Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Vol.9 No.1
TM
Industrial Success!
Ask For Help And Get It!
Inside: LightingGo Beyond 50% Savings CodeMore Grounding and Bonding Plus: Industrial Lighting, Motors and More
table
of
c o n te n ts
On The Cover:
OUTLET
Industrial/commercial
Industrial Success!
In Oklahoma City, Todd Fellers (left) asked for help from Rexel. The result, years later, is a success for AAE, the company (in which Pat Smith, at right, is a partner). And its also a win for many other of Rexels customers! See page 22.
POWER
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Did you ever hear of a win-winwin situation? Thats what Todd Fellers helped create in Oklahoma City, when he spoke to Rexels people.
We sponsored a party in Nashville at the Rockwell Automation Fair. Take a look at the business and the fun!
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Basics:
Lighting
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32
A review of the basics: Errors to not make, wasted time to avoid, efforts you might automate.
Youve got questions on Lighting, our experts provide answers. MORE: See also the feature on Industrial Lighting & Energy Efficiency, which starts on page 32
Why stop at 50%? Thats the question for industrial lighting retrofits.
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Holt on Code:
You bid on projects to win them; then you sign contracts. What rights are you routinely signing away? Are you sure you need to do that?
Grounding & bonding is a key part of the electrical construction business and a major source of import changes to the 2008 National Electrical Code. Heres more to chew on! MORE: See also our Basics column, which starts on page 44
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Forensics:
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NH MT ND SD NE UT CO IA IL KS OK MO TN MS TX LA FL AL GA IN KY NC SC OH WV VA MN WI MI PA VT
ME MA
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OR ID WY NV CA
The story of a man with a legitimate claim who tried to grab more than he deservedand what happened when justice showed up!
Ask Bo:
NY NJ MD DC
RI CT DE
AZ
NM
AR
Seismic disturbances arent a part of your datacom businessunless they are! The first of a two-part special report.
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4 11 12
IN Every Issue
6 83 & 85
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New Products
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15 14 17 2 20 19
Our Suppliers
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Trends
... green here and green there!
Crossword Puzzle
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P OW E R OUT L ET
A P u b l i c at i o n o f R e x e l , I n c .
Power Outlet is a publication that provides the contractor and end user with technical articles, industry trends and economic outlooks. We strive to engage each reader with columns that educate and influence the electrical and datacom communities who are involved in system selection and specification. Each issue is formatted for the subscriber who appreciates the value of new technologies and practices that keep them ahead of the competition. www.rexelusa.com
To stop delivery, change your address, or for additional subscriptions contact us via e-mail at: dchumley@rexelusa.com Printed on recycled paper For more information go to:
Mission
CONTRIBUTORS Cari Clark, A. Lee Chichester, D.A. Bo Conrad, Mike Dandridge, Craig DiLouie, Mike Holt, Mark Lamendola, Jim Pierzynski, and Paul Rosenberg Illustrations & graphics prepared exclusively for Power Outlet by Eric Westbrook, Jim Haynes, Dapo Ojo-Ade, Steve Pica, Dan Sherbo, Jim Starr, & Amy Phifer PHOTOGRAPHY BY John Boykin, Robert Hughes, Jay Kelly, & Robert Rathe
REXEL, INC.
NEW ENGLAND Robert Compagna bcompagna@rexelusa.com NORTH ATLANTIC Pete Schiller pschiller@rexelusa.com CENTRAL Tim Copeland tcopeland@rexelusa.com SOUTH EAST Timothy D. Hogan thogan@rexelusa.com WEST COAST Roger Edgar redgar@rexelusa.com
REXEL PRODUCT MANAGERS
Copies
Have we written about you or your company? Do you think more people need to see one of the stories in Power Outlet? Go to www.rexelusa.com and click on the Power Outlet button. All the past issues are there. You can download the entire issue or just one article. If you need a high resolution copy of an article contact aphifer@ efjenterprises.com
All articles are copyright Rexel and cannot be altered or revised.
LIGHTING Robert Stroescu rstroescu@rexelusa.com Installation Products David Watts dwatts@rexelusa.com Datacom Sean Burke burkes@rexelusa.com Tools Carol Barron cbarron@rexelusa.com
PowerOutlet is distributed three times a year by Rexel, Inc., for the use of our customers, employees, and vendors. There is no charge for a single copy. All editorial material in this publication is copyrighted 2009 by Rexel, Inc. The Company has made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this publication accurately reflects the contents therein, but provides no guarantees and disclaims all liability stemming from the use of any information herein. Submissions: Those wishing to supply articles for possible future use in this magazine should provide the articles on a disk in a text file format and provide high-quality photographs or illustrations. For further information on submission, please contact the editor at 703-255-1428 or poweroutlet@electricalcontractor.com. Publishers of this magazine assume no responsibility for statements made by their advertisers in business competition, nor do they assume responsibility for statements/opinions expressed or implied in the columns of this magazine, or typographical errors.
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They Need You. We Do, Too!
By Jeremy de Brabant
M ess a g e
am kept abreast of our sales progress via daily reports and feedback from our teams across the U.S. I am certain that despite the negative
Working Together
Our cover story (see page 22) is about an Oklahoma City business that has taken an initiative and evolved over the past six years. There was a need in the local industrial market. They seized the opportunity and are now designing plans to broaden their offering. They leaned on us for help and it paid off. Yes, this is a success storyfor the customer, for the customers customers, and for Rexel, too. The story is here for a reason: We would like you to use it as a point of departure! Perhaps youre not in the same business.
headlines, you too are reading between the lines and instead of burying your head in the sand, you see this as an opportunity to scrutinize your current business model. The core fundamentals of the basic distributor are product, price and availability. Upon these fundamentals are the value added services that separate the leaders from the followers. We constantly review these services to help you conduct your business more efficiently, more effectively, and more profitably. Regardless of the economic conditions, we will continue to execute and track initiatives that revolve around meeting your needs.
1. There remain tens of millions working in this country. They use electricity. You are out there, helping these people with electrical installations, modernizations, retrofits, and repairs that increase productivity, comfort, and more. 2. We chose the electrical business. It is fundamental. While we are starting to hear about net zero energy buildings, no one suggests that people live and work in the dark! Were all involved in a specialty that people do not wish to live without. 3. Your customers have faith in you. You, in turn, honor us at Rexel, by putting your faith in us. We wont forget it. We work every day with a clear focus that we must work harder and smarter to earn your business.
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&NEWS
Green Constructions Future Is Golden
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cGraw-Hill Construction recently performed several research projects into the future of green construction. The company presented some of the results in its Oct. 23, 2008, Outlook 09 conference in Washington, D.C. Power Outlet has selected five key slides for you to review, with especially interesting data, from a 67-slide presentation.
$ (billions)
Percent of green market estimated to more than double between 2005 and 2008
2% of market $7 billion
$12 billion
Note: Market value varies based on market size, percent of market remains constant.
Higher estimates for the residential market in 2013 show expectations that 20% of the homes built in that year will be green.
Source: Based on surveys conducted by McGraw-Hill Construction between 2006 & 2008, MHC construction activity data and U.S. Department of Census Data. * Green home defined as one containing attributes in energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water efficiency, resource ef ficiency and site management.
Growth in Green
3%
3% 20%
2% 13%
34%
16%
McGraw-Hill talked to architects and contractors about the future of green construction. Note that the contractor segment probably included general contractors and constructors more than subcontractors.
17% 17% 7%
18% 13%
continued on page 10
15%
Overall Industry: 66% expect more than 20% of work to be green in five years
A New LEED
The USGBC introduced LEED 2009a new version of its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Designin November. There was a renewed emphasis on energy efficiency and emissions reduction.
From Earth Day (4/22/08) to mid-October, 84 U.S. military bases installed 359,268 CFLs in 40,951 military housing units. The government says Operation Change Out will trim electricity use by nearly 100 million kWh over the bulbs lifetime.
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&NEWS
Green Constructions Future is Golden continued from page 8
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$19 Billion
$7 Billion $12 Billion
$130 Billion
$240 Billion
Source: Based on surveys conducted by McGraw-Hill Construction between 2006 & 2008, MHC construction activity data and U.S. Department of Census Data * Green home defined as one containing attributes in energy efficiency, indoor air quality, water efficiency, resource efficiency and site management * Green commercial/institutional building defined as being built according to LEED guidelines
Estimates for 2013, summarized in the table above, show as much as $200 billion in new construction and $240 billion in renovation will comprise the green construction market.
The bigger the construction project in 2007, the more likely it was to include Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) in its specifications. LEED comes from the U.S. Green Building Council.
ted ties commit lthcare enti . ea h es r ic fo ct t ra fi pro dly p le, eco-frien to sustainab om said it absorbed en.c BuildingGre lth Care & uide for Hea G en re G e th y Exchange. Clean Energ Healthcare
Reportedly, CH2M Hills a solar map of San Francisco sf.solarmap.orgwill be replicated More for 24 other cities.You enter Solar Cells in your address, New manufacturing facilities and estimate for solar cells and modules in MA, MI, the size and OH, OR & TX promise to add enough capacity cost of putting a to produce thousands of megawatts of solar solar PV system on devices per year within the next few years, your roof. according to the Dept. of Energy.
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&NEWS
Early Housing Pessimist Sees Sunshine!
f there was big news at the fall forecast conference held Oct. 22, 2008, by the National Association of Home Builders, it was not the
Inventories Are Peaking
Number of vacant homes for sale, ths, Source: Census
2,250 2,000 1,750 1,500 1,250 1,000
Housing supply Single Multi Manufactured Housing demand Households Obsolescence Second homes 925,000 550,000 300,000 75,000 1,425,000 900,000 400,000 125,000
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with a recovery likely to follow. Asked to name the date of recovery, he was astonishingly precise: Aug. 3, 2010! The slides below, from his presentation, include captions summarizing his positive remarks.
flood tide of gloomy data. Instead, it was the volte-face by Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moodys Economy.com. Zandi has been the pessimist at these NAHB conferences. He foresaw, years ago, some of what has happened in the housing market although perhaps he didnt predict the declines full extent and drama. Heres the good news: Zandi now says there are at least three reasons to believe that housings decline will bottom during the current year,
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Inventories of vacant for-sale houses were 1.0 million higher than normal as of September, Zandi said. He projected this excess would be worked off at a rate of 500,000 homes a year in 2009 and 2010.
Nationalization Means Lower Rates
2.0
5.8
Source: Bankrate.com
5.6 July August September
Affordability is one key to a housing recovery, Zandi noted. He provided two indicators (shown above). Judging by the price-income ratio, housing is already affordable, he said in October. The price-rent ratio, on the other hand, has a ways to go.
With no-doc/no-interest loans and ARMs with steep adjustments likely to go out of style, Zandi indicated that another key to a housing recovery was low 30-year fixed mortgage rates. Were likely to get that, he said, with the U.S. government having nationalized Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
n the A deal betwee ouncil and C g in ld Green Bui s led to the ha ss re P Island ok club, at bo GreenWorks sgbc. press.com/u www.island and t es w ne e th It will offer g bu green ildin best books on ices. pr at discounted
www.aia.org/walkthewalk is the home of a site from the American Institute of Architects, a group that wants to take the lead in things green. At the time of our latefall visit, there were 12 webisodes up in the sites video series.
Savers Blog
The Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy arm of the U.S. Dept. of Energy has an Energy Savers bloguseful for tips, perhaps. See
eere.typepad.com/energysavers
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which almost certainly incorporates work that could be done by readers of this magazine, is: ...a reduction of energy consumption by the current stock of residential and commercial structures by 35% over the next three decades. Other research has established that such a reduction is technically feasible. In the forecast, this reduction is distributed in identical increments for each year. This works out to incremental reductions in total annual energy consumption for residential and commercial buildings of approximately 1.2% per year. Based on specific assumptions, the report envisions 81,000 jobs per year to be created in a 30-year building retrofitting project. Obviously, those assumptions would take the 81,000 jobs beyond the year 2030 (perhaps into 2040). According to the report, 45,000 of those jobs would be in the commercial buildings sector (the other 36,000 in residential). Download the full report, free, here: http:// snipurl.com/56ae3.
Almost 1,000 schools have earned one of the LEED certifications or are seeking to, according to GreenBiz.com. Compared to traditional school buildings, LEEDcertified schools cut energy use by 33%, water use by 32%, and solid waste production by 74%.
32% of these professionals say green already makes up 10% of domestic construction output.
Find 90+ pages of Power Outlets GREEN Global Green Construction issueV8N3 McGraw-Hill Construction Analytics online, with says:53% of construction industry all the respondents globally expect to be articles dedicated to green on over 60% of their available (free, projects in the next five years. Additionally: no registration) in PDF.
www.rexelusa.com/PastIssues.aspx
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Ceiling Fan Rules Can Confuse Heres Clarity
t its annual meeting in September 2008, an American Lighting Association staffer noted that federal ceiling fan regulations places, perhaps even contradictory. As a result, ALA issued a three-page PDF , which included the table below. To see the original, use this web address: snipurl.com/4ru0z. i that were about to go into effect (1/1/09) were confusing. Information from various suppliers, the ALA said, was confusing at the least and, in
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Category
Ceiling Fan and Ceiling Fan Light Kit Lamping Requirements Per EPACT 2005 Federal Regulation
A Standard Medium Base (E26) Energy Star Program Requirements for Compact Fluorescent Lamps, version 3.0 Yes, Energy Star Listed Compact Fluorescent Enough To Fill All Sockets B Pin Base (Fluorescent Having Independent Electronic Ballast) Energy Star Program Requirements for Residential Light Fixtures, version 4.0 Yes Enough To Fill All Sockets No Limit No 1/1/2007 Yes 1/1/2009 C Candelabra (E12), Mini-Can (E11), Intermediate (E17), MR-16, MR-11, MR-5, Wedge, Festoon, Bi-Pin, GU-24 and all others not listed in categories A or B. None (Incandescent/ Halogen)
Base On Lamp
Lamp Efficiency Requirement Lamps Shipped Inside The Product Packaging By The Manufacturer? Quantity of Lamps
Maximum Total Wattage Of No Limit Lamps Shipped With Products 190 Watt Fuse, Circuit Breaker, Or Power Limiter No Built Into The Product Effective Date 1/1/2007
The Solar America Board for Codes and Standardsan organization set up by the U.S. Dept. of Energy has issued three reports (downloadable free)on solar access, interconnection procedures, and utility external disconnect. www.solarABCs.org
Solar ABCs
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From the American Wind Energy Association: 1,389 mW of wind power Home capacity was installed in 2008s third Building: Greener! quarter. That took the years total to 4,204 mW, with one quarter to Working with the National gomeaning Association of Home the year would likely Builders, McGraw-Hill surpass the record set Construction found that in 2007 (5,249 mW 21% of homebuilders surinstalled). veyed expect that, in 2009, they will build 90% of their projects green! Also: 60% of homebuilders say homebuyers will pay more for green homes. Vo l u me 9 N um b e r 1
&NEWS
Outside Of Housing, Its Not That Bad!
cGraw-Hill Construction didnt see this coming. MHCs official forecast for 2008 was for the dollar value of new construction starts to decline by 2%. In October, however, at its Outlook 09 conference, the company provided a new look (based at least in part on whats happened)that 2008 would be down 12%. However, take a look at the table below. Lets do a little math:
Total construction, 2005-2009: Down from 2005s peak by $155.6 billion. Residential, 2005-2009: Down $216 billion. The rest of the market, 2005-2009: The forecast for 2009 shows the rest of construction will be UP $60.4 billion on 2005, the best year the construction industry has had on record.
T rends
So McGraw-Hills forecast is for a 7% decline in 2009. But if you ignore residential and compare the 09 forecast with 2005its a 9% gain! i
t the U. o Research a rnia found Califo ed le e at Berk y duc re iency laws energy-effic rgy needs in the ne per-capita e low the national be % 40 to state olds ving househ sa e g ra ve a -2006. 72 19 rs a the ye tml $56 billion in ei arch_e jc.h
0.org/rese www.next1
64 Green MBAs
Green Radio
Would you like to listen to green stuff as well as read about it? GreenBiz.com offers podcasts. There were many online as of mid-fallincluding four posted in each of September and October.
www.greenbiz.com/current/podcasts
www.snipurl.com/qygst
A nonprofit called Net Impact has published a new edition of Business As Unusual. Its a 222-page guide, downloadable (free) as a PDF. According to GreenBiz.com, the document profiles 64 schools that offer MBAs with a green tint.
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B ulleti n
Going? n e e r G s e r Whe ncil may
Cou en Building The U.S. Gre e future, but to predict th not be able and you g ere it is goin it knows wh publicly a look at the can, too. Take ic Plan 2009 GBC Strateg S U le b la ai av nd here: age PDF fou 2013, a 20-p i .com/56mjl http://snipurl
B o ard
Power & Energy Res ource Acco
+ Energy Librar y inc rding to the IEEE, its Power
neration articles 51,600+ Power Ele ctronics articles 54,000+ Nuclear art icles 10,900+ Power Se miconductor articles 8,600+ Voltage Me asurement articles 8,900+ Renewable Energy/ Hydroelectric power/w ind power articles 15,000+ Power Ge
Trends
ludes:
articles. www.ieee.o
rg i
er to access the
Dream !t, Do !t
Found at www.dreamit-doit. com: A website devoted to getting young people interested in careers in manufacturing. The site was created by the National Association of Manufacturers. i
NECA
stows an Industry Partner Award zation or associa tion in the construction or electri cal industries. At its October 2008 annual conv ention and show , the association honored the Occ upational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) fo r its renewal of th e Electrical Transmission & Distrib ution Partnership Agreement. From Edwin G. Fo ulke, Jr., assistant secretar y of Labor: We do nt often hear ab out the lives we save with our sa fety precautions, but through the T&D Partnership , we have concre te evidence that we are saving liv es. i on another organi
NECA annually be
OSHA
ter erican Ins titute of Arc hitects ha s a Commit tee on the Environme nt. COTE developed PDF a docume , downloa nt (10-pag dable free e here: snip nicknamed u rl .c o m/56mrk) the Cool Tool. Its a Ca Strategies rbon Redu Matrix tha ction t o u tl ines 60 ac building o tionable s wners can teps that take to im and reduc prove ene e carbon e rgy efficie missions, ncy accordin g to AIA. i of the Am
ProfessionSustainability Impacts Supply ationships is als Decisions and Supplier Rel Institute for a report (6-page PDF) from the here: snipurl. Supply Management. Find it com/56jvh i
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Week:
Manufacturings Future
t/CEO of the Manufacas published in Industry the rolls of the middle and for manufactured
higher-end durables at about $8,000-$9,000 in annual income. U.S. manufacturers are highly competitive already in this category of goods, having seen over 30% growth in exports in the last three years. i
vestment Ta The Solar In is a 5-page Questions d e sk A y tl n y Freque e Solar Energ t issued by th n e m cu o d ) (PDF e purpose: To ssociation. Th A s e ri st u d In ltimately) of g (and use, u in d n ta rs e d t boost un r investmen usiness sola b 8 4 n io ct sidenthe se ction 25D re se e th d an ) C tax credit (IT h url.com/qyh www.snip . C IT r la so al ti ht-year gained an eig s C IT e th f o . Each ent George W lation Presid is g le in n o si exten . 3, 2008. i to law on Oct in d e n g si sh Bu
s passed , 97 technician In 2007 an certification, stems Technici Sy g in at er en G -October, Electrical org). As of mid a. gs .e w w (w SA according to EG already at 234. e for 2008 was ur fig e th , purchased id sa chnicians have te 1 the association 53 tt: pu ch ation isnt a 6-in are preparany technicians Earning a certific m at th r ea cl is o it ted. i for the exam, s staff member no a Study Guide SA EG an , st te not taken, the ing for, but have
Commercial B uildtion by the fe deral government through 12/31/ 13 was included in legislation signed into law Oct. 3, 2008, by Pr esident George W. Bus h. For angles on what this mea ns for those se lling energy-efficien t lighting, see the National Ligh ting Bureaus write-up: snipurl.com/5 6lcb. i ing Tax Deduc
Energy Cooperative (www.batsan dwind.org) is purs uing a study on how wind turbines can avoid killing bats. A spokespers on for the U.S. Fis h and Wildlife Service noted that it was pleased to be helping fund this preceden t-setting study to test if slightly changing the way a wind turbine op erates can substantially redu ce or even avoid kil ling bats. i
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S uccess
S tory
Can a distributor help a customer grow a business? One Oklahoma City panelbuilder has, in recent years, lived a real-life success story.
(these days he has six people working with him). I couldnt afford to hire a sales staff. But the Rexel people were very open to my ideas. They actually took me out on calls to see their customers in the area, people who might need panel-building services. In the first year and half of doing that, things were slow. But in the past year or so, it has really taken off. Thats mostly due to the help Ive gotten from the Rexel people. At this point, theyve helped me change the direction of my company. Right now, Id have to say I owe a lot to Rexel. The decision I made to go with Rockwell turned out very good for me, but thats primarily because of the people at Rexel!
ost electrical and datacom distributors have the ambition of being more than a place where customers can come to buy products.
Many customers have heard the spiel from a variety of companies. So maybe, for some, it sounds like another case of blahblahblah. But Todd Fellers of AAE Automation in Oklahoma City, Okla., has a different perspective. I run a UL-certified panel shop, he explains. I had been using another companys products for years, but I wanted to go back to the products from Rockwell Automation. To be successful in the industrial market, its smart to go with Rockwells Allen-Bradley products. I contacted Rexel, which is the authorized Rockwell Automation distributor in Oklahoma City, which was the start of our business relationship. I was new in town. I had just purchased a 6,000-sq.-ft. shop here. I thought that since my shop was UL-certified, we had a pretty good chance of helping some of the companies that needed control panels. I talked to Rexel about it, showed them what we can do. At this point, back in 2004 when I had just started the company, I was a one-man band
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UL certification is key
Fellers success is thanks, in large part, to a unique qualifier: His company is a UL-certified panelbuilder. Local competitors in the OKC area are not. Further, hes a savvy businessman. He started his company with $19,000, but as it has grown, he saw the need for additional heft which is why, in early 2008, he combined his company with another. Apex Automation & Electric is now the parent of his company (AAE Automation) and an electrical contracting business, AAE Electric. What were doing now, working together, is taking on projects, he explains. Were able to do a ground-up turn-key project for a customer, from the
AAE Automations service area consists of a 300-mile radius of Oklahoma City (shown in the circle above), with the exception of a legacy customer with which Todd Fellers has maintained a relationship in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Uniting an electrical contracting firm and a UL-certified panel shop under the AAE banner was the brainchild of Pat Smith (left) and Todd Fellers. Its worked out well so far in meeting customer demand.
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engineering, to the panel-building, to the installation, to the start-up. And, of course, were still using AllenBradley products, which we get from Rexel, to do this work.
Rexels perspective
When Rexel discovered Todd Fellers and his company, Ben Newby remembers, it seemed like there was potential to create a win-win-win situation. Newby, now branch manager for Rexel in Stillwater, was an outside salesperson back in 2004. Todd created the opportunity for us to grow our business, while we helped him grow his business, Newby says. Were talking about a UL -certified panel-builder! This is what a lot of the major OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] in the area were looking for, they had told us. So, to us, it looked like we could help Todds company by introducing him to these people. He could help
Fellers (left) took the time to build relationships with new customers. Here, he and his two AAE partners talk with Jack Fogle of Mercury Marine (at right). The Stillwater, Okla., Mercury plant is one of several manufacturing facilities for what is the worlds leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines.
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As it turned out, Terex was a perfect place to start. Fellers had done some work previously, outside of the area, in the asphalt business. Like many niche industries, its a relatively small world. When Christofferson introduced Fellers to Ken Cosby, head of engineering for asphalt at Terex, it turned out the two knew people
engineering, panel-building, and start-up; the contracting company did the installation. Its something the customers really seem to want.
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Customers like Mercury Marines Jack Fogle (center) can now avail themselves of the services of a UL-certified panel shop (as represented by Todd Fellers of AAE Automation, at left) and an installing electrical contractor (AAE partner John Vaught, right).
Adds Christofferson: The relationship weve built with AAE is an important part what Rexel has focused on recently. We want to go beyond what a distributor has done in the past. Sure, well still sell product to those who want to buy it! But were focusing on providing a full range of services to the customerto help the customers who want our help in growing their business.
As it turned out, the prime forward movement in that effort was to talk with his local Rexel account people. I started this business with $19,000, he recalls. The growth weve had has been, mostly, due to the help Ive gotten from the sales people employed at Rexel. What kind of growth? As of 2008, the business has more than doubled in size (not counting the electrical contracting companys sales) from 2007. Fellers sees additional growth coming. Since 2007, everything has really taken off, he says, adding (almost with a laugh): We dont plan on slowing down! i
Salimando (ecdotcom@gmail.com) is the Editor of Power Outlet. He also writes regularly on the electrical construction industry on www.eleblog.com.
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I ndustry
Perhaps youve heard theres no industrial work in the U.S. these days. This feature, with a green tint, proves that idea wrong and shows opportunities still abound in helping this sector to save energy and become more efficient!
A
Year 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006
s shown in Table One, the industrial sector hasnt had dramatic growth in energy use over a 12-year period, but still consumes more than 27% of energy purchased by U.S. users in
the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Note that Direct Use (onsite generation) combines commercial and industrial; one might guess that its mostly industrial, but theres no proof of that.
Source: Energy Information Administration, U.S. Dept. of Energy, www.eia.doe.gov n/a = not available. * residential, commercial, industrial, and other are reported retail sales. ** direct use = commercial & industrial facility use of onsite net electricity generation.
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n August 2008, Eye For Transport (www.eft.com) issued its Green Manufacturing Report based on a survey of manufacturing executives. Figure Two shows the range of answers (respondents could pick more than one) to a question about the benefits manufacturing companies are expecting when they invest in environmental/energy initiatives. As shown, the #1 and #2 responses finished neckand-neck. #1 was Support of corporate environmental sustainability strategy & vision. #2 was responding to customer interest in environmentally friendly products & practices.
hen Eye For Transport (www.eft.com) issued its Green Manufacturing Report (August 2008), it surveyed manufacturing executives. As shown above, the leading replyat 39%was that green manufacturing is part of a larger Corporate Responsibility agenda.
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I ndustrial electricity c o n t . . .
Note: As of mid-December, more than 14,000 industrial assessments had been performed (over the years) via the program, with 105,249 recommendations made in these efforts. Access the database here: http://iac.rutgers.edu/ database/recommendations.php.
s of early December, 706 recommendations for energy-efficient industrial lighting retrofits and other activities had been made in 2008 via the U.S. DoEs Industrial Assessment Center program. Below, Power Outlet has provided details on 25 selected recommendations that were implemented.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, Industrial Technologies Program
rom where do manufacturing executives get information about green manufacturing? According to the Green Manufacturing Report (issued in August 2008 by Eye For Transportwww.eft.com), the leading resource is industry publications. Apparently, the open-ended question did find some use of the web (thrown in under Other)but print publications remain the #1 info resource for manufacturers.
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tions.
ost electrical contractors are by now aware that one of the hottest energy-saving opportunities in lighting is replacement of metal
tures for up to 50% energy savings in hi-bay installaWhile switching to fluorescent, however, we can ask: Why stop at 50%?
Figure One: Hi-bay lighting upgrades featuring fluorescent systems often create significant opportunities to expand energy savings with lighting controls. Photo courtesy of Cooper Lighting.
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Compared with metal halide, fluorescents offer better energy savings through dimming
Figure Two. U.S. Marine Corps Base Joseph H. Pendletonhome to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force and 1st Marine Divisionimplemented a lighting upgrade in scores of buildings that included converting HID fixtures to T5HO hi-bay fixtures controlled by Square D by Schneider Electric Powerlink lighting control system. The panel-based Powerlink system provides automatic lighting shutoff with modules providing daylight harvesting control capabilities. Total energy savings is estimated at 57%, a cost savings of more than $230,000. Photo courtesy of Schneider Electric.
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however, so also be sure to consider programmed-start ballasts to maximize lamp life.
Daylighting Control
Photosensors can also be installed as part of light fixtures mounted near daylight apertures such as skylights and windows. The principle of operation is simple: When a sufficient daylight contribution is measured by the photosensor, the fluorescent lights will either switch or dim. If switching, designate the setpoints such
that the lights will switch OFF only in response to high daylight contributions, ensuring the lights do not switch ON and OFF frequently all day. Additionally, the occupancy sensor can incorporate daylight override capability, holding off on turning the lights ON when adequate ambient light is available.
Dimming
Unlike HID lamps, which can be dimmed to 50%, fluorescent lamps can be dimmed down to 1% to 5%, although 10% to 20% is more typical in energy management applications. Although not deployed as often as switching in industrial applications, dimming has its applications. Dimming, which may be continuous or step dimming, is particularly advantageous in applications where occupants may be irritated by switching (even multi-level switching), for example. Dimming is particularly advantageous in multiuse spaces requiring high levels of flexibility, demand response programs and daylighting control applications where daylight availability is highly variable.
Occupancy Sensors
Occupancy sensors are popularly used in hi-bay installations in industrial buildings and warehouses. These sensors are typically passive-infrared (PIR). As most spaces offer a line-of-sight between the sensor and the occupant, the sensor is usually looking for major motion. Additionally, the field of view can be defined, which is highly suitable for warehouse aisles. Line-voltage sensors, available from companies such as Leviton, provide lower-cost (about one-third the cost of low-voltage sensors, according to Platts/McGraw-Hill) automatic shutoff without the need for installing low-voltage wiring and external power packs. These sensors mount directly onto light fixtures or electrical junction boxes. One can buy line-voltage sensors as part of the fixture or separately for contractor field installation. NOTE: If you are concerned about occupant acceptanceparticularly if workers will be driving forklifts into darkened zonesconsider a trial installation first. Note that frequent switching can reduce lamp life,
Take Control!
Hi-bay lighting upgrades featuring fluorescent systems often create significant opportunities to expand energy savings with lighting controls. Often, these strategies can often be combined to maximize savings in industrial buildings. i
DiLouie, president of Zing Communications (www.zinginc.com), writes frequently about lighting for Power Outlet and other industry publications.
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Rexel in Nashville
Customers Party With Rexel At Automation Fair
A good time was had by all at the Rexel-sponsored bash in Nashville, Tenn., last November.
Mark Daniel, Rexels vice president of sales & business management (left) huddles with Keith Nosbusch, CEO of Rockwell Automation.
Photographs of Rexel event by John Boykin
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Some party attendees didnt have the time for food. Pool players pictured here are (from left): Terry Martin and Jay Reiss of Rexel (Canton, Ohio); Brian Corey of Rexel (Grand Junction, Colo.); and Lance Starch, an electrical engineering technician with the U.S. Mint (Denver).
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Rexels Bill Albert (left), a regional manager in northern California, talks things over.
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N ash v ille c o n t . . .
Rockwell CEO Keith Nosbusch (right), the host of the Rockwell Automation Fair, got to meet and greet at Rexels party.
Rexel strives to make sure everyone who does business with us goes away more than satisfied with our service and the products we offer. Same goes when we throw a party!
Crossing state lines to learn about what Rockwell had to offer (and attend the party, too) were these four Rexel hands from North Carolina. From left: Young Alexander, product manager, Hickory; Wendy Alexander, outside sales, Forest City; Susan Ashmore, outside sales, Arden; and Chuck Howse, another Hickory product manager.
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s a significant distributor of Rockwell Automations Allen-Bradley products, the Rockwell Automation Fair is a major event for Rexel.
Our customers appreciate the invitation to join our group at this annual trade show. Our customers appreciate the chance to learn more about Allen-Bradley products, and our employees participate in the Rockwell training modules hosted during the trade show. Beyond Buying & Selling What can one add to a full day of information and education? Rexels annual party gives customers a chance to unwind. With the 2008 Fair held in Nashville, Rexel
to display their new products and services. In addition, educational courses are offered during the show further demonstrating product specifications, installation techniques and industry trends featured in the trade show, explained Mark Daniel, Rexels VP Sales & Development (located at the companys Dallas headquarters).
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Those who made it to Nashville were ready to relax after a full day of walking the Rockwell Automation Fairs exhibits and listening to technical presentations. They came in droves to Rexels party.
Party attendees didnt have to play pool, and they didnt have to stand. Sitting and talking put smiles on many faces!
Our partys mix is typified in this photo! We hosted Rockwell Automation employees (thats Valerie Jurkovich of the company in the middle), customers (on the left, Steve Gaby of Pepsi in Dayton, Ohio) and Rexels own people (on the right, Rob Pace, who handles outside sales for us in Hamilton, Ohio).
created the Grand Ole Automation Fair 2008 VIP Customer Event. It was held at the Big River Grill, a riverfront microbrewery in downtown Nashville. More than 500 attendees enjoyed great food and an open bar. They could play pool, chat, and dance to the oldies by live band The Rhythm Kings. Rockwells Fair is the perfect opportunity for our sales staff to show the values we offer outside the day-to-day business of buying and selling, said Daniel.
What Customers Had To Say Mark Peterson of GOJO Industries (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio), spoke about the lengthy relationship hes had with Gordon Miller of Rexel Akron: He goes the extra mile for us. We count on him to fix it when the ball is dropped! Brent Richardson, of Colorado Springs Utilities, missed his Rexel Denver rep, Richard Halsey, who couldnt get to the Fair: We had to get some software in before the end of the fiscal year, said Richardson, and
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N ash v ille c o n t . . .
Rexel didnt provide a prize for the folks who had the longest journey to get to the Rockwell Automation Fair. Fortunately, Gina and Lynn Holton of Holton Electric (McKenzie, Tenn.) didnt have to worry about travel time! Ohios representatives at the Fair (and our party) included this table. Clockwise from left: Darrell Russell (Rexel, Dayton); Gary Berger (Gem City Engineering, Dayton); Doug Russell (Lester Sales, Cincinnati); Ed Burke (also of Gem City); and Brieanne Raines (Rexel, Hamilton).
Getting romantic at the Automation Fair party? You betcha! Linda and John Brown of El Dorado Chemicals El Dorado, Ark. location celebrated their anniversary (they were married eight years earlier, on the same date as our party).
Our camera caught two attendees from Ventilex U.S.A. (Middletown, Ohio) Aaron Walker (electrical engineer), right, and Tom Schroeder (president)
Richard Halsey delivered. That falls under great customer service. Shane Johnson, of Klosterman Baking (Springfield, Ohio) praised Scott Davis of the Rexels Hamilton store: He really takes care of us. [Scott] even shows up in the middle of the night when we need a part! For John Brown, of El Dorado Chemical (El Dorado, Ark.), the party was particularly well-timed. He and wife Linda happened to be celebrating their eighth
anniversary the evening of the party. Brown works with Ernie Sawyers of the local Rexel branch: We couldnt ask for a better rep, Brown said. For Your Calendar The 2009 Automation Fair will be held Nov. 11-12 in Anaheim, Calif. See www.automationfair.com. And remember: Rexel will be there! i
Clark is a Virginia-based writer.
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B asics
Industrial Motor Maintenance
Motors are complex. Maintaining them requires skill in several disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, and controls. How can you get a handle on all of this?
By Mark Lamendola
Electrical
efore we get into the basics of motor maintenance, there are two key points on which industrial maintenance people need
to be clear:
Motor maintenance is not motor repair. The goal of motor maintenance is not to fix broken motors.
Whats the idea, then? We need to prevent failures by correcting deficiencies that cause failures. Those deficiencies are often outside the motor.
Whats that you saya maintenance program cant prevent such errors? Correct! But baseline testing, a core part of effective maintenance, typically leads to detection and correction.
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Best To Test For The Rest Drives & Environment
Conduct baseline testing of the motor environment:
Power quality data before energization. Power quality data after energization. Insulation resistance testing of the supply (branch and/or feeder) conductors.
Use monitoring, but not to eliminate manual tests. Monitoring & manual tests complement each other.
Think about it: Theres not much of an alternative! With nothing to compare the data to, measurements may not mean much. Many managers deliberately eliminate baseline testing to save money. They consider testing to be unnecessary, because its new so we know it works. This is bad practice based on a false assumption. Whats more, that false assumption is also irrelevant. Baseline testing amounts to simple data collection, not acceptance testing. At a minimum, baseline motor testing includes:
Alignment and vibration data. Insulation resistance tests. Hi-potential tests.
Testing of the controls. Conduct baseline testing of motor drives: A motor drive may be a Variable-Frequency Drive (VFD) on the input or a gearbox on the output. For VFDs, log the settings and any reasons for changes made from the factory defaults.
Once youre running the motor, youre into operational motor maintenance. Lets hit some highlights.
Once you have your list of tests for each motor, determine which of these you have the time and expertise to perform; youll outsource the others (see box on outsourcing). Preventive maintenance standard operations should include visual inspections of your bonding system. If youre grounding your motors, review Article 100 definitions of grounding (connected to earth) and bonding (connected to metal). Bring things into conformance with Article 250, Part V.
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Dont use monitoring simply as a means of eliminating manual testing. Use monitoring and manual tests to complement each other. The more you integrate the two via a well-thought-out strategy, the higher your reliability will be. In some cases, itll make sense to do both and in other cases it wont.
an air filter that needs regular maintenance. A totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) motor needs a certain amount of airflow around it. Keep motors clean. Contaminants on the case can migrate to the windings, or simply cause the motor to overheat. Mini case study: A paper mill kept losing a 50-hp TEFC motor... until someone realized that pulp buildup was insulating the case and causing the motor to overheat. Simply brushing off the motor case once per shift ended the frequent failures!
Lubrication
To borrow from Rodney Dangerfield, motor lubrication dont get no respect in the typical plant. This is exactly why motor repair shops find grease in the windings of shorted motors. Lubricating motors isnt a job for the grunts. Its an important maintenance task that requires attention to detail (actually, to many details!). Bottom line: Formal training in lubrication is never a bad idea.
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n case of a disaster, who would be at fault protecting your investments? Have you ever been in a discussion as to
no weather-like forecast for earthquakes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) tracks earthquake activity and redefines these areas as earthquake hazard zones (highest-risk areas):
southern Alaska; Hawaiian islands; the entire West Coast (down through Mexico); St. Louis, Mo; borders between Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana; and Charleston, S.C.
which natural disaster is worse? The answers typically are regional; Easterners might respond with hurricanes, Midwesterners with tornadoes, and Westerners with earthquakes. However, given the right conditions, one could experience the effects of a combination of these calamities. Significant difference amongst them: There is
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ME MA
NY NJ MD DC
RI CT DE
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Figure One. Red = Zone 4 Orange = Zone 3 Yellow = Zone 2B Green = Zone 2A Blue = Zone 1.
Are earthquakes everywhere? It sure seems so! From 1975-1995 only Florida, Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin did not experience an earthquake. Yesthe other 46 states had at least one each. Alaska is the most earthquake-prone state (it even has icequakes!), with a 7 .0 magnitude (7M) earthquake at least once every year. A magnitude 8M strikes the state once every 14 years, on average.
dard, but is not a legal requirement. Something called the Telecommunications Carrier Group (TCG) was created by the four largest U.S. telecoms (AT&T, Verizon, BellSouth, and Qwest) TCGs objective is to synchronize NEBS standards across the industry. Heres where that effort stands: NEBS Level 1for office-class environments having minimal degradation. This means a very low threshold of equipment hazards and network degradation by addressing: (1) personnel, (2) equipment safety requirements, but not (3) operability requirements of GR-63-CORE and GR-1089-CORE. This level is primarily used for getting prototypes into lab trials. RBOCs require all equipment deployed by CLECs to be Level 1-certified. NEBS Level 2addresses equipment operability in a controlled environment (think data centers) that will not be subjected to environmental stress and disaster recovery. Due to ambiguity, this level of certification is rarely used. NEBS Level 3originated from Bellcore special report, SR-3580. Equipment must meet all general requirements of GR-63-GORE and GR-1089-GORE. Note that Verizon and AT&T do not follow NEBS Level
ment-Building System (NEBS) was developed to specify environmental design guidelines for (1) personnel safety; (2) protection of property; and (3) operational continuity. Objective: Make it easier for a vendor to design equipment compatible with telecommunications equipment used in the central offices of RBOCs (Regional Bay Operating Companies) and LECs (Local Exchange Carriers). IMPORTANT: NEBS is considered an industry stan-
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D isaster c o n t . . .
What is an earthquake fault zone?
The UBC (Universal Building Code) defines five earthquake zones; from Zone 0, which represents no substantial earthquake risk to the worst-case severity level commonly, referred to as seismic Zone 4 . Note: The UBC is the only building code that still makes use of such zones. These fault zones areas are plotted on topographical maps around active faults. See Figure One. A seismic zone map is based on a statistical compilation of the number and the magnitude of past earthquakes. It is an indicationnot a predictionof where the next earthquakes most likely will occur, how often, and the possible magnitude. Note that there is no direct correlation between seismic zones and Richter scale. However, history has shown that the worst earthquakes usually occur in the higher seismic zones. Zones, does not necessarily mean the fault line since the exact location is difficult to isolate.
3 or SR-3580, instead using their own modified NEBS checklist). NEBS Physical Protection GR-63-CORE (and its counterpart ANSI T1.329-2000) is the most frequently referenced earthquake standard. It contains strict specifications for generic telecommunication (switching) equipment requirements to maintain mission-critical operations; Spatial requirements, heat, fire and smoke, earthquake/vibration, acoustic noise, thermal, handling/ transportation, airborne/airflow patterns, illumination, failure severity levels, testing and certification requirements. Note that weve skimmed it here, as there are many other NEBS specifications for outside and inside applications! The following two are most commonly referenced:
NEBS Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety Generic Criteria for Network Telecommunication Equipment GR-1089-CORE describes EMC/EMI, ESD, and electrical safety requirements. NEBS Generic Physical Design Requirements for Telecommunications Products and Equipment is GR-78CORE.
What is a fault?
A fault is a fracture in the crust of the earth along which one side has moved relative to the other side. Most faults are the result of repeated displacements over a long period of time. An active fault is one that has ruptured in the past 11,000 years. A fault trace is the line on the earths surface that may be identified by roads, drainages, and other features on the ground. Most earthquakes occur at depths of less than 80 km (50 miles) from the Earths surface. Example: See Figure Two. Californias San Andreas fault is not a sin-
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potential for future surface fault rupture. If a property is not developed, a fault study may be required before the parcel can be subdivided or before most structures can be permitted. If a property is developed for commercial or residential, the Alquist-Priolo Act requires that all real estate transactions within a fault zone be disclosed by the seller to prospective buyers. Californias Natural Hazards Disclosure Act of 1998 requires that sellers of real property and their agents provide prospective buyers with a natural hazard disclosure statement when the property is being sold lies within one or more zones.
Figure Three: A surface rupture.
What does this have to do with those of us in the datacom and telecom business? Vendors may be required to have Californias Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) pre-approval (OPA) numbers for IT infrastructure products. Additionally, the Alfred E. Alquist Hospital Facilities Seismic Safety Act of 1983, establishes, under the jurisdiction of the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, a program of seismic safety building standards for certain hospitals constructed on and after March 7 , 1973.
gle, continuous fault, but rather a fault zone made up of many segments. The fault system is more that 800 miles long, and in some spots is as much as 10 miles deep. Movement may occur along any of the many fault segments along the zone at any time. Surface rupture (see Figure Three) occurs when movement on a fault deep within the earth breaks through to the surface. The 1992 Landers Earthquake, in San Bernardino County, had surface ruptures extending for over 50 miles having displacements from an inch to 20 feet. Alternatively, the Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989 caused major damage in the San Francisco Bay Area, but exhibited no significant surface ruptures. Movement is along the axis of the plane (not perpendicular). Accordingly, only crevices, lateral spreading and landslides will, if any, result.
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D isaster c o n t . . .
SB 306 authorizes certain hospital owners who do not
have the financial capacity to bring certain buildings into compliance by 2013 to, instead, replace those buildings by Jan. 1, 2020.
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Figure Seven: A look at the difference in Magnitude between M5, M6, and M7 quakes.
weak the shaking was in various locations. Magnitude is expressed in whole numbers and decimal fractions.. Because of the logarithmic basis of the scale, each whole number increase in magnitude represents a tenfold increase in measured amplitude. Most earthquake waves have a frequency of less than 20 Hz lasting seconds to 2 minutes so are usually not audible. The rumbling noise heard during an earthquake is most likely the building and its contents moving and bouncing around. i
Conrad is a Richmond, Va.-based datacom consultant and trainer.
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B usi n ess
Contracts: 7 Deadly Clauses
When you agree to these in writing, you sign away your rights! Can you minimize your risk? Yesby reading, negotiating and, if necessary, by voting with your feet.
By Denise R. Norberg-Johnson
Electrical
ontracts: You sign them; its how you nail down the work
you won via bid or negotiation. But the words within them determine your rights and responsibilities on each project. If you agree to it (signifying that with your signature), the courts will generally enforce it! Legalese is confusing. Per-
In contrast, pay-if-paid forfeits your right to payment if an owner goes bankrupt or simply refuses to pay. Only a few states have outlawed pay-if-paid provisions as against public policy. Watch for this clause. If you see it, be sure to insert language to preserve your right to payment, unless the owners refusal to pay results from your work.
haps you cant afford to have a lawyer scrutinize every word. Whats the shortcut? There isnt one. But you can learn to spot the deadliest contract clauses and negotiate equitable alternatives. Its the only realistic way for an electrical contractor to minimize risk.
Incorporation By Reference
Contingent Payment
This provision states that the terms of a general contractors agreement with the owner are included in contracts between the general and the subcontractors. If you dont know what is in the owner-general contractor agreement, you may be accepting
There are two variations of this clause. Paywhen-paid requires you to wait for payment of your invoice until the project owner pays the general contractor; in most states, the presumption that this means a reasonable period of time allows you to maintain your right to payment.
a no lien contract; design responsibility; or notice provisions that affect your rights.
Other than not signing the contract, what should you do if and when you see this provision? One logical action is for you to request a copy
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of the documents incorporated by referenceand read them. With what significant commitments will these documents encumber you? Another would be to insert language into your contract that negates the application of any clauses more restrictive or onerous than those in your direct contract with the general.
Since the mechanics lien claim is a derivative claim, your rights depend on the flow of that claim through the general contractor. Bottom line: If your customer agrees to a no-lien contract, so have you. That hurts. A no-lien project removes the only recourse you have to enforce payment, since you cannot retrieve your products once they are installed. To go one step further: Language in lien waiver forms is a more insidious way of negating your payment rights. Always coordinate the date of your waiver with the completion date of the work for which you are invoicing. Additionally, make sure the language of the form does not forfeit your right to future payments.
repeat projects. What are your options here? The ideal world would see you able to negotiate a no-retainage contract. Not possible? Then work to mitigate the effect of retainage. How? Insist on inserting language that limits the percentage retained to what is withheld from the general contractor. It should require line-item release of your retainage upon completion of your work. Further: Take care that you do not waive your lien rights on the retainage.
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insure yourself). It is suggested that you strongly consider walking away from any contract that requires you to accept uninsurable risks.
for acceleration. That results in decreased productivity, overtime, and more accidents. Ironically, should a subcontractor cause a delay, many general contractors (under the contract they have with the owner) are entitled to liquidated damages as reimbursement for their costs! Preserve your right to recover your additional expenses in the case of scheduling delays.
Scope Of Work
Idemnification
This provision makes you responsible not only for the work that is defined in the plans and specs, but for anything not shown therein. How does that sit with you? By affixing your signature to a contact with such a deadly clause, you are agreeing to do whatever is deemed necessary to
You expect to protect other parties from your own errors or negligence. If youre smart, youll pay for insurance to cover these risks. But wait. When you are asked to hold harmless not only the owner and general contractor, but a laun-
complete the project. By signing, you forgo the right to submit change orders or extras. What beats that? Quite simply, the contract should limit your obligation to the scope of work as defined in your bid, or to work specifically identified in the plans and specs.
Final Advice
Weve not exhausted the list of contract provisions that can cause you harm. These words (if endorsed with your signature) can ruin your businessso evaluate them carefully. Remember two things:
1. Everything is negotiable. 2. Sometimes, it really is better to walk away. i
Norberg-Johnson (bigpeng@sbcglobal.net), who ran her own family-owned construction company, is a past president of the National Association of Women In Construction and a former NECA staffer. She now works as a Chicago-based industry consultant.
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F o re n sics
The Case Of The Hard-Headed Landlord
How many cookies can you get out of the cookie jar with both hands? The lesson taught in that old story apparently hasnt been learned by all of us.
By Paul Rosenberg
Electrical
ome people just cant leave well-enough alone. This is the story of a man with a legitimate claim who tried to grab more than
he deserved. At the end, he paid a price for his attempted plunder. Justice, apparently, does show up every now and then.
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The source of the fire was found in a third-floor apartNotably, the circuit that had caused the fire came up the wall from the second floor, where it was spliced into some fairly new wiring.
ment. It was old knob-and-tube wiring in an outside wall, feeding an outlet where an air conditioner had been plugged-in. Water had leaked in during a heavy rain the day before the accident; the wires became wet and stayed that way. Intermittent arcing had been taking place at a point where they wires crossed over each other. That led, eventually, to fire starting in an old wooden stud. Note that this wiring was original with the housewhich means it was approximately 100 years old. I couldnt be certain (since the wire had been disturbed by the firemen), but the old insulation my not have been intact.
Wiring was original with the house approximately 100 years old
Despite that delay, the damage wasnt too extensive (all things considered); and no one was hurt. My assessment: The bedroom would have to be gutted, the exterior wall repaired and a section of the roof redone; some interior cleaning as well. But the fire hadnt caused serious damage; the building was structurally sound. Further, the repairs wouldnt take too long; and all the other apartments could remain occupied during the repairs. In inspecting the rest of the buildings electrical system, I found what one might well have expected:
Multiple wiring systems. Partial wiring systems layered on top of one another. New cables running through old walls. A few new runs of Thinwall. Old junction boxes, with newer wiring going in and out of them.
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landlord was now forced to explain why he wanted so much money. When the answer came back, it was shocking: The man claimed (in writing!) that hed have to replace the siding on almost half the building. In my estimation, this was simply a lie. But, it was a lie that my clients had to take seriously. Lawyers for the insurance company didnt know what to do. A reasonable analysis of the cost of a trial told them it might be cheaper just to pay the landlord twice the money to which he was entitledgive him what he wanted to make this go away. Fortunately, the lawyers asked me if there was anything else we could do, aside from playing the Expert-versusExpert game in a court room. As is probably standard for forensics experts, I had taken photos during my inspection. In reviewing them, one could not miss the various remodeling jobs that had been done on the property. So: Did the landlord obtain building permits before doing this previous work? The insurance company lawyers found that question interesting. Out went another Interrogatory: Could we please obtain copies of all the building permits the landlord had obtained? Specifically, it mentioned the two remodeling projects. Upon receiving this document, the landlord went silent. Note that the insurance company was not determined to turn him in to the building department; but he could not have known that and (it seems) feared that could happen. One week later he accepted the original offer.
Upon being asked about remodeling job permits, the landlord went silent
course) found that no permits had ever been issued. Now the landlord really needed a lawyer. As I hear it, there were several in-depth inspections, orders for repairs, and a fine.
reasonably and quickly (and, we might add, fairly). Instead, he got greedy. The end result was a loss for the guy, as he paid a fair amount of money to his lawyersand to the city. Lesson: Dont try to take more than you deserve. Even if you do get away with it the first time or two, youll eventually get burned. Why not just play nice and be happy? At least when you can! i
Rosenberg, an electrical industry expert and the author of more than 50 books, has written regularly over the years for all the major industry magazines. See his website at www.rosenberg.bz.
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DANGER: A ground fault cannot be cleared to remove dangerous voltage on metal parts, metal piping, and structural steel if the service disconnecting means enclosure is not connected to the service neutral conductor. This is because the contact resistance of a grounding electrode to the earth is so great that very little fault current returns to the power supply if the earth is the only fault current return path. See Figure Three. Comment: If the neutral conductor is opened, dangerous voltage will be present on metal parts under normal conditions, providing the potential for electric shock. For example: If the earths ground resistance is 25 ohms and the loads resistance is 25 ohms, the voltage drop across each of
Note that bold-faced copy (when used in NEC quotations here) points out additions to the NEC. Quotes from NEC are shown in light italic. Changes discussed in this article are those made to the 2008 National Electrical Code. All figures in this article are copyright 2008 Mike Holt Enterprises Inc.
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Figure Two
Figure Four
Figure THree
Analysis: The previous version of this subsection required that the service neutral conductor be bonded to the metal parts of the service equipment, but did not tell the Code user how to do so. This change helps to clarify that the service neutral conductor is bonded to the service equipment by using a main bonding jumper, as required by 250.24(B).
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Figure Six-A
Figure FIve
Question: What is the minimum size grounding electrode conductor for a 400A service where the ungrounded service conductors are sized at 500 kcmil? See Figure Five. (a) 3 AWG (b) 2 AWG (c) 1 AWG (d) 1/0 AWG Answer: (d) 1/0 AWG [Table 250.66] Analysis: The new text instructs Code users on how to size the grounding electrode conductor for service equipment. 250.30 Separately Derived SystemsGrounding and Bonding The requirement for regrounding neutral conductors after the separately derived system was revised. (A) Grounded Systems. Separately derived systems, where required to be grounded in accordance with 250.20(B), shall be grounded and bonded in accordance with (1) through (8) [250.20(D)]. A neutral-tocase connection shall not be on the load side of the system bonding jumper, except as permitted by 250.142(B). CAUTION: Dangerous objectionable neutral current will flow on conductive metal parts of electrical equipment as well as metal piping and structural steel, in violation of 250.6(A), if more than one system bonding jumper is installed or if its not located where the grounding electrode conductor terminates to the neutral conductor. . (1) System Bonding Jumper. A system bondingjumper shall be installed at the same location where the grounding electrode conductor terminates to the neutral terminal of the separately derived system, either at the separately derived system or the system disconnecting means, but not at both locations [250.30(A)(3)]. See Figure Six-A. Comment: A system bonding jumper is a conductor, screw, or strap that bonds the metal parts of a separately derived system to a system neutral point [250.2]. Figure Six-B
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DANGER: The system bonding jumper provides Analysis: These panel changes clarify the requirement by using more prescriptive language than before. This revision specifically restricts neutral conductor connections to any ground connection on the load side of the service disconnect.
a low-impedance fault current path to the power supply to facilitate the clearing of a ground fault by opening the circuit protection device. During a ground fault, metal parts of electrical equipment, as well as metal piping and structural steel, will become and remain energized providing the potential for electric shock and fire if the system bonding jumper is not installed. For more information, see 250.4(A)(5). See Figure Six-B.
Figure seven
Figure Eight
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Figure Ten
Figure Nine
fact, the Code prohibits the use of the earth as an effective ground-fault current path [250.4(A)(5) and 250.4(B)(4)]. Exception: A grounding electrode isnt required where only one branch circuit, including a multiwire branch circuit, serves the building or structure. See Figure Nine. Analysis: The 2005 NEC specified that a multiwire branch circuit was considered a single circuit. Because Article 100 defines a multiwire branch circuit as a single circuit, the last sentence in the exception was not needed and was therefore deleted. Figure Eleven
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(2) The rating of the feeder overcurrent protective Analysis: In the 2005 NEC, 250.32(B)(2) permitted the neutral conductor to serve as the effective ground-fault current path, this rule was converted into an exception for existing premises. Using the neutral conductor to connect metal objects to the effective ground-fault current path is a dangerous practice, especially if the neutral becomes open. i
device in accordance with 250.122. CAUTION: To prevent dangerous objectionable neutral current from flowing onto metal parts [250.6(A)], the supply circuit neutral conductor is not permitted to be connected to the remote building or structure disconnecting means [250.142(B)]. See Figure Eleven.
Figure Twelve
Comment: The frame of a nonseparately derived system generator is not required to be connected to a grounding electrode. Analysis: If a generator is permanently installed, the requirements contained in 250.30 do not apply if the neutral conductor is not switched within the transfer switch. This new section provides clarification of the grounding and bonding requirements for nonseparately derived systems, so this is a welcome addition to the 2008 NEC. i
Holt offers a great deal of free information in the National Electrical Code at his website, www.MikeHolt.com. A nationally recognized Code expert, he has written many books on the NEC and other electrical and management topics. All figures in this article are copyright 2008 Mike Holt Enterprises Inc.
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Q&A
Answers: Controls, IECC Code Changes & Screw-In LEDs
Our panel of experts looks at lighting automation, a new residential lighting code provision, and retrofits for 3-lamp troffers, among other things.
Lig h t i n g
Q: A:
In what situations is it most economical to propose replacing an existing lighting panel with a lighting automa-
upstream from a relay panel, which provides a means of controlling the branch lighting circuits. A lighting control panelboard combines these panels into one unit that addresses both tasks (see Figure One). In addition to space savings, one of a lighting control panelboards primary benefits is that it takes less time to install compared to installing a new panelboard and relay panel. Consulting engineers prefer lighting control panelboards for these applications to reduce the complexity of the installation and allay concerns about relay short circuit current ratings, which may not be sufficient when the relay panel is mounted close to the panelboard in the electrical room. Utilizing motorized circuit breakers satisfies the safety and energy efficiency requirements of the local building code in a more integrated solution. For retrofits where branch circuit controls are to be added to an existing panelboard, a separate relay or contactor panel is a viable option. However, if there is no room for the additional relay panel, or if the panelboard is obsolete and needs to be replaced, a lighting control panelboard should be considered. Eddie Hickerson, Staff Product Specialist, Schneider Electric
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tion panel that offers scheduling capability? What are the pros and cons of this upgrade approach? A lighting control panelboard integrates branch lighting circuit protection and control capabilities into one
unit that takes up the same amount of space as a conventional lighting panelboard. Traditional approach: Install a lighting panelboard to provide branch circuit protection
FIGURE ONE: A lighting control panelboard combines branch circuit protection and lighting control functionality into a single unit. 80
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Q: A:
According to what Ive heard, the 2009 IECC includes a new provi-
high-efficacy lighting in most interior home spaces unless controlled by a dimmer switch or vacancy sensor. In states that adopt 2009 IECC, builders will need to ensure that onehalf of the lamps installed at the time of occupancy are high-efficacy, without the controls alternative. Additionally, IECC allows screwbase lamps. That means that after installation, if the owner doesnt like the CFLs installed in the home as delivered, its relatively easy to switch to incandescent lamps. One problem: Dimmable screwbase CFLs may exhibit problems while being dimmed. The lighting and controls communities are working together on this interoperability issue. These continuing efforts now take on a new importanceas half the lamps in all new homes in states adopting the 2009 IECC code will have to be fluorescent. Craig DiLouie, Principal, ZING Communications, Inc. Are LED screw-in lamps ready to replace incandescent 60W A19 lamps or
sion for residential lighting. What does it require? The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), a model energy
code developed by the International Code Council (ICC), is popularly adopted in the United States as a residential energy code. EC84 is a new residential lighting provision in the IECCs 2009 edition. It says: A minimum of 50 percent of the lamps in permanently installed lighting fix-
Review:
Efficacy is a measure of efficiency for light sources, expressed as lumens of light output per watt of electrical input. If the lamp is >40W in size, its efficacy must be 60 lumens/W. If >15W and <40W, it must be 50 lumens/W. If <15W, it must be 40 lumens/W.
At this time, only fluorescent lamps, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), comply with the provision. Note that IECC has taken a different approach from that of Californias Title 24 energy code, which requires
Q: A:
13-15W spring lamp CFLs? Based on the September 2008 CALiPER Round 6 Summary Report published
by the U.S. Department of Energy, the answer is NO (see Table One). As DOEs CALiPER testing pro-
gresses each quarter, LED lamps are increasing in light output. However, the average lamp still produces far less light
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L ighting Q & A c o n t . . .
output than claimed in product literature. For example, the highest-output LED A-lamp replacement lamps produce the same light output as a 40W incandescent with about three times the efficacy, but are claimed to produce
adopters and cause problems for the future market potential of the technology. As a whole, these lamps also raise quality issues, including poor color quality, poor power quality, and failures during testing. Half of tested products
equivalent light output as a 100W incandescent. More typically, todays LED A-lamp replacement products produce light output equivalent to a 15W or 25W incandescent... while claiming to be replacements for 40W or 60W incandescents. DOE is worried that underperforming products on shelves in major retail stores could disappoint early
exhibited poor color quality, with color temperatures outside the accepted range for white light, or very low CALiPER reports are available free at Stan Walerczyk, LC, Principal, Lighting Wizards
70 79 70 92 86 66 79 52 66 49 71 66 64 79 73
0.35 0.29 0.34 0.55 0.33 0.44 0.48 0.62 0.55 0.57 0.55 0.51 0.41 0.40 1.0
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New
Ilscos ClearGround
ILSCOs ClearGround, Type GBT, lay-in connector products are UL 467 Listed and meet NEC 250.94 intersystem bonding requirements which requires a way to interconnect and terminate all communication grounding conductors. ClearGround connectors eliminate cutting or splicing into existing grounding electrode. For use with copper or aluminum conductor and offers fast, simple installation on the ground electrode conductor below the meter or panel. Multiple bonding taps available for terminating up to four communication systems. www.ilsco.com
For more information circle #N1 on the reader service card
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L ighting Q & A c o n t . . .
What are some new ways to retrofit 2x4 and RT8 (available in early 2009). Kits from Lithonia and other manufacturers can also work in 2x2 parabolic troffers and 2x2 and 2x4 lensed troffers. Style and performance of these new T8 kits are also available in new fixtures. There are similar T5 kits and fixtures, but high-performance T8 systems are considered better with regard to efficacy (lumens/W), lamp and ballast costs, range of ballast factors, minimizing lamp and ballast types in a facility, and other benefits. Stan Walerczyk, LC, Principal, Lighting Wizards
Q: A:
including:
18-cell 3-lamp parabolic louver troffers? Parabolic troffers were quite popular in the late
80s and early 90s, but now many lighting professionalso know their downsides,
Dreaded cave effect by making the ceiling and upper walls dark; Overhead glare, which can cause eyestrain and headaches for people that sit directly underneath; Insufficient vertical light levels; Potential shading problems with relatively high office workstation walls; and Only about 70% fixture efficiency.
Two energy-saving retrofit strategiesneither of which are very goodhave been the main story.
1. Retrofitting with 25-32W F32T8 lamps and ballasts with various ballast factors, which while saving energy do not improve any of the above bullets. 2. Delamping by repositioning the lamps with a reflector, which ruins proper cut-off angles and can create a glare bomb. If a specular reflector is used, the fixture can look like a house of mirrors.
Some manufacturers have (or will soon) introduced T8 kits that improve lighting quality. They eliminate the louvers, save significant wattage, and are cost-effective to buy and install. Wattage can often be reduced from about 108W for three F34T12 lamps and magnetic ballasting (or about 89W for three F32T8 700 series lamps and generic 0.88 ballast factor electronic ballasts) to 46W to 48W with two high-lumen F32T8 800 lamps and extra-efficient 0.71-0.77 ballast factor ballasts. Examples of delamping kits include Lithonias ES8 (overhead glare is still a concern in many applications)
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RD-200 Dimming Wall Switch Vacancy Sensor
Watt Stopper/Legrands RD-200 dimming vacancy sensor combines a preset dimmer and a sensor to help maximize energy savings. Featuring a sturdy lens and low profile design, the product installs quickly and operates reliably year after year. The sensor turns lights off automatically when a space becomes vacant. When lights are on, the dimming level may be adjusted manually. The RD-200 is available in four colors with matching lenses. www.wattstopper.com
For more information circle #N7 on the reader service card
New
SYLVANIA ECOLOGIC3
The new ECOLOGIC3 fluorescent lamps are a premium subset of the SYLVANIA ECOLOGIC family and the industrys most sustainable lighting solution. ECOLOGIC3 lamps exemplify the three major features of environmentally responsible lighting: longer lamp life, higher lumens per watt and RoHS compliance for hazardous materials. It all adds up to a lower environmental impact and reduced energy costs. www.sylvania.com
For more information circle #N8 on the reader service card
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I n dex
For more info from these companies fill out the Reader Service card inserted in this issue and circle RS numbers that match those found on this list and on the corresponding ads.
ADv e r t i s e r
Advance Transformer
Greenlee Textron
RS# 69 Page: 69
AFC Cable Systems
RS# 33 Page: 33
Mike Holt Enterprises, Inc.
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Progress
RS# 11 Page: 11
Appleton
RS# 86 Page: 86
Hubbell Electrical
RS# C2 Page: C2
RAB
RS# 63 Page: 63
Cablofil
RS# 37 Page: 37
Ilsco
RS# 15 Page: 15
Rexel At Your Service
RS# 73 Page: 73
Cooper Bussmann
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Invensys/Kidde
RS# C4 Page: C4
Rexel Financial
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Eaton CutlerHammer
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Juno
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Square D
RS# 1 Page: 1
EdwardsSignaling
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Leviton
RS# 13 Page: 13
Sea Gull Lighting
RS# 35 Page: 35
Federal Signal Corp.
RS# 19 Page: 19
Lutron
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Siemens
RS# 9 Page: 9
Ferraz Shawmut
RS# 7 Page: 7
NECA
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Thomas & Betts
RS# 61 Page: 61
GE Industrial
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Osram Sylvania
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Wattstopper
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Generac
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Panduit
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Wheatland Tube Company
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P uzzle
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Crossword
By Paul Rosenburg
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Special ground type, abbr. Where an optional voltage can be found on a transformer The usual device to control motors To re-install Same as 5 down Method to keep money safe Wire tube To do this is critical to safety Contractors who install wiring, abbr. From A __ B How wire and tape are packaged Common cord Same as 6 across Symbol for element number 2 of the periodic table Older cross-sectional area measurement, abbr. Type of commercial or residential building spaces Smurf Tube is a _____ term Bounces radio waves to determine distance Heavy-wall conduit, abbr. Input and output interface in computer, abbr. Old way to say workers Square, abbr. Type of cord
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Same as 6 across Panel guts Sparks Last part of 13 across Residential pump Designation for people who handle computers, abbr. Left-hand, abbr. Company that created 6 across, abbr. Metering coil, abbr. These are used for cooling Roadway surface What DOS was, what Windows is, abbr.
41 43
Same as 31 across Logic command: __/ Then Same as 33 across What RMS means Same as 28 across Radio frequency
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__= Watts Integrated circuit, abbr. Special, very durable cable type, abbr. The most typical AC motor Common file transfer medium, abbr. A place not to go, slang Serious safety hazards Extra work, abbr. Non-rust metal, abbr. Common insulating material Highest price
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Parallel conductors must be of ___ Prefix indicating two Extremely red light, abbr. Who stamps electrical plans, abbr. Electronic devices that are used for displays
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Puzzle solutions can be found at www.rexelusa.com Click on the Power Outlet link.
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