Around the Circuit
Construction employment rose in 28 states and the District of Columbia between January 2011 and January 2012, while 20 states lost construction jobs and two held steady — the best net positive showing for state construction employment since 2007, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of data from the U.S. Department of Labor. Thirty-five states and Washington, D.C., added construction jobs between December 2011 and January 2012, while 13 states had decreases for the month and two states had no change. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
Total nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.8% in January to $566.4 billion, according to the March 1 report by the U.S. Commerce Department. However, total nonresidential construction spending was up 7.9% from January 2011. Private nonresidential construction spending was down 1.5% for the month, but was 16.6% higher than one year ago. Public nonresidential construction spending was down 0.1% for January, but was up 0.4% from the same time last year. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) on behalf of its Energy Storage Council recently applauded Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY) and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) for introducing legislation to promote adoption of state-of-the-art energy storage technologies. The Storage Technology for Renewable and Green Energy Act of 2012 (STORAGE 2012) is a set of investment tax credits to promote adoption of the spectrum of energy storage technologies. Batteries, flywheels, superconducting magnetic energy storage, and other technologies would all be eligible under the legislation. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
The U.S. energy storage market is robust and offers tremendous potential for growth over the next five years, according to the findings of a just-released study sponsored by the Copper Development Association (CDA) and conducted by KEMA, Inc., a leading authority in global energy consulting, testing, and certification based in The Netherlands. The study, "Market Evaluation for Energy Storage in the U.S.," determines the current market for grid energy storage in the U.S. and the associated copper demand in storage applications over the next five years. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
Project Watch
Hoi's Construction, Inc. is requesting bid quotations from electrical and fire alarm system subcontractors for a voluntary partial building maintenance and seismic strengthening project for the San Francisco Unified School District. Bids are due at 2:30 p.m. PST on March 21. Contact Stella Leung at stella@hoisconstruction.com.
Reed Construction Data (RCD) recently published a table showing 20 of the largest upcoming hotel and retail construction projects. They are all in the planning stage and are mainly new projects, but may also involve additions and/or alterations. To view the table, visit the RCD website.
Web Exclusives
For the 2012 EC&M Product of the Year competition, we received 129 entries spread out over 31 categories. These entries were evaluated carefully by a panel of 10 judges, representing electrical professionals from the engineering, contracting, and facilities and maintenance industries. After much deliberation, the judges narrowed down the entries to the category winners listed below. If you're a subscriber to EC&M, be sure to review the winners to pick your favorite. The online readers' poll opens April 9. For the full list of category winners, visit the EC&M website.
Late last year, Voyten Electric, Franklin, Pa., got the call that a leaky roof had caused an outdoor substation to explode at a nearby manufacturing plant in Western Pennsylvania, putting hundreds of people out of work for the indefinite future. OEM replacement switchgear would take up to 12 weeks to deliver. However, Voyten was able to get replacement switchgear on-site within two business days and the plant up and running again within a week. To read more on this story, visit the EC&M website.
For the most recent real-life Code violations caught on tape, EC&M constulant Joe Tedesco, NEC expert, checks in at a motel. To view the video, visit the EC&M website.
Rosendin Electric has named Jonas McBride to the newly created role of director, central U.S. engineering, to help oversee multi-office engineering projects and expand Rosendin Electric's operations in the central United States. McBride will be based in Austin, Texas, at the offices of KST Electric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rosendin Electric. To read more on this story, visit the EC&M website.
The most inclusive and direct interpretation of "electrical fire" is a fire involving some type of electrical failure or malfunction. In 2009, an estimated 44,800 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments involved some type of electrical failure or malfunction as a factor contributing to ignition. These fires resulted in 472 civilian deaths, 1,500 civilian injuries, and $1.6 billion in direct property damage. In 2005-2009, home electrical fires represented 13% of total home structure fires, 17% of associated civilian deaths, 11% of associated civilian injuries, and 21% of associated direct property damage. To read more on this story, visit the EC&M website.
Eye on Safety
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), a non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety, engages in public education campaigns throughout the year to reduce electrical-related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss. However, the foundation is most well-known as the sponsor of National Electrical Safety Month each May. Recently, ESFI announced the availability of resources that electrical industry participants can use to promote electrical safety in their own communities during this month-long observance.
Emerging technologies, the electrical hazards associated with them, and important consumer safety tips will take center stage during National Electrical Safety Month (NESM) this May. Among the emerging technologies to be highlighted are electric vehicles, solar power, wind power, and smart meters. The 2012 NESM materials are available for free on ESFI's website at www.electrical-safety.org.
Shows & Events
ISC West will take place from March 28-30 in Las Vegas. Topics for sessions at this year's event include NFPA 72, selling new technologies in traditional IT infrastructures, service agreements, and physical access control systems. For more information and to register, visit www.iscwest.com.
The ACEC Annual Convention and Legislative Summit is scheduled for April 15-18 in Washington, D.C. Events include CEO panel on industry trends and presentation by Governor Ed Rendell on infrastructure politics. For more information and to register, visit www.acec.org.
The Upper Midwest Electrical Expo will take place from April 18-19 in Minneapolis. Topics for meetings include supply chain, energy rebate programs, and professional sales rep certifications. For more information and to register, visit www.ncel.org.
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