Emerging technologies are being incorporated into most building designs and renovations now. When we think of emerging tech, we often look on our wall at the smart thermostat or the doorbell camera but that’s not all. Other smart devices include switches, garage door openers, light bulbs, and circuit breakers. These devices fall into a category referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT gives users the ability to connect tools, equipment, devices, and other assets to a network that can monitor and control their functionality. Controlling an IoT device is often accomplished through an app on your smartphone. So, do these IoT devices require an inspection? Possibly, especially if they are directly wired to the electrical wiring of the building, like switches and circuit breakers. But do they affect how the electrical inspector does their job? It’s likely it won’t, at least not in a big way; a switch is a switch and is required to be in specific spots. So, what types of emerging technologies might impact an electrical inspector’s inspection?
Some of those technologies could include the following:
- Class 4 Fault-Managed Power (FMP) Systems
- Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for roads
- Smart Grids systems
- Remote controlled Robots for testing
- NFPA® 915, Standard for Remote Inspections and Tests
Let’s start with Class 4 FMP systems, which are found in the 2023 National Electrical Code® (NEC®), in a new Article 726. In Section 726.1 we have informational note 1 explaining that Class 4 FMP systems consist of a Class 4 power transmitter and a Class 4 power receiver connected by a Class 4 cabling system. These systems are characterized by monitoring the circuit for faults and controlling the source current to ensure the energy delivered into any fault is limited. Class 4 FMP systems must be listed as systems with all components from the same manufacturer. This system has a voltage output of not more than 450 volts peak and monitors the circuits for any faults, and shuts down if that fault presents an unacceptable risk of fire or electric shock. The Class 4 FMP system is different from Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 systems in that the Class 4 FMP system is current limited for faults between the FMP transmitter and corresponding receiver. Basically, if a fault occurs, the system sees it and shuts down until the fault is cleared. These systems use a listed CL4, CL4R, or CL4P cable for the wiring, which is like a Category (Cat.) 6E or Cat. 7 cables. Class 4 FMP systems could significantly change how buildings are being wired, therefore impacting how the electrical inspection is done, especially if an electrical inspector has never seen this system before. This system will likely be installed in buildings other than dwelling units in the future and will likely have a positive impact on electrical safety. This is great news for electricians and maintenance workers who work hard to keep the lights on.
WPT is not necessarily a new technology when it comes to cell phones and wearable tech but installing it into our roadways is. With the government requiring an increase in manufacture production of electric vehicles (EVs), the infrastructure must follow suit with increased charging capabilities. Several WPT systems have been installed under roads in Europe, including one in Michigan. These WPT systems consist of a series of specialized coils installed under roadways, each coil connecting back to a series of hubs along the roadside, either as an underground or above-ground power management unit. Then, a matching receiver is installed on the underside of the EV, which absorbs and transfers power to a charger that charges the batteries as the EV travels over the coils. Battery manufacturers are striving to make batteries with higher kilowatt-hour ratings that will increase the range of the EV, but one difficulty is that those higher kilowatt-hour batteries are usually much heavier and larger, impacting the EVs weight. As this emerging technology rolls down the road, it could help manufacturers make EVs lighter by keeping the batteries smaller, all without diminishing the range of EVs. Depending on where these systems get installed, an electrical inspector may be tasked with inspecting the installation of the WPT equipment and the coil connections under the roads, so they may want to look over Part IV of Article 625 in the NEC and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Smart grids are likely something that an electrical inspector will not inspect, but it may affect how they do their job. A component of smart grids the inspector is familiar with are smart meters, which are part of most utility metering systems. These meters are an integral part of smart grids because they have the technology to wirelessly report power usage and power outages, allowing for remote monitoring of the grid. So, what is a smart grid? A smart grid is an electricity network that uses digital technologies, sensors, and software to better match the supply and demand of electricity in real-time while minimizing costs and maintaining the stability and reliability of the grid. Smart grids also incorporate green energy from solar photovoltaic farms, wind turbines, and energy storage systems into their network, which aids in their reliability. Smart grids are not usually something that an inspector has oversight over, but they may have to decide if they are a reliable source of power. For example, an electric motor-driven fire pump, according to the 2023 NEC, Article 695, requires the fire pump to have a reliable power source. The question then becomes, are smart grids a reliable power source for an electric motor-driven fire pump? To help with their determination, the electrical inspector may want to venture outside of the NEC and look at NFPA® 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection, annex A, A9.3.2 for some characteristics of reliable power. Overall, smart grid technology could play a role in reducing energy consumption or help spread the energy used over periods where the demand is not as high, which may help make room for the increased number of EV chargers.
Technology has advanced so quickly that it is hard for this old electrical inspector to imagine that there are now robots that can carry out some inspection functions or even security in a building. While doing my research for this article, I was surprised to find all kinds of robots, from ones that can travel into confined spaces testing air quality to some that test hazardous areas for gas leaks or even conduct infrared thermography scans on electrical equipment. Maintenance electricians or inspectors may use robots to assess the health of substations that connect to our smart grids, which helps in reliability.
I could see robots helping with remote rough wall inspections. Electrical inspectors could use robots for rooftop installations, or even underground installations keeping them safely out of harm’s way. Some people may not realize that NFPA has a standard for that. It is NFPA 915, Standard for Remote Inspections and Tests, where requirements and responsibilities are outlined for the remote inspections and tests. There are specific procedures around remote inspections. For example, all projects must have submitted plans for review so the inspector can compare the plans to what is being viewed through the camera. They may also require video to commence upon arrival so they can see the address or building number and the video would need a date/time stamp on it. There are ways it can be done, but not all parts of an inspection can be done remotely; the bottom line is electrical inspectors are still needed. The future is always changing and adding new technologies, so we will see what it brings, but for now it is up to us as electrical inspectors to verify that installed electrical equipment and wiring meets the code.
Important Notice: Any opinion expressed in this column is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the official position of NFPA or its Technical Committees. In addition, this piece is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. Images courtesy of NFPA.