CALL FOR ENTRIES: AIASF Small Firms, Great Projects

CALL FOR ENTRIES: SMALL FIRMS, GREAT PROJECTS

Early entry: June 14, 2017 | Final entry: June 22, 2017

Open to architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, and architectural lighting firms with 19 or fewer employees, Small Firms, Great Projects provides a platform for small firms to feature their best work in print, online, and in a companion exhibition.
 
AIASF is excited to partnership with American Society of Landscape Architects Northern California ChapterInternational Interior Design Association Northern California Chapter, and Illuminating Engineering Society San Francisco Section on the 13th edition of Small Firms, Great Projects. Through engagement with allied professionals, Small Firms, Great Projects further amplifies the collaborative nature of great design in this resource directory. Take advantage of this special opportunity to showcase your creative work to a target market of potential clients!

2016 IES San Francisco Sol Cohn Award Recipient - Rick Miller

PLEASE JOIN IES SAN FRANCISCO SECTION TO CONGRATULATE AND THANK THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2016 SOL COHN AWARD FOR THEIR EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LIGHTING INDUSTRY

Rick Miller, PE
RNM Engineering, Inc. 

Rick Miller became fascinated with theatrical lighting when he was in elementary school. Rick pursued that interest thru middle school, high school, undergrad, and grad school. Rick's first lighting control project was a middle school science fair project.

Rick received a BS in Engineering Physics University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His graduate education was in architectural and lighting design and he received a Master of Architecture from the U of Colorado Boulder. 

Rick joined the USITT in 1968.  And was president of USITT in 1971.

Rick Joined IES in July 1967.  He was President of the Chicago section twice, SF section, and served four terms as president of the Santa Barbara section from 2010-2014.  While president of SF he instituted the Light Affair trade show, and with the assistance of Juanita Cox many others became the significant annual event that still exists today.

Rick's IES Committee activities: 

  • Member, Lighting Control Protocols Committee, 2000 – Present
  • Co-Chair, Lighting Control Protocols Committee, 2010 – Present
  • Contributor to publication: TM-23 Lighting Control Protocols, 2011
  • Educational Materials Chair, 1995-1998
  • Contributor to publication:  Second Edition of ED100

Rick has received five IIDA Awards of Merit:

  • IIDA Award of Merit, Lighting design for AT&T RNOC, 1989
  • IIDA Award of Merit, Lighting design for Elgin/O’Hare Expressway, 1994
  • IIDA Award of Merit, Lighting design for DePaul Center Interior Mall, 1994
  • IIDA Award of Merit, Lighting design for DePaul Center Exterior Plaza, 1994
  • IIDA Award of Merit, Lighting design for Knickerbocker Hotel Ballroom, 1995

Rick has been active in the Title 24 process since his move to Calif in 1997.  He has participated in several CEC T24 public hearings.  He has contributed language and suggested modifications over the years with an adoption rate of 80%.

Rick designed and coordinated a digital lighting control system using 11,000 DALI ballasts forthe Marvell 5-building corporate campus in Santa Clara, CA (2004-2007).  This was an early implementation of DALI controls, and it served as a case study for the manufacturer in perfecting their controls product, and a case study for energy savings from controls.

Rick was a co-principal developer (with Kathy Peake) in 2009 of the California Advanced Lighting Control Training Program (CALCTP) for electricians.  The program included ten hours of lecture, plus 33 lab sessions.  Rick was both a lecturer and the innovator and principal developer of the 33 lab sessions.  This program is the first in the country to recognize the importance of teaching lighting controls to the installing electricians so that the controls are properly installed and commissioned.  In the past, many well-intentioned lighting control designs have been poorly installed, negating the expected energy savings.  This special training course ensures building lighting energy savings, and helps electricians gain marketable skills.

Rick has provided electrical and lighting commissioning services on over 25 buildings, including airports, court houses, corporate campuses, federal buildings, hospitals, hotels, museums, prisons, and universities.  Most of these buildings achieved LEED Enhanced Commissioning recognition.

Rick not only talks the talk, but walks the walk.  He has struggled with new controls technologies himself as a design professional, supervised their installation and commissioning, and has received multiple design awards for his excellent engineering work.

There are yet more qualifications:

  • Licensed Professional Engineer in AZ, CA, CO, IL, NM, OR, WA in 7 states
  • LC (NCQLP) since 1997
  • LEED AP since 2002
  • IEEE-SF-IAS, Chapter President, 2005
  • International Association of Electrical Inspectors, Member, 1985-Present
  • Consulting Electrical Engineers member 1976-1997, President 1991
  • National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), member, 1985-Present 

Rick has been lecturing about architectural lighting controls for thirty years:

  • 03/16/10 “Controls for Outdoor Lighting” by Rick Miller, for IES-San Barbara
  • 03/30/10 “Lighting Control Devices Workshop” by Rick Miller and et al, for PG&E Stockton
  • 04/01/10 “Lighting Control Devices Workshop” by Rick Miller and et al, for PG&E San Francisco
  • 10/14/10 "Lighting Controls Commissioning" by Rick Miller, for SMUD
  • 11/20/10 "Advanced Lighting Control Systems for Specifiers" by Rick Miller, for PG&E and SCE
  • 01/18/12, 01/19/12 & 02/21/12 "Emerging Lighting Control Technology" by Rick Miller, for IES Sacramento, IES-San Francisco & IES-San Barbara
  • 10/24/13 “Lighting Control Systems That Meet New Title 24 Requirements” by Rick Miller, for LightShow West 2013
  • 02/28/14 “Paperwork for the New Title 24” by Rick Miller, for IEEE-SF-IAS
  • 06/02/14 “Advanced Lighting Control Systems for Specifiers” by Rick Miller, for LightFair 2014
  • 06/05/14 “Digital Control Protocol Update: BACnet, DALI, ZigBee” by Rick Miller, et al, for LightFair 2014
  • 02/27/15 “Electrical Engineer’s Solutions to Title 24” by Rick Miller & John Griffiths, for IEEE-SF-IAS
  • 05/04/15 “Advanced Lighting Controls – No longer relays & occ sensors” by Rick Miller & Bill Ellis, for LightFair 2015
  • 10/21/15 “Title 24Acceptance Testing Certification” by Rick Miller, for LightShow West 2015
  • 02/26/16 “Dos and Don’ts: Lighting Controls Design & Cx ” by Rick Miller & Lyn Gomes, for IEEE-SF-IAS
  • 04/25/16 “Emergency Lighting-: Codes, Circuits, Controls & Calculations” by Rick Miller & Jack Schneider, for LightFair 2016

    And... Rick has run in the SF marathon!

2016 IES San Francisco Sol Cohn Award Recipient - Charles Knuffke

PLEASE JOIN IES SAN FRANCISCO SECTION TO CONGRATULATE AND THANK THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2016 SOL COHN AWARD FOR THEIR EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LIGHTING INDUSTRY

Charles Knuffke
VP & Evangelist for Wattstopper BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEMS

Charles graduated from Rensellaer Polytechnic University in 1985 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and the hope that he would be able to find a job path where that particular degree wouldn’t be required. Luckily, during a college Co-Op assignment at GE’s Gas Turbine Plant he was asked to program an early version of GE’s Networked Lighting Control System. Because of that early exposure to Lighting Controls, he was seen as the ideal candidate when GE was looking to hire for a Lighting Controls technician to be based on the West Coast in 1986.

As luck would have it, both of Charles’ parents were teachers, and he inherited their love of educating people on any subject, especially one as unknown at the time as lighting controls. For the first three years in his position, his job was mainly to calm down concerned building engineers who had somehow ended up with a Lighting Control System in their new building, make sure that it was completely operational, and teach these folks how to program what was primarily a sophisticated timeclock. What he learned in those early years – working with nervous facility engineers who were trying to get through endless punch lists so they could get their facility up and occupied - would be the foundation for his next 30 years in the business:  That there’s no single right way to teach an individual, so be flexible and try different ways of communicating to suit their needs. Be ready with visual handouts, so the attendees can review the system at a later time when they’re not so rushed, and document everything.

In 2000, GE Lighting Controls decided to split the group off that had been the brain trust for product, and in the summer of 2001 that group was purchased by The WattStopper. This allowed Charles to expand his controls curriculum so in addition to time based controls, he was now teaching engineers and contractors across the Western US about Occupancy Sensors, Daylighting and Photocells, and other types of Networking.

There are many memorable events after joining the WattStopper Team, but two stand out. First was when the DALI protocol was first introduced in the US.

WattStopper had developed some DALI variations of their standard products and HOK in San Francisco had decided they wanted to have one of the first large scale DALI installations on the West Coast in their office in SF. The chose to use a mix of DALI devices to showcase its interoperability, including those from WattStopper, but they needed someone local to work with the engineer at HOK to ensure that the hardware was started up and working. That’s how Charles met Rick Miller, and over a period of many weeks working together to get the HOK Project started up, Rick became one of Charles’s best friends in the industry. After three weeks working with products from multiple manufacturer’s, the HOK office installation was completed, and became the basis of many technical presentations on DALI, including those at IES SF, and at LightFair.

The second major event was one that happened over many years. During the early 1990’s Charles had been exposed to the workings of the California Energy Commission, joining industry leaders as they worked with the CEC to determine the best approach to conserve energy by reducing lighting loads. During the late 1990’s not much had changed in the code, but by the 2000’s, the code started taking a leadership position regarding lighting and lighting controls, and many new requirements were added. Charles began attending as many code meeting as possible, and became a key educator around California on the Title 24 Energy Code. Whether a small lunch and learn sessions to speaking to large audiences at IES meetings, Light Affair, LightFair and LightShow West, Charles has spent countless hours educating people on the code. For the 2013 Title 24 code cycle, at least 2,500 individuals attended one of Charles Code Presentations.

Charles Knuffke has been focused on Lighting Controls in the Bay Area since 1986, first with GE Lighting Controls, then with Horton Controls and most recently with WattStopper.  WattStopper has allowed Charles to lead multiple educational efforts that helped the Western US Lighting Community.

A few examples of presentations that Charles has done:

  • Presentations on the Digital Addressible Lighting Interface (DALI) summarizing findings after the first large scale installation of DALI products at HOK’s San Francisco Office. (2004 – 2006).
  • Presentations on Emergency Lighting and recommended methods of Automatic Control to educate on the multiple codes that dictate the use of emergency power and code compliant ways to control emergency lighting circuits. (2005 – 2008)
  • Presentations on Basic Electricity and Controls. The Basic Electricity presentation used innovative power point animations and was created to help educate people new to the electrical industry. The presentation was freely provided to the consultants (Rick Miller) helping to author the California Advanced Lighting Control Training Program (CALCTP) to help with their creation of Lighting Control Modules. (2002 – 2016)
  • Presentations with examples on the importance of creating Sequence of Operation Documentation for Lighting Controls, a topic that has become especially important as Energy Codes have forced more complex Lighting Control scenarios for non-residential spaces. (2014-2016)
  • Presentations on Calfornia’s Title 24 Energy Code for Lighting Professionals. Charles first presentation on the Energy Code was created in 1993, and has been updated and adapted for every code cycle including the most recent 2016 version. For the 2013 Code Version, which included some the most significant changes ever introduced, presentations were made at multiple IES Meetings (including San Diego, Orange County, San Bernardino, San Francisco, Santa Barbara), PG&E’s Light Affair, LightShow West, as well as innumerable meetings at the offices of Electrical Engineers, Electrical Contractors, Developers, Electrical Distributors, and Facility Engineering Groups. Charles estimates that before the code went into effect on July 1st, 2014 at least 2,500 individuals in California attended on of his Energy Code Presentations.

IES San Francisco 2016-17 Program

2016 Program.jpg

Here is the tentative 2016-17 program for the IES San Francisco Section.  Formal announcements will be made one month before each event. Stay tuned!

Date                              Event
September 15                Pasty Party
October 20                   2016 Title 24 Updates
November 17                Master Designer Lecturer
December 8                   IES SF Holiday Party
January 19                     Emerging Technologies
February 16                   Lighting Project Tour
March 23                       Illumination Awards Banquet
April 20                          Lighting Manufacturer Tour
May 18                          IoT and Beyond
June 15                          Architectural Lighting Expo
July 10                           Tom Tolen Golf Tournament

[External] CCA Illuminating Interiors Workshop

California College of the Arts Illuminating Interiors Workshop

Illuminating Interiors is a two weekend long, summer intensive workshop for professionals in Interior Design, Architecture and related fields who wish to enrich their practice with a deeper understanding of lighting from both a design and technical perspective.

Practitioners will learn to apply criteria of design, technology, energy efficiency, and human wellness to all components of the lighting design process. Building upon a primary and the basic principles of layering of light, this workshop will delve deeper into the relationship of light and interior environments, lighting effects on human health, California's groudbreaking Title 24 energy code, and the rapid advancement in lighting technologies, including LEDs and other emerging lighting technology. 

Illuminating Interiors is led by Faith Jewell, a faculty member of the Interior Design program at CCA. Faith is a professional architectural lighting designer and associate at Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design, an internationally renowned and award-winning design firm. 
 

Application deadline is Monday 7/18/16, or until full.

For more information, please visit illuminatinginteriors.cca.edu

CONTACT
IlluminatingInteriors@cca.edu

LC Prep Course - 2016 Preliminary Announcement

The LC exam will be held on Saturday, 5 November 2016 with no alternative exam dates until November 2017.  Anyone interested in taking the exam should apply with NCQLP as soon as possible.  The early enrollment deadline is just a few weeks away!

This year, IES San Francisco is again planning to offer a 7-session LC Prep Study Group to help candidates prepare for the exam. The Study Group will begin on Wednesday, 21 September and end on 2 November, just before the November 5th exam date. Keep an eye out for an announcement with information on the LC Prep Study Group details and dates. We will post more information and a link for Study Group registration on our website www.iessf.net.

IMPORTANT NOTE
Participating in the LC Prep Study Group and paying the Study Group Fee does not register you for the LC Exam; you must apply directly to and pay NCQLP to sit for the exam! Exam applications will not be accepted at the Study Group.

LC EXAM & EXAM REGISTRATION DATES

August 8 — Final day for exam early enrollment = $575
September 19 — Final day for exam enrollment = $675
November 5 — LC Exam 

HOW TO APPLY FOR LC EXAM

  1. Download the NCQLP Lighting Certification 2016 Candidate Handbook
    - Available on the NCQLP website at [NCQLP 2016 Candidate Handbook]
    - This will assist you as a prospective candidate to decide if you are qualified and ready to take the Exam
    - Note that the closest test site is in Walnut Creek
  2. Complete and submit the LC Exam application
    - Assume a few days for application preparation
    - Include 2 professional references

For questions on the LC Prep Study Group please contact Larry Ayers martiayers@att.net

[External] Webinar: Precision in Daylighting Modeling

Webinar hosted by Denver Chapter of IBPSA-USA/ASHRAE

With the increasing demand for, and execution of green buildings through standards such as LEED, Architecture 2030, Net Zero Energy Building, and the WELL Building Standard, the need for proper integration of energy and daylighting tools is of critical importance. Unfortunately, many current energy and lighting tools in the marketplace are interoperable, and as a result, over represent or misrepresent the effects of daylighting. Energy tools not only limit the geometric expressiveness of a lighting tool stripping out mullions, wall thicknesses, and other essential details from daylight models, but also do not model occupant behavior or provide detailed lighting calculations. As a result, HVAC and electrical systems can be incorrectly sized and designed. For this presentation, Daniel Glaser and Sydney Nelson will address how to use daylight modeling tools with a focus on precision through annual metrics like Spatial Daylight Autonomy and Annual Sunlight Exposure, as well as the importance of blinds operation, daylight glare probability, and other details specific to daylight. They will then lead an open discussion on interoperability among contemporary tools. Streamlining and sharing of daylighting analysis into energy tools is a missing link that has prevented energy modeling and simulation from providing both a more holistic and realistic understanding of energy use in building. By focusing on electric lighting and daylighting separately, designers, engineers, and architects are able to achieve true accuracy and all-encompassing analysis for vastly improved individual and collaborative outcomes. 

Speakers: 

Daniel Glaser: 
As the Founder and Principal, Dr. Daniel C. Glaser brings over 20 years of experience in information technology, daylighting, and environmental research to lead the R+D efforts at LightStanza. 

Sydney Nelson: 
Ms. Nelson plays an integral role in bridging the gap between design and engineering by leading product iterations and implementing designs using HTML, CSS, and Angular

Thu, May 19, 2016 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PDT
Register for the webinar

2016 IES San Francisco Illumination Award Banquet

[External] UC Extension Course: LED Lighting for Healthier Living

UC BERKELEY EXTENSION COURSE

Understand how light influences human perception, physiology and emotion in this practical course for lay people and professionals. Investigate how to light spaces using the newest LED technology.  Using the lab at the Pacific Energy Center, experiment with good and bad lighting and observe the effects on human health and well-being. 
 
Milena Simeonova,  M.S. IES, LC, RA
5 meetings
Fridays, 2-5 pm
April 1 – April 29
San Francisco:  PG&E Energy Center, 851 Howard Street
$400 

Course Flyer

Enroll Now http://bit.ly/1OMiK0u

2016 March | Illumination Award Winners

The IES San Francisco Section congratulates the following winners of the 2016 Illumination Awards

First Place - Award of Honor
Stanford University, Windhover Contemplative Center
Palo Alto, California

Lighting Designers:
Patricia Glasow
E. Sara McBarnette
(Auerbach Glasow French)

Architect: Aidlin Darling Design

 

Second Place - Award of Recognition
140 New Montgomery Lobby
San Francisco, California

Lighting Designers:
Angela McDonald
Lilian Rodriguez Fu
Vasudha Rathi
Takanori Taira
Leia Kozel
Faith Jewell
Brian Franco
(Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design)

Architect: Perkins+Will

 

Third Place - Award of Recognition
The Strand, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.)
San Francisco, California

Lighting Designers:
Kristin Peck
Jody Pritchard
Kylie Gabbard
Erin Flaum
(PritchardPeck Lighting)

Architect: SOM

 

2016 IES Illumination Awards

ATTENTION ALL BAY AREA LIGHTING PROFESSIONALS:

It's time to submit your lighting designs to the 2016 IES Illumination Awards!

Deadline for Submissions is February 8, 2016 @ 11:59pm

(left to right) 2015 IES-SF Section First Place Award of Honor Winner: Square Inc. HQ, San Francisco, lighting design by Banks|Ramos (Claudio Ramos, Hiram Banks, Erin Sudderth, and Matt Landl); Second Place Co-Finalist: Two Complimentary Lobbies, Sa…

(left to right) 2015 IES-SF Section First Place Award of Honor Winner: Square Inc. HQ, San Francisco, lighting design by Banks|Ramos (Claudio Ramos, Hiram Banks, Erin Sudderth, and Matt Landl); Second Place Co-Finalist: Two Complimentary Lobbies, San Francisco, lighting design by Melinda Morrison Lighting Design (Melinda Morrison); Second Place Co-Finalist: Sonoma Recording Studio, Sonoma County, lighting design by PritchardPeck (Jody Pritchard and Kristin Peck); Third Place: Autodesk HQ, San Rafael, lighting design by Birkenstock Lighting Design (Inga Birkenstock, Jonas Kuo, Hasan Sanli, and Kristin Bibat)

The annual IES Illumination Awards provides a unique opportunity for public recognition of professionalism, ingenuity, and originality in lighting design based upon the individual merit of each entry judged against specific criteria.

If you have a project that was completed between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015, it is eligible to be submitted. A project may be submitted only once.

RULES: Click here for complete 2016 Illumination Awards procedures and rules: http://ies.org/programs/ia/ProceduresRules.pdf

CRITERIA: Click here to review the criterion the judges will use when evaluating your entry. Answer the questions asked in the category score sheet as you develop your narrative: http://ies.org/ia/award-categories.cfm

Here are a few more helpful hints as you develop your submissions:

  • When choosing your photos, make sure that they have no electric fill light. It is also helpful to make sure that you are not using daylight shots, unless you are showing what a custom fixture looks like during the day or a project that highlights the daylight design. The photos should showcase the lighting, and most of your photographs should be night/evening shots.
  • You are allowed to submit up to ten photographs. Images must be in JPEG format and at least 1024px wide x 769px high. You do not have to use all ten photographs. Pick your best photographs, the ones that show your project in its best light, and submit those. It is better to have four great photographs than ten mediocre ones. A short video clip (maximum one minute duration with no sound) may be submitted in addition to the ten images.
  • Showcase your photographs in terms of the story of the project. You have a 300 word maximum narrative that can be used to describe the project. Those words tie into the photographs you choose. Your story should be logical: i.e. you enter into your project, you come to these key spaces, then as you leave you see a key lighting element.

The IES Illumination awards will follow the same procedure as last year. Submit your projects online at http://www.ies.org/ia/ by 11:59pm February 8, 2016. Cost per entry is $100.

The San Francisco Section’s local live judging will take place sometime between February 9 through February 28. Between March 2 and March 10, there will be a period of time in which you can edit and refine your entry. Expect to have some feedback from your local IES section regarding how to make your entry the best that it can be. Editing closes March 10. All projects are judged on-line from March 17 through April 18. This is when the Awards of Merit are determined. Projects that receive an exceptionally high score move on to the final judging which takes place at Lightfair April 25, 2016.

Good luck! Now is a great time to get recognition for your hard work! Winning entries are published in LD+A magazine, and local section winners will be announced at the 2016 IES-SF Illumination Awards Banquet at the City Club in San Francisco on Thursday, March 24, 2016.

Electrical and Lighting Commissioning Seminar by San Francisco IEEE / IAS

Friday, February 26, 2016 – Hilton Doubletree Pleasanton

Morning Session

Keynote Title: Cyber Security for Industrial Networks
Keynote Speaker: Chet Sandberg, Raychem Corporation, IEEE Fellow

Abstract: For years, Electrical Controls and Electrical Distribution Equipment Suppliers have responded to market demands for increased Network connectivity.  Power Monitoring equipment can serve web pages right from the meter. Distribution Equipment may often have multiple  wired ethernet connection points, and even a wireless connection.   The industry has skirted around the issue of network security by placing the responsibility for security on the end user, who often does not have a clear understanding of what network hardware exists inside the electrical room.   In this presentation, we will look at the cyber-physical security options that are available for designing secure industrial networks.   We will discuss how to design secure industrial networks, and review practical ways that engineers can protect industrial networks from becoming a haven for cyber criminals.

Title: Top 8 Do’s and Don’ts of Lighting Systems/Controls Commissioning
Speakers: Lyn Gomes, kW Engineering; Rick Miller, RNM Engineering

Abstract: Lyn and Rick will present their leading dos and don’ts for lighting design and lighting controls commissioning with regards to new construction and existing buildings.

Title: Selective Coordination and Arc Flash Mitigation – Why Me?Speaker:  James Walker, Eaton Electrical

Abstract: James will delve into the following important areas in his discussion.
How to design an electrical system in which the upstream protective device (fuse or circuit breaker) nearest to the system fault clears the fault without affecting the protective devices that are upstream from it
New NEC requirements for selective coordination
Arc Flash and selective coordination challenges

Title: Revisions to IEEE-519 - IEEE Recommended Practice and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electric Power Systems
Speaker: Robert E. Fuhr; P.E.

Abstract: The presentation will discuss what this standard is, how it is applied, how this revised standard will impact you and your distribution system.  Will your distribution exceed the new IEEE-519-2014 Standards?

The IEEE-519 – 2014 Standard has recently been revised.  This is used by engineers as a guide when designing systems and investigating power quality issues.  The goal of the standard is to:
Define the specific and separate responsibilities for each participant – utilities and users
Maintain the voltage THD within acceptable limits at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) between the utility and the user
Protect the user and utility equipment from the negative impact of harmonics.

There are some significant changes and revisions to this new 2014 version as compared to the 1992 version.   Some of these changes include:
Clarification of where the PCC is located at in the distribution system
Current THD Limits at the PCC
Voltage THD Limits at the PCC
High Frequency Current Allowance in Low Current Distorted Systems
Measurement of harmonic currents and voltages

Afternoon Session

Title: Documentation – The Mother of the Commissioning Process
Speaker: Mike Pincus, Kohler Power Systems

Abstract: The key to successful factory testing, witness testing, site commissioning, acceptance testing and any future troubleshooting is a strongly written initial testing procedure.  From this presentation, you will learn how to analyze a single line diagram and create a testing document that fully tests the system for both normal and failure operation. This same document can be used for the submittal sequence of operation. We will also look at best practices for designing and documenting a system for troubleshooting.

Title: Bridging the Gap from ANSI/NETA Acceptance Testing to Commissioning
Speaker: Dan Hook; Executive Vice President of Business Development., Western Electrical Services

Abstract: The ANSI/NETA Standard for Electrical Commissioning Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems should be used in conjunction with the most recent edition of ANSI/NETA Standard for Acceptance Testing Specifications for Electrical Power Equipment and Systems.  It is the purpose of these specifications to assure that tested electrical equipment and systems are operational, are within applicable standards and manufacturer's tolerances, and are installed in accordance with design specifications.

Three voltage classes of equipment are detailed within the ANSI/NETA ECS
Low-Voltage Systems (less than 1,000 volts)
Medium-Voltage Systems (greater than 1,000 volts and less than 100,000 volts)
High-Voltage and Extra-High Voltage Systems (greater than 100 kV and less than 1,000 kV)

This presentation will link acceptance testing with electrical commissioning that completes the electrical system overall acceptance process. He will also address the following critical topics:
Individual component acceptance testing
Commissioning to ensure all integral components are functioning as a complete unit within design requirements and manufacturer's published data
Correct operation of all interlock safety devices for fail-safe functions
Correct operation of all sensing devices, alarms, and indicating devices.

Title: Electrical Predictive and Preventive Maintenance Testing, and the Standards Recommending and Requiring Its Performance
Speaker: Steve Metzger, Electrical Reliability Services, Emerson Power Systems

Abstract: This presentation will outline the most recent standards recommending and requiring electrical predictive and preventive maintenance including ANSI Standard NETA MTS 2015, The Standard for Maintenance Testing Specifications for Electrical Equipment and Systems, and NFPA 70B 2013, Recommended Practices for Electrical Equipment Maintenance for recommended practices.  Additionally, the requirements for electrical equipment maintenance as outlined in NFPA 70E 2015, The Standard for Electrical Safety in The Work Place and NERC PRC-005 will be reviewed.  The maintenance of electrical distribution equipment and systems has long been a sound practice to achieve safety and reliability, and is now, rapidly on its way to becoming a requirement.

 

LightPro is seeking help from lighting designers

LightPro Software has agreed with Lighting Analysts to integrate AGI 32 with LightPro (our lighting software, which deals with the energy and financial impact at the design phase or the re-design phase. Redesign refers to TI's and retrofits; Design refers to new construction and perhaps some TI's.)

We have ambitious plans to combine design and evaluation criteria of lighting quality, levels, and energy demand  into the design / redesign process.

The goal is to give twin specialties of light quality and quantity access to all the relevant data involved a lighting project without repetitive data entry. Thus, design criteria of each group can be shared immediately with the other when needed.

Right now, each camp appears to operate independently, without much consideration for the criteria of the other. If we are successful, Lighting Designers will be able to see the impact of their solution candidateson energy and cost, and contractors will have tools to help them handle better design and the administrivia they must take on in the future, including the meeting the requirements of lighting and power density of the applicable codes, completing forms and certifications etc.

The second goal other part of the goal is to have the as-built data shared with other 3rd party programs that handle incentive capture, M&V, and BIM system functions. Right now, each area of concentration relies on a proprietary data silo that cannot be shared with other software. We aim to fix that.

We have applied for an NSF grant to research and develop this integration, which would include capturing existing or proposed light levels and color temperature (from a drawing or an audit), providing both the photopic and scotopic results of each alternative, the impact of control systems, daylight harvesting. Then, when a design is finalized, being able to use AGI32 to create generate drawings, specs (from AGI32) and permit applications (from LightPro)

LightPro seeking lighting designers who are interested in doing this. The designers should have these skills:

  • Genuine interest in the goals
  • Familiar with computers and AGI32 and related programs
  • Good communicator
  • Like working with others who know less than they do

The participating* designer will have a chance to influence the future versions of both programs to make them more suitable to the task. Each participating individual will receive free use of the applicable LightPro software during the period and for 12 months thereafter (for the participating individual only). Participants will also enjoy shared publicity (including the opportunity to present at conferences as part of a team. We have already submitted a proposal to Lightfair.)

Please understand that this is not a paid consulting project. We are a self-funded startup, that has just started distributing to the people addressing the quantitative / energy / financial criteria of lighting design. You will have an opportunity to gain this expertise and the ability to inform individuals who lack your expertise of the criteria they are unfamiliar with. The goal is a better result for both groups, and respect for the expertise of the other. Thank you for considering this request for your participation. 

* “Participating” means being involved throughout the entire process and providing input and feedback pertaining to the design, testing, and feedback. Merely signing up without showing up or dropping is not participating. 

Contact: Chick Bornheim Cbornheim@lightprosoftware.com, LightPro Software, LLC.

Lighting Program Coordinator at PG&E's Pacific Energy Center

PG&E's Pacific Energy Center is currently hiring  for a Lighting Program Coordinator.

PG&E’s Energy Centers teach the best practices in energy efficiency, focusing on the people who design, construct, operate, and maintain buildings. PG&E has three Energy Centers: the Pacific Energy Center (PEC) with a commercial focus, the Energy Training Center, with a residential focus, and the Food Service Technology Center. The Lighting Program Coordinator will work from the PEC, while coordinating with the other energy centers.

Position Summary

The Lighting Program Coordinator organizes classes, principally non-residential focused, on lighting design, retrofits, calculations and technologies. Responsibilities also include advising on customer lighting projects and on PG&E energy efficiency lighting offerings. Additionally, the Lighting Program Coordinator works with partners throughout the state to achieve PG&E’s and California’s energy efficiency goals for lighting. The coordinator needs to balance the technical, design, efficiency, and code requirements of lighting in a team setting in order to be successful. The Lighting Program Coordinator must be dedicated to good design, energy efficiency and practical solutions that meet the occupants’ needs. The ideal candidate has experience in lighting design and installation.

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