Current Issue - December 2011
Featured Story
The Control Narrative
Driven by commercial building energy codes, green building projects and owner demands for flexibility and lighting energy savings, lighting controls increasingly are being specified, and specified systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Complexity begets stronger functionality and more risks. In a perfect world, designers provide detailed requirements for control functionality and installation that are easily understandable. The real world is very different. More
SECURITY + LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS magazine serves the unique and specific informational needs of 60,000 electrical/low voltage contractors documented to work in all areas of integrated systems.
On The Job
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Estimating Your Career
This article is for all you junior and associate estimators who are trying to decide what you want to be and do for the next 30-plus years of your lives. I’ll begin with a simple but very serious question: Do you want to be a career estimator? Read Now
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Nonsense
Business decisions are sometimes based on beliefs that are sheer nonsense. As you plan for a profitable new year, take a hard look at these ideas that sound good but have little validity. Read Now
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Turn Around, Don’t Drown
With all the hazards to electrical systems weather phenomena present, contractors often are called for help, which may mean travelling in dangerous conditions. In these extremes, driving presents unique risks well before a contractor even dons a helmet and tool belt. Read Now
Codes and Standards
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Quick Fix or Total Replacement?
Hurricane season is over, and the inundation of floodwaters in many parts of the country has likely receded by now. However, evaluating electrical equipment that has been subjected to water and determining whether to recondition the equipment or replace it remains a serious issue. Read Now
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Answers, STAT!
At a major healthcare facility in Houston, I fielded questions pertaining to installations of receptacles and other related equipment. Here are those questions and my answers, which are based on the 2011 NEC. Read Now
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Parking Lot Lights, Overcurrent Protection and More
If you have a problem related to the NEC, are experiencing difficulty in understanding a Code requirement, or are wondering why or if such a requirement exists, ask Charlie, and he will let the Code decide. Read Now
Features
Smart Lighting From 9 to 5: Office Lighting
Doing more for less is a workplace mantra these days. It applies to the work force and the energy usage of the building that houses it. Smart lighting strategies are playing a central and growing role in this confluence of productivity. Read Now
LED Longevity
The biggest selling point of the LED lamp, its legendary longevity, raises an interesting question: What are the cash flow implications for a product that they may not have to be replaced for a very long time? Read Now
Integrated Systems
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Looking Ahead
Alternative-energy watchers are to be forgiven for feeling a bit edgy when it comes to promises of market-shifting technologies. After all, that’s just what California--based Solyndra suggested U.S. Energy Department lenders could expect less than a year before the company went belly-up this summer. Read Now
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Designing for Code Compliance
As an electrical contractor, you understand the need and use of power for all electrical appliances, but do you understand the specific power requirements, both primary and secondary, for all of the fire alarm systems outlined in NFPA 72 2010, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code? Read Now
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The Tester in Your Pocket
Working with fiber optics presents challenges experienced techs have learned to deal with. One problem persists: seeing the light transmitted in the fiber. Read Now
Industry News
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The End for 3 Percent Withholding
At a time when it seems lawmakers couldn’t agree on the weather, never mind what it would take to fix the ailing economy, there is at least one important issue they can rally around. Read Now
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Energy Forum Helps Contractors Find Door to Efficiency
Whether California’s nickname refers to its plentiful sunshine or the pursuit of riches, the Golden State provided an appropriate venue for NECA's first Energy Forum. Read Now
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Americans Have the Will but Need Experts to Show the Way to Energy Efficiency
Certain aspects of an energy-efficient future hinge on facility owners’ compliance and proactivity with their habits and devices, such as smart meters. However, some experts find it hard to make their case with such an indefinite variable as people who mean well but may lack the knowledge to do their part. Read Now
Featured Products
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Cool Tools: Portable LED Lighting
From backlighting computer screens and HDTVs to automobile brake and signal lights, airport message boards, large display signs, and lighting fixtures in buildings, the LED has quietly become an integral part of our everyday lives. Read Now
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Lighting Fixtures
This month, we feature lighting fixtures from Boyd Lighting, Allied Moulded Products, Lithonia Lighting and more. Read Now
Web Exclusives
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One of 7 Billion
Today, you are one of 7 billion people on Earth. That's 7 billion good reasons for sustainable infrastructure development. Read Now
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December Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
In order to install a cable plant that will meet industry standards and work with communications systems designed for using that type of cabling, it’s necessary to pick the right parts for the system. Read Now
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Handling Decorative Lighting Without Care Can Spoil Holiday Cheer
The holiday season is supposed to be a time of good cheer; however, every year, during the two months surrounding the holiday season, more than 14,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to injuries related to holiday decorating. Read Now
John Maisel to Speak at Strategies in Light Conference
Recent and ongoing in-depth market research demonstrates and illuminates the emergence of the electrical contractor as a key specification/brand influence partner across the spectrum of the Lighting Industry. John Maisel will make a presentation at the Strategies in Light Conference, Feb. 7–9, which will focus on research results and what they mean to each member of the lighting channel: suppliers, owners, builders and designers. We will explore changed, long-term, key “market drivers” behind this dramatic bottom line-affecting shift in both the role and scope of activity of electrical contractors. As a bonus to Electrical Contractor readers, use promo code SLELCD when registering, and receive $100 off. Register now!
ECmagLIVE
New videos from Bridgelux and Molex! Catch the latest in video product demos from leading electrical suppliers, industry issue webinars/discussion panels, news broadcasts from the editor and publisher, trade show coverage and much more. Now immediately available on ECmagLIVE.
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