Electrical switchboard opens up to communications

networks
June 6th, 2011 | Posted in Energy Efficiency - building
Tags: intelligent building, intelligent switchboard, power over internet

The current trend: intelligent buildings are currently

undergoing a long awaited convergence movement. In other words, the many low-current
networks, which were previously independent of one another, are merging into an Ethernet
standard, where communication, security and technical management functions (digital display,
public-address system, video surveillance, access control, fire protection, anti-intrusion alarms,
lighting management, HVAC, elevators management ) within the building or infrastructure are
concerned. Though, the convergence movement is not new; its beginning goes back to the 80s
and 90s, today it is speeding up strongly and one consequence is that electrical switchboard
connectivity becomes a must.

The power of Internet Protocol

Internet Protocol (IP) is certainly the cornerstone of this convergence. It permits to attribute to
any device a precise and single address and connect it to the network in order to exchange data.
Very widespread at the beginning in data transmission on Ethernet network in IT, it has been
deployed then to telephone transmissions with the IPBX. The novelty now is the transition from
proprietary protocols to Internet Protocol on twisted pair for building automation services.

Electrical switchboard connected to the networks

Convergence movement, IP connectivity of electrical components

and the boom of related services imply a strong link between the electrical switchboard and the
communications network. The first power components to have Ethernet connectivity or even an
onboard web server are circuit breakers and variable speed drives. Manufacturers aim now to
generalize this connectivity. That is for many reasons. Firstly, the possibility to make a remote
maintenance, or at least, to be informed more precisely about a situation before going to site in
case of a fault. Then, the possibility of making current or voltage measurements permits to
detect abnormal behavior or deviations. Timestamped events analysis allows to better understand
accident the causes of a sinister. Furthermore, this communications link opens the way to real
time power and consumption measurement. This is an asset for load management to lead an
energy saving strategy, or why not a load shedding strategy. Finally, remote control allows to
modify parameters or to update software without being physically besides the switchboard.

Structured cabling assets

Equipped with a single RJ45 connector, structured cabling allows currently up to 10 gigabits/s of
throughputs and more for applications that need a stronger volume of data transfer (such as
video). But today, most applications work perfectly with existing lower transfer capacities.
Moreover, we must underline the way in which cabling is now distributed in the building. The
goal for the future: making this more modular, denser, and preconfigured to be used as an
interface with all types of IP equipments.

Power over Ethernet (PoE): Power supply through a twisted pair

Twisted pair cabling, dedicated to data exchange, allows conveying a power of 24W under 48V,
delivered to the connected equipment. All included in the single RJ45 connector. Named PoE

(Power over Ethernet), this technology is already being prepared for stronger power, but
probably wont exceed 100W.
Main interest: to avoid installation of an extra power line to supply devices connected to the
network, in particular when it is distant from a power plug (camera, sensor). This electrical
supply principle could influence the layout and the number of electrical distribution circuits. It is
also interesting to note that the data network switching bay becomes a compulsory passage for
those power supplies, and must integrate power injection units on these twisted pairs.