Article 750 Energy Management Systems.
Code Change Summary: A new Article was added to address Energy Management Systems.
The energy conservation movement is the driving factor for energy management systems. These systems can monitor, communicate with or control an electrical load or a power production source.
The new Article 750 covers Energy Management Systems and is very short but it’s a starting point for future expansion. Expect to see major changes in this new code article with every new NEC® code cycle.
The new article will be helpful when applying the new code language in 220.12 which allows lighting load calculations to be made in accordance with a locally adopted energy code as long as the following conditions are met:
(1) A power monitoring system is installed that provides continuous information regarding the total general lighting load of the building.
(2) The power monitoring system is set with alarm values to alert the building owner or manager if the lighting load exceeds the values set by the energy code.
(3) The demand factors specified in 220.42 are not applied to the general lighting load.
Below is a preview of the NEC®. See the actual NEC® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on the “free access” tab and select the applicable year of NFPA 70 (National Electrical code).
2014 Code Language:
750.1 Scope. This article applies to the installation and operation of energy management systems.
Informational Note: Performance provisions in other codes establish prescriptive requirements that may further restrict the requirements contained in this article.
750.2 Definitions. For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply.
Control. The predetermined process of connecting, disconnecting, increasing, or reducing electric power.
Energy Management System. A system consisting of any of the following: a monitor(s), communications equipment, a controller(s), a timer(s), or other device(s) that monitors and /or controls an electrical load or a power production or storage source.
Monitor. An electrical or electronic means to observe, record, or detect the operation or condition of the electric power system or apparatus.