Insights July 2014 by Think Baseline

Insights The magazine for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electrical and systems contractors

JULY 2014

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Energy-Efficient

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Insights

Contents

JULY 2014 | The magazine for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electrical and systems contractors

Features

14 Financing Energy Efficiency Projects By David Clamage & Tim Huckaby

18 Intelligent Lighting Control Is Eco Savvy

By Jennifer Mccue

22 Transformer Upgrades Are Good Business

By Bill Forsythe

24 Servicing Solar Electric Power Systems: Opportunities and Caveats

By Jeff Gilbert

28 The Mainstreaming of Home Automation

By Cheryl Weber

30 Rapid Shutdown of Photovoltaic Systems

By Adam Corbin

32 Solid State Lighting: The Past, Present, and Future of LED Technology

By Sean Hawks

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

Contents Cont’d. 38

Why i Became an Electrician...

2014 IEC Apprentice

Short-story

42 columns 6 President’s Message 8 From the Editor’s Desk 10 Management Methods 36 IEC Foundation 38 Inside IEC 42 Code Corner 44 Featured Products 49 Ad Index 50 Safety Corner

Comments? 4

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

We want your feedback! Send comments or suggestions to communications@ieci.org.

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President’s Message

We’re In This Together By Gordon Stewart

t is hard to believe that we are already more than half way through 2014, which also means I am more than half way through my year as the IEC National President. This is proof that the old saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” holds true. It is difficult to express into words how much of an honor it is to serve such a dedicated and hard-working group of professionals. Like the hundreds of volunteer leaders we have within IEC, I take great pride in our organization. The electrical industry has given me so much, it is now my privilege and responsibility to give back. IEC members help build America and are a strong component of our economy. We are innovative and efficient workers. Members know their worth and have the knowledge to responsibly project costs resulting in intelligent and accurate bids. These strengths are a benefit to everyone involved in the project and the consumer. In order to remain a premier association, we must continue to grow our member base. This is one of aspects of IEC in which I am passionate. It is critical that the current members work to

recruit new members to strengthen our organization. Together, we can continue to improve the electrical industry. Anyone who has met me knows that I am very competitive, which stems from my athletic background of playing basketball and football. I am also a staunch and enthusiastic supporter of my beloved Texas A&M Aggies, which adds to my competitive nature. This has spilled over into my professional career and I now strive to help Joe Swartz Electric to be one of the top electrical contracting companies in the nation. Despite the competitiveness in my blood, I welcome and encourage other electrical contractors in the Houston, Texas, metro area to join IEC. Our chapter, organization, and industry become stronger as we grow our membership. Additionally, if my competitors become members of IEC, I know they are sending their apprentices through the best training and gaining valuable information from the continuing education classes. The improvement of their business forces us to continue to perform at a high level.

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

The members of IEC are all on the same team. The team that wants a strong economy, high-quality training, and excellence in the electrical contracting industry. In this, we are all competing together. I encourage all IEC members to promote IEC and tell other electrical contractors about the many benefits of membership. Together we make this industry the best it can be. Together we can make our IEC team strong. Gordon Stewart is IEC’s 2014 National President. As the principal elected officer of the association, Stewart serves as chair to the Board of Directors, House of Delegates, and Executive Committee. He has been in the electrical industry for 35 years and is currently the General Manager at Joe Swartz Electric in Houston, Texas.

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Insights MANAGEMENT

from the editor’s desk

EDITORIAL OFFICE Thayer Long, Publisher tlong@ieci.org Joseph Cephas, M.A., Editor-In-Chief jcephas@ieci.org Deborah Stadtler, Managing Editor dstadtler@ieci.org Marlise Drischler, Associate Editor mdrischler@ieci.org ADVERTISING Rich Ryan (330) 686-0353 rgrsvc@gmail.com DESIGN/ART DIRECTION Think Baseline PRINTING Mount Royal Printing 2014 IEC NATIONAL OFFICERS President Gordon Stewart, Houston, Texas Secretary/Treasurer Mark Gillespie, Clarksville, Ohio Senior Vice President Joseph Hovanec, Rahway, New Jersey Vice President Bruce Seilhammer, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania Immediate Past President Dean Kredit, Phoenix, Arizona Insights is published in January/ February, March, April, May/June, July, August, September/October, and November/December by the Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. Insights Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. 4401 Ford Ave., Suite 1100 Alexandria, VA 22302 Tel: (703) 549-7351 Fax: (703) 549-7448

The Real IEC

n early June, I had the privilege to speak to one of IEC’s Forum Groups in San Antonio, Texas. The IEC Forum Groups are essentially peer groups of members who meet a few times each year to collaborate on ideas and advise each other on ways to improve their business. The groups include high-level employees, often owners, who share company information with one another for the others to review and critique. The specific group I spoke to was Forum Group #11. The core of this group dates all of the way back to 1999, making it one of the oldest IEC Forum Groups. Some of the companies are on their second generation of participants, which illustrates the sustaining impact of the peer interaction. At a dinner on the first night of the meeting, the family atmosphere was immediately apparent. The discussions of personal and professional life intertwined seamlessly – I felt like I was back at my parent’s house in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Thanksgiving. The next day was all business. I gave a presentation based on a previous Insights article entitled “Motivating Generation Y.” Throughout the session the members asked thoughtproving questions that stimulated the conversation. At one point during the three-hour session, the group and I discussed the topic of identifying leaders within a company. The conversation was fast paced with so much good information being tossed around that I regretted not recording it. I sat back in my chair and thought to myself, “This is IEC.” Meetings like this are exactly what IEC was founded on. The sharing of information was phenomenal, and the members listened intently to the new ideas. There was never a time when a person was defensive or unreceptive. All participants reflected on the ideas presented by their peers and thought of ways to apply them to their business. There are many benefits of being a member of IEC – the top-notch Apprentice Training Program, the many classes the chapters offer, the national advocacy efforts, and much more. There are many places you can see IEC at work; I was fortunate to have a front-row seat of IEC in action. For more information about IEC Forums, please contact my colleague Tim Welsh, Senior Vice President of Meetings & Member Services, at twelsh@ieci.org. If you want the most up-to-date information, stay connected with IEC National by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IEC.National, joining our group and following our page on LinkedIn, and following IEC National (@IEC_National) on Twitter.

www.ieci.org

Established in 1957, IEC is a trade association with more than 3,000 company members and 54 chapters nationwide. Independent Electrical contractors Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, IEC is the nation’s premier trade association representing America’s independent electrical and systems contractors. IEC National aggressively works with the industry to establish a competitive environment for the merit shop — a philosophy that promotes the concept of free enterprise, open competition, and economic opportunity for all.

Joseph G. Cephas, M.A. Vice President of Public Affairs Editor-In-Chief, Insights IEC National Follow on Twitter: @JosephCephas

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

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Management Methods

A Glimpse Into the Future of Electrical Contracting By Kathy Dreier, CPA

s the trend continues to move to more energy efficient and green building techniques, electrical contractors need to shift their training focus to meet the demands of emerging green businesses. Now and in future years, more and more jobs will require knowledge of and expertise in installing renewable energy technology and alternative power sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Electrical contractors will also be called upon to retrofit existing buildings to improve energy efficiency by upgrades to lighting and HVAC systems. The federal government by executive order has goals and guidelines to reduce energy use in existing and new federal buildings by 30 percent. Electrical contractors will be needed to perform energy audits to ensure compliance. Businesses will also need electricians to integrate increasingly complex electrical and communication systems. As more people move to electric vehicles, the installation of charging stations near office buildings and in homes will become common. Electricians will be needed to install these stations and to maintain these vehicles. Lean construction techniques are also important to help improve construction efficiency and thus lower the overall cost of large building projects. There is a trend toward more prefabrication and the use of building information modeling (BIM). Prefabrication allows wiring to be done in a climate-controlled environment, eliminating safety hazards caused by the weather at a jobsite. BIM helps to prevent costly design flaws before the bricks are in place and works well with inserting prefabricated units in a project. Continued on page 12 >

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

In the next 10 to 20 years, “electrical contractor” will no longer be a suitable job title for electricians. They will transition into “energy contractors” to support the fast-growing green construction market. We see this as a coming renaissance in electrical contracting. There has been a revival of interest in the electrical trade as home owners and corporations adopt alternative methods (e.g. solar, wind, etc.) to power buildings.

Growth of Jobs in Green Construction

Projected Growth of Renewable Energy Jobs

MAY 1S T, 9:05 A .M .

A CONTRACTOR SEES THE LIGHT AND SURVIVES THE BLAST IN AN INS TANT, N ATE PE TER SO N L E A R NE D THE VA LU E O F CN A’ S R I SK CO NTRO L R E SO U RCE S

Nate Peterson of HandiDigits Electric has over 15 years of experience, but he wasn’t expecting the arc blast that came from his customer’s transformer door. Luckily, Nate was prepared. Thanks to his IEC’s safety training and an Arc Survival course from CNA Risk Control, he knew to wear proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) before starting the job. So instead of a costly legal claim and a lengthy hospital stay, this Master Electrician made it home for dinner and had some extra time with the kids. Well done, Nate.

When you’re looking for programs that help make IEC members safer and their businesses ® stronger … we can show you more.

To learn more about CNA’s coverages and programs for electrical contractors, contact your independent agent or visit www.cna.com/iec.

The examples provided in this material are for illustrative purposes only and any similarity to actual individuals, entities or places is coincidental. Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright © 2014 CNA. All rights reserved.

Management Methods

Average 2012 Green Share of Building Project Activity (From Sample Firms in US)

< Continued from page 10

Various incentives are currently available at the federal, state, and local levels related to the use of renewable energy and alternative power sources. Electrical contractors that can effectively communicate their knowledge of these incentives and have the training and experience to implement these new energy saving products will differentiate themselves and be situated for growth in the years to come. Kathy Dreier is a Certified Public Accountant at VonLehman and can be reached at kdreier@vlcpa.com. Founded in 1946 and with offices in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, VonLehman is a leading full-service CPA, business advisory, and business turnaround firm with a national reputation in construction accounting. VonLehman provides forwardthinking accounting, tax, and strategic business advice to closely-held businesses, not-for-profits, and governmental entities throughout the Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana region. Visit www.vlcpa.com for more information.

Levels of Green Building Activity for Respondents in US (2012-2015 Expected)

Electricians’ Emerging Green Job Opportunities Lighting system upgrades - There are an estimated 2.2 million commercial buildings in the U.S. that have antiquated lighting systems (old fixtures, ballasts, lamps, and controls). Additionally, all federal buildings were required to switch to Energy Star lighting products by the end of 2013. Parking lot electrical outlets - A state bill in Minnesota will require half of new parking facilities to include outlets to charge electric vehicles. If successful, other states and cities are expected to follow Minnesota’s example. Wind turbine manufacturing - According to a report from the American Solar Energy Society (ASES), a typical 250-person wind turbine manufacturing company has two electricians as employees. This isn’t a large number, but it’s an example of the variety of job opportunities available. Electric vehicles - Jobs for electricians will also emerge in adjacent industries. For example, electricians will need to be trained in auto mechanics - or auto mechanics will need to be trained in electrical contracting - in order to meet demand for electric vehicle maintenance.

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

IEC - Weve been there_full_page.eps 1 10/11/2013 9:28:46 AM

CMY

Feature

Financing

Energy Efficie

Projects By David Clamage and Tim Huckaby

Buildings use more than 70 percent of the electricity generated and more than 40 percent of the natural gas used in the United States. The existing U.S. building stock is extremely energy inefficient. The DOEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Energy Information Agency estimates that 30 percent of energy used in commercial buildings is wasted. In a 2009 report, McKinsey & Company estimated that energy savings worth $1.2 trillion are available if the full amount of economically viable and commercially available energy efficiency projects is implemented in the U.S. through 2020. Achieving these savings would require an upfront investment of $520 billion. Of course, not all economically viable and commercially available energy efficiency projects will be built, and it will take a number of years to approach the deep market penetration referenced in the McKinsey study. At the same time, energy efficiency technologies and applications are advancing at a rapid pace, resulting in an ever-growing market. As is often said in the industry, energy efficiency is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lowhanging fruit that continues to regrow.â&#x20AC;? The estimates of the current size of the annual building energy efficiency market vary depending on the definition of the market measured, but all studies indicate that the market is large and growing. Using a narrow definition of the traditional Energy Service Company (ESCO) market, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) estimates it at approximately

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

ncy

$7 billion in 2011. This narrow definition does not include companies such as engineering and architectural firms, HVAC, lighting, windows, or insulation contractors and consultants that offer energy efficiency services but typically do not enter into long-term contracts that link compensation to the project’s energy savings and/or performance. Using a broader definition of the market, which includes the types of entities excluded from the LBNL report, FMI estimates the market at more than $20 billion in 2011. Regardless of the starting definition of the market, all studies point to continued growth over the next several years, most often 10 percent or greater. FMI’s current estimates show about a 15-percent compound annual growth rate through 2020. Even with such a huge and obvious valuecreation opportunity, certain obstacles limit the growth of this market. Typical growth constraints cited include: • Lack of awareness and focus on energy efficiency opportunities • Skepticism regarding the economics of energy efficiency opportunities • Unduly complex, nonstandardized, and expensive transaction structures • Scarcity of skilled project development talent • Lack of prepackaged, simplified project funding — particularly in the commercial real estate (CRE) sector • Split incentives (e.g., in certain situations when a building owner, who will incur the retrofit capital expenditure, is not the building occupant, who will benefit from reduced operating costs) Companies that lessen any of these constraints to the building energy efficiency retrofit market should grow quickly and capture strong profits. This article focuses on the project financing constraint mentioned above and how companies can work with third-party financiers to deliver a prepackaged financing solution to clients. More specifically, it will look at the project financing markets for four building energy efficiency retrofit verticals — federal,

MUSH (municipals, universities, schools, hospitals), institutional, and commercial and industrial. Projects in each of these markets are financed differently.

A FINANCIER’S PERSPECTIVE OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT FINANCING Most energy efficiency retrofit projects funded by third-party financiers are considered performance contracts since the ESCO provides some form of guarantee regarding the energy savings (in units of energy, not dollars) that will be generated by the project. The value proposition of a performance contract is simple. The net present value (NPV) of energy and operating savings, plus any rebates or incentives, must equal or exceed the total costs of the retrofits (i.e., the project must have a neutral or positive NPV). In essence, the upfront costs of Energy Conservation Measures and Facility Improvement Measures, plus the financing and certain other costs are “repaid” from the energy and operating savings, rebates, and incentives generated by the project. As a practical matter, most projects are designed to be “cash-flow neutral,” where the savings, rebates, and incentives pay the principal and interest arising from the lease, loan, or other financing structure used to fund the project. A simplified cash flow model for a theoretical $1 million energy efficiency retrofit project is shown in Exhibit 1 (see page 16). There are numerous rebates and incentives as well as government and utility policies that must be considered when developing performance contracts. The website www.dsireusa.org, maintained by North Carolina State University, provides examples. The key is to reach out to the governments, utilities, and non-governmental organizations serving the applicable market. Learn how their programs work and approach the market with full knowledge incentives, rebates, policies, and programs. Continued on page 16 >

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature < Continued from page 15

Financiers consider a number of risks when evaluating and structuring financing for performance contracts. The most basic risks include: Credit-Worthy Client: Is the client (the

project host) financially capable of making its payments on the project? Is the client in a “financeable class” in today’s capital markets?

and appropriately conservative? Does the project generate sufficient energy and operating savings to repay the financing within an appropriate time?

project financiers will be positioned to obtain the best financing options available in the market for their clients.

Properly Documented Project: Are all legal documents adequate and in place, including a strong performance contract? Are risks and scopes properly allocated among the contracting parties? Are energy savings clearly defined?

ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT FINANCING FOR VERTICAL MARKET SECTORS

technologies and applications, and are the estimated savings reasonable? Does the ESCO have a strong reputation and deep experience in delivering similar high-quality projects? Are the operations and maintenance and measurement and verification plans for the project appropriate?

Unlike traditional retrofit or replacement financing for mechanical and controls systems, the biggest difference for the lenders providing financing in this market is the guarantee of savings and the performance of the Energy Conservation Measures and Facility Improvement Measures installed. Of course, lenders are not engineers, so they have a strong preference for ESCOs and contractors that have (1) a long history of successful projects and demonstrated technical competence and (2) the financial wherewithal to support the project and related guarantees. Furthermore, well-planned and deployed protocols for operations and maintenance and measurement and verification are imperative, given the long-term payback of these projects.

Adequate Project Economics: Are the projected cash flows for a project accurate

ESCOs and contractors who properly address the above risks when approaching

Credit-Worthy ESCO or Contractor:

Is the ESCO or contractor financially capable of completing the project and standing behind its savings guarantees? Does the ESCO or contractor have the skills and financial stability commensurate with the project? Quality Design, Construction, Operations and Maintenance, Measurement, and Verification: Does the project use proven

EXHIBIT 1

Simplified Energy Efficient Retrofit Cash Flow Analysis $1 Million Project YEAR

TOTAL

Utility Cost Reductions Tariff Reduction Operation Cost Reductions

155 15 35

160 15 36

164 16 37

169 16 38

174 17 39

823 80 186

Construction Period Savings Rebates

22 70

Retrofit Benefits:

Total Retrofit Benefits - Cash In

22 70

297

211

297

1,180

(260) (10)

(197) (10)

(203) (11)

(209) (11)

(216) (11)

(1,086) (53)

Total Retrofit Benefits - Cash Out

(270)

(207)

(214)

(220)

(227)

(1,139)

New Annual Cash Flow

Retrofit Costs: Annual Lease Payment Annual Maintenance

Source: Saulsbury Hill Financial, LLC. Illustrative example only.

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

Federal: The market for financing federal

government performance contracts is established and well-defined, resulting in accessible capital for qualified projects. Projects are financed with 100 percent debt. The client (U.S. government) is one of the most credit-worthy counterparties available worldwide, and the projects use government-approved, standardized contracting vehicles under various federal government programs administered by the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP). Awardees under these federal programs that develop good projects and have a strong reputation should have access to financing in this market. Federal energy efficiency project options are limited for those providers who are not qualified under FEMP. Nonqualified entities can work as subcontractors to other entities that are on FEMP’s list. A firm can become a FEMP-qualified ESCO through a somewhat extensive application process. MUSH: The MUSH market relates to

projects for state or local governmentowned facilities. These include municipal buildings of all types, state universities, community colleges, K-12 public schools, public hospitals, and the like. Energy efficiency project financing for the MUSH market is well-developed, and projects are typically financed with 100 percent debt or lease structures. Clients (project hosts) are typically good credits, and projects are generally developed under governmentsponsored contracting programs. The MUSH market differs from other markets in that tax-free municipal financing is often used. Tax-free financing lowers the borrowing cost since the holder does not pay federal taxes on the interest income. Rates are similar to those in the muni-bond market.

Similar to the federal market, ESCOs often need to be certified or accredited awardees under state programs or otherwise qualified under state or local programs in order to participate in these markets. Programs and participation rules differ by state.

are simply paying for the retrofits out of their capital expenditure budgets (whether financed through corporate loans or cash on hand). Of course, many fewer projects are getting done via this “client pay” approach than would be completed via a prepackaged, attractive financing solution.

Institutional: The institutional market

One promising potential solution is Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing. Under PACE, a municipality issues long-term bonds and then makes the funds available to certain qualified constituents (i.e., commercial buildings, industrial facilities, etc.) for qualifying energy efficiency projects. The cost of the project is added to the client’s tax bill. This structure provides long-term, low-cost financing for value-generating efficiency projects. One current issue with PACE is that first mortgage holders object to new claims (i.e., the cost of the EE project) being senior to the existing mortgage lender’s claim (which occurs when the tax bill is increased). As a result of this and certain other issues, PACE has not yet become a widespread financing solution.

refers to large, private (as opposed to government-owned or affiliated), noncommercial entities, such as private universities, private hospitals, and research institutions. These entities often have strong credit ratings, sizable infrastructure, and significant needs for energy efficiency (EE) and infrastructure improvements. Financing markets are fairly well-developed, and the majority of the financiers to the federal and MUSH markets also provide capital for institutional projects. As noted, the client’s credit must be strong, the ESCO must be reputable, and the project must be well-formulated and documented. Commercial and Industrial (C&I): The C&I market is generally considered to be the largest potential and most underpenetrated building efficiency market. The current lack of abundant, prepackaged, low-cost, and efficient financing solutions is the greatest barrier to growth in this market.

The C&I market actually functions as a number of smaller markets, and the approach to each submarket differs. At the low end (i.e., projects in the thousands to tens of thousands of dollars for small businesses), utility-sponsored demand side management (Utility DSM) programs are proving to be effective. Under these programs, small businesses receive rebates and incentives from the utility that significantly reduce the project payback periods, increase the financial returns, and generally make it easier for a small business to implement efficiency measures. Some utilities also offer on-bill financing, providing the client with a prepackaged loan for the retrofit. At the high end (i.e., projects in the hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars), no widespread, generally accepted financing model is dominant. Many entities

federal, MUSH, Institutional, and C&I — works differently. Nonetheless, the core attributes sought by financiers are similar across markets — creditworthy client, credit-worthy ESCO, quality project, good economics, and proper documentation. Working with the right project financier is imperative to success in this market. A list of performance contracting project finance firms can be found at the websites for the National Association of Energy Services Companies (www.naesco. org) and the Energy Services Coalition (www.energyservicescoalition.org). There is no more important work being done in American infrastructure than energy efficiency. Working with a capable and experienced project-financing partner allows ESCOs to deliver larger and higher-value projects for clients and, in the end, get more work done. Reprinted with permission from FMI Corporation, (919) 787-8400. For more information, visit www.fminet.com or call Sarah Avallone at (919) 785-9221.

Another potential structured solution is to form an investment fund that holds a portfolio of energy efficiency projects. The investment fund is financed with a blend of equity (acting to “credit enhance” the portfolio) and debt blending down the cost of capital. By holding a portfolio of projects, the fund can aggregate projects and “make bulk,” diversify its holdings and “age” its portfolio of projects, thereby allowing access to cheaper capital and even selling off a bundle of projects. A similar approach is used in many other mature industries.

David Clamage is president of Saulsbury Hill Financial, LLC. Saulsbury arranges energy efficiency project financing for ESCOs and contractors. Clamage may be reached at (303) 629-8777 or via e-mail at davidc@saulhill.com. Tim Huckaby is managing director of the Energy Services and Cleantech Group at FMI Capital Advisors, Inc. Huckaby may be reached at (303)398-7265 or via e-mail at thuckaby@fminet.com.

We expect the C&I energy efficiency retrofit market to grow rapidly as PACE programs, energy efficiency funds, or similar financing solutions become more available.

CONCLUSION The market for energy efficiency retrofits in U.S. buildings is large and growing rapidly. One material constraint on growth is delivering clients a prepackaged financing solution. Financing in each market —

FMI is the largest provider of management consulting, investment banking, and research to the engineering and construction industry. It works in all segments of the industry, providing clients with value-added business solutions, including: ∙ Mergers, Acquisitions and Financial Consulting ∙ Strategy Development ∙ Market Research and Business Development Leadership and Talent Development ∙ Project and Process Improvement ∙ Compensation Data and Consulting ∙ Risk Management Consulting

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature

Intelligent Lighting Control Is Eco Savvy By Jennifer McCue

Lighting has a critical function. It allows people to do their jobs well and accomplish the operations of the business at hand. The United States Department of Energy studied various commercial buildings and their energy consumption and reported that lighting is one of the three biggest expenses by as much as 33 percent. Installing an intelligent lighting control system is a simple solution to reduce greenhouse gases, keep employees safe, and continue to be fiscally responsible. Continued on page 20 >

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www.oesx.com 800-660-9340 ÂŠ 2014 Light Years Ahead, ISONâ&#x201E;˘, Energy. Smarter., and the Orion logo are trademarks/service marks of Orion Energy Systems Inc., World Headquarters 2210 Woodland Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220

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Installing an intelligent lighting system controls is an eco-savvy way to reduce energy consumption while having a positive economic impact on a business and the environment. The goal of any business is to provide measurable savings with minimal investment. So an intelligent lighting control system makes sense. It is estimated that a control system will save 70 percent on a facility’s light cost. The return on investment is on average three to five years.

When You Need It The intelligent lighting control is set to the right amount of light where and when it is needed. Here’s how the solution works: Sustained motion: In the presence of motion, sensors kick in and stay on. Intelligent lighting control in the aisle of a commercial or industrial facility must have the highest quality of illumination when employees are working. Intermittent motion: When a fork lift rolls down an aisle, the sensors blast a signal down the aisle to all the fixtures in that zone making for a bright clear path. No motion: The fixtures drop back to a pre-determined dimmed or “full off” setting when there is no need for light.

that only 52 percent of the group turned off the lights after they left the room. While only 22 percent of the workers said they were confident they knew what to do to save energy, a mere 16 percent said they were sure they had the authority to do it.

Measuring Energy Savings One big advantage is the continual monitoring of energy consumption. It allows the consumer to measure the savings by an entire system, zone, or fixture. This data can help reduce load, implement demand response strategies, track, and demonstrate savings. A robust intelligent lighting system can even provide ancillary equipment control for off-peak consumption such as fans and fork truck battery chargers.

Added Benefits for Employees Intelligent controlling of exterior lighting and less-used spaces allow employees, vendors, and even customers to feel more comfortable and secure. The motion sensor will kick on or dim as someone approaches. This means fewer struggles to find a light switch and is one more strategy to reduce accidents.

Ambient light: Fixtures will dim during sunny days to conserve energy or engage to full brightness when it’s dark and stormy. Likewise, the operation of exterior safety and security lights, such as parking lot fixtures, is enhanced with intelligent lighting controls to respond to real-time conditions. Prior to intelligent lighting controls, banks of on/off and dimmer switches were simple operations, relying on manual engagement. Today, employees still struggle with conserving energy. The Carbon Trust, an independent firm out of London, England, surveyed 1,135 British workers and found

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

Consistent proper lighting plays a key role in the physical and psychological wellbeing of an individual. Using the intelligent lighting system, lighting can be regulated to a constant brightness resulting in increased productivity. This translates into fewer sick days and happier employees.

Wireless Controls Once the intelligent lighting system is installed, it can be programmable and adjusted through a wireless network. Now, areas can be zoned and adjusted according to motion sensitivity, ambient lighting, and scheduling. All lighting needs are now being met. Intelligent lighting controls are an incredible tool to manage, control, and save energy without sacrifice or compromise. Even though employees aren’t often privy to the considerable energy savings resulting from an intelligent lighting control project, they often notice an immediate difference in their work environment. Jennifer McCue is Vice President of Sales Operations for IEC National Platinum Level Industry Partner Orion Energy Systems Inc. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

The IEC Project Management Institute at Purdue University The IEC Project Management Institute was designed by and for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contractors.

Independent Electrical contractors

This intensive management education program is 80 hours of instruction held at Purdue University in two non-concurrent 40-hour sessions with an interim period between classes for applied assignments and reporting. The Fall Session dates are September 9-13 and November 11-15, 2014. Attendees will learn how to utilize and develop tools that will improve profitability and productivity as well as increase customer satisfaction. To maintain the hands-on learning environment, space is limited. The full PMI session cost is $4,400 including instruction, course materials, student manual, attendance certificates, and all meals during both course sessions.

Act now as this event will sell out! For more information, visit www.ieci.org/pmi-2014.

Feature

Transformer Upgrades Are Good Business “Turn off the lights.” “Shut the refrigerator.” If you have kids, you’ve probably asked them to save energy more than once over the past week. As energy costs rise, we take measures to eliminate waste in our homes. Be more efficient using energy and you save. Your commercial and industrial customers are most likely trying to save, too. They build more efficient buildings, and they upgrade lighting, motors, controls, HVAC, solar – whatever they believe saves energy and delivers a reasonable payback. But they’re overlooking significant savings from infrastructure that wastes energy every day – even when not in use: Transformers.

By Bill Forsythe

U.S. commercial and industrial locations are filled with old-technology transformers that are inefficient by today’s standards. These dinosaurs needlessly waste money – converting energy to waste heat even when there’s no load. Even worse, older transformers may be at or near the end of their design life. That puts them at greater risk for failure and the business consequences of an unplanned outage.

Every Facility Is a Prospective Upgrade Nearly every building larger than a single-family home has at least one transformer. An elementary school may have five or six. Your local mall has at least

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

15. Factories, data centers, or hospital campuses could rely on as many as 100 to manage the power throughout their facilities. Every one of those transformers is wasting energy every minute of every day – regardless of the load. With older transformers performing at about 95 percent efficiency and newer transformers at 99 percent efficiency or more, there is a huge savings opportunity. That means less wasted energy and reasonable payback. The reasons for inefficiency are many. As an engineer, I could discuss winding resistance and core losses. I could tell you how higher efficiency transformers require good-quality steel for the core,

and larger diameter wire, etc., until you fall asleep from details that really don’t matter to your customers. The important fact to remember is the evolution of transformers over the past decade. In 2007, a new Department of Energy (DOE) standard, called TP-1, took a significant step forward in improving transformer efficiency. Transformers manufactured before this new standard are the most inefficient. They are serious candidates for upgrades, regardless of their condition. We’re preparing now for a changeover in TP-1 transformers about to become obsolete with a new DOE standard for ultra-efficient transformers slated to take effect January 1, 2016. These standards will be, for some models, more than 99 percent efficient. They upgrade transformer engineering and performance to deliver a payback in as little as three years compared to existing pre-TP-1 models and a lifetime of savings. Plus, these ultra-efficient upgrades undertaken now help your customers stay on the leading edge of technology, efficiency, and environmentally positive performance.

objective, targeted view of potential savings that can help you make a case for transformer upgrades.

What would an unplanned outage cost you? Do you have harmonics or an operating environment that can increase wear and tear on transformers?

More than Cost Savings

Observe the transformers in use. Are there high noise levels or increased temperatures? Either could indicate a potential untimely end-of-life failure.

New transformers will save money in the long run. The savings calculator shows total savings over a 25-year product life and potential paybacks for ultra-efficient transformers in as little as three years. But there is more to the equation than dollars. Older transformers are at risk of failure. That could mean lights out at a stadium or computers out at an office building or school until a replacement is sourced, transported, and installed. Those potential business costs are tremendous. Plus, the price premiums of emergency repairs are always higher than planned upgrades. Transformer inefficiency also affects the environment. The wasted energy results in capacity demands on an already stressed energy infrastructure. So the less energy transformers waste, the better off we all are.

Transform with a C.O.R.E. Plan

Every facility is different. In addition to equipment configurations, load profiles based on building use greatly affect potential waste and savings. So it’s important to assess building load demand. Some types of losses are constant regardless of the load level – so even at nearly no-load levels, significant losses occur.

Transformer upgrades can be a valuable new revenue stream. There are hundreds of opportunities within a few miles of your location. The key is planning calls on customers who are the most likely to be interested. For example, customers who have demonstrated an appetite for energy savings with lighting upgrades or other retrofits are good prospects. Facilities with high potential savings are also low-hanging fruit. Finally, environmentally conscious companies or organizations seeking LEED and other certifications are ripe for new transformers.

You can access the calculator at www.geindustrial.com/ultra for an

Efficiency sells. Use the simple calculator to demonstrate the savings and payback they can expect for their specific application and operating pattern.

It’s Good Business

Figuring the Savings Opportunity

GE created a calculator to help you assess the savings potential for your customers. It gives you a good idea of the improvements you can expect from upgrading to ultra-efficient transformers compared to TP-1 and pre-2007 non-TP-1 units. The calculator uses building type (such as office building, school, medical center, or sports arena), installed transformers, and the local cost of energy to create a load profile and calculate savings.

Review options. While upgrading to the current TP-1 standard will help some, even better ultra-efficient transformers that become the new DOE standard on January 1, 2016, will put you on a fast track to greater savings and compliance. Across the family of ultra-efficient offerings if your customer has high harmonics, consider harmonic-mitigating transformers, which reduce harmonic levels for even greater efficiencies, or K-factor models that have a higher tolerance to harmonics.

Here is a simple sales plan called C.O.R.E. for Consult, Observe, Review, and Efficiency to help make a case for upgrades. Here’s how it works.

Transformers just may be the most takenfor-granted element of your customers’ energy systems. You can change that with an informed strategy to transform their thinking – by demonstrating savings, performance, and reliability improvements of the latest ultra-efficient technology. It could also help transform your business. Bill Forsythe is the Senior Product Manager for dry-type transformers for GE’s Industrial Solutions business, a GE heritage business, which is leading the future of electrification with advanced technologies that protect and control the distribution of electricity throughout a facility’s infrastructure. Leading the transformer product strategies and execution globally, Forsythe manages a portfolio of transformer products for commercial and industrial applications including TP-1, K-factor, ultra-efficient and harmonic mitigating dry-type transformers.

Consult with your customer and ask straightforward questions. What are the ages of your transformers? Have load demands changed since installation?

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature

Servicing Solar Electric Power Systems: Opportunities and Caveats By Jeff Gilbert

peration and maintenance (O&M) of photovoltaic (PV) power systems is definitely electricianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. This is good for electrical contractors because it creates opportunities for new and interesting ways to expand service offerings and increase revenue. However, there are a few caveats to be aware of if you are considering getting into the PV O&M business. This article will provide you with a quick overview to help make informed decisions. PV power systems range in size from a few watts for small solar lighting systems to tens of megawatts for the type of systems that large utility companies are installing. This article focuses more on commercial and utility-sized systems because the revenue they generate dwarfs the cost of O&M services. Most investors understand this and now insist on having a well-defined O&M program that includes fast response troubleshooting as well as comprehensive preventative maintenance to keep their assets producing maximum financial returns. Continued on page 26 >

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“ Operation and maintenance of photovoltaic power systems is definitely electrician’s work.”

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Feature < Continued from page 24

The Opportunity The rate at which PV is being installed in the U.S. has grown from just 4 megawatts of installed capacity in the year 2000 to 4,700 megawatts in 2013. That’s an average annual growth rate of 72.3 percent. The opportunities for electrical contractors in the solar industry fall into two main categories, installing PV systems and providing O&M services. Both sectors offer significant opportunities. When most people think about a growing industry like solar, they think about new systems coming online but often forget the fact that these systems will require maintenance and troubleshooting over their expected 30-year service life. Installing contractors very often act as subcontractors to Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies, who develop projects and act as the prime contractor. It is certainly possible for electrical contractors to develop their own projects and be the prime contractor, but they need a team of sales people and engineers to supplement the construction side of their business. Competition for new project development is fierce, making it difficult for an electrical contractor to develop their own projects when multiple bids are being sought. However, getting work as an installing subcontractor has many opportunities. Too often installing subcontractors fall short of their promises, and EPCs are always looking for better partners to work with.

Types of Providers O&M providers fall into two sub-categories. The first type is part of an EPC company where they service the systems that the EPC has developed. In this arrangement their field technicians often hold multiple responsibilities within the company. The second type of O&M provider is a dedicated service company whose business model focuses solely on maximizing the electricity production of PV systems after they have been installed. This business model includes a variety of service

solutions that bring the greatest value to a broad base of customers including EPCs as well as owners and investors. Many EPCs and electrical subcontractors take on O&M responsibilities for PV systems that they install but often do it without giving serious thought to this business model and especially the economics of providing these services. Serving their O&M contracts could cost them more in labor and transportation than they receive in revenue from their contracts. If this is the case, they may want to explore the benefits of outsourcing O&M services to a dedicated O&M service company. Such a win-win arrangement allows each entity to do what it does best. Another possible opportunity for outsourcing and collaboration is to consider a third-party commissioning agent for new construction. In my experience this is the best way to ensure that installing contractors don’t lose their profits from all the workmanship warranty issues that arise after the installation. Third-party commissioning agents catch many of the errors and problems that may get missed by installers who “self-police” their work. As the saying goes, allowing the “fox to guard the henhouse” often means dead hens. Smaller electrical contractors who want to get involved in PV O&M can also profit by collaborating with a dedicated PV O&M company. O&M service companies often manage PV assets over broad regions of the country, and it is expensive to fly their technicians out each time there is a system fault. The opportunity for local electrical contractors is to be first responders under a subcontract relationship with an O&M service company. As Director of O&M Services for one dedicated service provider, our model is to partner with local electrical contractors to act as first responders. Our ability to immediately dispatch skilled professionals to a site is critical to success. So what does it take to be a skilled first responder? It takes someone with experience and general understanding of PV power systems, but not necessarily

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

a master PV troubleshooter. Similar to medical first responders, PV O&M first responders need to be able to assess the situation and communicate with the specialists. Being a fully trained PV technician would be the next level of expertise to work toward. Technicians, for example, should have studied extensively PV system operation, design, and troubleshooting and may have been certified through the National Association of Board Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This higher level of training is essential to troubleshooting complex problems, but in the end, PV power systems are much like any other electrical power systems with all the same wire, pipe, disconnects, and transformers. The tools used to diagnose and troubleshoot PV systems include some of the same electronic meters that are already used for reading voltage, current, and resistance, but PV technicians also arm themselves with thermal (infrared) imaging cameras and current and voltage (IV) Curve tracers. We have even started using drones to quickly scan large arrays in much less time. If you like playing with diagnostic tools and learning new ways to troubleshoot electrical systems, then you’ll like the PV O&M industry. Because of the rapid and continual growth of the solar PV industry, many electrical contractors are choosing to offer PV installation and/or O&M services to take advantage of this trend. For those contractors who already develop and install PV systems, they may want to consider outsourcing O&M and commissioning services to a dedicated PV O&M company. For those contractors who are not yet involved in the PV industry, they may want to consider a relationship with a dedicated PV O&M company as a first responder. Jeff Gilbert is Director of Operations and Maintenance Services for Vigilant Energy Management in Rockville, Maryland. He is NABCEP PV Certified and NABCEP Thermal Certified. Learn more at www.vigilantem.com.

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Feature

By Cheryl Weber

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

It’s no surprise that the U.S. home automation market has been growing steadily in the past five years, from $3.2 billion in 2010 to a projected $5.5 billion in 2016, according to BBC Research. In 2010, most of that market (58 percent) was made up of components electrical contractors install regularly, such as lighting, home entertainment, and security systems. That makes it a promising niche for contractors eager for new revenue streams. Research at Dallas, Texas-based Parks Associates confirms those upward trends. One study showed that nearly 40 percent of U.S. households with broadband are interested in purchasing energy management products. Approximately 66 percent find a smart home bundled package appealing. These packages can include a variety of home safety, security, and management offerings. The most attractive bundle is home management, which includes safety alerts, remote home monitoring, and remote management of the home’s thermostat. Among U.S. broadband households, 56 percent also would buy door and window sensors, 53 percent would buy door locks, and 44 percent would purchase lighting control modules, provided they could control these devices using a PC, phone, or tablet. “You’ve heard the term ‘the Internet of things,’” says Glen Hill, owner of Current Concepts, a home automation and A/V installer in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. “In five more years we’ll see washing machines, dishwashers, projectors, and HVAC being connected to the Internet. It will drive everything that’s being invented nowadays.” His company designs and programs electronic systems and partners with electricians to install the controls.

“We know where each other’s expertise starts and stops,” he says of electricians. “Professional automation designers are no longer equipment guys; we’re IT guys.” Home automation services represent about 10 percent of Bashore Electric’s work in Orefield, Pennsylvania—a figure owner Chuck Bashore expects to tick up as the housing market strengthens. His typical installations involve security lighting for a house’s exterior, interior scene lighting, and keypads that eliminate switch clutter. “It’s usually a higher-end home getting this type of system, although we do have average homes wanting security lighting,” he says. The sweet spot for a basic system is $5,000 to $7,000, he adds, and the upper end can go far beyond that range.

Phoning Home Two factors contributing to this growing market segment are the interest in safety and security and the popularity of wireless automation, the BBC report said. The use of smartphones and other app-enabled devices is encouraging more people to automate their homes. Growth in the adoption rate for Internet-connected thermostats, for example, rose to 11 percent in the last quarter of 2013, up from 4 percent a year earlier, according to Parks Associates research. Retailers such as The Home Depot now source these new and ever-changing products. Homedepot.com offers more than 600 items under its home automation category, such as Nest thermostats, Nest smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and Wi-Fi-enabled Honeywell thermostats. Another popular item is the app-enabled Chamberlain garage door opener, which makes even old doors smart. “I leave home early in the morning, and as many times I’ve had to turn around to make sure I shut the garage door,” says Home Depot senior merchant Randy Light. “This device solves that problem.” Dimmers have been around for 20 years, but Lutron dimmers now have radio frequency technology that allows them to work with other products and be operated by smartphone. “We want to give people the opportunity to create scenes across

products that aren’t related,” Light says. “Maybe the vestibule lights go on when the garage door opens, and the doors lock or unlock.” Kwikset and Schlage offer smart door locks. And Phillips’ new Hue lightbulb can be programmed by phone to change color or turn on and off, giving the illusion that someone is home. Other new security items include the DropCam Pro, a Wi-Fi-enabled camera that links to a phone, and Spotter, a Quirky + GE smart sensor that pushes alerts to a phone. This nifty watchdog “can sense sound, vibration, light, moisture, and temperature,” Light says. “We’ve found a multitude of different uses among our customers.” He put the device in his mailbox, so he knows when the mail is delivered. Others have used it to determine when the washer stops, when a door opens, or to monitor air temperature and humidity in a wine cellar. In Austin, Texas, Bowne Electric’s sales of whole-home lighting automation with Lutron grew 57 percent over the last year, compared with a 30 percent overall bump in revenue. “There’s a lot of growth in Austin because of the high-tech industry, but a lot of people come here for its cultural scene and the climate,” says owner Bob Bowne. “Many of these folks have full-fledged second homes and want security with cameras and lighting automation because that’s what they’re used to.” A 10,000-squarefoot, fully automated house can turn into a $70,000 to $100,000 job, he says. No matter what the price point is, being able to offer home automation solutions can help foster long-term customer relationships. “This is a service electricians can offer that they couldn’t a few years ago,” Light says. “For some homeowners, pulling wires is very intimidating. A certified electrician is always the way to go.” Cheryl Weber is a freelance writer specializing in the built and natural environments. She has written for Residential Architect, Architect, Custom Home Outdoors, The Washington Post, Remodeling, Builder, Washington Home & Design, and other publications.

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature

Rapid Shutdown of Photovoltaic Systems By Adam Corbin

The 2014 National Electrical Code® (NEC) Article 690 underwent several changes during the 2014 review cycle, however we will focus on 690.12 Rapid Shutdown of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems on Buildings.

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

This was a concept that caused a lot of anguish and pain throughout the PV industry. Many comments and proposals regarding this topic were presented to Code Making Panel 4 regarding this issue. Questions arose such as: What does it do? How will we implement this? Is it technically possible? All needed to be addressed by the panel. Article 690.12 is new for the 2014 National Electrical Code. This article requires any PV system circuits that are installed on or in buildings to have a rapid shutdown feature. As the language contains the word “building,” this requirement does not apply to a ground-mounted array or pole-mounted system. This code change addresses a concern championed by firefighting officials that there is no practical way to de-energize a PV system. Even at night, a PV system can potentially have voltage across the array. Firefighting officials were looking to safeguard fire fighters and other emergency personnel when a PV system was encountered in an emergency. To address their concern, the code limits the uncontrolled conductor length from a PV system to 10 feet (3m) from the array or 5 feet (1.5m) inside of a building. The Code Panel justified the length limitations by modeling after a requirement to label conduit at 10 feet (3m) intervals as well as a 5 feet (1.5m) limit to battery conductors before a disconnect. This essentially creates a “safe zone” around the array where an emergency responder can reasonably expect not to encounter energized conductors from a PV system. Labeling requirements are also a part of this article to notify emergency personnel of the presence of a rapid shutdown system.

So, what’s the solution? As of this writing, I am not aware of any listed product solely for rapid shutdown as there is no rapid shutdown listing. The Code Panel wanted to make sure that industry implementation could occur as quickly as possible without having to wait for new listing requirements or special testing procedures. They did this by merely requiring the products used for rapid shutdown to be listed and identified. Listed components on the market are available that can perform the required function, such as a listed PV combiner boxes with shunt trip. Another solution to implement rapid shutdown is to use micro inverters. Micro inverters inherently

comply as the AC wiring connecting modules is a branch circuit that will de-energize upon the loss of utility power. The PV system conductors are only at the module which satisfies the length limitation found in paragraph 1 of 690.12. System layout can also be a solution if the design calls for string inverters to be located within 10 feet (3m) of the array. Although, locating string inverters near the array may not always be practical, especially in residential applications. The code does not address the means and methods of how to accomplish the requirement as not to stymie

innovation. The code also does not address where to locate a disconnecting means or any controlling equipment. The idea is simple, some means of disconnect must be used. As usual, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will have their input. When in doubt, consulting with the AHJ prior to install is always recommended. Changes are always cheaper when they are made on paper. Adam Corbin is Vice-President of Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. and Vice-President of Corbin Solar Solutions, LLC. He is a licensed Master Electrician and NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional. Corbin has served on Code Making Panel 3 since 2003.

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www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

Solid State Lighting: The Past, Present, and Future of

LED Technology By Sean Hawks

ED, or solid state lighting, technology is not really new. In fact, it has been around for over 100 years. Electroluminescence, the phenomenon that results in light from an LED, was first observed in 1907. Initially, this discovery made little impact outside of the scientific world. It would be another 55 years before LEDs made it into commercial applications. In 1962, the first commercial LEDs were sold to IBM. They replaced tungsten bulbs in punch card readers, and cost about $130 each. These new lights were significantly more expensive than the tungsten bulbs they were replacing, but they provided solutions to problems in these early computers, including the reduction of heat created by bulbs, lowering the power demand, decreasing the size of the machine, and also providing better accuracy by using the directional infrared light created by the LED. Immediately, LEDs were identified as valuable technology but the practicality of their use was a mystery to many. Light produced from these first LEDs was minimal. The circuitry and technology behind LEDs was weak and prone to premature failure. Early bulbs did not live up to their potential.

LEDs Live Forever

Not a White Light

An LED will theoretically last forever. LEDs will always produce light when power is properly applied. Over time, the amount of light will decrease. Eventually, the amount of light may be so low that the human eye cannot see it. When an LED reaches this point it is still not “dead,” it is just producing light that is not visible to our eye.

Another, more visible problem with LEDs must be mentioned. The light that many of the early, commercial LEDs produced was not pleasing to people. The light was often bluish-white and lacked “warmth.”

However, this state of unperceivable light is often not the fate of LEDs. Instead, the driver or other controls behind the LED fail first. It is in this area that technological developments have most benefited commercial LEDs. In order for an LED to be commercially viable, it must be reliable. Better technology in the drivers and controllers is the best way to build a more reliable LED lamp. Early commercial LEDs had countless problems related to the technology around them. In many instances, materials that bond circuits failed and the LEDs stopped working. Another problem was from materials used to encapsulate the diode. The encapsulates started to yellow and change color as they aged. This material aging resulted in diminished output or color changing. These changes to the light output or color were seen as a failure of the LED, not a failure of the supporting hardware.

It is a little known fact that no LEDs are white. You can make LEDs in almost color but white. This is hard to believe because most of us have seen LED lamps that are white light. However, just one color LED cannot produce this white light. There are two common ways to make white light from LEDs. The first is to mix red, green, and blue LEDs to create white light. The other option is to use phosphor in the LED module. The LED light reacts to the phosphor, similar to the reaction in a fluorescent tube light, and the light that is output appears white. Both of these methods have their pros and cons but the use of phosphor became the more common method. The use of phosphor proved to be easier, cheaper, and more reliable. This is not to say that it was perfect. In early commercial LED manufacturing, the color rendering of the LEDs was not closely monitored. This resulted in LED lamps that were manufactured in the same place around the same time but Continued on page 34 >

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Feature < Continued from page 33

did not put off the same color of light. This inconsistency further hindered the widespread acceptance of LEDs.

Expensive Technology Lastly, it is important to address the most obvious of all obstacles that LEDs have faced. This is of course: COST. The driver or controller needed to provide the correct power to these lights made the early costs of LED production expensive. In essence, every LED is backed by a tiny computer. Initial high manufacturing costs made it difficult to see a practical return on investment for most applications. The good news is that advances in LED production, driver design, heat management, and new guidelines or standards have brought the consistent quality of all LEDs up to a higher level, while at the same time reducing production costs. Organizations focused on lighting efficiency have stepped in to offer structure and standards for the industry. The Design Lights Consortium (DLC) has become an industry leader for verifying efficient lighting solutions. The DLC tests the color rendering and life expectancy claims of countless lighting products. Their objective is to bring facts and test data to the public so that consumers may make an informed decision. Organizations like the Underwriters Laboratory or ETL already perform tests to ensure product safety but there was no one testing the actual performance. The DLC continues to work toward a universal set of standards that will guide manufacturers to produce higher quality LEDs and help the consumers to make educated decisions. Regulating this industry or creating guidelines is no easy feat considering how fast it is advancing and how quickly practices in manufacturing and design can change. LED technology has progressed at an amazing pace and todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solid state lighting solutions are better and brighter than ever. LEDs became commercially valuable in just the past few decades.

Advances in production improved efficiency and light output of commercial LED lights, while lowering costs. The LEDs produced today are over twice as efficient as some produced only five years ago. This trend will continue and LED efficacy will go up as production costs go down. This rapidly developing field not only brings new technology to consumers but also brings new producers to the technology. Today, it is estimated that 200 new companies per month begin manufacturing LED products. This number will continue as technology advances and LED lighting becomes more mainstream.

Organic Light Emitting Diodes Beyond the promise of better efficiency, the promise of better products is in the near future for LEDs. One very exciting, new technology is OLED technology or Organic Light Emitting Diodes. This will allow LEDs to be manufactured on flexible surfaces. This could revolutionize the way that we think about and design lighting and electronics. Imagine a display that could be folded in half like a piece of paper. Or imagine a material that could be rolled onto a wall or floor and turn that surface into an OLED display. A few manufacturers have already started using OLEDs in their products. Things like curved television screens and smartphone screens utilize OLED

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

technology. This technology is new and the costs are still high but we can safely assume that we will see more applications and lowers costs in the very near future. Increased efficiencies, improved light output, and lower production costs will help to pave the road for the commercial success of all LEDs. This success will in turn relieve stress from our burdened electrical infrastructure and enable renewable energy resources to more easily fit into our daily lives by reducing the overall demand. The future of solid state lighting is wide open. Within the next three years, we should see commercial LED efficacy pass the 200 lumens per watt mark. This level of efficiency, especially when compared to the 35 lumens per watt attained with incandescent bulbs, shows us that the future for solid state lighting is certainly brightâ&#x20AC;Śand efficient. Sean Hawks is the Sales and Product Manager for enviroLED and member of IEC Rocky Mountain. He has spent his professional career working with construction trades of all sorts, especially in the electrical field where his experiences range from working with nuclear power plants and large utilities to his current position with enviroLED. enviroLED provides solid state lighting solutions for real world applications with a specialty in retrofit projects that will see a return on the investment in four years or less. Learn more at www.enviroLED.us.

Connections are at the heart of our relationships – and our relationships are the soul of our business. When a distributor or contractor has the right products, we’re connected. When a representative can count on promises being kept, we’re connected. And when our employees feel like family, we’re connected. Yes, the connectors we make are critical. But the connections we make every day –¬our interactions, our appreciation, our follow-through – are the foundation of our reputation. They’re what matter most, the cornerstones of 120 years of success. More than a connector company, ILSCO is a connections company.

CONSTRUCTION : : INDUSTRIAL : : RESIDENTIAL : : UTILITIES : : COMMUNICATIONS : : RENEWABLE : : OEM/MRO : : ILSCO.com

IEC Foundation

HOW TO GET A TAX BREAK AND HELP EDUCATE APPRENTICES By Barbara Duncan, IEC Foundation Coordinator

Did you know that you can get a tax break at the same time muchneeded equipment and materials are provided to IEC chaptersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; training centers? If your chapter is not certified as a 501c(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service, direct donations are usually not deductible for the donor. The IEC Foundation can help.

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE: (1) Working with your area or regional IEC Chapter training center, arrange the delivery of materials or equipment to their site. (2) Send a signed letter, including your address, to the IEC Foundation with a description of the equipment or materials and the value. Remember that any one item valued at more than $5,000 must have a third-party appraisal attached according to IRS regulations. (3) The IEC Foundation will provide you with a tax receipt. Donors may be a contractor, a local supplier or distributor, a local merchant, a national supplier, or an individual or company.

E-MAIL: barbara@iec-foundation.org MAIL: IEC Foundation Attn: Barbara Duncan PO Box 20687 Louisville, KY 40250 FAX: (502) 290-1112

A leader in arc fault technology

The Eaton offering Eaton offers arc fault circuit breakers and receptacles that can be used to protect a circuit under various conditions per the 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC ÂŽ), in new construction and renovation applications. Understanding the code Per the 2014 NEC Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Protection is expanded to include kitchens and laundry areas in addition to other areas specified in previous versions of the code for dwelling units. Additionally, the new code will now require AFCI protection for dormitory units. The use of AFCI receptacles are permitted for use in new construction with some restrictions.

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Inside IEC

Why i Became an Electrician...

2014

IEC Apprentice

Short-story

IEC’s world-class apprenticeship program trains men and women for a career in the highly skilled electrical contracting industry. Each apprentice has a story of how they came to the IEC Apprenticeship Program or why they chose this career. Annually, IEC holds a short story contest for fourth-year apprentices enrolled in the IEC Apprentice Training Program. The first place winner of the contest received a $250 Visa® gift card and second through fifth each received $100 Visa® gift cards. Their stories are extraordinary and provide valuable insight into the workforce development of the electrical industry. All essays were judged by the IEC National Industry Outreach Committee. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all who participated.

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

First Place

Second Place

Ryan Tedford, Encore Electric,

Michael Thompson, APG Electric,

IEC Rocky Mountain

IEC Florida West Coast

I have always been a person who has enjoyed working with my hands. As a result, I have dabbled in carpentry, mechanics, horticulture, and golf course maintenance. I discovered my interest in the electrical field in an unusual way. In 2005, during a two-year stay in Nepal, I started an orphanage that still exists to this day and is home to 24 children. My dream for the orphanage was for it to one day become one of the few self-sustained orphanages in Nepal. Because of that dream, I started taking classes in horticulture, fish farming, and sustainable energy in hopes of using the knowledge I attained to take steps in creating a more self-sustaining orphanage. It was during this time that I decided to take a class in wind technology. During this class, I started learning about basic electrical theories. This sparked my interest in becoming an electrician. It seemed to be the perfect fit for me. I knew that I wanted a career where I could work with my hands and becoming an electrician would not only offer that to me, but it would also offer me the opportunity to continue to learn and grow. There is so much knowledge for me to acquire and skills that I can learn in the electrical field. After completing my coursework in wind technology, I decided to begin pursuing my career as an electrician. I started my electrical apprenticeship and began taking classes at IEC. Because of the classes I have taken at IEC and the skill set that I have been able to obtain from my apprenticeship, the scope of my original dream has broadened. I still have the desire to make the orphanage more self-sustaining, but now I also have the desire to bring electrical energy to remote villages in Nepal. During my time in Nepal, I had the privilege to trek to some of the most remote places in the world and because of the classes I have taken and the work I have completed as an electrician, I am able to see how I can bring electrical energy to those remote places. Becoming an electrician has been one of the best career decisions I have made. Not only has it equipped me with a skill set that I can use to support my family, it has also expanded a dream that I have had since 2005.

For me, this is hard to share but would like someone to know what I have accomplished. At Christmas 1996, I was informed that my father had a brain aneurysm and this will be the last holiday I spend with him. Being only 20 years old is never an excuse, but I chose that night to drink to deal with my sadness and get behind the wheel. This, in turn, resulted in a fatal car accident that I take full responsibility for and will live with for the rest of my life. For my punishment for what I caused, I was sent to prison and served 10 years. I had never been in trouble in my life and knew from then on my future would be constant uphill battle. Prior to my incarceration, I had worked for a residential electrical company as a helper for a few months. I enjoyed working with my hands and was eager to learn the trade. After I was released, I looked around to get back into the field. I learned of IEC and what they had to offer. That is what I wanted and I spent two years working in hospitality to save enough money to be financially stable enough to get through the apprenticeship. When I had saved enough, I already knew the employer that I wanted to work for. I applied and was given a chance. A chance I never thought I would get. From that day, I have done everything to overachieve and accomplish every goal I could to show my worth. School is very difficult as I have ADHD, which makes reading and comprehension a hard task to do homework and take tests. However, I have been able to maintain an A average and perfect attendance throughout my apprenticeship. I look forward to taking my journeymanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s test and becoming a great licensed electrician. This apprenticeship has been valuable to my life and well being as it gives me a skilled trade with a future and stability of which I am completely appreciative of. Not sure anyone who is reading this will ever meet me, however, you must know that apprenticeship has made a big difference to one person and I cannot imagine having this opportunity. I truly love being an electrician. When I can stand back and look at my work, I am very proud of my work and take pride in it. It has been six years, since I have been released. I have a great career with a great company, a wonderful woman in my life whom will be my wife shortly after I graduate, and all of these makes me a very happy and grateful man.

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

Inside IEC

Third Place Gregory Morrison, Above and Beyond Electric Company, Mid-South IEC “I’m looking for a few good men.” These words would be a driving force for years to come. They would guide me to the IEC’s Apprenticeship Program, and more importantly, to my career calling. It all started with a trip to a scrap yard, a little blue trailer, and a man who used the right words. Every afternoon after work I collected roadside scrap. I wasn’t too proud to do menial tasks. Pride had slipped away through many bouts of homelessness. My life had changed after hitting rock bottom. I picked up the pieces, got a job, and moved on. At the time, I thought my only remaining problem is that my old truck didn’t hold enough scrap. I needed the small trailer I had been eyeing in the field for weeks. As I drove by, I saw the little blue trailer. It sat in a tall, grassy patch that was so out of character for the neatly manicured property. At a glance, its history of being worked into the ground and then forgotten spilled forward. I could relate. I had to have it. The electric company stood out from the surrounding neighborhood. Chelsea and McLean is an older, rougher section of town near the scrap yard, yet the building appeared unaffected. The parking lot was spotless. A row of clean, white trucks was parked with apparent laser accuracy. I went inside to inquire about the trailer. The man was clean cut, no nonsense, and straight to the point. The trailer was two hundred dollars. It was clear that every fiber of his being strained to attend to more urgent business. The price he quoted was my life savings. I planned to negotiate. He, however, did not. As I counted out my last dime, I casually asked if he was hiring. He told me he doesn’t hire off the street. Even though I wondered if he somehow knew about my past, I pressed him further. He elaborated that he only hires through the IEC. He said, “I’m looking for a few good men.” He turned, went into his office, and I never saw him again. I felt inspired by that conversation. It was a personal challenge now. I applied to IEC the next day and passed the first of many tests to come. Several months later, they called for an interview. I was on my honeymoon. When I offered to fly back the next day, the secretary laughed. My wife did not. I enrolled the following year.

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

IEC became the potential difference between the person I was and who I have become. It has taken me on a journey of personal growth, personal bests, and camaraderie with these few good men. Most of all, it has helped me regain my selfworth and lost pride. This school is the foundation upon which my life is being built. It all started with a trip to the scrap yard, a little blue trailer, and a man who used the right words.

Fourth Place Steven Soza, JL Wood Electric, IEC Texas Gulf Coast In 2008, I had been in the trade for several years. At that time, I was not as knowledgeable about interaction between grounding and bonding as I am now. I became acutely aware because of an incident that occurred in 2008 when my wife and I, along with two cousins, were in need of a laundromat. Upon arrival, my wife and I started loading the clothes as we always did, while my two cousins proceeded to the game room, located in the rear of the laundromat. At some point one of my cousins began playing with the motor-operated mechanical horse and when he reached and touched a large stainless steel dryer that was close to the mechanical horse, he received a shock and called out for me to come and help him. At that time, I was unaware of the circumstances that were taking place. When I went over to see what was happening to my cousin, I leaned over the stainless steel dryer to try and find out what was going on. My cousin, who has a very odd sense of humor, thought it would be funny to see me get shocked and asked if my arm was long enough to lean on the dryer and attempt to reach out and touch the mechanical horse that was close to the dryer. Without second thoughts, I immediately reached out and grabbed the mechanical horse. I was instantly shocked and I felt an intense sensation of all my muscles locking and my hand, of course, could not let go of the horse. My body started convulsing and my cousins realizing how bad I was being shocked, not only became alarmed, but fearful. Instead of staying to help me, they ran and left me there. At that point, the shocking continued and seemed to go on forever. I honestly thought I was going to die from the continued shaking but finally I bounced off the dryer and fell to the floor. With my adrenaline pumping, I felt my entire body ache with an unbelievable soreness. When I stood up I felt entirely disoriented. I realized than what the problem was and knew it had to be fixed because of a danger to others, I informed the manager and the machine was removed to be repaired. As bad as this incident was, it piqued my curiosity. I wanted to be more knowledgeable about electrical theory. I began to research and ask all kinds of questions. I also bought books

from Mike Holt. I began to study then and one book caught my attention, “Grounding and Bonding.” I did not realize it at the time, but I now know how very necessary and important grounding and bonding are. Basically, it is the most important part of any electrical job. My desire to learn and acquire more knowledge grew stronger and I decided that I wanted to attend school and advance my education. I researched on the internet for electrical school, and it was then I became acquainted with IEC and am now in my fourth year. I am about to graduate and I have learned so much since I first enrolled under the guidance of a good and caring staff. I feel I now have the knowledge to show others the safe and proper installation methods for a hazard-free installation. IEC taught me this knowledge and I will have it the rest of my life. Without reservation, I highly recommend IEC for anyone who is interested in becoming an electrician. As for my cousins, they now know the property safety procedures if a similar situation should arise. They are now both apprentices about a year into the trade. They are constantly asking me questions, and I am able to help them because of my excellent IEC training. They are enrolling at IEC next year, and I have a sense of pride in that I feel I had a part in changing the life of these two young men. With IEC’s high training standards, future graduates will make the world a safer place.

Fifth Place Gustavo Robles, Romanoff Group, Central Ohio AEC-IEC My name is Gustavo Robles; I’m a 38 year old man. In 1993, at the age of 17 years old I left my country of Guanajuato, Mexico, for more job opportunities and better paying jobs to help support my parents and siblings. After a few years of being in the United States, I ended up getting involved with a woman who was not interested in working or helping raise our three children. I began to work long hours then started taking night classes to learn to speak English. I have worked all kinds of jobs in restaurants, landscaping, roofing, and different kinds of construction work to make ends meet. For 8 years I worked as a molder until 2009 when I got laid off. I did not have time to lay around for job to come looking for me. I had to get out there and find whatever I could to keep up with my child support payments of $800 a month, which I’ve been responsible to pay since 2004. A friend of mine got wind that I had been laid off, and he called me up to let me know the electrical company he was working for was hiring and told me to apply. I thought to myself – is an electric company in Columbus going to want to hire a Mexican

who can barely speak and understand English, but I convinced myself. How hard can it be? All the jobs I’ve had in the past have all been hands on. I had worked a few jobs running wires. Little did I know there was a lot more to learn when it comes to doing electrical work. Electrician’s jobs are very dangerous and risky jobs and not to be taken lightly. Within a few months of applying at the electric company my friend worked for, I was called for an interview and was hired by Romanoff Electric Company. Within a year of working with this electric company, I was informed I would have to go to a four-year electrical school. At first I was not a happy camper. Not that I did not want to learn, my problem was that I did not know how to read, let alone write, English. The company was going to pay for my schooling. I had no way of getting out of it although I did try to. Later I was informed that it was mandatory to take the classes and for me to do my best. Now a man in my late 30s, can life get any harder for me? I was going to have to learn to read and write English. Believe me when I say it has not been easy. I continue to pray a lot – God give me the strength and wisdom to learn. It’s been by the grace of God I have made it this far. I’m also very grateful for having great instructors and secretaries from IEC for caring and willing to go out of their way to make sure I am learning and understanding what is being taught. When I started my first year, I felt discouraged and thought of giving up. There were times when I thought to myself: Four years...Will I be able to complete and graduate from this school? Now in my fourth year, I’m proud to say I have given and done my best. I know one thing I have come too far to quit. I have never been a person to give up easily; I will keep my head up and continue to do my best. In the past jobs became boring once I learned the routine of doing a job. They were no longer a challenge. Doing electrical work I no longer have time to get bored as there are too many things that interest me and always something new to learn. Most important jobs are very challenging and have my complete attention. For once in my life – I’m happy to say I enjoy what I do for a living. Never give up in life no matter how hard things get. Like an English saying – there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Remember to keep your faith in God, for he will give us the strength and wisdom to keep going. Thank you for all your patience and for giving me the opportunity to learn and attend your electrical school.

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

code corner

Key Changes In The 2014 NEC® Code By David Kendall

very three years the National Electrical Code® is revised and new standards are published. Suggestions for these changes come primarily from professional electrical contractors like you and reflect the changing way we use electricity, new products, and emerging technologies.

other nonmetallic cable accessories to be specifically “listed” for installation in other spaces used for environmental air.

Among the more significant revisions in the 2014 NEC® Code are a change from 600- to 1,000-volt thresholds throughout as a result of the increasing adoption of wind and solar power generation. The 2014 Code also incorporates requirements for direct current (DC) systems and wiring throughout. Other major changes are discussed below. The actual code change is in italics, with deleted sections indicated as strikethroughs, followed by an analysis of the changes.

Article 314.28(A)(3)

Outlet, Device, Pull, and Junction Boxes; Conduit Bodies; Fittings; and Handholes – Smaller Dimensions

Article 300.22(C)

Wiring Methods and Materials Other Places Used for Environmental Air (Plenum) Nonmetallic cable ties and other nonmetallic cable accessories used to secure and support cables shall be listed as having low smoke and heat release properties. This new requirement was added to the end of Section 300.22(C)(1) and requires nonmetallic cable ties and

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

Listed boxes or listed conduit bodies of dimensions less than those required in 314.28(A)(1) and (A)(2) shall be permitted for installations of combinations of conductors that are less than the maximum conduit or tubing fill (of conduits or tubing being used) permitted by Table 1 of Chapter 9. Listed conduit bodies of dimensions less than those required in 314.28(A)(2) having a radius of the curve to the centerline not less than as indicated in Table 2, Chapter 9 for one shot and full shoe benders, shall be permitted for installations of combinations of conductors permitted by Table 1 of Chapter 9. These conduit bodies shall be marked to show they have been specifically evaluated in accordance with this provision.

Where the permitted combinations of conductors for which the box or conduit body has been listed are less than the maximum conduit or tubing fill permitted by Table 1 of Chapter 9, the box or conduit body shall be permanently marked with the maximum number and maximum size of conductors permitted. This section was revised to eliminate the specific conductor marking requirements for listed conduit bodies of smaller dimensions having a radius of the curve to the centerline not less than as indicated in Table 2, Chapter 9. This is the same minimum radius of curve required for field bends in IMC, RMC, and EMT found in Sections 342.24, 344.24, and 358.24 respectively. Therefore, these are suitable for installations of combinations of conductors of the maximum conduit or tubing wire fill (of conduit or tubing being used) permitted by Table 1 in Chapter 9. These designs greatly simplify wire fill calculations for conduit bodies for both design and inspection and do not require conductor size markings. The 2011 NEC® text in Section 314.28 (A) (3) was restrictive for these designs as it technically did not permit installation of the full Table 1, Chapter 9 wire fill for the conduit or tubing being used. These conduit body designs effectively negate the concern for wire jamming addressed in Informational Note No. 2 to Tables in Chapter 9.

Article 356.12

Liquidtight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit: Type LFNC - Uses Not Permitted

LFNC shall not be used as follows: (1) Where subject to physical damage (2) Where any combination of ambient and conductor temperatures is in excess of that for which the LFNC is approved (3) In lengths longer than 1.8m (6 ft.), except as permitted by 356.10(5) or where a longer length is approved as essential for a required degree of flexibility (4) W here the operating voltage of the contained conductors is in excess of 600 volts, nominal, except as permitted in 600.32(A) (5)(4) In any hazardous (classified) location, except as permitted by other articles in this Code The restriction that limited LFNC to 600 volts was removed from the 2014 NEC. LFNC is listed and has been evaluated to meet or exceed the very rigorous physical requirements such as impacts and crush per UL1660, Liquid-Tight Flexible Nonmetallic Conduit. In addition, UL Certification Guide Information, DXOQ, did not limit LFNC to 600 volts. Article 406.9(B)(1)

Receptacles, Cord Connectors, and Attachment Plugs (CAPS) Receptacles of 15 and 20 Ampere in a Wet Location (Also covered in: Section 314.15 Damp or Wet Locations)

Receptacles of 15 and 20 ampere installed in a wet location shall have an enclosure that is weatherproof whether or not the attachment plug cap is inserted. For other than one- or two-family dwellings, An outlet box hood installed for this purpose shall be listed, and where installed on an enclosure supported from grade as described in 314.23(B) or as described in 314.23(F) and shall be identified as “extra-duty.” All 15- and 20- ampere, 125and 250-volt nonlocking-type receptacles shall be listed weather-resistant type. 406.9(B)(1) was revised for the 2014 NEC® to require a Listed “Extra-Duty” While-In Use weatherproof cover to

be used for all 15- and 20-ampere receptacles when located within an area defined as a Wet Location. Article 625

Electric Vehicle Charging Systems Article 625 was re-written and reorganized. As noted by the numerous comments cited above, there were many modifications to the entire article. There were additional revisions such as “fastened in place” that was held for further study by the code making panel (comment 12-25). The reorganization was designed to make the article more user-friendly. The titles for the various parts of Article 625 did not fit the requirements found within those parts and were revised in order to enhance the understanding of this article. Article 625 had installation requirements scattered throughout the article. This revision was intended to better organize the article. ARTICLE 694.1

Wind Electric Systems The provisions of this article apply to wind (turbine) electric systems that consist of one or more wind electric generators. These systems can include generators, alternators, inverters, and controllers. The article scope was revised to eliminate the restriction to “small” systems. The scope and remaining sections of the article had a system limitation to 100kW. NEC® requirements are needed for all wind electric systems and this article now applies to systems both higher and lower than 100kW. Article 728

Fire-Resistive Cable Systems This article covers the installation of fire-resistive cables, fire-resistive conductors, and other system components used for survivability of critical circuits to ensure continued operation during a specified time under fire conditions as required in this Code.

This is a new article for the 2014 NEC® to cover the installation requirements for Fire- Resistive Cables. A Fire-Resistive Cable System is the combination of a cable and associated components such as boxes, fittings, raceways, cable tray, and mounting means to be used together to ensure the survivability of critical circuits for a specified amount of time under fire conditions. Article 750

Energy Management Systems This article applies to the installation and operation of energy management systems. This is a new article for the 2014 NEC® to cover the installation requirements for Energy Management Systems. Energy Management Systems consist of monitor(s), communication equipment, controller(s), timer(s), or other device(s) that enable the surveillance and/ or control of an electrical load or a power production or storage source. For a more in-depth analysis of the new NEC code, the Thomas & Betts publication, Analysis of NEC® Code Changes 2014, is available free at www.public.tnb.com/pub/en/node/1890. Those interested in a printed copy may ask their T&B sales representative. David Kendall is Director – Industry Affairs for IEC National Platinum Partner Thomas & Betts Corporation, a member of the ABB Group. He is a participating technical committee member for the National Electrical Code on Code Making Panel 8 and represents Thomas & Betts and the Vinyl Institute on the National Electrical Code. Kendall develops educational presentations, publications, and training for Thomas & Betts products in conjunction with the electrical contractors and electrical inspectors. His responsibility includes technical sales support and training, including interpretation of the NEC®, to all regional sales managers, sales representatives, distributors, OEM’s, and end users.

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine

New & improved

Featured Products Kim Lighting Takes Landscape Lighting to a New Level with First Bluetooth® Controlled LED Outdoor Luminaires Hubbell Lighting has launched the first outdoor LED luminaire controlled by using Bluetooth® technology—Kim Lighting’s LightVault® 8. The solid brass fixture, which features leading-edge LED optics, uses high-speed Bluetooth® technology to enable field aiming and dimming while offering control from your iPhone, Android, or tablet. The Bluetooth®-enabled LightVault® 8 expands Hubbell Lighting’s robust collection of wireless lighting solutions and puts control at your fingertips.

K-Sun Announces the New PEARLabel® 400iXL Wide Format General Labeling Solution The K-Sun® PEARLabel® 400iXL General Labeling Solution pairs the new PEARLabel® 400iXL Energy-Star certified, wideformat thermal transfer printer with powerful K-Sun® MaxiLabel® Pro Ver 5.0 General Labeling Software for wire, cable, and electrical identification. MaxiLabel® Pro Ver 5.0 and PipeMarker™ V8 software programs are compatible with Windows® 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. For more information, visit www.ksun.com or call (800) 622-6312, ext. 214.

Insights Magazine | July 2014 | www.ieci.org

To learn more, please visit www.kimlighting.com/ltv8/.

Prescolite Elevates LED Downlighting to New Heights Hubbell Lighting has announced the first 12,000+ lumen LED fixture designed for high ceiling commercial and architectural interiors where recessed depth is not available—Prescolite’s MegaLum Cylinder. With all the performance advantages of the company’s award winning MegaLum fixture, the MegaLum Cylinder can be surface, cable or pendant mounted and is the perfect alternative to T4 quartz (up to 500 watts) and metal halide (up to 250 watts) sources for ceiling heights of 20 to 60 feet. To learn more, please visit www.prescolite.com.

Cablesys® Introduces Feed-Through Patch Panels Cablesys introduces the new 24 port, 1RMU feed-through patch panels. With RJ-45 ports on both sides, the feed-through patch panels are ideal for existing data centers which require additional patching. The feed-through patch panels are less messy than traditional punch down patch panels and even perform better. If used with Cablesys high performance patch cords, they will surpass Channel or Permanent Link performance standards per ANSI/TIA-568. Panels are easy to install by IT professionals and mounting screws are included. All RJ-45 ports are rated to withstand 750 times of repeated insertions. Panels are made of heavy-duty 16-gauge steel with powder coating. The panel only takes up one rack mount space on standard 19" racks. An extension bracket is available to fit 23" cabinets. Feed-through patch panels come in three configurations: Category 6A (10G), Category 6 (GB), and Category 5e (VoIP). Category 6A (10G) is available in UTP or ScTP option. For more information, please call (800) 555-7176 or visit www.cablesys.com.

U-Bolt Ground Clamp Product Line Expansion from ILSCO ILSCO celebrates 120 years in 2014…As our customer’s needs evolve to meet the demands of the ever changing electrical industry landscape, ILSCO works to exceed those needs. Therefore, ILSCO’s offering of ground clamps has been expanded to include Type GPL U-Bolt Ground Clamps for pipe, rod, rebar as well as fence posts. ILSCO’s GPL ground clamps are UL Listed, CSA Certified, and suitable for direct burial in earth or concrete. They have a specially designed spacer affording more positive contact area. The clamps rotate 90 degrees for installation flexibility. For more information, please visit www.ilsco.com.

www.ieci.org | July 2014 | Insights Magazine