How to Maintain and Test UPS Systems
Mar 1, 2001, By John E. Diamond, Cushman & Wakefield
Effective testing of a UPS system is a complex and potentially dangerous operation if you don't do it correctly. After 10 years of successful uninterrupted...
Labor Hours and the Estimate Summary
Feb 1, 2001, By Mike Holt
The first in a multi-part series, this article will outline nine steps to preparing more accurate bids. This month, we'll discuss total labor hours.Summarizing...
Benefits of Battery-Capacity Testing
Feb 1, 2001, By Glenn Alber
Battery-capacity testing is an essential part of battery maintenance. But how do you do it effectively?How do you know your UPS will have "enough battery"...
Using the Wrong Tool Can Be Dangerous
Feb 1, 2001, By Eugene Tims
Two electricians receive burns while using a poorly designed test instrument with inadequate leads.Just before the arc flash severely burned the two electricians,...
The Case of the Flickering Warehouse
Jan 1, 2001, By Stan Turkel
From the files of a power quality detective, this case examines how a warehouse endured continuous problems with high-pressure sodium lights.As the man...
The Case of the Elevator Arc Flash
Jan 1, 2001, By Kenneth E. Buske, P.E.
While servicing an elevator at an older San Francisco high-rise hotel, an elevator technician accidentally created an electrical arc flash at the fused...
Are Reconditioned Breakers a Good Idea?
Jan 1, 2001, By Dick Bopp
Let's look at the truth about reconditioned breakers, including when to use them and how to ensure reconditioning provides a safe and reliable breaker.Many...
Job-Cost Codes: The Estimator's Report Card
Jan 1, 2001, By George Hague
With job-cost accounting, estimators now have the tools to make intelligent adjustments and get an A+ on every bid. Job-cost accounting provides contractors...
Customized Contractor Pathway to the Internet Now Available
Jan 1, 2001, By EC&M Staff
Electricsmarts.com recently unveiled a new customized "Contractor View" configuration specifically for electrical contractors. The site offers several...
Justifying Software Purchases
Jan 1, 2001, By Mark Lamendola
Getting management to accept the up-front purchase costs as well as ongoing support charges of a software purchase can be impossible without the right...
Don't Slip Up When Greasing Your Bearing
Jan 1, 2001, By John Paschal
Want to prevent unannounced motor downtime? Installing bearing isolators will greatly help your cause.There's no doubt about it. Motors are wonderful...
Troubleshoot with PQ Interviewing Techniques
Dec 1, 2000, By Stan Turkel
The majority of power quality problems are relatively easy to troubleshoot, provided you ask a lot of questions and you don't lose focus. Learning the...
Berk-Tek's LANmark Receives Certification
Dec 1, 2000, By EC&M Staff
With a little tightening of the attenuation requirements, Berk-Tek, New Holland, Pa., A Nexans company (formed from Alcatel Cables and Components) recently...
Estimating Basics - The Takeoff
Dec 1, 2000, By Mike Holt
Consistency when measuring and counting the symbols on your plans will help you reduce the time it takes to estimate a job and eliminate some errors.Counting...
Searching for Truth After the Fire
Dec 1, 2000, By Paul E. Pritzker
When a false report determines a heater caused a building to burn down, the investigation turns to a question of integrity. After fire destroyed a two-story...
