Electical Contractor

Many electrical contractors, electricians and electrical inspectors have struggled with the requirements in the National Electrical Code (NEC) for placement of lights, receptacles and switches in bathtub and shower areas. Can receptacles be installed within proximity of the bathtub or shower edge?

Law enforcement recruits are taught to identify and protect themselves from edged weapons, and interestingly enough, the most common edged weapon used in a homicide isn't a knife-it is a screwdriver.

A utility-interactive photovoltaic (PV) system is defined in Section 690.2 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) (NFPA 70-2005) as a “photovoltaic system that operates in parallel with and may deliver power to an electrical production and distribution network.” NEC Article 690 covers Solar Photovol

When did your company last integrate a fire alarm system with another building-control or security system? Most electrical contractors would find it hard to answer that question.

The Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) continues to be one of the top 15 OSHA standards violated by electrical contractors. It was first developed to protect against the possibility of chemical-source injury or illness.

Nonmetallic-sheathed (NM) cable with less pulling resistance? Self-healing aluminum cables? Cable that burns with limited smoke? Cable is not just cable anymore. If you are like me, you grumble when things go awry.

The tools electricians use every day pose the risk of injury-ranging from banging a thumb with a hammer to serious accidents with power tools. And when projects require working near live conductors or circuit parts, using the wrong tool or making a simple mistake can have fatal results.

Derating of conductors Q: One of my residential wiring jobs was turned down because I did not derate four two-wire-with-ground NM-B cables where they pass through a single hole in an upper wood plate.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is often worn by employees without regard to its purchase, need or use. However, employers are required to know when and why employees must wear PPE and ensure it is used properly.