Author Archives: mike@standardsmichigan.com

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Data Points (2023 Estimates for 193 countable nations):

Global Gross Domestic Product (GGDP) ~ $106.17T

Anglosphere (United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) ~ $31T (or ~32% of GGDP)

United States GDP $27T (or about 1/3rd of GGDP)

 

“Livres des Merveilles du Monde” 1300 | Marco Polo | Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford

Today we break down consultations on titles relevant to the technology and management of the real assets of education communities in the United States specifically; but with sensitivity to the global education markets where thousands of like-minded organizations also provide credentialing, instruction, research, a home for local fine arts and sport.

We steer away from broad policy issues and steer toward technical specifics of public consultations presented by national member bodies of the International Electrotechnical Commission, the International Organization for Standardization, the International Telecommunications Union and the American National Standards Institute.  If there is a likelihood that the titles published by these workgroups will be incorporated by reference into public safety or sustainability legislation; or integrated into the cost structure of education communities in any other way, we will listen carefully and contribute meaningfully where we can.

Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations | 1961 

 
“Even apart from the instability due to speculation, there is the instability due to the characteristic of human nature that a large proportion of our positive activities depend on spontaneous optimism rather than on a mathematical expectation, whether moral or hedonistic or economic. Most, probably, of our decisions to do something positive, the full consequences of which will be drawn out over many days to come, can only be taken as the result of animal spirits — a spontaneous urge to action rather than inaction, and not as the outcome of a weighted average of quantitative benefits multiplied by quantitative probabilities. Enterprise only pretends to itself to be mainly actuated by the statements in its own prospectus, however candid and sincere that prospectus may be. Only a little more than an expedition to the South Pole is it based on an exact calculation of benefits to come. Thus if the animal spirits are dimmed and the spontaneous optimism falters, leaving us to depend on nothing but a mathematical expectation, enterprise will fade and die; — though fears of loss may have a basis no more reasonable than hopes of profit had before.”

“The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money” 

— John Maynard Keynes, 1936

International Standard Classification of Education

American National Standards Institute

2026 World Standards Week TBD.  NEMA will host

World Standards Week 2023

Setting the standard: Grange members can be voice of rural users in standardization system

ISO/IEC/ITU coordination – Listing of New Work Items (New: Passwords Required)

New ANSI Education Initiative Supports the Next Generation of Standardization Leaders

International Code Council

2024/2025/2026 ICC CODE DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE (3/17/2023)

International Zoning Code

International Electrotechnical Commission

International Electrotechnical Commission | CDV Consultations

IEC Open Consultations: 20 December

USNC/IEC  Current Winter 2023

IEC 87th General Meeting | Cairo, 22 – 26 October

Results from IEC General Assembly 2022 | San Francisco

Going All-Electric

Extended Versions  Certain standards are required to be read in tandem with another standard, which is known as a reference (or parent) document. The extended version (EXV) of an IEC Standard facilitates the user to be able to consult both IEC standards simultaneously in a single, easy-to-use document.

Elettrotecnico Lingua Franca

International Telecommunications Union

The case for standardizing homomorphic encryption

Outcomes of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference

World Radiocommunication Conference

International Standardization Organization

How ISO codes connect the world

New partnership for ISO and ICC

Must-have skills for the green economy

Building Environment Design

A partial list of projects with which we have been engaged as an active participant; starting with the original University of Michigan enterprise in the late 1990’s and related collaborations with IEEE and others: (In BOLD font we identify committees with open consultations requiring a response from US stakeholders before next month’s Hello World! colloquium)

IEC/TC 8, et al System aspects of electrical energy supply

IEC/TC 22 Power electronic systems and equipment

IEC/TC 34 Lighting

IEC/TC 62 Electrical equipment in medical practice

IEC/TC 64 Electrical installations and protection against electric shock

IEC/TC 82 Solar photovoltaic energy systems

IEC/SYC Electrotechnical Aspects of Smart Cities

SyC Smart Energy


Standards Michigan Workspace for IEC/ITU Consultations


ISO/IEC JTC 1 Information Technology, et. al

ISO/TC 205 Building environmental design

ISO/TC 215 Health Informatics

ISO/TC 229 Nanotechnologies

ISO/TC 232 Education and Learning Services

ISO/TC 251 Asset Management

ISO/TC 260 Human Resource Management

ISO/TC 267 Facility Management

ISO/TC 268 Sustainable cities and communities

ISO/TC 274 Light and Lighting

ISO/TC 276 Biotechnology

ISO/TC 301 Energy management and energy savings

ISO/TC 304 Healthcare organization management

ISO/TC 336 Laboratory Design

We collaborate with the appropriate ANSI US TAG; or others elsewhere in academia.   We have begun tracking ITU titles with special attention to ITU Radio Communication Sector.

main( ) {
        printf("hello, world\n");
}

We have collaborations with Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Sapienza – Università di Roma, Universität Zürich, Universität Potsdam, Université de Toulouse. Universidade Federal de Itajubá, University of Windsor, the University of Alberta, to name a few — most of whom collaborate with us on electrotechnology issues.  Standards Michigan and its 50-state affiliates are (obviously) domiciled in the United States.  However, and for most issues, we defer to the International Standards expertise at the American National Standards Institute

ANSI INTERACTIVE MAP: INTERNATIONAL TRADE & DEVELOPMENT

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

 

 

These three regions make up 50% of world GDP

 

More

Data Point: Global Construction Market is Expected to Reach $11 trillion by 2031

General Public Participation in ANSI ISO Activities

March 2021 edition of the TMB Communiqué.

ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1

ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1, Consolidated ISO Supplement

International Electrotechnical Commission Annual Report 2019

ISO Update  2021-02-09

ANSI Education & Training Overview

ANSI Guide for US Delegates

ITU Digital Technical Standards


* A “Hello, World!” program generally is a computer program that outputs or displays the message “Hello, World!”. Such a program is very simple in most programming languages (such as Python and Javascript) and is often used to illustrate the basic syntax of a programming language. It is often the first program written by people learning to code. It can also be used as a sanity test to make sure that a computer language is correctly installed, and that the operator understands how to use it.

 

Accreditation 300

Illustration from 1913 showing Pythagoras teaching a class of women. Pythagoras believed that women should be taught philosophy as well as men[47] and many prominent members of his school were women

§

Agreement on academic credentials is vital to the United States’ higher education export industry, one of America’s largest service exports.  In 2023–24, international students contributed approximately $45–50 billion to the U.S. economy through tuition, living expenses, and related spending. For this industry to thrive, foreign students must have confidence that their home-country qualifications will be fairly evaluated for admission, while U.S. degrees must be widely recognized abroad for further study or employment. 

 

Clear credential recognition agreements reduce barriers, streamline admissions, and build trust. They encourage more students to choose U.S. universities over competitors in the UK, Australia, or Canada. Without such agreements, bureaucratic obstacles, lengthy evaluations, and uncertainty deter students, directly threatening university revenue, campus diversity, and the economic impact of this major export sector.  

 

Country / Representative University Typical Duration Total Credits / Equivalent Notes on System & Load
United States
(e.g., Harvard, Stanford, or any public university)
4 years 120 semester credit hours
(sometimes 120–130)
15 credits/semester typical. Includes general education + major. 1 credit ≈ 1 hour class + 2 hours work/week per semester.
United Kingdom
(e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, or UCL)
3 years
(4 in Scotland)
360 UK credits
(120 per year) or ~180 ECTS
Modular system. Full-time load ~60 ECTS/year. Honours degree standard. Less emphasis on broad gen-ed.
Canada
(e.g., University of Toronto or UBC)
3–4 years 90–120 credits
(often 120 for honours)
Similar to US system. Some provinces offer 3-year general degrees.
Australia
(e.g., University of Melbourne or Sydney)
3 years
(some 4 years)
144–192 credit points
(typically 48–64 per year)
Points-based system. Workload roughly equivalent to 3-year UK degrees.
New Zealand
(e.g., University of Auckland)
3 years 360 points
(120 per year)
Similar to Australia/UK. 15-point courses are common.
Ireland
(e.g., Trinity College Dublin)
3–4 years 180–240 ECTS Bologna-aligned system, comparable to UK.

Key Observations:

  • US degrees are typically longer with significant general education requirements.
  • UK / Australia / NZ degrees are more specialized and usually completed in 3 years.
  • Full-time workload is roughly equivalent across systems when adjusted for credits.
  • Exact requirements vary by program and institution — always check the specific university catalog.

“The Death of Julius Caesar” | 1806 Vincenzo Camuccini

Standards are the seed corn for compliance revenue; hence the hegemony of conformance and enforcement enterprises that dominate the global standards system.

Accreditation is a relatively recent breakout topic so we approach it gently; respectful of the business models of the hundreds of education community charitable associations involved in the safety and sustainability of the physical spaces of education communities.

Accreditation 100 tracks facility management credentialing:

Ferris State University | Certificate Program in Facility Management

University of San Diego | Facilities Management Program

Arizona State University | Facility Management Certificate Program

Later in 2024 we will sort through other issues in the credentialing domain:

Accreditation 200: Recent innovations in credentialing

Q. There are about 150 hospitals in the USA with the word “university” in their name.  Are they tax-exempt?  Should they be?  A.  Whether a hospital with “university” in its name is tax-exempt depends on various factors, including its ownership, structure, and purpose. Non-profit hospitals, including those affiliated with universities, may qualify for tax-exempt status under certain conditions. However, the mere presence of “university” in the name does not automatically confer tax-exempt status.  Tax-exempt status, the hospital’s activities, such as providing charity care, medical education, and research, are typically considered.

Accreditation 300: Requirements for baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees

Accreditation 400: Advanced Topics

Open to everyone.  Use the login credentials at the top of our home page.

Syllabus: Accreditation 100

Readings:

“Student Retention at the Community College: Meeting Students’ Needs” | University of Delware Fall 2006 | Jill Jacobs-Biden

“Princeton-Educated Black and the Black Community” | Princeton University | Michelle LaVaughn Robinson

“Employment, Output and Capital Accumulation in an Open Economy: A Disequilibrium Approach” | Yale University | Janet Louise Yellen

 

Intelligence is quickness in seeing things as they are. - George Santayana

print(“Python”)

Active Python Releases

 

“Python is the programming equivalent

of a Swiss Army Knife.”

— Some guy

 

The Python Standard Library

Open source standards development is characterized by very open exchange, collaborative participation, rapid prototyping, transparency and meritocracy.   The Python programming language is a high-level, interpreted language that is widely used for general-purpose programming. Python is known for its readability, simplicity, and ease of use, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced developers alike.  Python has a large and active community of developers, which has led to the creation of a vast ecosystem of libraries, frameworks, and tools that can be used for a wide range of applications. These include web development, scientific computing, data analysis, machine learning, and more.

Another important aspect of Python is its versatility. It can be used on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even mobile devices. Python is also compatible with many other programming languages and can be integrated with other tools and technologies, making it a powerful tool for software development.  Overall, the simplicity, readability, versatility, and large community support of Python make it a valuable programming language to learn for anyone interested in software development including building automation.

As open source software, anyone may suggest an improvement to Python(3.X) starting at the link below:

Python Enhancement Program

Python Download for Windows

Python can be used to control building automation systems. Building automation systems are typically used to control various systems within a building, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security, and more. Python can be used to control these systems by interacting with the control systems through the building’s network or other interfaces.

There are several Python libraries available that can be used for building automation, including PyVISA, which is used to communicate with instrumentation and control systems, and PyModbus, which is used to communicate with Modbus devices commonly used in building automation systems. Python can also be used to develop custom applications and scripts to automate building systems, such as scheduling temperature setpoints, turning on and off lights, and adjusting ventilation systems based on occupancy or other variables. Overall, Python’s flexibility and versatility make it well-suited for use in building automation systems.

Subversion®

Building Automation & Control Networks

Global Consistency in Presenting Construction & Life Cycle Costs

Research from the World Economic Forum has shown that improvements in the design and construction process can be achieved by using international standards like ICMS to gain comparable and consistent data. ICMS provides a high-level structure and format for classifying, defining, measuring, recording, analysing and presenting construction and other life-cycle costs.

CLICK ON IMAGE


Potato beef casserole

University of Minnesota Extension | Standards Minnesota

2020 Minnesota State Building Codes

A bowl of sliced potatoes and ground beef

Click image for recipe

 

Regents of the University of Minnesota: General Obligation Refunding Bonds

Norman County East School District

Data Center Bust & Boom

"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

Data centers in colleges and universities are crucial for supporting the extensive technological infrastructure required for modern education and research. These centers house critical servers and storage systems that manage vast amounts of data, ensuring reliable access to academic resources, administrative applications, and communication networks. They enable the secure storage and processing of sensitive information, including student records, faculty research, and institutional data.

Uptime Institute Tier Classification

Moreover, data centers facilitate advanced research by providing the computational power needed for data-intensive studies in fields like bioinformatics, climate science, and artificial intelligence. They support virtual learning environments and online course management systems, essential for the increasingly prevalent hybrid and online education models. Efficient data centers also contribute to campus sustainability goals by optimizing energy use through modern, eco-friendly technologies.

ANSI/TIA 942 Data Center Infrastructure Standard

Additionally, robust data center infrastructure enhances the university’s ability to attract top-tier faculty and students by demonstrating a commitment to cutting-edge technology and resources. They also play a vital role in disaster recovery and business continuity, ensuring that educational and administrative functions can resume quickly after disruptions. Overall, data centers are integral to the academic mission, operational efficiency, and strategic growth of colleges and universities.

We have followed development of the technical standards that govern the success of these “installations” since 1993; sometimes nudging technical committees — NFPA, IEEE, ASHRAE, BICSI and UL.   The topic is vast and runs fast so today we will review, and perhaps respond to, the public consultations that are posted on a near-daily basis.  Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.

Related:

Ernst & Young LLP: Why there is no silver bullet for data center financing

Data Center Growth

Gallery: Supercomputers & Data Centers

Data Center Wiring

Datacenter Architecture

Power Management For Data Centers Challenges And Opportunities

Data Center Operations & Maintenance

Inauguration of New Supercomputer

Big Data Applications in Edge-Cloud Systems

Supercomputer Tour

Data Center Metrics

“What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town”

What Happens When Data Centers Come to Town

Terry Nguyen | BA Public Policy

Ben Green |Assistant Professor, School of Information and Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy

Partner | Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition

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.

Related:

Sharan Kalwani (Chair, Southeast Michigan Section IEEE): AI and Data Center Demand

Gallery: Other Ways of Knowing Climate Change

 

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
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.

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

Communication in the Presence of Noise

Communication in the Presence of Noise

Claude E. Shannon

University of Michigan – Bell Telephone Laboratories – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Abstract. A method is developed for representing any communication system geometrically. Messages and the corresponding signals are points in two “function spaces,” and the modulation process is a mapping of one space into the other. Using this representation, a number of results in communication theory are deduced concerning expansion and compression of bandwidth and the threshold effect. Formulas are found for the maximum rate of transmission of binary digits over a system when the signal is perturbed by various types of noise. Some of the properties of “ideal” systems which transmit at this maxmum rate are discussed. The equivalent number of binary digits per second for certain information sources is calculated.

CLICK HERE to order complete paper

 

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