Articles

The Grounded Conductor – New Informational Note Article 100 - 2020 NEC

Jun 30, 2020

In this 2020 Code cycle a new Informational Note now accompanies the term Grounded Conductor where it is defined in Article 100. The Note has been added to help electricians identify functional differences between Grounded and Grounding Conductors. In defense of all who have struggled with these terms in the past, both grounded conductors and grounding conductors are in fact grounded. They just have different jobs.

How To Write An Electrical Resume

Jun 25, 2020

Every electrician must have a good electrical resume on hand and be ready to share it when the next opportunity presents itself. Your resume must be able to stand out against many others in the usual quick review. As an electrician and as an employer, I can tell you the following layout is very informative and very successful.

Surveillance Recommendations for Small Businesses

Jun 10, 2020

In today's world video evidence is king. Alarm systems are no longer the only measure to prevent crime. While cameras have been around for many years, most small businesses spend the least amount of money for something that barely works. Video evidence is critical not only for the identification and apprehension of criminals, but it now has the technology to provide business intelligence as well.

Emergency Preparedness at Water Plants

Jun 03, 2020

Is your plant ready for a major event? Do you have a plan against terrorist attacks, natural disasters, or catastrophic events such as a pandemic? Would your plant still be able to operate and provide clean water? Emergency preparedness is a proactive measure that is vital to the continued successful operation of water plants. Emergency preparedness includes having plans and procedures in place to respond to an emergency situation. We will talk about general and incident-specific emergency plans and what information they should include. We will also discuss one of the most important aspects of any emergency response preparedness plan: communication. We will cover both internal and external means of communication and how to incorporate them into your emergency response plan.

Dehumidifying Sealed Crawlspaces

Jun 03, 2020

Its 95 degrees on a hot, humid day. A service repairman, working on your HVAC, opens the door to your vented crawlspace. He observes ductwork dripping with water, mold on floor joist, and termite tunnels on the crawlspace walls. He services your air conditioner and recommends you call an exterminator. Why are you having all these issues in your crawlspace? Could it be that the naturally vented crawlspace doesn’t work anymore? Some people would say, it never worked. Why is this?

Electrical Services Flat Rate Pricing

Jun 03, 2020

Correctly operating an electrical service business will require you have skilled, personable, service technicians, a real live person to answer the phone, and a pricing system that covers all of your operating costs while generating profits! It’s time to throw out the old Time & Material (T&M) billing method and start charging by the Flat Rate. Let’s take a look at both:

Short-Circuit Current-Rating (SCCR) VS. Available Fault Current: Understanding the Maze and What’s New for 2020

Jun 03, 2020

Section 408.6: A Brand-New Addition to the 2020 NEC. NEC section 408.6 states: Switchboards, Switchgear, and Panelboards shall have a short-circuit current rating (SCCR) not less than the available fault current. In other than one- and two-family dwelling units, the available fault current and the date the calculation was performed shall be field marked on the enclosure at the point of supply. The marking shall comply with 110.21(B)(3). Making NEC 408.6 Simple This new Code Section simply means that electrical panels including main-breaker and main-lug type panels and switchboards & switchgear equipment must be rated (in amps) to withstand the high levels of current that will flow should a short-to-ground or other fault occur at the equipment. In ALL locations other than dwelling units, that anticipated fault current must be marked on the equipment enclosure near where the supply conductors enter in, along with the date that the calculation producing that number was performed. The new Code Section also says the markings on the equipment must comply with 110.21(B)(3). Section 110.21(B)(3) tells us that markings must be sufficiently durable to withstand the environment.

How Do I Renew My Oregon Electrical License

Jun 01, 2020

3 Steps to Renew My Oregon Electrical LicenseStep 1 - When Does My Oregon Electrical License Expire:The renewal deadline for Limited JY Manufacturing Plant (PJ), Limited Maintenance Electrician (LME), Limited Energy Class A (LEA), and Limited Energy Class B (LEB) electrician license types is October 1, 2020. This deadline is for...

Explore key topics: