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

 
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October Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
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Tools are extremely important for cable installers working on either copper or fiber cable. Let’s see how well you know your tools and how to use them. Correct answers and explanations are in red.

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‘Termineter’ Tests Smart Meter Security
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While complaints about inaccuracy and the invasion of privacy may be unfounded with smart meters, security worries may be more legitimate.

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This Is How We Did It
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While most users in an enterprise network want mobile devices connected over Wi-Fi or cellular wireless networks, a large number of users still have cable connections. Generally, these users require high bandwidth and processing speeds and/or secure connections.

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Growth During a Drought
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Did you ever wonder why some companies succeed and expand even in a down economy while others struggle to keep their doors open? It is a question worth considering because, once you analyze their reasons for success, you may find ideas you can use to increase your own business.

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Renaissance for the Automated Buildings
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The integrated systems contractors are working diligently to create the automated buildings and campuses networks that will usher us into a 21st Century renaissance.

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Siemens Secures Order to Electrify Hawaii’s First Rail Transit System
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Siemens announced it has received a multimillion dollar order from Ansaldo Honolulu, a joint venture, to electrify the track for the new Honolulu rail transit system. A first for the state, it is scheduled to be completed in 2019.

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Read the Fine Print
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I often get calls from contractors in trouble. Usually, it is because they find some requirement in a contract that they have overlooked, and usually, that requirement is going to cost them a lot of money to meet.

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