Electrical Commercial Construction

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

We have discussed at length under “Electrical Safety and the Technician”, most of the differences in wiring techniques between Residential and Commercial.  Let me now walk you through the rigors of being in the electrical commercial construction business, and then the step-by-step process of the commercial job. “So you want to be a commercial electrical [...]

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Residential electrical construction

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

Residential electrical construction can vary dramatically from commercial in a number of ways (according to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes).  Here are a few: 1.  Device location: Receptacles must be placed every 12 running feet in living areas of a home.  Commercial only where you need them. Receptacles must have ground fault [...]

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Electrical Contractor

HOW TO EVALUATE AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Yes, this evaluation has a great deal to do with our “How to Evaluate an Electrician” article, but it goes much deeper.  An electrical contractor being considered for a large project should be dealt with differently than a guy repairing your doorbell. Different projects may require different electrical expertise.  Complicated special systems may require a [...]

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Hiring an Electrical Technician

HOW TO HIRE AN ELECTRICIAN

I am constantly surprised when we are called by an upset customer, to replace an electrician who had been hired solely from the yellow pages.  First of all, the biggest ads do not always equate to good performance. Think about it; great electricians don’t need to waste money on flashy, huge ads in a phone [...]

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The National Fire Protection Association and the National Electrical Codes

The National Fire Protection Association and the National Electrical Codes

I cannot speak to electrical safety without speaking on the rules and regulations which are at the foundation of all electrical safety—the National Electrical Code (NEC). I want to make a broad statement here:  “If the codes, regulations and practices which are located within the NEC, were adhered to the letter, we would not have [...]

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Underwriters Laboratories

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES/UL

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) works closely with the National Fire Protection Association and National Electrical Codes, in testing to make sure that any appliances, or pieces of equipment which use electricity, meet their standards. UL brings peace of mind to consumers. UL operates under its own authority.  It is an independent not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, certifying products [...]

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OSHA

OSHA

Work Place Health and Safety The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) purpose and policy is to assure that every working person has safe and healthful working conditions.  OSHA is under the United States’ Department of Labor and its arms fully encompass all areas of workplace safety.  It would be silly for me to [...]

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Emergency Help

EMERGENCY HELP

A person is in need of emergency help if they show any of the following signs: Burns Lacerations Altered Mental Capacity Heart Problems Signs of Being Shocked Call 911 What You Should or Should Not Do 1.  DO NOT touch the person 2.  DO protect yourself: – DO NOT touch anyone who may be grounded [...]

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Electrical Accidents – High Voltage

CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS

There are two groups of people who get into electrical trouble: 1.  The Familiarity Breeds Contempt Group:  This is the “we work with electricity all the time and we cut corners and do unsafe acts.” 2.  The I Have No Idea What I’m Doing Group:  But they do unsafe acts anyway. Unsafe Acts What is [...]

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Electrical Safety for Children

ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOR CHILDREN

Electrical safety for children should be grouped into two different categories: 1)  Energized Protection, and 2)  Non-energized Protection Energized Protection: If you have been around children, you know that child-proofing your home to protect them from electrical shock is extremely important. You also know that they are drawn to colorful, soft objects.  Usually the first [...]

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