Current Issue - January 2010
Featured Story
2010 Construction Outlook: A Slow Climb From Rock Bottom
Leading construction experts and economists agree that the economy is emerging from its deepest and longest financial crisis since the Great Depression. Even with a modest boost from government stimulus dollars, it will be a very slow crawl out of recession and into recovery. 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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Every Statistic Has a Name
Right in front of you on the switchboard, a bright orange label reads: “WARNING Arc Flash Hazard, Appropriate PPE Required.… Read Now -
Use Downtime Wisely
It looks like 2010 might just be the jump start we have all been waiting for; per McGraw-Hill Construction’s “Outlook 2010 Executive Conference” industry analysts are forecasting an 11 percent increase in overall U.… Read Now -
Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics
When pundits offer statistics in support of their opinions, it is hard to know whether to trust the numbers; economics and finance are difficult enough to navigate without suspecting that someone with an agenda is deliberately misleading you.… Read Now
Codes and Standards
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Branch-Circuit, Feeder and Service Calculations, Part XLVI
Article 220 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides requirements for calculating branch-circuit, service and feeder loads.… Read Now -
The Changing Face of PV and Wind
Recently on a cross-country flight, I noticed the incredible number of alternative power sources that are in the process of being installed or have already been installed and are in operation.… Read Now -
Companions in Safety
National Fire protection Association (NFPA) 70B (Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance) contains the requirements to perform frequency inspections and evaluate components of equipment for safe operation.… Read Now
Features
Gauging Contractor Confidence
If you accept the common wisdom from Wall Street, the bottom of the current market slump came on November 20, 2008; still, in interviews with electrical contractors across the nation conducted a year later in late October and early November 2009, most eagerly awaited the birth of a new and vigorous market.…Read Now
Digital Adaptation
Planning for a secure financial future is not easy, particularly in an economy that is faltering and erratic.…Read Now
Integrated Systems
Experts Consulting Experts
In order to get started in systems integration, you must make a number of basic decisions; these decisions are similar, whether you are dealing with new construction or an existing building. Read NowThe More Things Change ...
Each year, before I write about events of the previous year and possibilities for the year just begun, I review my old columns to see what has changed. Read NowControl Wiring Methods
Control wiring is used to communicate commands and other information between control devices in a lighting system. Read Now
Industry News
DOE Celebrates New Research Wind Turbine
Officials from the US Department of Energy (DOE) joined industry representatives and managers from DOE’s mational laboratories to celebrate the latest tool to advance the department’s wind-energy research: a state-of-the-art wind turbine installed at the DOE’s National Wind Technology Center (NWTC), at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder, Colo. Read NowDominion Virginia Power CFL Discount Making Progress
Virginians are saving about 1 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity through Dominion Virginia Power’s compact- fluorescent lamp (CFL) instant discount program. Read NowConstruction Unemployment Nears 20 Percent
Despite a slow down in the number of construction workers losing jobs in November, 19 percent of the nation’s construction workers are now unemployed, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Read Now
Featured Products
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Cool Tools: Labling Tools
As buildings become more complex and dependent on sophisticated electrical and data communications systems, it is essential to accurately label the wiring and components. Read Now
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Showstoppers 2009
For members of an industry that continues to be slowed by a worldwide recession, those attending the 2009 NECA Show in Seattle were in a surprisingly upbeat mood. Read Now
Web Exclusives
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January Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
Much of the fiber used in premises applications for computer networks and closed-circuit security cameras is multimode fiber.… Read Now
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December Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
The problem when dealing with technology is that it is always changing.… Read Now
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November Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
Industrial automation systems have become big users of fiber optics and copper cabling.… Read Now
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Anti-Counterfeit Products Campaign
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Counterfeit electrical products are infecting nearly every product category in the electrical market. Everyone involved faces risks, ranging from liability and life safety to profitability. The problems must be addressed, and it will take the unity of the entire electrical industry to do so.
In a first-ever joint effort, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR and THE ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR (TED) magazines are collaborating to bring the serious consequences of counterfeiting to the attention of every player in the $130 billion electrical industry.
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