We live in a world of rapid technological innovation. The advancement in technology in items such as cellular phones and tablets is readily apparent, but the innovation extends even to the very electrical systems that surround us. In response to these changes, today’s Energy Codes are driving down the electrical load presented by end use equipment. These changes in use present hazards to users, such as the use of larger than necessary transformers, which expose electricians working on live equipment to unnecessary flash hazards. Based on this increasing pace of technological innovation along the entire span of the electrical power chain, there is a need to reexamine the current feeder and branch circuit load design requirements as stipulated in NFPA 70, National Electrical Code® (NEC®).
The purpose of this project is to conduct a review of available literature and develop a comprehensive data collection plan. This project represents the first phase of a project which will directly support a later effort to collect statistically significant load data for a variety of occupancy and loadings types to be utilized to provide a technical basic for the consideration of revisions to the feeder and branch circuit design requirements in the NEC®, however this effort is outside of the scope of this initial project.
Download the project summary. (PDF, 295 KB)
Sponsors
- Eaton Corporation
- Michigan Association of Physical Plant Administrators
- Michigan State University
- Ohio State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota
- University of Nebraska
- University of Texas Austin