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

 
Fuel Cells NOW, Part II of II
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In Part I of this two-part article (EC October 2000) on development of fuel cells, we described the basic technology and answered some frequently asked questions. We noted that contractors have a window of opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a possible fuel cell-sparked energy revolution.

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The Net Levels the Playing Field for Small Companies
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The Internet is already changing the way the electrical industry operates, especially in the areas of purchasing, financing, and shipping. But it has only just begun.

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Fire Safety Binds All Code Requirements
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Fire protection is serious business. Fire, smoke, and toxic fumes take a terrible toll in lives and property every year. Every major building code is meant to reduce the threat of fire.

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Optical Fiber’s Version of Tip and Ring Redefined!
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Yes, optical fiber has its own version of tip and ring.

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Web Collaborators Target Construction's Inefficiencies
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There are people out there, working in not-so-quiet corners of the construction industry, trying to shape your future. If they succeed, the workaday life of the mid- to large-sized electrical contractor will never, ever be the same.

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Segue from Residential Electrical Wiring into Telecommunications Wiring
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Having specialized in residential electrical wiring design and installation for many years, I felt excited about the opportunity to jump into the residential communications wiring game. This additional revenue stream could significantly increase electrical contractors’ bottom line.

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Web-sters Chasing Your Business
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Between 170 and 210 Web enterprises are chasing your e-commerce orders. Enjoy it while you can, because not all will survive. In September, five contractor-purchasing sites that are emanating from within the electrical industry itself were covered in the first part of this two-part article.

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