production area. “FAAST really did
exactly what it was supposed to do,” says the
fire system designer.
International Airport
A busy international
airport needed highly
sensitive smoke detection
to counteract the effects
of high airflows, smoke
dilution, and stratification
in the airport’s open,
high-ceilinged areas.
At the same time, the
airport could not tolerate
nuisance alarms that could
cause a costly mix of massive evacuations,
service delays and lost productivity.
The airport chose to install 296 FAAST units
because of FAAST’s highly sensitive and
accurate detection capabilities. Installed in
terminal areas, FAAST actively draws air
through its pipe network to sample air from
different levels of the building to counteract the
effects of high airflow, stratification, and dilution.
At the same time, the detector rejects nuisance
particulate, ensuring terminal service is not
interrupted by false alarms.
Contact info@systemsensor.com | 630-377-6580 | www.systemsensor.com
input #30 at www.csemag.com/information
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5:12:02 PM
5/21/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Thomas & Betts – the source for innovative products
Thomas & Betts
Corporation is a
global leader in the
design, manufacture
and marketing of
essential components
used to manage the
connection, distribution, transmission and
reliability of electrical
power in industrial,
construction and
utility applications.
PMA nylon flexible cable protection systems
for power and data cable provide superior
corrosion protection in harsh environments.
Thomas & Betts’ products are designed to
perform dependably under a variety of manufacturing
conditions:
• constant moisture
• harsh chemicals
• extreme temperatures
• high-pressure wash down
• ultraviolet exposure
• hazardous areas
• high-vibration equipment
• continuous operation
These products are rigorously tested for use in harsh
environments, with proven results in thousands of
installations.
For more than a century, Thomas & Betts has provided
customers with electrical system solutions to help
protect employees, assets, brands and customers,
while meeting applicable codes, lowering installed
costs and providing overall value.
T&B® Fittings Stainless Steel Form 8 Conduit
Outlet Bodies are constructed of polished,
marine-grade Type 316 stainless steel,
providing protection for electrical systems in
the harshest environments.
With a portfolio of
more than 200,000
products marketed
under more than
45 premium brand
names, Thomas &
Betts products are
found wherever
electricity is used,
including in manufacturing facilities where
they help power
industrial machinery.
Thomas & Betts is the source for innovative products
in wire and cable management, cable protection
systems, power connection and control products,
safety technology, HVAC building solutions, and
engineered transmission structures.
OCAL-BLUE®
Type 4X Form 8
conduit bodies
offer double-coated
exteriors for
enhanced protection
in corrosive
environments, as
well as excellent
protection in washdown applications
and harsh outdoor
environments.
Thomas & Betts’ trained sales representatives and
technical services experts are available at every
stage of a project, from planning and site preparation
through construction and MRO. Thomas & Betts also
conducts training programs on specific products and
systems, and works closely with accredited electrical
industry associations.
The company’s brands are asked for by name and
trusted by electricians, installers and engineers for
their unmatched record of product firsts.
The company maintains an active role in shaping safe
and consistent electrical standards and practices.
Thomas & Betts Corporation
8155 T&B Boulevard | Memphis, TN 38125 | (800) 816-7809 | Fax: (800) 816-7810
elec_custserv@tnb.com | www.tnb.com
input #31 at www.csemag.com/information
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5:19:00 PM
5/18/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Wheatland Tube Sets the “Standard” for Innovation
in the Steel Industry
The highlight of Wheatland’s social media platform
is its weekly blog: the Wheatland Standard [http://
www.wheatland.com/wheatland-standard/blog].
The blog was created to provide insight, information, and perspective on the issues that matter in
the steel industry. From “green” energy solutions
to what “Made in America” truly means, the
Wheatland Standard is committed to staying
current with posts featuring best practices and
emerging technologies.
Wheatland Tube, the largest steel pipe and electrical
manufacturer in North America, sets the “standard” in
innovation. Wheatland has become the “one-stop-shop”
for quality standard pipe, sprinkler pipe, electrical conduit, and electrical elbows, couplings, and nipples in the
industry. Known for its outstanding service as well as its
superior products, Wheatland has developed the expertise
and knowledge to meet all of one’s steel product needs.
Wheatland is also proud to proclaim that all of its products
meet stringent Made in America standards, with 100%
of its product portfolio manufactured from steel that was
made and melted in the USA.
By finding new
and exciting ways
to communicate
and connect with
its customers and
agents, as well as
continuing to set
and create new levels
of industry standards
with its high quality,
American-made
products, Wheatland
Tube is truly an innovative
manufacturer for the ages.
However, providing high quality products is only part of the
equation at Wheatland Tube. Aside from cutting-edge
investments in facilities and systems, Wheatland has also
begun to set the mark when it comes to disseminating
relevant, important information to its clients.
With the launch of its social media program that
encompasses a wide range of platforms (including YouTube
[http://www.youtube.com/user/JMCSteelGroup], Twitter
[http://twitter.com/#!/wheatlandtube], and a quarterly
eNewsletter, “eConduit”), Wheatland is finding new ways
to effectively communicate with both its customers as
well as its agents. The objective of this social media
program is to create a new level of interactive dialogue
between the manufacturer, customers, and end users of
Wheatland’s products.
info@wheatland.com | 800-245-8115 | www.wheatland.com
input #24 at www.csemag.com/information
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5/14/2012
PM
A DV E R T I S E M E N T
Yaskawa Quality: More than a Measurement... It’s an Experience.
AC Drives
Yaskawa Industrial AC drives cover every automation
application need in the industrial plant, offering the
greatest selection of size and performance available,
with power ranges from fractional HP to 1750 HP.
We take quality personally at Yaskawa. Our drives and
servo packages offer the highest MTBF in the world.
The relationships we have with our customers ensure
mutual benefits. The partnerships we cultivate with our
distributors add value to the way we work with you.
We hire great people and continuously train them to
be able to serve your needs better. We deliver product
on time. It works out of the box. We answer questions
promptly and never back down from challenges.
Our Commercial AC drives for HVAC applications
combine reduced size and cost with step changes
in performance and quality. They feature extensive
parameter selection to enhance energy efficiency and
closed loop control for Building Automation Systems.
To us, quality means doing everything we can to
make our customer, partner and employee
experiences great ones. We commit to that
philosophy every day. We make it happen.
We can because, to us, IT’S PERSONAL.
We’re the only industrial drives and motion control
manufacturer to win the Deming prize – the most
prestigious quality award in manufacturing. But we
know that tells only part of the quality story. What
about innovative design, knowledgeable, responsive
engineers who understand your business, and superior
support and training?
Those crucial assets are a vital part of how a company
is ultimately judged and what we mean by the Yaskawa
Quality Experience. At Yaskawa, Quality is more than
numbers, more than awards – it’s the total experience
of purchasing and owning Yaskawa products and
working with Yaskawa people.
Motion Control
Our broad product range of servo systems includes
rotary, linear, and direct drive motors matched with
digital SERVOPACKS. These best-in-class servo
systems can be matched with our single or multi-axis
programmable automation controllers for a system
solution with the best quality and reliability in the
industry.
www.yaskawa.com | http://www.yaskawa.com/site/Home.nsf/home/home.html
input #32 at www.csemag.com/information
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5/18/2012
PM
Advertiser Index
1111 W. 22nd St. Suite 250, Oak Brook, IL 60523
630-571-4070 Fax 630-214-4504
PUBLICATION SERVICES
Jim Langhenry,
Co-Founder and Publisher, CFE Media
630-571-4070, x2203; Jlanghenry@CFEMedia.com
Steve Rourke, Co-Founder, CFE Media
630-571-4070, x2204, SRourke@CFEMedia.com
Trudy Kelly, Executive Assistant
630-571-4070, x2205, TKelly@CFEMedia.com
Elena Moeller-Younger, Marketing Manager
630-571-4070, x2215; EMYounger@CFEMedia.com
Michael Smith, Creative Director
630-779-8910, MSmith@CFEMedia.com
Paul Brouch, Web Production Manager
630-571-4070, x2208, PBrouch@CFEMedia.com
Michael Rotz, Print Production Manager
717-766-0211 x4207, Fax: 717-506-7238
mike.rotz@frycomm.com
Maria
Jeff
Adee,
Bartell,
Direct
Account
Mail List
Director,
ServicesU.S. Sales
630-288-8323; mbartell@mardevdm2.com
630-288-8310;
jadee@mardevdm2.com
Rick Ellis, Audience Management Director
Phone: 303-246-1250; REllis@CFEMedia.com
letters to the editor
Please e-mail us your opinions to
ARozgus@CFEMedia.com or fax us at 630-214-4504.
Letters should include name, company, and address,
and may be edited for space and clarity.
Information
For a Media Kit or Editorial Calendar,
email Trudy Kelly at: TKelly@CFEMedia.com.
Request more information about products and advertisers in this issue by using the
http://csemag.com/information link and reader service number located near each item.
If you’re reading the digital edition, the link will be live. You may also check the circle
adjacent the page reference to indicate which companies you are interested in, then FAX
this back to CSE at 630-214-4504 for FREE information. When you contact a company
directly, please let them know you read about them in Consulting-Specifying Engineer.
Company
Page
Reader
Service #
Phone #
Web site
Send Info
Baldor Electric Company ................ C-2...................1 ................479-646-4711................. www.baldor.com .................................... Basler Electric Company ................. 37 ....................17 ..............618-654-2341................. www.basler.com/BESTspaceCSE............ Bryan Steam LLC ............................. 11 ....................8 ................765-473-6651................. www.bryanboilers.com ......................... Career Smart
Engineers Conference .................... 46, 47 .................................630-571-4070................. www.csemag.com/careersmart ............ ClimaCool Corporation................... 13 ....................10 ..............405-745-3185................. www.climacoolcorp.com ....................... E-Newsletters .................................. 38 .......................................630-571-4070................. www.csemag.com .................................. Fike Corp.......................................... 12, 39 ..............9, 18 ..........866-758-6004................. www.fike.com ........................................ Fry Communications, Inc ................ 13 .......................................800-334-1429................. www.frycomm.com................................ Generac Power Systems, Inc.......... 1 ......................2 ................800-436-3722................. www.generac.com ................................. Greenheck Fan Corp ....................... 45 ....................19 ..............715-359-6171................. www.greenheck.com ............................. Grundfos ......................................... 32A-H ................................913-227-3400................. www.grundfos.us .................................. Hubbell Incorporated ..................... 31 ....................16 ..............475-882-4000................. www.hubbell.com .................................. REPRINTS
Janus Fire Systems .......................... 19 ....................13 ..............219-663-1600................. www.janusfiresystems.com .................. For custom reprints or electronic usage, contact:
Wright’s Media – Nick Iademarco
Phone: 877-652-5295 ext. 102
Email: niademarco@wrightsmedia.com
Legrand/Wiremold ........................ 5 ......................4 ................800-621-0049................. www.legrand.us/wiremold ................... Lutron Electronics Co...................... C-4...................34 ..............888-588-7671................. www.lutron.com .................................... Metraflex......................................... 10 ....................6 ................312-738-3800................. www.Metraflex.com .............................. PUBLICATION SALES
Midwest
Matt Waddell
MWaddel@CFEMedia.com
1111 West 22nd St. Suite 250
Tel. 312-961-6840
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
Fax 630-214-4504
West, TX, OK
Tom Corcoran,
TCorcoran@CFEMedia.com
1111 W. 22nd St. Suite 250,
Tel. 215-275-6420
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Fax. 484-631-0598
Northeast
Richard A. Groth Jr. RGroth@CFEMedia.com
12 Pine Street
Tel. 774-277-7266
Franklin, MA 02038
Fax 508-590-0432
International
Stuart Smith,
SSM Global Media Ltd.
Reliable Controls............................. 26 ....................15 ..............250-475-2036................. www.reliablecontrols.com/contact ...... Schneider Electric............................ 14 ....................11 ..............847-397-2600................. www.SEreply.com .................................. Siemens Building Technologies ..... 6 ......................5 ................847-215-1050................. www.usa.siemens.com .......................... System Sensor................................. 10, 16A-B, 17..7, 12 ..........800-736-7672................. www.systemsensor.com ........................ Thomas & Betts Corporation ......... 25 ....................14 ..............901-252-8000................. www.tnb.com ......................................... Wheatland Tube JMC Steel Group 2 ......................3 ................800-257-8182................. www.wheatland.com ............................ Yaskawa America, Inc .................... C-3...................33 ..............800-927-5292................. www.yaskawa.com ................................ Need More Info? FAX this page to: 630-214-4504
or mail to Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine, 1111 W. 22nd Street, Suite 250, Oak Brook, IL 60523
stuart.smith@ssm.co.uk
Tel. +44 208 464 5577
Fax +44 208 464 5588
Name
Title
Company
Address
City
State
Phone
Fax
Zip
e-mail
Consulting-Specifying Engineer does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors
or omissions in the Advertiser contacts regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident, or any other cause whatsoever.
www.csemag.com
CSE1206_ADINDEX_FINAL.indd 63
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
63
6/5/12 2:14 PM
data centers
PERF
server farms
computer rooms
manufacturing plants libraries
FAASTcomputer
data centers
rooms
server farms
manufacturing plants
data centers
plants
clean roomsmanufacturing
server farms
atriums
clean rooms
art galleries
detention centers
museums
libraries
computer roomsmuseums a r t g a l l e r i e s manufacturing plants warehouses libraries record storage
record storage clean rooms data centersFAAST cold storage atriums
mission critical
clean
museums atriums
art galleries
museums
detention/prisons
record storage cold storagelibraries
art galleries
warehouses computer rooms
warehouses data centerswarehouses
mission critical
correctional
data centers
manufacturing atriums
server farms art
galleries
YES! Send me a free FAAST information kit.
Please fill out this card, tear it off, and drop it in the mail to receive more information about
FAAST Fire Alarm Aspiration Sensing Technology®, or visit systemsensor.com/faast.
Name:
Title:
Company:
Address:
City:
State:
Aspiration anywhere.
ZIP:
Phone:
E-mail:
CSE 12-06
SYS4380.2BRC4CSE0612.indd 1
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2 More Minutes
The next big thing in data centers
We must keep on top of the latest trends and technologies to ensure
that we provide high value to data center clients.
T
he next “big thing” in the mission
There needs to be a closer associacritical market will be evolution of
tion between designers, facility managdata center infrastructure manageers, and IT personnel in order to reap
ment (DCIM). Much of what we call DCIM
the benefits of true DCIM. Data center
today is comprised of discrete systems for
strategies in the past were fairly simple.
electrical monitoring, airflow simulation,
Mission critical facilities’ lifecycles are
load and server tracking, and the native
approximately 15 to 20 years. As IT and
knowledge of data center operators.
business strategies evolved during this
Today’s data centers are no longer
time, data center infrastructure manjust a part of day-to-day business; they
agement has historically been a slowprovide companies with a competitive
moving objects. Good planning software
advantage. DCIM can be leveraged
tools typically perform the following:
to increase efficiency, utilization, and
Display the pending impact of
availability of data center assets.
moves, adds, and changes
While both IT and facilities have
Give graphic location of IT equipBY KEITH LANE,
invested in resources to manage these
ment in the rack
PE, RCDD, LEED AP BD+C,
facilities, they typically do not work col Make recommendations for future
LANE
COBURN & ASSOC.
laboratively to achieve the promise of
racks and servers
LLC, BOTHELL, WASH.
DCIM. The components of a good DCIM
Simulate the failure of power and
system include:
cooling components
Real-time data tracking to determine the true capacity
Provide management of rack and floor tile weights
of the data center “real time”
Simulate cooling scenarios with computational fluid
Identifying the important interdependencies between
dynamics (CFD).
logic and physical layers
DCIM includes the management of IT systems. These
Holistic management capabilities
components include servers, network systems, and storage.
Visibility of IT and facility infrastructure
The critical management tools include inventory manage Good visual views and guidance on design changes
ment, asset management, change tracking, workflow track Change management.
ing, dependency analysis, feasibility analysis of anticipatThe cutting-edge and future of DCIM embraces all of
ed facility modifications, and future scenario analysis.
these separate pieces of information and integrates them
The traditional method of planning and crisis prevention
into a single integrator. The DCIM systems available today has historically been based on manual calculations and tribal
can allow the data center operator to actually use critical
knowledge and is not effective or reliable. DCIM is a great
separate pieces of information for the following functions:
modeling tool for possible failures and can simulate how the
Load monitoring
it will react to electrical and/or mechanical component fail Asset management
ure and the interdependencies between the systems.
Load balancing
A good, well-integrated DCIM system can allow mission
Power usage effectiveness (PUE) analysis
critical facility managers to reduce energy usage and costs.
Future scenario analysis
As mission critical facility engineers and designers, we must
Dependency analysis
keep abreast of the latest trends and technologies in order to
Failure and recovery analysis
ensure that we provide the most value to our clients.
Workflow management
Security.
Lane is president and CEO of Lane Coburn & Assoc.
64
Consulting-Specifying Engineer • JUNE 2012
CSE1206_MORE_V2msFINAL.indd 64
www.csemag.com
6/5/12 2:11 PM
PERF
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
IN THE
UNITED STATES
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO 225 PALATINE IL
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
SYSTEM SENSOR
553 N NORTH COURT STE 110
PALATINE IL 60067-9910
SYS4380.2BRC4CSE0612.indd 2
5/4/12 3:01 PM
NOTEWORTHY
When our engineers work on a motion project with you, they share everything that’s in their
heads. Sometimes that means turning over 100 pages of notes, formulas and drawings. Other
times, it’s simply having straight forward conversations.
At the same time, Yaskawa customers share their proprietary knowledge because they can trust
us. Because we give their challenges a lot of thought. Because when they talk to us, they know
we are on their side.
Trusting the guys across the table from you with your most important product secrets.
That’s noteworthy.
YA S K A W A A M E R I C A , I N C .
DRIVES & MOTION DIVISION
1 - 8 0 0 - YA S K A W A
YA S K A W A . C O M
Follow us:
For more info:
http://Ez.com/yai331
©2012 Yaskawa America Inc.
input #33 at www.csemag.com/information
CSE120601-MAG_Ads.indd 3
5/31/2012 1:17:15 PM
Meet building energy codes
simply and affordably with Lutron solutions
Occupancy sensing for any application
Application
spaces
Ceiling-mount
Radio Powr SavrTM
occupancy sensor
Wall-mount
Radio Powr Savr
occupancy sensor
•
Break rooms
•
Private offices
•
Open offices
•
Conference
rooms
•
Hallways
•
Stairwells
•
Restrooms
In-wall
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sensing switch
CSE - APRIL 2012 - DOMUS, INC. 215-772-2800
Meet and exceed building energy codes
ASHRAE 90.1-2010
IECC 2012
Automatic Receptacle Control (8.4.2)
Light Reduction Controls (C405.2.1.2)
Automatic Lighting Shut-off (9.4.1.1)
Occupancy Sensors (C405.2.2.2)
Space Control (9.4.1.2)
Additional Controls, Stairwell Lighting (9.4.1.6 g)
CA Title 24 2008
Area Controls (131 a)
Shut-off Controls (131 d)
Specify Lutron on your next project to dramatically reduce lighting energy consumption.
Learn more by visiting www.lutron.com/RPS
©2012 Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | P/N 368-2590 REV A
input #34 at www.csemag.com/information
LTRN-9997-12 Sensors CSE.indd 1
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