The Flying Tigers, officially the First American Volunteer Group (AVG), were American pilots led by Claire Lee Chennault, formed in 1941 to aid China against Japanese forces during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Equipped with Curtiss P-40 Warhawks, they were tasked with defending Chinese skies and supply lines. However, the Flying Tigers did not directly stop the Rape of Nanking, which occurred from December 1937 to January 1938, as they were not yet formed.
By the time they saw combat on December 20, 1941, after Pearl Harbor, Nanjing had already fallen. Their role was significant later, defending key areas like Kunming and the Burma Road, disrupting Japanese air operations, and boosting Chinese morale. With only 62 combat-ready pilots, they destroyed 296 Japanese aircraft, but their impact came post-Nanjing, aiding China’s broader resistance against Japanese aggression.
Today at the usual hour we review the switch assemblies commonly found in educational settings for sustaining power continuity. This technology can be viewed as a system of devices or as an assembly of equipment. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
Electrical transfer equipment refers to devices and systems used to transfer electrical power from one source to another, ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply. This equipment is essential in various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Some common types of electrical transfer equipment include:
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS):
Automatically transfers the load from the primary power source to a backup power source (such as a generator) during a power outage.
Ensures continuous power supply without manual intervention.
Manual Transfer Switch (MTS):
Requires manual operation to transfer the load from the primary power source to a backup power source.
Used in situations where automatic transfer is not necessary or desired.
Static Transfer Switch (STS):
Uses solid-state components to transfer the load between two power sources without any mechanical movement.
Provides fast and reliable power transfer, often used in data centers and critical applications.
Bypass Isolation Transfer Switch:
Allows maintenance or testing of the transfer switch without interrupting the power supply to the load.
Provides a bypass path for the power during maintenance.
Load Transfer Panels:
Distributes power from multiple sources to various loads, managing the transfer of power to ensure stability and reliability.
Generator Transfer Switch:
Specifically designed for transferring power between the utility grid and a generator.
Ensures that the generator can supply power during outages and isolates it when the main power is restored.
Dual Power Automatic Transfer Switch (DPATS):
Used in systems with dual power sources to automatically transfer the load between them.
Ensures redundancy and reliability in power supply.
These devices are crucial in maintaining the stability and reliability of power systems, especially in environments where power continuity is critical, such as hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities.
The National Electrical Code covers Uninterruptible Power Supplies primarily in Article 480, titled “Storage Batteries,” and Article 700, titled “Emergency Systems.”
Here are the relevant sections:
Article 480 – Storage Batteries: This article addresses the installation and maintenance of batteries, including those used in UPS systems. It provides guidelines for battery enclosures, ventilation, and connections to ensure safe operation.
Article 700 – Emergency Systems: While this article focuses on emergency power systems, it includes provisions that can apply to UPS systems used as part of these systems. It covers installation, maintenance, and operational requirements to ensure reliable emergency power.
Article 701 – Legally Required Standby Systems: Similar to Article 700, this article covers systems that must provide power during emergencies but may not require the same level of reliability. UPS systems used in these applications must comply with the relevant provisions.
Article 702 – Optional Standby Systems: This article covers standby power systems that are not legally required but are installed for convenience or operational continuity. It includes guidelines for the installation and maintenance of UPS systems used in these applications.
Article 705 – Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources: This article provides guidelines for systems that include UPS as part of interconnected power sources, such as those in renewable energy setups.
Article 708 – Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS): This article addresses power systems required to support critical operations. UPS systems used in these applications must meet stringent reliability and operational requirements.
For specific details, refer to the current edition of the NEC as it contains the exact language and requirements for compliance.
Introduction. [Abstract]. The rapid growth of data centers, with their enormous energy and water demands, necessitates targeted policy interventions to mitigate environmental impacts and protect local communities. To address these issues, states with existing data center tax breaks should adopt sustainable growth policies for data centers, mandating energy audits, strict performance standards, and renewable energy integration, while also requiring transparency in energy usage reporting. “Renewable energy additionality” clauses should ensure data centers contribute to new renewable capacity rather than relying on existing resources. If these measures prove insufficient, states should consider repealing tax breaks to slow unsustainable data center growth. States without tax breaks should avoid such incentives altogether while simultaneously implementing mandatory reporting requirements to hold data centers accountable for their environmental impact. Broader measures should include protecting local tax revenues for schools, regulating utility rate hikes to prevent cost-shifting to consumers, and aligning data center energy demands with state climate goals to avoid prolonging reliance on fossil fuels.
The project, located on the Texas A&M University System’s Rellis Campus in Bryan (Brazos County), has faced significant delays. Originally slated to begin construction by November 2021, it was pushed back due to the 2021 Winter Storm Uri. In November 2023, construction was announced to start in 2024, with an expected opening in Q3 2024 (July–September). However, no sources confirm completion or operations.Recent developments include:
February 2025: Bryan approved a reinvestment zone on the 25-acre site to attract the data center, with ongoing negotiations.
October 2025: Officials clarified no formal plans have been submitted for the site, despite zoning approvals for potential development.
The project’s official site (rellisdrc.com) states “Site will be available soon,” indicating it’s still under preparation. It’s designed as a 225,000 sq ft Tier III facility with colocation, cloud services, and educational spaces for workforce training.
The RELLIS Data and Research Center will be a public – private development with Texas A&M University. The data center will be built on the new RELLIS Campus located in College Station, Texas. It will offer cloud storage and outstanding managed services. The RELLIS Academy and Research Lab offers the ability for Texas A&M University to give real world data center experience to both students and faculty.
The University of Michigan has supported the voice of the United States education facility industry since 1993 — the second longest tenure of any voice in the United States. That voice has survived several organizational changes but remains intact and will continue its Safer-Simpler-Lower Cost-Longer Lasting advocacy on Code Panel 3 in the 2029 Edition.
Today, during our customary “Open Door” teleconference we will examine the technical concepts under the purview of Code Panel 3; among them:
Article 206 Signaling Circuits
Article 300 General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials
Article 590 Temporary Installations
Chapter 7 Specific Conditions for Information Technology
Chapter 9 Conductor Properties Tables
Public Input on the 2029 Edition will be received until April 9, 2026.
Choosing between 3-pole and 4-pole transfer switches (Consulting-Specifying Engineer)
UL 1008 Standard for Safety for Transfer Switch Equipment is principally a product standard and has no direct competitor standard that matches its scope and adoption. Other standards or certifications may overlap in specific contexts:
IEC 60947-6-1 is used globally. It covers similar functionality but differs in testing and application, often requiring adaptation for North American compliance.
CSA C22.2 No. 178 is aligned with UL 1008 but specific to Canadian requirements. It is complementary rather than a competitor, as many products seek dual certification.
UL 1008 dominates in the U.S. due to its alignment with the NFPA 70 and NFPA 110; universally applied by commissioning and certificate of occupancy entities. For high-voltage switches, UL 1008A serves a niche role.
UL 1008 Transfer Switch Equipment 2022 is the latest revision. Note the $798 – $1,990 price for a legal copy. The price reflects the following:
UL 1008 is developed and updated by a Standards Technical Panel (STP) involving experts from industry, government, and academia. The process includes rigorous testing, research, and consensus-building, which incur significant expenses. Regular revisions, like the 9th edition in 2022, require ongoing investment to ensure compliance with evolving safety and regulatory requirements.
UL 1008 targets a niche market of engineers, manufacturers, and inspectors in the electrical power industry. Unlike consumer products, the limited demand for technical standards means costs are spread across fewer buyers, driving up the price per copy.
Certification to UL 1008 ensures safety and compliance with codes like NFPA 70, reducing liability risks for manufacturers and users. The high cost reflects the standard’s critical role in ensuring reliable, safe transfer switch equipment for applications like emergency power systems.
UL Standards & Engagement operates as a nonprofit, but it recovers costs through sales and licensing. Unlike open-access standards, UL’s proprietary model prioritizes quality and controlled distribution.
Single-copy purchases are priced high to encourage subscriptions or enterprise licenses, which offer broader access to multiple standards at a lower per-standard cost.
Throughout the Standards Michigan platform, we place product standards well below our coverage of interoperability standards that support our Safer-Simpler-Lower Cost- Longer Lasting priority. (See ABOUT).
Today is an impactful day for Schneider Electric in the U.S. as we break ground on our Columbia, Missouri Facility. Michael Quinn, SVP Power Products U.S. and ASCO, Schneider Electric, is kicking off the ribbon cutting ceremony alongside Missouri Governor, Mike Kehoe.
The MIL-SPEC catalog and its evolution have had a significant impact on various industries beyond the military sector. Many civilian industries have adopted military standards as a benchmark for quality, reliability, and compatibility in their products and processes.
World War II Era:
The MIL-SPEC system traces its roots back to the World War II era when the U.S. military faced challenges in coordinating manufacturing efforts across multiple suppliers. To address these challenges, the military began developing specifications and standards that detailed the requirements for various equipment and materials, including dimensions, materials, performance criteria, and testing procedures.
Post-World War II:
After World War II, the MIL-SPEC catalog expanded significantly to cover a wide range of military equipment, ranging from electronics and aircraft components to clothing and food supplies. The standards were continuously updated and revised based on technological advancements, lessons learned, and evolving military needs.
Evolution into MIL-STD:
In the 1950s and 1960s, the MIL-SPEC system evolved into the Military Standard (MIL-STD) system to provide even more comprehensive and detailed specifications. MIL-STD documents incorporated a broader scope of requirements, including design criteria, quality control processes, and test methodologies. The MIL-STD system aimed to ensure consistent design and manufacturing practices across contractors and suppliers.
MIL-STD Transition to Commercial Standards:
Over time, the reliance on MIL-STDs started to decline, and there was a shift towards adopting commercial standards whenever possible. This transition allowed the military to benefit from the advancements and cost efficiencies of commercial technologies. However, certain critical military-specific standards, such as those related to security and specialized equipment, continued to be maintained within the MIL-STD framework.
DoD’s Transition to Performance-Based Specifications:
In recent years, the DoD has been moving away from prescriptive specifications (MIL-STDs) towards performance-based specifications. Performance-based specifications focus on defining the desired outcomes and performance requirements while allowing contractors greater flexibility in meeting those requirements. This approach encourages innovation, cost-effectiveness, and broader industry participation in military contracts.
Today we dwell on titles that inform management of the education industry in the United States specifically; but also more generally in global markets where the education industry is classified as a Producer and a User of human resources. It is an enormous domain; likely the largest.
Human Resources 100 covers skilled trade training in all building construction disciplines.
Human Resources 200 covers the range of skills needed to manage the real assets of educational settings — school district properties, college and university campuses
When you’re an elementary school principal, you can play at recess any time you want!
We find relatively few public consultations presented by accredited standards developers in the human resource domain; surprising because human resources are the largest cost center in nearly every industry. Alas, manufacturers, insurance and conformance companies remain the strongest voices; the “wicked problem” we describe in our ABOUT.
Even before the circumstances of the pandemic inspired a revisit of large government politics and cultural mashing in education communities in the United States we could hear the first footfalls of disruption when ANSI catalyzed the creation of a related entity in 2014, described in the link below:
The proper business of the education industry overall — and the ~$500 billion facility segment we track — is preparing the workforce everywhere to contribute to national economic priorities. There is a strong cultural component in the human resource domain — i.e. branding — the topic of another post. For now, we simply suggest that much of the economic activity of education communities is devoted to building a cohort (or guild) that creates an emotional bond that hastens learning and a continual desire to self-educate to remain part of the cohort.
At the moment, the WORKCRED program at this point in its development, appears to provides guidance to conformance and compliance organizations among its members. The user-interest in the education facility industry, at least dependent on a skilled workforce as any economic sector, and welcomed to participate. We identify the initiative here and will keep a weather-eye out for commenting opportunities on draft consensus products emerging from it. The link below should provide a more detailed overview of the program until a “commentable consensus product” suitable for incorporation by reference into legislation is released.
Of course, there will be cultural competition among the guardians of the cohort.
Organizations with their own credentialing enterprises for skilled trades, ICT, software engineering, etc. — are encouraged to communicate directly with the WORKCRED staff (CLICK HERE).
It’s the first day of #EngineersWeek 2025! Join the NAE this #Eweek2025 for a celebration of outstanding #engineering to inspire, engage and empower the next generation of engineers.
Ferris State University was awarded a $15,000 prize in the 2023 Surveying Education Award competition. Learn more about the university’s Surveying Engineering program: https://t.co/4OxbZC7gVJpic.twitter.com/TwPnyqpAPn
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
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