Current Issue - January 2012
Featured Story
2012 Construction Outlook
Leading construction experts and economists are certain about one thing in construction right now: The future is mostly uncertain because consumers are scared, and too many Americans are unemployed. Economists see 2012 as a big question mark because of the risk of a double-dip recession. The projections from previous years are out the window, as unemployment continues to hover around 9 percent and the economy has been dragging. 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
-
But Wait, There's More!
In May 2011, electrical contractor published my article about the more significant changes that were proposed for the 2012 edition (based on a draft of the standard). As a follow-up, it is time to dig a little deeper and look at additional changes that were not included in the earlier article. Read Now
-
Are You Listening?
There’s a lot to learn from stories. In our industry, there are many stories being told: crazy, scary stories about bids and deadlines, addendums and job walks. Read Now
-
Mistakes to Avoid in 2012
Recent economic forecasts offer some hope for electrical contractors in 2012. As market conditions improve, it is more important than ever to avoid common contractor mistakes. Read Now
Codes and Standards
-
LEDs Are Everywhere
In the past few editions of the NEC, LED illumination systems have been inserted into almost every article where lighting is mentioned. Articles 410 and 600 continue that trend. Read Now
-
See You on the Supply Side
At a recent workshop I taught, one of the attendees asked whether grounded conductors have to be isolated at the service equipment and if additional equipment-grounding conductors have to be pulled and bonded at the utility transformer and service enclosure. Read Now
-
Boat Dock Conduit, Pool Deck Heating 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
Going Into Effect
Welcome to 2012, the year lighting efficiency takes center stage. From federal regulations to emerging standards affecting bulbs, lighting systems and controls, the next 12 months and beyond will present electrical contractors and their customers with change and choice. Read Now
OSHA Outlook 2012
Being able to predict what to expect from the OSHA in any given year varies from a crystal ball divination to a precise calculation. Changing administrations and a lack of performance history leave much to the imagination. However, three years into the current presidential administration and more than a year with Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA David Michaels, the future with OSHA is a mathematical certainty. All the factors are in place. Read Now
Integrated Systems
-
Finding Meaning
Each year, when pundits publish their national construction outlook forecasts, I wonder how many of us really depend on them. Most of us look at business on a local level, while forecasts tend to show a more national picture. Read Now
-
High Energy
Growing awareness of environmental issues and technological innovations has led to emerging energy management and sustainability options. With green buildings becoming the norm in the developed world, according to Frost & Sullivan, ECs can leverage their skills and penetrate the market. Read Now
-
Fiber Optics Update
Every year, I review the hot applications and technology that affect contractors working with fiber optics. The news this year was the growing importance of fiber optics in supporting a major shift in communications and technology—the mobile movement. Read Now
Industry News
-
Virginia Tech’s ‘VT Alerts’ Praised for Notifying Campus of Shooting
On April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech discovered the hard way that its mass notification system was inadequate. Following a recent shooting, the school received praise for the updates to its system and how it responded. Read Now
-
Bill Restricts DOE Funding on Enforcement of Incandescent Phase-Out
NEMA, which represents more than 95 percent of the U.S. lighting manufacturing industry, recently addressed the lighting standards established in EISA 2007 and recent Congressional action to encumber the onset of the 100-watt incandescent phase-out. Read Now
-
Transmission Expansion Projects Unanimously Approved
MISO, a regional transmission organization, approved its Transmission Expansion Plan 2011, a comprehensive, long-term regional plan for the electric grid that will bring more than $2 billion in annual benefits for decades to come for energy consumers throughout the Midwest. Read Now
Featured Products
-
Cool Tools: Crimping Tools
For electrical work, a variety of manual and power-assisted crimper models are available to accommodate different types and sizes of connectors—some use interchangeable dies for different connector sizes; others are “dieless.” Read Now
-
Showstoppers 2011
Products by 20 exhibiting companies were named NECA Showstoppers at the 2011 National Electrical Contractors Association annual convention and trade show held in San Diego in October. Read Now
Web Exclusives
-
What's Next?
During the past few years, many corporations focused on downsizing their staff to control costs as the economy slowed to a snail’s pace. Now, a new problem may be racing toward our companies at an alarming rate. Staffing (retention and retraining) may be one of the biggest challenges the business world faces. Read Now
-
January Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
Every fiber optic installer should have familiarity with basic fiber optic testers and their proper use. Here are some basic test situations. Can you pick the right tester from the fiber optic toolbox for the job? Read Now
-
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
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!
Join Our E-newsletter Mailing List
There are many ways to keep up with the ever-growing content you need on the web. That's the beauty of the Internet. In our effort to broaden the opportunities for our readers to find the articles and content that's relevant to them, we're launching an e-newsletter. Every month, we'll send highlights of our most important articles from each issue, and we'll occasionally send out topic-based newsletters to boot. You can select the content that's important to you and receive links to these articles right in your email inbox. Click here to sign up.
Top Rated Articles
Most Popular Articles
Featured Sponsors
-
Duraguard
Induction, LED, E-HID, PL or HID, we’ve got your lighting! 800-736-7991
-
Federated Insurance Companies
Business insurance and risk management services for all your needs.
-
Wireville.com
Heard On The Street is a monthly column of news and trends produced monthly
Follow Us