Most fiber optic techs are familiar with optical loss test sets, and many use optical time-domain reflectometers, but power meters may not be familiar to all of them. Are you knowledgeable about this instrument?

Working safely with cabling and cords in the electrical industry is a priority for all workers. OSHA has specific requirements for this. Whether it is temporary power cords or permanently installed cables, safety is a must for everyone.

Building and fire codes provide the “when” and “where” of how fire alarm systems are installed. How well do you know the fire alarm requirements of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC)? Here is your opportunity to find out.

Test your knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

NFPA 72-2019 was recently released. This quiz is intended to help identify changes in this new edition of the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.

Test your knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Smart grid, smart cities, intelligent traffic signals, small cells—it seems like everything popular in new technology needs more fiber. That means installing more fiber optic cables, and that means more construction. How familiar are you with the outside plant (OSP) fiber optic construction process?

Handheld and portable power tools are used everyday in construction. Many of these tools have been engineered to be used safely in the field by authorized, competent and qualified people.

Test your knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Test your knowledge of NFPA 72 2016 secondary power requirements.

Multimode fiber has been around a long time and is still being used in many premises cabling applications. There also are continuous upgrades in multimode technology. How well have you kept up with multimode fiber technology and applications?

Mobile apps, online training and video conferencing have made managing safety and adhering to OSHA and NFPA requirements for safety documentation easier and more streamlined. What do you know about managing these safety requirements?

Pathway survivability requirements are an often-misunderstood area of fire alarm systems. Test your knowledge of the requirements in NFPA 72, 2016 edition.

These days, multiple power sources can be present in a single building or structure. Many of these are what the National Electrical Code (NEC) calls separately derived systems. Transformers, batteries, fuel cells and generators can supply these systems. An electrical system produced by a generator is either required to be grounded as a separately derived system or it is not, and the key to this is the transfer equipment.

As they say, the devil is in the details. Knowing the little things that count can help get the job done, and save time and money. Let’s look at some little things that matter for fiber optics.

This month, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR is profiling the electrical contractor, so let’s look at a few of the components in an electrical contractor’s safety program.

Now that the 2015 edition of NFPA 4, Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing, has been adopted in the 2018 codes, let’s see what you know about integrated systems testing requirements.

Per the National Electrical Code (NEC), electrical equipment must be rated for voltage and ampacity, and it is required to carry normal current and the amount of available fault current during ground-fault or short-circuit conditions. Warnings also must be on equipment that is likely to need examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance while energized.

Nothing makes a job easier than having the right tools. The Fiber Optic Association is updating its recommended tool list for trainers. In the process, I have learned about “old reliable” tools and the new tools available to help the fiber technician.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and in honor of OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which is May 7–11, here are some fall protection questions to consider.