Digital Functionality in low voltage power distribution

摘要

Enhanced Digital Functionality has captivated nearly every phase of society. The shift is overwhelming: Smart phones, smart TVs and smart cars are just a few examples of the trend. Enhanced digitization has also inspired a key development trend in Electrical Distribution Equipment. In fact, recommended practices to improve electrical safety by design are being developed that include digital features that can enhance safety in the design of Electrical Distribution Equipment. “Smart”, as an idea and an adjective, is thrown in front of many product, systems, or solutions, including Electrical Distribution Equipment. Still very few of us have a concrete understanding what makes Electrical Distribution Equipment “smart” or “smarter”. There is no single answer to this question. Instead, digital features available today can be identified and studied independently to show the safety value add and benefits of their implementation. But ultimately the threshold of smart is left to the designer - to include the functions that improve safety appropriate to their situation. This paper is an opportunity to expand on the core information to provide more details on the features that are available today as well as some emerging trends in the Smart Electrical Distribution Equipment platform. But more importantly, this paper provides a forum to discuss how these features specifically improve safety. Though certain added performance or conveniences draw ancillary benefits, the primary message is to discuss the enhanced safety for the electrical maintenance worker this technology enables. Identifying and defining these features in the Electrical Safety Workshop forum will only further spread the positive impact of having them in equipment.