Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

Copper wire can seem like a commodity – after all, it’s fabricated from one of the world’s most heavily traded commodities and is sold in bulk quantities all over the globe. And, like a lot of commodities, it can be difficult to know how the copper products you’re buying is actually produced.

It’s not unusual that solar photovoltaic (PV) systems would require fuses – after all, these installations can carry substantial electrical loads, so overcurrent protection is critical to their safe operation. What is remarkable, though, are the conditions under which PV panels, their conductors, and their wiring can operate.

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.

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.

Not all wiring is created equal – after all, some of it has to be buried underground. While this cable might not see the varied weather exposure of unburied, outdoor lines, it faces its own unique challenges.

There have been many times when I was elbows deep in a wiring trough or raceway. We sometimes called the smaller units gutters, but all were raceways and wiring troughs.