Still on the Roof
from IAEI Magazine
In our top-to-bottom perspective of a PV system, we need to look at one more component usually located on the roof. This is the PV source-circuit combiner and it will be followed in the dc circuit by the PV dc disconnecting means. More

Texas Neighborhood Concerned About Safety after Child's Apparent Electrocution
from KVUE-TV
As an Austin, Texas, family struggles with the loss of their 10-year-old daughter, questions come up about safety in the neighborhood where she lived. Police believe Cecilia Izquierdo died after touching a power line that hangs low over her house. More

Wyoming Inspector Clarifies Electrical Codes
from The Torrington Telegram
Members of the state Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety addressed the Torrington, Wyo., city council at their regular meeting to answer questions regarding an ordinance requiring those doing electrical work within the city to obtain a license from the building inspector. More

Recharging the Industry
from Electrical Contractor Magazine
The most interesting aspect of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 (the stimulus bill) is that, out of the $789 billion in available funding allocations, roughly 20 percent—or $150 billion—is earmarked for the kinds of work many electrical contractors have been doing for years. More

Unraveling Electrical Integration
from Consulting-Specifying Engineer
Building equipment systems—typically electrical and mechanical systems—and telecommunications systems are critical parts of a building's functionality. These systems need to coexist and are a primary concern for engineers. They have separate requirements and separate purposes, but are integrated within the overall facility. So how can the disparate systems coexist and perform in tandem to make the overall building functional? More

More States Want Solar Power to be Option on New Homes
from USA Today
A growing number of states are moving to require home builders to offer solar electricity and hot-water systems in new homes, right alongside more traditional options such as fancy kitchen countertops and special window treatments. For example, In Colorado, lawmakers are considering a bill that would require builders to offer a range of options, from pre-wiring the home for solar power to full installation of a solar system. More

Power Line Accidents in Oregon Decline in 2008
from Transmission and Distribution World
The number of people injured after coming into contact with high-voltage power lines dropped slightly in Oregon in 2008 compared with 2007 according to an annual report released today by the Oregon Public Utility Commission. "We are very concerned that most of the accidents continue to involve individuals who are working near overhead and underground power lines," Commission Senior Electrical Engineer Jerry Murray said. "Fortunately, there were no fatalities last year, though nine people were hospitalized because of serious electrical injuries." More