Posted Oct 2020
Use of Renewables Continues to Grow
According to a report by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA), consumption of renewable energy in the United States grew for the...
Oct 2020
Newfangled Farming: Precision agriculture provides new opportunities
Through sensors, receivers and big data, the smart farm is taking shape. In the 1980s, GPS cracked the door. Mobile communication, artificial intelligence and a multitude of sensors have blown...
Oct 2020
Next-Generation Nuclear Power: Startups propel progress for a safe nuclear future
“Think big” has been the U.S. nuclear-energy industry’s motto for most of the 60-plus years since the Shippingport Atomic Power Station went online in 1957 in Beaver County, Pa. Now...
Oct 2020
Solar’s Time in the Sun: Contractors share experience and tips for success working with renewables
If electrical contractors were still uncertain about market demand for renewables, such as solar power and battery storage, here is the proof: The Solar Energy Industries Association, Washington, D.C., confirmed...
Oct 2020
Door Swings, Lighting Control and More
Jim Dollard has an extensive background in codes and standards. Send questions about the National Electrical Code (NEC) to Jim at codefaqs@gmail.com. Answers are based on the 2020 NEC. Doors...
Oct 2020
Energy Efficiency as a Service is Catching On
Innovation has been the driving force of change in the energy industry in recent years. While the demand for change is strong, the challenge of paying for new energy technology...
Oct 2020
Cool Tools: Work Vehicles
When evaluating work trucks, owners and managers of electrical contracting firms consider load capacity, power available, durability, suitability for upfits and service. In addition, current models feature many safety and...
Oct 2020
A Monumental Achievement: C3M Power Systems lights up new Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
The nation’s capital has a new landmark. The impressive Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial was going to be dedicated on May 8, 2020, V-E Day. Construction was complete; however, the COVID-19...
Sep 2020
Let’s Get Technical: The Math Behind the Mystical Decibel of Fiber Optics
In my print column this month, “When a Loss Is Positive,” I discussed the confusing definition of decibel (dB) as used in various international fiber optic standards. Even though dB...
Sep 2020
Dodge Momentum Index Rises in September
The Dodge Momentum Index, published by Dodge Data & Analytics, Hamilton, N.J., rose 3.7% in September to 130.8. The Dodge Momentum Index is a monthly measure of the first (or...
Sep 2020
Residential Energy Management Systems See Rapid Growth
Technology has altered the way we generate and consume energy. Now, it is impacting the way we manage our energy use, and an entire market is emerging around this trend...
