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Call for Members

“A medieval missionary tells that he has found the point where heaven and Earth meet…” CLICK IMAGE

As ANSI’s United States Technical Advisory Group Leader, the International Committee on Information Technology Standards manages public consultations originating from the Geneva partner organizations that coordinate national standards organizations such as ANSI. The IEC develops its consensus titles in relatively smaller parcels which means that public review can be released in batches of 10 to 100 at a time. We see the same tsunami-like releases coming from ISO subcommittees.  Hard to keep up with but we try; giving priority to titles incorporated by reference into codes, standards and regulations at the state and federal level.   Meaningful information affecting #TotalCostofOwnership of education communities are typically buried deep, deep into best practice literature.

By comparison, most US-based standards setting organizations bundle best practice concepts into chapters and books.   The books are big but they move more slowly and, arguably, have been superceded within weeks; a discussion for another colloquium.

A broad overview of INCITS information and communication standards setting is linked below:

Catalog of Standards

Note that the titles are product titles (not interoperability) titles.  We generally devote resources to interoperability titles for reasons we explain in our ABOUT.

We collaborate closely with the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, the world’s largest professional organization for the world’s most transformative technologies.  Every 12 hours our algorithm picks up commenting opportunities relevant to the business side of the education industry and redirects them to the subject matter experts in the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee which meets 4 times monthly in European and American time zones.

This much said, we always encourage direct participation in INCITS standards setting activity and in its administrative role as the US TAG to ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee 1.   CLICK HERE to get started on your own.

The INCITS suite is included on the syllabus of our Infotech and Global See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.

 

More

Freely available ISO/IEC JTC1 Standards

 

 

 

Data Center Wiring

The bookwheel, also known as a revolving bookcase, was invented by an Italian scholar and polymath named Agostino Ramelli. Ramelli was born in 1531 in Ponte Tresa, a town in present-day Italy, and he lived during the Renaissance period.

Ramelli’s invention, described in his work titled “Le diverse et artificiose machine del capitano Agostino Ramelli” (The Various and Ingenious Machines of Captain Agostino Ramelli), was published in 1588. This book showcased a collection of 195 mechanical devices.  

Ramelli’s work contributed to the growing interest in mechanical inventions during the Renaissance period. His bookwheel design remains a fascinating example of early engineering and ingenuity, highlighting the desire for knowledge and practical solutions in the pursuit of learning and scholarly endeavors.

2026 NEC Articles 645-646-647 Information Technology Equipment, et. al First Draft Report

2026 NEC Articles 645-646-647 Information Technology Equipment, et. al Second Draft Report

“Bookwheel” Early Data Center

The standard of care for wiring safety for data centers —  a continually expanding presence in education communities even before the pandemic  — is established in National Electrical Code Articles 645 (Information Technology Equipment), Article 646 (Modular Data Centers) and Article 647 (Sensitive Electronic Equipment).   You will notice that these articles cover the topic comprehensively and bear the imprint of competing Producer-Interest groups.  There are no User-Interest representatives on Code-Making Panel 12 that represent the final fiduciary in education communities even though education communities are one of the largest markets for information and communication technology systems.

The current version of NFPA 70 is linked below:

2026 National Electrical Code

2023 National Electrical Code

Transcripts  of technical committee action during the 2026 revision (CMP-16) are linked below because they will inform our recommendations for the 2026 National Electrical Code.  Keep in mind that the Technical Correlating Committee is moving content around the Code in order to make the NEC easier to use by experts.

CMP-16 First Draft Report | Public Input with Committee Response 

CMP-16 Second Draft Report

The transcripts of technical committee action during the 2023 revision are linked below because they will inform our recommendations for the 2026 National Electrical Code.

Code‐Making Panel 12 Public Input Report

Code-Making Panel 12 Public Comment Report

National Electrical Code CMP-12

We will use these in our exploration of what we might propose for improvements in the 2026 revision.  Public comment on the First Draft of the 2026 Edition will be received until August 28th.

The issues that have been in play in these articles of the NEC are familiar to veterans of the “food fight” – occupancy classification, cable specifications, fire protection, ventilation, energy consumption, surge protection, licensing of engineers. etc.  We look for market-making excesses by opposing stakeholders that seek to limit their risk while raising the (financial) risk to education communities.

We encourage our colleagues to participate in the NFPA code development process directly.  We also encourage stakeholders in education communities — students, faculty and staff  to join us during any of the teleconferences we co-host with the IEEE Education & Healthcare Facilities Committee 4 times monthly in both European and American time zones.   See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting.

"One day ladies will take their computers for walks in the park and tell each other, "My little computer said such a funny thing this morning" - Alan Turing

 

Related standards:

NFPA 75: Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology Equipment

2024 International Building Code: Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use

2024 International Building Code: Section 304.1 Business Group B

Hegemon Cuyahoga & County Dublin

Financial Presentations & Webcasts

Here we shift our perspective 120 degrees to understand the point of view of the Producer interest in the American national standards system (See ANSI Essential Requirements).  The title of this post draws from the location of US and European headquarters.  We list proposals by a successful electrical manufacturer for discussion during today’s colloquium:

2026 National Electrical Code

CMP-1: short circuit current ratings, connections with copper cladded aluminum conductors, maintenance to be provided by OEM, field markings

CMP-2: reconditioned equipment, receptacles in accessory buildings, GFCI & AFCI protection, outlet placement generally, outlets for outdoor HVAC equipment(1)

(1) Here we would argue that if a pad mount HVAC unit needs service with tools that need AC power once every 5-10 years then the dedicated branch circuit is not needed.  Many campuses have on-site, full-time staff that can service outdoor pad mounted HVAC equipment without needing a nearby outlet.  One crew — two electricians — will run about $2500 per day to do anything on campus.

CMP-3: No proposals

CMP-4: solar voltaic systems (1)

(1) Seems reasonable – spillover outdoor night time lighting effect upon solar panel charging should be identified.

CMP-5: Administrative changes only

CMP-6: No proposals

CMP-7: Distinction between “repair” and “servicing”

CMP-8: Reconditioned equipment

CMP-9: Reconditioned equipment

CMP-10: Short circuit ratings, service disconnect, disconnect for meters, transformer secondary conductor, secondary conductor taps, surge protective devices, disconnecting means generally, spliced and tap conductors, more metering safety, 1200 ampere threshold for arc reduction technology, reconditioned surge equipment shall not be permitted, switchboard short circuit ratings

CMP-11: Lorem

CMP-12: Lorem

CMP-13: Lorem

Lorem ipsum

Campus Child Day Care

“The concentration of a small child at play
is analogous to the concentration of the artist at work.”

 

§
Page 522/523: 305.2 Group E, day care facilities for five or fewer children.
Page 624: Group E Security
Page 1440: Storm Shelters
§

Today at the usual hour we review a selection of global building codes and standards that guide best practice for safety, accessibility, and functionality for day care facilities; with special interest in the possibilities for co-locating square footage into the (typically) lavish unused space in higher education facilities. 

Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

International Building Code

    • Governs overall building construction, fire safety, occupancy classification, and egress requirements for daycare centers.

International Fire Code

    • Regulates fire prevention measures, emergency exits, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and evacuation protocols for daycare centers.

National Fire Protection Association

    • NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code: Addresses occupancy classification, means of egress, fire safety, and emergency planning.
    • NFPA 5000 – Building Construction and Safety Code: Provides fire protection and structural safety guidelines.

Americans with Disabilities Act

    • Requires daycare centers to be accessible for children and parents with disabilities, covering entrances, bathrooms, play areas, and signage.

European Norms – CEN Standards

    • EN 1176 – Playground Equipment and Safety Requirements: Covers safety standards for daycare playgrounds and outdoor spaces.
    • EN 16890 – Safety Requirements for Mattresses in Children’s Products.

British Standards (BS) for Early Years Facilities

    • BS 8300: Accessibility requirements for childcare facilities.
    • BS 9999: Fire safety guidance for daycare and educational buildings.

Australian Building Code & National Construction Code

    • Covers fire safety, structural integrity, ventilation, and child safety measures for daycare centers.

ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management

    • Establishes safety requirements for employees working in daycare facilities, ensuring a safe environment for both children and staff.

Canadian Building Code & Fire Code (NBC & NFC)

    • Provides structural, fire safety, and child safety guidelines for daycare centers in Canada.

“Kindergarten” 1885 Johann Sperl

Preschool Children in the Dome

Playgrounds

Kindergarten

Student Medical Centers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This facility class has many names but is similar in our approach to them: the settings that provide primary care in a visible, central service.  After the chapel, the library, the kitchen and the classroom, the on-campus medical center is a central fixture.  These clinics typically provide basic medical services primarily aimed at addressing the immediate health needs of students and sometimes staff.   These clinics are often staffed by a nurse or a small team of healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants.

  • Services may include first aid, basic medical care (such as treating minor injuries and illnesses), immunizations, health screenings, and sometimes mental health counseling.
  • These clinics are often staffed by a nurse or a small team of healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants. In some cases, a physician may be available on a part-time basis.
  • These clinics are usually small and may be located within or near the school premises. They typically have limited space and equipment compared to hospitals.

Access to school-based clinics is often limited to students and staff during school hours. They may not be open during weekends, holidays, or outside of regular school hours.

University of Michigan Health Service: Reproductive Health

University of Vermont: Primary Care at Student Health Services

University of North Dakota Student Health Services

University of Chicago Student Sexual Health

University of California System Abortion Services

During today’s open door session we examine the literature relevant to making this facility class safer, simpler, lower-cost and longer-lasting in the links below, including open public consultation close dates:

Health 400 | OB-GYN

Healthcare Occupancies

Healthcare Facilities Code

Design & Operation of Health Care Facilities

Gallery: University-Affiliated Healthcare Enterprises

Smart Medical Campus Power

 

Child Care Center Design

Child Care & Early Learning

2021 International Building Code: 308.5 Institutional Group I-4 Day Care Facilities

General Services Administration: Child Care Design Guide

Child Day Care

Group B Proposed Changes to the 2024 Editions Complete Monograph (2650 pages)

For today’s session note the proposals listed below:

ADM1-25 Part I (p. 61)

G39-25 Part I (p. 522)

G40-25 Part I (p. 527)

G39-25 Part II (p. 535)

G144-25 (p. 740)

EB7-25 (p. 1438)

Z1-25 (p. 2582)

2025 ICC Leadership Week + Hearings Committee Action Hearings – Group B #1 | April 26 – May 6 | Orlando, Florida

Link to April Committee Action Hearing Videos

2024 Complete Change Monograph (2658 Pages)

 

“Kindergarten” c. 1885 / Johann Sperl

Safety and sustainability for any facility begins with an understanding of who shall occupy the built environment and how.  University settings, with mixed-use phenomenon arising spontaneously and temporarily, often present challenges.   Educational communities are a convergent settings for families; day care facilities among them.  First principles regarding occupancy classifications for day care facilities appear in Section 308 of the International Building Code, Institutional Group I; linked below:

2018 International Building Code Section 308 Institutional Group I-4 (Superseded in some jurisdictions)

The ICC Institutional Group I-4 classification includes buildings and structures occupied by more than five persons of any age who received custodial care for fewer than 24 hours per day by persons other than parents or guardian, relatives by blood, marriage or adoption, and in a place other than the home of the person cared far.  This group includes both adult and child day care.

We maintain focus on child day care.  Many educational communities operate child day care enterprises for both academic study and/or as auxiliary (university employee benefit) enterprises.

Princeton University Child Care Center

Each of the International Code Council code development groups fetch back to a shared understanding of the nature of the facility; character of its occupants and prospective usage patterns.

The 2024 revision of the International Building code is in production now.   Ahead of the formal, market release of the Group A tranche of titles you can sample the safety concepts in play during this revision with an examination of the documents linked below:

2019 GROUP B PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE I-CODES ALBUQUERQUE COMMITTEE ACTION HEARINGS

2019 REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ACTION HEARINGS ON THE 2018 EDITIONS OF THE GROUP B INTERNATIONAL CODES

Search on the terms “day care” and “daycare” in the link at the top of this page to get a sample of the prevailing concepts; use of such facilities as storm shelters, for example.

“The Country School” | Winslow Homer

We encourage our safety and sustainability colleagues to participate directly in the ICC Code Development process.   We slice horizontally through the disciplinary silos (“incumbent verticals”) created by hundreds of consensus product developers every week and we can say, upon considerable authority that the ICC consensus product development environment is one of the best in the world.  Privately developed standards (for use by public agencies) is a far better way to discover and promulgate leading practice than originating technical specifics from legislative bodies.   CLICK HERE to get started.  Contact Kimberly Paarlberg (kpaarlberg@iccsafe.org) for more information.

There are competitor consensus products in this space — Chapter 18 Day-Care Occupancies in NFPA 5000 Building Construction and Safety Code, for example; a title we maintain the standing agenda of our Model Building Code teleconferences.   It is developed from a different pool of expertise under a different due process regime.   See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting; open to everyone.

 

Issue: [18-166]

Category: Architectural, Healthcare Facilities, Facility Asset Management

Colleagues: Mike Anthony, Jim Harvey, Richard Robben

Recent concepts in play in transcripts:

  • Tempered water for public hand-washing facilities
  • Walking surfaces
  • Exit signage for non-resident, non-English speaking children
  • Fire rating of corridors 
  • Bathing privacy concepts
  • Water heater controls and monitoring; mixing valves

LEARN MORE:

cdpACCESS Hearing Video Streaming Service

 

Beauty in a World of Ugliness

Charlie Kirk (August 12, 2025): “Has U.S. President Donald Trump gone too far?”

The Oxford Union Society is the world’s most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.


Vedika Rastogi | This House Believes Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far – 1/8 | Oxford Union

Alex Jackson | This House Believes Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far – 2/8 | Oxford Union

Toby Young | This House Believes Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far – 3/8 | Oxford Union

Yasmin Benoit | This House Believes Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far – 4/8 | Oxford Union

Tommy Nguyen | This House Believes Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far – 5/8 | Oxford Union

James Lindsay | This House Believes Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far – 6/8 | Oxford Union

Benjamin Butterworth | This House Believes Woke Culture Has Gone Too Far – 8/8 | Oxford Union

 

“How to Escape the Woke Matrix”

 

Golf Course Operation & Maintenance

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