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Around the Circuit
Architecture Billings Index is
Positive for First Time in Over Two Years
For the first time since January 2008, the Architecture
Billings Index (ABI) indicated a growth in design activity in September,
increasing for the fourth straight month. As a leading economic
indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate
nine- to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and
construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA),
Washington, D.C., reported the September ABI score was 50.4, up from a
reading of 48.2 the previous month. This score reflects an increase in
demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in
billings). The new projects inquiry index was also up sharply, moving
from 54.6 to 62.3 — the highest mark since July 2007.To read
more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
ADVERTISEMENT
AEMC® Introduces Its Newest
PowerPad® Model 8335 Power Quality
Analyzer
The Model 8335 is a three-phase power quality
analyzer that is easy-to-use, compact, and shock resistant. It has
direct measurement of four voltage and four current inputs including
neutral voltage and current. It simultaneously captures and records
trend, transients, events, and waveforms with 2GB of memory for data
storage.
Visit: www.aemc.com.
ICC Provides IECC as
Free Download
The International Code Council (ICC) has been awarded
federal funding to provide the 2009 International Energy Conservation
Code (IECC) as a free download. The funding is part of an initiative to
meet nationwide energy-efficiency goals through the Building
Technologies Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,
according to Wayne Engebretson, Reed Construction Data, Norcross,
Ga.To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
City in
California Sues to Protect Energy-Efficiency Program
The City of Palm Desert, Calif., recently filed a
lawsuit in federal court in San Francisco to protect a wide-ranging city
energy-efficiency program. The Palm Desert Energy Independence Program,
adopted in 2008, provides financing for property owners to install solar
panels and other energy saving devices and systems. Funds advanced by
the city are repaid by assessments on the property over a period up to
20 years.To read more on this story, visit EC&M's website.
Smart Technology
Overlooked in Residential Appraisals
According to Electronic House's Julie Jacobson,
during the recent National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) National
Green Building Conference builders seemed especially frustrated by the
inability to get their green technologies recognized by lenders and
appraisers. Anecdotal evidence collected by the NAHB indicates that
builders have been able to sell sustainable homes “considerably faster
than the traditionally built new homes … .”To read more on this
story, visit EC&M's website.
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Project Watch
Electrical
Contractor Services in Georgia
DeKalb County, Ga., is soliciting proposals for on-call
electrical contractor services throughout the county on its residential,
commercial, and industrial properties. Bids must be received by 3 p.m.
EST on November 9. For more information, visit the county's website.
Electrical
Services in Florida
The Purchasing Department of Palm Beach County, Fla., is
requesting qualifications from contractors for electrical
services/installation on an as-needed basis. Scope of work includes
consultation, troubleshooting, repair and/or installation of electrical
switchgear, panel boards, transformers, conduit installation, electrical
motors, breakers, stators, lighting, support brackets, control work, and
related electrical work. The request will remain open and responses
accepted indefinitey. For more information, download a pdf from the
county's website.
Web Exclusives
Business Brief
Tulsa, Okla.-based Builders & Contractors (ABC) of
Oklahoma recently named Faith Technologies as a 2010 Excellence in
Construction winner for their work on the ONEOK Field - Tulsa Drillers
Stadium. The full-service electrical and technology systems contractor
was recognized at the ABC Excellence in Construction Awards Banquet on
October 14.For more Business Briefs, visit the EC&M website.
2010 DOE SSL
Market Introduction Workshop Report Published
From July 21-22, more than 300 lighting leaders joined
the U.S. Department of Energy(DOE) in Philadelphia for the fifth annual
DOE SSL Market Introduction Workshop to share the latest updates and
strategies for successful market introduction of high-quality,
energy-efficient solid-state lighting (SSL) solutions.To read more
about the SSL lighting workshop, visit the EC&M website.
Construction
Unemployment Nudges up to 17.2% in September
Confirming that the nation’s builders continue to
struggle, the unemployment rate for the construction industry rose to
17.2% in September, up from 17% in August and 17.1% from one year ago,
according to the October 8 employment report by the U.S. Labor
Department.To read more about the construction unemployment report,
visit the EC&M website.
North American
EBCIs Bounce Back in September
NEMA's Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI)
for current North American business conditions rebounded in September,
rising 7.3 points from August to 52.6. A reading above 50 indicates more
panelists than not reported improved conditions during the month. To
read more about the EBCI's rebound, visit the EC&M website.
Eye on Safety
Electrical Worker
Shocked on National Guard Base in North Dakota
On October 21, an electrical contractor with Dakota
Electric, Farmington, Minn., was working on a transformer for the new
fire station on the National Guard base in Fargo, N.D., when he
experienced a shock. He was taken to the hospital with non-life
threatening injuries. The incident knocked out power to a third of the
guard base but all critical areas were kept running on generator.
Shows & Events
NEC Code
Change Webinar Scheduled
On November 17 at 2 p.m. EST, NEC expert and EC&M
Code consultant Mike Holt will highlight the top 2011 NEC Code changes
in a 1-hr Webinar. Broadcast live on the Web with streaming audio and
PowerPoint slides, the event will allow the audience to have real-time
interaction with Holt, who has repeatedly been recognized as one of the
electrical construction industry’s most knowledgeable and popular
trainers. A few of the hot topics on the agenda include: available fault
current, GFCI production, cables under buildings, power distribution
block, receptacle replacements, grounding electrode systems, and much
more. For more information or to register online, visit EC&M's
website.
Code Change Conferences Are
Coming
The 2011 NEC is coming. Will you be ready for the
changes? By attending one of EC&M's Code Change Conferences,
presented by NEC expert Mike Holt and sponsored by EC&M University, you'll
learn everything you need to know about major NEC changes that will
impact your work, whether you're an electrician, electrical engineer,
electrical designer, plant/facility electrical maintenance person, or
electrical inspector. Check out the following conferences for a location
and time that's right for you.
- Chicago November 1-2, Hyatt Regency Rosemont
- Seattle November 8-9, Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference
Center
- Philadelphia November 29-30, Hilton Philadelphia City
Avenue
- Boston December 7-8, Venue to be determined
- Orlando December 13-14, Hyatt Regency Orlando
Airport
If you're a registered professional engineer and attend one of the
2011 NEC Code Change Conferences, you'll be granted professional
development hours (PDHs), a requirement for re-licensing. The program is
also certified as an approved provider of Code Update training by those
states requiring continuing education hours for re-licensing of
journeymen, master electricians, and electrical contractors.
Register now to
attend one of the these events. For more details on the conferences and
a full program, visit EC&M's website.
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