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The article looks at the changes made to the NFPA 70-2017: National Electrical Code. The code specifies requirements for the design and installation of electrical systems in health care facilities. It presents the changes to the Article 517 of NFPA 70 which defines the spaces in health care facilities and the requirements of essential electrical system (EES) for those spaces. Changes to EES in NFPA 99 and the fire protection requirement in Article 700.10(D)(3) of NFPA 70 are also presented.

The article discusses the acceptance and the issues with regards to the use of microgrids for electric power generation in the U.S. It states that for energy efficiency advocates and environmentalists, microgrids are helpful in improving the utilization of waste heat and in reducing reliance in fossil fuels. However, it mentions that questions have also been raised concerning the law and public policy for microgrids.

The article discusses the issues encompassing the transmission capacity available for electrical grid to integrate new renewable resources, particularly in the U.S. It hashes out problems that hinders development for the U.S. electrical grid, including out of place transmission lines, lacks of storage capacity to handle variability, and that the grid is a one-way system. It likewise cited as another problem is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) regulatory structure, with the agency being denied control over whether, and where major transmission lines actually get built. Meanwhile, it also discusses the promise and benefits of smart-grid system in integrating renewable sources in the country, highlighting the pilot project in Boulder, Colorado.

The article offers an overview of mission critical standby power (MCSP) commissioning in the U.S. It explores the different categories of backup power systems as described in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Electrical Code (NEC) including emergency power systems and optional standby systems. Moreover, it also describes the processes involved in commissioning such as generator load testing and automatic transfer switch (ATS) testing.

The article focuses on the importance of integration and coordination of electrical systems when working with facilities that require multiple power sources in the U.S. Integration and coordination of electrical systems are vital for the continuous operation of the facilities which are done during the planning phase. The proper installation of the electrical systems must comply with the policies stipulated in the critical operations power systems (COPS) policy in order to reduce financial loss.

The article focuses on the expansion of the regulations on extra-high-voltage transmission network under the 54/1997 Act and Royal Decree 1955/2000 in Spain. The country's electricity regulation establishes the premise on which its extra-high-voltage transmission network must be developed and operated to guarantee the reliability and quality of electricity supplies at minimum cost while taking environmental protection into consideration.

The article discusses the standby power systems which are legally required for some types of facilities and operations in the U.S. It mentions about the adoption of codes and regulations to identify types of facilities and operations which must have standby system. It highlights about various alternate power requirement which includes storage battery, generator set and uninterruptible power supply.

The article reports on the Senate Bill 1879, ComEd's Future Energy Plan, which allows for the creation of six microgrids on the ComEd grid in Illinois. It states that the microgrids would service nearby public facilities and infrastructure that are integral to healthcare, homeland security, transportation and water services. It notes that microgrids are important during prolonged power outages because they keep power flowing in severe weather and emergency situations.

Discusses the provisions of Article 406.8 (B)(1) of the National Electric Code in the U.S. Penalties for not complying with the Code; Number of states that have adopted the article.

Several questions and answers related to the U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017 are presented including Code requirements for supporting wiring systems installed above suspended ceilings and code rules in regard to raceways used.

The article presents a photograph of electric circuit breakers, invites comments on the violations committed in the installation based on the 2014 U.S. National Electrical Code, and announces the winner of the journal's code violation contest for August 2016.

The article reports on the ratification of the Senate Bill 1879, known as the Energy Plan for Illinois' Future, by the Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, in March 2015. Topics discussed include coverage of the bill to expand support for renewable energy sources in the state and to ensure that energy consumers and the state economy will continue to benefit from affordable renewable power and details of the 300 million U.S. dollar construction investment for six microgrids.

The article provides information on an electrical construction code violation involving Section 424.9, Section 424.6 and Section 110.3(B).

The article discusses issues regarding ongoing legal conflict between political leaders on the privatization of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA). It mentions that Puerto Rico's Senate President Eduardo Bhatia passed series of bills regarding electrical system which were opposed by Governor Alejandro García Padilla. It highlights that the bills were also opposed by the New Progressive Party.

The article reports that U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security has adopted an amendment to strengthen electrical power system, offered by Representative Donald Payne Jr., and is backed by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).

The article presents two electric power systems installed in the U.S. which violated the National Electric Code (NEC). It highlights the condition of a bridge roadway lighting system which breached the code due to its unsafe cardboard and tape coverings. It also notes an installed receptacle which violated the NEC's Standard for Dimensions of Attachment Plugs and Receptacles through noninstallation of weatherproof cover in wet locations..

A photo quiz is presented concerning the identification of the National Electric Code (NEC) violation in the U.S.

Reports the simplification of the electrical transmission system in the United States. Preference of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the development of four regional transmission organizations (RTO); Negotiations for the formation of the two RTO; Promotion of standardized interconnections with the grid.

Reports on the proposed United States Senate deregulation bills which would restructure electricity generation and establish a legal backbone for Michigan to encourage competition among electric utilities and suppliers. Advantages of the proposed bills to businesses and homeowners, as cited by Kevin Korpi, director of environmental and regulatory affairs for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Details some of the developments in the Czech Republic and Costa Rican electronic industries in favor of Intel Corp. Czech government's approval of investment incentives for companies that plow a minimum of $25 million into projects in the country; Costa Rican Supreme Court approval of Intel's operation of high-voltage wires at its plant there.