The Basics of Variable-Frequency Drives
May 1, 2009, By Peter Novak, Fluor, Inc.
How to use various types of VFDs and harmonic mitigation tactics to combat the heat loss that accompanies these devices...
Using Single-Phase Transformers to Create 3-Phase Systems
Apr 1, 2009,
The basics of using delta-connected systems and wye-wye connected systems...
The Basics of Conductor Resistance at High Frequencies
Mar 1, 2009,
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...
The Basics of Conductor Reactance and Voltage Drop Part 2
Feb 1, 2009,
In the December 2008 issue of EC&M, we talked about calculating the inductive reactance of conductors that are in close proximity to (or touching) one...
Transfer Switches Simplified
Jan 1, 2009, By David Herres, Master Electrician
As backup power sources become more common in residential construction (Photo 1), many homeowners have learned about the needs and benefits of transfer...
The Basics of Vector Analysis Part 4
Nov 1, 2008,
In this last installment, we'll talk about using simple parallelogram relationships and trigonometry to determine neutral currents in balanced and unbalanced circuits....
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...
Electrical Power Calculation Basics: Single & 3-Phase Calculations
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...
Understanding The Basics of Wye Transformer Calculations
Dec 1, 2004, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant
Add this information to what you know about delta transformers and you may be ready to solve power quality problems...
Everything You Need to Know About Switches, and More
Nov 1, 2004, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant
Just like the receptacle, which was covered in this column last month, switches are a common element in everyday life. You can find them at work, in public,...
Basic Electronic Troubleshooting Techniques
Aug 1, 2004, By John Olobri, AEMC Instruments
You can troubleshoot problems with electronic equipment by using a few basic test instruments and a little common sense...
The Basics of Steel Conduit
Aug 1, 2004, Edited by Mike Eby, Editor-in-Chief
The strength and versatility of this oft-refined product line maintain its popularity on many a jobsite...
Understanding Induction Motor Nameplate Information
May 1, 2004, By Ed Cowern, P.E., Baldor Electric Co.
Keeping the language common among manufacturers is critical to making motors interchangeable...
