Training

Keeping Electrical Apprentices Ahead of the Curve

The electrical industry has seen a lot of changes in a short time. Widespread use of solid state components and software has been a game changer for the way we integrate devices. Lighting, motor control, HVAC, power monitoring, small scale automation systems and communications have all been revolutionized by electronic controls.

I believe that early exposure to solid state controls is essential for the modern day electrical apprentice. When the apprenticeship is complete, the new journeyperson will run the pipe, terminate the connections, and probably spend some time programming and setting up the system.

Two "off the shelf devices" that I use as an Instructor to meet apprenticeship curriculum requirements, and help the apprentice with on the job applications are programmable smart relays and variable frequency drives. Read More

Codes and Standards

2015 Canadian Electrical Code Requirements for Arc-Fault Protection

An arc-fault is an unintended arc created by current flowing through an unplanned path. Arcing creates excessive heat that can easily ignite surrounding materials, such as wood framing or insulation, resulting in a hazardous fire.

Today's arc-fault technology, available in both circuit breaker and receptacle form, has been proven via the use of arc-fault circuit breakers, saving lives and property as an industry standard for more than 15 years. The technology has gone through several iterations to reduce unwanted tripping due to non-hazardous arcs that are part of the normal opera¬tion of appliances and devices in the home.

Both AFCI circuit breakers and receptacles are designed to detect both series and parallel arcing con¬ditions. However, an AFCI receptacle will not protect against parallel arcing upstream of the device as the current path does not flow through the AFCI recep¬tacle. A combination AFCI circuit breaker will protect the entire circuit. Read More

Peers and Profiles

Brady Corporation: "A company doesn't turn 100 every day"

Mindful that very few companies turn 100 at all, Brady Corporation is now celebrating its milestone anniversary. "Thank you for our first 100," says a special anniversary website. "Here's to our next."

The website aside, don't expect Brady to make a big splash about its centenary. Much of the recognition will take place within the organization. "It's more about recognizing with affection how the company started, what it stands for, and what it's accomplished," says Jamie Button, Marketing Manager for Brady Canada.

Electrical contractors know Brady as the leading provider of labels and sleeves for wire identification applications, as well as lockout/tagout devices, safety signs, and labels. These products are a direct reflection of the corporate vision: to identify and protect premises, products and people. Read More

Survey Says

Where They Buy - Electrical Contracting

Among six categories, full line distributors lead; online lags.
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Product Focus

Organize and Protect Cable with Arlington's New Brush-Style Cable Entry Device

Arlington's CED135 cable entry device with brushed opening organizes and protects low voltage cable against abrasion with easy insertion of individual cables or a bundle of Class 2 low voltage wiring.

Mounting holes allow for the attachment of a decorator-style wall plate to the low voltage side of an electrical box, giving extra support to the installation. It's non-metallic and available with a decorator-style wall plate (CED135WP) Read More

THE ELECTRICAL STOCK MARKET

Track the stock market performance of 25 publicly traded electrical equipment suppliers and electrical wholesalers. Updated weekly.

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Where plant electricians buy. Online? Through distributors?