Author Archives: mike@standardsmichigan.com

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Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Study

Edison electric vehicle | National Park Service, US Department of the Interior

We present two research reports funded by the Michigan Office of Future Mobility & Electrification to establish the broad contours of a build out of charging infrastructure to support Michigan economic activity:

Part 1: August 2025.  The report is principally about public EV charging infrastructure for passenger vehicles—where chargers should be located, grid readiness, consumer adoption, and statewide deployment. It does not appear to devote significant discussion to electric school buses or K–12 transportation fleets.  The report repeatedly identifies the University of Michigan and Michigan State University as participants in Michigan’s EV ecosystem, charging research, workforce development, and mobility initiatives.

Part 2: February 2026  This phase of the project is principally an optimization study for upscaling EV penetration and asks the following questions:

  • Which charging stations should be built first?
  • Which can wait?
  • Where should public investment be concentrated?
  • How can stranded investment be avoided during early adoption?

Given that the technical specifics have stabilized over the past 5 t0 10 years, the Standards Michigan raison d’être  requires turning attention to state specific institutional ownership models.  Specifically:

  • university-owned and operated;
  • parking authority-owned;
  • electric utility-owned;
  • third-party concessionaire;
  • public-private partnership;
  • donor-funded demonstration projects;
  • research installations;
  • fleet-only facilities versus public access.

From the perspective of Standards Michigan, that is where the next frontier lies. The engineering standards are approaching maturity. The unresolved standards are becoming institutional standards—the policies, accounting practices, procurement models, utility tariffs, and governance frameworks that determine whether EV infrastructure remains a mission-supporting asset or becomes a long-term financial liability.  These questions will occupy university trustees and facilities executives for the next twenty-odd years.  Some of the back-and-forth on this aspect tracks in our coverage of the building codes:

Electric Vehicle Charging

 

 

2029 National Electrical Code Panel 3

Electrical Safety Catalog

2029 Revision Calendar

 

Articles covered by CMP-3:

Article 206
Non-Power-Limited Remote-Control and Signaling Circuits |
Article 300
General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials |
Article 335
Instrumentation Tray Cable — formerly Article 727 |
Article 720
Limited-Energy System Installations |
Article 721
Limited-Energy Power Sources |
Article 722
Limited-Energy Cables | 
Article 723
Raceways, Cable Routing Assemblies, and Cable Trays for Limited-Energy Systems |
Article 724
Class 1 Power-Limited Remote-Control and Signaling Circuits |
Article 725
Class 2 and Class 3 Power-Limited Circuits |
Article 726
Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Systems |
Article 728
Fire-Resistive Cable Systems |
Article 760
Fire Alarm Systems |
Article 772
Chapter 9 Tables

Top 10 Issues

Issue Summary
1. Consistency of Code Language Standardize terminology throughout the NEC by eliminating inconsistent wording, duplicate phrases, and varying expressions that describe the same technical concepts.
2. Compliance with the NEC Style Manual Many proposals seek removal of redundant requirements already addressed elsewhere in the Code, resulting in a cleaner, more concise document.
3. Restoring Lost Requirements Numerous submitters argue that important technical provisions disappeared during recent article reorganizations and should be restored.
4. Article Organization Improve article formatting, numbering, and overall structure to make the NEC easier to navigate and maintain.
5. Emerging Technologies Expand the Code to better accommodate fault-managed power, battery energy storage, portable power systems, EV-based power sources, hydrogen technologies, and new circuit classifications.
6. Installation Clarification Clarify requirements for raceways, wet locations, roof decks, cable trays, conductor spacing, barriers, and other installation practices.
7. Installer Safety & Reliability Enhance electrical safety through improved wiring practices, better physical protection, stronger cable support requirements, and fewer failure points.
8. Definition Ownership Assign definitions to the Code-Making Panels having primary technical expertise to improve long-term consistency and maintenance.
9. Coordination with Other Standards Improve harmonization between the NEC and companion standards such as UL, ANSI, NFPA 79, and hazardous-location requirements.
10. Reducing Complexity A recurring objective is to simplify the NEC by reducing duplication, improving readability, and making the Code easier for installers, inspectors, designers, trainers, and licensing authorities to use.

The Public Inputs demonstrate a broad desire to make the National Electrical Code more consistent, technically complete, better coordinated with related standards, and easier to understand without compromising electrical safety. Many proposals emphasize restoring requirements inadvertently lost during recent reorganizations while preparing the Code to accommodate rapidly emerging electrical technologies.

Mike recommends these issues as priority for the Joint IEEE IAS/PES committee
Atul Arunkumar Shenoy, P.E., SMIEEE is Mike Anthony’s Alternate on CMP-3
Susan Newman Scearce is the Chairperson for CMP-3
Ω

2029 Public Input Submittals CMP-3

N.B.  Public Input No. 2633-NFPA 70-2026 [ Global Input ]  PDF Page 6, regarding re-organization of the NEC into below 1000 V and above 1000 V.  

Noteworthy proposal concepts:

  1. Cable trays interfering with HVAC ductwork and fire sprinkler lines.  Parallel cable tray feasibility
  2. Difficulty accessing lighting fixtures and fire alarm components for maintenance.
  3. Potential violation of plenum clearance and airflow requirements.  Some cable trays in plenums reportedly contain non-plenum-rated cables, which is a fire code violation.
  4. Document flags this as a high-priority remediation item before any LED lighting retrofit proceeds.
  5. Existing security wiring (CCTV, access control, intrusion detection) is a mix of old analog coax and early Cat 5 cables.
  6. Many runs exceed recommended length for reliable video transmission.  Frequent signal degradation and reliability complaints.
  7. Security cables are sharing overcrowded cable trays with power-limited lighting control wires and fire alarm cabling.
  8. Risk of electromagnetic interference (EMI) noted due to proximity to higher-voltage lines.
  9. Plenum space constraints make it difficult to add new IP-based security cameras without major reorganization.
  10. Current security wiring cannot support newer high-resolution IP cameras or PoE+ powered devices.
  11. Several editorial proposals by Mike Holt. (He’s generally correct on clarity improvements that he needs for educational purposes)
Ω
For discussion next meeting, when we march through all proposals of interest to IEEE:
  • When electricians work in ceiling plenums above hallways while students pass below, several serious hazards emerge. Tools, screws, cable scraps, or ceiling tiles can fall, causing head injuries or slips. Disturbed dust, fiberglass, or potential asbestos particles may rain down, creating respiratory risks.
  • Live electrical work on lighting or cable trays raises shock/fire dangers if a fault occurs or debris shorts circuits. Open plenums can compromise fire-rated barriers, allowing smoke or flames to spread rapidly in an emergency.
  • Noise and visual distractions increase trip hazards for students. Without full barricades, lockout/tagout, and proper fall protection, these overhead activities expose young people to preventable injury. Scheduling work after hours or using full corridor closures is essential.
  • Power-limited (Class 2) cabling operates at low voltage (<60V DC) with current/power caps (~100VA), dramatically reducing shock and fire risks. Installation is simpler and cheaper—no conduit or heavy mechanical protection needed in many cases, allowing flexible routing. LEDs run cooler and more efficiently with remote drivers, improving lifespan and energy savings. Easier maintenance and safer for retrofits.
  • Severe distance and power limits due to voltage drop and 100W/5A caps require multiple drivers or shorter runs. Higher upfront costs for specialized power supplies. Potential reliability issues from more connection points. Less suitable for high-power or long-distance applications compared to line-voltage wiring.

Public Inputs Relevant to School and College Facilities

Campus Facility Relevant Issue Why It Matters
Student Health Centers, Medical Schools & Campus Hospitals Improved protection of underground feeders, raceways, and wiring methods, together with replacement of conductors damaged by water, fire, corrosion, or severe physical impact. Enhances electrical reliability for healthcare occupancies where continuous operation is essential.
Athletic Stadiums & Arenas Improved protection of underground services, direct-buried conductors, warning ribbons, and raceways. Supports reliable electrical service for stadium lighting, scoreboards, concessions, and outdoor utility infrastructure.
Temporary Athletic & Campus Events Recognition of modern portable power sources, including battery energy storage systems and portable fuel cells, in addition to traditional generators. Useful for commencement ceremonies, concerts, athletic tournaments, festivals, and temporary event power.
Research Laboratories Expanded wiring methods for hazardous (classified) locations, including ITC-HL cable installations. May affect university research laboratories, pilot plants, engineering facilities, and chemical research buildings.
Residence Halls & Classroom Buildings Improved protection against concealed wiring damage caused by nails, screws, and furring strips during construction and renovation. Helps reduce wiring damage during frequent campus remodeling and maintenance projects.
Campus Utility Infrastructure Clarifications involving direct boring, underground raceways, service feeders, and warning ribbon installation. Relevant to the large underground electrical distribution systems commonly found on university campuses.

Although these proposals would benefit campus infrastructure, the CMP-3 transcript contains very little discussion directed specifically at educational occupancies. Topics such as healthcare facilities (Article 517), stadium emergency systems, data centers, laboratories as occupancies, residence halls, libraries, and central utility plants largely fall within the jurisdiction of other NEC Code-Making Panels such as CMP-1 and CMP-15 where Mike has been a Principal or Alternate for IEEE.


April 29, 2026

 

At the request of IEEE Joint IAS/PES Standards Michigan, Mike Anthony moved to CMP-3 from CMP-15.

Articles Under CMP 3

  • Article 300 — General Requirements for Wiring Methods and Materials
  • Article 335 — Instrumentation Tray Cable (in some references for the 2029 cycle)
  • Article 590 — Temporary Installations (being relocated/renumbered in the 2026 cycle, e.g., potentially to Article 140 in Chapter 1, as temporary wiring is not treated as a special occupancy)
  • Article 720 — Limited-Energy System Installations (new/general article covering wiring methods for limited-energy systems)
  • Article 721 — Limited-Energy Power Sources
  • Article 722 — Limited-Energy Cable (covers cables for power-limited, fault-managed, etc.)
  • Article 723 — Raceways, Cable Routing Assemblies, and Cable Trays for Limited-Energy Systems (newly created in the 2026 cycle)
  • Article 725 — Class 2 and Class 3 Remote-Control, Signaling, and Power-Limited Circuits
  • Article 726 — Class 4 Fault-Managed Power Circuits and Equipment
  • Article 727 — Instrumentation Tray Cable
  • Article 728 — Fire-Resistive Cable Systems
  • Article 760 — Fire Alarm Systems (power-limited and non-power-limited portions)

CMP 3 also handles associated content in: Chapter 9 — Tables, including Tables 11(A) & (B) and Tables 12(A) & (B) (related to conductor properties and other supporting tables for the above topics).


  • Notes on Changes and Scope
    CMP 3 focuses on general wiring rules, cable types, raceways/trays for low-energy applications, and signaling/communications-related wiring (distinct from higher-power utilization equipment or special occupancies handled by other panels).
  • In the 2026 NEC cycle, there has been significant reorganization of Chapter 7 to consolidate limited-energy systems under articles like 720–726 (and related ones), moving away from older structures. This includes new articles for raceways/cable trays specific to limited-energy systems and adjustments to scopes for clarity.
  • Article 206 (Non-Power-Limited Remote-Control and Signaling Circuits) appears in some 2026-related references as newly designated or relocated material handled in this area.
    Temporary installations (Article 590) are transitioning out of “special” categories in restructuring efforts.

During today’s sessions of the IEEE E&H Committee and our own we will prepare draft proposals relevant to the safety and sustainability agenda of the USA education facility industry.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

 

Brown University Electrical Design Criteria | Information Technology Resources Policy


Posted December 20, 2025

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 priorities 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 335 Instrumentation Tray Cable

Article 590 Temporary Installations

Chapter 7 Large sections of limited energy cabling for signaling and information technology

Chapter 9 Conductor Properties Tables 11A & B, Tables 12A&B

Public Input on the 2029 Edition will be received until April 9, 2026.

Related:
  • Since the lifespan of educational buildings make the building core and shell susceptible to multiple changes not typically associated with commercial buildings, additional pathways should be placed in areas where the core and shell components of the facility are likely to re-main for extended periods of time
  • It is recommended that all areas of an educational building have wireless coverage unless prohibited

Easy Greek Salad

West Virginia University Financial Statement 2024 | $1.234B

The Recipe

Standards West Virginia

Related:

Fruit Smoothie

 

Sport News

“Man’s life is brief, but through contests he touches the eternal.”

— Pindar, ‘Nemean Ode 6.23-24’

Michigan State University | Ingham County

Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Skiing Association

College Bowl Games

Fernando Mendoza’s post game interview after winning the Big Ten
byu/justletmeregisteryou insports

 

 

 



Michigan Girl, Our Michigan Girl….

Sport Standards

 

 

Mixed Gender Sport by Design

Engineering in Sport



“Rowing is more poetry than sport.” — George Pocock (‘Boys in the Boat’ 2024), a British-born boat builder, rowing coach, and influential figure in American rowing, best known for his craftsmanship of racing shells and his philosophical approach to the sport.

Winter Sport

“There is no greater glory for a man than that which he wins with his own hands and feet.” (Homer, Iliad c. 8th Century BCE)

Graduation, Dating, Engagements, Weddings, Births & Obituaries


‘In the end, it is character that decides . things, not intellect alone.’ (C.P. Snow, ‘The Masters’, 1951)


Michigan State University

t5rtrtr

Weddings

 



Nine years later and first day as husband and wife they got to finally sneak a kiss in one of the first places they ever passed notes

Hun School Of Princeton

“…I have spread my dreams under your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.” –W.B. Yeats | ‘He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven’

“Nature’s Masterpiece”

Several colleges and universities have “kissing benches” or similar traditions tied to romance on campus.

Michigan State University Beaumont Tower: Nick and Myra Kanillopoulos

Syracuse University. Kissing Bench: This bench on the Quad is steeped in tradition. Legend has it that if a couple kisses on the bench, they will eventually marry. Conversely, if a single person sits there alone, they risk staying single forever.

University of Idaho.  Hello Walk and Kissing Rock: While not a bench, this area on campus features a large rock where students have historically kissed. It’s a romantic tradition for couples at the university.

Florida State University Kissing Bench

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Clemson University Lover’s Lane

Illinois State University

University of Cambridge: St. John’s College Bridge of Sighs

University of Oxford: The Bridge of Sighs

University of Bath Somerset County: Sham Castle

Weddings

Southern Ice Cream

Standards Mississippi

University of Mississippi Financial Statement 2023: $1.207B

🍧

US Department of Agriculture | § 58.2825 United States Standard for ice cream.

Southern ice cream often differs from ice cream in other regions of the U.S. in several ways, reflecting regional tastes, ingredients, and traditions:

  1. Flavors and Ingredients:
    • Pecans and Pralines: Southern ice cream frequently incorporates pecans and pralines, which are popular in the region.
    • Peaches: Georgia is known for its peaches, so peach-flavored ice cream is a Southern staple.
    • Sweet Tea and Bourbon: These flavors are inspired by Southern beverages and can be found in ice creams.
    • Buttermilk: Buttermilk ice cream has a tangy flavor and is a nod to traditional Southern cooking.
  2. Style and Texture:
    • Custard Base: Southern ice cream often uses a custard base, which includes egg yolks, giving it a richer and creamier texture compared to the typical Philadelphia-style ice cream that uses a simpler cream and sugar base.
    • Churned at Home: Traditional Southern ice cream is often made using hand-cranked ice cream makers, producing a different texture and incorporating more air, which can make it lighter and fluffier.
  3. Historical Influence:
    • Cultural Heritage: The South’s diverse cultural heritage influences its ice cream, with recipes passed down through generations and reflecting African American, Native American, and European influences.
  4. Popular Brands and Shops:
    • Regional Brands: Brands like Blue Bell, which originated in Texas, are particularly popular in the South and known for their classic Southern flavors.
    • Local Shops: Small, local ice cream parlors in the South often offer unique, homemade flavors that highlight regional ingredients and traditions.

These differences highlight the South’s rich culinary traditions and how they extend even to sweet treats like ice cream.

University of Mississippi | Lafayette County

William Faulkner Home: Rowan Oak

Abiit sed non oblitus | Concordia

Change is good: Highlighting 10 years of improvements on the CUAA campus

The Common Cup

University Lutheran Chapel

“Whatever It Is, I’m Against It”

 

Map of the Huron River watershed, Michigan | Wikpedia

The Board of Regents acquisition of the 140-acre Geddes Road landmass of the former Concordia University later this month will give it shoreline on a major Southeastern Michigan river system and, 104 miles downstream the Huron River Water Trail, direct access to Lake Erie.


Relata:

Abiit sed non oblitus | Lenawee County Michigan

Abiit sed non oblitus | Houghton County Michigan

 

 

Fountains

“Temple, Fountain and Cave in Sezincote Park” | Thomas Daniell (1819) | Yale Center for British Art

From time to time we break from our interest in lowering the cost of our “cities-within-cities” to enjoy the work of our colleagues responsible for seasonal ambience and public art.  We have a dedicated post that celebrates the accomplishments of our gardeners and horticultural staff.   Today we dedicate a post to campus fountains–a focal point for gathering and a place for personal reflection for which there is no price.

Alas, we find a quickening of standards developing organizations growing their footprint in the spaces around buildings now.  They used to confine the scopes of their standardization enterprises to the building envelope.  That day will soon be behind us as an energized cadre of water rights social justice workers, public safety, sustainability and energy conservation professionals descend upon campus fountains with prescriptive requirements for evaporation rates, bromine concentrations, training, certification and inspections.  In other words regulators and conformity functionaries will outnumber benefactors and fountain designers 1 million to 1.

We will deal with all that when the day comes.  For the moment, let’s just enjoy them.

We are happy to walk you through the relevant structural, water safety, plumbing and electrical issues any day at 11 AM EST during our daily standing online teleconferences.   Click on any image for author attribution, photo credit or other information.

Purdue University

The Great Court at Trinity College, Cambridge

Regent University

University of Washington

Hauptgebäude der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Bayern, Deutschland

College of the Desert / Palm Desert, California

California Institute of Technology

Berry College

Utah Valley University

Universitat d’Alacant / Sant Vicent del Raspeig, Spain

Collin County Community College / Plano, Texas

University of Toledo

University of Michigan College of Engineering

Harvard University

Florida State University

University of North Texas

 

Bucolia 300

Arboreta

Why the “Arbor” in Ann Arbor Michigan?

Other Ways of Knowing Climate Change

Anglo-americká vysoká škola, z.ú. Czech Republic

Today we walk through literature governing the safety and sustainability of the open space features of education community estates.   Unlike the titles for the building envelope, which are known to most design professionals and contractors, the standards for grounds and landscaping are widely scattered; many of them occupational safety related; created, administered and enforced by units of government.

During the fair seasons we examine the moment in landscape, garden, tree and water literature.  We also track titles about the reclamation of building roofs for permeable surfaces and gardens.

During the winter months in the northern hemisphere we include snow and ice management; while covering summer month technologies for southern hemisphere (and vice-versa).  Snowfalls in the southern hemisphere are mainly contained to the highlands and mountain ranges, which are almost exclusively in Victoria and Southern New South Wales, as well as the mountains in Tasmania.   Winter does not pose as much of a cost burden to education facilities in the southern hemisphere as it does in the northern hemisphere.

Arboreta

Landscape standards refer to guidelines or regulations that specify the requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, streetscapes, and public spaces. Landscape standards typically cover various aspects of landscape design, including vegetation selection, planting arrangements, irrigation systems, hardscape materials, and lighting.

These standards may be set by government agencies at the federal, state, or local level, or by professional organizations such as the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). Landscape standards aim to ensure that outdoor spaces are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing while also promoting sustainability and environmental protection.

Landscape standards may also address issues such as accessibility for people with disabilities, water conservation, stormwater management, and erosion control. They may vary depending on the specific location, climate, and intended use of the outdoor space. Compliance with landscape standards may be required for approval of development projects, public funding, or other permits.

Father Marquette Catholic Academy | Marquette County Michigan

We track the standards catalog of two ANSI-accredited standards developers:

American Hort

Tree Care Industry Association

Additional practice titles applicable to accessory systems:

ASABE/ICC 802 Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter Standard 

National Electrical Code: Article 411 Low-Voltage Lighting

Upcode Article 411

National Electrical Code: Article 225: Outside Branch Circuits and Feeders

Illumination Engineering Society (Lighting Library)

Land F/X: Landscape Lighting, Codes, Guidelines and Techniques  

OSHA Landscape and Horticultural Services

As a cross-cutting subject involving soil and water and sun many other standards developers, and all levels of government, produce best practice literature for today’s topic.  We’ll have a look at what’s moving among those.

To join us use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

"It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart." -- Rainer Maria Rilke

Standing Agenda / Bucolia

Landscape & Horticulture Services

“Century Tree Texas A&M University” Haley Herrera

Federal regulations that apply to the landscaping of education communities are fairly stable; though land use issues tend to be capricious.  Some federal regulations deal with fair trade in the purchase of landscaping materials; others deal with chemical safety; still others deal with personal protective equipment for works.

The federal government recognizes three major segments of this industry:

Landscape Design and Consultation

Landscape Installation and Maintenance

Tree Pruning and Arboriculture

For worker safety we consult the Occupational Safety and Health Administration home page:

Landscaping and Horticultural Services

From time to time we find Notices and Proposed Regulations — or notices of state-level adaptations of federal regulations —  whistling across our radar.  When they are meaningful and contribute to lower cost we will post the commenting opportunity.

The following voluntary American National Standards Institute (ANSI) titles may be applicable to the landscaping and horticultural units in education communities. Compliance with ANSI standards does not ensure compliance with OSHA policy, although the requirements of some ANSI standards have been adopted within OSHA standards. This list is provided for reference use only.

  • A10.14, Requirements for Safety belts, Harnesses, Lanyards, Lifelines, and Drop Lines for Constructional and Industrial Use
  • A14.1, Ladders – Portable Wood – Safety Requirements
  • A14.2, Ladders – Portable Metal – Safety Requirements
  • A14.5, Stepladders and Platform Ladders, Aluminum Magnesium, Fiberglass Ladders
  • A92.2, Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices
  • A300, Tree Care Operations – Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance – Standard Practices
  • B30.5, Mobile and Locomotive Truck Cranes
  • B71.1, Powered Lawn Mowers and Garden Tractors
  • B71.3, Snow Throwers
  • B71.4, Commercial Turf Type Equipment
  • B71.6, Shredders and Grinders
  • B71.8, Tillers
  • B175.1, Gasoline Powered Chain Saws, Safety Requirements
  • B175.2, Blowers
  • B175.3, Trimmers and Brushcutters
  • Z41, Protective Footgear Requirements
  • Z87.1, Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection Devices
  • Z89.1, Personnel Protection – Protective Headgear for Industrial Workers – Requirements
  • Z133.1, Arboricultural Operations Safety
  • Z308.1, Minimum Requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits
  • Z359.1, Safety Requirements for Personal Fall Arrest Systems, Subsystems, and Components

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory" - Dr. Seuss"Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow" - Anita Desai“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart” ― Rainer Maria Rilke

We maintain all related best practice literature on the standing agenda of our periodic Bucolia teleconferences during which time we sort through proposed regulations, organize a response to them.  War stories always welcomed.  Stories about successes even more welcomed.  See our CALENDAR for the next online meeting.

Workspace / OSHA

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