The data acquisition hub 112 can be communicatively connected via data connections 110 to a plurality of sensors that can be embedded with the individual system components throughout the electrical system 102. The data acquisition hub 112 can be a standalone unit or integrated within the analytics server 116 and can be embodied as a piece of hardware, software, or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, the data connections 110 are “hard wired” physical data connections (e.g., serial, network, etc.). For example, a serial or parallel cable connection between the sensors and the hub 112. In another embodiment, the data connections 110 are wireless data connections. For example, a radio frequency (RF), BLUETOOTH?, infrared or equivalent connection between the sensor and the hub 112. Real-time system data readings can be fed continuously to the data acquisition hub 112 from the various sensors that are embedded within the electrical system 102.