Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty's two-story farmhouse was a haven for my brother and me during our childhood. While it didn't boast modern amenities, the old-fashioned radiators under each window ensured a cozy warmth throughout the house. These radiators were a blessing during cold winters, providing a spot to dry our snow-soaked gloves.

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.

Up until three years ago, I lived with a couple small boxes of spare fuses that sat on top of the water heater in the basement, ready to be drawn from should the rare combination of, say, the toaster and microwave operating at the same time happen to shut down power to the kitchen.

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.

I'm working on upgrading the electrical outlets around the outside of our house. In addition to adding more receptacles around the perimeter, I'm finally getting around to "electrifying" the shed and lean-to in the backyard.

Solar-powered exterior lighting has certainly gotten more popular over the last decade or so, given how inexpensive the fixtures are and how easy it is to install. But there remains a strong market for the hardwired variety in shady areas, where more powerful light is required and when you want to be sure the light works when you need it, even after a cloudy day.