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 …
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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 …
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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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It goes without saying that one of the major catalysts of the recent technological boom is electricity. After all, when the lightbulb was invented, no longer was work time restricted by the sun’s natural cycle. Productivity and development increased significantly, as people now had the ability to work around the clock, overnight, or whenever they needed to. …
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are a leading cause of pain and suffering in the United States. These injuries are often the result of poor material handling techniques and can prove costly for employers in any industry. Those in the electrical trade often find themselves pulling, pushing, …
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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 …
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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 …
Waste water treatment plants (WWTP) play a vital role throughout the world. Making water safe for industrial and human consumption, controlling water pollution, and reducing the chance of waterborne illness are just a few responsibilities that WWTPs take on each day.
The spread of counterfeit products is a world-wide problem, and one that isn’t easy to tackle. In 2014 alone, U.S. enforcement programs were able to seize fake products that were worth an estimated $1.2 billion, with the primary source of counterfeiting coming from China. Counterfeit products are a serious concern for every business, and the electrical …
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The economy continues to improve in 2016, but not nearly as quickly as some would like. The outlook for the electrical construction market does seem promising, with gains of 16 percent in the residential sector and 9 percent for nonresidential buildings. However, this means little if your contracting business isn’t around to reap the benefits. Many contracting …
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There can be a bit of confusion when it comes to using the terms “grounding” and “bonding.” In fact, the terms are often misused, even in the codes that electrical contractors use today. This is because grounding can mean different things to different people, making the two terms fairly ambiguous. Knowing the difference between the …
What’s the Difference Between Grounding and Bonding? Read More »
While electrical contracting work is rewarding, it does come with its fair share of risks. To reduce these risks, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established standards to address electrical hazards for contractors. Unfortunately, these electrical safety standards are neglected far too often, as can be seen by looking at the top ten most …
Electrical Safety Precautions Every Contractor Needs to Take Read More »
These days, there is a huge burden on manufacturers to find new ways to lower their operating costs, maximize efficiency, and enhance worker safety. As many manufacturers know, this is not an easy task, no matter what industry you are in. Many facilities are working with a reduced budget and need to come up with …
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Low and medium voltage switchboards play an important role in the safety and efficiency of an electrical distribution system. Many industrial, commercial, and residential buildings rely on switchboards to effectively distribute electrical power to appliances or electrical devices that are then used by consumers. Without proper construction and maintenance of the switchboard, failures in the …
Why Is Proper Switchboard Maintenance Important? Read More »
In many cases, blackouts are nothing more than minor annoyances. However, there are also times when a blackout can last for days and cause serious problems for both homeowners and business owners. For this reason, many are investing in backup generators that will deliver electricity to where it is needed most. Transfer switch equipment is a key …
Electrical distribution systems can be complex, and no system is perfect. Accidentally damaging equipment, a tough environment, equipment deterioration, and many other factors can contribute to the occurrence of overcurrents. To avoid costly damage and exposure to serious safety hazards, it is important that proper overcurrent protection devices (OCPD) are installed. Selecting the appropriate OCPD …
With improved engineering and design of electrical systems, the amount of hazards that electricians face has been significantly reduced. However, electrical work still poses certain risks that make the job particularly dangerous. It is estimated that 600 people die every year from electrical causes—most of them involving low-voltage power (600 volts or less). Following these safety …