Systems

 

 

Integrated electrical and low-voltage systems of all types—inside and outside a building—encompass the range of work that electrical contractors do. The articles in this section highlight different types of work, from security, fire and life safety, to traditional electrical power and distribution, to lighting, cabling and more. 

The fire alarm systems industry has changed considerably over the years. Many old-timers can remember a fire alarm system that only detected a fire and sounded an alarm. Nonfire alarm systems did not interface with these fire alarm systems.

The history of classes and styles of circuits is interesting. Back in 1987, a proposal was accepted to start using Styles of Circuits instead of the Class A and B we were all used to. Well, at least some thought so.

As bandwidth demands continue to rise, both copper and fiber cable manufacturers are developing products that offer greater capacity and flexibility.

H&S Electric Inc., Valencia, Calif., has been in business since 1990. Its services include construction, commissioning, consulting, energy analysis, engineering safety, green building/­sustainability, maintenance and operations, systems management, systems design, and technology evaluation.

More on Systems

 
The Dangers of Complacency
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Some time ago, psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger made an astonishing discovery. “Incompetent people don’t know they are incompetent,” they concluded.

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Access Granted
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According to a report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA), the global electronic access control systems market is estimated to reach $14.7 billion by 2017.

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Can’t Cut the Cord
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Last month, I discussed the current status of broadband networks and the emergence of wireless as the preferred connection, since most users want mobility for their broadband-connected devices.

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Relatively Speaking
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Albert Einstein—who said, “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler”—spent years in pursuit of the Unified Field Theory to combine gravitational and electromagnetic forces into a single relationship.

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April Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
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Communications cabling installations follow rules—some mandatory, some advisory—covered by what we call standards and codes. In my experience, these two sets of rules are often confused, so let’s see how well you understand them. Correct answers and explanations are in red.

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Installing Technology Today
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The integrated systems (low-voltage) electrical contractor provides installation and maintenance of optimized and integrated low-voltage building control systems and has now expandedservices to encompass a broader range, including commissioning and service of electronic security, fire-life safety, c

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City on Fiber
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While most of the talk about expanding broadband access for the American public has focused on rural customers, much of the activity is in metropolitan areas. Metro networks are expanding rapidly because they encompass many types of networks, not just broadband Internet.

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