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

 
Effective Marketing Proposals—Part II
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A proposal’s primary objective is to persuade your customer to take specific action, including contracting your products and services. Often you will write a proposal in response to a request for proposal (RFP) or request for quotation (RFQ) that the prospect and/or consultant sends.

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Voice/Data/Video Design/Build:Contractor Opportunities, Customer Advantages
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The number of electrical contractors that provide design/build services for traditional electrical work has been steadily growing for decades.

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Myth No. 3: Fiber Optic Installers Are ‘Splicers’
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In the telephone business, the guys who terminate fiber optics are called splicers. They follow the cable pullers who install those gigantic spools of fiber.

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Ensuring Backwards Compatibility of Cable Connecting Devices
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Electronic technology is among the fastest changing industries in the world. As technology changes, more sophisticated equipment is developed. With new technology and equipment come changes in the method of connecting the equipment in both new and existing buildings.

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‘The Cabling System Shall Be In Accordance With TIA/EIA-568-B.1’
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This column’s title is probably the most commonly used phrase in Requests for Quote or Bid. Therefore, it is appropriate to understand what, “The cabling system shall be in accordance with TIA/EIA-568-B.1” means and does not mean relative to the bidding process.

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Net This—The Internet, That Is
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You may recall making copies on a mimeograph machine and typing on a manual typewriter. That was before Xerox and digital cameras, of course. My first point is this: the ways of doing things change.

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Linking Fiber Optics with Media Converters
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It has the potential to be a classic cartoon: an electrician with a run of co-ax coming in on the left that needs to link to a run of fiber going out on the right. No amount of black tape will link the two. What is needed is a magic box.

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