Articles

How Do I Renew My Washington Electrical License?

Nov 15, 2019

To begin renewing your Washington electrical license, you’ll need your electrical license number and issue date. If you cannot find your electrical license, you can look it up on the Washington State Department of Labor Industries website. You can search by using just your name or your Washington electrical license number if you remember it! Once you've located your electrical license information you will be able to figure out your expiration date. In Washington your electrical license will expire every 3 years after the issue date. For example, if your license was issued on May 30, 2018, it will expire on May 30, 2021.

3 Steps to Renewing your CA Electrical License

Nov 14, 2019

The license renewal process can seem daunting but with the right tools and roadmap, it can be a smooth journey! Here are 3 things California certified electricians need to complete their California electrical certification renewal.

New Articles in the 2020 NEC

Oct 30, 2019

There will be four new article additions to the 2020 NEC: 1. Article 242 Overvoltage Protection 2. Article 311 Medium Voltage Conductors and Cable 3. Article 337 Type P Cable 4. Article 800 General Requirements for Communications Systems

NEC 314.27 (E) Luminaire and Fan Separable Attachment Fittings

Oct 30, 2019

The demand for quick, easily changeable lighting fixtures has led to the development of products consisting of an electrical receptacle with a locking device capable of supporting the luminaire weight. That receptacle also makes and breaks the electrical contacts responsible for feeding the luminaire. The load-bearing portion of this new component, called the mounting support, is installed in the ceiling box and includes the energized receptacle contacts that will feed the lighting fixture or ceiling fan. An attachment fitting that connects to the mounting support and the energized contacts built into that support is incorporated into the design of the lighting fixture or fan. The fixture or fan attaches to the mounting support with a twist lock motion. These new attachment fittings can save valuable time when installing lighting outlets.

Duct Material Comparison for Residential Installations

Sep 26, 2019

When homeowners receive quotes from HVAC contractors, they typically are given two duct replacement options, sheet metal or fiberglass duct board. There is a third option, phenolic duct, that is made of plastic foam with a foil liner on the inside and exterior. It hasn’t been on the market long enough to weigh in on its merits and shortcomings and will not be included in this comparison. Homeowners usually go for the product their HVAC contractor recommends; however, all systems have their strengths and weaknesses. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of two of these materials when installed in the typical residence.

Grounding Electrodes – to be or not to be? 2017 NEC 250.52(B)(3)

Sep 26, 2019

Prior to 2017, only two items were prohibited for use as grounding electrodes, underground gas piping and aluminum. For 2017, another item has been added to the list of prohibited items. For the 2017 code cycle, the structures as well as steel reinforcement materials that pertain to swimming pools have been added to the list found in 250.52(B)(3) of components that are prohibited from being used as grounding electrodes for an electrical system.

Conduit and Cables Exposed to Sunlight on Rooftops

Sep 25, 2019

Anyone who has been on top of a roof on a hot summer day knows what it’s like to stand in the middle of an oven. Extreme temperatures from the sun can bake everything in sight, from shingles to appliances, and even electrical conductors and conduit. Conductor insulation is meant to provide long lasting protection from expected heat due to the flow of electricity and normal environmental factors. However, excessive heat from solar radiation can damage conductors and cause premature failures.

HVAC Service Tech 101

Aug 29, 2019

The Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning industries (HVACR) are still growing even though they have been in existence for about 150 years. Hundreds of refrigeration uses including fresh food preservation, air-conditioning, and cryogenics should propel the industry well into the next millennium. That kind of growth sounds like a man power issue doesn’t it? So, lets discuss what it takes to be a HVACR technician.

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