Electrical Contractor Magazine

Four editions, two decades, one IEEE 1584.
https://hubs.ly/Q02Nw1Q20

Two Decades of IEEE 1584 Standards: A history of the four editions It is hard to imagine that the first edition of the landmark IEEE 1584 standard was published more than two decades ago in 2002. If you do an internet search for IEEE 1584, you might be surprised to find four different “1584” standards.

The Internet of Things can keep workers safe on the job site. Contributor Tom O’Connor shows us how. https://hubs.ly/Q02Nw2nq0

Keeping Track of Safety: Using the internet of things on the job site Technological advancements can make workers safer and more efficient.

There are only 7️⃣ DAYS left until the NECA Convention and Trade Show! Are you ready? Click the link below for the full schedule—three days of education, technology, safety sessions and more!

403 Forbidden

It's National Tradesmen Day! Today, we thank everyone who keeps roads, bridges, pipes, power grids and every other bit of infrastructure intact so the world can keep turning. We tip our hardhats to you!

Are you planning on attending the NECA Convention and Trade Show in San Diego? Be sure to visit the ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine booth, #2711! We'll be waiting*.

*more patiently than Moo Deng, probably

Original photo credit: Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters

Saving money, the planet and the workforce? 🌎 Susan DeGrane tells us how it's done in this new feature article.

Everybody Wins: Incentives and grants save customers money, build the workforce and save the planet “Cut project cost up to five times through tax credits.”

It was an unbelievably hot one in Texas (the whole summer, we mean). Read how clean energy helped take the edge off in this story by Rick Laezman.🔥 https://hubs.ly/Q02Nw1Bk0

“Because bonding is a critical safety feature of every electrical system, the methods used for this purpose must be sufficient to safely carry the maximum amount of fault current that could be imposed on the bonding path.” 🪂
https://hubs.ly/Q02N56MN0

Bonding Is Your Parachute: Connecting up to Code, part 6 Welcome to part 6 in the series on understanding Article 250 of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

It's ! This month's is a knockout. 😎 Read Donny's newest column here.

The Evolution of Knockout Tools: Knowing the history helps you choose the best options When it comes to knocking out a hole in an electrical box, panel or cabinet, nothing is as efficient as a knockout set. While the overall process has not changed much, today’s products and styles are streamlined versions of the tools of the past. 

If you’re coming to 2024 NECA San Diego, the September issue has everything you need to make the most of it! And if you’re not, we’ve still got gems for you about labor dilemmas, family business survival and EV growth and tax credits. https://hubs.ly/Q02PTj_c0

We know what a big deal lighting is: 90% of firms worked on lighting in 2023! So we’ve put all our lighting stories and news in one place for you. 💡
https://hubs.ly/Q02N53L60

Lighting Find articles on lighting innovations and technology, LEDs, lighting design and control, indoor and outdoor lamps and luminaires and more.

Happy ! We've got Part II of the Profile of the Electrical Contractor to draw from today. Did you know that 8 out of 10 electrical contractors report they have a "high" or "medium" ability to influence overall electrical designs or specifications on projects? 😮

This follow-up from Part I is chock full of facts and statistics about your industry. Head here to see what industry experts have to say.

2024 Profile of the Electrical Contractor: Part 2 In Part 2 of the Profile of the Electrical Contractor, we look at some of the particulars of how electrical contractors do their work, including team structures, partnerships and product specification.

It's and we're excited to share a fresh one from the August 2024 issue of . Take a look at this story by Chuck Ross about the internet of things, at school and at home.🍎

Circuit Protection Goes to School: Growth of the internet of things and electrification of everything leads to more smart home products In the 15 years since manufacturers began marketing smart home products, connectivity features for remote monitoring and control have largely been limited to end-use devices.

Solar may still feel new, but it is getting more efficient every day. 🌞 Head to Jim Romeo's story on photovoltaic cells to find out more on recent solar research.

Improving Solar Cell Technology to Support Sustainable Power Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have made a significant breakthrough in enhancing the efficiency and durability of perovskite solar cells, a type of thin-film PV device.

'Twas 16 days before convention, and we were filled with anticipation.
Hey reader, that reminds us, have you completed your registration?

Get all the information you need for the 2024 here:
https://hubs.ly/Q02NrY9N0

Now that it’s September, how is your company doing compared to the midyear projections?
https://hubs.ly/Q02N57hc0

Keep Calm and Carry On: 2024 Midyear Construction Outlook There’s much to be confident about in the construction industry. While there are areas to watch, “Keep calm and carry on” is an apt motto going forth.

You know about proactive versus reactive safety measures. But do you know about prevention through design? Tom O’Connor lays it out for us.
https://hubs.ly/Q02N532J0

Built-In Safety: Prevention through design in construction Over the last two decades, the way construction firms tackle safety in the workplace has evolved. 

Are you an electrician who has moved for work? Then this article by Susan DeGrane is for you. Read more about the population changes affecting the industry here. 🚚

Relocation Motion: Population changes mean contractors need more skilled labor The pandemic prompted a flurry of relocation activity in the United States, which continued through 2023. 

With home power generator sales on the rise, being prepared is a little more complex than simply stashing an emergency kit in the closet. Intermatic's surge protective devices protect against harmful transients that can damage electrical devices when generators turn on after a power loss.

Learn more 👉 https://hubs.ly/Q02N9D7v0

Do you dig? If so, do you call before you do it? Read up on 811 day for more on this crucial rule in construction.

811 Day Offers Reminder to Call Before You Dig Always call before you dig—that’s the message the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) want to emphasize to contractors and homeowners for “8/11 Day.”

September is here, which means the is in less than a month! You still have 23 days to register, so don't panic. Click here instead: https://hubs.ly/Q02Ns3QK0

If you can't make it to the 2024 NECA Convention & Trade Show, be sure to sign up for a free subscription to ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine, NECA's official publication for the industry. We'll cover opening and closing ceremonies, keynote speakers and other exclusive events. 😎 Subscribe here! https://hubs.ly/Q02NrDC_0

The NFPA 70E gets refreshed every three years. Catch up on the updates with your own refresher here! https://hubs.ly/Q02N56rS0

Has It Been Three Years Already? Updates to NFPA 70E’s training requirements NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, provides a road map for electrical safety and the necessary training.

PoE is everywhere. Check out this article by Jeff Griffin for info on PoE testers and the tech behind them.⚡️https://hubs.ly/Q02LLl1x0

Cool Tools: PoE Testers Power over ethernet (PoE) technology allows electrical power for lighting, HVAC and security systems to flow over an ethernet cable rather than standard electrical wiring. PoE testers are useful in supporting PoE installations.

On this Labor Day, refresh your memory of the history of the IBEW here!
https://hubs.ly/Q02N51sx0

IBEW Celebrates 130 Years This year marks the 130th year of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. For a look inside the early history of the union, IBEW members, NECA members and history buffs may want to visit the Henry Miller Museum in St. Louis.

Labor Day is close to our hearts and reminds us of our values at ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine and NECA. Thank you for all you do for the country and each other!
Archival photo by Museums Victoria on Unsplash.

Electrical Contractor magazine is committed to being trustworthy and transparent. That’s why, for over 25 years, we've had a regular third-party audit by the Alliance for Audited Media.

Before you clock out for the weekend, we have to remind you of two things:

1) The NECA 2024 Convention, the biggest in the industry, is only 29 days away! ⚡️
2) The convention will be in the sunny, beachy, birthplace of California: San Diego! 🌇

Are you registered? Are you excited? Did you know that San Diego produces the most avocados of any state in the U.S.? Can you tell how excited WE are?

Click the link below to register. You don't want to miss this.

NECA Convention - NECA 2024 San Diego NECA San Diego will take place from September 28 - October 1, 2024. Register today to join educational sessions, network, and more!

Have you read Part II of the Profile of the Electrical Contractor yet? If not, why wait? Access the story here and learn about the industry we're all rooting for.💡

2024 Profile of the Electrical Contractor: Part 2 In Part 2 of the Profile of the Electrical Contractor, we look at some of the particulars of how electrical contractors do their work, including team structures, partnerships and product specification.

Tilly takes her duties very seriously. That means heightened awareness around construction zones and roadwork. Pedestrians, drivers and roadside workers will thank you! (And maybe give you pets on the head.)