Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) have become a familiar technology to electrical contractors during the past decade. The first branch-feeder AFCIs debuted in the late 1990s, and detected exclusively parallel arcs, or current that travels from one circuit conductor to another. They were followed more recently by combination AFCIs, which respond to both parallel and series [...]
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
Most likely, by way of our television sets, we have all witnessed the unbelievable destruction and devastating consequences of one or another natural disaster. Certainly, hurricane Katrina and the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami come to mind. For sure, many of you may also have been personally involved and will have a never-ending memory [...]
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The sign industry is currently using LED light sources for many applications. LEDS were first introduced to the sign industry, I believe, on power source equipment as indicators for conditions and problems. As the LEDS came to be used in different applications such as taillights for vehicles, traffic control, warning lights and indicator lights, their [...]
(1 votes, average: 1.00 out of 5)
Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, emergency escape ladders—these are all proven methods for making a quick and safe escape from a fire in the home. However, in addition to these measures, proven technology exists to prevent fires from starting in the first place. Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)— the next generation in circuit breaker technology—are one such life-saving tool that should be considered by home owners and home builders alike.
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If you have been around awhile, you have probably heard of the group called the Roadrunners. If you regularly attend IAEI chapter and section meetings, you may have heard the code panel or some of the presenters referred to as Roadrunners or Circuit Riders. Where the term Circuit Rider originated, I am not sure; but [...]
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Section 250.52(A)(3) requires that if the footing construction includes 20 feet of rebar not less than ½ inch in diameter, the rebar must be included in the grounding electrode system. Electrical inspection of the rebar presents several problems, such as no electrical contractor on the job site at this early date, maybe the electrical contractor [...]
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Once upon a time (the 1987 Code cycle) in the land of Quincy, a group of alchemists from a national laboratory was elaborating on the excellence of their photovoltaic (PV) test facility in the distant Land of Enchantment. They showed some senior firefighters a picture of a burned PV module that had been subject to [...]
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As we saw in part 1 of this series, it is tough to make alternative electric sources economical when you are trying to operate a completely independent system. Usually the only time people install such systems is when the normal electric service is not available. Utilizing alternative energy sources as a supplement to your normal [...]
(1 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
Electrical installations related to fire alarm systems appear to be no different from other types of electrical work. A typical fire alarm system is an interconnected combination of: 1. the alarm initiating devices (i.e., field devices that constitute system inputs); 2. various audible signal devices such as bells, horns and speakers (i.e., field devices that [...]
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Electrical system grounding is not widely understood,and it may lead to many different discussions, interpretations and a wide variation of philosophies. This article reviews some of the electrical system grounding requirements as spelled out in the Canadian Electrical Code and it throws in a few curve balls to hopefully keep things interesting. The CEC Rule [...]
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IAEI, as the keystone of the electrical industry, is a membership driven, non-profit association promoting electrical safety throughout the industry by providing premier education, certification of inspectors, advocacy, partnerships and expert leadership in Electrical Codes and Standards development.
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