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Around the Circuit
Architecture
Billings Index Falls More than Six Points
Following three consecutive months of greater stability
in design activity, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) fell
precipitously, dropping more than six points. As a leading economic
indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine-
to twelve-month lag time between architecture billings and construction
spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Washington, D.C.,
reported the September ABI rating was 41.4, down sharply from the 47.6
mark in August (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).
The inquiries for new projects score was 51.0. This is also the first
time in 2008 that the institutional sector has fallen below the 50
mark.To read more on this story, visit EC&M's Web
site.
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AEMC®'s Ground Resistance Tester Model
6472
AEMC®'s New Multi-Function Ground Resistance
Tester Model 6472 is a portable measurement instrument designed to
measure: Bond/Connection Resistance, Ground Resistance, Ground Coupling
Resistance, Selective Resistance, Soil Resistivity, Ground Potential,
and Ground Resistance with two clamps. All tests can be automated and
results stored in memory with automatic report generation. Visit: www.aemc.com
PCA Joins
Support of Infrastructure Stimulus Bill
As the nation struggles to deal with the largest
economic crisis in decades, attention is focused on an economic
stimulus
bill that many believe should contain significant dollars for
infrastructure improvements that will create jobs at both the local and
state levels. According to Ed Sullivan, chief economist for the
Portland
Cement Association (PCA), Skokie, Ill., if the government does not act
quickly, the nation could lose two million jobs in 2009.To read more
on this story, visit EC&M's Web
site.
NECA Asks Congress
to Support Multi-Employer Pension Adjustments
In a formal request, the National Electrical
Contractors
Association (NECA), Bethesda, Md., recently urged members of Congress
to
address specific changes included in the proposed economic stimulus
package that would prevent multi-employer pension funds from being
categorized as “at risk” or “severely underfunded.” According
to
NECA, such changes in a fund’s zone status – a plan’s rating
based
on its funding level – dramatically increase its administrative
costs,
while simultaneously driving down the pension’s employee
benefits.To read more on this story, visit EC&M's Web
site.
LEED for
Retail
Now Open for Public Comment
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Washington,
D.C., recently opened the public comment period for its Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Retail rating system, both
for new construction and commercial interiors projects. LEED for Retail
recognizes the unique nature of the retail environment and offers a
certification system that addresses the various types of retail spaces
available — from grocery stores to big box retailers and restaurants
and banks. Since the pilot’s launch in April 2007, USGBC has
collaborated with more than 80 retail pilot project teams to develop
and
refine the innovative program. Once balloted, LEED for Retail will
become a part of LEED 2009, the next evolution of the LEED green
building certification system.To read more on this story, visit
EC&M's Web
site.
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 SureCrimp® copper compression
connectors
reduce inventory requirements by accepting multiple conductor classes
including fine stranded, flexible cable, DLO as well as building wire.
UL Listed, CSA Certified, and range taking when installed with many
approved tools and dies. No other connector accepts all these tools and
conductors. For more information and a chance to win a $50 MasterCard
Gift Card go to www.ilscoclearchoice.com
Project Watch
Emergency Notification
System in Connecticut
The City of Stamford, Conn., is seeking proposals for
the installation of an emergency notification system. Proposals are due
December 12 at 4 p.m. EST. For more information, contact Barbara Gayle
at (203) 977-4108.
Electrical and
Instrumentation Design in Arizona
Pima County, Ariz., is inviting bids for the repair and
rewind of electric pump motors. A pre-bid meeting will take place
December 2 at 1 p.m. MST. The deadline for bids is December 16 at 1
p.m.
For more information, visit the county's Web site.
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Great Prices on Brass Cable Glands
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Nickel Plated Brass Strain Relief Connectors. All connectors are IP68
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ElecDirect stocks more than 13,000 electrical products and tools. Buy
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Web Exclusives
Business Brief
Clockwork Home Services, Sarasota, Fla., parent company
of the Mister Sparky America’s On-time Electrician franchise system,
has launched a $500,000 marketing campaign to propel consumer awareness
of the company’s home services contracting brands. A competition
offering a $26,000 cash prize is the centerpiece of the program,
according to Clockwork CEO Jim Abrams, who introduced the campaign to
franchisees at the company’s annual Clockwork Congress held recently
in Washington, D.C.For more Business Briefs, visit the EC&M Web site.
Eye on Safety
UL Warns of
Counterfeit Electric Signs
Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Northbrook, Ill., is
notifying consumers, sign installers, and authorities having
jurisdiction (AHJ) that electric signs manufactured by Clover Signs
bear
a counterfeit UL mark. Clover Signs is not authorized to use the UL
mark
on its signs or represent that its products are UL listed. These signs
have not been evaluated for safety by UL and are not authorized to bear
the UL mark.For identification: Attached to the sign is a label that
has a counterfeit UL mark. Issue numbers BF-565351 through BF-565362,
BR-774301 through BR-774800, or CX-285601 through CX-286100 also appear
on the label. The company name "CLOVER SIGNS" and/or "E215710" may also
be on the label or found on a separate label.
Shows & Events
Electric
West 2009
The Electric West Show, to be held March 18-20 at the
Las Vegas Convention Center in conjunction with the Power Quality
Reliability Conference, is the perfect place to brush up on the latest
NEC topics — and earn continuing education credits in the process.
Geared toward electrical contractors, consulting and specifying
engineers, electricians, and plant facility personnel, there’s
something for everyone at the Electric Show. The biggest electrical
marketplace in the western United States, this event attracts 250
exhibiting companies and more than 6,000 attendees every year. Here's a
preview of some of the NEC seminars planned for next year's event:
- One- and Two-Family Dwelling Unit Electrical Systems
- Changes to the 2008 NEC
- Swimming Pools and Similar Installations (NEC Article 680)
- Introduction to the 2009 NFPA 70E
For more information, visit our Web
site.
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