Electical Contractor

The 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC) development process is in full swing with the NEC technical committees acting on 3,745 proposed new articles and revisions. New and improving technologies and industry advances are driving changes into the electrical industry at an accelerated pace.

Last month, I discussed the issues of industry standards for fiber optic and copper cabling. Manufacturers write standards so they can build products that are compatible with products from other manufacturers, since multiple sources are mandatory in today’s marketplace.

As the electrical industry is poised for some big changes—with the continued development of smart grids, alternative energy and the rapid expansion of data centers—codes- and standards-making bodies are crafting new standards and clarifying old ones.

I recently did a workshop for a major city experiencing problems with inspections on photovoltaic (PV) systems during and after installation. The problem was between the inspection and fire department.

As the government strives to implement healthcare reform and is approaching many hurdles, the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) is well into the development process. Technical committees have acted upon all NEC change proposals and comments.

Emergency lighting systems consist of circuits and equipment intended to provide power to required facilities when normal power is interrupted. Municipal, state, federal or any governing agencies having jurisdiction typically are the entities that classify an emergency system.

One conundrum posed by the nation's move to improve the intelligence of the bulk electricity transmission system is how to protect all that new “smartness” from physical or electronic attack.

When President Barack Obama and Energy Secretary Steven Chu were considering new ways to improve energy efficiency, a light bulb went on in their heads.

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) announced the publication of UL 2201, a Standard for Portable Engine-Generator Assemblies. Prior to this standard, there was no voluntary safety standard for portable generators sold in the United States.