The Low Voltage Distribution Equipment Section, which is a compilation of molded case breakers, busway, switches, and panelboards and distribution boards, develops technical standards and guidelines, influences government affairs and trade issues, and collects market data on its products.
Section Officers
Chair
John Young
Principal Mgr., Standards & Industry Relations
Siemens Industry, Inc.
johnyoung@siemens.com
Vice Chair
Kevin Lippert
Manager Codes & Standards
Eaton Corp.
KevinJLippert@Eaton.com
Product Chairs
LVDE 01
Circuit Breakers
Kevin Lippert
Eaton Corp
KevinJLippert@Eaton.com
LVDE 02
Panelboards & Distribution Boards
Ron Ridgeway Siemens Industry, Inc.
ron.ridgeway@siemens.com
LVDE 03
Switches
Jim Erickson
Boltswitch
JAErickson@boltswitch.com
LVDE 04
Busway
Schneider
Schneider Electric
carl.a.schneider@us.schneider-electric.com
Staff
John Marcario
Industry Programs
joh_marcario@nema.org
Gary McFadden
Program Manager
Gary.MacFadden@Nema.org
Section activities focus on these products:
Click here for detailed product scope information.
White Papers
Arc-Flash Analysis—Utility System Parameters Critical for Accurate PPE (
43k)
Engineering Series Ratings: Is It Practical? (144k)
NEMA Position on Compatibility between Smoke Alarms and AFCIs (32k)
ABP 1 Selective Coordination
ABP 2 - Recommendations on AFCI/Home Electrical Product Compatibility
Technical Activities
Standards play a vital part in the design, production, and distribution of products destined for both national and international commerce. Sound technical standards benefit the user, as well as the manufacturer, by improving safety, bringing about economies in product, eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturer and purchaser, and assisting the purchaser in selecting and obtaining the proper product for his particular need.
NEMA devotes much of its time, effort, and resources to voluntary standardization activities. NEMA standards are offered and recommended to become American National Standards under the procedures of the American National Standards Institute, usually under the canvass method. This decision rests with the particular subdivision or subdivisions concerned. NEMA standards are also often submitted for consideration as IEC standards components or references. It is the intent of the association to continue its support of these, and many more, activities as the best method to continue providing sound and safe electrical products for the use of all.
- The LVDE Section actively works with US, Canadian and Mexican bodies on regional standards through CANENA.
- Influence international standards - LVDE committees develop industry input used in the development of US positions on IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards. The LVDE Section also administratively supports selected US National Committee Technical Advisory Groups (TAGS) to the IEC, and US TAGS for ISO automation activities.
- Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters AFCIs prevent arc faults becoming electrical fires and are required by the NEC. The LVDE Section promotes their use though the website www.AFCISafety.org.
Government Affairs
Through NEMA, the section develops industry positions on legislative and regulatory initiatives that may affect member products, markets, and customers. NEMA's work has resulted in contributions to public policy development and in promoting competitiveness, technological progress, and public safety. On the Government Affairs homepage members can search for and e-mail federal representatives to convey opinions regarding energy policy or other issues related to the electroindustry.
NEMA Government Affairs provides specific services to its members and information in the areas of Environment, Health & Safety; Energy; and International Trade & Commerce.
Market Economics
Through NEMA, member companies are able to develop and implement tailored, industry-specific market and statistical programs that benefit participating companies. Reports may include:
- Product orders and sales
- Market forecasting
- Shipments by trading areas
- Channels of distribution
- Financial and operating ratios
- Wages and benefits
- Foreign trade
The association also conducts economic analyses on the impact of legislation and regulations on member products, and monitors and reports on key industry market indicators. All programs comply with NEMA statistical confidentiality policies. For more information, please see Business & Economy.
Membership
Membership in NEMA is open to any firm actively engaged in the manufacture in North America of a product within the NEMA scope and for sale in the open market. Membership of foreign firms is subject to product section policies and NEMA Board of Governors approval.
NEMA operates on a fee-for-service basis. Each product section establishes its projects and activities and approves an annual operating budget. For more information on membership visit Joining NEMA.
Members:
- ABB Inc. Low Voltage Products & Systems
- Boltswitch
- Cooper Bussman
- Eaton Corp
- GE Consumer & Industrial
- Hubbell Incorporated
- Milbank Manufacturing
- Post Glover Resistors, Inc.
- Schneider Electric/Square D Company
- Siemens Industry, Inc.
Next Meeting
- August 9, 2011
NEMA Headquarters
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