Electical Contractor

Projects to build and expand broadband networks often bring construction to established neighborhoods, challenging project owners and contractors to build underground networks with minimal disruption of routine activities and limited surface damage.

On Nov. 14, 2011, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced new fluorescent lamp ballast efficiency standards that take effect Nov. 14, 2014, and affect seven product classes.

For the past 50 years, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR has surveyed its readers every other year to get a snapshot of the industry and pinpoint emerging trends, opportunities and other changing dynamics.

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.

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.

As thousands of attendees gathered at the Lightfair International Conference in Las Vegas on May 10, 53 commercial light-emitting diode (LED) indoor lighting products were recognized and awarded in the fourth annual Next Generation Luminaires (NGL) solid-state lighting design competition.

Most utility reserve margins are adequate to meet peak demands. That is the assessment of the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) as the nation has hit the summer months in which heat can strain supplies.

Strict regulations to limit the toxic air emissions from coal-fired plants in the United States are working. Many utilities striving to meet these tighter standards are finding they can’t afford the high costs of upgrades and retrofits to their aging facilities.

For renewable power to reach complete penetration into mainstream markets, all the relevant players, including customers, government agencies, private industry and utilities must fully participate.