Starting with the January 2012 issue, EC&M is introducing a new department called "Speaking Out." Featured on the last editorial page of the magazine, this one-page piece will showcase the opinion of industry experts on timely topics that are making a significant impact on the electrical industry. Although not meant as a platform for furthering specific individual agendas, "Speaking Out" will be written with more of an editorial tone — at times presenting opinions, predictions, and solutions on somewhat controversial topics. Whether it's counterfeit electrical products, trade complaints on solar products, loss of electrical-related manufacturing jobs in this country, or how U.S. dependence on foreign metals will nearly double costs for lighting retailers and manufacturers (coming up in the January 2012 issue), the goal of this department is to take a look at the most pressing issues facing electrical professionals today. Designed to get readers talking and sharing ideas/opinions, this new department is an opportunity for industry experts to write about topics they're passionate about. If you're interested in submitting an opinion piece for this column — or have a particular subject you'd like to read about — please contact Managing Editor Ellen Parson at ellen.parson@penton.com for additional details. We're looking for thought leaders in electrical trade organizations, electrical contracting and design firms, as well as plant facility experts to comment on the most pressing issues in the industry.
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The U.S. Census Bureau reported that total construction spending advanced 0.8% in October following a 0.2% increase in September, the sixth monthly increase in the last seven months, according to Bernard M. Markstein, Reed Construction Data's U.S. chief economist. October total construction spending was $798.5 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate. Year-to-date construction spending was down 2.9% compared to the same period a year ago. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
Results from NEMA’s latest business conditions survey showed the economic environment facing the North American electroindustry improved for a second straight month in November. Though the Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions slipped to 56 from 57.4 in the previous month, it nonetheless cleared the 50 mark above which more panelists than not see an improvement in the business environment. Twenty percent of survey panelists reported improved conditions in November compared to the previous month while only 8% experienced deteriorating conditions. The vast majority — 72% — saw no change in conditions. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials edged down 0.1% in November but climbed 6.2% from a year earlier, outstripping the increase in contractors’ bid prices for finished buildings, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released recently by the Associated General Contractors of America. Officials with the construction association warned that the cost squeeze on contractors, combined with declining public sector investments in construction, may drive many contractors out of business. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
With growing energy needs to run equipment and more complex HVAC and lighting systems in today's commercial buildings, architects and engineers can only go so far in delivering on energy efficiency. A new study by New Buildings Institute (NBI) summarizes the extent to which operations and occupant behavior impact a building's energy use compared to design characteristics. To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
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Blinn College, Brenham, Texas, is soliciting bids for electrical switchgear replacement. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. CST on December 22. Bids are due by 2 p.m. CST on January 5. Questions can be directed to Carlo A. Sechi, P.E., or Erik M. MacDonald, P.E., with DBR Engineering Consultants, Houston, at (713) 914-0888.
Sealed bids will be received by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Maintenance and Construction, Austin, Texas, for an upgrade to the emergency generator at Rusk State Hospital. Work consists of renovating an existing electrical vault and parts of the electrical room, tie into an existing generator, and rework wiring for connecting emergency panels to the equipment that is to be kept operational. A pre-bid conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. CST on January 4. Bids will be accepted until 2 p.m. CST on January 12. For more information, call (512) 206-5880.
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When Technology Site Planners (Tech Site) was faced with timeline, budget, and engineering challenges in designing, building, and commissioning a new data center’s on-site power system, the firm knew that meeting load capacity, power reliability, and availability requirements would not be an easy task. Because the client’s existing data center was already operating over capacity, to characterize the project as a rush job would be an understatement. Located near Cincinnati, Tech Site’s client required 4,000 sq ft of the data center be designed and built from the “ground up” within a warehouse and be fully operational in six to seven months — about half the time typically required for this type of project. To read this story, visit the EC&M website.
Electrical asset management specialist EA Technology has opened an office in Singapore to serve power plant and network operators throughout South East Asia. The business is led by Managing Director Victor Chan, who has significant experience in operating and maintaining power networks in the region from his previous role as a director of Singapore Power. To read more on this story, visit the EC&M website.
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One person was injured and 44 people were evacuated from the Naples Bay Resort, Naples, Fla., following an electrical explosion just before 9 a.m. today. An electrician working for Vangard Utility Services, Inc. had been in the process of installing new FPL smart meters when an electrical fault and arc occurred that produced a fireball and severely burned his face and right side of his upper body, shoulder, chest and arm. For more information, read the full article on the news-press.com website.
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) is seeking presentations for its 55th annual National Convention & Electric Expo to be held October 24-27 in Fort Worth, Texas. Suggested topic areas include emerging technologies, industry, operations, and leadership/business management. For more information, visit the IEC website.
The 2012 IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop (ESW) is scheduled from January 30-February 3 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Technical sessions include "Prioritizing Breaker and Relay Maintenance," "The Effect of Contaminants on Arc Ratings and Conductivity of Fabric," "Investigating Electric Accidents," and "Combination AFCIs: What They Can and Can’t Do." For more information and to register, visit the IEEE website.
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