March 2009

Cover Story

Barriers to BIM

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer

The philosophy behind Building Information Modeling (BIM) is more than the sum of its technological capabilities. Proponents of BIM claim that beyond...

Other Features

Common Legal Disputes on Construction Projects

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Marilyn Klinger, Sedgwick Deter Moran & Arnold LLP

During times like these, when the world is experiencing economic troubles and money is tight, disputes often arise because construction project participants...

Automating the Electrical Product Sourcing and Submittal Process

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Beck Ireland, Staff Writer

Before the advent of online submittal forms, the product submittals process was a tedious paper chase for commercial electrical contractor Brian Swain,...

Making the Transition from CAD to BIM

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By James Bratton, Dynalectric — An EMCOR Co.

In today's fast-paced competitive construction market, it's no longer enough to execute a project in the real world of girders, sheet metal, pipe, and...

National Electrical Code

Electrical Services — Part 2

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

Looking at Fig. 230.1 in the NEC, we can see that the second and third major areas of Art. 230 provide requirements for service entrance conductors (Part...

What's Wrong Here?

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM

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...

Stumped by the Code?

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant

Q. What are the requirements for supporting communications raceways and cables above a suspended ceiling?...

Industry Viewpoint

Electrical Design in the Virtual World

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Michael Eby, Editor-in-Chief

Looking at our cover image this month got me thinking about how fast our world has changed in such a relatively short time. Engineers can now design and...

Forensic Casebook

Plumber Electrocuted After Installing Unsafe Temporary Power Connection at New Construction Residential Housing Development

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Chris Shiver, P.E., Cerny & Ivey Engineers, Inc.

When plumbers Jim and Dave arrived at a new residential development, their task at hand certainly seemed routine performing trim-out work (installation...

Safety & Security

Understanding Fire Pump Controller Applications

Mar 24, 2009 4:03 PM, By Warren Shill, Underwriters Laboratories

Fire pump controllers are control panels containing electrical components, such as circuit breaker, switches, relays, and other devices, dedicated to the operation of fire pumps....

Inside PQ

Power Factor, Capacitors, Harmonic Filters, and Resonance Part 2

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Tom Shaughnessy, PowerCET Corp.

Last month, we discussed low power factor and how resonance can disrupt facility operations. This month, we'll talk about harmonic filter design and various...

Construction Watch

Electrical Contractors Take Steps to Limit Subcontractor Liability

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM

It's no secret that many subcontractors have sustained their fair share of hard knocks in the last year as a result of the economic crisis and construction...

Builder Confidence in Multifamily Market Remains Bleak

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM

The deepening recession and ongoing credit crunch continue to drag down builder confidence in many sectors of the construction industry. According to...

Associated General Contractors of America Urges Electrical Contractors to Oppose Card Check Legislation

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Alexandria, Va., recently called on its 33,000 member companies to immediately make their voices...

Project Spotlight

New 300 North LaSalle Project in Chicago Sports Sustainable Design

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Stefanie Kure, Senior Associate Editor

Recognized as the birthplace of the modern-day skyscraper, Chicago's skyline features dozens of towering structures, including the John Hancock Center...

Back to Basics

The Basics of Conductor Resistance at High Frequencies

Mar 1, 2009 12:00 PM

With the advent of systems at frequencies above 60 Hz, we've seen increased interest in the rating of cables in these applications. Mainframe computer...