September 2008

Cover Story

The Future Is Now

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer

Despite a collapsed housing market and sluggish general economy, 2007 offered ample opportunity for sales and growth through projects in the non-residential sector ...

Other Features

Ambulatory Surgical Centers and Emergency Power

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Burton R. Klein, P.E., Burton Klein Associates and Edward Ginsburg, FIAE, Task Force Solutions

There has been considerable debate in recent years as to the emergency electrical power needs of freestanding, outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs)....

2009 Truck & Van Preview

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By the Editors of Fleet Owner magazine

While there are some new and improved truck models making their debut in 2009, it will be a quiet year as medium- and heavy-duty truck makers prepare for the last round of changes to diesel exhaust emission standards to go into effect in 2010....

The Power of Information Technology

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Roger Kirk, Computer Guidance Corp.

Electrical contractors today face an increasingly challenging business environment, with tight margins, skilled staff shortages, and administrative demands...

Resolving Resource Overload Issues

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Tom Clark, PhD, Project Success, Inc.

After the project manager has developed a detailed schedule for a new project, one nagging question typically remains...

National Electrical Code

Illustrated Catastrophes

Sep 1, 2008 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)....

What's Wrong Here?

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Joe Tedesco, NEC Columnist

Hint: Mixed signals...

Industry Viewpoint

Ready, Set Sorry, Time's Up!

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Michael Eby, Editor-in-Chief

Have you ever received a flyer or coupon in the mail that got you really excited, but then burst your bubble when you realized the sales date ended yesterday?...

Back to Basics

The Basics of Vector Analysis Part 2

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Last month, we clarified the definition of a vector and showed you how vectors are added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided. This month, we'll see how...

Market Watch

White Paper Outlines Arc Flash Loss Prevention Program

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

A white paper recently published by M.C. Dean, Inc., an Atlanta-based electrical construction and engineering firm, outlines six core steps businesses should follow to protect their workers and companies from arc flash explosions...

Low-Voltage Electrical Reconditioning Standards

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

The Professional Electrical Apparatus Recyclers League (PEARL), Aurora, Colo., recently released 40 low-voltage electrical reconditioning standards...

Bright Outlook for Solar Cell Manufacturing Equipment Market

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

As the price of crude oil has soared to record-high prices, the demand for alternate energy sources has also increased....

Motor Facts

Evaluating Electric Motor Repair Shops

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Fredrik Fränding, SKF Service Division

Electric motor failures are often caused by “in-operation” factors, such as production activities and the factory environment in which they operate....

Lighting & Control

Lighting for the 21st Century

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Michael C. Schmitt, Egan Co.

Faced with the challenges of conserving energy, simplifying maintenance, and lowering expenses, this is a dynamic time for electrical contractors to provide...

Inside PQ

Learning to Read Waveform Signatures

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Mark McGranaghan, EPRI Solutions

Today, many facilities have online monitoring systems that continuously track power quality, provide valuable information about energy use, and characterize...

PQ Corner

The Case of Overheated Transformers and Neutral Conductors

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Steven L. Pay, P.E., L.C., LEED AP, Finnegan Erickson Associates

Historically, typical loads of commercial power systems have been predominately linear; however, in the last few decades, a significant portion of these...

Construction Watch

Highway High-Visibility Apparel

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

According to Washington, D.C.-based Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), an average of three deaths and 160 injuries occur in U.S. highway construction...

San Francisco Poised to Become New Windy City?

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Within the city limits of San Francisco, there are only six wind-energy turbines, including three on private homes....

UK Housing Starts Lowest Since 1945

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Paralleling trends in the U.S. construction market, housing starts in Great Britain this year are forecast to be the lowest since 1945...

New Name for CABA Research Council

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Ottawa, Canada-based Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA) renamed its Internet Home Alliance Research Council as CABA's Connected Home Research...

Project Spotlight

Solar PV System Powers California Company's Headquarters

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Stefanie Kure, Senior Associate Editor

The most populous state in the nation, California is also among the most progressive when it comes to implementing renewable energy initiatives. One such...

Product Spotlight

Focus on Hand Tools

Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Subcompact driver The 2401-22 is a 12V subcompact driver that delivers 100 in./lb of torque. Weighing 2 lb, the company says the tool can drive 130 3-in....