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. 

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Days Gone By
by
Wayne D. Moore
|
April 2013

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.

Fire Focus, Industry Trends
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NFPA 72 Has Class

by
Thomas P. Hammerberg
|
April 2013

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.

Life Safety Systems, Integrated Systems, NFPA 72
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Copper Vs. Fiber
by
Claire Swedberg
|
April 2013

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

Copper, Fiber Optics, On the Market, Integrated Systems
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A Blended Approach

by
William Atkinson
|
April 2013

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.

Grow Your Low-Voltage Business, Low Voltage, Integrated Systems

More on Systems

 
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September Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
September 2012
| under

For decades, industry standards have set the maximum loss of a fiber optic connector at 0.75 decibels (dB). Now this value is being reconsidered since it is unacceptable for the latest high-speed multimode links or single-mode connectors. Let’s test your knowledge of fiber optic connector loss.

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Renaissance for the Automated Buildings
by
Frank Bisbee
| September 2012
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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
September 2012
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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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This One’s for You
by
Jim Hayes
| August 2012
| under

Last month, I discussed the issues of industry standards for fiber optic and copper cabling. Manufacturers write standards so they can build products that are compatible with products from other manufacturers, since multiple sources are mandatory in today’s marketplace.

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Avoiding the Pitfalls
by
Wayne D. Moore
| August 2012
| under

I often get calls from professional contractors who have become involved in design/build electrical projects that include the design and installation of fire alarm systems. The reasons for the calls vary, but most are born of surprise and frustration.

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Regional Grid Upgrade Project Gets Lucky
August 2012
| under

The Lucky Corridor, approximately 93 miles of planned new electrical transmission, consisting of double-circuit 230-kilovolt (kV) line in New Mexico, cleared a hurdle with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Western Area Power Administration, a power marketing administration in the U.S.

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August Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
by
Jim Hayes
| August 2012
| under

Practically every aspect of fiber optics, especially network design, testing and troubleshooting, depends on understanding optical power. Sometimes, something so basic gets overlooked, so let’s test your understanding of it. Correct answers and explanations are in red. 1.

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