PowerCalc™ is a new way to do the electrical design of the power distribution system in the cloud and automated. Just 3 inputs per circuit results in over 300 NEC compliant outputs for an accurate total electrical load. 1 Line Diagram is automatically, graphically and simultaneously generated. Complete with the free user guide for electrical engineering. Start a free 30-day trial today: www.powercalc.co
PowerCalc™ graduated from FAU Tech Runway (Florida Atlantic University’s Accelerator Program). 1st SaaS electrical engineering software for NEC compliance. Start your free 30-day trial today: www.powercalc.co
We’re off to a robust start with 11 Beta Testers designing projects from homes to industrial and even high rise projects using PowerCalc.
These Beta testers are already providing input and calling to talk NEC issues. We appreciate the dialogue and enthusiasm.
So, what’s happening? Beta testers are providing comments every 2 weeks by notes or calls…and we will incorporate their best thoughts in PowerCalc. Also, they will help monitor our transition from a software that is downloaded to the user’s PC to a Cloud platform. There is a lot going on.
We will continue to keep you updated on developments with this initiative. And we really appreciate the great engineers, general contractors, electricians, and others who have signed up.
More on our Beta stage of the platform.
CONSULTING-SPECIFYING ENGINEER’S
The announcement is just in that PowerCalc is a finalist in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s Product of the Year contest. The winners are decided by your vote…and electricals, we need your vote!
PowerCalc is in the “Software: Design, Modeling, Analysis” category. And for more details, here is the summary from our application:The winners will be announced in mid-July with gold, silver and bronze awards. Meanwhile, the full list of finalists will be listed in the April 2016 issue of Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine.
EASY, FAST, SMART, and GREEN electrical engineering design for buildings. PowerCalc™ is the first SaaS-based software that completely automates the electrical engineering calculations for the Building, Construction, and Facility Management Industries in compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). Just 3 easy inputs per circuit calculates over 300 NEC compliant outputs – a building’s entire power distribution system from the light bulb to the power grid. And changes are instantaneous.
More on our participation in the Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s Product of the Year contest.
13,000 attendees, 400+ companies and 110 startups:
Selected to participate in eMERGE AMERICAs, PowerCalc will exhibit in the Startup Showcase in Miami on April 18-19th. This is the 3rd year for this event establishing Miami as the tech center for the Americas.
eMERGE AMERICAS attracts a global audience and international recognition with over 10,000 attendees from 50 countries, 800 companies,125 startups, 200 speakers and over 1 billion media impressions.
For PowerCalc, we are again among the few selected for our innovative technology. It is another opportunity for us to meet you and further our footprint globally and especially in Latin America, the Caribbean and Southeast USA. Come discover an easier, faster, smarter, and greener way to do electrical engineering for the construction, building, and facility management industries.
At the Miami Beach Convention Center, you can see PowerCalc in action and enjoy the excitement.
PowerCalc is a patented software that automatically calculates the electrical engineering design of the power distribution system in facilities in compliance with the NEC. Our software changes everything including: (1) design aggregated from the circuit to the power grid, (2) instant changes upstream and downstream across the entire power distribution design, and (3) just 3 inputs per circuit for over 300 NEC compliant outputs.
More on our participation in the eMERGE AMERICAS.
PowerCalc won the gold in the 12th annual Consulting-Specifying Engineer Product of the Year awards.
We led the software category for design, modeling and analysis. There were 48 winners in all categories, with PowerCalc taking the top prize among the 3 winners in the software category for design, modeling and analysis. We were among leading providers including Eaton and others.
So, thank you for your votes and support. And join us for the launch of our cloud platform and new website this month.
Why did we win? PowerCalc is an incredibly powerful tool yet unexpectedly easy. Our patented software automatically calculates with just 3 inputs per circuit over 300 NEC and other code compliant outputs. Our proprietary database is completely populated and over 7 million equations result in one bundled result with changes propagated instantly upstream and downstream.
And the launch to the cloud with a new website is here. We’re way past beta testing with the product launch scheduled for this month and have a great group of users for our initial rollout. We can’t wait to get your feedback.
You will be able to enter PowerCalc’s new website and sign up for 30 days free starting in October. We’re finalizing the details to launch as soon as possible.
Will keep you posted and be sure to let you know the exact date of our launch. It is an exciting and busy time at PowerCalc.
More on our participation in the 12th annual Consulting-Specifying Engineer and victory of the Product of the Year award.
After a year of hard work with tremendous coders, PowerCalc is the first SaaS based software for electrical engineering design for buildings. It is all new: new cloud platform, new website (powercalc.co) and new friends.
Product launch coincides with our graduation from FAU Tech Runway, an accelerator for startups. Our mentor team has guided us from startup to takeoff.
1: Why PowerCalc?
It makes electrical engineering easy, fast and smart. Just 3 inputs (kVA + load type + # of poles) per circuit = over 300 NEC compliant outputs…that’s a building’s entire power distribution system.
Calculations are automatic. Changes are instant upstream and downstream. All panelboards are generated simultaneously.
Saves 40%+ in design time. That’s what 7 million+ integrated engineering equations can do.
2: Why in the Cloud?
Just a few of many reasons: (1) access your work anywhere from your pc or tablet, (2) real time updates for changes in codes and other standards, (3) collaboration for your team with a single source of information, and (4) no cumbersome downloads or access issues.
3: How smart is PowerCalc?
Really smart. Its proprietary databases are completely populated and ready to use.
4: And what else?
No training is necessary, but a Wizard, guide and visual demos are available. The Fault Analysis and Equipment AIC Rating are now included and the first ever graphic 1 line diagram is on the way (publication in early 2017).
Celebrate this great day with us and get your free trial at powercalc.co.
More on our launching day Takeoff: PowerCalc in the Cloud.
PowerCalc won GOLD in Consulting-Specifying Engineers' annual contest for Product of the Year 2016. So, we're going to count the reasons why.
1. The Power of the PowerCalc Algorithm.
PowerCalc is based on a new approach. PowerCalc aggregates values from the bottom-up (from the circuit to the power grid) ensuring that all electrical load calculations are accurate. Then, the calculations are integrated as a single, bundled, integrated calculation tied to a proprietary database instead of approaching the calculations one-at-a-time or in segments. See Patent
2. The Power of the PowerCalc Panel.
As you know, each engineering company has its own panel schedule. Generally these schedules are completed manually or with simple calculations. In contrast, PowerCalc's panel is used as an "engine" for the calculations and not just a "placeholder".
3. The Power of the PowerCalc Process.
The user calculates the Branch Circuit (with the 3 easy inputs: load kVA, # of poles and load type per circuit) and multiple circuits form a Branch Circuit Panel. The Branch Circuit Panel is then connected to a Distribution Panel and finally these multiple panels are connected to the Main Distribution Panel. Equipment, such as HVAC, pumps, etc., can be connected to any of the panels.
The PowerCalc approach of moving from downstream to upstream, results in an accurate and well-designed Power Distribution System. PowerCalc's 7 million+ equations do all the initial calculations.
Then, because all equations are integrated, any change at any time and for any value is instantaneous. That's instantaneous propagation across the entire power distribution system, including the addition or deletion of loads, voltage, phase and any engineering value.
4. The Power of PowerCalc for NEC compliance.
PowerCalc tabulates loads by type and automatically applies NEC demand factors. The user can manually override demand factors to meet their specific project needs. See all the outputs.
5. The Power of the PowerCalc Wizard.
Become proficient with PowerCalc in minutes with its Wizard. The Wizard is your guide to entering your project's requirements into PowerCalc. You are minutes away from completing your next project with the PowerCalc Wizard.
6. The Power of PowerCalc in the cloud.
PowerCalc is in the cloud and can be used anytime, anywhere, on both pcs and tablets. Team members can share work in real time and team managers can control access and privileges for each project .
7. The Power of the PowerCalc Experience.
The best way to understand the power of PowerCalc is to see it in action. View our video "How to PowerCalc"
More on the reason why PowerCalc is Gold.
PowerCalc won GOLD in Consulting-Specifying Engineers' annual contest for Product of the Year 2016.
Our last newsletter discussed the 7 reasons for winning: the power of (1) the PowerCalc algorithm, (2) the PowerCalc panel, (3) the PowerCalc process, (4) PowerCalc for NEC compliance, (5) the PowerCalc Wizard, (6) PowerCalc in the cloud, and (7) the PowerCalc experience.
Let’s discuss Reason #1 in more detail: the PowerCalc algorithm.
Bottom-Up Process to Automate Design
It sounds small, but the impact is big: design from the bottom – up.
PowerCalc implements this disruptive and patented approach adding electrical loads of each branch circuit to sum up the Total Electrical Load for a facility. PowerCalc designs from the branch circuit to the power grid.
Top-Down Fails Inside Facility
Most electrical engineering software is for the transmission of electricity in the power grid (outside of the facility) and designs from the top-down (power grid to the facility). And, most electrical engineering software for design inside the facility has simply adopted this top-down approach used in the power grid.
This simple adoption fails to recognize that there are two different and separate power distribution systems: (1) the transmission system in the power grid (outside the facility) and (2) the power distribution system inside the facility.
Simply, the power grid’s top-down approach to design the distribution of electricity in the power distribution system inside the facility never worked, never works and never will work.
Confusion: Expensive Mistake
The recurring comment from our customers is how their expensive “power grid” software is sitting on the shelf and never used for their work: the design of power distribution system inside facilities. These purchases are expensive mistakes.
Apparently, these software companies promote confusion by using the terms “distribution” and “transmission” interchangeably when discussing electrical issues in the power grid.
Let’s clear up this confusion: the distribution of electricity in the power distribution system inside the building must meet code and regulatory requirements which are very different from those applicable to the transmission of electricity in the power grid. For this reason alone (and there are lots of other reasons) the design of power distribution systems inside the facility and outside the facility (power grid) are very different.
Power grid software (outside the facility) just does not work inside the facility. In contrast to the concerns for electrical engineering design inside of facilities, these power grid software applications for outside the facility insure that connected systems are compatible and in harmony: (1) within the power grid itself or (2) between the power grid and the power distribution system. Typically, these calculations are “studies” to check that connected systems act together as one electrical system. Examples are fault current studies, harmonic current studies, power flow studies and similar calculations including the actual connection of the building’s power distribution system to the power grid/electrical service.
What is Bottom-Up design inside the facility?
It is a unique approach: PowerCalc starts at the beginning by calculating and aggregating data from each branch circuit to the power grid/electrical service (bottom-up). For each branch circuit, there are 3 inputs: electrical load in KVA, number of poles (1, 2, or 3 poles) and electrical load type (LTG, Heading, AC, etc.). These 3 inputs provide over 300 NEC and other code compliant outputs. Check out More on NEC and Inputs/Outputs.
Why Bottom-Up design is necessary inside the facility?
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PowerCalc’s over 7 million integrated equations tied to proprietary databases provides accurate and compliant results. And the integration allows for instant changes across the power distribution design…upstream and downstream. So, it is never a problem to add or change equipment, a room, a wing or any change/update.
Automation drives productivity. This new accuracy and efficiency is game changing: save over 40% in design time and money. Save Time/Save Money. Also, far fewer building department comments, lawsuits, corrections for construction errors and weekend hours.
There should never be an error in the Total Electrical load for any project. Yet, the miscalculation of the Total Electrical Load is one of the most common problems in electrical engineering design.
The proper and only fail-proof way to design the power distribution system in a building is to add all the electrical loads from the branch circuit out to the service entrance with adjustments for changes (bottom-up). Values are aggregated in a 3 step process (1) add all electrical loads by type, (2) apply code demand factors to each load type and then (3) add all electrical loads.
In contrast, guestimating the size of the electrical load in conjunction with pre-sets of panelboard sizes, equipment disconnects, feeders and overcurrent protection devices at the start of the project leads to an inaccurate baseline on which to build the power distribution system design.
This is construction, so change is the standard in our business. So, how can anyone know the size of the electrical service at the start of a project? No one can guestimate the Total Electrical Load in conjunction with the factors identified above at project start. Only by adding all the electrical loads from the branch circuit out to the service entrance can the engineer correctly size and adjust for changes in the electrical load for the project.
The Total Electrical Load drives the success of your electrical engineering design. An addition or subtraction error in the Total Electrical Load results in either electrical equipment being oversized at potentially great cost to the developer or undersized at potentially great risk to the safety of the facility’s occupants.
More on reason #1 PowerCalc Algorithm.
REASON #2: THE POWERCALC PANEL
PowerCalc™ won Gold in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s annual contest for Product of the Year 2016.
Our last newsletter discussed the 7 reasons for winning: the power of (1) the PowerCalc algorithm, (2) the PowerCalc panel, (3) the PowerCalc process, (4) PowerCalc for NEC compliance, (5) the PowerCalc Wizard, (6) PowerCalc in the cloud, and (7) the PowerCalc experience.
Let’s discuss Reason #2 in more detail: the PowerCalc panel.
PowerCalc’s Panel is the Design Engine
It sounds like a common issue: all electrical use panels for their work every day on every project. Each engineering firm has its own panel style. Other software programs use the panel too, but their uses are generally passive as placeholders for data, simple mathematical calculations or power system analysis.
In contrast, PowerCalc makes the panel center stage: the engine to design the entire power distribution system in a facility. Each cell on each of PowerCalc’s panels is packed with algorithms communicating with its proprietary database. Panel
Simple “place holding” or even tabulation is replaced with a software system that integrates 7 million + calculations across the design. To see all the inputs/outputs: Inputs/Outputs
5 Forms, including 3 Panels
PowerCalc has 5 standard forms: (1) Branch Circuit Panel; (2) Distribution Panel and (3) Main Distribution Panel; as well as (4) Equipment Schedule and (5) eNODE™. All calculations are integrated across these forms to document and design the power distribution system. Panel
Main Distribution and Distribution Panel Boards: main feeder conductor and conduit size, ampacity, over current protection device (OCPD), main feeder size, voltage drop and equipment grounding conductor and grounding electrode Conductor.
Branch Circuit Panel Board: conductor and conduit size, ampacity, over current protection device (OCPD), voltage drop and round conductor.
Building Equipment Schedule: electrical characteristics of each branch circuit, size of the over current protection device (OCPD) (fuse or circuit breaker), conductor size and the electrical enclosure frame size and characteristics.
eNODE™: tracks general information about the project and maps the entire power distribution system aggregating information from the panels, modules and schedules and determining connectivity and power flow.
This integration means that you can input values on different panels, schedules or even the eNode, and electrical values are automatically populated across the design/on all the forms.
Branch Circuit Panelboard
Take a look at PowerCalc’s Branch Circuit Panelboard. It is very familiar and intentionally mirrors the panelboard/panel box installed by the electrical contractor in the building. This utilitarian feature promotes the easy and accurate installation of electrical equipment.
“Family Connections”: the Hierarchy
A key part of the power distribution design is connecting the panels and preserve the voltage Hierarchy.
A. Parent Child
Whether the Parent Panel and the Child Panel are at the same or different voltage levels, PowerCalc allows the connection. If the two panels are at the same voltage level, then the eNODE acts as a traffic cop making the connection and passing the load from the Child Panel to the Parent Panel upstream directly.
But if the Child Panel is at a lower or higher voltage than the Parent Panel, the eNODE allows the connection and passes the load through a step down transformer or a step up transformer respectively.
PowerCalc automatically sizes the transformer kVA along with the associated primary and secondary feeders.
B. Twin Panels
This is the connection known as “Fed Thru” or “Double Lugs” connections in the industry.
Whether Fed Thru or Double Lugs, PowerCalc considers these “twins” as one eNODE and performs all calculations including the demand load calculations as a single Panel.
C. Brother-Sister
This is the connection known as “Sub Fed” or “Sub Panel”.
For details on all and each of the panels, including their organization and functionality, see our just released User Manual: Chapter Two: PowerCalc Architecture.
Why is the panel as a calculation engine important?
PowerCalc automates the electrical design process.
It is well established that automation is the driver in our tech-centric society and business world. Save Time/Save Money
Automation drives productivity across all businesses, large or small. Changes, even small ones, over time snowball into massive gains in productivity.
It includes: automation of processes with databases, standards, and updated procedures resulting in fewer errors, fewer building department comments and fewer issues with finished designs, And, just less time spent on design and repetitive calculations.
To illustrate this point, we've put together a illustration above, a chart focused just on design time. It shows how PowerCalc streamlines the design process to save days of engineering man hours.
More on reason #2 PowerCalc Panel.
REASON #3: THE POWERCALC PROCESS
PowerCalc™ won Gold in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s annual contest for Product of the Year 2016.
Let’s discuss Reason #3 in more detail: the PowerCalc process.
Simply, great teams are built on great communications.
PowerCalc’s cloud-connected platform establishes a design procedure to maximize your team’s productivity, communications and project quality. No downloads, no software to install, immediately accessible without any hassle.
Store, sync, and share your files in the cloud so they are always up-to-date in real time. Plus, you can share project files, changes, documents and more anywhere, any time with anyone. You control access and authorizations. Those who “need to know” have real time information.
Everything is tracked so the who, what, where and when is always known. Completed projects are archived for easy and forever access.
PowerCalc in the cloud will be discussed in more detail in our upcoming article on Reason 6: PowerCalc in the cloud.
Set up Your Documents
Profession
al, uniform, up-to-date, standard documentation for all Project Information on all Project Documents. Put the information in once, even your firm’s logo, and it is automatically reproduced on all project documentation.
Do Your Design
Simple is our commitment.
Need another Panel, just click to add one. Same for Distribution Panels, Building Equipment Schedules, Fire Pump Panels…easy to use throughout the design process.
Then, just click on any Panel or other form to go back and work on it at any time. Your entire Project is always organized, easy to access and at your fingertips.
When Finished, Just Archive
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All current Projects are on your up-to-the-minute Project File. But, when your Project is finished, easily archive it for your access forever.
On to Easy, Accurate and Fast Design
Now your Project is easily accessible to your team, perfectly organized across the documents, and about to be easily, accurately and quickly designed.
PowerCalc is a new way to design to design the Power Distribution System in a building. It’s a powerful tool with database driven results for fewer design hours, errors, process hiccups and costly mistakes.
The design of the Power Distribution System is now simple and comprehensive. Instead of design by handheld calculators, dummy spreadsheets, AutoCAD Blocks, top-down calculations and “rule of thumb”, PowerCalc aggregates the load from the circuit to the service entrance of the building (bottom-up) for exacting results. No more one-off calculations, PowerCalc is 7 Million+ electrical equations bundled for a single integrated results. To see all the inputs/outputs: More on NEC; Inputs/Outputs
Instead of using the Panel as a placeholder inputting cell-by-cell the results of manually performed calculations, PowerCalc’s Panel takes center stage doing all the calculations, look ups in code tables and displaying the results directly on the Panel form, instantly and accurately. All calculations and re-calculations for changes, are automatic and instant across all Panels for all electrical values in real time.
More on reason #3 PowerCalc Process.
REASON #4: POWERCALC FOR NEC COMPLIANCE
PowerCalc™ won Gold in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s annual contest for Product of the Year 2016.
Let’s discuss Reason #4 in more detail: PowerCalc for NEC compliance.
Database, Database, Database - No Blanks
PowerCalc is smart with a proprietary database. The NEC’s 14 lookup tables in Chapter 9 and endless tables throughout its 1500+ pages are fully integrated into PowerCalc’s 7 million+ equations. Just 3 inputs per circuit (load kVA, type of load and #of poles) results in over 300 NEC compliant outputs. These outputs are also compliant with IEEE Standards 141, 399 as well as other applicable codes, engineering standards and NEMA Requirements.
Other software programs provide a blank database form for the User to complete the values, but not PowerCalc. Our database is fully populated and fully vetted …used to design hundreds of actually constructed projects.
See our complete Inputs, Outputs and Special Features by click the following link. Inputs/Outputs
PowerCalc’s outputs are based on the minimum values required by the NEC and other standards. These values can be manually adjusted by the User, with the added protection of warnings flashing on the screen for errors.
Connected and Integrated
PowerCalc’s database and design allows for instantaneous changes. So, you know that piece of equipment added at the end of the project…no problem. Need to delete that wing of the hospital…also no problem. PowerCalc updates for changes instantly, seamlessly without any late nights and long weekends to get the project out the door.
What Code Requirements?
PowerCalc meets over 118 NEC requirements plus the other code requirements noted. 43 of these NEC requirements are exclusive to PowerCalc.
More on reason #4 PowerCalc for NEC Compliance.
PowerCalc™ won Gold in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s annual contest for Product of the Year 2016.
We recently discussed the seven (7) reasons for winning were discussed: (1) the PowerCalc algorithm, (2) the PowerCalc panel, (3) the PowerCalc process, (4) PowerCalc for NEC compliance, (5) the PowerCalc Wizard, (6) PowerCalc in the Cloud, and (7) the PowerCalc experience.
Let’s discuss Reason #5 in more detail: PowerCalc’s Wizard.
Our commitment to easy then goes even farther with design input simplified with Wizards. The user can elect to design using the full panel schedule or use the Wizard to pop up a circuit-by-circuit screen for input.
The design process is fault proof with Wizards. This means no training, no mistakes and instant results with an even easier and faster user interface.
There are 4 Wizards: (1) Panel Wizard, (2) Branch Circuit Wizard, (3) eNODE™ Wizard and (4) eRASE™ Wizard.
And it is all so easy, no training is necessary!
In any building, the type of power distribution depends on the building type (commercial, residential, institutional or industrial), dimension (area, height etc.), the length of supply cables, and the loads.
The power distribution system can be divided into:
These wizards help design both the vertical and horizontal supply systems to complete the design of the power distribution system.
Set up the Panel’s Header showing its characteristics and features for population across the design. These inputs then populate the documents with this one easy step.
The Panel Wizard depicts all the Fields with associated Panel values. PowerCalc uses these settings in the calculation of the Panel Frame, Main, and Feeder values, Branch Circuit Values, Connected and Demand Load. Note that most of these values are set on Auto. On this setting, PowerCalc calculates and displays the appropriate value every time a Load (Branch Circuit) is added or removed from the Panel. Each one of these Auto settings can also be manually set by the User to override the Auto setting.
Branch Circuit Wizard
You can input the 3 easy inputs (load kVA, load type and # of poles) on the panel or alternatively, on the Branch Circuit Wizard. This wizard makes it even easier to track your input of these Independent Values.
And while you are inputting these numbers (and anyone can do this typing exercise), PowerCalc is busy in the background calculating all Dependent Values at the same time.
eNODE™ Wizard
The eNODE is PowerCalc’s traffic cop making sure that the panel voltage hierarchy, the vertical and horizontal relationship is observed. This Wizard allows the User to interface with the software database.
eRASE™ Wizard
Last, if you want an energy saving design, the eRASE™ Wizard allows you to implement PowerCalc’s energy savings module with ease.
More on reason #5 PowerCalc Wizard.
PowerCalc™ won Gold in Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s annual contest for Product of the Year 2016.
We recently discussed the seven (7) reasons for winning were discussed: (1) the PowerCalc algorithm, (2) the PowerCalc panel, (3) the PowerCalc process, (4) PowerCalc for NEC compliance, (5) the PowerCalc Wizard, (6) PowerCalc in the Cloud, and (7) the PowerCalc experience.
Let’s discuss Reason #6 in more detail: PowerCalc in the Could.
PowerCalc is the first SaaS (software-as-a-service) electrical engineering design software in the cloud. It wasn’t easy: over 7 million equations were re-programmed in over a year of tireless work effort.
The reason for all of this effort? Being in the cloud changes everything.
PowerCalc’s cloud-connected platform establishes a design procedure to maximize your team’s productivity, communications and project quality.
You may think that your work is organized now, but the cloud makes it fault proof.
When the company’s account is set up, a Group Administrator is authorized.
The Group Administrator or the User then names a new Project or accesses an existing project and invites Users. Users are also able to create their own projects if authorized by the Group Administrator:
The Group Administrator can add Users by simply sending an email invitation.
When inviting a User, the Group Administrator assigns privileges:
Create - User can start a project
View – User can view a project (editing not allowed)
Print – User can print a project
Copy – User can copy a project
Archive – User can archive / un-archive a project
Once privileges are set up, then theGroup Administrator assigns access by clicking the “Assign Permissions”. Users can be granted or denied access throughout the design of any project. And a User can be blocked or disabled from any work group, and even re-invited to join again.
Accountability is ensured: never any question as to who is doing what, when, where and why.
Teams succeed with great communications and great organization. Simplifying how your team works together promotes the collaboration necessary to excel.
PowerCalc’s cloud platform provides the method to establish work groups and responsibilities with everyone having access to what is happening. Those who “need to know” have the real time information needed to get the job done and done the right way.
We have just published our User Manual, so take a look for yourself to see how easy and seamlessly this process works.
The cloud makes all the difference because it is the way we all get together to manage work flow in today’s work place. PowerCalc fits right into your process but makes your work easier, faster, more accurate and more profitable. Download User Guide
More on reason #6 PowerCalc in the Cloud.
Take a trip to beautiful Orange Beach, Alabama over Memorial Day Weekend to join the Engineering Societies of Alabama and Mississippi for their summer convention (May 26 – 28).
PowerCalc is presenting with June Adams, CEO, and I speaking on Disruption: Designing the Power Distribution System for Buildings in the Cloud.
We’ll talk startups, Vu Déjà (looking at what you do every day as if you’ve never seen it before) and writing software.
For engineers who design facilities, we promise a compelling discussion. Hope to meet our colleagues, and will work on a video to share with those who cannot attend.
Orange Beach is an incredible place and these Engineering Societies have put together an incredible program. See you at the beach!
Over Memorial Day 2017, members of the PowerCalc team were with colleagues at the joint meeting of the Engineering Societies of Alabama and Mississippi in Orange Beach, AL.
We had a lot to say and demonstrate.
It’s a thrill to be here today and share with you our journey as consulting engineers who have entered the world of software.
Last November, we graduated from Florida Atlantic University’s accelerator program for startups. Then last December, we launched our new product PowerCalc in the Cloud. It’s a whole new world, and hopefully you will find our story interesting.
I’m going to start out with what is called an “Elevator Speech” to give you a flavor of the startup world and what PowerCalc is all about.
Every day thousands of engineers face the labor intensive work of creating electrical specifications for all types of buildings. It takes thousands of calculations.
The problem is that people in the construction industry need a product to improve efficiency and accuracy, but none exists. AutoDesk can’t do it. Nor does any other automation tool.
But PowerCalc solves the problem with just 3 easy inputs per circuit. An engineer can now automatically calculate the entire power distribution system for any construction project. That’s from the light switch to the power grid in any building. And all in compliance with building code requirements. And updates for construction changes are instantaneous.
PowerCalc saves days of engineering man hours and millions of dollars for both the engineering firm and the developer. It avoids the problem of “overbuilding” saving the developer time and money and also “underbuilding” so there are no fires or other safety issues.
Our software is the first in the cloud so that your team can collaborate and work as a team, and also have access to PowerCalc in both the office and field.
Our goal is to expand our customer base and make PowerCalc the standard in the construction, building and facility management industries. PowerCalcis the optimum electrical solution for your building.
Back in 2002, the inventor, James Khalil was setting up his own MEP consulting firm. He had just left life as a Vice President and Department Head at CH2M, and actually found a similar challenge. How was he going to get the electrical engineering design of the power distribution system done accurately, efficiently and in compliance with the NEC?
At CH2M, the problem was how to check all the work being produced by so many engineers. At his new company, International Consulting Engineers (ICE), the issue was how to get the work done efficiently and accurately to meet deadlines with far fewer engineers. The answer to both concerns was his invention called PowerCalc which was patented in 2010.
Now, in getting the patent, we went through a process of reviewing “Prior Art”. That is a review of everything else in the world to determine whether your work is original and patentable. This review confirmed the inventor’s thoughts:
The problem with this approach for electrical engineering software in the facility was the key.
Other software require an estimate of what the total electrical load in kVA is for a facility at the start of a project and then works down (so a top-down approach). This approach ends up causing all sorts of design errors…a typical example: a wing is deleted from a design for a hospital and the total electrical load is not adjusted. This mistake may seem fundamental, but it happens every day.
So, what was new about PowerCalc? It was Vu Déjà… looking at what you do every day and “seeing” it for the first time.
Frankly, PowerCalc’s ability to implement instantaneous changes is one of the key points in our patent. Because the power distribution system has been designed circuit-by-circuit, now a change anywhere on the system will instantly update all values upstream and downstream across the design.
And our consulting firm, International Consulting Engineers (ICE), as well as several other leading engineering firms in South Florida have been the testing ground for PowerCalc. To date, PowerCalc has designed hundreds of projects, easily valued over $1 billion in construction costs.
As a result of our experience, we can personally testify to several observations about PowerCalc:
More on Alabama and Mississippi Engineering Societies 2017.
"When we look at all industries and sectors, by and large, everyone has figured out how to use software and computing to be more effective. When you look at construction, we're spending less than 1% of revenues on software while our counterparts in aerospace and manufacturing are spending close to 3.5 to 4.5%. Over the last 20 years, everyone else figured out how to be twice as productive while construction has not only flat lined but declined." Tracy Young, CEO of PlanGrid
A recent publication from CB Insights on Construction Tech crossed our desks. Construction Tech and Infrastructure Boom. While infrastructure spending is on a tear...growing to $1.1 trillion back in 2016...construction professionals are trailing the entire US economy in digitization. That includes electrical professionals.
In terms of using software, the Construction Industry is behind the times. As indicated in the McKinsey Report above, the only industry lower is Agriculture and Hunting. The seminar leaders attribute this low rank to budget concerns and less tech savvy workers.
More on 21st out of 22: Next to Last Place.
Every day thousands of engineers face the labor intensive work of creating electrical specifications for all types of buildings. It takes thousands of calculations.
The problem is that people in the construction industry need a product to improve efficiency and accuracy, but none exists. AutoDesk can’t do it, nor does any other automation tool.
But PowerCalc solves this problem with just 3 easy inputs per circuit. An engineer can now automatically calculate the entire power distribution system for any construction project. That’s from the light switch to the power grid in any building. And all in compliance with building code requirements.
Updates for construction changes are instantaneous. Also, there is soon to be the first automatic graphic 1 line diagram. And the engineer can do all of this with virtually no training.
PowerCalc saves days of engineering man hours and millions of dollars for both the engineering firm and the developer. It avoids the problem of “overdesign” saving the developer time and money and also “underdesign” so there are no fires or other safety issues.
Our software is the first in the cloud so that your team can collaborate and work together with access to PowerCalc in the field and office.
Our goal is to expand our customer base and make PowerCalc the standard in the construction, building and facility management industries. In the field of electrical engineering for buildings, PowerCalc is magic.
We’ve been working on this product all year…recoding the over 7 million engineering equations and creating our platform in the cloud…it has been a demanding 24x7 task. There is now a new PowerCalc, a new cloud platform, new website, and lots of new friends.
More on the Problem/The Solution.
Save your customers time and money = be the solution:
Last week, we attended the annual South Florida Bluebook Conference The Bluebook. It provided the opportunity to speak with lots of General Contractors working in the building industry and a few facility managers. Our thanks to each of you.
Even for seasoned consulting engineers, it was an eye-opener: gas equipment specified instead of electrical equipment; 10 same sized transformers specified instead of just 5; an undersized Main Service Conductor specified in a 20 story high rise. Costly mistakes ranging from an estimated $250,000 to millions to fix.
These issues arise from the current electrical design practice of using “rules of thumb”, “guestimating”, makeshift spreadsheets, and software that “designs” from the top-down (estimating the total electrical load at start of the design, instead of knowing the actual load by adding loads from the circuit to the service entrance of the facility (bottom-up)).
To put this in perspective, a typical 2-story office building of 10,000 SF averages over 10,000 electrical calculations, with the possibility of up to 70% of these (or 7,000) being re-calculated for changes. And then, the results of these calculations must be checked for compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC). As all of you know, the NEC’s Handbook has 1000+ pages with endless lookup tables.
In short, the current electrical engineering practice for the design of power distribution systems in buildings is like herding cats.
No matter how often the calculations are checked, the process streamlined, the number of engineers increased, the process is never quite under control: repetitive, tedious calculations; lengthy and time-consuming processes; overdesign/underdesign issues; costs from unnecessary design time; mistakes; process inefficiencies; NEC compliance issues; and building department concerns.
The Solution
The solution is automation of the electrical design process. Streamlining the process with technology that automatically calculates, and instantly re-calculates for changes, the entire power distribution system in a building, all in compliance with the NEC. With a tool addressing the calculation and code issues, the electrical professional can finally do the work of designing an optimum power distribution system.
As most of you know, PowerCalc was invented because of these deficiencies in the electrical design process. Our software has been used to design hundreds of projects valued well over $4 billion in construction costs. Projects. Additionally, we continue to be contacted for peer reviews and value engineering projects. You can find out more at powercalc.co.
And there is also the issue for many GCs of trying to estimate costs for design build projects. Today’s electrical design process does not allow for a determination of what electrical equipment is actually required for a construction project until the design phase is complete.
But it is no longer necessary to have a single mark on a drawing to do “quantity takeoffs” of the electrical equipment for estimating what electrical equipment is necessary and its cost to bid. Using PowerCalc, the electrical equipment can easily be determined at an early stage of the project---that’s long before the final design document is generated on AutoCAD and long before the design build project is bid.
With PowerCalc, the design build contractor has fewer cost surprises at the end of the construction project. It also means that the design is done based on numbers from electrical engineering calculations, instead of counting up the electrical equipment on construction documents.
More on Who is the Solution.
PowerCalc saves time and money in many ways. Here goes:
1. Only 3 inputs. PowerCalc's patented process requires 3 inputs per circuit (load kVA, load type and # of poles).These 3 inputs generate over 300 NEC compliant outputs. As indicated in the chart above, simplifying these calculations saves at least 40% in design time.
2. Bottom - Up Design. PowerCalc designs from the bottom - up (circuit to the power grid). This allows for (i) actual engineering values to be used in the design and (ii) for PowerCalc's 7 million + equations to be bundled into a single integrated calculation. The result is an integrated and incomparably accurate design. Contrast this outcome with other softwares that require the project's end size to be estimated at project start including the voltage phase, panel frame, panel main and feeder. Can all these "estimates" be actively and accurately updated throughout the design process by multiple people? As virtually all electrical professionals have either heard or experienced, this "guestimated" process leads to frustrating and expensive errors.
3. Unexpectedly Easy. Only 3 inputs per circuit...that's how easy it is to use PowerCalc. In fact, any conscientious staff member can input these values, and then the electrical professional can concentrate on the things which do need their focus...like connecting the panels and designing the power distribution.
4. NEC Compliant. PowerCalc's calculations are integrated with its proprietary database for compliance with the NEC. The electrical professional can override outputs to meet specific design requirements, but it is their choice. So, goodbye NEC look up tables.
5. Instantaneous Changes. With a design completely integrated into one big calculation, any change anywhere in the design results in instantaneous updating upstream and downstream across the design. This is construction, so there are always changes. And with PowerCalc, the changes are instantaneous.
6. Real Time 1 Line Diagram. PowerCalc has the first and only real time 1 Line Diagram on the planet. It is simultaneously generated throughout your design so you can visually see what your numbers mean throughout the design process.
7. Demand Load / No over-design. The NEC breaks the demand load into resistive, motor (inductive) and lighting loads. PowerCalc does the same thing all in compliance with the NEC. But other programs fail to track load types so cannot reduce their connected load sum by the relevant demand load as outlined in NEC Article 220 Branch Circuit, Feeder and Service Calculations. Developers, owners and clients get stuck with big bills for over-designed power distribution systems. Electrical equipment is expensive, and your clients will be far happier if you are saving them money rather than wasting their money by specifying unnecessary equipment. With PowerCalc, the electrical professional now has a way to easily avoid over-design concerns.
8. Unmatched Accuracy. Simply, PowerCalc is not only incredibly accurate, but using software reduces human error.
9. Team Collaboration. PowerCalc is the only electrical engineering software in the cloud. This means that your team works and collaborates in real time any place, any time and on any device. It also means that version controls are in place as well as controls over who has access to project files. All the administrative headaches of the design process are now under control.
10. No Change Orders. Now that the design is accurate, the electrical professional will be far less likely to have mistakes resulting in expensive change orders.
11. No Lawsuits. We know of no lawsuits based on design issues for users of PowerCalc.
12. No Comments. When you use PowerCalc, get used to not receiving comments from Building Departments on your submissions. Now this saves a lot of time.
13. Automation. PowerCalc saves days of engineering man hours. Automation drives productivity across all businesses large or small. Changes, even small ones, over time snowball into massive gains in productivity. PowerCalc includes: automation of processes with databases, standards and updated procedures resulting in fewer errors, fewer building department comments and fewer issues with finished designs. And, just less time spent on design and repetitive calculations.
More on 13 Ways PowerCalc Saves Time / Saves Money.
To take you behind the scenes at PowerCalc, we’re putting together a mini-series about our people and all the things they do.
As part of our Quality Program, Jessica and James work together consistently on all coding changes and updates. We are continuously testing to ensure the quality of our software in compliance with the best agile and lean software development processes.
More on our series Quality at PowerCalc.
A while ago, we started a discussion on the conductor. It seems like a relevant topic to re-consider in a multi-part series.
In analyzing the power distribution system in a building, the electrical engineer and designer can think of the panelboard as the heart, the conductor as the veins and arteries, and the electrical power as the blood. Continuing this analogy, the important characteristics of the conductor include whether it is fat or skinny, thickly or thinly dressed in insulation, and multicolored or monochromatic for phase and ground/neutral conductors respectively.
Most of the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) are centered on the conductor. And there are many types: service conductors, service entrance conductors, feeder conductors, branch circuit conductors, ground conductors, and neutral conductor. Each type is part of the facility’s power distribution network allowing electricity to flow from the service at the power grid to the branch circuit load.
The factors to be considered in meeting the NEC’s meticulous and confusing requirements include: total load served, continuous and non-continuous load, coincidental and non-coincidental load, conductor insulation (TW, THW, THHN, etc.), system voltage and phase, voltage drop, temperature limitation, temperature correction factor, adjustment factor (number of conductors in a raceway), special conditions/applications (current carrying conductor and tap rule), ground electrode conductor, equipment grounding conductors, conductors in parallel, and load types (receptacle, lighting, or air conditioning). PowerCalc and the NEC
The complexity of this intertwined distribution network results in tedious calculations for the electrical engineer and designer. All are simplified with just 3 inputs per branch circuit by PowerCalc: load (kVA), load type, and number of poles.
More on Anatomy of a Conductor Part 1.
Once the size of the conductor is calculated and the number of conductors determined, the electrical professional continues by calculating the size of the conduit containing these current carrying conductors. See NEC Chapter 9, Table 1, Annex C1 through C12A. When the base current value is determined, the electrical professional then proceeds through the following sequence of calculations to determine:
(1) the overcurrent protection device (OCPD), see NEC Article 240
(2) the ground conductor, see NEC Article 250
(3) the voltage drop, see NEC Article 215
With these basic calculations completed, the electrical professional then applies the remaining factors: continuous and non-continuous load, coincidental and non-coincidental load, temperature limitation, temperature correction factor, adjustment factor (number of conductors in a raceway), special conditions/applications (current carrying conductor and tap rule), ground electrode conductor, conductors in parallel, and load types (receptacle, lighting or air conditioning).
More on Anatomy of a Conductor Part 2 - Sizing the Conductor
Base Current Value
In Part 1, we discussed the different types of conductors in relation to their location in the building's power distribution system and the service provided. Anatomy of a Conductor, Part 1 The types are service conductors, service entrance conductors, feeder conductors, branch circuit conductors, ground electrode conductor and neutral conductor. The factors to consider in meeting the NEC's detailed but confusing requirements were also listed. Then in Part 2, we discussed sizing the conductor. Anatomy of a Conductor Part 2
Back to factors, those for consideration by the electrical professional can be organized into three categories: (1) Primary Factors, (2) Secondary Factors and (3) Ancillary Factors.
Primary Factors are those used to determine load as "seen" by the conductor: (1) system voltage, (2) system phase, (3) equipment # of poles, (4) equipment utilization voltage and (5) total electrical loads.
Secondary Factors are those that impact the size and type of conductor as referenced in the NEC. These include: (1) temperature limitations, (2) temperature correction factor, (3) adjustment factor, (4) equipment grounding conductor, (5) load type (receptacle, lighting, motor and welding equipment), (6) conductor insulation (TW, THW, THHN and others), (7) ground electrode conductor and (8) material (CU or AL).
Last, there are the Ancillary Factors that support the Secondary Factors. These are design driven and considered in relation to installation. They include: (1) voltage drop, (2) conductors in parallel, (3) tap rule, (4) current carrying conductor, (5) demand load calculation and (6) amperage interrupting capacity (AIC).
The outcome of applying the Primary Factors is the base current value in AMPS. The designer based on design requirements and location, then applies the Secondary Factors to obtain conductor size and the associated overcurrent protection device (OCPD). Once these 2 basic values are determined, then the designer finally applies the Ancillary Factors to complete the design and specify the correct wire size and insulation rating.
Voltage Levels
The Primary Factors are applied as part of the following basic engineering equation for power to determine the base current value (l).
P = l x V x √3 for a 3 Φ distribution system
P + l x V for a single Φ - 1 pole and single Φ - 2 pole distribution system
Where P stands for Power (VA); V stands for Volt (V); l stands for Current (A)
Any electrical circuit, in its simplest form, consists of two wires which carry electrical current at a voltage level (electrical potential). The motion of the free electrons (charges) in a given electrical potential in a solid conductor constitutes an electric current (l). Said electric current (l) travels at the speed of light (186,000 miles/second). The unit of electric current is Ampere (Amps). One Ampere of current = 6.251 x 10 to the power of 18 electrons pass given cross section in 1 sec.
The higher the voltage, the higher the current flow for a given resistance. The flow of current (l) in an electric circuit is impeded by the resistance (R) [R = V / l] and produces heat (wasted energy). This wasted energy can be calculated by the following equation: P = l² R.
It is because of this equation, one should properly size the conductor to minimize wasted energy.
Distribution systems in a building are classified according to the voltage level used to transfer the power needed to operate its equipment. The most common distribution system voltage levels that are widely used in the United States are:
480Y / 277 V 3 Φ; 208Y / 120 V - 3 Φ; 230 V closed Δ, 3 Φ; 230 V open Δ; 230 V - 2 poles, 1 Φ; 120 V - 1 pole
In summary, the voltage, the phase, equipment # of poles, equipment utilization voltage and total electrical loads determine the base current value.
More on Anatomy of a Conductor Part 3 - Voltage Levels and Base Current Value.
NEC Article 100 "Definitions" defines branch circuit (BC) as "The circuit conductor between the final overcurrent protection device (OCPD) protecting said circuit and the outlet(s)."
The same article also defines outlet as "A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment."
Combining the base current value previously calculated in Part 3 of this series, with the two definitions above, the complete design of the branch circuit requires the following:
A branch circuit is rated according to the trip setting of the OCPD that protects the circuit conductors (NEC Section 210.3), with some exceptions that will be discussed at length in future articles.
NEC Article 100 also tells us that there are four (4) types of branch circuits:
The NEC distinguishes and defines these four (4) types of branch circuits because it limits the OCPD rating of any branch circuit with more than one outlet to 15, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Amps (See NEC 210.3). This requirement also applies to branch circuits other than individual branch circuits. As an example, if you have a 60 Amp or 25 Amp branch circuit with two (2) or more outlets, then this requirement is not applicable.
NEC Article 100 also includes in the definitions of receptacle (RCPT), that a duplex RCPT is considered to be two (2) outlets. Any branch circuit for a duplex RCPT must also conform to the requirements of NEC 210.3, and any outlet rated above 50 Amps should be connected on an individual branch circuit.
As a field note: it is an observation that an indoor air handling unit (AHU) with heating strip and the associated outdoor condensing unit (CU) are sometimes observed to be designed on a single one (1) 60 Amp circuit. This is a direct violation of NEC 210.3.
More on Anatomy of a Conductor Part 4 - Branch Circuit Basics.
NEC 210.20 Overcurrent Protection requires branch circuit conductors and equipment to be protected as related to the load. Turning to NEC 240.4 Protection of Conductors also states requirements for the branch circuit as related to the conductor's ampacity specified in NEC 310.15, Tables 310.15(B)(16) - 310.15(B)(21) and Tables 310.60(C)(67) - 310.60(C)(86).
The rule is to protect the circuit conductor by applying a circuit breaker at the supply side of said circuit conductor with Trip Amp rating that is equal or less than said circuit conductor's rating. In the case of the motor circuit, this rule is reversed to allow the motor startup in-rush current to go through the OCPD without tripping and opening the circuit.
Where a circuit supplies only motor operated load, then Article 430 should be applied. An example, 5 HP Motor, 208 V, 3 phase, follows:
1. Circuit conductor rating = base current value (FLA) x 1.25 (NEC 430.22)
From Table 430.250, the 5 HP@ 208 V, 3 phase motor FLA = 16.7 Amps
Circuit Conductor Rating = 16.7 x 1.25 = 20.88 Amps
From Table 301.15(B)(16) select #10 Conductor 60 degrees Celsius
2. OCPD = Base current value (FLA) x 2.5 (NEC Table 430.52)
= 16.7 x 2.5 = 41.75 Amps
From NEC 240.6 Standard Ampere Rating select 405Amps
From the above equation, one can determine that Trip Amp setting of OCPD could be more than twice as much as the circuit conductor rating. This indicates that the conductor is NOT properly protected and could overheat under certain conditions such as motor overload or excessive voltage drop.
Where the circuit supplies only air conditioning equipment, then Article 440 should be applied.
Where the circuit supplying loads consisting of motor operating utilization equipment that is "fastened" in place and has a motor larger than 1/8 HP in combination with other loads, the base current shall be calculated as follows:
1.25% x the largest motor + the sum of other loads
Base current = 1.25 largest FLA + sum of other loads
In summary, the electrical professional should always specify the rating of the OCPD and the rating of the circuit conductor as a "pair". The circuit conductor rating is based on the load and the OCPD rating is based on the load type.
There are other factors that affect the conductor rating such as the ambient temperature and the number of conductors in a raceway.
More on Anatomy of a Conductor Part 5 - More on Branch Circuit Basics.
In the previous articles, we learned how to calculate the base current value for the branch circuit. Using this current value, the designer should determine / select the correct conductor size for the branch circuit. The selection of the conductors for the branch circuit should be based on the secondary factors and the auxiliary factors previously discussed or to be addressed in future articles in this series.
To refresh, the secondary factors are: (1) temperature limitation, (2) temperature correction factor, (3) adjustment factor, (4) equipment grounding conductor, (5) load type, (6) conductor insulation type, and (7) material the conductors are made of.
We will now examine one of the Secondary Factors - temperature limitation and its effect on selections related to the design of the branch circuit conductors.
The temperature limitation of branch circuit conductors is mentioned in two articles of the NEC.
(1) NEC Article 110 Requirement for Electrical Installations Section at 110.14 (C) Electrical Connections states: "The temperature rating associated with the ampacity of a branch circuit conductor shall be selected and coordinated so that as NOT to exceed the lowest temperature rating of any connected termination, conductor, or device." The same paragraph goes on to state: "Conductors with temperature ratings higher than specified for terminations shall be permitted to be used for adjustment, correction, or both."
(2) NEC Article 310 Conductors for General Wiring, Section 310.15 Ampacity for ConductorsRated 0 - 2000 Volts, Paragraph (3) Temperature Limitation of Conductors continues these requirements: "No conductor shall be used in such a manner that its operating temperatures exceeds that designed for the type of insulated conductor involved."
When you look at the ampacity tables, you will see that each table is broken into two parts that identify the material the conductors are made of (CU conductors and AL conductors). Each part is then broken into 3 columns that identify the different temperature rating of the branch circuit conductor. These temperatures are 60, 75, and 90 degrees Celsius. Each of these columns then lists the Type of Insulation (TW, THW, and THHW) used in the branch circuit conductor. Then, you can determine the branch circuit conductor size and its associated ampacity.
In summary, the temperature rating of the branch circuit conductor should match termination points where the branch circuit conductor lands. The higher rated ampacity for the branch circuit conductor(s) cannot be used unless the terminals where the branch circuit conductors land have comparable ratings. Most termination for systems rated at 600 V or less are rated for 60 degrees Celsius for branch circuits rated 100 Amps or less, and 75 degrees Celsius for branch circuits rated over 100 Amps. For systems rated over 600 V, the terminals are designed for branch circuit conductors rated for 90 degrees Celsius and higher.
More on Anatomy of a Conductor Part 6 - More on Branch Circuit Basics, Temperature Limitation.
Check out how PowerCalc is used in the field to document existing conditions related to the upgrade of the mechanical systems at Jupiter Farms Elementary School in Palm Beach Co., FL.
James Khalil and Kiu Sam, both PEs, walk the facility mapping the existing electrical equipment in the school's power distribution system. This initial survey allows for verification and mapping of the electrical equipment which will then be the baseline for designing any electrical upgrade required to support the project.
We'll follow up on this initial survey in future videos. You'll see for yourself how to use PowerCalc for renovation.
More on Jupiter Farms Elementary School Renovation Project.
Concepts of the NEC is one of our topics at next month's Engineering Societies of Alabama and Mississippi's summer meeting on June 10-12th in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The NEC has dual purposes of safety and cost/resource effective design. To summarize: (1) safety concerns (avoid underdesign) and (2) efficient design concerns (avoid overdesign).
Underdesign. As electrical professionals, we are familiar with safety concerns...don't underdesign a power distribution system due to concerns over potential electrical fires. Public safety is always our first concern.
Overdesign. But the second concept, overdesign is also a key part of the NEC. For the most part, this concept is overlooked in today's electrical design. It is simply too difficult to do all of the necessary calculations to implement efficient design. Why - time constraints, looming deadlines and lack of knowledge about the NEC's requirements.
Despite our difficulty in avoiding overdesign, it is a primary concept behind all the NEC articles put together over the years since the first article was written. Right up there with the concept of safety.
To avoid overdesign and right size design a power distribution system, the NEC breaks the demand load into resistive, motor (inductive) and lighting loads. Breaking the demand load into types of loads allows for the design of an optimum power distribution system.
By just adding all the loads (kVAs) up, the demand factors offered by the NEC cannot be applied. Loads must be tracked by load type in order to reduce the connected load sum by the relevant demand load. This process is outlined in NEC Article 220 Branch Circuit, Feeder and Service Calculations. Unless this process is followed, the total load cannot be reduced so the power distribution system is overdesigned.
A threshold issue when we put together PowerCalc, was to track demand loads incorporating the NEC's demand factors as a default in the automatic calculations. The user can always override these factors, but the NEC baseline is always recognized.
What's the result of not paying attention to this mandate of the NEC? Electrical professionals have over coppered facilities causing developers, owners and clients to get some big bills for overdesigned power distribution systems (specifying too much or oversized electrical equipment).
Electrical equipment is expensive, and clients and the world appreciate money and resources saved by not specifying unnecessary equipment. The savings are always substantial when overdesign is avoided.
So, back to Biloxi, we've touched on a few issues, but there are a lot more. For engineers who design facilities, we promise a compelling discussion. Hope to meet our colleagues and will work on a video to share with those who cannot attend.
Biloxi is an incredible place and these Engineering Societies put together a great program and have a lot of fun.
More on Concepts of the NEC: Safety & Efficient Design.
We'll be speaking about:
Morning Session: Automation, Cloud and Real Time: Technology for Electrical Engineering
Afternoon Session: Conceptualizing the NEC: Translation to Code
Initially, we'll discuss how automation makes electrical engineering easier, faster, smarter and greener. You'll even get to see the first automatic, graphic and real time 1 Line Diagram.
Then, we'll turn to the NEC for a discussion of how it is organized...the concepts behind the PowerCalc software. This includes a discussion of the NEC's dual purposes of safety and cost/resource effective design.
For engineers who design facilities, we promise a compelling discussion. Hope to meet our colleagues, and will work on a video to share with those who cannot attend.
Biloxi is an incredible place and these Engineering Societies have put together an incredible program.
More on Mississippi/Alabama anual convention.
It's all about technology and workplace collaboration in today's world. In Biloxi, we had the opportunity to discuss these issues with engineers at the Mississippi-Alabama Engineering Societies' meeting from June 10 -13th.
Our first topic was Automation, Cloud and Real Time: Technology for Electrical Engineering followed in the afternoon by Concepts of the NEC: Translation to Code.
Understanding and adopting advancements in software is vital to the practice of engineering. And importantly, this is a subject best handled by the engineers who understand what their practice is about rather than by coders divorced from the engineering process.
So, down at the Gulf there were lively discussions about NEC compliance and software. How to automate the electrical engineering design process to increase productivity, skills and collaboration while reducing the labor intensive burden of NEC compliance.
PowerCalc (covered by US Patent # 7,636,650) took center stage as the lab rat illustration of how the automation of electrical design for power distribution systems in buildings makes electrical engineering easier, faster, smarter and greener.
Slides Presentation Alabama and Mississippi Engineering Societies 2018 - Concepts of the NEC.
The inventor, James Khalil, PE, walked through how he conceptualized the NEC to write software that produces incredibly accurate results all in compliance with the NEC. Read his discussion below.
More on Mississippi/Alabama engineering societies: Concepts of the NEC.
August 28: West Palm Beach
August 30: Miami
September 11: Orlando
September 13: Tampa
We'll be speaking about:
First Session: Automation, Cloud and Real Time: Technology for Electrical Engineering
Second Session: Conceptualizing the NEC: Translation to Code
Initially, we'll discuss how automation with 7 +million calculations makes electrical engineering easier, faster, smarter and greener. You'll even get to see the first automatic, graphic and real time 1 Line Diagram.
Then, we'll turn to the NEC for a discussion of how it is organized...the concepts behind the PowerCalc software. This includes a discussion of the NEC's dual purposes of safety and cost/resource effective design.
For engineers who design facilities, we promise a compelling discussion. Hope to meet our colleagues, and will work on a video to share with those who cannot attend.
The Florida Engineering Society has put together an incredible program. Mark your calendar!
The headline and sub-header tells us what you're offering, and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for.
More on Automation / Concepts of the NEC for Florida Engineering Society.
We'll be speaking about:
First Session: Automation, Cloud and Real Time: Technology for Electrical Engineering
Second Session: Conceptualizing the NEC: Translation to Code
Initially, we'll discuss how automation with 7 +million calculations makes electrical engineering easier, faster, smarter and greener. You'll even get to see the first automatic, graphic and real time 1 Line Diagram.
Then, we'll turn to the NEC for a discussion of how it is organized...the concepts behind the PowerCalc software. This includes a discussion of the NEC's dual purposes of safety and cost/resource effective design.
For engineers who design facilities, we promise a compelling discussion. Hope to meet our colleagues, and will work on a video to share with those who cannot attend.
The Florida Engineering Society has put together an incredible program.
We had a great time with all the engineers in West Palm Beach and Miami. And, we look forward to meeting more engineers in Tampa and Orlando!
More on Orlando and Tampa: Automation / Concepts of the NEC for Florida Engineering Society.
SUPPORT PUERTO RICO AND NEWS FROM MEXICO
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News from Mexico
Recently, we heard from long time PowerCalc user Abel Camarena Arias. Abel is a busy professional in the construction industry as Director General at Altos Ingeniera Electrica in Jalisco, Mexico. We first spoke with Abel about 24 months ago when work was starting on a large industrial facility. And, Abel has shared his thoughts.
"I have used PowerCalc for all of our projects for the past 2 years...this includes industrial, high rise, commercial and all types of facilities. It has saved us time and money. It is incredibly accurate and ensures that we comply with the NEC's requirements. It is a great tool. It is so easy to use that we learned without a single training class, just from the manual."
"He utilizado PowerCalc para todos nuestros proyectos durante los ultimos 2 anos, esto incluye obra industrial, edificios altos, edificaciones comerciales y todo tipo de istalaciones. Nos ha ahorrado tiempo y dinero. Es increiblemente preciso y nos asegura el cumplimiento con los requisitos de NEC NFPA 70 y la NOM -001-SEDE-2012. Es una gran herramienta. Es tan facil de usar, que todo el equipo lo aprendimos sin una sola clase del manual."
Many thanks to Abel for his input!
Now to Puerto Rico
This season's hurricanes, especially Maria, have left Puerto Rico crippled with its power grid disabled and buildings in ruin. PowerCalc is here to help our neighbors to the south.
If you sign up for a free trial and let us know that you are from Puerto Rico (address, phone number and even just send us an email), we'll make sure that you get free access to our software for 12 months. This offer includes our powerful automatic, graphic and simultaneously generated 1 Line Diagram when it launches next month.
More on Support from Puerto Rico and news from Mexico.
A user of PowerCalc since December, Ken Everett of Home Run Electric in Seattle talked with us about his experience with the software.
A great highlight is that he has submitted over 15 projects to Seattle's Building Department, all approved without comment. Quite a record.
So, watch Ken's interview below.
More on his interview and transcript of our conversation.
How easy can PowerCalc make electrical engineering? Today is another step towards easiest.
The text version of PowerCalc's User Manual has been "translated" into video step-by-step directions in 7 short takes
Pick the video you need to watch or check them all out. You're immediately an expert PowerCalc user.
As Ken Everett of Seattle says:
"I started using PowerCalc not long ago and I'm not very computer savvy. It is really amazing how simple PowerCalc is to use and how user friendly. I just got my first set of drawings back from the Seattle Building Department with zero corrections / comments...it was great. I would recommend PowerCalc to anyone."
More on our Visual User Manual Publishing.
PowerCalc™ is the FIRST Software as a Service (SaaS) company to completely automate electrical engineering calculations for the Building, Construction and Facility Management Industries. PowerCalc's cloud-based model adheres to National Electrical Code® (NEC) standards and makes it easy for users to access the most advanced technology on-the-go in real time saving endless hours of calculation and money. PowerCalc is easy to use: just 3 inputs per circuit (load kVA, load type and # of poles) calculates over 300 NEC compliant outputs - designing a building's entire power distribution system from the light bulb to the power grid. Also includes the FIRST automatic, graphic and simultaneously generated 1 Line Diagram with fault current calculation. Incomparable speed, ease, accuracy and cost.
More on Segment 1 - Why PowerCalc? (Visual User Manual).
02.SET UP YOUR ACCOUNT (USER MANUAL)
Step-by-step walk through to select your PowerCalc™ package, make your purchase and access your account. Includes how to set up PowerCalc's unique administration system for users granting them access to functions and projects, including how to block, re-invite and remove users.
More on Segment 2 - Set up your Account (Visual User Manual).
Step-by-step walk through on setting up a new project to propagate basic information such as client name and project across the sheets. Also, introduction to the Wizards which make the software even easier to use and more difficult for the user to make a mistake.
More on Segment 3 - Set up a New Project (Visual User Manual).
Step-by-step walk through on setting up the project's panels and values. How to input the 3 values per circuit (load kVA, load type and # of poles) on the wizard or on the panel itself, connect panels, and get going. Introduces the 4 panel types: Branch Circuit Panel, Distribution Panel, Main Distribution Panel and Building Equipment Schedule.
More on Segment 4 - Start your Design, Set up your Panels (Visual User Manual).
Step-by-step walk through inputting the 3 values per circuit (load kVA, load type and # of poles) in the Branch Circuit Panel and also on the Branch Circuit Wizard. Creating Panels and connecting them. Discussion of values automatically generated and tracked. How to use PowerCalc for renovation projects as well as new construction.
More on Segment 5 - Input the Branch Circuit Values (Visual User Manual).
Step-by-step walk through setting up the remaining panels: Distribution Panels, Main Distribution Panel and Building Equipment Schedules. How to connect the panels, how to use the Power Distribution Tree and the 1 Line Diagram.
More on Segment 6 - Set Up the Remaining Panels (Visual User Manual).
Step-by-step walk through of how to use the One Line Diagram and Fault Current Calculation application. First ever fully automatic, graphic and simultaneously generated One Line Diagram. All in real time, so you see your design throughout the calculation process.
More on Segment 7 - One Line Diagram Demonstration (Visual User Manual).
PowerCalc is patented software that calculates all the values for the 1 Line Diagram with 7+ million equations. Your power distribution design is fully integrated and now visual with software that saves you time and money. PowerCalc will change the way you do electrical engineering, it is an incredibly powerful tool that's unexpectedly easy to use.
