Electical Contractor

On the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Gulf Coast residents watched as Category 1 Hurricane Isaac bore down on the New Orleans region, evoking memories of the costliest U.S. hurricane disaster on record. On Aug.

On most distribution networks (except maybe in rural areas), the voltage levels typically reduce to a couple of percentage points from nominal when the sun rises, people wake up and they start using more electricity. Conversely, as the sun sets, the voltage creeps back up, and by 10 p.m.

It could be argued that the potential for success of a particular innovation can be measured by its effect on the existing technology operating around it. If that’s the case, then smart meters are here to stay.

Infiniti Research Limited’s report, “Global Smart Energy Meter Market 2010–2014,” forecasts that market will reach $19.5 billion in 2014. Key factors contributing to market growth are initiatives from regulatory authorities and home area networking connectivity technology.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) contains many provisions where calculations are involved. Understanding the purpose of these calculations, as well as how to perform them, is essential to individuals who are in the electrical industry.

Although the hyperbole of the recent elections is past us, one of the buzzwords that gained momentum in the process was the term “smart grid.” I agree with those in the electric utility industry who take exception to such a concept, with all the implications associated with it, including that the c