Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

Electrical contractors have a range of options when it comes to specifying transformers for industrial applications. Having choice is important for these devices because manufacturing settings can vary widely, in terms of both electrical demand and surrounding environmental conditions. But what loads, exactly, are each of the transformer types designed to serve?

If you’ve had need to visit a doctor in the last couple years, you might have noticed their operations are becoming decidedly more digital. While electronic record keeping has been increasing over the last decade or so, the transition from paper is now accelerating.

Multimeters are must-haves for an electrical contractor’s toolbox. The technology behind these devices isn’t new, but it has definitely evolved over the years. Many electrical pros now go directly for the latest digital offerings, thanks to their accuracy and easy-to-read displays. But older analog designs still hold advantages in some testing applications and, at the higher end, cost – and an argument could be made for having one of each on hand to be ready for all testing needs.

If you're an electrician, you're probably familiar with the various types of building wire, from residential to commercial to industrial. You're likely cognizant of the NEC® regulations for each area. It's not unusual for some head scratching and confusion on some of them. So my best advice when in doubt, contact your local or state inspections office for clarification.

I've been an industrial electrician for over 30 years. So when somebody says raceway, I naturally think of the big box over a Motor Control Center. Of course, there are those smaller boxes over sets of starters that are often called gutters. But they're raceways nonetheless.

Fishing electrical and fiber optic cable from one end of a conduit to the other is a regular chore for contractors in both new construction and renovation/upgrade assignments. But because every job presents its own challenges, not every fishing project can be approached in the same way.