Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

With solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays, whether on a homeowner’s roof or spread across acres in a utility installation, it’s the panels that get most of the attention. However, it’s the racks, conductors, overcurrent protective devices and other “balance-of-system” equipment that now is more significant in a project’s total cost.

Fuses provide critical protection to electrical systems and the properties those systems serve by opening circuits to shut down the flow of electricity when dangerous overload and short-circuit conditions occur. But sometimes this protective behavior can become a nuisance, as when standard inrush currents trigger a fuse to blow.

In new construction, sustainable building practices are becoming the norm. But even in existing buildings, simple strategies can be implemented quickly and easily to address inefficiencies, reduce energy use, improve comfort, and enhance productivity in the space.

Bonding and grounding are simple concepts, but, unfortunately, they’re also easily confused with each other. Definitions of one term often get wrapped up in the definitions of the other, and, before long, one can begin thinking the words are interchangeable.

“Grounding” refers to the creation of a path from electrical equipment to the earth. It is intended to protect equipment and help prevent fires that might occur due to high voltages resulting from lightning strikes, line surges or unintended contact with higher-voltage lines.

The dependence on quality, reliable data is now more business-critical than ever. Businesses rely on data centers for 24/7 connectivity; to uphold federal codes and regulations; and to ensure resiliency, performance, and more—all so the business can stick to meeting the demands of their own customers. Data centers should also be highly adaptable.