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

 
Editors' Pick
Interdisciplinary Studies
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During the course of a typical workday, I suspect you design electrical systems.

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Making the Connection
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The original intent of this month’s column was to discuss fiber use in the smart grid, but I have found it is hard to define the smart grid. Some organizations involved in it are even dropping that name for “intelligent grid” or something similar.

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Integration Front and Center
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Facility automation systems are becoming more reliant on open protocols, enabling one infrastructure to send and receive information from previously separate and disparate systems, such as security; metering; asset tracking; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC); and others.

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Web Exclusive
June Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
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At a recent industry meeting, manufacturers complained that installers were testing fiber optic cable plants incorrectly. Their stories were horrifying quite frankly and surely indicated that these techs were not properly trained. Let’s weave some of their horror stories into this month’s quiz.

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Mixed-Appeal: Fuellgraf Electric
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Sometimes a hospital isn’t just a hospital. With their wealth of additional services beyond healthcare, one could reasonably argue that newer medical facilities are public places. In addition to serving the community’s medical needs, they serve social and civic needs.

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May Quiz With Correct Answers and Explanations
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Not all fiber optic systems are the same, and one big difference is the wavelength used for transmission. The wavelength affects performance, testing and the choice of components, so let’s see how well you understand it. Correct answers and explanations are in red. 1.

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Support for Oil and Gas Rebounds, Dips for Renewables
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In this age of energy transformation, the role of public opinion is clear. Although it does not make or break a particular energy source itself, it can serve as a reliable barometer for the future.

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