Energy management codes and best practice



The latest energy codes and standards such as IECC and ASHRAE 90.1 require new building designs to include sub-metering for the main building consumption and the different load categories (HVAC, indoor and outdoor lighting, plug loads). A power meter installed on a building‘s main switchboard feed provides a baseline for daily, weekly, monthly and yearly energy consumption while also identifying drifts and inefficiencies. Power meters with full Time of Use (ToU) management can even help verify utility bills and avoid peak demand charges. With the rise of EV chargers in commercial and industrial building‘s parking lots, a power meter with measurement history is key to assess if the distribution can accommodate additional electrical load. The new 2023 IECC revision introduces a new load category for process loads, heightening the significance of sub-metering in buildings with manufacturing equipment.

Beyond energy management

Thanks to advanced power meters, Beyond energy management codes and best practice, industrial plants and data centers with critical loads must embrace a preventive maintenance approach in order to avoid costly breakdowns and downtime. Advanced power monitoring in switchgears, switchboards, or MCCs enables facilities managers to monitor their electrical installation and detect anomalies before they lead to premature equipment aging and failure. Timestamped waveform captures in case of events help identify the root cause of disturbances and serve as valuable evidence for claiming compensation from the utilities, where appropriate. It’s even possible to create measurement alarms with user-predetermined thresholds:

• Phase unbalance and phase loss to avoid premature aging of electric motors and loss of efficiency

• Harmonics to prevent increased stress and wear leading to equipment overheating

• Power factor to identify periods and areas of low PF and anticipate penalties from the utility

Immediate awareness of abnormal conditions is crucial for prompt remedial action

Power meters with visual indicators on electrical panel doors will alert nearby personnel to potential issues. Any unusual situations detected by the power meter through the activation of measurement alarms should serve as a means to notify on-site operators. With digital NO/NC outputs, power meters can translate any alarm to activate additional signal indicator lights, sound audible alarms or send signals to PLCs for additional actions and visibility. Advanced power meters with Ethernet connection can send email notifications to remote maintenance teams.

A Prime representative is available to meet with you on-site or online to discuss your application and recommend the best, most cost-effective solution for your project. To schedule a visit, request a quotation or to place an order, contact Prime at:

201-262-9090

sales@prime-industrial.com