Blog

When the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) introduced 210.4(B) entitled "Disconnecting Means," this new requirement for multi-wire branch circuits drove many questions related to the application of handle ties in the industry. This requirement has also driven more use of field applied handle ties. The application of handle ties on two one-pole circuit breakers must be performed correctly as the lack of attention to details could cause you to apply the product outside of its rating. Two one-pole circuit breakers can be tied together with an approved handle tie but you must pay close attention to the markings and listing of the products to ensure that the breakers are not applied outside of their rating.
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Recognizing electrocution hazards can be difficult in job sites and especially in areas/facilities that have experience storm damage. An electrocution is the result of coming in contact with a lethal amount of current. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are really a last line of defense to protect personnel. There are many ways to stay safe.
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The IEC Atlanta Chapter incorporates "The Training Advantage" into all of our apprenticeship classes in order to benefit IEC contractor members, students, partner members, and the electrical industry. We strive for excellence by starting the training process with instructors who are technically competent and trained to deliver the curriculum to adult learners while incorporating hands-on, active learning techniques in each class. This article will focus on how the IEC Atlanta strategic plan works to engage the students of the apprenticeship program to ensure that they learn the core concepts that lead to improved field productivity, reduced errors, and better customer satisfaction for the contractor and the student.
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How long does it take to become an electrician? No, this is not the beginning of a joke, but a serious question that I ask high school students, parents, and others considering a career in the electrical industry when I speak at the Central Pennsylvania IEC Annual Apprenticeship Open House. Answers are called out from around the room. "Nine months," calls out one high school student, obviously remembering the television ad for the local for-profit career institute. "Two years," responds a parent who is thinking that community college and an associate's degree is what they need.
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A number of IEC chapters have been implementing online apprenticeship training. While such endeavors always present challenges, they can end up being highly successful. IEC Atlanta and IEC-Dakotas are two such examples.
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Imagine a world where you need simple electrical work done to your home or business, but the wait for an available electrician is at least three to four months. Unfortunately, this scenario could come to fruition in the upcoming years as the skilled labor shortage continues to become more prominent.
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January 1, 2013, ushered in not just a new year, but a different way of specifying screw-in light bulbs. On that date, the popular 75-watt incandescent bulb will be discontinued, a casualty of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). Last year, 100-watt bulbs went out of production because they could not meet the new EISA efficiency standards, and in 2014, the golden glow of 60 and 40-watt light bulbs will meet the same fate.
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Remember when the Yellow Pages were a dominant source for contractor leads? Okay, it seems like it was right after the fall of the Roman Empire, but still.
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When people ask me, "What do you do for a living?" I typically give the simple and short answer, "I am in public relations." This vague response is not because I am not proud of what I do, it is actually on the contrary - I typically go into so much detail when describing the joy of my profession that people get tired of my long-winded response.
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I would like to begin my inaugural "President's Message" by saying Happy New Year! I enjoy the beginning of a New Year because we can all have a clean slate and the opportunity to start from zero. Whether your focus is on personal or professional goals, it will be your choice alone on how you apply them to 2013.
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