Mar 02, 2021
Underground electrical installations can save labor hours, material costs, and provide protection to the installation. Sometimes going underground is the only logical path to get service from one point to another whether new construction or remodel work. Overall, there are not many electrical projects that don’t require a little digging in the dirt at some point. Let’s dust off the National Electrical Code (NEC) and review some Code pertaining to burial depths and standard operating procedures.
Mar 02, 2021
The COVID-19 Pandemic is fully matured, even spawning new mutations of the virus. But the light at the end of the tunnel may be near. A year ago no one thought they would be wearing masks and eating in 50% filled restaurants in August, 2020, let alone today. The Pandemic has seen companies, small and large, suffer tremendously. Many of us have furloughed employees, possibly multiple times over the last 12 months. Our industry is strong, and resilience is something most integrators know. What does resilience look like? Integrators have to change how they do business because businesses have changed how they do business. Change is hard, but in order to be resilient, we must accept change. The last year has caused customers to realize they care less about what is being sold and more about how it will help them accomplish their goals. This is prompting technology shifts in our industry to meet those goal demands.
Feb 01, 2021
NEC Section 230.71. Six Switches or Circuit Breakers in One Enclosure. Since the 1937 edition of the NEC, the service disconnecting means used to isolate a building’s premises wiring from the utility provider’s conductors has been allowed to consist of as few as one, but as many as six switches or sets of circuit breakers. A veteran electrician would tell you that requirement (or permission, depending on your perspective) means six throws of the hand can be used to control all power on the property. Our veteran electrician is correct - if there is one electrical service on the property.
Feb 01, 2021
Under Floor Electric Cable and Cable Mat Systems are a great way to warm or even heat a space. These systems can be a supplemental or even a main source of heat in a variety of rooms. The systems can be installed under many types of floors such as tile, wood, concrete, vinyl, and even carpet. The manufacturers offer a variety or pre-engineered packaged units and even piece-by-piece options. The manufacturer’s step-by-step installation instructions must be used to install the heating cables, mats, spacers, thermostats, and other associated equipment. The instructions will also point us in the right direction as far as the branch circuit size but will most likely not give all of the needed information.
Feb 01, 2021
There is a looming crisis in the water industry, mainly in plant operating personnel, as the present pool of personnel age out and leave the industry for retirement. Many in the industry are calling it the “Silver Tsunami” as a wave of older personnel leave the industry, taking their knowledge, skills, and certifications with them. It is estimated that over the next ten years between 30% and 50% of these positions will be left vacant. The next ten years will reveal a deficit of operators if something cannot be done to counter the problem. Health and safety issues will arise as the situation continues, due to understaffed facilities with less experienced personnel. The experience and skills gap will get critical sooner rather than later, prompting the need for proactive approaches to the problem now.
Feb 01, 2021
The International Code Commission (ICC) mandated HVAC duct leakage testing for the first time in the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Since the first leakage test requirement was rolled out, extensive testing procedures and equipment have remained in the Code. Obviously, the scope of the IECC is to conserve energy. Leaking conditioned air to unconditioned spaces is wasteful and unnecessary. There are many duct sealing systems available that will fill most of the small openings around duct fittings. To seal ducts and conduct a leakage test, a HVAC contractor, engineer, or HERS rater use these specialized tools and metho
Feb 01, 2021
The Healthcare Market is a long sought-after vertical for many Security Integrators. While many facilities are dominated by the national chains, many regional and local security integrators are finding niches that are opening doors into this market. Healthcare brings a constant amount of new business, equipment lifecycle upgrades, and yearly support agreements. It can also bring siloed information, disparate stakeholders, and massive amounts of red tape.
Jan 07, 2021
On a national scale, there are four grades of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operator certification; all four grades have different education and experience requirements. These requirements also vary by state. We’ve outlined the general requirements at each grade below. WWTP Experience and Educational Requirements Grade 1 To obtain a Grade...
