Happy New Year! And welcome to a new century. While we survived the dreaded Y2K bug, ate too much over the holidays, and made unrealistic New Year’s resolutions, the world remains relatively unchanged. Sounds like a typical New Year’s to me. However, we did make some changes at EC&M I’d like to share with you.
As you’ll notice in this issue, we decided to “ring in the New Year” with a new look. We’ve given the magazine a face-lift, with new layouts and bolder graphics. We’ve also added a few new departments, authored by a new panel of NEC experts. First, in a move to enhance our coverage of the NEC, Mike Holt, James Stallcup, Sr. and James Stallcup, Jr. will write for the magazine. Mike will answer the questions presented in our “Code Quandaries” department (starting with the February issue) and author a new column known as “Code Calculations” (see page 44). This department will offer basic instruction and present practical examples of how to meet various Code rules. The Stallcup team will author “Code Basics,” formerly “Code Forum,” (see page 36) and “Quizzes on the Code” departments (starting with the February issue). Joe Tedesco will continue to enlighten us with his “Code Violations Illustrated” column. These leading Code authorities will ensure our Code coverage is second to none. Also, check out these improvements.
• A new special “Product Spotlight” section now showcases products related to the month’s editorial focus. See pages 61 and 62 for this month’s grounding spotlight.
• For those of you involved in the contractor end of the business, we bring you the latest construction news in a new “Industry Currents” department. Starting next month, Mike Holt will author a new monthly Electrical Estimating column.
• If you specialize in voice/data and telecommunications, we bring you the latest datacom news and technology in a new “Industry Currents” department.
Don’t worry, these changes won’t detract from the first-class editorial you’ve grown accustomed to over the past century. We will continue to provide you with exceptional coverage of the electrical construction and maintenance industry.