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. 

Last month, I discussed one of the most important tools in the fiber tech’s toolbox: the fiber optic power meter. This month, let’s examine the other tool that is equally important: the test source used with the power meter to measure the loss of the cable plant.

I recently realized that our failure to properly train fire alarm system technicians has created a group of workers who simply do not understand the reasons they do what they do. When a technician asks for the rationale behind a procedure, we often respond, “Because the code requires it.”


Simple power quality problems often evolve into tangled webs that take a long time to unravel.

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.

More on Systems

 
Automated Systems Control the Future
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There are basically two levels in any industrial automation project—the device level and the operator and supervisory control levels.

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Fiber Optic Measurement Errors
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Testing installed fiber optic cabling or patchcords is not difficult, but sometimes it seems the results you get don’t make sense. After 20 years in the business, I’ve probably seen most of the possible errors. If I share them with you, perhaps you will avoid them.

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Balancing Fiber and Copper in Networks
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There are many options when choosing the correct cabling media for your network installation. Category 5e, Enhanced 5e, Category 6, single-mode, and multimode fiber are among the selections you have.

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Next-generation Multimode Optical Fiber—Where Does It Stand?
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In the May 2001 Electrical Contractor, my article mentioned that a high laser-bandwidth 50-micron fiber was being considered for use for LANs less than 300 meters in length. So where does it stand, now that five months has past?

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A Web-Footed Tour of NECA’s Show
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Recent NECA Shows included many dot-com exhibitors. While this month’s 2001 preview isn’t as heavily populated, an e-commerce “tour” is possible in Washington, D.C., from October 21 to 23. For information, see www.necashow.org.

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Homes Are Becoming Smarter than Humans
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First it was cars chirping up to let forgetful drivers know, “Your lights are on.” Now, the home is becoming smarter and better able to “think” for itself. Whether you love or hate the idea of a house that is smarter than you are, the fact is that the smart home is coming.

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