Preventive maintenance plays an important role
in how long a product will provide trouble-free service and, ultimately, how long it will last.
Nothing lasts forever, so the saying goes, but with some care and regular servicing and maintenance, products can provide
normal anticipated operation. A good example of maintenance that lengthens life expectancy is a vehicle. READ MORE
Michael Johnston
Executive Director of Standards, NECA
Michael Johnston is NECA’s executive director of standards and safety. He is chair of the NEC Technical Correlating Committee. He served as a principal representative on NEC CMP-5 representing IAEI for the 2002, 2005, and 2008 cycles and is currently the chair of CMP-5, representing NECA for the 2011 NEC cycle. Mike is a member of the IBEW and has experience as an electrical journeyman wireman, foreman and project superintendant. Mike worked for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) as the director of education, codes and standards for almost 10 years. He also worked as an electrical inspector and electrical inspection field supervisor for the city of Phoenix, Ariz. Johnston is an active member of IAEI, the NFPA Electrical Section, Education Section, the UL Electrical Council, and National Safety Council. Reach him at mjohnston@necanet.org.
Articles by Michael Johnston
May 2013
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Generators are commonly installed for buildings or structures requiring emergency systems, legally required standby systems or optional standby power systems. Some generators are located within the building or structure they supply; but, frequently, they are located outside. READ MORE
April 2013
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At a recent seminar, one of the attendees asked, “What is a ‘Ufer’ ground?” This is a common question. A “Ufer” ground is slang for what the National Electrical Code (NEC) addresses as a concrete-encased grounding electrode. The term “Ufer” does not appear in the Code, but many in the industry use it. READ MORE
March 2013
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A long-standing requirement in the National Electrical Code (NEC) is to provide a service disconnecting means for each building or structure served by electricity. The concept is simple; the disconnecting means serves as a ready means for the occupant or other responder to remove all power from the building by operating the service disconnect. READ MORE
February 2013
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Grounding electrode conductors are essential in the grounding and bonding scheme for services and separately derived systems. They generally must be sized according to Table 250.66 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and are required to be installed in a continuous length or otherwise spliced in accordance with any alternative in 250.64(C). READ MORE
January 2013
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Recently, the question arose about using cords for temporary wiring. It was interesting to watch the reaction and response. It seems there are considerable inconsistencies relative to this subject. Perhaps a practical approach to the National Electrical Code (NEC) application for such installations will help. READ MORE
September 2012
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The 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC) development process is in full swing with the NEC technical committees acting on 3,745 proposed new articles and revisions. New and improving technologies and industry advances are driving changes into the electrical industry at an accelerated pace. READ MORE
May 2012
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On average, 80 electricians are killed each year in workplace accidents, which are not limited to electrocutions. More than 10,000 electricians are injured each year with an average work time loss of 10 days per incident. These statistics are unacceptable. Supervisors are in a key position to reduce the number of deaths and injuries. READ MORE
May 2012
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Safety is an integral part of the electrical construction business and, as such, is an important shared responsibility between employers and employees. Implementing safety-related work practices is not optional. It is a requirement. A trained and qualified work force is responsible for recognizing and avoiding workplace hazards. READ MORE