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. 

Security system components can be integrated with various technologies including heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); building automation; energy management; information technology (IT); and fire and life safety systems, providing enormous opportunities for electrical contractors.


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.

More on Systems

 
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July Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
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Single-mode fiber is becoming more common in newer local area networks (LANs) and data centers, used in both traditional networks and passive optical LANs (POLs). You likely will see a lot more single-mode fiber in the future. How familiar are you with it?

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Integrated Systems Are A Must-Do
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The light up ahead is an oncoming train. New demands are adding to the existing growth in security and safety. The burglar/fire alarm industry continues to grow, fueled by advancements in computing technology and Internet protocol (IP) devices, software, cellular and smartphones.

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Smart Contractors Maximize Their Total Value With Top Distributors
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The $48 Rolex watch is obviously a counterfeit. Counterfeit products are found throughout in the communications industry today. Some are even labeled and packaged to look identical to the real deal. Distributors can be great allies.

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Editors' Pick
Does Your Fire Alarm Play Well With Others?
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Although attempts at commissioning and fully integrated testing of fire protection systems have occurred in the past, they have been hit or miss.

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Who’s Driving?
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There’s more to security system work than installing a few cameras and card readers in a building, but to understand the depth of security systems work, you have to understand what drives it.

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Editors' Pick
Closing the Design Loop
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Experienced low-voltage contractors know that there is more to taking an integration and wiring plan through to installation than just following a schematic—it is about marrying the theory of what the customer wants with the hands-on reality of how structured cabling fits into and supports a wider s

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Get ‘er Done
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With regard to using submetering practices and smart meters to save energy, the old adage, “What gets measured gets done,” requires the qualifier, “only if someone does it.” Not surprisingly, manufacturers and utility companies are still claiming amazing benefit-to-cost ratios, but in order for cons

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