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Intelligent Power Today Magazine
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Introducing Intelligent Power Today

Welcome to Intelligent Power Today Magazine, our publication that explores and explains the who, what, where, when, why and how of intelligent electrical devices, a collection of complex mechanical devices and sophisticated control systems used in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities—also known as intelligent buildings.

According to the Institute for Building Efficiency, intelligent buildings use smart technologies to improve system functionality, control operating costs, and to keep building occupants safe, secure, comfortable, and, of...

Buyer's Guide

News & Trends

Counterfeiting Kills

Each year, the counterfeiting of well-known brands and products continues to rise, creating an even more threatening problem. Such well-known counterfeited brands, including consumer safety and critical electrical products, are estimated to be five to seven percent of world trade. The International...

Electrical Protection

Cybersecurity for Protective Devices

Legacy Systems and Patching Dilemmas: Securing Outdated Protective Devices in a Modern Threat Environment

The ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity poses a significant challenge for the protection of critical infrastructure. While modern protective devices often incorporate robust cybersecurity features, a large portion of the infrastructure relies on legacy systems that may not have been designed with these threats in mind. This article explores the difficulties of securing outdated protective devices in a modern threat environment and discusses potential mitigation strategies.

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The Dilemma of Legacy Systems

Legacy protective devices, such as circuit breakers, relays, and other control systems, are often integral to electrical infrastructure. Originally designed for operational reliability and safety, many of these systems lack the necessary features to combat contemporary cyber threats. This incongruence between old technology and new cybersecurity requirements creates vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure.

Vulnerabilities in Legacy Systems

The primary vulnerabilities...

Electrical Protection Articles

A Closer Look into the True Cost of Replacing Electrical Switchgear

During my switchgear modernization presentations all over the US, I am constantly reminded of the concerns customers face with their aging electrical infrastructure. For the most part, these center around safety, reliability and productivity: Replacements parts are very hard (or impossible) to...

Protecting Industrial Control Circuits

Addressing relay challenges with the modern technology BY MARK STEPHENS & ALDEN WRIGHT, Electric Power Research Institute In 2009, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) began an effort to create improved alternating current (AC) “ice cube” relays that could withstand voltage sags...