Electrical Industry Articles and Stories

Electric utility rebates have been a big driver in the rapid growth of LED lamps and fixtures, especially in nonresidential applications – but not all LED products are eligible for these incentives. Utilities depend on evaluations by a group called the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) to determine which products deserve a rebate, and a DLC listing helps ensure products will meet certain efficiency and lifespan targets.

While LED fixtures are becoming the top choice, versus fluorescent models, in new construction and major renovation efforts, millions of existing fluorescent troffers are still operating in schools and offices across the United States. The newest of these likely feature energy-efficient T5 or T5HO lamps, and owners might not yet be ready to think about complete replacement of these fixtures. However, new LED tube lamps offer plug-and-play compatibility with fluorescent units, so owners can gain the energy savings and maintenance-cost reductions LED lamps can provide.

Arlington Industries is offering a new series of floor box kits, covers and accessories aimed at making floor box installation easier and faster for contractors. Among the new features are kit pieces interchangeable with a variety of other manufacturers’ floor boxes.

The company’s kit for new concrete pours, for instance, includes a heavy-duty plastic FL BC 40502 floor box with six conduit hubs and four plugs, more than it and most other manufacturers previously offered.

Suncrest bank branches are welcoming places, founded to serve the local community. They specialize in small business banking, and their customers can often grab a cup of coffee while they take care of business. The atmosphere and the aesthetics at each branch are important aspects of how they serve the community.

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.