Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

Living in a semi-rural location where the closes mall is a half-hour drive away – and is often lacking in choice – I end up doing a lot of shopping online, and some recent statistics prove I’m not alone. In 2023, on Cyber Monday, alone, U.S. consumers spent $12 billion on their holiday shopping, making Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, the biggest online shopping day in U.S. history.

Back when we renovated the house, one of the top priorities was upgrading the electrical system. The house was built back in the 60s, and the electrical system was a mess, to say the least. Well, maybe not a total mess, but definitely outdated.

In the constantly changing world of lighting technology, wireless fixture control marks a significant leap forward. These systems, defined by their ability to manipulate lighting conditions, without the need for hard-wiring, are swiftly becoming a vital tool for electrical contractors and lighting designers.

The concept of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, initially surfaced in the 1980s, thanks largely to the innovative work of engineer Chuck Hull. Hull invented a process called 'stereolithography', or SLA, a method that allowed for the creation of 3D models layer by layer, literally bringing ideas to life. It was a revolutionary breakthrough that sparked the beginning of the 3D printing era.

During the Industrial Revolution, which started in the 18th century, the origins of automation emerged, leading to significant technological change. This era introduced the use of mechanized equipment, such as the steam engine and the spinning jenny, revolutionizing the manufacturing process by reducing the reliance on manual labor. These advancements laid the foundation for what we now know as automation.

As you know intimately, conduits are tubing systems that safeguard and guide wiring within a building or structure. Three types you've likely used —Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC), Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC), and Electrical Metallic Tubing (EMT)— are steel-based conduits, each with its unique attributes.