TIME FOR A POWER RESET Electricity evolution is long overdue. Buildings and the connected devices that control them are progressing rapidly. They are becoming more powerful and smarter as they optimize operations and efficiency. There is just one problem with this transformation, however: The AC power distribution method the world relies on is not keeping up. In fact, it has not evolved much at all since 1893. While the systems connected to them look different than those from over a century ago, the infrastructure and distribution methods behind technology are pretty much the same as they have always been, namely expensive, slow and dangerous to install, and inflexible. They are also incompatible with data. The professionals trained to work on data lines are not always qualified to work with conventional electricity systems. In 2023, the NEC adopted a new section to address FMP. This is a major indicator that FMP is becoming a more widely industry-accepted technology. Now that the NEC recognized and standardized FMP, the technology could take on power distribution for whole building design as modern facilities increasingly prioritize capabilities that conventional distribution systems are not as well-positioned to support: • Sustainability
as critical work is delayed, costs rise and building owners face uncertainty about project completion. In some areas, owners are waiting months for electrical work to be done, which creates bottlenecks that ripple through the entire industry. When electricians cannot get the components they need, what alternatives exist? Critical electrical components are being delayed. Supply chain disruptions surrounding electrical components are not going away, which further impacts project timelines. Material shortages and unpredictable lead times continue to challenge construction and manufacturing projects. This includes the equipment that electricians need to complete installations, such as transformers. In some cases, depending on the size and type of transformer needed, it can take years to receive everything required to complete a project. As many transformers reach the end of their lifespan, the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) predicts that the U.S. will need to replace up to 1.5 million of them in 2025 alone, not to mention what will be required to support new construction and expansion efforts. 7
spaces to help designers and owners optimize spaces and use their buildings in more intentional and impactful ways. By freeing up valuable real estate that would otherwise be dedicated to bulky electrical infrastructure, owners can maximize building layouts, potentially creating more usable (or leasable) area. FLEXIBLE POWER FOR EVOLVING SPACES Adaptability and flexibility are key features of modern buildings, which need to accommodate whatever occupants need and owners envision in the moment. A building designed with FMP is future-ready because an FMP system does not depend on traditional infrastructure. If the needs of occupants or the purpose of a building change, costly retrofits and infrastructure upgrades can often be avoided because with FMP, power distribution can be reconfigured with minimal disruption. This level of flexibility empowers building owners to experiment with new layouts, amenities, and technologies without the fear of being locked into legacy infrastructure. As tenant needs shift, FMP enables rapid reconfiguration of power delivery to support those evolving business models and preferences. If they change again—or if a new tenant takes over—reconfigurations can again be made more cost-effectively. FMP is also better suited to support newer technologies that are not widely deployed yet, such as virtual reality, AI-driven predictive maintenance, or quantum computing. As smart buildings continue to become more connected, FMP systems help them position for what comes next.
mechanisms. Conversely, FMP is designed to limit electrical faults to make it safer to install and operate. For example, if someone touches a live wire or a water leak is present, the system can sense the fault disruption and stop power transmission immediately, preventing injury or worse. As smart buildings move toward autonomous and adaptive operations, FMP enables proactive fault prevention to reduce the risk of dangerous situations. By continuously managing and limiting fault currents, FMP minimizes the likelihood that minor issues will ever escalate into serious hazards. This is especially critical in modern environments, where more connected devices and systems could amplify the consequences of even a small electrical fault. As intelligent buildings become more complex, the ability to maintain a consistently safe environment will remain essential, especially when maintenance is being performed. FMP enables safer access for personnel who need to complete routine work or upgrades. As the building evolves, safety can remain a constant foundation. SMALLER FOOTPRINTS FOR BIGGER POSSIBILITIES The built-in safety capabilities of FMP not only protect people, but also redefine the requirements for installing and integrating electricity into buildings. Components like circuit breakers, panels, transformers, and conduits are not necessary with FMP. Instead, receiver and transmitter units enable packet energy transfer to safely deliver significant power over significant distances. These power systems can be deployed in compact
• Efficiency • Resilience • Flexibility • Automation • Safety • Intelligence
With fewer deployment barriers, greater flexibility, and higher reliability, there are six reasons why FMP is set to redefine the future of electrical distribution in intelligent buildings. SMART POWER FOR SAFER BUILDINGS There is nothing traditional about intelligent buildings—except for their electrical distribution systems. To mitigate arc faults, electrical fires, and hazards to people and property, traditional power distribution requires complex and expensive protection
UNINTERRUPTED POWER MEANS UNSTOPPABLE OPERATIONS
With connected systems and devices acting as the command center for modern buildings, constant connections to power and data are more essential than ever. Any interruption in flow could disrupt the operation of critical systems. Consider a data center housing financial transactions or an emergency room that suddenly experiences a fault—in these environments, uninterrupted power and data are top priorities.
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ICT TODAY
October/November/December 2025
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