Winter is Coming

And we’re not just talking about “Game of Thrones”. Winter storms wreak havoc on our infrastructure; causing power outages and rendering signalized intersections unsafe for drivers. But now, with the resurgence of DC power, low-voltage cabinets are combatting mother nature and helping intersections run, even during a superstorm.

Read on to learn about the battle between AC and DC power and see how one Massachusetts’ city was able to reap the benefits of low-voltage (LV) ATC cabinets. 

Back to Basics: AC vs DC
What is the difference and why does it matter?

The war between AC and DC power dates back to the late 1800s. During these early years of electricity, the US standard was based on direct current. Developed by Thomas Edison, direct current (DC) runs continuously in a single direction, like in a battery or fuel cell. But there was a problem. Direct current could not easily be converted to higher or lower voltages. Nikola Tesla believed that alternating current (AC) that changes direction a certain number of times per second, was the solution to this problem and could easily be converted to different voltages with a transformer.

Tesla was on to something and, despite Edison’s valiant efforts to discredit the effectiveness of AC power, he ultimately lost out and the US standard transitioned from direct to alternating current. But, this would not be the end of DC.

In recent years, direct current has experienced a renaissance of sorts, as computers, LEDs, solar cells, and electric vehicles all rely on direct current. So while it may appear that the war is not over yet, we are seeing AC and DC work in parallel in a sort of hybrid armistice.

Advantages of DC Power in Traffic
Don't call it a comeback

So, why the reemergence of DC power? It has benefits that have been shown to boost safety, increase efficiency, and save money. All things that top most transportation agencies’ list of priorities.

Extending Product Life

Reducing product power consumption by leveraging low-voltage DC power reduces the emission of heat. Heat has an adverse effect on the life of the electronics and electric bills.

Personnel Protection

In the instance of ATC cabinets, most DC-powered versions comply with NEC “Guarding of the Live Parts,” so personnel may require lighter and less expensive personal protective equipment (PPE).

Public Safety

 In the event of a knock-down, low voltages protect drivers, personnel, and the public from accidental contact with live, high-voltage (120VAC) wires.

In Action: A Storm for the Ages
The solution that kept the lights on.

Snow storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes are just a few incidents mother nature throws at us that can cause power outages. One Massachusetts' city experienced an unexpected advantage of its low-voltage cabinet when a superstorm hit and knocked out power to the city.

"The middle of March in New England usually signals the transition to Spring, but not so in March of 2017. That’s when a late season blizzard with the rather benign name, Stella, powered through the Northeast dumping up to three feet of snow, spawning tornadoes, and leaving 100,000 customers without power. It was the kind of storm traffic managers and municipalities dread.

Stella was no exception. As it blanketed Newburyport on the northern coast of Massachusetts, power was knocked out to every intersection. That is, every intersection but one... "

Are you Ready?

Low-voltage cabinets are gaining recognition as agencies look to upgrade their legacy equipment with newer and more efficient technologies. If you would like to learn more about migrating to a low-voltage ATC cabinet option, please contact us. We’re here to help. In the meantime, kick your feet up and check out our on-demand webinar, “An Insider’s Guide to the ATC Cabinet and Low Voltage Operations”