Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

Luminaires manufactured with LEDs (light emitting diodes) are quickly becoming the preferred form of lighting in both commercial and industrial lighting. Even residential lighting is moving toward that option.

For example, LED fixtures and bulbs illuminate about 95% of my own home, including outdoor flood lighting.

“Ergonomics” might seem to be a modern term, but the ideas behind this science are likely as old as humanity. We humans have been adapting tools to fit specific tasks since the days of selecting just the right stone to bang a piece of flint into an arrowhead. More formal study of ergonomics has an interesting origin, though, in the ways airplane controls were adapted during the course of World War II.

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs for short … no pun intended) are nothing new. They first became a Code requirement in the 1970s, required for outdoor receptacles and around swimming pools. Actually, they were required for underwater pool lighting earlier than that.

Nowadays, they're required in a lot more places: kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and that dank, dark basement of yours.

In another article, we looked at ground fault circuit interrupters for the home and hearth. But, that's not the only place GFCIs are used and required.

In the work environment, their use is governed by OSHA, NEC® and other codes and standards.

Anybody who spends regular time on a jobsite knows the value a well-made hardhat provides – sometimes I think I could use one just getting around the furnace pipes in my low-ceilinged basement. But hardhats aren’t a buy once and forget it kind of product. For a number of reasons, hardhats and their impact-absorbing suspensions need replacement on a regular basis. By not updating this equipment, you could be leaving yourself open to serious injury or worse.

Getting wire from point A to point B can require some ingenuity. Fishing tape is one popular manual option, but it can be time-consuming and can put some strain on installers’ joints. Depending on site conditions, contractors also can turn to machine-powered options to make the job a little easier. Power fishing can be a labor-saving alternative for all or part of a wiring installation job.