IEEE Publishes 2017 National Electrical Safety Code® (NESC®), Announces New NESC Chair and Vice Chair
Latest edition of the National Electrical Safety Code includes new rule changes and exceptions, and introduces updated tools to more easily access and utilize NESC content
written by Richard Jenkins September 6, 2016
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http://www.hvacrbusiness.com/use-facility-date-to-provide-value-to-customers.html
Originally published: 09.01.16 by Paul Hepperla
Connecting equipment to existing building management systems pays dividends on your commercial accounts
Food retail facilities generate a significant amount of data, with information on key building systems, including HVAC and refrigeration equipment, which can provide an extensive picture of how their operations are running.
Facility data is only going to become more valuable as new technologies are assimilated into the enterprise, and connecting these systems is essential.
The challenge connected equipment addresses is that each of these facility systems has its own reporting practices, making it difficult to manage access for end-users; it is challenging to aggregate and mine all of the data for business intelligence.
The emergence of big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) are enabling better information management and, in turn, improved diagnostics and control of HVACR systems for retailers.
IoT is a network of physical items — refrigerated cases, ovens, buildings and other systems — implanted with electronics, software, sensors and network connectivity that enables the collection and exchange of data. Large and small retailers grow more agile with the use of IoT because the data insights they need to improve operations are freely obtainable. In turn, HVACR contractors can use this technology to their advantage to provide better service.
There are multiple sources that make up data collection.
A retail facility likely uses a building management system for monitoring real-time and historical log data, an energy management application, internal maintenance records — which is where you will see asset management work orders and preventive maintenance schedules — and external service provider data.
This information can be coupled with other data coming from the utility, customer satisfaction reports or even weather details, which — when combined with supplementary data — allows the retailer to better understand what is happening across their enterprise.
A driving factor for connecting facility equipment is to address the varied needs of retail end users. In most instances, helping retailers to lower energy and maintenance costs, protect food quality and freshness and assist with regulatory compliance are the initial needs to be fulfilled.
The latest facility controls software offers a user interface with information that is most relevant to the viewer based on their level or role within the organization. Basic equipment information, such as a quick view of cooler temperatures, is available along with more advanced data.
For example, condition-based maintenance programs, refrigerant leak detection strategies and other equipment monitoring services can be layered in with the core systems data to provide a full overview of facility operations.
Users can then analyze the data to help make strategic business decisions for operational improvement.
More data generates more precise communications. A broader view of the in-place equipment allows users to not only produce a performance report, but also provide valuable insights from the data extracted.
For example, with alarm information received through facility controls, retailers can determine their highest alarming sites or assets, but this only reveals a general area where a problem is occurring.
But, when the alarm information is tied to energy consumption and maintenance records for that same asset, the true cost of that sub-performing equipment will be apparent and can be prioritized correctly and serviced.
To achieve operational goals, contractors should offer a single convenient, central platform for end-users at all organizational levels to track facility data across multiple sites.
The service should enable centralized data collection and real-time views into refrigeration, HVAC and lighting systems enterprise-wide. Web browser and mobile access also ensures that vital facility data is available at the end-user’s fingertips.
For HVACR contractors, performing installations correctly in less time is a great way to maintain a positive customer relationship. Using IoT to deploy connected devices takes this one step further.
Many food retail facilities currently utilize facility management systems to control HVAC, lighting and refrigeration. Some are even connecting commercial kitchen equipment to their existing systems. Verification-related insights can confirm whether new equipment was installed properly and is operating correctly.
Regardless of size, food retailer store environments will continue to be populated with legacy equipment and new generations of devices functioning on different operating systems.
By connecting the equipment through IoT, HVACR contractors can remotely upgrade these systems with the latest software. There will be minimal lost time for taking equipment down or swapping out pieces.
Technicians will not have to be onsite to make adjustments, translating to an improved user experience.
Embedded electronics also allow the contractor to remotely monitor equipment for quality control and improve on-time production.
Automated configuration can also save time and money for both the HVACR contractor and retailer. Through a connected system, technicians can download a program to a piece of equipment to allow it to be auto-configured. This can be especially productive for rolling out time consuming regional or national installations.
Think about a scenario where a chain of 500 stores scattered across 10 geographic regions wants to standardize its setup and configuration to minimize training. Traditionally, a contractor would install the program individually at each location or central management would ship the program on a disk or a flash drive and rely on store staff to manually install the updates.
That scenario may take months, and there is potential for human error on many fronts. There is also no confirmation that the system was installed properly and is now operating correctly.
With connected equipment, the program can be installed remotely, ensuring consistency and accuracy across the region — in addition to moving from a process that traditionally took months to updates made in minutes.
This action saves time on the installation and ensures regular programming of equipment software. Providing access to real-time and analytics data quickly will relieve management from having to derive that data on a singular basis. It also benefits the HVACR contractor who can complete the job quicker, get the customer online sooner and begin monitoring the equipment right away.
Now that the equipment is connected, contractors can leverage remote monitoring services to assist in troubleshooting and management of equipment for their retail customers. Monitoring centers are able to remotely process, triage and resolve system alarms around the clock.
The assessment of real-time equipment performance can provide timely information on energy expenditure, maintenance costs, refrigerant leaks and shrink causes.
With a connected enterprise, remote monitoring alerts technicians when equipment is not operating correctly. In many instances, the issue can be fixed over the phone or provide the contractor with information about the probable issue so they bring the right tools needed to make the repair.
With remote monitoring, diagnostic troubleshooting a maintenance issue falls on qualified individuals, allowing store personnel to focus on customers. These intelligent technologies can also determine whether an issue can be solved during business hours, avoiding overtime charges for the customer.
Preventing food loss and protecting customers from food borne illness are critical concerns for food retail operators. This is possible through monitoring services that work in conjunction with control systems, allowing retailers to preserve food quality with customized responses to HVACR system alarms.
Web-based alarm reports are generated automatically so that retailers have the insights they need to make informed operational decisions, and ultimately keep their customers safe.
Energy management is another critical area to monitor. Once temperature points have been established for equipment, retail customers may see set points return to non-optimized levels within 12 to 18 months of initial setup.
Service can be implemented remotely to fix this issue and help retailers sustain energy savings in the long term while ensuring that operational issues are actually fixed — rather than masked.
The technology will use data to model energy performance across the enterprise and trigger notices, warnings or alarms to the facility operator, who can take corrective action to preserve energy savings.
One supermarket customer saw the real benefits of equipment monitoring through the use of compressors equipped with sensors, which ultimately helped to protect the refrigeration system.
With connected technology, technicians were able to detect system faults before they led to bigger problems, preventing expensive food loss and equipment failure.
The sensor detected a voltage imbalance, triggering the shutdown of the compressor. Weeks later, the sensor shut down the compressor and reset it again after detecting a missing phase and no 3-phase faults.
On closer inspection of the recent errors, the refrigeration system technician identified and replaced a faulty contactor.
Without the sensor connectivity, the compressor would have continued cycling and led to a single-phase motor burn. The supermarket avoided a compressor failure and saved approximately $6,000.
Working with food retailers to adopt a solid IoT plan allows real time troubleshooting and diagnosis of HVACR issues.
Once the connected equipment is installed, retailers will be able to cost-effectively monitor, diagnose and remedy issues quickly while also maintaining uptime, which is critical to meeting customer expectations and building a positive brand reputation.
Industrial and commercial operations are faced with mitigating arc flash incidents associated with low- and medium-voltage circuit breakers, while also meeting government/industry electrical safety regulations. Facilities seeking to improve safety during circuit breaker operation are turning to automated remote racking systems as an alternative to manually racking breakers, and to reduce the requirement for service personnel to wear a full-body arc flash hazard suit for protection. These systems, such as the patented Safe-T-Rack® system, permit the insertion, removal and operation of electrical devices while the operator is outside the flash protection boundary. Read more…
http://ecmweb.com/whitepapers/remote-racking-improved-solution-mitigating-arc-flash-hazards
Webinar: 2017 NEC Significant Changes in Review, Parts 1 and 2
Sponsored by Fluke and Siemens Every three years, the National Electrical Code is updated to reflect the newest installation practices utilized by the electrical industry, bringing about hundreds of changes to the code.
Thermography has been utilized a key early detection tool for many years over a wide variety of industries. Since the 1980’s, the use of this technology in the commercial building sector has grown due to its unrivaled ability to identify vulnerable electrical equipment or connections, which if left undetected, would result in costly repairs and operational downtime. Skilled thermographers can provide valuable site assessments on nearly every building component that can be utilized by facility management teams to create effective preventative maintenance programs. In some cases, awareness of this proven technology has been realized by insurance underwriters through reduced premium offerings to customers who pursue electrical thermographic surveys.
Choosing the right team to perform these non-invasive surveys is the first step in realizing the benefit of this time proven service. Improper thermal tuning may lead to misinterpretation of thermographic images and can be a costly mistake leading to premature replacement reports or overlooked subtle differences that can reduce the effectiveness of a program. FXB combines the extensive building system knowledge of professional engineers with the thoroughness of certified field technicians to oer turnkey solutions which can satisfy any thermal imaging needs.
Mother Nature has the extreme power to bring beautiful summer days but also natural disasters. She also has the power to force change and raise awareness. It is critical to be proactive by wisely implementing lessons learned that help facility owners and operators prepare for future disasters. FXB Engineering believes it is imperative to help optimize the way owners manage their buildings to reduce interruptions during these stressful times
Waiting until the devastation occurs limits a facility owner’s ability to respond eciently. Relying on the local utility company to restore services may take days or weeks depending on the severity of the storm and is subject to their regional priorities. Installing back up generators along with implementing proper preventative maintenance procedures on electrical and mechanical equipment ensures continued operation of your facility while these recovery eorts are underway. If these processes are in place and documented before a storm or disaster hits, sta and engineers are familiar with the systems and can respond immediately with emergency support.
Where is my facility exposed to failure?
While identifying exactly when a storm or other disaster will hit and to what degree is unrealistic, a Risk Assessment can identify potential points of failure within a variety of building systems in the event that they do. This process develops a list of recommended corrective actions that can be turned over to a management team for budgeting and scheduling.
How much of a nancial investment do I need to make?
Developing a cost/benet analysis is necessary to determine the most economical ways to mitigate against future loss. An engineer will help decision makers understand the importance of specic building systems as related to the unique operational characteristics of a business and assist in prioritizing corrective actions accordingly. Typically, reactive measures during the emergency situation are signicantly more expensive than the preventative actions that can be taken before a disaster occurs.
Are these preventative measures required by regulatory entities?
Existing codes are subpar when it relates to disaster planning assuch they do not always typically require building owners implement preventative measures. However, as the impact of storms is increasing on our advancing communities, insurance companies along with enforcement agencies are becoming more aware of the importance of preventative measures and increasing their standards accordingly. FXB is committed to working with building owners and property managers to assess their needs and guide them through the development of a risk management program.
