November 2007

Cover Story

Code Changes 2008

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

It's hard to believe it's that time again, but the 2008 NEC is upon us. In this latest Code cycle, the Code Making Panels (CMPs) sifted through 3,688...

Other Features

To Serve and Protect

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Mark Mitchell and Alan Schmidt, Square D/Schneider Electric

Most people are comforted in knowing their homes are protected from electrical hazards by the circuit breakers located behind the door of a home's load...

The Design Burden

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer

Driven by the desire for lower costs and earlier completion dates, many owners are abandoning the traditional design-bid-build project delivery method...

Adding Value on the Home Front

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Carlos Villalobos, Watt Stopper/Legrand

Many of today's homeowners are enthusiastic about energy-saving products, especially those that boast a quick payback. Vacancy and occupancy sensors are...

AGC Contracts are Reborn

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Tom Zind, Freelance Writer

It might not be a Kumbaya, all-join-hands moment, but a construction contract signing session in your future could send everyone away from the table effusing...

Arc Fault Detection: Your Questions Answered

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Gerard Winstanley, National Electrical Manufacturers Association

The National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) have become more stringent with each passing Code cycle, stirring...

Power Play

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Rajan Battish, P.E., RTKL Associates, Inc.

Power is an essential component of any mission-critical facility, and data centers are no exception. Not only does the computer equipment need to be continuously...

Article 708: Critical Operations Power Systems

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Michael A. Anthony, P.E., University of Michigan; Robert G. Arno, EYP Mission Critical Facilities

Focusing on the complex interplay among mechanical and electrical systems needed to support critical infrastructure, Art. 708 is one of four new Articles...

National Electrical Code

Illustrated Catastrophes

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Joe Tedesco, NEC Columnist

As usual, never consider the following commentary associated with these photos as a formal interpretation of the National Electrical Code (NEC). Without...

What's Wrong Here?

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Joe Tedesco, NEC Columnist

How well do you know the Code? Think you can spot violations the original installer either ignored or couldn't identify? Here's your chance to moonlight...

Code Quandaries

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

All questions and answers are based on the 2005 NEC. Q. What is the minimum depth for placing Schedule 40 PVC conduit below a concrete slab? A. If it's...

Industry Viewpoint

Embracing Change

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Michael Eby, Editor-in-Chief

Many years ago, when I worked for an electric utility, I found myself in the position of tracking changes to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)...

Letters to the Editor

Electrical Testing Certification Question Clarified

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Regarding alternate certification bodies, the article in the August 2007 issue, mentions the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies...

Market Watch

Study Connects Safety Culture to Improved Well-Being

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Most employees know that their company's view of safety practices can be a matter of life or death, and now there's data to prove it. According to a recent...

DOE Sets New Efficiency Standards for Utility Transformers

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Last month, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a final rule establishing new energy-efficiency standards for distribution transformers. The...

Utility Will Expand Installation of Large-Scale Batteries

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

American Electric Power (AEP), an electric utility headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, recently announced plans to expand its use of large-scale battery...

Product of the Month

NGR Monitor and Ground Fault Relay Combo

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Stefanie Kure, Senior Associate Editor

Protecting personnel and equipment from damage is a top priority for most companies, especially those whose work involves industrial power systems. The...

Motor Facts

Introduction To PLCs

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Steve Vidal, P.E., Joseph J. Vidal & Sons, Inc.

The programmable logic controller (PLC) is a microprocessor-based system that accepts input data from switches and sensors, processes that data by making...

Voice/Data/Video Today

BICSI Fall Conference Field Report

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Joe Knisley, Senior Editorial Consultant

Drawing more than 3,000 information transport system (ITS) professionals, the BICSI Fall 2007 meeting, held at the MGM Grand Conference Center September...

PQ Corner

The Pros and Cons of IG Wiring

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, Edited by John DeDad, senior director, editorial and EC&M development

Confusion continues to surround the use, performance, and NEC requirements of isolated ground (IG) wiring. Can it be used anywhere, or is it restricted...

Construction Watch

Avoiding Hazards Posed by Prefabrication

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

In response to an increase in prefabrication work performed by electrical contractors, OSHA recently added a new module to the agency's Ergonomics Solutions...

Fighting the Talent War and Winning

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

We've all heard the sobering statistics about the looming labor shortage predicted for the construction industry as baby boomers leave the ranks of executive...

Free Structured Wiring CD Available

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

If you missed actor John Ratzenberger (most known for his role as Cliff Claven in Cheers) on Dancing with the Stars last season, you can catch him narrating...

Market Insider

Is Wastewater Construction Headed for a Drought?

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM, By Stefanie Kure, Senior Associate Editor

After experiencing strong growth in 2007, water supply and sewer/wastewater construction are anticipated to remain somewhat flat for the next several...

Product Spotlight

Focus on Power Sources

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Power supplies TRIO general-purpose power supplies feature a rugged, zinc-plated steel housing that measures between 32 mm and 115 mm wide. The power...

New Products

Product News

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Power line protector The PT 250 series of AC power line protectors is UL 1449 2nd Edition listed. The protectors' 10-in. 10-in. enclosure contains 20...

Product News

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Ballast The Ballastar T5 is designed for F14T5 lamps and provides maximum light output for 2 2 fixture applications. The ballast can switch from full...

Short Circuits

Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Live Feeder Takes on New Meaning Feeling that this particular location of his chain of stores was not as bright as the others, the owner of a local pet...