Electrical Basics

The Basics of Vector Analysis Part 3

Oct 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Last month, we saw how you can use vectors to define complex circuits and determine current. This month, we'll show you how to use vector diagrams and...

The Basics of Vector Analysis Part 2

Sep 1, 2008,

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...

The Basics of Vector Analysis Part 1

Aug 1, 2008,

What is a vector, and how can we use it in electrical design?...

Calculating Series Voltage Drop

Jun 1, 2008, By Walter Boncal, P.E., Electrical Designers' Reference

Series voltage drop is the progressive loss of voltage that occurs when feeding a string of parallel-connected loads. It's of particular concern when...

Short-Circuit Calculations: The Easy Way

May 1, 2008,

Short-circuit currents represent a tremendous amount of destructive energy, which can be released through electrical systems under fault conditions. Baseline...

Calculating Single- and 3-Phase Parameters

Apr 1, 2008,

Welcome to the first in a series of articles focusing on electrical calculation basics. This month, we'll discuss the most fundamental of calculations...

Letters to the Editor

Dec 1, 2007,

Battery Sizing Basics Article Addendum In the Voice Data Video Today article, starting on page 30 of the September 2007 issue, the author would like to...

The Basics of Power Monitoring Systems

Dec 1, 2007, By Jon A. Bickel, Square D Co./Schneider Electric

Rationalizing an investment in a facility's infrastructure can be a difficult prospect for any plant engineer or technician, often requiring extensive...

The ABCs of Fire Pump Installations

Oct 1, 2007, By Ken Granle, HDR/Jordan Architects

When it comes to fire pumps, there's more to designing and installing these units than meets the eye. As projects become larger and more complex, such...

Ladder Logic Basics

Apr 1, 2007, By Steve Vidal, P.E., Joseph J. Vidal & Sons, Inc.

A specialized segment of the electrical construction and maintenance industry, AC motor control is an area that requires specific knowledge in order to...

Installing Aluminum Building Wire

Jan 1, 2007, By Christel Hunter, Alcan Cable

Aluminum building wire installation can be an uncertain subject for electricians, engineers, inspectors, and owners. There are many myths, beliefs, and...

Electrical Ladder Drawing Basics

Feb 1, 2006, By Roger Zieg, Lewellyn Technology

Electrical ladder drawings are still one of the common and reliable tools used to troubleshoot equipment when it fails. As with any good troubleshooting...

Electrical Taping Skills: A Lost Art?

Jan 1, 2006, By Bob Goodman and Rodney G. Brown, 3M

With all of the new products and electrical insulation kits currently on the market, the use of conventional electrical tapes has gone down. As a result,...

Best Practices for Terminating Copper Cabling

Sep 1, 2005, By Dan Payerle and Sheri Lindhart, IDEAL Industries, Inc.

Although the process of terminating twisted-pair copper cabling may seem to be relatively simple on the surface, the issues involved with properly creating...

Sizing and Protection For Multiple-Speed Motors

Mar 1, 2005, By James T. Peda, P.E., Black & Veatch

A single-speed motor has one rated speed at which it runs when supplied with the nameplate voltage and frequency. A multispeed motor will run at more...