Over the last year, VoltServer has been spreading the word: Conventional power-distribution methods are reaching their tipping point. They can’t keep up with the pace of technology or the demand for electricity. To address this gap, significant change in the status quo is needed.
Fault managed power systems, such as VoltServer’s Digital Electricity™, are the answer. These systems distribute power using built-in intelligence to manage and mitigate fault conditions. By rendering electricity safe, the cost and complexity of distributing electricity is greatly reduced.
Since 2011, when we pioneered this intelligent power technology, it has grown exponentially. Now, just a little more than a decade later, VoltServer’s Digital Electricity powers more than 1,000 installations with more than 40,000 circuits deployed worldwide.
The evidence is clear: All signs point to fault managed power. Here are seven proof points.
1. Fault Managed Power Is Progressing
Fault managed power platforms continue to innovate—and our new third-generation Digital Electricity platform, Tetra, is the perfect example.
Tetra is built on the premise of safety without compromise, just like other forms of Digital Electricity. But it also sets a new standard for reliability and continuity, making fault managed power possible in even more markets and applications.
Setting a new benchmark for long-range power delivery, Tetra:
- Delivers 250% more power than any other UL-listed system, safely distributing high power over distances exceeding a mile.
- Requires less infrastructure than previous Digital Electricity systems, making it a fast, easy, plug-and-play platform.
- Is designed and engineered for your specific application and is compatible with different cable vendors and cable constructions so it’s easier to install and maintain.
- Can be deployed indoors or outdoors and in environments requiring different power levels and/or voltages.
- Enables power visibility and control, so you can see when, where, how, and why power is being used.
2. More Manufacturers Are Getting on Board
As more cable and electronics manufacturers get involved with and support fault managed power, its ecosystem is becoming broader.
Whether they’re developing full fault managed power systems, embedding the technology within systems, or developing the supportive structured cabling systems required to support FMP, the number of manufacturers dedicating themselves to this innovation is growing every year.
These manufacturers are all on the same mission: to improve safety and energy efficiency through the use of fault managed power.
3. The Industry United Under the FMP Alliance
In 2024, the leaders in power technology came together to advance the use of fault managed power and help adjacent industries discover its benefits. The official formation of the FMP Alliance gives us a chance to advocate for, promote, and accelerate fault vmanaged power adoption together.
We do this as a group by:
- Acting as a single voice to promote the merits and applications of FMP across many industries
- Contributing to FMP regulations and the move toward interoperability and standardization
- Educating different industries and stakeholders about the benefits of FMP technology
4. FMP Is Powering More Types of Applications
Digital Electricity solutions are already in place in large sports stadiums, office towers, hotels and railway systems. But continued innovation makes it more applicable to a wider variety of environments.
This past year, for example, Digital Electricity was deployed at The Vintage Club, an ultra-private, ultra-exclusive resort in Coachella Valley, part of California’s Indian Wells. The owners wanted to ensure efficient, sustainable power distribution without compromising safety or reliability. Digital Electricity made it possible for The Vintage Club to deploy decentralized, zone-based architecture to serve up the experiences its members and residents expect.
Digital Electricity has also recently been deployed in:
- Parking lots
- Extended campuses and outdoor spaces
- Airport security
- Warehouses and distribution centers
Learn how we brought FMP to a luxury resort.
5. The World Needs More Power
Demand for electricity continues to accelerate. In fact, it’s projected to increase by 185% by 2050. What’s driving this growth? There are four big factors at play:
- Population expansion
- Increases in manufacturing output
- More EVs on the road
- Rises in data center energy consumption to support AI
Fault managed power is the answer to making sure all these needs can be addressed. The technology is safer to install than traditional electricity and follows wiring practices associated with low voltage cables like Ethernet, so there are more qualified workers available to install it. It’s more affordable to deploy than traditional methods, and it provides more power over longer distances.
Learn more about our high-energy future.
6. Codes and Standards Continue to Be Developed
Both UL 1400-1 and UL 1400-2 are on their journeys from Outlines of Investigation to becoming published standards. UL 1400-1 outlines requirements for fault managed power systems, while UL 1400-2 focuses on the structured cabling that supports fault managed power systems.
Both are already immersed in the ANSI approval process and are being used to certify products. Once approved, both UL 1400-1 and UL 1400-2 will be fully implemented as official standards.
Having official standards in place will give manufacturers a consistent set of guidelines to follow, leading to more uniformity in product design and performance. This will accelerate the number of fault managed power systems in the market, lead to increased innovation, and drive demand for more FMP solutions.
In 2024, VoltServer also announced a partnership with Current/OS Foundation to advocate for and promote the adoption and development of an open standard system for direct current (DC) distribution to make DC mainstream.
As DC microgrids offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional alternating current (AC) networks, interoperability will be crucial for adoption. Fault-managed power is an ideal match for the growing numbers of people and organizations leveraging DC microgrid solutions.
7. More FMP-Focused Training Is Being Developed
With the launch of our Digital Electricity Certified Training Program, we’re helping professionals get ready to support more modern electrical systems. The first course in our series is already available to help professionals better understand key electrical concepts, safety practices, and power system dynamics.
Through this training, professionals will have access to the knowledge they need to address global energy challenges, safely implement power distribution, and understand how and where FMP fits into the picture.
There’s More to Come on Digital Electricity
There’s always exciting news to report about Digital Electricity and its rise to prominence. Every day, we grow closer to it replacing AC in new building designs and continuing to expand to grid distribution.
Be sure to stay updated on the latest news and updates from VoltServer by visiting our News + Events page often.
