Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

Like many of you, I’ve started a small collection of battery-powered outdoor yard tools that now includes a chain saw, hedge trimmer, leaf blower, grass clippers and lawn mow

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.

In the food processing plant where I cut my electrical teeth, there were ceiling drops for sticker guns to label bagged product. Some of the workers complained about getting shocked off the stainless still bins that held the product. Adding inline GFCIs helped (although some still complained, even when no voltage was present).

Some facilities are changing their requirements for motor and appliance installations. This could be due to OSHA Lock-out and Tag-out requirements or NFPA 70E. The change is toward using pin and sleeve devices instead of having a hard-wired installation.

Safety requirements often have the maintenance person checking for the absence of voltage before touching. The rules are quite specific and are enforced by OSHA.

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.