On Friday, ASU celebrated the opening of ISTB12, a 173,000-sq-ft hub for the future of manufacturing. Located in the Polytechnic Innovation Zone, it brings together students, faculty & industry to advance robotics, automation and semiconductor innovation: https://t.co/kgvAQjY5PMpic.twitter.com/ZRydroA07I
Joseph Stalin is often credited with observing that “those who cast the votes decide nothing; those who count the votes decide everything.” The remark underscores that the integrity of tabulation, not merely turnout, determines outcomes.
In Maricopa County this insight resonates because the jurisdiction’s sheer scale (roughly 60% of Arizona’s voters), heavy reliance on mail ballots, signature verification, and multi-day counting routinely produce delayed results in razor-close races. After 2020, when Biden’s narrow statewide margin hinged on the county, intense scrutiny fell on the counting process itself—printer malfunctions, curing procedures, equipment audits, and the controversial Cyber Ninjas review.
Compounding this is the concentration of a large, predominantly Democratic-leaning student population at Arizona State University in Tempe. This sizable demographic bloc can shift close countywide margins, making the precise counting and verification of their (often mail or early) ballots a focal point of contention and further illustrating why control of the tabulation process becomes decisive in high-stakes contests.
Today we update our understanding of best practice catalogs for outdoor and indoor watersport; primarily swimming and rowing. Use the login credentials at the upper right of our home page.
USA Swimming and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Swimming are two distinct organizations that oversee different aspects of competitive swimming in the United States. USA Swimming governs competitive swimming in the United States across all age groups and skill levels, while NCAA Swimming specifically focuses on collegiate-level swimming and diving competitions within the NCAA framework. Both organizations play crucial roles in the development and promotion of swimming in the United States.
Governing Body:
USA Swimming is the national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States. It is responsible for overseeing competitive swimming at all levels, from grassroots programs to elite national and international competitions.
NCAA Swimming: NCAA Swimming is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which governs intercollegiate sports in the United States. NCAA Swimming specifically deals with collegiate-level swimming competitions among universities and colleges.
Scope:
USA Swimming is responsible for organizing and regulating competitive swimming for all age groups and skill levels, from youth swimmers to Masters swimmers (adults). It oversees swim clubs, hosts competitions, and develops national teams for international events.
NCAA Swimming: NCAA Swimming focuses exclusively on college-level swimming and diving competitions. It sets the rules and guidelines for swimming and diving programs at NCAA member institutions.
Membership:
Individuals, swim clubs, and teams can become members of USA Swimming, allowing them to participate in USA Swimming-sanctioned events, access coaching resources, and benefit from the organization’s development programs.
NCAA Swimming: NCAA Swimming is composed of collegiate athletes who compete for their respective universities and colleges. Athletes are typically student-athletes who represent their schools in NCAA-sanctioned competitions.
Competition Format:
USA Swimming hosts a wide range of competitions, including local, regional, and national meets, as well as Olympic Trials and international events. Swimmers compete as individuals, representing their swim clubs or teams.
NCAA Swimming: NCAA Swimming primarily consists of dual meets, invitational meets, and conference championships at the collegiate level. Swimmers represent their respective universities or colleges, earning points for their teams in dual meets and competing for conference and national titles.
Scholarships:
USA Swimming itself does not offer scholarships. Scholarships for competitive swimmers are typically awarded by colleges and universities based on an athlete’s performance and potential.
NCAA Swimming: NCAA member institutions offer scholarships to talented student-athletes in various sports, including swimming. These scholarships can cover tuition, room, board, and other expenses, making NCAA swimming an avenue for athletes to receive financial support for their education.
The Burk-Bergman Boathouse is one of the oldest and most distinguished collegiate rowing facilities in the United States. Located at 11 Kelly Drive on Philadelphia’s historic Boathouse Row, it serves as the home of the University of Pennsylvania’s men’s heavyweight, men’s lightweight, and women’s varsity rowing programs. It is also the only collegiate boathouse on Boathouse Row; the remaining boathouses belong to rowing clubs and other organizations.
A medal in the Champ Fours, and we’re bringing the MacMahon Cup Team Points trophy back to Boathouse Row! Great weekend up in Boston!
A little less dramatic than a year ago (THANK GOODNESS!!!) but it’s always exciting to see your name come up during the NCAA selection show! Still feeling the vibes this morning! Work ahead.#FightOnPenn ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/8IjPwG3Zun
Penn rowing traces its origins to 1854, but the present boathouse was constructed in 1875–1876 for the University’s College Boat Club, making it among the oldest surviving collegiate boathouses in America. Over the next century, successive additions responded to growing participation, but the resulting building became a patchwork of spaces with limited accessibility and aging infrastructure. In 2022, following a comprehensive restoration and expansion, the facility was renamed the Burk-Bergman Boathouse in honor of legendary Penn rowing coaches Joe Burk and Stan Bergman, whose combined coaching careers span much of the twentieth century and produced national champions, Olympians, and Ivy League titles.
How to Get Recruited for Men’s College Rowing: Times, Standards and What Coaches Look For https://t.co/iwdmGimQvh
A standard Olympic-sized swimming pool is defined by the following dimensions:
Length: 50 meters
Width: 25 meters
Depth: A minimum of 2 meters
Lanes: 10 lanes, each 2.5 meters wide
The total area of the pool is therefore 1,250 square meters, and it holds approximately 2,500 cubic meters (or 2.5 million liters) of water.
The organization that sets the standards for Olympic-sized pools is the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) — now World Aquatics — the governing body for swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming, and open water swimming. FINA establishes the regulations for the dimensions and equipment of competition pools used in international events, including the Olympic Games.
The top ten universities that have produced Olympic champion:
but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
§
Boy and Girl in a Field With Sheep | Winslow Homer 1877
Our use of the term “Educational Settlements” captures the self-contained energy of these places — kindergartens, classrooms, quads, dining halls, dorms, and nearby squares buzzing with student life amid broader higher-ed shifts like the “demographic cliff” (declining traditional enrollments), AI integration, skills-focused curricula, and financial pressures. (Related: Agora)
“…O chestnut tree;, great rooted blossomer, Are you the leaf, the blossom or the bold? O body swayed to music, O brightening glance, How can we know the dancer from the dance?”
We sweep through the world’s three major time zones; updating our understanding of the literature at the technical foundation of education community safety and sustainability in those time zones 24 times per day. We generally eschew “over-coding” web pages to sustain speed, revision cadence and richness of content as peak priority. We do not provide a search facility because of copyrights of publishers and time sensitivity of almost everything we do.
Our daily colloquia are typically doing sessions; with non-USA titles receiving priority until 16:00 UTC and all other titles thereafter. We assume policy objectives are established (Safer-Simpler-Lower-Cost, Longer-Lasting). Because we necessarily get into the weeds, and because much of the content is time-sensitive and copyright protected, we usually schedule a separate time slot to hammer on technical specifics so that our response to consultations are meaningful and contribute to the goals of the standards developing organization and to the goals of stewards of education community real assets — typically the largest real asset owned by any US state and about 50 percent of its annual budget.
1. Leviathan. We track noteworthy legislative proposals in the United States 118th Congress. Not many deal specifically with education community real assets since the relevant legislation is already under administrative control of various Executive Branch Departments such as the Department of Education.
We do not advocate in legislative activity at any level. We respond to public consultations but there it ends.
We track federal legislative action because it provides a stroboscopic view of the moment — the “national conversation”– in communities that are simultaneously a business and a culture. Even though more than 90 percent of such proposals are at the mercy of the party leadership the process does enlighten the strengths and weakness of a governance system run entirely through the counties on the periphery of Washington D.C. It is impossible to solve technical problems in facilities without sensitivity to the zietgeist that has accelerated in education communities everywhere.
Michigan Great Lake Quilt
Michigan can 100% water and feed itself. Agriculture is its second-largest industry.
Standards exist to sustain the ordinary rhythms of civilization. Behind every meal, classroom, laboratory, concert, hospital, farm, playing field and family home stands a network of standards that quietly enables daily life. Our work is to understand, improve and explain those standards in service to the educational settlements they support.
Standards help make the world’s biggest sporting event safer and more competitive. For a brief history of #football to modern safety standards like ASTM’s performance specification for #soccer goals or standards for turf testing, read “Kicking Safety Up a Notch at the World Cup.”…
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) July 9, 2026
ANSI ADA 1119-2025 covers a system for coding tooth developmental stages, improving clarity, consistency & interoperability in dental data. From pediatric #Dentistry, #Orthodontics, and forensic use, this standard improves data quality. @AmerDentalAssnhttps://t.co/ckytZLBprh
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) June 12, 2026
You can view a list of all draft @NIST cybersecurity and privacy publications that are open for public comment on the Computer Security Resource Center. Your thoughtful reviews and comments are greatly appreciated and help us improve our publications. https://t.co/uOC96rxHpHpic.twitter.com/3iJoKqshN6
A NIST researcher has a goal—create a viable alternative to mammograms that is pain-free, highly accurate, and can save even more lives than mammograms do. It’s possible within our lifetimes.
ANSI invites high school and college students to explore the impact of #Standards on society through the 2025–2026 Student Paper Competition. Students are encouraged to research and write about how standards shape industries, innovation, safety, and daily life.
Young professionals (including students!): make sure to sign up for the @YPC social during AIM. It will be a great time to meet other like-minded professionals in the industry. https://t.co/VIIPLLI1LEpic.twitter.com/weAjRSGJGO
Cold #beer. Hot coffee. Spicy food. Learn how sensory scientists evaluate aroma, mouthfeel, flavors, and more in the things you use and enjoy every day. Join our guest Ali Schultz @newbelgiumbeer as we discuss sensory science on ASTM’s podcast. Listen where you get your… pic.twitter.com/hOHuoRaK9O
Smart meters generate thousands of data points each year. How do utilities keep that data consistent? ANSI C12.19-2021 defines standardized data tables for utility end devices—supporting interoperability and #SmartGrid communication. @NEMAupdateshttps://t.co/xsejQGX5gT
Find all the latest ASTM standards, books, journals, technical reports, related products, and more in our interactive catalog. Use the smart navigation to find exactly what you need and order online.https://t.co/7wUF6nw0OB#ASTMpic.twitter.com/T4lr76V29Q
Based on ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, this course covers the theory and principles of the standard. It is intended to bridge the gap between the design practitioner’s knowledge of the built environment and its thermal relationship… pic.twitter.com/4aCsGGUVSK
APRIL 30TH DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: KATHERINE & BRYANT MATHER #SCHOLARSHIP. Available to fulltime undergraduate students completing their sophomore year of college (or later), or graduate students who are pursuing degrees especializing in cement or #concrete materials… pic.twitter.com/wQLaQqJrVj
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) March 22, 2026
The odds of picking a perfect 64-team #MarchMadness bracket are 1 in 9.2 quintillion! Like the tournament’s history, #Basketball‘s journey is full of unforgettable moments. From peach baskets to global icons, learn how standards play a key role in the game.…
Students! It’s not too soon to start working on your applications for the Bioprocess Startup and Fountain Wars competitions! Deadline is April 15. https://t.co/lMxIVgjb54pic.twitter.com/3Mi8pcUd1x
Born in Liscannor, Ireland in 1840, submarine inventor John Phillip Holland’s designs were adopted by the U.S. Navy in 1900. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! pic.twitter.com/X4ModlH2uD
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) March 14, 2026
Risk has always been a part of human society in general and the business world in particular. Standards to create a common language and approach to enterprise risk management aim to minimize those risks. https://t.co/R6acA2tLtx#riskmanagementpic.twitter.com/79c4FtI9mC
— ASTM Student Fans (@ASTMStudentFans) March 2, 2026
Acoustics matter more than we think—and Erik Miller-Klein wants us to listen up. In this video Erik highlights that 39% of building occupants say poor acoustics hurt their ability to work. Yet, less than 10% of U.S. projects involve acoustical designers. Erik challenges us to… pic.twitter.com/Bej3bIg7jx
Last week, the USPTO welcomed our U.K. partners to America’s Innovation Agency and participated in the U.S. – U.K. IP Working Group at the Chamber of Commerce—a bi-annual, industry-led forum hosted with the BritishAmerican Business. pic.twitter.com/dwDD3MlC6t
3.4 billion people. No plumbing. No electricity. Less than $0.05 per person per day.
That’s the scale—and the solution—behind ISO 30500, an international standard for non-sewered sanitation systems developed through global collaboration, led by ANSI and @AssociationAsn.
In honor of NIST’s 125th anniversary this year, anonymous donors commissioned a musical piece from composer @AlexCapMX to honor NIST and its contributions to science.
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) March 4, 2026
📣 NSAI is seeking new members for our standards committees
We are establishing new technical committees on Light Gauge Steel, Mass Engineered Timber, and the National Annex for Eurocode 5 (structural fire design).
Dearest gentle reader… 💐 A bit of legal tea: “BRIDGERTON” is a federally registered trademark, protecting the name and entertainment services behind @Netflix’s hit series, so audiences know the true source of the romance, rivalry, and scandal. pic.twitter.com/xdy04zoxPu
Calling all artists! @DeptVetAffairs and the Veterans Day National Committee are now accepting submissions for the 2026 Veterans Day Poster Contest, with the winning design shared at VA facilities across the country. pic.twitter.com/nZBRqD0hkB
America’s research influence is eroding as China rapidly gains ground.
Per @Clarivate, the share of Highly Cited Researchers based in the U.S. has fallen from 53% to 37% since 2014, while China’s share rose significantly.https://t.co/4r5DWvWyQ5
At a recent USPTO Hour, America’ Branding Agency dives into how name, image, likeness (NIL) connects with branding and trademarks – on the field, off the field, and everywhere between.
Scientists have designed experiments to show that atomic clocks tick faster when moving and slower in stronger gravity. Now, a generation of precise clocks is allowing physicists to push such measurements to new extremes.
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 25, 2026
This #NationalEngineersWeek, we celebrate the innovators transforming ideas into reality. We are proud to support the next generation of leaders through research funding, student scholarships, & industry innovation.
What’s your big idea?
Submit to #ASCE2027’s Call for Content – OPEN NOW through March 4, 2026 – for an opportunity to share it during the new flagship event for infrastructure professionals: https://t.co/wF0bm1HprT. pic.twitter.com/XM2OTGQHBJ
We’re throwing it back this month to our longest-selling SRM: limestone! Developed in 1910, this material was originally used by the construction industry to assess the components of its building materials. And its purpose hasn’t changed much since then. pic.twitter.com/MB5CtY4CCi
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 23, 2026
From walkable skate-shoes to more comfortable fits, stronger curved blades, and balance-driven designs, patents have been sharpening ice skates for more than a century. ⛸️ pic.twitter.com/ITzdKfqanY
A person dines out ~3 times/month and orders take-out ~4.5 times/month. To assure that we can safely enjoy our meals from a commercial kitchen, NSF/ANSI 4-2025 provides #FoodProtection and #Sanitation requirements for commercial food equipment. @NSF_Intlhttps://t.co/5JkDMgWwIm
Vad är en standard? Syftet med standarder är att skapa enhetliga och transparenta rutiner som vi kan enas kring. Det ligger ju i allas intresse att höja kvaliteten, undvika missförstånd och slippa uppfinna hjulet på nytt varje gång. https://t.co/zKhgPXPdpWpic.twitter.com/oKejdKSm47
— Svenska institutet för standarder, SIS (@svenskstandard) July 15, 2019
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
You’re like a standard reference material,
Reliable and true. pic.twitter.com/ensl7oc2iG
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 14, 2026
From Lupercalia to love letters 💌 Valentine’s Day has evolved over centuries. Today, standards assure that the chocolates, cards, and flowers we exchange are safe, reliable, and responsibly produced. #ValentinesDay#ConsumerSafety❤️🌹🍫 https://t.co/r7KMB0eUPt
As fans tune in to the #WinterOlympics, a reminder that inventions like U.S. Pat. 5,784,809 improved snowboard boot flexibility and comfort, while U.S. Pat, 6,523,851 enabled touring bindings for uphill climbs and downhill runs, helping athletes shred with confidence. 🏂 pic.twitter.com/4TLDVbjvoc
Following an industry-wide job task analysis, the Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) Certification exam content outline will be updated starting March 1.
Apply by Feb. 28 to receive a 50% discount and sit for the HFDP exam March 1 – 31.
Following an industry-wide job task analysis, the Healthcare Facility Design Professional (HFDP) Certification exam content outline will be updated starting March 1.
Apply by Feb. 28 to receive a 50% discount and sit for the HFDP exam March 1 – 31.
Hut-hut-hike! 🏈 The NFL logo, Vince Lombardi Trophy design, and the terms “Super Bowl” and “Super Sunday” are all federally registered trademarks that help tell fans who’s bringing them “The Big Game.” pic.twitter.com/gJDxdqqm7J
The newly revised ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 sets the benchmark for occupational and educational #Eye and #Face protection. 🥽 The 2025 edition provides clearer guidance on performance, testing, and marking, which helps organizations select the right protection for specific hazards and… pic.twitter.com/tkMa03s4bO
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (@NIST) February 6, 2026
The newly revised ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2025 sets the benchmark for occupational and educational #Eye and #Face protection. 🥽 The 2025 edition provides clearer guidance on performance, testing, and marking, which helps organizations select the right protection for specific hazards and… pic.twitter.com/tkMa03s4bO
APPA members kept the collaborative learning going at this year’s offered courses:💡 Institute for Facilities Management, 🎒 Leadership Academy, and 💻 T3. pic.twitter.com/g8SzfMfQFH
— APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities (@APPA_facilities) February 5, 2026
SAE Scholarships are dedicated to developing the future engineering workforce. Apply today for one (or more!) of the many scholarships we offer. Applications will be accepted all of February. Don’t delay! https://t.co/lv8eD79Ib8pic.twitter.com/M9Ge7ZLC1w
First invented by television producer Tony Verna in 1963, instant replay technology helps ensure fans see the biggest moments of the big game. Although he did not receive one for instant replay, Verna sought patents for similar inventions later in life. pic.twitter.com/hR7LwRXSI4
Last week, CEN and CENELEC took part in Open Source Week, engaging with the vibrant and diverse open source ecosystem. Our colleagues Amirifar Nooshin and Yannis Chourmouziadis participated in the Open Source Policy Summit where they had constructive discussions.#TrustStandardspic.twitter.com/MxwGDFzvZ1
ASHRAE is honored to welcome and host so many esteemed VIP guests at the Leadership Luncheon. This group truly represents ASHRAE’s continued commitment to collaboration with organizations throughout the built environment.#MyASHRAEpic.twitter.com/DCl8QIiS28
Winter storms are on the way; #Corrosion is a major concern. From bridges, and utility equipment, winter’s salty conditions can hasten #Rust & degradation. ASTM B117-26 helps evaluate materials meant to withstand harsh, corrosive environments. @ASTMIntlhttps://t.co/qAzr3TTMXR
ASHRAE announces nominees for the 2026-27 Slate of Officers and Directors. Members will vote on the nominees via electronic ballot in May, including who will serve as ASHRAE President for the 2026-27 Society year. To see the full list of nominees, visit https://t.co/lJdqfCz264.… pic.twitter.com/UJnF0nC2bY
Preservation of old standards may be useful. In converting material into an ASTM standard, form, style, terminology are areas that require particular attention. Here, we address the rationale for offering these versions of standards, steps taken to make them conform to ASTM… pic.twitter.com/ZT1LWgxqLX
I scream. You scream. We all scream for ICE CREAM CONES.🍦On this day in 1924, Carl R. Taylor patented an ice cream cone rolling machine (No. 1,481,813), automating the process of shaping flat wafers into perfectly formed cones. pic.twitter.com/adaBY2f3xV
🗣️ “AI chatbots with hallucinate around 27% of the time, so we need to ensure employees have the AI literacy required to critically consider the output AI delivers” Laura Bishop PhD, BSI AI and Cybersecurity Sector Lead#BSI#TrustInAI#AIGovernance#AIStrategpic.twitter.com/0MyIpozyiR
Great turnout at the X12 standing Meeting. Especially, given the difficult weather across the country. A wonderful spread of food, as well. Great to see everyone and certainly appreciate the participation. pic.twitter.com/XlbODYcY40
Congrats to Scott Osborn, PE, retired professor, biological and agricultural engineering, University of Arkansas, for being named an ASABE Fellow! Osborn was selected for in teaching the next generation of engineers, invention and innovation in systems. https://t.co/UFTWhIrS2ipic.twitter.com/Q95ufpymMI
The 2026 ASHRAE HVAC&R Student Paper Competition concluded on January 22nd with presentations from four finalists. The four-person judging panel selected Felix Ekuful as the winner of the 2026 competition. His research focus is on developing advanced control strategies to improve… pic.twitter.com/RDbLiLopIK
NSAI has launched the public consultation for S.R. 66:2015 +A1:202X Standard Recommendation providing guidance to wastewater treatment products in conformance with the EN 12566 series of standards.
Just about every airspeed sensor in the United States can trace its calibration back, either directly or indirectly via calibration laboratories, to a wind tunnel on NIST’s Gaithersburg, Maryland, campus.
🤝Full house for the biannual Technical Body Officers Seminar focusing on key aspects of the standardization system, this day was again a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices with peers, strengthening our collective technical leadership. #TrustStandardspic.twitter.com/K2wujDboS7
If you design or operate health care facilities, Standard 170 sets the minimum.
ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 170 defines the minimum ventilation requirements for health care facilities and is developed in partnership with FGI and ASHE for adoption by code-enforcing agencies.
The IAPMO code development process is one of the best in the land. Its Read-Only Access — needed for light research — is also the best in the land; unlike other ANSI accredited standards developers (who shall be un-named). The current edition is dated 2024, with the 2027 revision accepted public input until March 3, 2025 according the schedule linked below:
We examine the proposals for the 2028 National Electrical Safety Code; including our own. The 2026 National Electrical Code where sit on CMP-15 overseeing health care facility electrical issues should be released any day now. We have one proposal on the agenda of the International Code Council’s Group B Committee Action Hearings in Cleveland in October. Balloting on the next IEEE Gold Book on reliability should begin.
FERC Open Meetings | (Note that these ~60 minute sessions meet Sunshine Act requirements. Our interest lies one or two levels deeper into the technicals underlying the administrivia)
Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City, Taiwan
First Draft Proposals contain most of our proposals — and most new (original) content. We will keep the transcripts linked below but will migrate them to a new page starting 2025:
N.B. We are in the process of migrating electric power system research to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers bibliographic format.
Recap of the May meetings of the Industrial & Commercial Power Systems Conference in Las Vegas. The conference ended the day before the beginning of the 3-day Memorial Day weekend in the United States so we’re pressed for time; given all that happened.
We can use our last meeting’s agenda to refresh the status of the issues.
We typically break down our discussion into the topics listed below:
Codes & Standards:
While IAS/I&CPS has directed votes on the NEC; Mike is the only I&CPS member who is actually submitting proposals and responses to codes and standards developers to the more dominant SDO’s — International Code Council, ASHRAE International, UL, ASTM International, IEC & ISO. Mike maintains his offer to train the next generation of “code writers and vote getters”
Performance-based building premises feeder design has been proposed for the better part of ten NEC revision cycles. The objective of these proposals is to reduce material, labor and energy waste owed to the branch and feeder sizing rules that are prescriptive in Articles 210-235. Our work in service and lighting branch circuit design has been largely successful. A great deal of building interior power chain involves feeders — the network upstream from branch circuit panels but down stream from building service panel.
Our history of advocating for developing this approach, inspired by the NFPA 101 Guide to Alternative Approaches to Life Safety, and recounted in recent proposals for installing performance-based electrical feeder design into the International Building Code, appears in the link below:
Access to this draft paper for presentation at any conference that will receive it — NFPA, ICC or IEEE (or even ASHRAE) will be available for review at the link below:
NFPA 110 Definitions of Public Utility v. Merchant Utility
NFPA 72 “Definition of Dormitory Suite” and related proposals
Buildings:
Renovation economics, Smart contracts in electrical construction. UMich leadership in aluminum wiring statements in the NEC should be used to reduce wiring costs.
This paper details primary considerations in estimating the life cycle of a campus medium voltage distribution grid. Some colleges and universities are selling their entire power grid to private companies. Mike has been following these transactions but cannot do it alone.
Variable Architecture Multi-Island Microgrids
District energy:
Generator stator winding failures and implications upon insurance premiums. David Shipp and Sergio Panetta. Mike suggests more coverage of retro-fit and lapsed life cycle technicals for insurance companies setting premiums.
Reliability:
Bob Arno’s leadership in updating the Gold Book.
Mike will expand the sample set in Table 10-35, page 293 from the <75 data points in the 1975 survey to >1000 data points. Bob will set up meeting with Peyton at US Army Corps of Engineers.
Reliability of merchant utility distribution systems remains pretty much a local matter. The 2023 Edition of the NESC shows modest improvement in the vocabulary of reliability concepts. For the 2028 Edition Mike submitted several proposals to at least reference IEEE titles in the distribution reliability domain. It seems odd (at least to Mike) that the NESC committees do not even reference IEEE technical literature such as Bob’s Gold Book which has been active for decades. Mike will continue to propose changes in other standards catalogs — such as ASTM, ASHRAE and ICC — which may be more responsive to best practice assertions. Ultimately, improvements will require state public utility commission regulations — and we support increases in tariffs so that utilities can afford these improvements.
Mike needs help from IEEE Piscataway on standard WordPress theme limitations for the data collection platform.
Mike will update the campus power outage database.
Healthcare:
Giuseppe Parise’s recent work in Italian power grid to its hospitals, given its elevated earthquake risk. Mike’s review of Giuseppe’s paper:
Mike and David Shipp will prepare a position paper for the Harvard Healthcare Management Journal on reliability advantages of impedance grounding for the larger systems.
The Internet of Bodies
Forensics:
Giuseppe’s session was noteworthy for illuminating the similarity and differences between the Italian and US legal system in handling electrotechnology issues.
Mike will restock the committee’s library of lawsuits transactions.
Ports:
Giuseppe updates on the energy and security issues of international ports. Mike limits his time in this committee even though the State of Michigan has the most fresh water international ports in the world.
A PROPOSED GUIDE FOR THE ENERGY PLAN AND ELECTRICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF A PORT
Other:
Proposals to the 2028 National Electrical Safety Code: Accepted Best Practice, exterior switchgear guarding, scope expansion into ICC and ASHRAE catalog,
Apparently both the Dot Standards and the Color Books will continue parallel development. Only the Gold Book is being updated; led by Bob Arno. Mike admitted confusion but reminded everyone that any references to IEEE best practice literature in the NFPA catalog, was installed Mike himself (who would like some backup help)
Mike assured Christel Hunter (General Cable) that his proposals for reducing the 180 VA per-outlet requirements, and the performance-base design allowance for building interior feeders do not violate the results of the Neher-McGrath calculation used for conductor sizing. All insulation and conducting material thermal limits are unaffected.
Other informal discussions centered on the rising cost of copper wiring and the implications for the global electrotechnical transformation involving the build out of quantum computing and autonomous vehicles. Few expressed optimism that government ambitions for the same could be met in any practical way.
Are students avoiding use of Chat GPT for energy conservation reasons? Mike will be breaking out this topic for a dedicated standards inquiry session:
Supporting swimming pools with electricity involves various essential functions such as filtration, heating, lighting, and sanitation. Ensuring safety and energy efficiency is crucial, and pool owners can take steps to minimize electricity costs and environmental impact. Key points:
Filtration and Circulation: Swimming pools rely on electric pumps to circulate water through filters, removing debris and maintaining water quality.
Heating: Electric heaters or heat pumps are used to regulate water temperature for comfort, especially in colder seasons.
Lighting: Underwater and pool area lighting enhance safety and aesthetics, typically powered by electricity.
Chlorination and Sanitation: Electric chlorinators or ozone generators help maintain water cleanliness and hygiene.
Automation: Electric control systems enable pool owners to manage filtration, heating, and lighting remotely for convenience and energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency: Pool owners can invest in energy-efficient equipment, like variable-speed pumps and LED lighting, to reduce electricity consumption and operating costs.
Operations and Maintenance: Regular electrical maintenance ensures safe and reliable pool operation, preventing electrical faults and hazards. The electricity cost for pool operation can be significant, so pool owners should consider energy-efficient practices and equipment to reduce expenses.
Education communities present one of the largest installed bases of artificially created bodies of water; the most abundance resource on earth. These bodies vary in size, purpose, and design but are all created by human intervention to serve specific needs, whether practical, recreational, or aesthetic. Safe and sustainable management of them in the Unite States are informed by best practice found in Article 680 of the National Electrical Code with scope statement below:
Construction and installation of electrical wiring for, and equipment in or adjacent to, all swimming, wading, therapeutic, and decorative pools; fountains; hot tubs; spas; and hydromassage bathtubs, whether permanently installed or storable, and to metallic auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, filters, and similar equipment.
Consultation on the First Draft of the 2026 revision closes August 24, 2024.
Saugatuck High School | Allegan County Michigan @ Detroit Institute of Arts | Michigan West
The American voluntary consensus standards system depends upon the steady participation of universities. To encourage that participation, many standards developers offer research grants, scholarships, travel stipends, student paper competitions, and postgraduate fellowships for faculty members, graduate students, and emerging professionals.
These programs help offset the costs of research, conference attendance, committee meetings, and publication while introducing new generations of scholars to the consensus process.
The investment benefits both the standards community and higher education. Universities contribute fresh research, analytical methods, and technical expertise, while students gain firsthand experience with the development of engineering, scientific, accounting, safety, and building standards that influence practice throughout the world.
Student Research Grants, Scholarships & Travel Support
ANSI — Student Paper Competition, standards education programs, internships, university outreach, and free standards-related learning resources.
ASTM International — Academic Outreach Program featuring student memberships, scholarships, research grants, travel assistance, student chapters, and opportunities to participate directly in standards committees. (Student Members)
ASHRAE — Society scholarships, Graduate Student Grant-in-Aid research awards, undergraduate equipment grants, and conference travel assistance.
ASCE — Undergraduate and graduate scholarships, Student Chapter awards, and discipline-specific fellowships.
ASME — Scholarships and fellowships through the ASME Foundation together with student paper competitions and travel assistance.
IEEE — Scholarships, fellowships, travel grants, Foundation awards, and Society-sponsored student programs. Most grants originate at the society, region and section level. Example: Education & Healthcare Facilities
ICC — Student chapters, scholarships, educational partnerships, and workforce development initiatives.
NFPA Research Foundation — Sponsored university research and academic partnerships advancing fire, electrical, and life safety.
NIST — Graduate student research opportunities, laboratory collaborations, and financial assistance for visiting scientists.
SAE International — Engineering scholarships supporting students in automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and mobility disciplines.
FASB / GASB — The Postgraduate Technical Assistant Program and the Gilbert W. Crain Memorial Research Grant support the next generation of accounting standards professionals.
ISO Young Professionals Programme — Annual leadership and standards development program sponsored through ISO member bodies.
ISO
ISO DEVCO — Capacity-building initiatives, technical assistance, education, and participation support for developing countries.
IEC
IEC Young Professionals Programme — International leadership development and participation in electrotechnical standards activities.
IEC
IEC Academy — Standards education, webinars, technical training, and professional development resources.
ITU
ITU Academia Programme — Membership and engagement opportunities for universities participating in international telecommunications standards development.
ITU
ITU Fellowships Programme — Travel assistance and fellowships enabling qualified participants to attend ITU standards meetings and conferences.
ITU-R
ITU-R Fellowships — Support for participation in Radiocommunication Sector meetings and technical study groups.
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
