Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

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.

Rooftop support systems are an integral part of conduit, piping, and mechanical installations that often go underappreciated. These unsung heroes of the rooftop world provide a stable and secure foundation for equipment, ensuring that everything from HVAC units to solar panels stays in place, regardless of weather conditions or external forces.

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.

Recently, my wife and I had the “pleasure” of visiting a relatively new hospital complex. For almost a year, I watched the 5-story edifice being built as I traveled up and down Highway 49 in Northwest Arkansas.

Rooftop solar panels, once a bit of an oddity, are becoming a common addition to homes across the United States. In 2020, the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s residential energy consumption survey found that almost 4% of U.S. single-family homes were using panels to generate electricity and the market has continued to grow since then, with capacity climbing by 34% in 2021 and an additional 40% in 2022.