- Modern Data Centers: Electrical Trends, Risks, and NEC® 2026 Implications
Modern data centers now operate more like high-density industrial power systems than traditional IT rooms, pushing the limits of conductor ampacity, grounding, overcurrent protection, and medium-voltage distribution. - 50 Years of the UL Solutions Question Corner and The Code Authority Community
The winter edition of the 2026 IAEI Magazine marks the 50th anniversary of the UL Solutions Question Corner column. The UL Question Corner – now UL Solutions Question Corner – first appeared in the January 1976 edition of the IAEI News. T - How Much Electricity Does a Data Center Use? Complete 2025 Analysis
U.S. data center electricity consumption has tripled from 58 TWh in 2014 to 176 TWh in 2023, with projections suggesting it could reach 325-580 TWh by 2028—potentially consuming up to 12% of total U.S. electricity generation. - Non-Certified Equipment in Modern Data Centers: The Rising Role of Special Inspections and Field Evaluations
The race toward faster, greener data centers is bringing a surge of uncertified and custom equipment — leaving inspectors and AHJs to determine compliance in a rapidly changing landscape. - Mastering Ampacity: Understanding Conductor Sizing and Breaker Protection
By separating conductor ampacity from equipment limitations, this article provides a structured approach to selecting conductors and OCPDs that meet both electrical performance and NEC requirements. - Field Labeling, Power Loads, and Electrical Safety in Modern Data Centers
As data centers multiply to power the AI revolution, electrical inspectors find themselves on the front lines of ensuring these massive digital engines run safely and reliably. - Back to Basics: 2023 NEC Article 240 Part II of II Protecting Conductors From Overcurrents
This article builds on Part I by examining the NEC rules for feeder taps, clarifying how conductors can be protected when OCPDs are not located at the supply point under Section 240.21(B). - Stepping Up Medium Voltage Requirements in the NEC
As the NEC evolves, medium-voltage requirements are undergoing major refinement and separation from low-voltage rules, improving clarity for users and setting the stage for the Code’s future restructuring. - NEC 300.4, Protection Against Physical Damage: Why This Overlooked Rule Still Matters After 30 Years
This article explains the intent and importance of NEC 300.4, emphasizing how proper protection against fastener penetration remains critical to preventing conductor damage, shock hazards, and fire risks. - Advancing Electrical Safety Through NFPA 70B and Workforce Training
As electrical failures continue to cause fires and costly downtime, this article highlights why NFPA 70B has become a critical tool for ensuring safe, reliable, and proactively maintained electrical systems. - The Evolution of the 10-ampere Branch Circuit
After decades of debate, 10-amp general branch circuit conductors are established in the 2026 NEC—this article explores the technical, historical, and regulatory forces that made this major shift possible. - How to Safely Manage Load Calculations as Buildings Become Electrified
With EV chargers, heat pumps, and smart systems rapidly boosting electrical demand, this article highlights the critical role of precise load calculations in keeping electrified buildings safe and efficient. - More questions (and answers) about air handling systems, smoke dampers, and smoke detectors
This article clarifies eight key questions about how smoke detectors activate smoke dampers, with guidance anchored in the 2020 NBC, CSA B44-19, and ULC S524-19. - Merging Functional Safety and Cybersecurity in Industrial Control Systems
As use of digital technologies increases in manufacturing environments, protecting both physical operations and network infrastructure becomes a critical business priority. - My Farewell Address as your IAEI CEO
A message from outgoing CEO Rudy Garza as he retires in December 2025. - IAEI Announces Retirement of CEO Rudy Garza After Distinguished 30-Year Career in CEO Leadership
Richardson, TX — November 10, 2025 — The Independent Alliance of the Electrical Industry (IAEI) today announced the upcoming retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, Rudy Garza, marking the conclusion of a distinguished 30-year career in executive leadership, including 5½ years as CEO of IAEI. Rudy Garza’s last day as the CEO of IAEI will… Read more: IAEI Announces Retirement of CEO Rudy Garza After Distinguished 30-Year Career in CEO Leadership - Is it required to be an NRTL to do field evaluations? And New Microgrid Standard ANSI/CAN/UL 3001
In my state, I have encountered a field evaluation organization I have never heard of that has an accreditation as a field evaluation body (FEB). However, it is not a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Is it required to be an NRTL in order to do field evaluations? - Residential Lighting under the NEC® — Why lighting isn’t located in one spot
A concise, field-ready guide to where lighting outlets are required, how to size loads, choose and locate luminaires in damp/wet, closet, and bath zones, apply 2023 control updates (battery-only limits; laundry areas), and prep for 2026 switch-citation changes. - Commercial & Institutional Lighting under the NEC® — The map for non-dwellings
A practical roadmap to non-dwelling lighting—covering load calculations (track/show windows), emergency/egress controls, hazardous, health-care and assembly rules, signs/elevators/IT rooms, and the key 2023 terminology/control updates with 2026 reorganization to watch. - Putting the Spotlight on Lighting Technologies: Where We Have Been and Where We Are (Possibly) Going
From Edison’s carbon-filament lamp to tungsten, gas-filled, mercury vapor, neon, and LPS, the evolution of lighting shows how the past illuminates the path to future innovations. - Egress And Emergency Lighting in a Controls World
This article on emergency lighting and controls was very much a collaborative effort. Many experts in the field—including Rick Miller, Craig DiLouie, and several manufacturers—provided extremely valuable input in reviewing and fact-checking the content. - How Emerging Technology is Shaping Electrical Inspections
Electrical inspectors are being transformed by technology—leveraging advanced diagnostics, drones, VR/AR, and AI to work smarter while simultaneously learning to evaluate the smart grids, IoT systems, and AI-driven infrastructure they now inspect. - Safe Rescue From Electric Shock
Electric shock kills and injures Americans daily; because even low-voltage currents can be deadly, quick recognition, safe rescue, and immediate CPR/defibrillation are critical.
Recent
Modern data centers now operate more like high-density industrial power systems than traditional IT rooms, pushing the limits of conductor ampacity, grounding, overcurrent protection, and medium-voltage distribution.
The winter edition of the 2026 IAEI Magazine marks the 50th anniversary of the UL Solutions Question Corner column. The UL Question Corner – now UL Solutions Question Corner – first appeared in the January 1976 edition of the IAEI News. T
U.S. data center electricity consumption has tripled from 58 TWh in 2014 to 176 TWh in 2023, with projections suggesting it could reach 325-580 TWh by 2028—potentially consuming up to 12% of total U.S. electricity generation.
The race toward faster, greener data centers is bringing a surge of uncertified and custom equipment — leaving inspectors and AHJs to determine compliance in a rapidly changing landscape.
By separating conductor ampacity from equipment limitations, this article provides a structured approach to selecting conductors and OCPDs that meet both electrical performance and NEC requirements.
As data centers multiply to power the AI revolution, electrical inspectors find themselves on the front lines of ensuring these massive digital engines run safely and reliably.
This article builds on Part I by examining the NEC rules for feeder taps, clarifying how conductors can be protected when OCPDs are not located at the supply point under Section 240.21(B).
As the NEC evolves, medium-voltage requirements are undergoing major refinement and separation from low-voltage rules, improving clarity for users and setting the stage for the Code’s future restructuring.
NEC 300.4, Protection Against Physical Damage: Why This Overlooked Rule Still Matters After 30 Years
This article explains the intent and importance of NEC 300.4, emphasizing how proper protection against fastener penetration remains critical to preventing conductor damage, shock hazards, and fire risks.
As electrical failures continue to cause fires and costly downtime, this article highlights why NFPA 70B has become a critical tool for ensuring safe, reliable, and proactively maintained electrical systems.
After decades of debate, 10-amp general branch circuit conductors are established in the 2026 NEC—this article explores the technical, historical, and regulatory forces that made this major shift possible.
With EV chargers, heat pumps, and smart systems rapidly boosting electrical demand, this article highlights the critical role of precise load calculations in keeping electrified buildings safe and efficient.
This article clarifies eight key questions about how smoke detectors activate smoke dampers, with guidance anchored in the 2020 NBC, CSA B44-19, and ULC S524-19.
As use of digital technologies increases in manufacturing environments, protecting both physical operations and network infrastructure becomes a critical business priority.
A message from outgoing CEO Rudy Garza as he retires in December 2025.