The 10 Worst Grounding Mistakes You'll Ever Make
from EC&M
Proper grounding and bonding prevent unwanted voltage on non-current-carrying metal objects, such as tool and appliance casings, raceways, and enclosures, as well as facilitate the correct operation of overcurrent devices. But beware of wiring everything to a ground rod and considering the job well done. There are certain subtleties you must follow to adhere to applicable NEC rules and provide safe installations to the public and working personnel. Although ground theory is a vast subject, on which whole volumes have been written, let's take a look at some of the most common grounding errors you may run into on a daily basis. More

Illustrated Catastrophes
from EC&M
Take a look at the illustrations in this article. Each of them violate the 2008 NEC in some way. Don't consider the following commentary associated with these photos as a formal interpretation of the NEC. Without criticizing anyone or any product, the following scenarios present some serious safety questions. More

Video: Electrical Fire Causes House Explosion
from NBC Augusta
While the Payton family was out taking a family portrait Saturday night, their house caught fire, exploded, and burned to the ground. The powerful blast was heard over 8 miles away. The fire was still burning Sunday. Investigators believe an electrical fire set off several oxygen tanks causing the explosion. The Paytons lost everything. More

Will LEDs Replace Traditional Sources of Light?
from Electrical Contractor Magazine
Here's a light source with the potential to reduce the nation’s energy costs by 6–7 percent, to reimagine the light fixture as a highly compact and dynamic element, to keep two to four tons of mercury out of landfills and incinerators each year, and to give building owners lighting that doesn’t require lamp replacement for up to a decade or longer. LED technology may be gearing up to go mainstream, but why you should be cautious about it, and what’s being done about barriers to adoption? More

IAEI Membership: A Value That Is Unmatched
from IAEI
To keep pace with the vision of a future IAEI and to meet the needs required to attain that vision, beginning January 1, 2009, we will launch the first adjustment to our membership dues structure since 2002. The goal of the change is to continue the benefit enhancements and to expand the services offered to members. More

House Wiring: Looking At Light Switches
from Silicon Chip
A light switch is a light switch, right? You just flick it and the light comes on . . . Of course - but it is very obvious that many people think what goes on behind the architrave or wall is a black art. Magic, even! More

Procedures for Inspecting Switchgear
from IAEI Magazine
Switchgear is one of those terms that seem to get used a lot to describe many different kinds of electrical equipment and for the most part, everyone understands what is being talked about. Many inspectors and electricians also tend to think of switchgear as being medium- or high-voltage and, indeed, in looking through the NEC for applicable rules the only places you see the terms metal-enclosed switchgear or switchgear or metal-clad switchgear are in the over 600 volt sections of various articles. So apparently if you are talking switchgear you are talking about an over 600 volt installation right? Not necessarily. More