Digital Electricity: More Powerful Possibilities

A single run can carry power and fiber together, reaching devices up to 6,000 feet from the power source and delivering up to 4kW along the way. In the face of a fault, like someone touching an exposed wire, for example, the system cuts power immediately, reducing the risk of electric shock and fire.

This active fault detection limits hazardous energy and allows digital electricity to qualify for Class 4 wiring methods instead of the rules required for conventional, higher-voltage AC circuits (not to mention earning its own classification as a Class 4 Fault Managed Power System).

What Benefits Does Digital Electricity Deliver? 

For businesses that are working to reduce their power draw and their carbon footprint, Digital Electricity improves energy efficiency by about 7% because endpoints only draw the power they’re told to instead of pulling from a general circuit sized for a potential worst-case load. Further, to mitigate the cost of unexpected downtime, Digital Electricity’s packet-based fault detection also makes sure powering one device doesn’t put the entire circuit at risk. Individual fault-managed circuits can isolate problems without necessarily interrupting unaffected circuits, improving system resilience.

Material use also drops. In fact, Digital Electricity can reduce electrical installation costs by about 30% and ongoing operating expenses by about 20%, largely because the system requires less copper, less conduit and fewer dedicated pathways than conventional wiring. In fact, Digital Electricity installations use between 45-55% less mined, non-renewable material than comparable traditional infrastructure, which adds to the sustainability benefits gained through lower power draw.

When it comes to backup power, facilities with Digital Electricity installed can consolidate into a centralized UPS instead of having a battery present in every remote cabinet or closet. This has a direct impact on the anticipated maintenance and replacement cycle associated with distributed batteries.

Who Can install Digital Electricity?

Since Digital Electricity circuits are inherently fault managed and can’t sustain shock-level faults, many jurisdictions and code bodies treat its installation differently than line-voltage work. Class 4 systems can simplify installation using approved wiring methods, creating new opportunities for appropriately licensed and trained electrical and limited-energy professionals. Essentially, contractors already coordinating controls, audio-video, access points and lighting loads can now run the power that feeds them. Digital Electricity is a new category of power distribution that connects the electrical and building technology worlds.

Does This Product Threaten the Need for Electrical Contractors?

While Digital Electricity certainly adds a certain level of convenience when it comes to low voltage power offerings, it isn’t a substitute for a licensed electrician on virtually any other scope of work.

Digital Electricity isn’t a one-to-one swap for panels, switchgear and line-voltage distribution feeding a building’s HVAC equipment, elevators and electrical mains. Anything requiring standard AC power at higher loads requires the knowledge of skilled electrical contractors.

As always, ask the right questions when investigating which contractor you want to talk to about Digital Electricity and its potential on one of your projects, whether you’re an owner or a general contractor looking to add it to scope. 

We also heartily recommend adding Digital Electricity to your personal set of skills. It’s never a bad time to be able to offer more, whatever your role, wherever you work.