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Huawei launches the new openEuler OS: will it replace Android and Windows?

Huawei has just released the source code of openEuler, a Linux distribution based on CentOS. Even if Huawei doesnt say it, the fact that the distribution is optimized for ARM and x86 makes it on paper an excellent candidate to replace Android and Windows.

While the conflict between the United States and China is continuous, Huawei is looking for lasting solutions to no longer depend on American software.

We can, therefore, interpret the launch of the openEuler project, with a rather technical press release, as one of the steps that should lead the firm to this objective. The press release explains that the works started on September 17, 2019. But what is openEuler? The project is an open-source variant of EulerOS, itself derived from Linux CentOS, of which 100% of the packages are both optimized for x86 (PC with Intel processor). In addition to ARM64 (architecture used by smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices).

We have the impression that we are facing a serious candidate to replace Android and Windows. But until now, we do not have any information confirmed by the company. So we will keep an eye on the companys news.

It is worth to mention that Huawei has had a rather complicated 2019 year due to the American ban that arrived in May. The company has managed to grow year on year, but the prospects for 2020 are more complicated.

Eric Xu, one of Huawei executives, has published a New Yearmessageto employees in which he states that the company will remain on the Entity List in 2020. The executive adds that Huawei will not grow as quickly as it did in the first half of 2019. The company has achieved sales growth of 18% year-over-year in 2019.

Survival will be our first priority. To this end, we need to remain dedicated, always put our customers first, and keep creating value. Specifically, we will focus on the following four areas: sustaining growth, improving our capabilities, optimizing our organization, and controlling risks.Says Xu.

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Huawei launches the new openEuler OS: will it replace Android and Windows? - Gizchina.com

Shutting down Microsofts Remix3D art repository feels like something more than just ending a project that failed to gain traction. It feels like one of the last gasps of an era when Microsoft wanted to bring creativity to all Windows users.

When we compiled our list of Microsofts 2019 hits and misses, Microsoft The Musical, conceived and performed by company interns, stood out as a breath of fresh air. It said, yeah, we toil away writing code all day, but were more than nerds. Were creative nerds.

Thats exactly what Remix3D represented. Remix3D was part of Paint 3D, an app that lets you create dioramas and other 3D objects. Remix3D was the cloud repository that allowed you to upload your own creations, but also incorporate others art into your own scenes. It was cool, anyone with Windows could do it, and it was free.

The HoloLens, especially, is one of the key products that was lost along Microsofts arc from creativity to productivity.

A few years ago, something began to change. These were days when Microsoft still titled Windows feature updates with their own mission statement: the Creators Update, for example.

Before the Creators Update actually shipped in March of 2017, however,someone at Microsoft began prioritizing productivity over creativity. We still saw a few more fun tools for consumers: The Video Editor appMicrosoft previewed with the Fall Creators Update a few months later, for instance, let you jazz up your kids soccer video bytransforming the ball into a meteor. And like Photos, Paint 3D, and the rest, Video Editor was free.

Behind the scenes, however, Micorosft was quietly beginning to put away the paints and brushes and wood chisels, deciding instead to focus solely on the canvas, also known as Office 365. Heres a white sheet of paper.Draw on it. Color it. Collaborate. Share. Publish. And well charge you an annual subscription to keep doing so.

Microsofts mantra now is that if you cant charge for it, why do it?

In the years since, some elements of Microsofts creative vision for consumers have died of neglect: RIP Capture 3D, Windows Mixed Reality, Groove Music Maker. Others have found a real job. HoloLens, for example, has become less of a gateway to adventure and more of a corporate tool for training sessions and architectural visualizations.

Interestingly, at the same time that Microsoft is shedding consumer creative apps, a small but growing niche of PCs and peripherals, including Microsofts Surface Studioand Acers ConceptD, is rising to address the emerging creator class. These professionals specialize in video, design, and other graphics-intensive tasks. The applications they wield are not cute amusements like Paint 3D, buthigh-end applications from companies like Adobe, where creativity ships with its own enterprise license.

You can understand why this motivated, capital-expenditure-rich user base would be worth pursuing, and why, as a result, less and less attention is being paid to nurturing the creative efforts of individual users. Closing Remix3D has evendiminished the few remaining creative apps within Windows. If you edit a photo within Windows 10s Photos app, you wont be able to add 3D objects to your scene any more, though the menu option remains.

At one time, Microsoft promised, not only could you add 3D objects to a photo or movie, but theyd have actualbehaviors as well.

Were not saying that creativity is dead within Redmond. But its receded from the public eye. Remember when Microsoft and other companies hosted demo days, where researchers would show off their visions of the future? Those days seem long gone. Microsofts home for personal projects, the Microsoft Garage, houses apps like Ink to Code instead of cool experiments like Ear Hockey. Engineering has replaced artistry, and collaboration has replaced creation.

I can almost hear Microsoft employees objecting: Collaboration is creation! Yes, to a point. Jointly developing a planning document to guide a new housing development is both a creative process, and part and parcel of Microsofts enterprise business model. That means more resources todevelop Microsoft Teams than the wonderful, forgottenFresh Paint.

Windows 10s Mixed Reality Viewer was arguably as cool as some of the augmented reality things Snapchat offered...but since none of the kids discovered it (and it required a tablet PC, not a phone) it died on the vine.

Its also hard to separate Microsofts creative ennui from the slow decline of its consumer business, as Zune, Groove Music, Microsoft Band, Windows Phone, and more have fallen by the wayside. Those days with Bill Gates riffing with Jerry Seinfeld? Long gone. The one bright spot is Xbox, which has supplemented its sequel-heavy AAA games lineup with the Game Pass subscription, which puts innovative smaller indie games in front of a mainstream audience.

Theres a lot to look forward to in 2020: Windows 10X, the Surface Duo and Surface Neo, a new Xbox, and more. All of these are platforms upon which creators could thrive. I just miss the days when Microsoft seemed poised to develop a bold, rich, daring ecosystem of first-party creative apps for consumers, before bowing once again to the Office juggernaut.

It wasnt always this way. Closing Remix3D feels like more than just the end of a product at Microsoft. Its the end of a more joyful time.

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Microsoft shuts down Remix3D, and an era of consumer-focused Windows creativity quietly dies - PCWorld

Planning permission for new windows at the North East of Scotland Fishermens Organisation Ltd in Peterhead has been refused.

The application was discussed by members of the Buchan Area Committee on Tuesday, January 14.

The organisation had submitted the application in a bid to replace five timber ground floor windows at the Broad Street building with new white uPVC windows.

The building is a Category B Listed building and is located within the Peterhead Central Conservation Area.

In a report issued to committee members Aberdeenshire Councils Environment Team stated: The installation of non-timber windows is contrary to Policy HE1 which does not allow development which would have a negative effect on the character, integrity or setting of a listed building.

The proposal is also contrary to Historic Environment Scotland guidance, which suggests that replacement windows should seek to match the original units as closely as possible in terms of design, construction and material finish.

The Environment Team added that it did not support the proposed replacement as it would erode the traditional appearance of the building and wider character of the Peterhead Central Conservation Area.

Aberdeenshire Council planners had recommended that the application be refused as it did not meet the requirements of policies within the Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan 2017 and they added that the changes would fail to preserve or enhance the character and/or appearance of the Peterhead Conservation Area.

Commenting at the meeting Councillor Norman Smith said: I think it is wrong to demand it get replaced with wood, PVC is fine as long as it looks good.

Councillor Stephen Calder stated that he agreed with the recommendation to refuse the application, while councillor Jim Ingram asked if it was possible to see an example of the PVC proposed in the plan.

The matter was put to a vote with a motion to refuse the plans and an amendment to see a PVC sample and deferal of the application.

The motion received six votes to four for the amendment and therefore the application was refused.

Kirstie Topp , Local Democracy Reporting Service

Continued here:
Peterhead window plan refused by councillors - Buchan Observer

A new restaurant called Thai Signature could be taking over 722 King Street, once home to local establishment Geranio Ristorante.

Geranio Ristorante closed in 2018 after 42 years of serving up Italian meals and the building has been empty since then. Recently filed permits show, however, that Thai Signature could be taking over the space with a focus on offering street food from Thailand. The restaurant will also have a bar serving wine, beer and cocktails.

Before Thai Signature opens, new restaurant will also have something of a facelift, with plans to remove the awning and replace the front facade with a new green and white design.

The space was originally a cobbler shop in the 1880s but the current building was constructed sometime between 1902 and 1907, according to a city staff report.

The original plan was a wall-to-wall glass building with a very modern design, Historic Preservation Manager Al Cox said, but staff worked with the applicant for something more Old Town appropriate. The new designs were unanimously approved at the Dec. 18 Board of Architectural Review meeting.

On the same block, a new pair of restaurants called The Handover and The Kings Ransom are in the worksfor the space that was once Eamonns Dublin Chipper and Bar PX, with signs recently placed in the window.

Read more:
Thai Eatery and Bar to Replace Geranio Ristorante in Old Town - ALXnow

BX/19/03113/TCA: Rose Tree House, The Street. Notification of intention to reduce width on east and south sector back to boundary and crown reduce by 3m on 1 no. Sweet Chestnut tree (T1).

CC/19/02845/FUL: Scopwick Power, Quarry LaneConstruction and operation of an urban reserve 2.5MW micro power plant and associated equipment.

CC/19/02851/FUL: Robert Sadler And Company, First And Second Floors, 30B Southgate.

Replacement entrance door on ground floor and replace first and second floor windows to the front and rear elevations.

CC/19/03147/FUL: Westward House, 38 Fishbourne Road. Change of use from existing short stay accommodation into 3 no. 1 bed flats and refurbishment of existing office space.

CC/19/03162/DOM: 138, Parklands Road. Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of single storey rear extension.

CC/19/03203/DOM: 30, Highland Road. Single and two storey extensions between houses to side and rear.

CC/20/00026/TPA: 4, Harberton Crescent. Fell 1 no. Sycamore tree (marked on plan as T1) within Woodland, W1 subject to CC/68/00163/TPO.

CC/20/00012/TPA: Westgate House, 52 Westgate. Reduce and reshape upper crown by up to 3m, reduce major limb on south aspect by approx. 3-5m at 7m (above ground level) and remove major deadwood throughout on 1 no. London Plane tree (T4) subject to CC/62/00135/TPO.

CC/20/00020/TCA: Regnum Court, Flat 3, North Walls.

Notification of intention to crown reduce (all round) by 10% on 2 no. Evergreen trees.

CC/20/00050/DOM: Kimber, Rew Lane. Extension to south west end elevation. Replace dormers. Raise front south east roof. Add porch entrance canopy. Internal remodelling requiring infill of existing under croft area. New windows and doors externally for whole building. Rear Gable extension at first floor only to Master Bedroom.

CC/20/00071/TCA: 19, Whyke Road. Notification of intention to crown reduce to height by 1.5m (to 6m) and all widths by 2m (to 5m) on 1 no. Magnolia tree (T1) and 1 no. Cupressus tree (T2).

East Wittering and Bracklesham

EWB/19/03157/DOM: Whyteways, 7 Peerley Road. Erection of single storey rear extension, infilling of existing front roof overhangs and construction of entrance porch; conversion of garage to habitable room and installation of dormer.

EWB/20/00015/PLD: 3, Willow Way. Erection of single storey rear extension and installation of rear dormer window.

FB/19/03097/TCA: Roman Landing, 69 Fishbourne Road. Notification of intention to fell 1 no. Crab Apple tree.

FB/19/03141/FUL: Land South Of Ivy Lodge, Blackboy Lane. Construction of 35 no. affordable residential dwellings for first - time buyers with associated access, parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

FB/19/03189/FUL: Fishbourne Centre, Blackboy Lane. Removal of existing wooden decking and fencing. Extension and construction of concrete paved patio area and surrounding low lying wall on east elevation.

FB/20/00043/DOM: 20, Deeside Avenue. Garage conversion into habitable living space and revised fenestration to the side and rear elevations.

FU/20/00028/PNO: Oakwood West Estate, Moutheys Lane. 1 no. forestry storage barn providing secure storage for vehicles, tools and equipment and site welfare facilities.

KD/20/00014/DOM: 57, Townfield. Two storey side extension and single storey front porch extension.

NM/20/00005/FUL: Manor Nursery, Lagness Road. Change of use of former class A1 (retail outlet) building with workshop to provide class B2 (general industrial use) including offices and storage.

O/20/00004/TCA: Oving Lodge, Church Lane. Notification of intention to crown lift by up to 7m (above ground level) on 2 no. Lime trees (T1 and T2) and reduce western sector by 1.5m (back to the wall) on 1 no. Holly tree (T3).

SB/20/00041/DOM: Inlands Barn, Inlands Road. Erection of boundary wall and installation of vehicular and pedestrian gates to provide access from Inlands Road

SI/20/00016/DOM: The Granary, Mill Lane. Replacement single storey outbuilding on site of existing store building - with photovoltaic panels on South facing elevation.

SI/20/00017/LBC: The Granary, Mill Lane. Replacement single storey outbuilding on site of existing store building - with photovoltaic panels on South facing elevation.

SI/20/00046/PA3Q: Land North Of 66 Street, End Lane. Change of use of 2 no. agricultural buildings to 2 no. dwellings (Class C3).

SY/19/03128/OUT: Land At Ursula Avenue.Outline planning permission all matters reserved - erection of 2 no. bungalows.

TG/19/02846/DOM: 87A, Cheshire Crescent.Erection of two storey and single storey rear extension and porch to the front. Installation of ground floor windows to the front and side and second storey window to the side.

WE/20/00024/TCA: Mill House, River Street. Notification of intention to coppice a row of mixed Willow and Hazel trees and self-seeded Plum saplings (marked on plan as 1), reduce back to main stem 3 no. limbs on south-east sector (overhanging road) on 1 no. Ash tree (marked on plan as 2), crown reduce by up to 30% (all round) on 1 no. Apple tree (marked on plan as 3) and fell 1 no. Elderberry tree (marked on plan as 4).

WR/20/00007/TCA: Winterfold, Durbans Road. Notification of intention to fell 1 no. Willow tree (T1).

WW/19/03142/FUL: St Peters Church Hall, Church Road. Partial demolition on the east elevation, proposed extension on the south elevation with associated works including extending parking area.

WW/19/03152/DOM: 5, Southcote Avenue. Erection of single store side extension with entrance to front elevation and conversion of garage to habitable room.

WW/20/00029/PNO: Land North Of White Barn, Elms Lane. 1 no. agricultural barn for cattle and storage for equipment, feed and bedding.

SDNP/19/04463/FUL: West Dean Estate, Town Lane. Retrospective approval for the upgrading and resurfacing of an existing private forestry access road on the West Dean Estate. The proposed description of development is as follows: Retrospective resurfacing of section of private single-track lane.

SDNP/19/05716/FUL: Land South East of Hillands Farm, B2141 Marden Hill to Hooksway Lane. Change of use of land from agriculture to camp site and retrospective permission sought for shower and toilet facilities and site signage.

SDNP/19/05583/HOUS: High Marley, Marley Heights. Demolition of outbuildings and construction of swimming pool and erection of adjacent leisure buildings.

SDNP/19/05976/TPO: Land West of 19, Southleys. Reduce 5 no. secondary limbs overhanging car park by up to 3m and deadwood on 1 no. Oak tree (quoted as T1, TPOd nos. T4). Reduce crown over car park by 3m and deadwood on 1 no. Oak tree (quoted as T2, TPOd nos T5). Crown lift by up to 3m (above ground level) and deadwood on 1 no. (quoted as a Field Maple tree) is an Oak tree (quoted as T3, TPOd nos T6). Crown reduce to 8m habitat pole on 1 no. Oak tree (Quoted as T4, TPOd nos. T2). All 4 no. trees are subject to FH/92/00474/TPO.

SDNP/19/06040/HOUS: 8, The Leys. Installation of PV Solar Panels on front and rear roof areas.

SDNP/19/05940/HOUS: Hill Croft , Wakestone Lane. Freestanding greenhouse.

SDNP/19/05941/LIS: Hill Croft , Wakestone Lane. Freestanding greenhouse.

SDNP/19/06052/HOUS: The Laurels , The Street. Erection of replacement outbuilding.

SDNP/19/06056/HOUS: The Laurels , The Street. Erection of replacement outbuilding.

SDNP/19/05620/HOUS: Jasmine Cottage , Nyewood Road. Demolition of existing store and construction of single storey side extension.

SDNP/19/06063/HOUS: The Barn House, North Lane. Erection of a greenhouse.

SDNP/19/06119/HOUS: 1, The Street. Insertion of new Velux windows to rear elevation and replacement windows to street elevation.

SDNP/19/06066/HOUS: Brickyard Cottage , Surrey Road. Larger new dormer and construction of new side extension, together with a new outdoor pool and plant shed.

SDNP/19/06129/HOUS: St Peters Well, Vicarage Lane. Internal repair alterations and minor external alterations to. Removal of existing single storey extension and construction of new single storey rear extension.

SDNP/19/06130/LIS: St Peters Well , Vicarage Lane. Internal repair alterations and minor external alterations. Removal of existing single storey extension and construction of new single storey rear extension.

SDNP/19/06109/LDP: Keepers Cottage , Fernhurst Road. Single storey rear extension and front porch.

SDNP/19/05499/HOUS: Quarry Hill, Grove Lane. Construction of garage, car ports and store, with hobbies room over.

SDNP/19/06076/TCA: Leconfield Estate Company, Park Road. Notification of intention to remove 1 no. stem (South sector) on 1 no. Holly tree (T1).

SDNP/19/06128/FUL: 36, Littlecote. Change of use from Childrens Residential Home (C2) to a Veterinary Surgery (Sui Generis) including external material alterations, changes to fenestration, new parking areas and landscape alterations.

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Planning applications submitted to Chichester District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority - Midhurst and Petworth Observer

PUBLISHED: 06:00 17 January 2020

Andy Warren

Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert with owner Marcus Evans and general manager of football operations, Lee O'Neill, inset. Picture: ARCHANT

Archant

Paul Lambert admitted Ipswich Town may only be able to 'do little bits here and there' during the January transfer window.

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Speaking after Tuesday night's draw at Oxford the Town boss said defender Josh Earl could potentially be the only new recruit this month, but it's known he would like to do further business if he could.

"We just don't have the money, the money is not there. Marcus (Evans) has made it pretty clear to everybody that we can only do little bits here and there," Lambert said.

"That's where the club is at the minute. We have to go with the guys who have been great for me.

MORE: Former Ipswich Town defender Smith a transfer target for Portsmouth and Wigan"Josh could be the only one. If there's something there that Marcus thought was right then I'm sure he would try and help, but we have to remember where the club is at. You know the debts and what's gone on. He can't just magic money out the air, the club has got to keep continuing to survive. That's the way it is."

Here we take a look at the areas Lambert could still target in January.

Goalkeeper

The only way a new goalkeeper will be required is if Will Norris is recalled by parent club Wolves.

The Premier League side retain the right to do that until the end of the January transfer window but, with the 26-year-old currently Lambert's first choice, they are more than happy for him to remain in Suffolk.

Should that change and Norris be recalled, expect the Blues to look for a replacement.

Right-back

With Kane Vincent-Young sidelined until the end of February at the earliest, Lambert could be tempted into the transfer market in order to replace the former Colchester man.

Janoi Donacien is the only fit, specialist right-back at the club currently, with Gwion Edwards growing into his role at the preferred option as a wing-back in Lambert's currently system.

MORE: 'I would be very happy to sign' - Bialkowski keen on permanent Millwall switch as discussions continue

Neither of those offer the full-package Vincent-Young brings, which could tempt the Town boss into the market for a temporary solution.

It will be tough to find, though.

Another centre-back?

Earl's arrival has bolstered a back line which had a hole to fill following the departure of Toto Nsiala to Bolton at the end of last week.

The Preston loanee can play on the left of the back three or as an out-and-out left-back which, if and when he breaks into the team, will bring an element of balance to the Town defence.

Luke Chambers, James Wilson and Luke Woolfenden are the preferred trio at the moment and, if Lambert is set on the back three in the long-term, would he potentially require a fifth central defender?

It's understood that could indeed be the case, so don't discount a move for Lewis Gibson of Everton. The Blues are believed to have an agreement in place to bring the highly-rated teenager to Suffolk on loan, with the only issue currently relating to the youngster's contract at Goodison Park.

The Toffees will only sanction a loan move should he put pen-to-paper on a new deal, with his current terms up in the summer and other clubs interested. Those contract talks have not progressed, though.

MORE: Sunderland bring in a big name as Oxford and Lincoln get busy - every League One deal completed in the January windowDiscussion of Tommy Smith returning to the fold won't go away until he signs for another club, with Wigan Athletic and Portsmouth both now understood to be interested.

Lambert poured cold water on that potential move last week, though, with the Town boss insisting fans shouldn't live in the past and 'move on' when it comes to the left-sided defender.

Wide boys

Ipswich are short of out-and-out wingers but, right now, it's not an issue given the Blues' preferred system.

Gwion Edwards is the only fully fit option at present while Freddie Sears is also now an option on the flanks so, if Lambert did want to switch things up, he may need to add to his squad to do it.

Danny Rowe's knee injury has kept him out since the start of December, while Alan Judge clearly plays his best football through the middle of the pitch, leaving the Blues short of attacking width.

Earl's arrival could potentially allow Luke Garbutt to push further forward, with either the Preston loanee or Myles Kenlock slotting in at left-back in a back four should that a be route Lambert wishes to go down.

Target man

All three of Ipswich's frontline striker, James Norwood, Kayden Jackson and Will Keane, were on the scoresheet in the recent 4-1 victory over Accrington so, on the face of it, firepower isn't a problem.

That's especially true when you also consider the fact Sears is working his way back to fitness.

But could Ipswich do with something a little different?

MORE: Young Ipswich Town duo could be set for Scottish loan movesIt's understood a target man striker is something the Blues are after during this transfer window; the type of player who can win balls in the air and hold it up to bring others into play. A player who worries the opposition physically may just have done a job in howling conditions at Oxford on Tuesday night and could prove valuable off the bench in tight games.

Tom Elliott was a player who nearly joined on loan in the summer, only for injury to get in the way, but he's subsequently joined League Two side Salford.

Lambert may just be keen to bring in someone like him before the end of the window, though.

Read more:
Lambert admits Town can only do 'little bits here and there' in the transfer market... but where should he look to strengthen? - East Anglian Daily...

A SHOPPING centre boss has revealed what will replace a popular make-up shop.

Mark Buchanan-Smith, centre director for Churchill Square in Brighton, spoke out on what would fill the empty unit left by Monsoon Accessorize.

The store shut on Saturday and slashed its prices by up to 70 per cent as it approached its final day of trading.

Signs in the windows directed loyal customers to their next nearest store inMontague Street, Worthing.

But it is now known what will take the place of the store.

MrBuchanan-Smith said: "While we confirmed that Monsoon Accessorize will be closing this month, that was to facilitate the relocation and upsizing of Levis."

He also said efforts would be made to returnAccessorize to the shopping centre.

He said: "Discussions are continuing to progress to retain Accessorize at the shopping centre and further announcements on this will be made in due course."

See the rest here:
Store to replace Accessorize in Churchill Square, Brighton - The Argus

The leading international organisation for building codes and standards says that all newly constructed homes should be EV-ready, and guidelines have been recently accepted by US local governments to ensure electric vehicles (EVs) are taken into account for all new building constructions.

A global transition to electric mobility is already well underway: EV pioneer Tesla is now worth more than General Motors and Ford combined at around $US90 billion ($130 billion), legacy car-makers such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, Ford, and most recently Kia have announced billions invested towards developing electric models, and others such as GM, BMW, Daimler have promised electric models in coming years.

In a release on the new guidelines for improving the energy efficiency of US homes from the New Buildings Institute last Monday, the body noted the important role that electric vehicles have to play in tackling climate change.

Electrification of buildings and vehicleswith clean, renewable power supplyis one of the key policy solutions for tackling climate change, and in new buildings electrification readiness can be done at a very small incremental cost, the institute noted.

The new guidelines will require all new buildings to make a percentage of parking spaces ready and available for electric vehicles, including installation of the necessary electric infrastructure to avoid expensive retro-fitting later on.

In Australia, the need for new buildings to be EV-ready was recognised in the proposed EV policy plan by the Australian Labor party in the lead up to 2019s May election.

However, a vicious and blatantly incorrect campaign run by the Morrison LNP government, and particularly minister for energy Angus Taylor, included claims that the policy amounted to a housing tax that would cost consumers thousands of dollars.

The new building guidelines outlined by the ICC are designed to avoid unnecessary costs rather than add to them.

The code change proposal will increase the cost of initial construction, but provide long-term savings for EV owners through the avoided retrofit costs of installing EV charging infrastructure, it is noted in the new definitions added by the ICC to the 2018 Energy Conservation Code.

Publicly accessible electric vehicle DC fast charging infrastructure that is typically accessed on highways and other key routes now has considerable penetration the US, but access to adequate AC charging at home so EV owners can charge EVs in much the same way as mobile phones is also a critical piece of the puzzle.

As noted by the ICC, the lack of access to EV charging stations continues to be a critical barrier to EV adoption. In particular, there are significant logistical barriers for residents of multi-family dwellings to upgrade existing electrical infrastructure and install new EV charging stations.

A lack of pre-existing EV charging infrastructure, such as electrical panel capacity, raceways, and pre-wiring, can make the installation of a new charging station cost-prohibitive for a potential EV-owner.

The installation of an EV charging station is made three to four times less expensive when the infrastructure is installed during the initial construction phase as opposed to retrofitting existing buildings to accommodate the new electrical equipment.

New residential buildings are constructed to last for decades, and so it is critical that EV charging infrastructure is incorporated at the pre-construction stage to ensure that new buildings can accommodate the charging needs of future EV-owners, it concludes.

New definitions added by the ICC include:

ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT (EVSE): The conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors, and the Electric Vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and the Electric Vehicle.

EV CAPABLE SPACE: Electrical panel capacity and space to support a minimum 40-ampere, 208/240-volt branch circuit for each EV parking space, and the installation of raceways, both underground and surface mounted, to support the EVSE.

EV READY SPACE: A designated parking space which is provided with one 40-ampere, 208/240-volt dedicated branch circuit for EVSE servicing Electric Vehicles. The circuit shall terminate in a suitable termination point such as a receptacle, junction box, or an EVSE, and be located in close proximity to the proposed location of the EV parking spaces.

Bridie Schmidt is lead reporter for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She specialises in writing about new technology, and has a keen interest in the role that zero emissions transport has to play in sustainability.

See more here:
All new homes should be EV-ready, says international code council - The Driven

Article 110 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) covers the general requirements for the examination and approval, installation and use, access to, and spaces about electrical equipment. Some of the quick requirements include:

Be careful not to confuse the term interrupting rating [Sec. 110.9] with short-circuit current rating [Sec. 110.10].

Overcurrent protective devices must have an interrupting rating capacity equal to or greater than the fault current available at the equipment line terminals [Sec. 110.9]. Unless marked otherwise, the ampere interrupting capacity (AIC)rating for circuit breakers is 5,000A [Sec. 240.83(C)], and it is 10,000A for fuses [Sec. 240.60(C)(3)].

Electrical equipment must have a short-circuit current rating (SCCR) that permits the circuit protective device to open due to a short circuit or ground fault without extensive damage to the electrical equipment [Sec. 110.10]. Listed equipment applied per its listing meets this requirement (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1. Electrical equipment must have a short-circuit current rating (SCCR) that permits the circuit protective device to open due to a short circuit or ground fault without extensive damage to the electrical equipment.

Available shortcircuit current is the current, in amperes, available at a given point in the electrical system. This current is first determined at the secondary terminals of the serving electric utility transformer. Thereafter, the available shortcircuit current is calculated at the terminals of the service disconnect, then panelboards and other equipment as various connections are made downstream from the main service. Beginning at the serving electric utility transformer, the available shortcircuit current decreases at each downstream connection point of the electrical system.

Electrical equipment and cabling must be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner [Sec. 110.12]. One aspect of this is that unused openings must be closed by fittings that provide protection substantially equivalent to the wall of the equipment [Sec. 110.12(A) and (C)].

Exposed cables must be supported by the structural components of the building so that the cable will not be damaged by normal building use. Electrical equipment must be firmly secured to the surface on which it is mounted [Sec. 110.13].

Conductor terminal and splicing devices must be identified for the conductor material, and they must be properly installed and used per the manufacturers instructions [Sec. 110.3(B)].

Single direct burial types UF or USE conductors can be spliced underground with a device that is listed for direct burial [Sec. 300.5(E) and Sec. 300.15(G)]. Multiconductor UF or USE cables can have the individual conductors spliced underground with a listed splice kit that encapsulates the conductors and cable jacket.

Electrical connection failures cause insulation failure, short circuits, ground faults, and fires. Improper terminations, poor workmanship, violating the manufacturers instructions, and improper torqueing can each cause poor electrical connections.

For equipment rated 100A or less, size conductors 1 AWG and smaller per the ampacities in the 60C temperature column of Table 310.16 [Sec. 110.14(C)(1)(a)(1)]. Conductors rated for at least 75C temperature and that terminate on terminals rated 75C can be sized per the ampacities in the 75C temperature column of Table 310.16 [Sec. 110.14(C)(1)(a)(3)].

For equipment rated greater than 100A, size the conductor per the ampacities in the 75C temperature column of Table 310.16 [Sec. 110.14(C)(1)(b)(1)] (Fig. 2). Splicing and terminating devices with terminals rated 90C and not connected to electrical equipment can have their conductors sized per the ampacities in the 90C temperature column of Table 310.16 [Sec. 110.14(C)(2)].

Fig. 2. For equipment rated over 100A, size the conductor per the ampacities in the 75C temperature column of Table 310.16.

Markings

Youll find many requirements for markings throughout Art. 110. For example, where caution, warning, or danger labels are required, the labels must meet three requirements [Sec. 110.21(B)]:

1. The markings must warn of the hazards using effective words, colors, symbols, or a combination of words, colors, and symbols.

2. The label cannot be handwritten, and it must be permanently affixed to the equipment.

3. The marking must be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

Some other marking requirements include:

Spaces about electrical equipment consist of working space for worker protection [Sec. 110.26(A)] and dedicated space to provide access to, and protection of, equipment [Sec. 110.26(E)]. The working space must always be clear; therefore, this space cannot be used for storage [Sec. 110.26(B)]. Working space is not required at the back or sides of equipment where all connections and all renewable, adjustable, or serviceable parts are accessible from the front of the equipment.

While OSHA and NEC tables provide values for various voltages and conditions, these are minimum values. The actual values needed for adequate working space and worker protection in each installation may be greater. NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, provides guidance in determining the severity of potential exposure, planning safe work practices including establishing an electrically safe work condition arc flash labeling, and selecting personal protective equipment (PPE).

The point of determining the correct working space for a given installation isnt to see how little of it you can get by with. The point is to determine how much is needed to efficiently and safely service the equipment. The efficiency aspect isnt required by OSHA or the NEC, but it can dramatically affect operational profitability. This same logic applies to Part III of Art. 110, which provides working space requirements for installations over 1,000V.

You must allow for sufficient depth, width, and height:

Exception No. 1: The minimum height of working space does not apply to a service disconnect or panelboards rated 200A or less located in an existing dwelling unit.

Fig. 3. The height of the working space must be clear and extend from the grade, floor, or platform to a height of 6 ft or the height of the equipment.

Exception No. 2: Meters are permitted in the working space.

If equipment thats above a suspended ceiling or in a crawl space is likely to require servicing while energized, all of these conditions apply [Sec. 110.26(A)(4)]:

(1) Equipment above a suspended ceiling must have an access opening at least 22 in. 22 in. Equipment in a crawl space must have an accessible opening at least 22 in. 30 in.

(2) The working space width must be at least 30 in., but never less than the width of the equipment.

(3) The working space must permit equipment doors to open 90.

(4) The working space in front of the equipment must comply with the depth requirements of Table 110.26(A)(1); horizontal ceiling structural members are permitted in this space.

When live parts are exposed for inspection or servicing, the working space, if in a passageway or open space, must be suitably guarded. Furthermore, at least one entrance must provide access to and egress from the working space. [Sec. 110.26(C)].

Thinking that you can just look up something from here if a question arises is a mistake. To avoid errors, allot time on a regular basis to study, understand, and be familiar with the requirements.

Working space issues are especially an area of confusion. Remember, nothing prevents you from exceeding working space minimums if conditions merit doing so. You just cant go the other direction.

Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc. in Leesburg, Fla. He can be reached at http://www.mikeholt.com.

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General Requirements of the NEC - EC&M

The US will need9.6 millionnew electric vehicle charging ports by 2030. Where will all those chargers be located? According torecent research, almost 80% of those will be in single and multi-family residential buildings. Thats a big change. Homes in the US are typically built with wiring for only a few 240W outlets in the garage, just enough to handle a washer and dryer. But theInternational Code Council(ICC) has foreseen the need for this radical increase in EV chargers, and it approved changes to building standards in a2020 provisionthat will allow all new homes built in the US to be EV-ready.

By Carolyn FortunaCleantechnica

In 2019, there were more than 68,800 Level 2 and DC fast charging units throughout the United States. Of that total, 16%, or approximately 10,860 units, were DC fast chargers that make long-distance travel more practical for electric vehicles (EV), according to theOffice of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

TheSouthwest Energy Efficiency Projectarguesthat EV-ready building codes are one of the most effective and low-cost strategies for states and local governments to encourage consumers to buy or lease electric vehicles. At their most basic, they say, the codes establish EV infrastructure requirements for new construction projects, including the electrical capacity and pre-wiring to make possible the future installation of EV charging stations. States and municipalities around the country have developed their own EV-ready building codes to accommodate local EV market trends and to meet community-specific climate goals.

The new ICC guidelines call for installing panels, outlets, and conduits capable of charging at least one full-size EV in a single-family garage overnight. Multi-family buildings will need two spots, along with more that can be easily retrofitted, a standard known as EV capable. Homeowners will still need to install their own EV charging equipment.

Heres the actualICC languageof the new EV-ready standard:

R404.2 (IRC N1104.2) Electric Vehicle (EV) charging for new construction. New construction shall facilitate future installation and use of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70).

R404.2.1 (IRC N1104.2.1) One- to two-family dwellings and townhouses. For each dwelling unit, provide at least one EV Ready Space. The branch circuit shall be identified as EV Ready in the service panel or subpanel directory, and the termination location shall be marked as EV Ready. Exception: EV Ready Spaces are not required where no parking spaces are provided.

tR404.2.2 (IRC N1104.2.2) Multifamily dwellings (three or more units). EV Ready Spaces and EV Capable Spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table R404.2.2. Where the calculation of percent served results in a fractional parking space, it shall round up to the next whole number. The service panel or subpanel circuit directory shall identify the spaces reserved to support EV charging as EV Capable or EV Ready. The raceway location shall be permanently and visibly marked as EV Capable.

The definitions for the ICC EV-ready construction are as follows:

ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT (EVSE). The conductors, including the ungrounded, grounded, and equipment grounding conductors, and the Electric Vehicle connectors, attachment plugs, and all other fittings, devices, power outlets, or apparatus installed specifically for the purpose of transferring energy between the premises wiring and the Electric Vehicle.

EV CAPABLE SPACE. Electrical panel capacity and space to support a minimum 40-ampere, 208/240-volt branch circuit for each EV parking space, and the installation of raceways, both underground and surface mounted, to support the EVSE.

EV READY SPACE. A designated parking space which is provided with one 40-ampere, 208/240-volt dedicated branch circuit for EVSE servicing Electric Vehicles. The circuit shall terminate in a suitable termination point such as a receptacle, junction box, or an EVSE, and be located in close proximity to the proposed location of the EV parking spaces.

A2016 studydetermined that installing PEV charging infrastructure during initial construction is very cost effective. The cost for installing complete or nearly complete 240-volt 40-amp electric circuits as a retrofit is several times more expensive than installing this infrastructure during new construction. The study authors concluded that installing infrastructure during new construction can avoid retrofit costs including breaking and repairing walls, longer raceways (also referred to as conduit) using more expensive methods and upgrading electric service panels. In addition, the soft costs such as permitting and inspections and project management are much lower for new construction.

The ICC is the building standards organization which sets voluntary guidelines for new homes. The ICC, a non-profit trade association, develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. It has 64,00 members with 377 chapters worldwide.

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(Originally appeared at our sister-site, Cleantechnica.)

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All new-built homes in the US will be EV ready - Red, Green, and Blue