Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

The most visible element of a rooftop solar system is, obviously, the panels. And, where I live in New England, I’m seeing more and more of those glossy- or matte-black units topping the homes around me, helping to power more of the local load with green energy while also pushing down their owners’ monthly utility bill.

In a world where electrical efficiency and streamlined design are of primary concern, the mini power center is quickly becoming a staple piece of equipment for electricians, general contractors, and electrical industry experts. It's small, it's powerful, and it's reshaping the way we manage electricity, on the jobsite and in the facilities we serve.

When working as an electrician in a processing plant, I was often called in to work on renovations, new area construction, and emergency repair scenarios. Often there wasn’t permanent power available, so temporary power using extension cords was necessary to power up tools and equipment for the job.

If you think you’re seeing the word “electrification” more often these days, you’re right. It might seem confusing that addressing energy use means using more electricity, but that’s exactly what’s happening as more people are turning to plug power – and away from fossil fuels – for driving, cooking, clothes drying and water heating.

Switchboards are critical to the dependability of any electrical power installation because they represent that pivotal point at which incoming power supply is divided into separate circuits, controlled and protected by fuses and switchgear, metered, and then divided into a number of functional units for its given applications. In general, switchboards distribute power to transformers, panelboards, control equipment, and to system loads.