Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 6-12: ASHRAE 90.1 success tips, NEC 2017 changes, paralleling generator systems, more

Articles about ASHRAE 90.1 success tips, NEC 2017 changes, paralleling generator systems, HVAC codes and standards, and understanding NFPA 101 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, February 6-12. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.

By Joy Chang February 13, 2017

Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s top 5 most read articles online, for February 6-12, covered ASHRAE 90.1 success tips, NEC 2017 changes, paralleling generator systems, HVAC codes and standards, and understanding NFPA 101. Link to each article below.

1. Five steps to success with ASHRAE 90.1

ASHRAE Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings is one of the main drivers used in any building design. Read the top five best practices for engineers to understand the key elements of this standard.

2. Previewing NEC 2017 changes

The current version of NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) is the 2014 edition. Though this version has not been adopted in all jurisdictions, this article reviews a project that is being designed to meet the 2014 code. A few key updates to the NEC in 2017 and their potential impacts to future designs are also highlighted.

3. Paralleling generator systems

When designing generator systems, electrical engineers must ensure that generators and the building electrical systems that they support are appropriate for the specific application. Whether providing standby power for health care facilities or prime power for processing plants, engineers must make decisions regarding generator sizing, load types, whether generators should be paralleled, fuel storage, switching scenarios, and many other criteria.

4. HVAC codes and standards: cooling and energy efficiency

Codes and standards dictate the design of HVAC systems; however, there are ways to improve the design of nonresidential buildings to achieve maximum energy efficiency.

5. Understanding NFPA 101 for mission critical facilities

NFPA 101: Life Safety Code 2015 is a reference used for strategies to protect people based on building construction, protection, and occupancy features that minimize the effects of fire and other related hazards. It is the only document that covers life safety for new and existing structures. It is vital to understand the electrical/power systems in mission critical facilities and best practices.

This list was developed using CFE Media’s web analytics for stories viewed on www.csemag.com, February 6-12, for articles published within the last two months.

Joy Chang, digital project manager, CFE Media, jchang@cfemedia.com.