Many of the industrial circuit breakers that are available in the market are designed with the intention of lasting decades. Most buildings have circuit breakers that are several years old and which are in dire need of replacement. People will learn this the hard way during a routine inspection or an accident that could have …

Keys to Extending the Life of Your Industrial Circuit Breaker Read More »

When it comes to industrial circuit breakers, they come in all shapes and sizes. No one circuit breaker will possibly fit all buildings and electrical needs – that’s why there are so many of them! There are many classifications and classes of circuit breakers out there, but one of the most important distinctions is between low …

Difference Between High and Low Voltage Industrial Circuit Breakers: Industrial Focus Read More »

Transformers are very useful devices that allow electricity to be used efficiently by things that can only handle low voltage electricity. Trying to power a small appliance directly from an electric pylon would lead to an unwanted explosion! They take the high voltage electricity from power stations, and transform it into low voltage electricity that …

The Difference Between Dry-Type and Oil-Filled Transformers Read More »

When it comes to accidents and injuries that are caused by electricity, circuit breakers are the best way to prevent them from happening. A circuit breaker will interrupt the flow of electricity when the building undergoes an electric overload. This limits the amount of electricity that is allowed to flow through the wiring system. The building’s …

How to Find the Right Circuit Breaker for Your System Read More »

Counterfeit electrical supplies have been around for years, but the problem came into focus in the last decade when a 7-year old boy was fatally electrocuted while unplugging his Game Boy charger in 2007 while on a family trip in Thailand. The charger was counterfeit, and was the cause of this young boy’s loss of …

Counterfeit Electrical Supplies and How to Avoid Them Read More »

One big question that electrical contractors face when they start their business is whether or not they should specialize.  It can be a tough decision, considering how fast the industry changes and how trends come and go so quickly. As tempting as it is to market yourself as a jack of all trades, this approach simply …

Top Reasons Why Electrical Contractors Should Find Their Niche Read More »

To many electrical contractors, copper conductors are seen as superior to aluminum conductors.  However, aluminum has been receiving more attention lately as copper prices continue to rise.  Is one truly better than the other?  The debate is still hotly contested among many in the electrical industry.  The truth is that both copper and aluminum conductors have their distinct …

Copper Versus Aluminum Conductors Read More »

An insulated case circuit breaker has all the characteristics of a molded case circuit breaker, with the addition of a two-step stored energy mechanism. Unlike the iron-framed breakers, they are constructed of molded plastic. Insulated, also called molded or plastic breakers, generally are used in low amp applications up to 1,000 Amps. They operate either …

Insulated Case Circuit Breakers vs. Air Circuit Breakers Read More »

When designing and installing electrical systems, electrical contractors must decide whether the system needs grounding or if it is better left ungrounded.  While most electrical systems require proper grounding, there are certain instances where the National Electric Code (NEC) has determined that the benefits of grounding do not outweigh the risks that can come with it.  In …

Choosing Between Grounded and Ungrounded Systems Read More »

Are You Making These Mistakes? The bidding market for electrical contractors has always been competitive. Simple mistakes can make contractors lose out on potential projects. In order to stay in control of your bid and win more jobs, it is important that you watch out for the common bidding mistakes many contractors make.  Here are some completely …

6 Bidding Mistakes That Can Cost Electrical Contractors Read More »

The electric submetering market is taking off, thanks to the United States increasing their efforts to reduce their energy consumption.  With global revenue from electric submeters expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2024, there is a huge opportunity for electrical contractors to take advantage of this enormous growth.  Not only can contractors help their clients …

How Electrical Contractors Can Profit Off of Submetering Read More »

With rising energy costs and increasing concern over the state of the environment, the demand for eco-friendly heating and cooling systems has skyrocketed—and the solution may be right beneath our feet.  Geothermal energy has been around since the beginning of time, and uses the constant temperature from the earth to heat and cool homes and …

Geothermal versus Traditional HVAC: How Do They Compare? Read More »

As buildings become more energy efficient, the proper management of plug loads is now more important than ever. According to a report from the New Building Institute, electronic office equipment such as computers and printers can account for as high as 40 to 60 percent of all electricity consumed in a commercial building.  By adopting …

Tips for Managing Plug Loads Read More »