This month’s issue focuses on one of EC&M’s bread and butter topics — one that is consistently in high demand among our online audience (right up there with the National Electrical Code, electrical testing, safety, and training). One of our most sought-after subjects, “operations & maintenance” (O&M) topics commonly deliver practical maintenance, repair, and operations material in a hands-on manner, challenging electrical professionals to improve their skill sets and maximize best practices in an effort to streamline maintenance practices in the safest way possible. In addition to our regular coverage of O&M in our monthly MRO Insider e-newsletter, this August print issue highlights some of the most important aspects of electrical maintenance, including preventive maintenance best practices and checklists, safety considerations for various types of electrical equipment, and proper testing methods and techniques.
Our cover story is a perfect example of the type of technical content EC&M readers can’t get enough of. Previously offered as a wildly popular companion webinar on the same topic (how circuit breaker conditions affect arc flash safety), more than 1,000 people registered for this live event, which took place on July 31. Presented by Denise Green, Midwest regional sales manager and national breaker specialist for Group CBS, a NETA Alliance partner, this webinar and article package addresses the most common issues typically found with circuit breaker condition and how those specifically relate to arc flash hazards. This webinar is available on-demand. If you already registered for the live event (and are logged into the website), you can simply click on “Log In Now.” If not, you can still register and view on-demand.
“The tell-tale sound, flash of light, flames, and resulting smoke — all indications that an arc flash incident has taken place. It’s the ultimate workplace nightmare of every electrical professional — something has gone wrong, and now people (and equipment) are directly in harm’s way,” writes Green in the cover story. We all know arc flash events are often caused by human error — whether that stems from using uninsulated tools during energized work, coming in contact accidentally with exposed live parts, or working with damaged equipment. However, as Green explains, some incidents are a direct result of the condition of the equipment, such as a loose connection, water intrusion, or worn/damaged insulation. Read the cover story to learn how you can identify and troubleshoot these hazards during normal inspections before they wreak havoc on your equipment and put the lives of maintenance personnel in danger.
Speaking of safety resources, EC&M recently unveiled its fourth-annual Workplace Safety Academy. Running through October 31, this free online learning event pulls together everything you need to know about workplace safety into one location, aggregating videos, white papers, articles, and sponsored content on all things safety related. Presented in cooperation with EC&M partner publications CONTRACTOR, Contracting Business, and EHS Today, the Workplace Safety Academy is designed to show safety managers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, engineers, and company leadership the latest tools, techniques, and technologies to support their company’s safety agenda. Learn about emerging trends, and connect with manufacturers to answer your questions on tools, equipment, and PPE; software and technology; and codes/standards. Register for this free portal today.
