Page 11 Page 34 Page 22 - Electrical Business Magazine

T&B_lug_EB_Mar08.indd 12/21/08 3:23:07 PMPage 11DeWALT collaborates with Ford on tooltracking system.Page 34LED MR16s are available in White, Warm White,Red, Amber, Blue and Green.Page 22Cordless staple gun boasts up to 1500 staplesper charge from its 10.8V Li-ion battery pack.PM # 40063602 PAP registration # 10774

NEW!ENERGY SAVERÉCO NERGIEEnergy saving50 000 hours average lifeResistant to shock and vibration (no filament)Reduce maintenance costDirect retrofit for conventional MR16 applicationsRoHS compliant (restriction of hazardous substances)Available in: blue, green, red, amber, whiteand warm white* compared with a 20 W halogen MR16

INDUSTRY NEWSCooper launches MediaSyncCertified Installer ProgramCooper Wiring Devices launched its newMediaSync Certified Installer Program. This certificationcourse, says the company, aims to providestructured wiring installers with training and technicalsupport that is sure to enhance productivity.This program features a comprehensiveMediaSync training course that covers all aspectsof the installation process, as well as an extensivesummary on all MediaSync products. Theprogram also provides participants with generalproduct training from Cooper Wiring Devices,and helpful tips on generating sales.Becoming a MediaSync Certified Installer providesmany benefits for installers and integrators,says the company. Cooper provides certified installerswith comprehensive, professional product linebrochures and collateral material for consumers, aswell as product upgrade guides to simplify the salesprocess. Other benefits include product discounts,merchandising displays and qualified local salesleads from national marketing programs.Visit www.cooperwiringdevices.com andclick MediaSync to find out how to become aMediaSync Certified Installer.Telecom research leads to solar cellbreakthrough at McMasterHubbell acquires Kurt VersenHubbell Inc. has acquired the Kurt Versen Co. for about $100 millionin cash. Located in Westwood, N.J., Kurt Versen manufacturesspecification-grade lighting fixtures for a range of commercial andinstitutional applications. The company is an integrated manufacturerwith design and production in its 125,000-sf facility.“Kurt Versen is the preferred brand in specification-grade downlightingwith significant brand awareness and a preference builtover the company’s 70-year history,” said Timothy H. Powers,Hubbell Inc. president and CEO, adding, “This is a major additionto our current offering of both Prescolite and Progress brands,which extends our product breadth and depth through all segmentsof the non-residential and residential lighting markets.”The acquisition enhances Hubbell Lighting’s package of 16premium lighting brands, says Hubbell—including Kim Lighting,Architectural Area Lighting, Alera Lighting and SportsliterSolutions—and strengthens Hubbell Lighting’s position in thespec-grade downlighting market segment.Hubbell Lighting, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., now welcomes the KurtVersen Co. brand of specification-grade lighting fixtures to the family.The original cable tie turns 50 !In 1958, Thomas & Betts revolutionized cable managementwith the introduction of Ty-Rap ® , the original cable tie.Semiconductor insights gained by engineeringphysics researchers at McMaster University forthe telecommunications industry have led to aresearch breakthrough in the future developmentof high-efficiency solar cells. It seems telecom’sloss is solar energy’s gain.“This project is expected to introduce a novelway to manufacture solar cells. When combinedwith Arise’s proprietary silicon technology currentlybeing developed, there is the potential tomore than double traditional PV cell efficiencies,”commented Ian MacLellan, president and CEOof Arise Technologies Corp.The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) andArise (a solar energy firm headquartered in Waterloo,Ont.), are investing $4.1 million to advance thecommercialization of McMaster’s research.Rafael Kleiman and John Preston, professorsof engineering physics at McMaster, discovered apatent-pending method of applying single crystallayers of compound semiconductors (such asgallium-arsenide) on single crystal silicon crystal,which they expect will convert sunlight to electricitytwice as efficiently as other materials systemscommonly in use.“We have the Ontario Centres of Excellenceto thank for bringing us together with AriseTechnologies,” said Preston. “Their introductionallowed us to transfer more than 20 years of experiencein semiconductor technology to developinghigher efficiency renewable solar energy.”Since that time, the often imitated,yet unequalled Ty-Rap ® cable tie hasnever stopped evolving. UV-resistantcable ties, high-temperature cableties, detectable cable ties andmore… Since 1958, we’ve broughtyou innovation, never imitation.With half a century of industry firstsbehind us, we’re looking forwardto the next 50 years.Tell us what’s next and you could win!What’s the next Ty-Rap ® innovation?Submit your idea at:www.tnb-canada.com/en/tyrap50From now until June 27, we’ll be holdingweekly prize drawings for prizes like$150.00 Petro-Canada gas cards andSamsung S85 digital cameras.www.tnb-canada.com/en/tyrap50T&B_mag_EB_Mar08.indd 12/21/08 3:43:07 PMwww. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 5

INDUSTRY NEWSPhoto courtesy Advance.Advance products join NEMA ballast programAdvance currently has a variety of products participatingin NEMA’s voluntary Premium BallastProgram—from Optanium ballasts to Mark 7 zero-10V and Mark 10 Powerline dimming ballasts, aswell as DALI-compatible ROVR ballasts.Advance announced that a variety of its electronic ballastofferings have become charter products within thevoluntary NEMA (National Electrical ManufacturersAssociation) Premium Ballast Program.Consistent with Consortium for Energy Efficiency(CEE) specifications and tested in accordance withANSI standards, products eligible to participate in thenew program include either instant-start or programmedrapid-start electronic ballasts or electronic dimming ballasts designed for use with4-ft, 32W T8 fluorescents. Qualifying products will bear a special designation to helplighting professionals and end users recognize the market’s highest-performing ballastproducts available and optimally support their green, energy-efficient or sustainablelighting objectives. Advance is a division of Philips Electronics North America.Nedco announces upcoming ElectrifestNedco’s Electrifest trade show happens everythree years, and the time has come forElectrifest VIII. The last Electrifest succeededin attracting over 3000 people toNedco’s Keaton HQ and distribution centre,and displayed an array of products from over100 manufacturers.Scheduled for May 12, this year’s theme isLas Vegas, and it promises to be the biggestElectrifest to date, displaying a full complimentof products of interest to a range ofcustomers from the electrical, automation,datacom and industrial marketplaces.PHOTO CONTESTElectrical Business, in association with the Electrical Heritage Society of British Columbia—alongwith generous industry partners—is excited to present the Heritage “What Am I?” PHOTO CONTEST.Pictured at left is an item from the heritage society’s collection of electricalartifacts. The contest begins when you think you know what this itemis. Of course, we’re not going to show the item in its entirety—that wouldbe too easy! (You’ll have to wait until next month to see the whole picture,as well as the correct answer.)Here’s how to playVisit EBMag.com where, right on the home page, you’ll find a linkthat takes you to the online, multiple choice answer form (andofficial contest rules and details). If you’ve answered correctly, yourname will be added to all the other correct entries, from which five(5) winners will be randomly chosen before next month’s installmentof the Heritage “What Am I?” Photo Contest. Read the smallprint below for more information. Good luck!This month’s awesome prize was donated by our friendsat Lenox. These wood boring bits boast bi-metal cuttingedges (the same material used to make recip saw andband saw blades) that aren’t hampered by nails hidingin the wood. The three-flute design allows the bit to cutfaster, and three cutting edges enhance the removal ofwood chips. Its short length allows it to fit better betweenstuds when used in common cordless drills, and its3/8-in. shank makes it more robust for rough-in work.Thismonth’sawesomeprize!Last month’s photo: answerPictured here is a Rawlplug mechanical hammer drill(for drilling holes in masonry for rawl plugs). Winner to be announced.No purchase necessary. Open to residents of Canada of age of majority, excluding Quebec. You must answer a timedskill-testing question to win. Prizes valued at about $65.00 each. The contest is not open to anyone affiliated with, orrelated to, members of Electrical Business or the Electrical Heritage Society of British Columbia. (That would be unfair.)Correction: EB has learned that the value ofFebruary’s prize, the EZL-75 thermal label printerfrom Thomas & Betts Canada, is actually about$195.00, not $99.00 as first reported.Pamensky_EB_June07.indd 16 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com6/18/07 11:34:52 AM

PERSONALITIESMark Bergeron has accepted the position of manager,vendor relations for Sonepar Canada—a rolein which he is responsible for negotiating, monitoringand developing vendor relationships. Bergeron’scareer is embedded in the electrical distributionindustry, primarily in purchasing, sales and managementpositions, most recently holding a multibranchmanagement position. Sonepar Canada’sfamily of companies includes Gescan, Lumen,Texcan and Osso Electric.Gary Abrams, president ofSchneider Electric Canada,announced the appointment ofRose Marie Gage to the positionof chief marketing officer/vice-president business developmentand marketing. She gradu-Rose Marie Gageated from McMaster Universityin 1986 with anHonours Bachelor of Commercedegree. Upon graduation, Gage was hired intothe Westinghouse graduate trainee program. TheWestinghouse business was later purchased byEaton/Cutler-Hammer, where she worked in thepositions of MarCom integration leader, nationalmarketing services manager and national customerservice centre manager. She then joined GE PowerSystems as a Sales Six Sigma Black Belt, and laterpromoted to senior manager, corporate initiativesfor GE’s 35 business entities in Canada. Gage wasthen promoted to chief marketing officer/vice-presidentmarketing for GE Commercial DistributionFinance Canada.Pieter de Haan has been appointed to CEO ofballast manufacturer Advance, succeeding retiringCEO Brian Dundon. Since first joining thePhilips Lighting organization in 1982, de Haan hasheld successive roles throughout Philips Lightingin Europe and Asia, and has amassed over 25 yearsof experience in manufacturing, supply, marketing,sales and general management. Prior to his appointmentto CEO of Advance, de Haan served as CEOof Philips Lighting East Asia (based in Shanghai).Staco Energy Products Co., a manufacturerof voltage control and regulationproducts, power conditioners and UPSs,has promoted Billy (Bo) Stanfill to vicepresidentof operations. When he servedas production manager, he implementedBilly (Bo) Stanfill many innovative ideas that improvedStaco’s manufacturing processes, includingthe successful implementation ofRoHS initiatives. Meantime, ChuckPeck has joined the company as qualityassurance manager, where he overseesall quality control functions, includingISO 9001 initiatives and continuousChuck Peck improvement activities. Prior to joiningStaco, Peck worked for companies suchas Siemens Energy & Automation, Emerson Electric andAltec Lansing.Amerlux Lighting Solutions has appointed Ted desEnfants to the newly created position of vice-president ofinternational sales. He joins the companyfrom Energy Focus Inc. (formerlyFiberstars EFO), where he served asvice-president and general manager ofcommercial lighting and was in chargeof global sales, marketing and productTed des Enfants development. He has also held a varietyof positions with GE Lighting (mostrecently as New York district sales manager).Solar inverter manufacturer PV PoweredInc. has appointed Glenn Harris ascompany president. He brings manyyears of international business experiencein the solar electric industry,along with entrepreneurial and corporatemanagement experience in emerg-Glenn Harrising technology markets. Harris mostrecently served as CEO/president of SunCentric Inc., asolar consultancy firm that worked with an internationalclient base of established and emerging solar companies.Scott Hall, president of Greenlee,announced that Tim VanDeraarecently rejoined the companyin the professional tool categoryas director of North Americansales/electrical distribution. HisTim VanDeraadirect reports will be regionalsales managers and electrical distribution-associatednational account managers.VanDeraa returns to Greenlee from the RayovacCorp. where he was national sales manager/directorof Electrical-Industrial Group. Prior to that, heserved as territory manager for Greenlee’s CentralRegion and progressed to the level of NationalAccounts Manager in 2002.Commercial- and industrial-grade i d fluorescentlighting fixture manufacturer Visioneering Corp.has signed two new agents to assist in the distributionof its products in Western Canada.Owned by Murray Milavsky, Creative LightingSolutions (780-447-2828) is responsible for distributionin Northern Alberta, The Yukon, theNorthwest Territories and Nunavut. Meantime,Titan Marketing Solutions (which is owned andoperated by Jim Modjeski, 306-373-6337) is theexclusive agent in Saskatchewan.Erica Crosling has joined HD Supply as directorof public relations and community affairs. She willdevelop and direct the company’s external communicationsstrategy, as well as help build awareness ofHD Supply and raise its visibility in the communitiesin which its associates live and work. Croslingmost recently worked at Citigroup as vice-presidentof communications. 3M is a Trademark of 3M. Used under license in Canada. TTS is a trademark of Thermon.Used with permission by 3M in Canada. 0703-CP-28484 E BA-07-11824 3M_7x10_EB_April07.indd 13/27/07 2:37:02 PMwww. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 9

INDUSTRY NEWSFull steam ahead for constructionBuilding permits hitanother record high,though Decembersluggishin CanadaThe value of building permits hit another record high in2007 thanks to widespread strong gains across Canadain both the residential and non-residential sectors.According to StatsCan, municipalities issued $74.3-billionworth of building permits in 2007, up 12.1% from theprevious record of $66.3 billion in 2006.While the gain in 2006 was largely fuelled by the tremendousdemand in Western Canada, the increase in2007 was more widespread across the country. Every provinceposted gains—with the exception of Prince EdwardIsland and Nova Scotia.In Quebec, the rate of growth accelerated from 5.2%in 2006 to 9.2% in 2007, while Ontario saw the value ofpermits rebound from a 3.5% decline in 2006 to a 14.7%increase in 2007—a faster rate of growth than the 12.8%gain in Alberta.Regionally, 21 out of the 34 census metropolitan areasposted increases in their annual total value of constructionprojects. After recording the largest decline in 2006, Torontorebounded significantly in 2007 to post the largest gain (indollars) by far among metropolitan areas. Calgary came secondfollowed by Montreal, Vancouver and Edmonton.Intentions set new records in both the non-residentialand residential sectors. In the non-residential sector, thevalue of permits totalled $28.7 billion, up 13.8% from$25.2 billion in 2006. All three components (industrial,commercial and institutional) recorded strong growth.In the housing sector, municipalities issued $45.6-billionworth of permits, up 11%. Higher construction prices fornew dwellings contributed significantly to the gain, as thenumber of new dwellings approved increased 2% in 2007to 237,875 units.This result contrasted sharply with the situation in theUnited States, where the number of approved new privatelyowned units fell by 25.3% last year.On a monthly basis, municipalities issued $6.1-billionworth of building permits in December, a marginal 0.4%gain from November.Housing: demand shifts to multi-family dwellingsThe number of multi-family units approved in 2007totalled 121,170, up 6.1% from 2006 and the highestlevel since 1977. In contrast, the number of single-familyunits approved declined 2% to 116,700 units. The highprice tag on the construction of single-family dwellingsin several centres contributed to shifting demand towardmulti-family dwellings.The share of multi-family dwellings went from 48.9%in 2006 to 50.9% in 2007. It was the highest proportionsince 1982 when they represented 51.5% of all units. Thevalue of multi-family permits increased 16% to $16.7 billion,while the value of single-family permits rose 8.3% to$28.9 billion.The strong level of employment, the increase in thedisposable income, tight apartment vacancy rates in severalcentres and attractive financing options continued tostimulate the housing sector in 2007.Non-residential sector: strong growthin every componentCommercial projects fuelled most of the increase in thenon-residential sector in 2007. Construction intentions inboth commercial and institutional sectors hit record highs,while industrial permits were at their highest annual totalsince 1989.Municipalities issued $16.9-billion worth of commercialpermits, up 17.1% from 2006. The increase came largelyfrom projects for office buildings, retail complexes andhotels. In the institutional component, the value of permitsrose 10% to $6.9 billion. Projects for schools, hospitalsand nursing homes were behind this gain.The value of industrial permits increased 8.5% to $4.9billion, fuelled largely by projects for manufacturing buildings.However, this component has been on a downwardtrend since September.Declining office vacancy rates, vigorous retail sales, strongcorporate profits and the increasing demand for healthcareand nursing homes were among factors contributing to theexceptional results in the non-residential sector.Demand for new office space plays key roleProjects for new office space played a key role in thehealthy results in the non-residential sector. Without this,the value of commercial permits would have increased byjust 10.2% instead of 17.1%.Weak real investment in office buildings in recentyears and growing employment in business, financeand administrative occupations pushed down the officevacancy rates. These low rates, in addition to the aging ofthe existing stock, contributed to increase the demand foroffice space considerably.Municipalities approved $5.3 billion in projects foroffice buildings in 2007, up 35.9% from 2006. Officebuildings accounted for 40% of the overall increase in thenon-residential sector.Between 2003 and 2007, the share of the value of officebuilding permits in the non-residential sector rose from8.8% to 18.4%, the highest share since 1990. The valueof approved projects in 2007 was more than three timeshigher than the level in 2003.In the Calgary metropolitan area, municipalitiesapproved $1.8 billion in projects for office buildings in2007, a 56.6% gain from 2006. These represented 53.6%of the overall value of approved projects in Calgary’s nonresidentialsector. The value of office building permitsin 2007 was more than 14 times higher than the levelapproved in 2003.In Toronto, $1.2-billion worth of office building projectswere approved, up 52.9% from 2006. This accountedfor nearly one-quarter of the total value of non-residentialpermits issued in 2007.December 2007: Gain in housing offsetsdecline in non-res intentionsFor the month of December, the total value of buildingpermits reached $6.1 billion, a small 0.4% gain fromNovember. A gain in housing permits more than offset thedecline in non-residential construction intentions. Thetotal value of permits peaked in May and June at $6.9billion and has been on a downward trend in the last partof 2007.The value of residential permits increased 1.8% to 3.9billion, thanks to a 10.8% surge in the value of multifamilypermits. The value of single-family permits declined3.2% to $2.4 billion.Municipalities approved 9215 new single-family units,the second-lowest monthly level over the last six years. Thenumber of multi-family units approved increased 1% inDecember to 9990 units. Meantime, the value of non-residentialpermits declined 2% in December to $2.2 billion.The value of commercial permits increased 16.8%to $1.3 billion, the value of industrial permits plunged33.2% to $319 million and institutional permits declined12% to $540 million.The value of industrial permits recorded a fourth loss infive months and hit its lowest level since February, as permitsfor manufacturing buildings declined. Institutionalpermits fell for the third time in four months.Four provinces registered gains in the total value of permitsin December. Marked increases in British Columbia,Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador and, to a lesserextent, Ontario, offset declines in all other provinces.In Saskatchewan, the value of permits in Decemberreached a record-high of $217 million, thanks to strongconstruction intentions in both sectors.In Newfoundland and Labrador, the level in December($104 million) was second only to the value recorded inNovember 2006. In Quebec, however, the monthly valueof permits fell below the $1-billion mark for the first timein 10 months.10 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

INDUSTRY NEWSDeWALT collaborates with Ford on tool tracking systemPhoto courtesy Ford Motor Co.Tool Link will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks;and all 2009 E-Series vans (not the 2008 F-150 shown in the photo).DeWALT is collaborating with Ford Motor Co. to launchTool Link, an RFID (radio-frequency identification) assettracking system that enables contractors to track detailedinventory of the tools and equipment stored in their pickupbox or van.Tool Link will help ensure crews arrive and leave thejobsite with the right tools and materials for the job, saysDeWALT. The system includes labels that allow truck operatorsto tag, scan and track expensive tools, equipment andother assets. When the vehicle is running, a pair of RFIDantennas (mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housingson the inside of the pickup box) scan the box for taggeditems on a pre-programmed inventory list. This data is transmittedto a reader mounted inside the cab and displayed onthe in-dash computer screen, alerting the driver when anyinventoried tools are not loaded on the truck.It also offers features such as a pre-loaded menu withseveral standard tool lists that are easily edited to reflectspecific types of jobs. The system uses industry standardsecond-generation RFID tags that can be fastened to toolsor other assets, and can scan and organize hundreds of tagsin just seconds.EB Heritage “What Am I?” Photo Contest results updateIt occurred to us that maybe not everyone is checking theEBMag.com to see how the EB Heritage “What Am I?”Photo Contest is coming along. Here’s a quick recap:August 2007The following correctly identified the Greenlee #750chain pull drill:• John Caldicott, Retired• Sam Cocuzzi, Electrical Safety Authority• Robert Fournier, R.J. Fournier Electric Inc.• Scott Little, Little Electric Inc.• Jim Murphy, Jim Murphy Electric• Ronald Riedel, IBR• Michael Shea, City of Victoria• Kenneth Todd, KT Industries• Jim Vey, S Electrical Services Ltd.They each won an LVD2 Volt Light, courtesy FlukeElectronics Canada.January 2008The following correctly identifiedthe Bluenose dry cell battery:• Robert Fournier,R.J. Fournier Electric Inc.(REPEAT WINNER!)• Dave Kieffer, Bruce Power LP• Mike Maiesciuk, Arcelor Mittal Dofasco• Kenneth Todd, KT Industries (REPEAT WINNER!)• Douglas Weedon, DiageoThey each won a 25-ft Strait Line tape measure, courtesyIrwin Industrial Tool Co.Check EBMag.com for regular updates, as well as thereporting form for entering the contest. Be sure to play, andgood luck!Questioning yourNoisy Bathroom Fan?Kindorf ® Trapnut Strut Fastenerwww.tnb-canada.comFewer parts add upto huge labour savings.The unique scissor action of theThomas & Betts Kindorf ® Trapnut Strut Fastener closes at any desiredposition on the threaded rod. Onceclosed, precision threads trap thethreaded rod for a sturdy hold thatcan be adjusted up or down forfine-tuned positioning. While theversatile Trapnut has a locking pinthat holds it in the desired position, itcan also be removed and reused.monthlySeptember 2007Peter Chayter of the GovernmentService Centre (Grand Falls/Windsor, Nfld.) correctly identifiedthe 220V, 7.5A household fourslicetoaster. He won an ERG50Ty-Rap cable tie installation tool,courtesy Thomas & Betts Canada.October 2007Norman Headford of Headford Electric(Lumsden, Sask.) correctly identified theWestinghouse Series Transformer (a.k.a.‘CT’ or current transformer) for measuringAC current (400:5 max ratio). He won aSureTest Circuit Analyzer (61-165), courtesyIdeal Industries (Canada) Corp.November/December 2007Fred Hermetz of Advanced Electric (Oshawa, Ont.)correctly identified the DC shunt (150A, 50mV) formeasuring DC current (patented May 1893). He wona Ty-Rap ERG120 cable tie tool, courtesy Thomas &Betts Canada.Aeroflo has the answers!AeroFan Bathroom Ventilation Fans are engineered to providesuperior ventilation and reliable service, combined with quietand efficient 2-speed operation. Available in lighted or nonlightedversions, AeroFans will compliment any bathroom décorwith their attractive and modern design.Aeroflo offers a superior line of ventilation products and airpurification systems, providing .....better AIRFLOW by DESIGN! TMTel: 905-890-6192Toll: 800-779-4021Web: www.aeroflo.comDid you know...www.tnb-canada.comwww.tnb-canada.com/en/tyrap50… that www.tnb-canada.com/en/tyrap50is the place to go in 2008 to stay up todate with the latest Ty-Rap ® productand promotion information?There’s an exciting year ahead -prize drawings, in-branch distributorpromos, new product introductionsand more. Don’t miss a thing. Log ontoday and keep on coming back.Aeroflo_EB_Nov07.indd 110/16/07 3:51:41 T&B_vert_EB_Mar08.indd PM1www. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 112/25/08 2:09:12 PM

Electrical CAD softwarefor industrial applicationsBy Gerald WalsheThe electrical design of an industrial control system is a complexcombination of components and connections. Puttingsuch a design together is a challenge and then, of course,there are the inevitable revisions. Inserting a single componentinto a design can affect not only the circuit in question but alsocross-referencing, wire numbering, parts lists, and so on acrossthe entire project.It should be no surprise, then, that computer software hasemerged as the ideal solution to the problem of designing andmaintaining electrical control systems. A computer is wellsuitedto keeping track of the various pieces of the design andthe relationships between them.There are more than a few electrical CAD (or ECAD) softwarepackages on the market that were created to do just that.These products vary considerably in price and in features. HereI’ll examine some of the things that a potential user shouldconsider before investing in ECAD software.Software criteriaThe first thing to consider is the capabilities the software mustpossess to get the job done. A low-level solution may be nothingmore than an electrical symbol catalogue for an existingCAD package; this may be fine for turning out a page or twoof schematics, but anything beyond that will be a struggle—especially when the design gets changed.A higher-level solution will boast “intelligent” functions thatperform many tasks for you. The available functions will vary fromproduct to product but, for example, it might break the wire whenyou place a symbol on it. Or, it will prompt a unique ID for eachsymbol or warn you when you try entering an existing ID. Maybeit will keep track of related elements for a single device.For example, should you try to place a fifth contact fora relay that only has four contacts, the software will flagthis occurrence. Also, the software can automatically entercross-referencing for related elements. When you assignIDs based on page and line number, the software can automaticallychange these IDs when you move or copy/pasteparts of the design. The software can also perform errorcheckingfor conditions such as short circuits and gaps.Another feature of an advanced ECAD package isproject-based organization. This means that the softwaregroups together all the drawings and related documents fora job into a project and is ‘aware’ of its contents. This is howthe software performs cross-referencing, wire numberingand duplicate ID checking across multiple pages. It’s alsohow the software generates parts and wire lists, and otherdocumentation.Speaking of parts lists, most advanced ECAD packageshave an associated parts database. This allows you to assignpart numbers to items as you place them in a drawing.When the drawings are complete, you can use the ECADsoftware’s report functions to generate a bill of materials forthe project. When the parts database contains informationon elements such as wiring time, assembly time and pricing,you’ll also be able to generate a job cost report. Manyjobs are bid before the drawings are done, so it helps whenthe ECAD software provides the option of first compilinga parts list that can be used to generate a quote, whichlater becomes a pick list when placing items in a drawing.Purchase order reports can also be generated for orderingparts for the job.It is a major advantage when the ECAD vendor suppliesparts database files that already contain parts data.There are millions of control components on the market,and you don’t want to have to enter all that data ifyou don’t have to.An advanced ECAD package will help you produceother drawings and documents beyond electrical schematics.In addition to the bill of materials and jobcosting reports already mentioned, there are wire lists,terminal plans, cable plans, wire labels, device labels,and a host of other reports that can be generated automatically.Using the information in the parts database,the software can also prompt you with layout symbolsfor the items in your schematic that you can place in apanel layout drawing.You should also consider your own technical requirements.Are you currently using a CAD system? ManyECAD packages are designed to run on top of popularCAD software such as AutoCAD or MicroStation.Alternatively, you may prefer a standalone ECAD systemthat does not need any additional CAD software. Areyou required to provide drawing files to clients or partnercompanies in a particular file format? In this case, yourECAD software should either use this format or be able toexport to it. What drawing and symbol standards do youuse? IEC? ANSI-IEEE? Both? Some ECAD systems arelimited to one or the other.Final thoughtsThe price of ECAD software packages varies with thefunctionality they offer. When considering whether youcan afford such a system, you need to calculate how soonthe software will pay for itself. Time, as they say, is money.How much per hour would you pay someone to createyour drawings, check them for errors, manually enter thecross-referencing, manually compile a bill of materials orprice quote, then manually change all these items whenthe design is revised?For many users, the benefits in time and money savedand higher quality output make an ECAD system a usefulinvestment.Gerald Walshe is a senior member of the Instrument Society ofAmerica (ISA) and president of Waltech Associates, which supplieselectrical design software programs and a series of tutorial softwarepackages. Visit them at www.waltechassociates.com.12 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

COUNTER INTELLIGENCEInventory transitions, or“Where the heck are my udon noodles?”By Oliver PostThere are all kinds of ways to run a distribution business,but most distributors will say that success or failure rideson their ability to have the right products on the shelf.The number of SKUs you’re expected to have is increasing,as is the amount of information about those products—notto mention when they can and cannot be used.With all the new challenges you face, it is unreasonableto expect your computer system (which you may have hadfor five or even 10 years) to be able to handle what today’smarket throws at you.One of the biggest differences with newer inventorysystems is the way they handle data; old ‘flat file’ databasesdon’t allow for much more than knowing: what youhave; what you sold and when; and what you sold it for.‘Relational’ databases that populate newer systems allowyou to really look at the details behind sales, mix and matchvariables, and drill down to specific customer trends. That’stheir beauty: they help you serve your customers better byproviding counter staff with access to much more detaileddata on those customers—even when they haven’t hadmuch personal experience with them.Modern system benefitsThere are certain areas of functionality you should explorein a relational system that are specific to your electrical distributionbusiness. Naturally, the system must include: orderand inventory management; purchasing; pricing; financialand customer management; business reporting and analysis;and Web-based connectivity to your suppliers and customers.But there are still other useful things to consider.Wire reel tracking You may have 100 metres of 16-ga wirein inventory, but is it on one reel, or three? And what goodis it when you can’t give a customer what he needs in singlelengths, or take a short length from a full reel when youhave enough on another reel?Pricing updates Sometimes prices go up, sometimes down.Either way, being behind on pricing updates can hurt yourbusiness because it hurts your ability to serve customers.Rebate handling How much time do you spend trackingyour vendor rebates? How much do you miss out on? Somesystems now available track each element of the sale—fromnegotiation to receipt. Being able to incorporate rebatesinto your pricing strategy allows you to accurately offercompetitive pricing to customers.System selectionOf course, if you’re about to embark on a truly wholesalereplacement of your business enterprise system (they’remore than just inventory systems now) you need to considerwhether to go for a WindowsorUnix-based system. Youmay be partial to thefamiliar big-box operatingsystems, but don’tsell Windows short.Judge each system onits own merits.You can also optto have a stand-alonesystem or use an ASPmodel that connectsyou to the software functionalityvia the Internet.The advantage is cost; shouldyou lose your connection for anextended period, the disadvantagebecomes obvious. Whatever you shouldchoose, do not forget the most important componentof any new system: the human component.The human elementIt is critical for everyone in the operation to be involvedin such an important changeover. Under no circumstancesshould management leave it all to the IT department; theyneed to be involved at all stages, as does the guy on theloading dock and everyone in between. Ensure that anyprospective computer systems supplier includes ongoingtraining in their proposal—and not just in a classroom.More implementations fail due to a lack of buy-in byrank-and-file staff members, as well as a lack of attentionto training, than because of something the system couldnot do.For example, consider a system that uses shelf locationsin a flexible manner; it puts pallets of components whereverthere is space, possibly in a different location each time.This is very efficient, but when shipping and receiving staffdon’t understand the logic, or can’t read well enough to putthat pallet where it should go, and put it “over there whereit really belongs”, a subsequent pick order will send warehousestaff to an empty location. In fact, you may never beable to find that inventory.Just such a case occurred in the automotive sector someyears ago. Staff weren’t brought into the process and becamesuspicious of the real motivations behind the change.Animosity took hold and an active rebellion by the warehousestaff followed. While other factors were also involved,that warehouse location was eventually closed and moved toanother community almost an hour away.A major national grocery chain continues to strugglewith inventory issues three years after embarkingon a major overhaul. One day the shelves arecrammed with too much product; another day (and thisis more common) little red tags announcing Out Of Stocklitter the retail shelves. You don’t have to be an inventoryexpert to know that the sound of customers bleating aboutnot being able to find their favourite dinner items is bad forbusiness. Somewhere, something is going wrong and it willtake people to fix it.When plans do go well, however, the results can be nothingshort of spectacular: Out Of Stock situations can plummet,customer service can skyrocket, panic and scramblingcan be replaced by a professional, business-like, almost calmwork environment and, of course, the profit left to reinvestinto improving what you do for customers can also grow.Take the right approach, and eat wellHere’s an example of what happens with the right approach:an electrical distributor south of the border made thechange to a modern inventory system and, two years later(not overnight), saw a 15% reduction in inventory levels.It also logged a 50% decrease in dead stock and a 24%decrease in direct labour costs. For that distributor, thisamounted to millions of dollars.What distributor (heck, what customer) doesn’t want asupplier to use that same money to have more of the rightproducts available? You simply cannot jam unwanted itemsdown a customer’s throat. If I, for one, have a hankeringfor my special udon noodle stir fry, I won’t care how manypackages of rice noodles are on the shelf... I’m not buyingthem. Not at any price.Get a system in place that puts the right products on theshelf and everyone eats better.Proudly Supporting OurDistributor Partnerswww.sylvania.comwww. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 13

To succeedin business:know your cultureand hire for fitBy Gail RieschiWe’ve all heard it said that success in business is allabout your people. Jim Collins, author of the books“Good to Great” and “Built to Last”, describes it asgetting the right people in the right seats on the bus. Othersrefer to it simply as “hiring right”.Research confirms organizations can dramatically increasetheir productivity and profit, and reduce the number of daysemployees miss due to illness, when the right people are hired.Other benefits include a more engaged workforce and reducedturnover. Conversely, “wrong hiring” negatively affects theorganization at all levels. It reduces revenues, lowers theorganization’s reputation, shrinks growth opportunities andcauses your best workers to leave as job satisfaction, moraleand confidence in the organization spirals downward.Unfortunately, organizations today tend not to give thehiring process the time and attention it deserves. Employeeturnover rates provide a clear indication of Canada’s poor trackrecord: at 22%, the national average is more than twice therange considered to represent healthy turnover (8% to 10%).The result is an unstable workforce, high employee turnoverand a significant negative impact on the bottom line.Consider the costs related to advertising the job opportunity,screening and interviewing candidates, then training them.There is also production loss during the job vacancy andduring the training and initial learning curve of the newhire, as well as the lessened productivity of co-workers asthey are called upon to help the new hire. When the newhire turns out to be a wrong hire and has to be released, theremay be costs of defending against labour relations, humanrights or wrongful dismissal complaints. Finally, there’s thecost of doing it all over again!The estimated cost of a wrong hire starts in the range of$50,000 to $100,000 (Government of Canada) and goesupward from there with wrong hiring costs at the professionalor managerial level equal to 18 months’ salary.Right hiring is challenging at the best of times, but is madeeven more difficult by prevailing external factors. Job seekinghas evolved into a learned skill, as shown by the abundanceof How-To manuals, training programs and other resources.Job seekers are now well versed in ways to answer or evadetough interview questions and position themselves in thebest light possible. This makes the recruiter’s job even morechallenging.The current, tight job market is a complicating factor aswell. The demand for good manpower currently exceeds supply.As a result, organizations are competing for available—not necessarily the best—candidates, to the point of enteringinto bidding wars. Finally, the pressures of time come intoplay. Most organizations operate with a lean workforce, andjob vacancies need to be filled quickly if the company is tomeet its existing commitments or be capable of respondingto emerging opportunities.Is there something that can be done to improve the hiringexperience? Total Power found the answer and is reapingthe rewards!Finding the right ‘fit’Following the Blackout of 2003, Total Power experiencedsignificant business growth and expanded its workforce tomeet the growing demand. Unfortunately, standard hiringmethods—including both managing the hiring processinternally and outsourcing to traditional head-huntingfirms—didn’t do the job. As Graham Clark, president ofTotal Power indicates, the “one-size-fits-all” approach justwasn’t working. While candidates met all of the technical jobrequirements, the ‘fit’ just wasn’t right.Clark’s assessment of the problem was bang-on. A generic,standard hiring process was not able to address Total Power’sunique staffing needs. What Total Power required—andwhat most organizations need—is a staffing process thatfocuses on a good fit between the individual and the organization.This involves looking beyond technical skills to focuson matching the job candidates’ work traits and personalitiesto the organization’s environment and culture. vpi was ableto help Total Power in this regard.Total Power took into consideration its culture and values,and the unique human factors it required in the various jobroles before beginning the recruitment process or consideringany candidates for the job. This growing organizationneeded individuals with a strong sense of urgency and a willingnessto extend themselves beyond their job description tosupport the organization’s growth objectives.“One of the key things we were looking for,” says Clark,“were people who could work under pressure. If the powergoes out with one of our clients, there’s going to be a loss.We needed personalities who could work under pressure andthink on their feet, being able to multi-task and clearly communicatewhat was happening.”The biggest mistake most organizations make is to focusalmost exclusively on function, or the technical aspects ofthe job that, while important, are clearly not what makesor breaks an employment relationship. The ‘fit’ between theindividual’s personality and values, and the values, cultureand personality of the organization should be the first considerationand the deciding factor.Giving greater attention to personality- and values-basedissues makes good sense in light of recent research findings.One survey, for example, identified that while 80% of organizationsreported that their hiring decisions were made onthe basis of technical competency alone, the same organizationsreported that 85% of terminations were the result ofa lack of ‘fit’.As an added bonus, organizations that use person-organization‘fit’ as their primary hiring criteria report betteroverall performance—including significantly higher revenueand profit growth and much lower turnover rates—thantheir counterparts who focus more on the candidates’ technicalskills (Gevity/Cornell University). Additional positiveresults include improved employee morale, job satisfactionand organizational commitment.Finding ‘fit’ takes timeThe downside to hiring for organizational fit is that it takesmore time and can be a bit more costly, especially whenobjective assessments are used. Incorporating some type ofobjective assessment as part of the recruitment strategy, inaddition to helping ensure ‘fit’, can also provide great insightinto the successful candidate’s training and personal developmentneeds, as well as the management strategies that wouldwork best. Most assessments can be accessed online and costless than $100. Compared to the cost of a wrong hire, $100is a good investment!Total Power saw the positive return on their investment andClark intends to continue this approach for his staffing needs.“It’s the people who make the company successful,” he says.“Making the investment in job satisfaction and job security ishuge. If you want to succeed, it’s all about the people.”This lesson has been well-learned by excelling organizations.In his research on “great” companies, Jim Collins foundthat among the 18 companies that made the grade, there wasone common denominator: each had a clearly defined cultureand consciously hired individuals whose personality and valueswere aligned. A good lesson for us all.Gail Rieschi is the president and CEO of vpi Inc., a human resourcemanagement firm specializing in facilitating, maintaining and managingemployment relationships. Her education includes a B.A. fromYork University and a Masters of Education from the University ofCalgary. Visit vpi online at www.vpi-inc.com.14 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

By Michael JacksonMethods for making holes andcutouts in non-metallic enclosuresW h e n I t ’ sMetal Halide,Make SureIt’sVentureDrilling composite glass fiber material can be difficultand, for some, a mystery. In fact, the ability toaccurately drill holes in this material has been thesubject of numerous articles and How-To demonstrations.Composites offer the benefits of part integration and minimizationalong with substantial savings in weight. Alongwith this is a reduction in the requirements for machiningoperations that need to be performed to complete anassembly.However, not all drilling and cutting operations can becompletely avoided, but there are several types of machiningoperations that can be performed on composites, suchas turning, drilling, routing, trimming, sanding and milling.Most of these operations are similar to metal removaltechniques but some differences need to be addressed tomake clean, high-quality holes and cutouts in composites.Delamination of the outer surface and glass fibers directlybelow the surface are the main failure modes when holesor cutouts are improperly drilled or cut out. Most timesexcessive edge chipping around the perimeter of the cutoutor hole is due to improper tools used and methods applied.Other times excessive fiber pulls or attached fibers notsheared off during the cutting or turning process can alsocause delamination failure from the tearing action duringmaterial removal. Improper tools used and/or methodsare also a culprit of this failure mode. All these can lead todownstream assembly and functionality problems, and anaesthetically unappealing result when taken to the extreme.The most common source of failure when making holes inan enclosure is a dull cutting tool. Dull tools tend to rip ortear the material rather than cut or shear the material and glassfibers. In fact, it is the glass fibers themselves that are often theculprit, as they are very abrasive and can dull a tool quickly.This is why a little planning and understanding of the propermethods for machining composites upfront can make all thedifference in the final outcome of the operation.Now, let’s take a look at some of the following methodsfor making holes or cutouts in non-metallic enclosures.Hole Saw. The easiest and least complex method providingan opening in a composite enclosure is to use a fine-toothedhole saw. You must first layout the size and location of thecutout, pre-drill a small hole in the centre within the cutoutarea for the hole saw to start, then carefully cut out thearea to be removed. This is more time consuming and theleast accurate method of the ones we’ll discuss, but can beaccomplished in almost any environment.Keeping the saw perpendicular to the cutting surface,maintaining a consistent sawing acting and using a diamondimpregnatedhole saw or fine-toothed saw will provide thehighest-quality cutout with minimal edge chipping.Drilling, Boring. Putting round holes in enclosure wallsor through the enclosure door is the most common type ofcutout used to provide entry into an enclosure and accessto the components housed within. The most common toolused is the standard twist drill. A recommended tool wouldbe a carbide-tipped or PCD diamond-tipped tool that willmaintain a sharp cutting edge. (HSS tools will also workbut they become dull very quickly, resulting in excessiveedge chipping and a poor-looking hole.) Use high RPMsand low feed rates with your drill, as this reduces the chippingaround the cutout. The single-most important factor,though, is keeping your tool very sharp.Drill geometry and feed rates are the largest contributingfactors when drilling composites. Using a drill with a positiverake angle and thin/split points can help reduce cutting pressureand, thus, delamination at both entrance and exit. Feedrates must also be constant and may even be reduced uponexiting from a hole to reduce flexing of the part when the drillexits. Using a solid back surface to support the part when drillingcan also aid in reducing delamination and chipping.Routing. A third method is to use a carbide router bit androuter. This method produces very clean holes and cutoutsbut also requires the holes and cutouts to be manually laidout beforehand, as well as a steady hand to stay within thelayout lines. The use of a jig or fixture to help guide therouter is helpful for keeping straight edges and clean cutouts.The use of diamond-impregnated router bits is preferredfor longevity, but carbide bits will work just as well.Similar to routing, jigsaws can also be used. Again, diamond-impregnatedcutters are preferred, but fine-toothedcutters can also be used.Punching. A fourth method is to use a standard hole punchsimilar to what you would use with metal boxes. This producesa good clean hole but can leave chipped edges whenthe punch is dull. Again, maintaining sharp tools is essentialto producing clean cutouts. A pilot hole is required beforeusing a standard hole punch. Manual or hydraulic punchactuators can both be used with composite materials. Punchpress-type manufacturing equipment can be employedwhen production volumes warrant. Proper support andsharp tools are necessary to produce chip-free, clean holes.Alternative methods. Some additional methods sometimesused to machine composites are waterjet and laser cutting.Both methods produce very accurate, clean holes orcutouts, but also require a high capital investment in bothequipment and employee training.In waterjet cutting, a high velocity stream of waterand abrasive material is forced through a small diameter(0.010-in.) jet. The stream of water quickly erodes the materialwith water pressures up to 60,000 psi and 2600 ft/s.Laser cutting uses a concentrated raw light beam focusedonto the part being cut. The cutting operation takes placeby local melting as in thermoplastics, and vaporization andchemical degradation as in composites and thermosets.That’s the hole storyWhile there are several suitable ways of producing holesand cutouts in non-metallic enclosures, not every one maybe right for you or the application at hand. Ultimately, letthe work—and your own comfort level—dictate the mostappropriate cutting method.ReferencesMazumdar, Sanjay K., Ph.D., (2002). CompositesManufacturing, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.Michael Jackson has been actively involved in product developmentfor electrical applications at Stahlin Enclosures over the last eightyears. He possesses a Bachelors degree in Industrial & ManufacturingEngineering Technology and an Associates Degree in MechanicalEngineering. He currently serves on NEMA’s 5EN Enclosures Sectiontechnical committee (NEMA 250), as well as ANSI/IEC 60529 TC70(U.S.) International Committee for Industrial Electrical Enclosures.The World Leaderin Metal Halide Technology VentureLighting.comVenture_1_EB_Jan08.indd 1www. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 1512/21/07 9:51:19 AM

CALENDARVisit learningcentre.csa.ca and click Electrical tofind CSA courses on the following subjects near you:CSA_box_EB_Feb08.indd 1Education & TrainingSEMINARS | CONFERENCES | ON-SITES | eLEARNINGNEW 2008 CSAElectrical Seminars2008 Catalogue now availableVisitwww.csa.ca/solutions• Canadian Electrical Code 2006 Essentials• 2006 CEC Changes• Conductors• Arc Flash: Measures for Prevention and Control• Motor Installations and High Voltage• Transformers/Welders• CEC/NEC: A Comparison of Requirements• Static, Transient Voltages and Lightning Protection Systems(Fundamentals, Evaluation, Control)PowerTest 2008InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA)March 17-20New Orleans, La.Visit www.powertest.orgElectrical Learning EXPOAlberta Electrical League (AEL)March 26Lethbridge, Alta.Visit www.elecleague.ab.caWILL BETHERE!Modern Power System Protective RelayingEPIC Educational Program Innovations CentreApril 7-9, Winnipeg, Man.April 21-23, MontrealVisit www.epic-edu.com and click Seminars/Short Courses1/16/08 4:35:54 PMPrinciples of Large AC MotorsElectrical Apparatus ServiceAssociation (EASA)April 18-19Pittsburgh, Pa.Visit www.easa.com or call (314) 993-2220Accubid User ConferenceApril 24-26Toronto, Ont.Visit www.accubiduserconference.comAnnual Electrical Industry ConferenceOntario Electrical League (OEL)April 30-May 3Huntsville, Ont.Visit www.oel.orgBC Industrial ExpoAbbotsford, B.C.April 30-May 1Visit www.bcindustrialexpo.ca14th Canadian Skills CompetitionSkills/Compétences Canada (S/CC)May 25-28Calgary, Alta.Visit www.skillscanada.comLightfair 2008May 26-30Las Vegas, Nev.Visit www.lightfair.comWILL BETHERE!MEET (Mechanical ElectricalElectronic Technology)May 7-8Moncton, N.B.Check EBMag.comand E-Line for updates.WILL BETHERE!WILL BETHERE!Fundraising Golf Tournament for TradesCollege in Dominican RepublicMay 27Royal Ashburn Golf ClubWILL BETHERE!Ashburn, Ont.E-mail John Vickery at john@vickeryelectric.comAnnual ConferenceSupply & Distribution (S&D) Council, EFCJune 4-7Victoria, B.C.Visit www.electrofed.com and clickEvents, then EFC EventsAnnual General MeetingIndependent Electrical Distributors (IED)June 18-20St. Andrews, N.B.Visit www.ied.ca/events.htmlWILL BETHERE!WILL BETHERE!Industry ConferenceElectrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO)September 6-13Costa del Sol, SpainVisit www.ecao.orgThe Power Show 2008 (Electric Expo)Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC)October 29-November 1Atlanta, Ga.,Visit www.ieci.orgWILL BETHERE!For a more extensive listing,visit EBMag.comand click Calendar 16 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

90º Stub DownFittingsA complete nonmetallic system forstub down applications in theconcrete slab deck• Simple installation reduces labor costs• Protective seal on base• Rugged lightweight,concrete-tight design• Optimal height and radius bend• Available in 1/2" to 1" sizes forboth Kwikon x Threadedand Kwikon x Kwikonwww.ipexinc.comSceptalight TMNonmetallicLight Fixtures Options forEvery Application• Stable Construction • Wet Locations• Adaptable• Hazardous Locations• Watertight Seal • Marine Locations• Long Life• Utility Light Fixtures• Indoor/Outdoor Use• Corrosion Resistant• Durable, Impact Resistantwww.ipexinc.comWhen your Reputationis on the LineMulti-Link TMForm StubbyEasily customized to accommodatemultiple tightly grouped stub-downs ofENT raceway in poured concrete slabs.• Unique configurationflexibilityDepend on IPEX Electrical Systemsfor Quality Products and Superior Service• Faster installation ofmultiple stub downs• Concrete slurryprotective filmPVC Conduit & Fittings ENT & Fittings Nonmetallic Light Fixtures• Availablein 1/2" to1" sizesPower andCommunication DuctCommunicationRaceway Systemswww.ipexinc.comCdn. Toll Free: 1-866-473-9462 • www.ipexinc.comElectrical SystemsTough Products for Tough Environments ®

It’s yourBUSINESSBy Ron Coleman, B. Comm., FCCA CMCThe cost of Impact CostsBut remember: this is a real cost that you pay for. Changesthat are individually priced using only Direct Cost plusOverhead and Profit give you no recovery of Impact Costs.It is generally accepted that where changes account for morethan a 10% increase in labour hours, then there’s a basis forclaiming the cost of the ripple effect.Subcontractors often dismiss the appropriate managementof Change Orders. For a variety of reasons—ofwhich virtually none are valid—they will either forgoprocessing a Change Order or process it at a cost well belowthe right amount. In truth, it can be very difficult to recoverall your costs with a Change Order, but you want to makesure you get as much as possible.The following elements should be identified for everyChange Order:• Direct Cost of doing the change;• overhead to be recovered;• mark-up to be used for profit; and• time extension required.Every Change Order request should include these elements,but it doesn’t end there; numerous additional costs impactingthe job should also be recovered. Unfortunately, theseImpact Costs are the hardest to recover because they are thehardest to document and prove. This doesn’t change the factthat they mess with your bottom line, so let’s explore them ingreater detail and see how you might recover them.The four sides of Impact CostsI touched upon Impact Costs in my October 2007 column,but here we’ll delve deeper. The four recognized categoriesof Impact Costs are:1. Acceleration2. Job rhythm3. Morale4. Learning curveThe activities that cause these elements of change include:• The ripple effect of changes to other trades or to youroverall productivity• Stacking of trades• Reassignment of manpower• Crew size inefficiency• Concurrent operations• Dilution of supervision• Joint occupancy (doing changes while the building isoccupied by other trades)• Beneficial occupancy (doing changes while the buildingis user occupied)• Learning curve• Fatigue• Overtime• Weather changesThese are all valid costs but, again, difficult to documentand prove, then claim successfully. For example, the rippleeffect can only be fully recognized at the end of the contract,so you won’t be able to include it with individual changes.Your options for recoveryConvince your client that you need—and deserve—to bepaid for these costs. Depending on the type of contract,you’ll have varying levels of success. In a Cost-Plus contract,you are likely to recover all of these costs, plus Overhead andProfit to boot. (You won’t be as fortunate in a Fixed-Pricecontract won by competitive bid.)Include an allowance in your bid to cover the expectedcost of impacts, just as you would have an allowance forclean-up, warranty and site safety. This way you also recoverOverhead and Profit on your Impact Costs. Or, increaseyour Overhead mark-up to cover the additional cost.Or you can simply eat the cost and accept a lower profit.The average electrical contractor makes 5% pre-tax profit onsales. If you want to be above-average, you need to recoverall the costs associated with a change.All kinds of contractors have fought numerous legalbattles seeking compensation for Impact Costs, and it continuesto be an uphill battle, but unless you start fightingfor what’s rightfully yours, you’ll never come out on top.Every contractor and every construction association shouldactively pursue this matter, educating both themselves andtheir clients about this issue.Contracts that are well planned and properly executed resultin much lower Impact Costs than those that are poorly plannedand badly executed. But because the contractor does not recoverthe cost of the impact in Direct Cost, it must be recovered inOverhead or by accepting a lower profit. This, of course, requiresthe contractor to increase his price for the next job. Either way,it means good contracts are paying for the bad ones.I would be interested to know where the “professionals” inthe industry (i.e. architects, engineers and others who policeprojects) stand in this regard.Ron Coleman, B. Comm., FCCA CMC, is a member of the Institute ofCertified Management Consultants of British Columbia. A noted speaker,he has completed many interfirm financial comparisons of groupsof construction companies in Canada and the United States. Ron’snumerous published education programs include a 36-hour businessmanagement course specifically designed for ECABC. He is also authorof the book, “Your Million Dollar System: How to Increase the Value ofYour Construction Business by One Million Dollars in Three Years”.NFLD: (709) 753-6685NS & PEI: (902) 450-5155NB: (506) 862-1515Quebec: (514) 333-8392Ontario: (514) 333-8392Manitoba: (204) 694-0000Saskatoon, SK: (306) 244-7272Regina,SK: (306) 771-2500Alberta: (800) 263-2684BC: (604) 882-8488USA: (514) 333-839218 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

PULL-IT 1OK10,000 LBS. PULLERPULL-IT 60006,000 LBS. PULLERHonestly, we’re not kidding. Our complete line of pullers are made to be simple, versatile and quick.They require only one person to set up and operate. The funniest thing about them may be how they makeeven the toughest pulls look like a joke. To learn more visit www.maxis-tools.com or call 1-888-266-2947.PULL-IT 3000X4,000 LBS. PULLER

By Adam JaquesAssembling power transformersBy Adam JaquesFuelled by industry growth and greatly increased powerdemands, the market for power transformers is strongerthan it has been in years. Apart from resurgences in usedand refurbished transformers, corporations are applying pressureto manufacturers to design larger units. Some powertransformers currently on the market have reached capabilitiesthat were—until recently—completely unheard of.Capacities of 500MVA or 600MVA units are now becomingcommonplace, with some units capable of up to 2000MVA.The size and power-handling abilities of these new unitshave caused proportional increases in the complexity of theassembly process. And while an attempt to list every issue andcomplication that must be dealt with during assembly wouldbe a difficult, if not impossible, task, there are general proceduresthat can be followed for the vast majority of assemblies.The following steps, procedures, tips, etc., cover what a crewcan be expected to undertake on a typical assembly, makingthe whole process as clean and proper as possible.Receiving and initial inspectionsTransformers are shipped disassembled to some degree (dependingon the manufacturer, size of the unit, and local and internationalshipping considerations). Generally, transformers above10MVA come shipped in the following pieces:• main tank• conservator and supports• radiators• bushings• arrestors and brackets• pipework and breathing assemblies• smaller accessories• insulating oilUpon arrival onsite, each crate must be inspected for anyshipping damage that may have occurred. If possible, aninventory should be taken to ensure that every piece hasarrived from the manufacturer. Many parts of a powertransformer are custom-made for one particular installationand shipping times can take weeks, so deficiencies must bereported as soon as possible.It is important that at least one representative be onsiteto inspect the main tank of the transformer before beingunloaded from the trailer or rail car. A thorough visualinspection must be performed, taking extra care to check fordamages caused by rough handling. If equipped, the impactrecorder should be checked to ensure there were no suddenimpacts that created forces beyond the maximum standardsset by the manufacturer. Also, if at all possible, a resistancecheck of the core-ground should be carried out using amegohmmeter to ensure proper insulation between the coreassembly and ground.The transformer should also come equipped with a bottleof dry air or nitrogen (mounted to it) to ensure the pressureinside the tank has stayed positive. The pressure on the tankduring receiving should be noted and a dew-point measurementshould be taken from inside the tank to check thedryness of the interior.Precautions and safety considerationsbefore assemblyAs with every project, safety should be the most importantaspect throughout the job. Toolbox or tailboard meetingsshould be held daily with all involved in the project, includingsubcontractors. It may be advantageous to hold more than onemeeting per day should changing job conditions demand it.Communication throughout the project must be stressed.Transformers are large pieces of equipment and, more oftenthan not, are placed in already congested work areas. All individualsin the work area, even those not involved in the workcrew, must be considered when reviewing safety procedures.When possible, foremen of different crews should hold meetingsbeforehand so that work can be coordinated and successfullycompleted.Mobile cranes will be onsite for a considerable portionof the project. Attention must be paid to crane swing andoverhead clearances. New transformers are often meant toreplace old, overstressed transformers, and the electrical linessurrounding these transformers may not be deenergized.The foreman of the assembly crew cannot be afraid to takecontrol and halt a lift or ask that powerlines be deenergizedwhen there is any doubt as to the safety of the crew or anyindividuals in the vicinity.New power transformers are very large, and the tankalone may weigh well over a hundred tons. It is of extremeimportance that lifts be performed by experienced crews anda competent crane operator.Conservator and supportsDepending on how the transformer is situated on its pad, andwhere the crane is able to spot itself, landing the conservatorand its supports may be the next lift. The actual order ofassembly will be a job-by-job decision and depends on a varietyof factors, such as site layout, crane availability, weather, etc.Although the assembly of the conservator and supports isa fairly easy process, the size and weight of the equipmentcause challenges. Manhandling any of these pieces is not anoption, and a good rule to be repeated onsite during thisprocess is to “let the crane do the work”. A sturdy set of alignmentpins may make all the difference in how the day goes.Also, as a general rule, the last job to be completed is tighteningthe bolts. By leaving them loose rather than tightening20 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

is not just about what you know,but who you knowthem as each piece is placed allows for some play, reducinghassles during assembly.Radiators and headersAs the radiators are placed onto the tank, it is the assemblycrew’s responsibility to replace each gasket. As the rad isplaced, you might have a little trouble in getting the gasketsto stay inside their seat, but a smear of petroleum jelly willhelp immensely. Glue and contact cements should be avoided,as they tend to cause leaks after they dry (like placing apebble between the gasket seat and the gasket).Just like the conservator and supports, alignment pins andpatience may be the best tools for ensuring an efficient andproductive day.BushingsBushings are the most complicated and difficult pieces of thetransformer installation. The importance of a good installationand the complexities involved with bushings must becompletely understood by at least one experienced memberof the crew who, in turn, must pass the message down toeveryone involved in the process.A complete description of bushing installation is wellbeyond the scope of this article, but here are some tips thatwill lead to a good installation:• A double choker hold using nylon lifting slings is the bestbet for lifting the bushings. At no time should any metallifting device be used in the vicinity of the porcelain ofthe bushings.• Before it is lifted completely off the ground, a thoroughcleaning of the bushing (including the inner shaft) shouldbe performed to ensure no foreign substances will bedropped into the tank.• Don’t be afraid to set down and re-pick the bushing untilthe proper angle is found. It’s much less time consumingto readjust the slings than it is to force an improperlyangled bushing into the tank.• A steady stream of dry air must be flowing through thetank whenever it is opened.• Never attempt to install bushings in wet conditions. Thecore and coils should never be exposed to an outdoorhumidity greater than 80%, as insulation failures maydevelop.• Once the bushings are installed, it is good practice toleave a ground wire on the main conductor to preventthe build-up of potentially dangerous charges.Connections of leadsIf any of the bushings on the transformer are not of the drawleadtype, and must be connected internally, then safety must bethe first concern among workers. Oxygen levels must be monitoredwhenever any portion of a worker’s body is inside thetank. If the transformer was shipped with nitrogen rather thandry air, then a complete evacuation with a vacuum pump musttake place, and the tank refilled with dry air to ensure a properworking environment. Never enter a tank filled with nitrogen.Lead connections should not be made by inexperiencedworkers. The ramifications of dropping a bolt or washer intothe tank can be severe. Large projects have been held upfor over a week simply because the crew had to find, thenretrieve, a bolt that was accidentally dropped into the tank.Other accessories and piecesUnless specifically stated in the design process, it is extremelyrare to find transformers that contain the same configurationand accessories as other transformers you’ve workedon. Each new assembly must be planned beforehand bythe installation crew. This involves reviewing drawings,nameplate data, transformer application, etc. Also, keepingin close contact with the customer and manufacturerwill greatly help the assembly crew formulate a realistic andachievable plan.After assemblyAfter assembly, three more defined steps will occur before aload is placed on the transformer: oil filling and processing;testing and commissioning; and energization. The successof these steps depends directly on the quality of the installationprocess, and due diligence should be followed. Itshould be the responsibility of the crew foreman to stay incontact with both the customer and the crews performingthis work.Transformer assembly can be varied and complicated.There is no possible way to define a hard and fast set of rulesthat applies to each installation. Experience and thoroughattention to detail (particularly at the outset) are the twomajor criteria that will determine the quality of the projectbefore, during and after installation. For any installation, it isimportant that a crew meeting both requirements is selectedto do the work. A transformer’s lifespan is typically about 20years, but many are still in service after 40. A power transformercan be one of the best investments a corporation canmake, but this depends largely on the skill and diligence ofthe assembly crew.Adam Jaques is technical representative, neutral zone operations, withMagna Electric Corp. He got his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from theUniversity of Saskatchewan in 2005, and has taken numerous coursesin transformer assembly, design, testing and theory. His experiencein power transformer projects stretches across North America, andincludes supervision, planning and project management.www. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 21

Tools forthe tradeHere at Electrical Business we receive a lot of information about new products on the market, and it’s always a struggle toget them all published in a timely fashion so you can take advantage of them. Here, then, is collection of some tools that wethink you’ll find useful on your next job, in the shop or on the factory floor.Fluke Electronics Canada unveiled the Fluke289 True-rms industrial logging multimeter withTrendCapture. Users can save multiple logging sessionsbefore PC download is necessary, and reviewlogged readings in graphical format directly on themeter display using on-board TrendCapture capability.The multimeter features a large 50,000-count,3.5-in. 1/4 VGA dot-matrix display with a whitebacklight that can simultaneously display multiplesets of measurement information. It includes contextsensitiveonboard help screens, multiple save optionsand automatic time stamping for convenient recall ofmeasurements made in the field. The Fluke 289 has atwo-terminal, 50Ω range with 1-mΩ resolution and10mA source current. It also features a Low Pass filterfor accurate voltage and frequency measurements onadjustable speed motor drives and other electricallynoisy equipment, and a LoZ Voltslow impedance voltage function foreliminating ghost voltages or for usewhen testing for the presence of livepower. For accurate measurementon non-linear signals, the tool hastrue-rms voltage and current functionality. Ithas a 50 mF capacitance range, peak capture torecord transients as fast as 250 microseconds, iscapable of measuring up to 10A (or 20A for 30seconds), and has a relative mode that removestest lead resistance from low ohms or capacitancemeasurements. The meter is designed towithstand hazardous 8000V spikes caused byload switching, faults on industrial circuits, andcomplies with second edition IEC and ANSIelectrical safety standards.Brady Corp.’s Ready AccessStorage Stations ensure lockoutdevices remain easily accessible andready for use, and are available in twostyles. The first, Ready Access PadlockStation, is designed to hold padlocks,group lockout hasps and tags.It measures 7 x 13 x 2.5 in.—a spacesavingdesign measuring almost halfthe size of other 10-padlock stations,says Brady. Meantime, Ready AccessLockout Station offers flexible, organizedstorage for a range of lockout devices, with a 5-in.deep storage pocket and four detachable hanginghooks. Both stations are made from rugged injectionmouldedpolypropylene, and come with an attachablehandle for portability, plus screw slots for permanentwall mounting. The semi-transparent cover allowsthe contents to be easily viewed while protecting thedevices from environmental exposure. Both stationscan be purchased empty or filled with Brady lockoutdevices. The lockout station is available in differentconfigurations for electrical, mechanical or combinedelectrical/mechanical applications.Arrow’s CT50 professional cordless staple gunboasts up to 1500 staples per charge from its 10.8VLi-ion battery pack, which is integrated into the tool’sprofile. A depth-of-drive control lets you adjust forthe material you’re stapling, while a built-in LED notonly illuminates your work, but also indicates exactlywhere the staple legs exit the stapler. A handy featureis the staple supply window, which shows you whenyou’re running low. The quick-release battery andeasy-release staple pusher help you spend more timestapling and less time changing batteries and staples.There’s even a built-in battery meter that indicateswhen it’s time to change/recharge the battery. TheCT50 holds two full strips of Genuine Arrow T50staples, doubling the time between reloads.The Ridgid SeekTech SR-60 utility locator is theonly utility locator, says the company, that’s capableof receiving the full range of locatable frequencies,allowing it to be used with any preset frequencytransmitter. With the locator, you can locate at thebroad frequency range of 10 Hz to 490 kHz, and cantune the frequency one hertz at a time. The passivesearch mode can be used to search all broadbandpassive frequencies at once, allowing for identificationof unknown metallic lines inthe target area. These featuresprovide the necessary datafor you to develop a comprehensiveand accurateunderstanding of theunderground infrastructure.Theeasy-to-readdisplay visuallymaps the signal,so you canconstantly viewchanges in line direction, depth and signalstrength in real-time. For real versatility,another feature allows you toprogram up to 30 field-configurable,user-designated frequencies.BOT2007Adout.inddHubbell_EB_Jan08.indd1112/20/200712/21/07 10:08:203:57:40AMPM22 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

Luckily, you don’t needany permits to renovateyour bottom line.When it’s your business, you can’t be satisfied with ‘good enough.’ In your workmanship or your finances.A Scotia Small Business Specialist can help you find ways to improve your bottom line and grow your business.And the Scotia Blueprint for business Check-Up is a diagnostic tool that can help find money ‘hidden’in your business. Try it today at skilledtrades.scotiabank.com or visit your nearest Scotiabank branch.® Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. TM Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

MIND YOUR SAFETYBy Dave SmithThe“Rule of Rules”As a rule, it seems, people like to make rules, then insistthat their rules are the correct rules. Specifically, I’mtalking about the “Left Hand Rule”. For years, disconnecthandles were located on the right-hand side of switcheswhile the hinges were on the left. So, we learned early tograb the handle with our left hand, position our body wayoff to the right of the switch, look away, hold our breath andclose our eyes before very decisively moving the handle Onor Off. This is the essence of the “Left Hand Rule”.NO MOREOVERHEATINGISSUES!Several years ago, while teaching an electricalcross-training course to a group of instrument technologists,a student told me the “Left Hand Rule”had changed. You weren’t supposed to stand on theright side of the equipment, the student explained,but rather to the left, where you reach across theswitch and operate the handle very decisively withyour right hand.I was stunned, because this “Right Hand Rule”puts your right arm (as well as a good chunk of yourbody) in close contact with the switch. (The rationaleis that, should the switch blow up, the blowndoor will shield you from the flash.) When I heardthis, I immediately went to our instructor group tofind out whether they’ve heard the same thing. Theywere also amazed and, as a group, we completelydisagree with this notion.But this “Right Hand Rule” is still floating aroundout there. I just completed a class where the electricianstold me they’ve had one manufacturer instructthem the old way, and another the new way.It is important to differentiate between facts andopinions masquerading as facts. Fact: the traditionalswitching method puts our bodies out of the blastpath. I have talked to a number of electrical workersover the years who have had doors blow open andnone of them had been burned. I know of two workers,though, who broke bones in their hands andarms because they were in the way of doors beingviolently blown open.Remember, there’s a ton of electrical ‘horsepower’behind that door, just waiting to kick it open in yourface. Many of us have seen the results of electricalexplosions that have ripped metal doors right offtheir hinges when those ‘horses’ got their chance.There are nine electrical instructors in our groupwith over 300 years of combined experience. We aregrey, balding, wrinkled and weathered... and we’veall been kicked. We don’t know everything, buthere’s our two cents: stay to the handle side when thehinges are opposite the handle; when the hinges andhandle are on the same side, then stay on the hingeside. For doors that have an operating handle in themiddle, stay on the hinge side. In all cases, make sureyou’re wearing your PPE!If anyone reading this has bona fide evidence tothe contrary, let me know and I’ll be the first tochange my beliefs as well as my body positioning.Meantime, reaching fully across the front of any typeof switch is just someone’s opinion—an opinion thatcould take your arm. It’s your body and your life, soplan your positioning carefully.Until next time, be ready, be careful and be safe.Dave Smith is president of Canada Training Group and hasbeen providing consulting services to industry since 1980.This story and others can be found at www.canada-traininggroup.ca.Please feel free to use this information to supportyour safety program. Dave can be reached at davesmith@canada-training-group.ca.Ultrasave_EB_Feb08.indd 124 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com1/16/08 11:23:14 AM

By Steve AndrewsSharing CAD files offerssignificant advantagesto both owners andsubcontractors. So what’sgetting in the way?Overcoming the obstacles toCAD file accessCAD-based takeoff tools offer obvious cost and time savings for subcontractors. Sinceobjects in CAD drawings are drawn precisely to scale, CAD takeoff software can detectand quantify cost components more quickly and accurately than the traditional methodof manually taking off material from blueprints or drawings. As a result, subcontractorsare able to deliver more accurate cost estimates in less time. The owner or general contractor,in turn, receives a more precise bid plus the stability of having a subcontractor on board whoIntroducinga new lineof CAT IVInsulationTesters!is less likely to run into trouble later on because of an overlooked or miscounted takeoff.These savings are already being realized in design-build environments, but not so in planspecor bid-build environments because of an obstacle that’s been hampering the use of CADtakeoff tools by subcontractors: the availability of native CAD files. Architects/engineers(A/Es) have generally been hesitant to share CAD files with subcontractors out of concernover the possibility of file modification and the potential liability that could ensue. What,Hammond NewsHammond Manufacturing is proud to offer our full-line E5 standardproduct catalog. This 500 page book adds over 1000 new SKU's to ourprevious edition.Sloped Top - Page 76RAL7035 Wallmount - Page 32NEW Megger MIT400 SeriesThe high performance testerperfect for commercial andplant electricians■ CAT IV 600 V Rated■ Adjustable Insulation Test Voltages –provides 10 V to 1000 V■ Exceptional measurement rangefrom 20 G to 200 G■ Pass/Fail Limit Alarm■ Automatically performs PolarizationIndex tests■ True RMS voltage measurement■ Results storage and wireless Bluetooth TMdownload■ 3 year warrantyOffices in Montreal, Edmonton, Toronto1-800-297-9688WWW.MEGGER.COMNew products added:• Numerous standard size stainless steel enclosures• Sloped top enclosures - mild and stainless steel• Eclipse wallmount enclosures available in RAL7035• Full line of commercial boxes and splitters• OEM friendly polyester enclosure line - PJU Series• Enhanced climate control offering• Much, much moreCommercial Box - Page 342OEM Polyester - Page 122Contact your Hammond Distributor or visit us online atwww.hammfg.com to get your catalog today.Hammond Manufacturing Co. Ltd394 Edinburgh Road NorthGuelph, Ontario N1H 1E5Tel: (519) 822-2960 or (905) 456-3770Fax: (519) 822-0715sales@hammfg.comwww.hammfg.comMegger_EB_May07.indd 15/7/07 11:46:01 AMwww. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 25

they argue, would stop a subcontractor from altering thedrawings—accidentally or otherwise?So far, there have been no known court cases or liabilityclaims relating to the alleged alteration of CAD files.According to one Best Practices article posted by theAmerican Institute of Architects (AIA), the “liability ofarchitects and other design professionals has not broadenedsignificantly as a result of sharing electronic building designdata”. Still, the A/Es’ concerns are understandable given thelitigious times in which we live.But what a shame it is to miss the opportunity that CADtakeoff tools offer; that of making sure everyone—owners,engineers, general contractors and subcontractors—worksoff the same page with the same files. To allow a slow andinaccurate process to continue when a tested alternative isavailable is to stand in the way of progress.So, what can be done to address the issues of file accessand security?Incompatible/inefficient file solutionsSome have tried to bypass the CAD file access issue altogether,developing programs that digitally take off materialsfrom scanned or exported file formats such as TIFF or JPG.These formats, however, do not retain the automaticallyrecognizable objects defined so precisely in the original CADfiles. Moreover, any imperfection in the scanning process—dust on the scanner bed, for example—can result in itemsbeing miscounted. Time savings have been achieved usingthis approach, but at the cost of accuracy. So much so, infact, that the potential for erroneous quantification may wellexceed the traditional manual method.Adobe, the maker of Acrobat Reader, has promoted theuse of PDF files exported from AutoCAD as a possiblesolution to the concerns regarding file security. Autodesk,the makers of AutoCAD, are encouraging the use of DWFfiles—a read-only, stripped-down version of the standardAutoCAD DWG file format—because they cannot bemodified, and do not require any CAD program to open,view or print.Screen shot of cadLive, Accubid’s CAD-based estimating program.Most CAD takeoff tools, though, don’t support eitherPDF or DWF files, and even if they did, these file formatslack the complete and precise definitions of native CAD filesthat offer the potential for dramatic increases in accuracyand efficiency. So, the problem remains: how can A/Es sharenative CAD files with subcontractors without worryingabout security or file tampering?Digital signatures pave the wayOne potential solution to this problem lies with a technologydeveloped to verify the authenticity of downloads on theInternet: the digital signature.According to the U.S. federal government, a digital signatureis “like a paper signature, but it is electronic. A digitalsignature cannot be forged. A digital signature providesverification to the recipient that the file came from theperson who sent it, and it has not been altered since it wassigned”. Or, as Autodesk describes it, a digital signature is“an unforgeable piece of data attesting that a named personwrote or otherwise agreed to the document to which thesignature is attached”. On the Internet, digital signaturesensure that the Microsoft Office update you are downloadingis really coming from Microsoft and not from somemalicious hacker in a basement in Norway.In the context of the construction industry, a digital signatureattached to a CAD file provides proof of who sentthe file and when it was last modified. Any changes madeto the file by the recipient would invalidate the signatureand thereby attest to the alteration. According to anotherBest Practices article posted by the AIA, “digital signaturesprovide assurance not only that a message or contract wasencrypted but also that sender is who he or she claims to be,and that the message has not been altered in transit”.For the architect/engineer who wants to securely sharea CAD file, setting up a digital signature is simple andinexpensive. Digital signatures can be purchased over theInternet from companies such as VeriSign in a matter ofminutes for around $20 US.But just how secure are they? Well, digital signatures providea level of security equal to the online banking transactions orcredit card purchases that most of us engage in regularly.But there are additional precautions and safeguards bothsides can undertake to assure the integrity of the process andits participants. A/Es should require subcontractors seekingaccess to CAD files to sign a written agreement that explicitlyconsents to using the shared data only for the intendeduses and without alteration. Such an agreement would spellout the limits of use, the limits of liability on both sides, andprovide a mechanism for resolving any disputes regardinginappropriate use of the data. (Appropriate legal languagehas already been suggested by the AIA.)In the final analysis, technology and legal mumbo-jumboare no substitutes for trust. When you do not trust your industrypartners, all the safeguards in the world will not put yourmind at ease. Digital signatures do, however, go a long waytoward alleviating some of the anxiety that architects/engineersfeel about sharing native CAD files with subcontractors.Steve Andrews is the senior technical writer at Accubid Systems,which was founded by a former electrical contractor in 1983 todevelop estimating systems that make the contractor’s business moreefficient. Visit them at www.accubid.com.Chess_EB_March08.indd 126 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com2/14/08 3:36:37 PM

REGIONALFOCUSPanel recommends new constructionwages in Keystone ProvinceThe Construction Industry Wages Consultation Panel has recommended improved constructionwage rates that will help keep Manitoba’s construction industry competitive,said Nancy Allan, Manitoba’s Labour and Immigration Minister.“The [panel] has presented its recommendations to government following extensiveconsultations to determine new wage rates that are needed in today’s extremely competitivenational construction industry,” she said. “We support the panel in its beliefthat these new rates represent a fair balance between employers and employees in theconstruction sectors.”Chaired by Bill Hamilton, the panel is a joint industry-labour group covering ruraland urban construction. The Construction Industry Wages Act divides the constructionindustry into the Heavy and Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sectors. Thereport recommends the first stage of wage increases for both sectors come into effectJune 1.In the Heavy construction sector, the report recommends a general increase of about4% this year. That would be followed by increases of 3% to 4%, depending on the typeof work, effective January 1, 2009. The last recommended increase would be effective ayear later, and would see wages rise between 2.5% and 3%.PQ AnalyzersPower LoggersPQ RecordersRugged and reliableanalyzers, recorders andtroubleshooting tools.All in the Fluke family.PQ LoggersGet the benefitsof PQ4Find it. Fix it. Fast.Enjoy the power of four tools in one with thenew Fluke 345 Power Quality Clamp Meter.With the Fluke 345, you get all the function andperformance of a power analyzer, power qualitylogger, clamp meter and electrical monitoringtool in one easy-to-handle device.• Bright colour power meter display for harmonicspectrum analysis• Low pass filter removes high frequency noise• High EMC design for troubleshooting powerquality on switching loads• Hall Effect clamp meter design enables dccurrent measurement without breaking thecircuit• Internal PQ analyzer memory allows long-termPQ logging to spot trends and/or intermittentproblemsFor more information call 800-36-FLUKE or visitwww.flukecanada.ca/PQ4.Fluke. Keeping your worldup and running.Visit Visit the resources centre under supportat www.flukecanada.ca to download anyof the following power quality measurementapplication notes from Fluke’s free library:• Power Quality Analyzers forElectricians• Power Quality Troubleshooting• Power Related Topics &ParametersThe panel reached consensus on an integratedprovince-wide ICI wage schedule starting on June1, 2009. This was a goal established in the terms ofreference for the panel and eliminates the confusioncaused by setting rates depending on where a buildingis constructed.Proposed wage increases in the ICI sector tookinto account special adjustments required in someclassifications to ensure an attractive and competitivemarket for workers and employers. Ruralconstruction workers would see their wage ratesmatch the current Winnipeg and area rates on June1, while workers in the Winnipeg area would see anincrease of about 3%.On June 1, 2009, all workers in the same classificationwould have the same minimum wage regardlessof where they work in the province. Generally,this would mean an increase of 3% to 6% for mostclassifications. The integrated schedule would thenincrease again for all workers on January 1, 2010,with general increases of around 4%.“An integrated province-wide ICI wage schedulewas a priority for the panel. It will simplify wagecalculations for employers and ensure the availabilityof a skilled workforce in rural Manitoba,”said Allan. “These proposed construction wageincreases, combined with the general hourly minimumwage increase set for April 1, are designed tokeep Manitoba competitive in the labour marketand make Manitoba an attractive place to live.”Come June 1, a construction electrician workingin Winnipeg and vicinity (and major building constructionprojects) should expect wages of $29.85,while his rural counterpart should expect $28.95.By 2009, that amount evens out across the board, sothat both groups earn $30.70, and $31.95 by 2010.More information and proposed wage rates canbe found at www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards.Creative sentencing helpsAlberta families impactedby workplace tragedyRecent amendments to Alberta’s OccupationalHealth and Safety laws have been applied to directlysupport families that have been impacted by a workplacefatality or life-altering injury.Section 41.1 of the Occupational Health andSafety Act (OHSA) of Alberta allows judges toimpose innovative sentences—any condition theyconsider appropriate—to those convicted of OHSoffences. Penalties have included directing moniesfrom fines for education or improvement in industrystandards, as well as donating to not-for-profit organizationsto help victims and prevent future fatalitiesand injuries.Last August, an Alberta company was fined forfailing to protect a worker who received a lifealteringinjury in a manufacturing incident. As partof the sentence, $95,000 was directed to Threads ofFluke_1_EB_March08.indd 128 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com2/11/08 10:07:55 AM

LOOKING TO GET MORE PLAY FROM YOUR ELECTRICAL PURCHASES?It’s easy to turn your purchases into cool stuff.Leisure, entertainment and office rewards are all within your reach with IED Rewards. There’s a powerful lineupof products to choose from – tools for the workshop, the latest gadgets and electronics for the home andunique items that are a collector’s dream – the possibilities are endless.The program is simple. We reward our loyal customers for purchasing participating suppliers’ products from anIED Distributor. You earn one point for every dollar spent (1) at any IED Distributor (2) across Canada. Your points areupdated monthly and you can begin receiving rewards for as little as 1500 points (3) . What could be easier?To enroll, log on to www.iedrewards.ca, click on register and then follow the prompts.Sign up with the IED Rewards Program today. You’ll be amazed at what your purchases can become.(1) Points earned on purchases from participating IED Distributors and participating suppliers only. (2) Rules on website apply. (3) Points can be converted to charitable donations to ensure compliance with individual corporate policies.

REGIONALFOCUSof Life—a national charitable organization supportingfamilies who have suffered from a workplace fatality,life-altering injury or occupational disease along theirjourney of healing.“No amount of money will ever bring back a lovedone. But every family I have ever met says they want todo something in memory of their loved one,” said ShirleyHickman, executive director of Threads of Life. “All theywant is for this to never happen to another family everagain, and creative sentencing helps make that happen.”Over the past five years, creative sentencing in Albertahas resulted in close to $2 million being directed tocharitable groups that support programs to help preventsimilar occurrences.— With files from “The Health and SafetyReport”, CCOHS (Vol. 6, Issue 1)Square D’s ExpandedElectrical Safety Offer forMan and MachineQO GFIsProtection from ground fault currentQO Surge BreakersProtecting sensitive electronicsQO Whole Home SurgeThe complete surge protection packageSquare D QO TMProtecting people and sensitiveelectronics from electrical hazardsFor more information visit,www.schneider-electric.ca/dcDealing with CSST in Quebec?Employers can get support fromLe Centre patronal en SSTEmployers having to deal with Quebec’s CSST rapidlydiscover it can be a real hassle. Knowing everything thathas to be done to meet the rules and regulations, as wellas when filing a case—not to mention educating theworkforce on safety—is not simple.Luckily, employers have built a strong NFPO thatworks on all aspects of occupational health and safety—Le Centre patronal en santé et sécurité du travail duQuebec—which was founded 25 years ago by Le Conseildu patronat du Quebec (CPQ). Here’s the catch: membersof this organization are sector associations so, totake advantage of Le Centre patronal, you need to be amember of EFC–Quebec Region.Courses, seminars, presentations and publicationscovering all aspects of occupational health and safety areLe Centre patronal’s core activities, and employers canhave these activities carried out onsite for both workersand managing staff. Here’s just a sample:• The nuts and bolts of CSST• The Criminal Code of Canada versus occupationalhealth and safety• Possible fines• Communications: training incoming staff• Prevention structures and actionsFor example, Le Centre patronal is presenting “Healthand Safety Management System: is it a choice?” onMarch 27 in Montreal. Guest speaker Anick Truchonwill explain the main elements of a management systemas described by CAN/CSA Z1000, with references tothe OHSAS 180001 international standard. For moreinformation about Le Centre patronal, visit www.centrepatronalsst.qc.ca.CMEQ and EFC-Quebec Regioncome to an agreementCMEQ (Corporation des maîtres électriciens du Québec,or Quebec Master Electricians Corp.) has been runningits own electrical show in Montreal for many years, butafter discussions with EFC over the past several years,CMEQ has decided to merge their show with Mecanex/Climatex (which is run by CIPH every other year inMontreal). Given a new agreement with CMEQ thatallows EFC-Quebec Region a seat on the show’s advisorycouncil, EFC recommends its members register for theApril 2009 show.Office of Energy Efficiency openswith two assistance programsThe Government of Prince Edward Island has launcheda new service—and two assistance programs—aimed athelping Islanders make the most of their energy spending.The Department of Environment, Energy andForestry’s new Office of Energy Efficiency will offeradvice on energy conservation measures available tothe ordinary consumer, and will offer programs to helpIslanders make their homes as energy efficient as possible.“Energy costs, especially home heating, are one ofthe major expenses most Islanders face this time ofyear. Luckily, home heating is also an area where theindividual can reduce costs by investing in efficiency,”said George Webster, minister of environment, energyand forestry.The office will be located at the Sherwood BusinessCentre on St. Peters Road in Charlottetown. The newoffice will be open to the general public and offer adviceon energy-efficient decisions consumers and homeownerscan make. Islanders can also get help by calling (877) PEI-OEE-6. The office will also advise Islanders on a range ofprograms—both provincial and federal—that can assistindividuals who are investing in efficiency.Two new provincial programs, available immediately,should help many Islanders looking to reduce their energyappetite and protect themselves from rising fuel costs.The Home Energy Low-income Program is available tohouseholds with annual incomes of $30,000 or less. Itpays for a tradesperson to come to the customer’s homeand carry out basic energy-efficiency improvements,such as installing thermostats.Safety, Innovation, QualitySquare D QO TMsets the standardThe original Qwik Open(QO) technologyFastest response timeVisi-Trip TM IndicationEasily locate tripped breakersQO Twin BreakersSpace saving designQO AFIsExclusive design for arc fault protectionQO QualityLifetime Warranty on QO circuitbreakers, GFIs, AFIs and loadcentresLifetime WarrantyFor more information visit,www.schneider-electric.ca/dc30 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

REVERSIBLECABLEENTRANCE PLATENEWNEW SIZESMOUNTING BRACKETSJust for CLASS 2 LOW VOLTAGE WIRINGArlington’s new REVERSIBLE entrance plate not onlyprotects cable, but delivers good looks and installationversatility.Use it facing IN – or OUT. It’s easy to install.And, it’s the best way to run cablewhere you want it.• Non-rusting, paintable plasticArlingtonPatentpendingCE1w/ platefacing INIncludes screwsto match plateCE2CE2w/ platefacing OUTCE1800/233-4717 • www.arlnew.com© 2008 Arlington Industries, Inc.“Wings” flip up and hold securewhen Mounting Screwsare tightenedRecessedScrew Holeseats wall plateflush withwall surfaceThinFront Lipseats betteron drywallOval Holeallows forfinal shifting &straighteningof deviceArlingtonPatentedSingle-gangLV1800/233-4717 • www.arlnew.comUse Arlington’s non-metallic mounting bracketsto install class 2 wiring – and to seat wallplates flush with the mounting surface.In addition to our single gang LV1 –We now have two, three and four-gangstyles and the Round LVR1!For existing construction, ourlow-voltage mounting brackets...• Adjust to fit 1/4" to 1" thickdrywall, wallboard or paneling• Install faster, andcost less than metal4-gangLV4Patented. Other patents pendingNEWSIZESTry LVR1 for low voltagesmoke detectorinstallations3-gangLV32-gangLV2RoundLVR1©REV10/2007 Arlington Industries, Inc.GARD N POSTMENCLOSURE & SUPPORTfor OUTDOOR FIXTURES and DEVICESArlington’s Gard-N-Post Enclosures and Supportsoffer the attractive, safe, and easy way to install a lightfixture and/or one or two devices outdoors!Moreconvenientthan ever!Use thesuppliedPOWERseparatorto install powerand low voltageoutlets outside,in the same post.LOWVOLTAGE• Non-metallic, heavy-duty UV rated plastic• Heavy duty – resists damage from lawn equipment• No chipping or loss of color• New stabilizer position –post sits higher above ground• GARD-N-POST – in a varietyof styles from 9" to 73" tallGP19BLowvoltageseparatorTESTED WEIGHT RATING • LISTED AS 1-PIECE UNITFIXTURE BOXfor SUSPENDED CEILINGSMounts fixtures securelyto the ceiling gridFS420SCLNEW!Arlington’s new all-metal fixturebox is the one-piece assembly,that ships ready to install on a 24"suspended ceiling grid. There’s noassembly required!It’s tested and rated to supportexit lights, security cameras – andother light fixtures up to 25 lbs.No more guesswork.Installers who previously attacheda metal box to a bracket in thefield, then added a chain or wirefor support, now have an assemblythat’sfully testedto hold up to 25 lbs!FS420SCL isUL/CSA Listed as acomplete unit:box, bracket anddrop wire.3/20/07 1:15:27ConvenientBox not perfectly positioned?Loosen the appropriate screws,slide the box along the bracket,and retighten the screws.• Costs less than field-assembledcomponents (box, bracket, wire)• Usable for EnvironmentalAir Handling spacesArlingtonRRPatented.Otherpatentspending.CSA listed withgrounding lugs800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com© 2005 , 2006 Arlington Industries, Inc.Option: If required by local code,bracket ends screw on to ceiling grid.Patents pending©2007 Arlington Industries, Inc.One-piece assembly - Ready to installAssembly is tested and Listed tosupport fixtures up to 25 lbs.Scranton, PA 18517Arlington800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com

REGIONALFOCUSMeantime, the Renewable Heat Loan Program is available toall homeowners. It provides loans that assist in the installationof renewable energy equipment/systems in Island homes, suchas biomass heating, solar air and water, and geothermal heating.This assistance is available in addition to the PST exemptionthat applies to small-scale renewable energy equipment (100kWor less). This program provides loans up to $5000 at an interestrate of 6%; the money is paid back at a rate of $90/month,regardless of loan balance.La Romaine project advances two more stagesHydro-Quebec’s La Romaine hydroelectric project recentlyadvanced two more stages, getting closer to actual construction.First, a partnership agreement has been reached withMinganie MRC (regional county municipality) that coversroyalty payments until 2070. A lump sum of $2.5 million willbe paid at the commissioning of the first hydroelectric powerstation in 2014, while a $6.2 million lump sum will be paid atthe commissioning of the fourth and last power station in 2020.Subsequent annual royalties will be indexed.The agreement stipulates that some funds will be establishedto provide for regional projects in the areas of the economy,environment, social activities and arts on the territory ofMinganie MRC. Those funds will be managed by the MRCauthority. This hydroelectric project is expected to inject about$3.5 billion into Quebec’s economy, of which $1.3 billion willstay in the region (generating about 2000 jobs over the courseof the 11-year construction period).Second, Hydro-Quebec has filed its environmental impactstudy with Quebec’s minister of sustainable development,environment and parks, and at the Canadian EnvironmentalAssessment Agency.The La Romaine project will be built 30-150 km north ofHave-Saint-Pierre, in the lower Côte-Nord region. This islocated about 1200 km north of Montreal within MinganieMRC. With 3500 inhabitants, Havre-Saint-Pierre is the mostpopulated municipality in the region. The Innue community ofMingan numbers 470 persons and is located west of the mouthof the Romaine river, 70 km from the first stages ofthe work. The Natashquan Innue community numbers800 persons, and is located on the East side ofthe mouth of Romaine river and 120 km from thefirst power station. The mouth of Romaine riverfaces Mingan Archipelago National Park.This four-power station complex will produce1550MW, generating an average of 8TW/h. Thetotal cost of the project is forecast at about $6.5 billion,with construction expected to commence afterregulatory approvals in 2009.The agreement reached with Minganie MRCindicates the regional population supports thisproject. Hydro-Quebec, however, has yet to enterinto agreements with the Innue communities ofNatashquan and Mingan.Detectors and alarms to figureprominently in Manitoba416-638-411110 Kodiak Cres., Unit #100Toronto, M3J 3G5www.patinstitute.caWE ARE YOUR HUMAN RESOURCES AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT!OUR GRADUATES COME WITH:• Hands on practical experience in “real world”conditions• Industry tools• Safety equipment and training(WHIMS and Fall Protection)• Training tailored to your company’s specialization• Our Pre-Apprentices do not fall under yourcompany’s ratiosOther services provided through thePre-Apprenticeship Training Institute include:• Payroll, book-keeping, GST & WSIB requirements• Pre-exam courses for journeymen licensing• Corporate training (safety and trade specific)Changes to Manitoba’s building code regulationsunder the Buildings and Mobile Homes Act willhelp improve fire safety and energy efficiency in newhomes, said Nancy Allan, the province’s labour andimmigration minister and minister responsible forthe Office of the Fire Commissioner.“The changes are designed to provide earlier detectionand warning for occupants of a home and willrequire a fire-resistant barrier between an attachedgarage and the living space,” she said. “Earlier detectionand the barrier will also give people more timeto get out of a structure and allow emergency crewsto respond earlier once alarms are called in.”So, among the requirements for new home constructionas recommended by the Manitoba BuildingStandards Board, is the change in regulations that aheat detector be located in an attached garage andconnected to the home smoke alarm system. Thechanges for new homes come into effect October 1.Upcoming events in La Belle ProvinceMarch 27“Health and Safety Management System: is it achoice?” Holiday Inn Select Hotel, Montreal, 99 VigerAvenue. Members $150, non-members $215 (plusGST and PST). Visit www.centrepatronalsst.qc.ca orcall Annie Chevarie at (514) 842-8401 ext. 269.We supply well trained, screened individuals for the following trades:• Construction & Maintenance Electrician• HVAC/G3 and ODP• Pre-Apprenticeship Plumbing• Security Systems Network Technician• Network Cabling TechnicianWe invite all contractors to visit our facility.For more information, please contact our Employer Relations Coordinator, Maureen Dennieat maureend@patinstitute.ca or call 416-638-4111.EMPLOYERS CHOICE FOR SKILLED TRADESThe Toronto Transit Commission’s Choice for Technical TrainingApril 1Rouyn-Noranda: Basic Electricity Course, Level1 (in French) presented by EFC–Quebec Regionat Centre Polymétier, 15 10th Street. Five eveningcourses, once a week. Cost: $349 + tax. Register atsecretariat@electrofed.com.April 25Inside Sales Course (in French) at Marie-Victorincégep in Montréal. Course developed for the electricalindustry by EFC-Quebec Region. Five consecutiveFridays. For info and registration, e-mailsecretariat@electrofed.com.May 20EFC–Quebec Region golf event at Beaconsfield GolfClub. Brunch at 10 o’clock, shotgun start at noon.Pre-App_EB_Feb08.indd 132 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com1/21/08 11:05:50 AM

MULTIMEDIA RESOURCESCopies of the perioperativeservices brochure are availablefrom authorized Vista Lightingsales reps or directly fromVista at (814) 454-2266,or www.vistalighting.com.Medical lighting forperioperative servicesVista Lighting, a designer andmanufacturer of healthcare lightingsolutions, has published a perioperativeservices brochure. The colour brochure isillustrated with an array of applicationsphotographs showing the range ofperioperative services for which Vistasurgical lighting products are designed.Areas of lighting under perioperativecare include pre- and post-op spacesand procedures, exam rooms, surgeryoperating rooms, PACU, patient roomsand public spaces. More than threedozen Vista perioperative lighting modelsare shown by category, with specsprovided. The document is three-holepunched for easy binder insertion.Instrumentationbuyers’ guideITM Instruments has compiled 672 fullcolourpages of industrial instrumentationin its buyers’ guide. It contains over350 new products alongside existing,tried and tested products. Here you’llfi nd instrumentation for everythingfrom electrical and process to light andsound. The buyers’ guide is available inboth English and French.Reserve your free copy by visitingwww.itm.com/BG0407.Engineered LEDsolutions brochureDDP, an engineered LED solutionsprovider, has released a capabilitiesbrochure highlighting its breadth ofsolid-state lighting design solutions,customizable LED products andengineering services. The brochuredetails specifi c SSL challenges DDP hastackled, and subsequent applicationspecific LED designs. The featuredLED technology includes high-lumenLED light sources, secondary optics,programmable LED arrays, intelligentelectronics and retrofi t lamps.A PDF of the capabilitiesbrochure is available onlineat www.ddpleds.com.Specialty lamps catalogueW.A.C. Lighting, a designer and manufacturerof track, recessed, undercabinet,decorative and monorail lighting, unveileda new catalogue on specialty lamps. Thecatalogue features halogen JC bi-pin lampsfrom 5W to 50W, and JCD halogen bi-pinlamps in 25W and 50W. Low-voltageMR11 and MR16 halogen lamps are availablein 12V and 24V. Also displayed areAR111 halogen lamps in 50W and 75W,GU10 50W lamps, halogen J-type doubleendedlamps from 100W to 250W, xenonlamps ranging from 3W to 50W and more.To download a PDF of the catalogue,visit www.waclighting.com andclick Product Literature, or call(516) 515-5000.Copies of the Axial Floodlightbrochure are available fromKim Lighting by calling(626) 968-5666 or visitingwww.kimlighting.com.Visit A•light online atwww.alights.com or call(760) 727-6627 to requestthe binder.Axial aimable landscapefl oodlights brochureKim Lighting, a manufacturer ofarchitectural-design outdoor lightingproducts, has a new brochure detailingits Axial Floodlights product line. The25-page, full-colour brochure shows howthese fl oodlights provide aimable uplightfrom in-ground surfaces, walkways andstructural columns, or downlighting fromother outdoor installations. Axial productsuse 18W LED clusters, or very lowwattageMH (metal halide) light sources.The brochure opens with overviews ofeach product accompanied by photographsand renderings of unit accessories.Auxiliary paragraphs allow users to quicklyscan additional product information andspecifi cation data.Architectural lightingproducts binderA•light has issued its full-line productbinder for 2008. Tabbed categorysections contain product submittalsheets, professional product and currentapplication photographs, photometricdata, and specifi cation guides that detailthe benefi ts and features of A•lightarchitectural luminaire options. Anothertabbed section contains a representativeselection of installation drawings. Thebinder contains numerous indirect anddirect/indirect lighting and mountingoptions, as well as a range of linearfl uorescent and halogen lamping.YOUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCEMEET (Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology) continues to be an important venue for dialogue, discussion anddiscovery. Qualified industry professionals have come to depend on this show to deliver the tools they need to get aheadand stay ahead in today’s competitive marketplace. Exhibitors from across North America count on this show to reach theimportant Maritime market in a very cost-effective and productive way.Year after year this show continues to grow in scope, delivering more exhibitors every time and more visitors with eachpassing event. If you want to reach contractors, developers, engineers, technologists, trades people and governmentofficials who are involved in the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sectors, the most valuable and costeffectiveresource you have at your disposal is MEET 2008.SHOW HOURSWednesday, May 7 • 10am – 6pmThursday, May 8 • 10am – 5pmVISITORS! Take Advantage of OurSpecial Online DISCOUNTRegister online and save 50% off your admission price.Go to www.MEET2008.ca to register andsave $5.00 (Registration at the door will be $10.00)Visit us online @ WWW.MEET2008.CACopies of “Beacon At a Glance”are available by calling(941) 755-6694, or visitwww.beaconproducts.com.Beacon at-a-glancebrochureBeacon Products LLC, a designer andmanufacturer of spec-grade outdoorarea lighting products, has publishedits “Beacon At a Glance” brochure. The12-page, full-colour brochure highlightsthe company that started about 30years ago as a manufacturer of metalships’ masts for yachts and work boats,rising in prominence with its stainlesssteeloutdoor area, site and roadwaypoles and bases of cast aluminum.Beacon eventually began manufacturingreproductions and reinterpretations ofclassic late 19th Century luminaires, withmatching poles, bases, surface-mountbrackets and light arms.MEET_EB_Jan08.indd 112/10/07 12:56:08 PMwww. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 33

PRODUCTS FOR LIGHTING APPLICATIONSDecorative Craftsman seriesCooper Lighting’s Shaper Craftsman series is a “craftsmanstyled”collection that includes a flared square pendant (440),a matching tapered wallsconce (640) and a companionsurface luminaire(240). In addition to naturalaluminum, the fixturesare available in 15other finishes, includingchrome, copper, brass,nickel and gunmetal—or a specified customcolour. The family featuresa square design withflared/tapered white acrylic panels or optional hand-paintedFaux Alabaster or Faux Linen panels/diffusers. Offering indirector direct/indirect illumination with a downlight option, thecollection is available in incandescent or compact fluorescentlamp options. The luminaires are cUL listed for indoor locations,and can be specified for use in MRI facilities.Cooper Lightingwww.cooperlighting.comHalogen PAR38 HIR and F28WT5The next generation of GE HIRPAR38 lamps has arrived. Anotherecomagination product, the lamps areup to 55% more efficient than standardPAR38s, says GE. They boast a4200-hour life rating (twice that ofstandard PAR38s) and are available in10° spot or 25° flood versions. Typicalpayback is less than one year, says thecompany. Providing a colour-rendering index (CRI) of 100 andPrecise Optics, the halogen PAR38 HIR Plus is best suited forany application where standard halogen PAR38s are currentlyused. Meantime, GE says you can reduce energy and maintenancecosts while helping to protect the environment by switching froma three-lamp T12/T8 system to a two-lamp T5 system with GE’sF28WT5 high lumen fluorescent lamps. Ideal for any environmentrequiring indirect lighting, theTCLP-compliant lamps provide3050 initial lumens and a20,000-hour rated life.GE Consumer & Industrialwww.ge.comExplosion-proof incandescent lighting fixtureAppleton introduced a new version of itsCode•Master 2 explosion-proof incandescentlighting fixture, incorporatinginduction lighting technologyto deliver 100,000 hours of virtuallymaintenance-free operation.With a low T-Rating, the newCode•Master 2 QL runs coolfor optimal lamp life. The fixturesare designed to provide safeoperation in the presence of ignitablegases, vapours or dusts. RatedNEMA 3R and 4X, the fixtures areequally suitable for outdoor saltwaterlocations, marina fuelling stations andother wet environments. They can be mounted inany position, including globe up or down, usingpendant, ceiling or wall bracket mounts.Appleton (EGS Electrical Group)www.appletonelec.comExpanded options forLED illuminationPhilips Solid-State Lighting (SSL) Solutionsexpanded its EssentialWhiteT serieswith the launch of two new LEDluminaires for common interiorappli- cations. DownlightSM Powercoreis described as acompetitively priceddownlight for generalillumination, and boasts alow-profile housing that allowsfor easy and unobtrusive installation.Powered by line voltage and using standardmounting hardware, eW Downlight SMPowercore measures 7.5 x 7.5 x 2 in. and is availablein colour temperatures of 2700K and 4000K. eWTProfile Powercore is a low-profile, linear fixture forcommon undercabinet, task lighting and displaycase applications. Also powered by line voltage, itconsumes just 6W/ft and can support a run of upto 50 ft on a single circuit.Philips SSL Solutions Inc.www.colorkinetics.comNo other manufacturer offers a better, tougher, morecomplete line of electrical products than Woodhead ® .Our stringlights, handlamps and wiring devices arespecifically designed for virtually any challenge you face.Whether it’s moisture, contaminants, chemicals or evennormal conditions, there’s a Woodhead solution that’sunequaled by any other product. For the best inperformance, reliability and safety, demand Woodhead.GET TOUGHGET WOODHEAD©2008 MolexTheatre aisle and step lightingSentinel wall-mounted cinema aisle and step lightingwith Biinary LED optics is a modular wall-mountedlighting system with a low mounting height—12in. or less—above steps and floors (dependingon the application), thereby minimizing glare topatrons. Designed and angled to maximize lightoutput, LEDs are mounted two per printed circuitboard for optimal economy and high light outputefficiency. The Sentinelsystem is fully factoryassembled with easilyreplaceable Biinary LEDboards integrated intothe base. LED patternsand colours can be customizedto each location,and coordinatedwith an interior-designpalette.Tempo Industrieswww.tempoindustries.comLED MR16sStandard’s LED MR16 product line provides longlife, says the company, and energy savings of up to85% (as compared to 20W halogen MR16s). TheLED bulbs resist shock and vibration, perform wellin cold temperatures and emanate little heat, makingthem suitable for a variety of applications, includingmuseums, display cases, photographic dark rooms,bars/restaurants, task lighting and more. The LEDMR16s are available in six colours: White, WarmWhite, Red, Amber, Blue and Green.Standard Productswww.standardpro.com34 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com

Software facilitates Twido PLC programmingSchneider’s Telemecanique TwidoSuite software simplifiesprogram development for Twido controllers, says the company.Compatible with TwidoSoft, the TwidoSuite softwarecan be used for virtually allcommercial and industrialapplications, including conveying,mining, packagingand palletizing machinery,as well as compressors,HVAC, pumps and watertreatment pumping systems.TwidoSuite’s intuitiveinterface makes programmingfriendly, fast andefficient. The user can viewhigh-definition, detailedTwido hardware graphics and the related communicationarchitecture (HMIs, variable speed drives, CANopen,Modbus or Ethernet protocols, fieldbuses and networks).You can also select List or Ladder programming languages (anew Ladder editor reduces programming time). The user canalso generate a detailed, customized project folder, and createa maintenance manual and operating guide using MicrosoftWord 2000. The software is installed with English and oneof five second languages.Telemecanique (Schneider Electric)www.schneider-electric.caKnockout punchMaxis introduced its newest product:the Max Punch. This knockouttool works with a cordless drill todraw punch dies together for quick,accurate knockouts—no hasslingwith hydraulic ratcheting. The selfcontainedtool will punch a 2-in.knockout in four seconds, and a4-in. knockout in six. Kits include10 punch dies from 1/2 in. to 4 in.(or use your own punch dies).Maxis Corp.www.maxis-tools.comNew version of estimating solutions familyAccubid released Version 8 of its family of estimatingsolutions—Accubid Pro, BidWinner, BidWinner Plus andPowerBid—as well as ChangeOrder, ChangeOrder Proand Time & Material Billing. Version 8 builds upon previousversions to increase accuracy and productivity with:enhanced extension and database features; support of “WhatPRODUCTSif?” scenarios by allowing takeoff, expense and markup negativevalues; and enhanced audit trail functionality and more.Each of Accubid’s Version 8 estimating solutions worksseamlessly with Pocket Bid (sold separately), Accubid’s handheldestimating solution for the Pocket PC.Accubid Systemswww.accubid.comUpgraded InsideIR softwareFluke Electronics Canada has anupgraded version of its InsideIR software—aWindows-based PC applicationfor thermal analysis and reportingthat is included with Fluke Ti20 andTi30 thermal imagers. The applicationfeatures tools that are designed to helpyou more easily identify and analyze capturedimages, then use them to plan thermographyinspection routes and generatereports. The InsideIR 4.0 upgrade featuresanalysis tools including points, lines, rectangles, ellipses,polygons and curved areas, as well as trending capabilityand an enhanced profile tool. It supports increased routingflexibility and provides you with reporting enhancements,including trending, and the ability to generate reports of upto four pages per image. Available in 10 languages, InsideIRsoftware automatically checks the Fluke website and notifiesyou when newer software becomes available.Fluke Electronics Canadawww.flukecanada.caSCCR compliance softwareCooper Bussmann Oscar compliancesoftware—which promisesto eliminate the guessworkin assembly short-circuit currentrating (SCCR) calculations—isavailable for a free seven-day trialprior to purchasing a one-yearsubscription. The software guidesyou through entering your panel’scomponents for supply, feeder, subfeeder and branch circuitsthen, based on the information entered, determines theassembly SCCR per UL 508A Supplement SB. The softwareis backed by a database containing more than 50,000 line itempart numbers with their component SCCRs. In addition tobeing automatic and simple, Oscar is available online 24/7.It’s also customizable and provides printed documentation andreports that can be viewed or downloaded to a computer.Cooper Bussmannwww.cooperbussmann.comWhen It’sMetal Halide,Make Sure It’s Venture The World Leaderin Metal Halide Technology VentureLighting.comVenture_2_EB_Jan08.indd 1www. mag.com • MARCH 2008 • 3512/21/07 10:02:01 AM

PRODUCTSHarmonic mitigating transformersGE says its GuardIII harmonic mitigatingtransformers(HMTs) curbharmonic currentsthat K-factor transformersdo not,reducing transformerheatingcaused by harmonicsand improvingupstream powerquality—all whilemaintaining theNEMA TP-1 standard for energy efficiency. The Guard IIIproducts accomplish harmonic mitigation by providing goodsource impedance and sine wave phase shifting. Guard III iscompliant for LEED building specifications, and meets CSAC22.2 #47, UL 1561 and NEMA ST20, as well as IEEEC57.110 (harmonic mitigation).GE Consumer & Industrialwww.ge.comHMI/SCADA software for enhanced productivitySchneider says its VijeoCitect HMI/SCADA software enhancesproductivity and facilitates system expansion while reducingcost. It’s well suited for a range of applications, from stand-alonecontrol stations to redundant supervisory systems, and fromsmall to large machines. The software gives you a permanentand upgradeable investment because its scalable architectureallows a system to develop over time without the risk of becomingoutdated. VijeoCitect includes a standard library of featuresand over 100 communication protocols, and provides availabilitythrough its task-based architecture and Distributed ControlSystem (DCS) -type redundancy.Schneider Electricwww.schneider-electric.caIntegrated project management solutionAccuBuild has released its Project Management module as afully integrated component of its AccuBuild ConstructionSoftware system. The module delivers full-featured projectmanagement functionality with built-in workflow and documentmanagement capabilities. It allows users to manage all ofthe documentation associated with jobs from a single, easy-toviewscreen that can be sorted by any field. Task managementis simplified with at-a-glance access to tasks thatare due, overdue or require follow-up. In addition,an advanced, Google-like search functionallows users to search all logs by keyword for fastretrieval of desired information. The customizableforms within Project Management make it easy tocreate Requests for Information (RFIs), ChangeOrder Requests (CORs), Change Orders (COs),Submittals, Transmittals and more.AccuBuildwww.accubuild.comVersion 9.0 estimating softwareAmong the upgrades and enhancements inMcCormick’s estimating softwareVersion 9.0 are modificationsto the ProposalSheet that enable youto take data directlyfrom an estimate andput it in a proposal,along with job notes,documents, photographsand more.A unique capabilityon NetPricer andMcCormick allowsestimators to seematerial prices—updated instantly—from multiple vendors on one screen. (The softwarelets you see real-time prices and side-by-side comparisons.)The software also includes the capabilityto share information with an increased number ofconstruction accounting programs.McCormick Systemswww.mccormicksys.comInfraredthermometersThermal imagersLab-accuracycontact thermometersToo hot to handle.Find it. Fix it. Fast.The new Fluke 561 combines all thetemperature measurement functions you needin one easy-to-use tool – from non-contactand contact to single-point laser sighting.MIN, MAX and DIF temperature readings saveyou time and effort by helping you identifyproblems quickly, efficiently and easily.• Measure hot, moving, electrically energizedand hard-to-reach objects instantly• Check motors, insulation, breakers, radiantheating, pipes, corroded connections andwires• Use the pipe probe for superheat andsub-cooling contact measurements• Compatible with industry-standard K-typethermocouple probesFor more information call 800-36-FLUKE orvisit www.flukecanada.ca/hotFluke. Keeping your worldup and running.Next-gen solution for fieldservice managementVentyx has released what it calls the next-generationsolution for field service management: ServiceSuite 8.0 (the first release of Service Suite followingthe combination of Indus and MDSI). ServiceSuite 8.0 manages all types of field work includingservice, maintenance, inspection, repair, trouble/outage and construction. A new Gantt chart featurein the Dispatch application enables dispatchers tosee a graphical overview of shifts worked by mobileusers and the orders assigned to those shifts. Thelong duration order scheduling feature is good forscheduling complex, long-duration orders, openingup the solution’s capabilities to a broader setof clients in multiple industries. Service Suite cannow share information with a broader set of mobiledevices and applications, including smart phonesand PDAs, with voice and data capability supportedby a Java virtual machine. Meantime, the real-timedata warehouse and operations dashboard improvesthe performance of the system and its users.Ventyxwww.ventyx.comReading someoneelse's copy ofElectrical Business?TemperaturemultimetersRugged and reliabletemperature test tools.All in the Fluke family.Visit the resource centre under support atwww.flukecanada.ca to download any of thefollowing temperature measurement applicationnotes from Fluke’s free library:• Fluke 570 Series InfraredThermometers• Non-contact temperaturemeasurements using IRthermometers• Using infrared thermometers forindustrial maintenanceVisitEBmag.comand click SUBSCRIBE!Chances are you qualify for aFREE SUBSCRIPTION.Fluke_2_EB_March08.indd 136 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com2/11/08 10:08:47 AM

PRODUCT SHOWCASEWANTEDMolded Case Circuit Breakers. New & Used, All Brands.Motor Control & MCC. Buckets in A&B, S.D. & W.H. & C.H.Please call, email or fax Ralph Falvo with your list.FALVO ELECTRICAL SUPPLY LTD.5838-87A St., Edmonton, Alberta1-800-661-8892780-466-8078 Fax 780-468-1181email: rjf@falvo.comFalvo_EB.indd 1 1/11/07 12:14:25 PMSYLVANIA QUICKTRONIC®POWERSENSE Dimming BallastsSYLVANIA QUICKTRONIC® POWERSENSE ballasts operate linear fluorescentT5 lamps over a wide (100 - 1%) dimming range and provide true versatilityin controls selection. Compatibility with low voltage controls, power linedimmers and any line voltage from 120V to 277V, provides the flexibility togreatly simplify the specification, purchasing and installation process. Patentedlamp detection technology delivers unmatched performance and variationsin brightness from lamp-to-lamp are virtually eliminated, providinguniform lighting throughout the dimming range. At light levels of >75%,unnecessary lamp-coil power is turned off, delivering energy efficienciescomparable to non-dimming Instant start electronic ballasts. This technologyalso eases installation and troubleshooting by recognizing failed lamps,faulty wiring or loose connections, and shutting down. When the problemis corrected, the system restarts automatically. All SYLVANIA ProfessionalSeries (QTP) electronic ballasts feature high power quality (

CODE FILEBY LES STOCH, P.ENG.Grounding basicsElectrical system grounding is not widely understood,which is why the subject can lead to many differentdiscussions, interpretations and a variety of philosophies.This article is just such a discussion, as it reviewssome of the electrical system grounding requirementsspelled out in the Canadian Electrical Code (and throwsin a few curve balls to keep things interesting).Rule 10-106 requires that alternating current systemsmust always be grounded when their voltage-to-groundis 150 volts-to-ground or less, or when the electrical systemhas a neutral conductor. In general, this requirementapplies to both 120V/208V and 120V/240V systems.Rule 10-204 tells us that neutral connections to groundmust be made at the main service equipment and again atthe transformer that supplies the utilization voltage. Butthe rule specifies there must be no neutral connections toground anywhere in the electrical system past the mainservice equipment (see Figures 1 and 2). So, when thereis bonding between the cases of electrical equipment andthe system neutral downstream from the main electricalservice, it must be removed.You might be justified in asking why the code prohibitsall interconnections between the electrical system neutraland the cases of the equipment downstream from the mainelectrical service. Two good reasons come to mind:1. an inadvertent parallel return path for load currents iscreated when the neutral becomes grounded anywherepast the grounding point at the main service; and2. when the main electrical service has ground faultprotection of the zero sequence or residually connectedtypes, grounding the neutral downstreamfrom the fault-sensing equipment effectively disablesthe ground fault protection.I’m sure none of this is news to you, but how can unintentionalgrounding show up in your electrical systemTransformerGroundingFigure 1Figure 2NeutralNeutralEquipmentCase BondingEquipmentCase BondingMain Servicethat violates the code and create the problems discussed?An emergency standby generator could be one way. Theframes of some generators are bonded to the generatorneutral. This information should be noted somewhere onthe machine. Connecting this type of standby generatorto an electrical system creates an unintended downstreamground point. A four-pole transfer switch is then requiredto ensure this doesn’t become a problem, as it ensures thegenerator neutral is disconnected at all times when themachine is not in operation.Another way that an unplanned downstream ground canshow up is through the installation of electrical equipment,such as a panelboard, that has a bonding screw/jumperconnecting its neutral bar to the case of the equipment.These should always be removed to avoid accidental downstreamgrounding.There is, however, one exception to this rule: Rule10-208 specifies that when two or more buildings are suppliedfrom a single service, either:NMain Service GroundingMain ServiceNMain Service GroundingBoundingPanel• the service neutral may be grounded at each ofthe buildings; or• the system neutral is grounded only at the mainelectrical service.A common example is when a building is supplied as afeeder from another building. Here, the neutral may begrounded at the service entrance of each building, but theremust be no bonding conductor between the two buildings,since the service equipment is already bonded to the systemneutral in each building. Adding bonding between the twocreates a parallel neutral conductor. (You should note thatthis is the only grounding arrangement permitted by thecode when the second building contains livestock).A second grounding arrangement is also permitted.In this scheme, the system neutral is grounded only atthe main service in the first building. The case of serviceequipment in the second building must not be bonded tothe neutral, since it creates an additional grounding point.However, a bonding conductor must be installed betweenservices in the two buildings, otherwise there would be noeffective return path for ground fault currents.Les Stoch, P.Eng., is president of L. Stoch & Associates, specialistsin quality management/engineering services. He is a member ofPEO, OEL and IAEI, and develops and delivers electrical code andtechnical workshops for Dalhousie University. He also developedthe Master Electrician training program and exam (Ontario) forthe Electrical Contractor Registration Agency. Visit him online atwww.lstoch.com.Sharp-eyed reader alert!A reader spotted an error in my January 2008 column. UnderRule 10-700(3), I incorrectly indicated that a field-assembledground electrode may consist of a copper conductor at least 3metres long. I should have specified 6 metres. Many thanks!Questions and answerscompiled by the ElectricalSafety AuthorityTackle theCode Conundrum...if you dareSo, you think you know the electrical code, eh? Well, we’ll soonfind out if you’re an electrical code junkie or downright codeclueless.Take a look at the following questions and check youranswers in April’s Electrical Business.How did you do?3 of 3 – Not only are you smart, you love to show off.1 of 3 – Your understanding of these questions is not up to code.2 of 3 – You’re pretty smart, but you still missed one.0 of 3 – Did you come up with your answers by playing Eenie,Meenie, Minie, Moe?Question 1When applied to x-ray or computerized tomographyequipment, long-time rating means a rating that isapplicable for an operating period of ___ seconds/minutes or more.a) 20 seconds c) 5 minutesb) 1 minute d) 20 minutesQuestion 2Rules for the installation of electrical equipment andwiring in Class I Division I hazardous locations can befound in ___ of the electrical code.a) Section 18 c) Appendix Bb) Section 20 d) Appendix JQuestion 3Where primary windings of current and voltage instrumenttransformers are connected to circuits of 300V ormore to ground, or where the transformers are on switchboardsirrespective of the voltage of the circuits, thesecondary circuits of the transformer shall be grounded.a) True b) FalseAnswers▼▼▼to Code ConundrumElectrical Business February 2008Q-1: Rigid steel conduit of a minimumnominal size of 53 (2) tradesize shall be permitted to be usedas a consumer’s service mast.b) False. Rule 6-112(5)requires a minimum nominal sizeof 63 (2-1/2) trade size.Q-2: Electrical metallic tubing(EMT) is permitted as a wiringmethod in Class III, Div 1 locations.a) True. Rule 18-302.Q-3: A heating cable set is permittedto be installed for freezeprotection in a pipe containingsewage solids.b) False. Rule 62-312(3)says the internal heating of pipes,ducts or vessels should be limitedto those not containing sewagesolids or flammable liquids.ADVERTISER INDEXAdvertiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page3M Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Aeroflo, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Arlington Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31Arrow Fasteners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16Canadian Standards Association . . . . . . . . . 16 & 38Chess Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Fluke Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 & 36General Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40Hammond Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Hubbell Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22I.E.D. Limited Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29IPEX Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Master Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Maxis Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Megger Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Molex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Nexans Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Northern Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Osram Sylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 & 27Power Survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18Pre-Apprenticeship Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32Schneider Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 & 30Scotiabank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Standard Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Techspan Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39Thomas & Betts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 5 & 11Ultrasave Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Underground Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35United Wire & Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Venture Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 & 35VJ Pamensky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6CSA_code_EB_Feb08.indd 138 • MARCH 2008 • www. mag.com2/25/08 9:46:44 AM

IEC309 PIN & SLEEVE CONNECTORSSAFETY PERFORMANCE DURABILITY3,4 & 5 wire connections4 amperage ratings-25°C TO 90°C OP. temp. rating• Watertight - IP67 (indoor/outdoor) 20-100amp• Rugged construction• Quick and easy installation• Single & 3 phase voltage ratings - 6 colourscodes determines size• Splashproof - IP44 (indoor) 20&30ampwww.techspan.biz/pinTECHSPAN SWITCHES & TOGGLESBroadest line of switchesin the industryCSA, UL approvedBlister packed for Counter Display(bulk pack available).AC and or DC ratedMetal or Non-Metallic Actuator MaterialAsk forour 44 pageCatalogueToday!• Medium duty • Std. Pushbuttons• Miniature• Snap Action Switches• Snap Action Switches • Marine Rockers• Medium duty Nylon • Appliance Rockers• Pushbutton• Round Rockerswww.techspan.biz/switcheswww.techspan.bizEmail: sales@techspan.on.ca 1-800-363-1588

GE Consumer & IndustrialElectrical DistributionIf it's from GE, not much!The Spectra Series Busway is at least 50% lighter than comparable wire andconduit and lighter than the competition; which simplifies design and reducesinstallation time. This light weight aspect may lead to a 75% reduction ininstallation costs.The Spectra Series Busway operates in more places, such as around andbetween existing structures. The removable isolation joints mean maintenanceand modification are done easily with minimal downtime; which may loweroperational costs versus wire and conduit.GE Spectra Series Busway: lighter, smaller, lower installation and operational costs,easier modifications.Hop on board withSpectra Series Busway from GE.For more information, call 1-800 GE1STOP.www.geelectrical.comwww.ge-ed.caYour average school bus weighs about 12 to 14 tons.Spectra is a trademark of the General Electric Company.© General Electric Company 2008.