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INDUSTRY NEWSGerrie acquires Trade (division of Sonepar)Gerrie Electric Wholesale Ltd. has acquired the assets of Concord,Ont.-based Trade Electric, a division of Sonepar Canada Inc. Trade is anelectrical distributor specializing in the end user and OEM markets.Gerrie—a Burlington, Ont.-based electrical, automation, datacomand lighting distributor—said it completed the deal to purchase the assetsfor an undisclosed amount on November 30. Heather Gerrie, presidentof Gerrie Electric, explained that, when Sonepar Canada decided to sellTrade, “they wanted to ensure that [Trade’s] reputation for excellent servicewould be continued and supported in the future”.“The spirit of being a family owned business has played an importantpart in the success of our company over the past 50 years.Although Trade Electric was a division of a major global company,they had maintained the long-standing family roots that they had hadwhen they were acquired in 1998 by Sonepar,” said Ken Gerrie, chairand CEO of Gerrie Electric.“The addition of Trade Electric... will have a positive and significantgrowth impact to our current 17 branch locations and 240 staff,” saidElaine Gerrie, COO. “The culture of our company and Trade is verysimilar and makes this acquisition a good fit for both organizations.”Until recently, Trade primarily served the automation needs of its customersthrough its locations in Concord and Brampton. With the acquisition,Trade Electric–Division of Gerrie Electric will offer a complete rangeof electrical and automation products and services for theindustrial, OEM, contractor and institution markets.Hammond acquiring Delta’stransformer business assetsHammond Power Solutions Inc. has signed a definitiveagreement with Delta Group xfo Inc. and DeltaTransformer of Canada (1999) Ltd. to acquire all of theDelta Group’s assets used by, and in connection with,the Delta Group’s transformer business.Delta Group’s transformer business is involved in thedesign and manufacture of standard and custom drytypedistribution and power transformers. Annual salesrevenues approximate $40,000,000.“We are excited about the Delta acquisition, as it offersan opportunity for immediate Canadian market shareexpansion, provides additional manufacturing capacityand flexibility, as well as supports our business hedgingstrategies,” said Hammond CEO Bill Hammond. “Deltahas an excellent reputation in the electrical industry for itsengineered-to-order capabilities and quality.”The deal is expected to close mid-January 2008 followingreceipt of Toronto Stock Exchange approval andcompletion of due diligence.Techspan acquires Hayward ComponentsFrank Dunnigan, president of Techspan Industries Inc.,and Chris Hayward, president of Hayward ComponentIndustries (HCI), announced that they have enteredinto an agreement whereby Techspan will acquire HCI.“We have been close competitors and now we arejoining forces to enhance our value proposition withour electrical and electronic distributor customers acrossCanada,” said Dunnigan. “Adding the HCI productrange to the Techspan wire management and controlproduct line will provide our distributors with greateropportunities to serve their markets.”“I look forward to joining Techspan in a sales managementrole,” said Hayward. “Techspan is known foroutstanding service and all former HCI customers willcertainly benefit from this merger. Since 1981, HCIhas serviced the electronic and electrical distributormarket throughout Canada. I look forward to broadeningour position under the Techspan banner.”Established in 1989, Techspan currently suppliesover 15,000 SKUs to more than 1400 distributor outletsacross Canada.CABLE BUS FEEDER SYSTEMThe Most Technically Advanced Electrical Power Delivery System !• FULL POWER RANGE• REDUCED POWER LOSSES• LOWEST COST SYSTEM• SUPPRESSES EMF’S• ENHANCED ENCLOSURE1 West Pearce Street, Richmond Hill, Ontario,Canada L4B 3K3• SIM PLIFIED INSTALLATION• EXPANDABILITY• FREE AIR AMPACITY RATINGIN ABOVE AND BELOWGROUND INSTALLATIONSUnited Wire and Cable offers a complete turnkey solution from site engineering assessment to complete installationresulting in the most feasible and reliable system at the lowest cost.Tel.:(905) 771-0099 or 1-800-265-8697Toll Free Fax: 1-800-461-4689 or email to:sales@unitedwc.com www.unitedwc.comCUSCanada’s Eaton receivesEaton Corp.’s highest honourEaton Corp.’s senior leadership council has awardedthe organization’s highest award for business excellenceamongst its global enterprises—the Eaton BusinessExcellence (EBE) award—to Eaton’s Electrical Group(Canada) for 2007.“This year’s EBE award winnershowed what can happen when youovercome the challenges facing you,and go after the opportunities that willnot wait for you,” said Sandy Cutler,chair and CEO. “They serve as modelsfor the rest of us in how to deploy EBS(Eaton Business Systems) successfullywhile doing business right.”Steve BoccadoroHeadquartered in Burlington, Ont., the Canadiandivision operates 10 facilities, a national distributioncentre and 26 sales offices across Canada. Its 800employees manufacture, assemble, engineer, distributeand service a range of equipment and componentsfor electrical distribution and control.“To be recognized by Eaton as an EBE award recipientis truly a testament to the dedication and commitmentof all Eaton employees across Canada,” saidSteve Boccadoro, vice-president and GM of Eaton’sElectrical Group (Canada). “To be chosen from suchan elite field of world-class operations within Eaton isa tremendous honour. I thank all of our employees forcontributing to this achievement.”Greenlee acquires Paladin ToolsIn a move intended to further broaden its position inthe VDV channel, Greenlee has acquired Paladin Tools,a provider of tools and accessories for the informationtransport systems and wiring industries.“Strategically, this acquisition provides Greenlee witha complementary brand portfolio and an expandedproduct line,” said Scott Hall, Greenlee president.“Paladin also gives Greenlee access to additional distributionchannels in the voice, data and video industrythat will broaden our customer base for communicationswiring tools.”Headquartered in Oilville, Va., Paladin has beengrowing its presence in the industry since its founding30 years ago. Its brand names include Paladin Tools,DataShark and PowerPlay, and product line includes avariety of cutters, strippers, punchdown tools, crimpers,multi-tools, testers, kits and other hand tools andaccessories. Current customers include Anixter, Tessco,Graybar, The Home Depot and OEMs (original equipmentmanufacturers).“As growth within this industry is expected tocontinue over the next few years driven by favourabletrends in the cable, network and communicationsequipment field, we look forward to a unified strategyfor meeting our customers’ needs,” said MarthaKness, Greenlee’s Hole Making & Hand Tools vicepresidentand general manager.United_EB_Jan08.indd 14 • JANUARY 2008 • www. mag.com12/21/07 10:32:54 AM

C A L E N D A RNetworking LuncheonOntario Energy Network (OEN)February 13WILL BETHERE!Toronto, Ont.Visit www.ontarioenergynetwork.org and click OEN EventsAnnual ConferenceSupply & Distribution (S&D) Council, EFCWILL BEJune 4-7THERE!Victoria, B.C.Visit www.electrofed.com and click Events, then EFC EventspresentAnnual General MeetingIndependent Electrical Distributors (IED)June 18-20St. Andrews, N.B.Visit www.ied.ca/events.htmlWILL BETHERE!Early Bird PricingAvailable!Also Availableas a Webinar!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!Visit learningcentre.csa.ca and click Electrical tofind CSA courses on the following subjects near you: Pushing, Pulling, Lifting, Lowering:Manual Materials Handling in the WorkplaceCanadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety(CCOHS) and the Centre of Research Expertise for thePrevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD)March 4Mississauga, Ont.Visit www.ccohs.ca/events/mmhUniversity of Industrial Distribution(In Cooperation with Purdue University)March 2-5Indianapolis, Ind.Visit www.univid.orgSOLDOUT PowerTest 2008InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA)March 17-20New Orleans, La.Visit www.powertest.orgAccubid User ConferenceApril 24-26Toronto, Ont.Visit www.accubiduserconference.comAnnual Electrical Industry ConferenceOntario Electrical League (OEL)April 30-May 3Huntsville, Ont.Visit www.oel.orgWILL BETHERE!BC Industrial ExpoAbbotsford, B.C.April 30-May 1Visit www.bcindustrialexpo.caMEET (MechanicalElectrical ElectronicTechnology)May 7-8Moncton, N.B.Check EBMag.com and E-Line for updates.14th 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!WILL BETHERE! For a more extensive listing, visitEBMag.com and click Calendarwww. mag.com JANUARY 2008 5

PERSONALITIESMatt Sonser has joined electrical contrac-tor Walker’s Electric 2000 (Midland,Ont.) as production manager. Walker’s isa family owned company that has beenproviding electrical services to industrial,commercial and residential sites sinceMatt Sonser1935. Sonser served part of his electricalapprenticeship at Walker’s in the early1980s; with nearly 25 years of experience under his belt, henow leads the Walker’s team.Ken MarshallKen Marshall has been appointed toindustrial and commercial accountmanager, Western Region, for OsramSylvania Ltd. Based in Edmonton, Alta.,he began his new assignment in earlyDecember. (The announcement wasmade by Hazel Rempel, director of sales,Western Region–Industrial and Commerical Products.)Marshall assumes responsibility for all sales and businessdevelopment activities for the industrial and commerciallighting business in Northern Alberta, working directlywith both distributors and end users. He’s been withOsram for the past 23 years, most recently serving asnational account manager.Ideal Industries (Canada) Corp. pro-moted Bill Stephens to the position ofEastern Sales Manager, which extendshis sales responsibility to Quebec andthe Atlantic Provinces from his existingsales management responsibilitiesBill Stephensfor Ontario. Stephens joined the IdealCanada Team in 2001 as a key accountsmanager then, in 2002, was promoted to Ontarioregional sales manager. Meantime, Rob Ackford hasbeen promoted to director of marketing and finance,where he’s reponsible for marketing, finance, customerservice and IT for the Canadian operations. Ackfordjoined the team in 1999 as director of finance and IT.In 2003, he was also given full responsibility for thecustomer service department.TCP Inc., a light bulb manufactur-er, promoted Joe Colant to president.Formerly the vice-president of sales andmarketing, Colant is now responsiblefor overall corporate profitability andmanagement of daily business activitiesJoe Colantwithin the company’s three divisions(including commercial and industrial,retail, and other lighting manufacturers). He will alsodirect lighting technology research and areas of organic/inorganic growth.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 on the left is an item from the heritage society’s collection of electrical artifacts. The contest begins when youthink you know what this item is. Of course, we’re not going to show the item in its entirety—that would be too easy! (You’llhave to wait until next month to see the whole picture, as well as the correct answer.)Here’s how to playVisit EBMag.com where you’ll find an entry form along with a multiple choice answer form. If you’ve answeredcorrectly, your name will be added to all the other correct entries, from which five (5) winners will be randomlychosen before next month’s installment of the “Heritage What Am I?” Photo Contest. Read the small print belowfor more information. Good luck!This month’s awesome prize was donated by our friends at Irwin Industrial Tool Co. The 25-ft StraitLine tape measure is engineered for all professional applications. It has a 1-in. blade with a 10-ftstandout, and a rugged design that withstands jobsite abuse. The Quick-Mark Tip makes it fast andeasy to mark measurements on numerous materials. The tape has a dual-sided blade with measurementsprinted on both sides, and a bright white colour makes it easier to see. The Pro TouchGrip finish allows more control when handling the tape, the Positive Action Toggle Lock makes itfast and easy to lock the tape in place, and the Blade Brake ensures a safe tape retraction.Thismonth’sawesomeprize!Last month’s photo: answerPictured here is a DC Shunt for measuring DC current(patented May 1893). Winner to be announced.No purchase necessary. Open to residents of Canada of age of majority, excluding Quebec. You must answer a timed skill-testing question to win. Prizes valued at about $21.99 each. The contest is notopen to anyone affiliated with, or related to, members of Electrical Business or the Electrical Heritage Society of British Columbia. (That would be unfair.) Complete contest details online at EBMag.com.Pamensky_EB_June07.indd 16 • JANUARY 2008 • www. mag.com6/18/07 11:34:52 AM

It’s yourBusinessBy Ron Coleman, B. Comm., FCCA CMCRole of a project managerFrom both applicant and employer perspectivesHere’s the deal: I need a project manager for a very excitingproject. This is an awesome job paying a gazilliondollars working on one of the most high-profile jobsever. Why should I hire you?Don’t quit your day job just yet. I ask participants in myworkshops to apply for this project manager (PM) positionand to list why I should hire them. When they’re done, I listtheir reasons on a flip chart. Here are the usual responses:• I have lots of experience• I have great communications skills• I have technical knowledge• I work well with teams• I am reliable• I, I, I, etc., etc., etc.,I then turn to the audience and ask them: “Do any of youhave too little experience? Do any of you have bad communicationsskills? Do any of you have poor technicalknowledge?” Of course not! But they all say the same thing,listing the same skills as the next guy. What we think sets usapart actually reinforces the notion to prospective or currentemployers that we are all the same.This may come as a shock, but your employer doesn’treally care about you—he cares about what you can do forhim. So you need to spell out how your skills will get him theresults he wants. The first step is to identify those outcomes,and there are usually four outcomes expected of a PM for thejob at hand: timely completion; that it’s completed withinbudget, and to the standard specified (no more, no less); andthat the relationship with the client is maintained.To achieve these objectives, the process for identifying theright person for the PM job needs to be followed diligently.An informative source for this approach is the MechanicalContractors Association of America, which goes somethinglike this:Resource managementThe efficient planning, organizing and scheduling of thefollowing elements: labour; subcontractors; materials; equipmentfor installation; supplies; tools; ‘install only’ items;budgets and invoicing; and construction equipment (rentaland company-owned).These are the resources that a PM has to plan, organizeand schedule to get the maximum benefit. Remember, “Thesum of the parts should be greater than the whole”, so usinglabour, subcontractors and materials in an effective or innovativeway can lead to additional cost and time savings.Liaison activitiesThis covers the range of people that touch the project, and thePM has to be able to work with each one. They include: projectowner and/or his representatives; architects and engineers;cost engineers; workers’ compensation/safety managers; ‘green’building specialists; inspectors and city/municipal officials;general contractors; mechanical contractors; project managementcompanies; subcontractors and other trades; own labourforces, including foremen; material suppliers; own company’smanagement team, including accounting and estimating;neighbours/local businesses/general public and the media.Team coordinationThe real skill of a good project manager is revealed when hebalances resources with liaisons to ensure successful projectcompletion.Project manager exposedSo what are the skills and make-up of a project manager?Well, a number of things, including: logical thinking; abilityto make sound decisions; good communications, whichincludes good reading and writing, and attention to detail;team leadership; planning and prioritizing, which helps himhandle crises; entrepreneurial thinking; some estimating;technical knowledge of a variety of construction systems;and not easily intimidated.So when you’re looking for desirable characteristics in projectmanager applicants (besides what I’ve listed above) considerwhether they are profit-orientated. Also, can they workin stressful environments, are they persistent and consistent,ethical and prudent? Of course, you should play around withall the requirements I’ve listed to ensure you end up with alist that’s just right for your needs. Then, develop a series ofquestions and/or tests to help identify how your PM candidatesmeasure up against each of the key points.Ask open questions about their experiences to help youidentify the elements you seek. For example:• Tell me about some of the projects you’ve worked onand the challenges you faced.• How do you recommend handling the handoverof the project from the estimator to the projectmanagement team?• What are some of the financial indicators you woulduse to manage your projects effectively?• What are some of the non-financial lead indicators youwould use throughout the project?• How do you deal with verbal Change Orders? Whatwould you do were the client to ask you to do work thatyou believed was outside the scope of the contract?There’s nothing saying you can’t give these questions to yourcandidates in advance to help them prepare for the interview.In truth, this will also show you how they prepare for a project.Keep the four outcomes that you, as employer, want toachieve and make sure you constantly evaluate the candidateon how well he could meet those objectives. Use a pointssystem to score each candidate on how well he responds toeach question, as this will help you make an impartial decisionlater.Once you have customized this process for your businessand for your project manager position, it should be easyto adapt it for other key positions in your company, suchas project coordinators, estimators, general managers, etc.Take a leadership role in your business; become a teacherand teach others so that they benefit from your experience.And by documenting this procedure, you create a tool fromwhich many others can benefit.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”.Northern Cables Inc.“The armoured cable specialists”Canadian manufacturer specializing inAC90, TECK90, MCTHHN,ACTHH, HCFP.O. Box 1564, 50 California AvenueBrockville, Ontario K6V 6E6www.northerncables.comPhone: 613-345-1594 • Fax: 613-345-3147Toll Free: 1-888-524-5050Northern_EB_Jan08.indd 112/20/07 11:13:51 AMwww. mag.com • january 2008 • 7

Counter IntelligenceBy Oliver PostYou had me at “Hello”Telephone skills in the Internet ageIn a world obsessed with the Internet—where onlineordering might seem to threaten the very need forelectrical distributors to have an Order Desk—the130-year-old telephone remains a strong, vital connectionto customers.In fact, one could argue that—with so much standardordering possible without ever having to speak toanyone—each call to an Order Desk is more critical thanever before; a customer is calling because he needs you todo more than simply take an order.It’s true that not every wholesaler and distributor customeris online, but enough of them are, so it can be atough transition to go from handling rapid-fire order-takingto engaging in some real fact-finding so you can workwith the customer to solve his supply needs. It requires abit of a change in mindset, but one that is as much aboutgetting back to basics as a new-age approach.When an inside salesperson is expected to generate amultitude of invoices each and every hour of the day,it is easy to understand how he can fall into some badhabits; ones that can cost sales, to be sure, but that canalso translate into higher costs down the road from poorcustomer service.One of the key reasons that even experienced insidesalespeople can provide less-than-complete customerservice stems from the type of training they’ve received.Those who have had formal training in the duties andfunctions required of them are in the distinct minority.While most attend training sessions each year, the natureof this training—often focusing on a specific product lineof one manufacturer—can leave them wanting when itcomes to basic skill sets, such as telephone skills.A truly effective inside salesperson needs an understandingof much more in terms of basic sales and communicationsskills, including effectiveness in locating theright supplies.Think of product knowledge as the power supply andcommunication skills as the conduit. Now, think about themost experienced inside salesperson you know (let’s call him‘The Expert’); he probably knows as much about the products,specifications and jobsite realities as any contractor. Butwhat makes him a great asset to both your company and thecontractor is how he is able to provide the right amount ofinput for any given situation, with the right mix of friendlinessand professionalism.It is also quite likely that The Expert has a loyal group of clientswho ask for him by name, probably overloading him withcalls from time to time. Watch how he handles the On-Holdsituation: When a customer calls, does he say, “Hold please’,then hit the dreaded orange Hold button, or does he say, “ABCSupply, Bob speaking, can I put you on Hold?”The benefit of the former is that The Expert can get backto the original customer, but the problem is that the nextcaller has been summarily shuffled down the order. TheExpert doesn’t know whether that caller has an extendedorder to place, a simple order to review or an inquiry regardinga delivery. The caller could be the most irate contractorin the history of electrical or, who knows, maybe even TheExpert’s own mother, calling to wish him Happy Birthday.So here’s how a phone call should go (along with the amountsof time things should take):THE EXPERT: Hello, thanks for calling ABC Electrical, Bobspeaking. How can I help you?” (5 seconds)CALLER B: Hi Bob. It’s Sam at Aardvark. I have a question aboutthis order you sent. (5 seconds)THE EXPERT: Sure, Sam. I wonder if I could put on Hold for asecond. I have a customer on the other line. Or can I call youback?” (5 seconds)So far, The Expert has invested just 15 seconds inthe call but, all the while, Customer A—who wasput on Hold to take this call—has been waiting. Tohim, 15 seconds can seem like a minute; 30 secondslike a lifetime. That’s why The Expert asks whetherhe can put Caller B, Sam, on Hold or call him back.Or, he could ask Sam whether someone else couldhelp him out.The key is that is has to be a mutual decision: Sammay not mind waiting for The Expert. He could besitting at his kitchen table doing nothing else and,because he values The Expert’s counsel, he’ll waituntil The Expert is available. (On the other hand,Sam may be in the middle of a crisis requiringimmediate attention.)Like The Expert, you have to use your judgement.In a case like this, you may have to go back to CallerA and tell him you’ve got a crisis on your hands andthat you’ll call him back (though it had better be apretty big crisis, and Caller A very understanding,before you would do that).It can be a juggling act at times, and that’s justanswering the phone!Once you’re into the call, it’s critical that youmaintain the same methodical approach. Back toThe Expert and Sam.CALLER B: Bob, I’m not sure if I understand what’s happenedto this order. I ordered some junction boxes, sixspools of #16, three of #18 and 10 of #14 wire, and myusual wire connectors, but you’ve sent me a case of differentconnectors instead, which I think are more expensive.I don’t want to pay for them just because the onesI ordered are out of stock. I’m on a budget here you know.THE EXPERT: Okay, Sam, let me look it up. Oh, I see... you orderedyour usual connectors, but with the wire you ordered, it soundedlike you would need the ones we sent for the wire combinationsyou’re using. We do have your usual in stock, and they would doif you’re only using one #14, but if you’re twisting two or moretogether with any of the other wire you ordered, you’ll need to usethe ones we sent anyway.This is a simplistic example, and it would have been better tocommunicate the change before the order was received, butthe point is that the call involved strong product knowledgeand a clear explanation. (By the way, it would take about20 seconds to check the order and communicate the reasonfor the change. I timed it.) Ultimately, this is the goal ofproper telephone communication: to understand what thecustomer wants and what will help him do his job the bestway possible so that you can deliver it.And it all starts with “Hello”.Proudly Supporting OurDistributor Partnerswww.sylvania.com8 • january 2008 • www. mag.com

Looking at some new hand toolsTools forthe tradeRyobi continues to build its electronic hand tool line withtwo new AIRgrip tools and a sonic tape measure. First introducedin 2004, the AIRgrip laser level used a patented vacuumtechnology to affix itself to walls and surfaces without marringthem. This year, two new AIRgrip products exploit that samevacuum technology: the ProCross self-levelling laser level andcompact laser level. The self-levelling, three-function laser levelprovides you with multi-functioning laser capabilities, includinghorizontal, vertical and intersecting laser beams up to 50 feet inany direction. Other features include a fine adjustment knob thatallows horizontal housing rotation of 360 degrees and up to one-inch of vertical change withoutrepositioning, hook-and-loop strap and pins for use on odd surfaces, padded carrying caseand tripod adapter. Meantime, the compact laser level features a 30-ft laser line, and verticaland horizontal bubble levels. Finally, the SonicTape is a distance and area finder up to 30 feet.It can calculate the area of a room at the push of a button, and boasts a laser point indicatorfor added accuracy. Measurements are offered in both Imperial and metric units.Lenox continues to bring handy tools to the market. It recently introduced a utility knifethat locks securely Open, yet folds to fit compactly in your front pocket. The Lenox LockingTradesman utility knife has pretty much everything you would want in a utility knife: a compactsize, an easy Open/Close locking mechanism and a pushbuttonblade release for fast changes. The utility knife boastssome other features that make it handy, like a wirestripper at the base of the blade that can strip 8-ga. andsmaller wire. Lenox has also built a multi-tool into theknife’s handle that contains a small screw driver, a pipereamer and bottle opener. The knife was also designedwith an integrated belt clip and rubberized grip toprovide a convenient and comfortable tool that easilyfits in your hand, your pocket or on your belt. It is soldwith the Lenox Gold bi-metal utility blade that boasts atitanium nitride coated edge.Thomas & Betts offersa cost-effective tool forsimple labelling. Withthe EZL-75 thermallabel printer, youjust type and print. Ordon’t even bother typing:instead, use hot keysto choose from among theEZL-75’s built-in library ofsymbols and more than 150commonly used words for security,location and VDV labelling.Hot keys provide one-touchflagging for wires and cables, andfixed-length labels for faceplatesand security panels. Also, incrementalalpha and numeric printingmakes printing patch panel labels fastand simple. The 13-character backlitdisplay enhances readability, whilemultiple line printing supports up totwo lines per label. The EZL-75’s durablebumper safeguards against damagein the tool box, and it uses the same labelcassettes as the EZL-100 (up to 1⁄2-in. wide).Meantime, thereare several label types from which to choose, depending on the application athand. Flexible nylon tape is suitable for wire and cable wrapping on curved,textured and highly textured surfaces. The permanent polyester is good forgeneral labelling on flat or textured surfaces, while the flexible vinyl resists oil,dirt, grime and solvents on smooth, textured or curved surfaces, indoors orout. Finally, the heat-shrink tape is made of flame-retardant polyolefin with3:1 shrink ratio for extra protection and insulation of wire and cable.Introducinga new lineof CAT IVInsulationTesters!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 • january 2008 • 9

Tools forthe tradeIdeal has applied its SmartGrip handles to classicWireman cutting pliers, claiming they’re now moreergonomic and slip resistant, which results in improved toolsafety, productivity and comfort—for you. The re-engineeredpliers feature sharp, knife-to-knife precision blades that providecontrol and strength when cutting a variety of wire types.Crosshatched jaws prevent slippage, even while pulling heavilylubed wires, and a built-in crimp die and fishtape puller addsmulti-functional value and convenience. Premium quality toolsteel extends service life. The SmartGrip handles boast twotiers of Santoprene, which—says Ideal—have proved effectivein wicking away perspiration, as well as resisting oils, hydraulicfluids and workshop abrasion. Like all SmartGrip tools, theWireman’s handles have been colour-coded for easier identificationinside a crowded tool pouch, and feature FastFinderletter identification on the inside of the handles for quickidentification, even by touch. (For those of you who prefer theoriginal dipped-grip for your pliers, Ideal will continue to offerWireman models in that design.)Klein Tools recentlyadded its new QTR-Turn NMcable stripper/cutter with Klein-Kurve handlesto its existing line of strippers and cutters. It employsthe company’s QTR-Turn technology to quickly remove the outerjacket of non-metallic cable; you simply place the cable in the upper QTR-Turn jacket stripper, squeeze the handle and turn one quarter (90 degrees)to completely sever the outer jacket. The QTR-Turn NM cable stripper/cutter has spring-loaded action for self-opening. The tool strips, cuts andloops 12 AWG and 14 AWG solid wire, and shears 6-32 and 8-32 screws.A serrated nose bends, shapes and pulls wire, while the handles provide afirm grip for better leverage, promising greater control and comfort.NewThe thinking man’selectronic multimeterFind it. Fix it. Fast.Now there’s a DMM that’s so advanced,it does the thinking for you. The new FlukeTrue-rms 287 Electronics logging multimeterwith TrendCapture has all the power andquality features you’ve come to expect, alongwith custom advanced features that make itideal for electronics applications.• Detect intermittent events and preventfailures with advanced logging andTrendCapture graphing• Solve electronic systems problems with speed,precision and accuracy• Easy-to-use instant help key, scroll buttonsand soft keysXuron Corp. has unveiled a new flush cutterdesigned for rapidly and cleanly cutting cable tiesand other soft plastics in a range of applications.The Model 2275 Quick-Cutter provides a full cuttingcapacity along the entire length of the blades tolet you cut cable ties fast—especially in tight spaceswith limited vision. Featuring the patented Micro-Shear bypass cutting technology that square-cutscable ties rather than pinching them and leavingspikes, the tool produces flush cuts with a smooth,flat finish. The 2275 is ergonomically designed withsoft, rubber-cushioned hand grips, a Light-Touchreturn spring and no finger loops.For more information call 800-36-FLUKE or visitwww.flukecanada.ca/dmm to check out theonline demo and put the 287 through its paces.Fluke. Keeping your worldup and running.Rugged and reliableelectrical testingproducts.All in the Fluke family.Fluke_EB_Jan08.indd 110 • january 2008 • www. mag.comSuggested reading from Fluke’sfree library of application notes:• Measurement of AdjustableSpeed Drives• Stray Voltage AffectsMultimeter Measurements• Why True-rms?12/19/07 8:52:00 AMA new, compact hand crimp tool that featuresa locating nest for properly positioning the unisexconnector’s open barrel ear section to createan ‘F’ crimp has been introduced by ETCO Inc.Designed for use in confined spaces, the ETCOhand crimper (for the company’s FlatSnap unisexconnector) is a closed-head tool that positions andholds the connector to let you create an F crimpwith one hand. The tool has been tested to performover 50,000 cycles, and provides a parallel strokethat assures an even crimp, as well as ratchet controlfor completing the crimping cycle.

egionalfocusTechnical-vocational educationexpands in ManitobaPeter Bjornson, Manitoba’s education, citizenship and youthminister, announced the Prairie Rose School Division willreceive $300,000 over four years to develop technicalvocationaleducation programs for students in central andsouthwestern Manitoba public schools.“Our government is investing in the future by helpingrural school divisions increase student access to technical andvocational education opportunities,” Bjornson said. “Therapidly-changing market that today’s students will enter isseeing increased demand for workers in skilled trades andhigh-tech professions.”The funding is in addition to an investment of $8.2 millionin the Technical Vocational Initiative announced last monthand will involve hiring a technical-vocational coordinator towork with four school divisions. The Prairie Rose, PrairieSpirit, Turtle Mountain and Southwest Horizon school divisionswill implement and expand career technology studies(CTS) programs. The CTS option has been in place in thePrairie Rose School Division for 11 years and this new projectwill expand and further develop the program.Technical Vocational Initiative support to school divisionsincludes upgrading equipment to ensure high-school graduatesare familiar with new technology and standardizingprogram elements between high school and post-secondaryinstitutions, apprenticeship programs and industry.Over the past three years, 30 schools in 18 school divisionshave shared funding of $1.9 million. Modern equipmenthas been purchased, dozens of demonstration projectshave been completed and a best practices catalogue intechnical-vocational education is under development.The Sunshine Province awardsjust over $1/4 million to its apprenticesA record 232 apprentices—including a record 30 womenand 10 Aboriginal people—have been awarded AlbertaApprenticeship and Industry Training scholarships valued at$1000 each. The annual scholarships recognize apprenticesand trainees who have demonstrated excellence in theirtrade or designated occupation, and encourage them tocomplete their training programs. The awards are availableto all registered Alberta apprentices and trainees.The scholarship program is funded by contributions fromindustry and the Alberta government’s Access to the FutureFund. The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry TrainingScholarship Endowment Fund now exceeds $4.4 million.“To receive a scholarship, apprentices and trainees mustdemonstrate a high standard of academic excellence anddistinguish themselves during on-the-job training withtheir employers. It’s a very competitive process,” said BrianBickley, Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry TrainingBoard chair.Congratulations to these future electricalpros and their employers:• Aaron Addison (Red Deer), Triple A Electric Ltd.• Brendon Anderson (Red Deer), Collicutt Energy Services• Michael Black (Fort McMurray), Ace Construction Co.• Marcel Bruyere (Calgary), Tarpon Energy Services• Colwin Cantello (Banff), Henry’s Electric• Dennis Cheng (Calgary), Trotter & Morton• Joseph Clark (Drumheller), Syntech Enerflex• Roy Cottle (Calgary), Bow Valley Electrical• Scott Curran (Edmonton), Commercial Industries Ltd.• Troy Dooley (Edmonton), Ledcor Group of Companies• Craig Erichsen (Red Deer), Triple A Electric Ltd.• Jason Friesen (Brooks), Mario’s Electric Ltd.• Paul Germain (Edmonton), MCL Power Inc.• Rafal Gruszka (Nisku), Pyramid Corp.• Nathan Harris-Still (Calgary), Siemens Building Technologies• Taiotekane Horn (Edmonton), Muth Electrical Management• Mathew Ibach (Grande Prairie), Atco Electric• Paul Kniel (Edmonton), TPC International Inc.• Jeffrey Lehman (Red Deer), Studon Electric & Controls Inc.• Jennifer Lewis (Medicine Hat), The Electric Co.• Michael Lundstrom (Rocky Mountain House), Wild Rose Public Schools• Brian Markley (Edmonton), JH McKenzie Electrical Contractors• Charlotte Martinoski (Edmonton), Electram Rotary Equipment Ltd.• Tammy McAllister (Red Deer), Syntech Enerflex• Shawn McDermid (Sundre), Mer-Mac Electric and Industries• Brandon McIntyre (Edmonton), ESC Automation• Timothy McLachlan (Edmonton), Vector Electric and Control• Coryn McMillan (Calgary), Concept Electric Ltd.• Timothy Nelson (Calgary), Eurotek Electrical & Data Communications• Robert Pierson (Calgary), Western Electrical Management• Troy Rhodes (Lethbridge), Corona Electric• Tony Robinson (Lac La Biche), Encana Corp.• Angela Royal (Drumheller), Syntech Enerflex• Adam Sawchuk (St. Albert), Pro-Ex Trading Co. Inc.• Colin Simpson (Lethbridge), Tamura Electric• David Sugawara (Edmonton), Babco Electric & Engineering Ltd.• Russ Sundsten (Red Deer), Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation• Dustin Symes (Calgary), Amelco Electric• Ehi Taranov (Edmonton), Force Electric Ltd.• Cory Turpie (Calgary), Essential Electric Ltd.• Dirk Vis (Edmonton), C&A Electrical Ind. (1984)• Gene Wallis (Red Deer), Studon Electric & Controls• Matthew Yakulic (Lethbridge), Beltec Power & Control SystemsMade in Canada.IBERVILLE ®w w w . t n b - c a n a d a . c o mBC1018-LHTQ The biggest, single-gangsteel box on the marketThe IBERVILLE ® BC1018-LHTQdelivers an unprecedented 18 cubicinches of capacity, giving you the extrafinger and conductor space you needfor heavier duty device installations suchas fan and lighting controls, GFCIs andthermostats.And, because it’s an LHTQ, you can besure that installation is always fast andaccurate.monthlyWait no more for your very OWNBrady IDXpert or TLS 2200 ® ,with rebates like this, there isno time like the present.Did you know...For more informationabout this offer, visit us atwww.bradycanada.com/stickwithbradyor call 1-800-263-6179 today!Offer good from Nov. 9, 2007 - Feb. 29, 2008w w w . t n b - c a n a d a . c o m... that the complete Thomas & Bettscommercial and residential productoffering is now available in onecompact, user-friendly productcatalogue measuring only 5.5’’ x 5.5’’?Fits perfectly in your glove compartmentor door well.Pick up your T&B CommercialProducts Catalogue at your localelectrical distributor or order online atwww.tnb-canada.com/en/comcat.aspAEB018Brady_EB_Jan08.indd 112/19/07 10:31:57 AMTnB_vert_EB_Jan08.indd 1www. mag.com • january 2008 • 111/2/08 11:37:55 AM

egionalfocusAREVA wins NB Power contractAreva NP Canada Ltd. has been awarded a contract to provide New Brunswick PowerNuclear with a containment filtered venting system (CFVS) for the Point Lepreau GeneratingStation. It will be built in Canada under Areva supervision, to be installed during the PointLepreau Refurbishment Project.The CFVS is a back-up safety system designed to mitigate the potential for radiationrelease for specific accident scenarios that have an extremely low probability of occurrence. Itwill provide capability for a controlled reduction of containment pressure by means of filteredventing and recirculating the retained airborne activity to the containment building.This back-up safety system has already been installed by Areva in the majority of thenuclear power plants in Europe, as well as China. Point Lepreau is the first nuclear powerplant in Canada to install this feature.The Soo set to become a solar citySault Ste Marie, Ont. (a.k.a. The Soo), is poised to become home to one of the province’slargest solar farms, thanks to the latest contracts signed under Ontario’s Standard OfferProgram (SOP).Already a significant solar project comprising two 10MW phases when announced inSeptember, plans for The Soo project now include six phases that would contribute 60MWto Ontario’s electricity grid. This latest project represents a potential $360-million investmentand an important addition to the economy of Sault Ste Marie.It will join a 60MW project planned in Sarnia, Ont., as one of the largest solar powergenerating stations planned in Canada. The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) reports that 228renewable energy projects had been awarded contracts under the SOP as of November 30,2007. Together with The Soo’s announcement, those projects have the potential to generate882 MW of renewable energy.Construction workforce strategy to address Alberta’s shortagesAlberta construction associations and labour groups have a new set of tools to address workforcechallenges. Developed in collaboration with the Alberta government, “A WorkforceStrategy for Alberta’s Construction Industry” identifies ways to address labour and skillsshortages over the next decade.The collaborative effort brought together more than 15 contributing industry and labourorganizations, resulting in the development of actions to ensure an adequate and skilledworkforce to meet the growth in Alberta’s construction industry.“Alberta’s construction workforce faces an unprecedented demand by the public forschools, hospitals, upgraders, bridges and roads. Ensuring the province has a strong, viableworkforce is essential to continued growth—not just in this industry but the economy asa whole,” said Ken Gibson, executive director of the Alberta Construction Association.“The skilled labour shortage is the No. 1 issue facing the residential constructionindustry,” said Mary Kenny, director of skilled labour development for the CanadianHome Builders’ Association–Alberta. “Economic growth, competition from otherindustries, an aging workforce and a lack of young people entering the trades have contributedto a situation where we simply don’t have the workers we need. It’s imperativethat industry join forces to develop opportunities for increased labour development.”Key workforce strategy highlights include:• Expand opportunities for students to get exposure to, and gain work experience in,Alberta’s construction industry.• Develop a promotional campaign targeted at under-employed Albertans who mightbe amenable to changing careers and working in the construction trades.• Advocate for more emphasis on trade skills in Canada’s immigration policies andstreamline processes for bringing in workers from other countries when shortages ofworkers with specific trades skills are widely recognized.• Continue to advocate for improved processes for credential and competencerecognition for out-of-province/country workers seeking employment inAlberta’s construction industry to improve labour mobility.• Continue efforts to promote workplace health and safety best practicesand identify new approaches to further reduce work-related injuriesin the construction industry.• Develop mentoring programs to support women, Aboriginal peoples and otherunder-represented groups in the construction industry.Some of the organizations responsible for implementing the strategy include:• Alberta Building Trades Council of Unions• Alberta Construction Association• Alberta Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association• Canadian Home Builders’ Association–Alberta• Christian Labour Association of Canada• Construction Labour Relations–Alberta• Construction Owners Association of Alberta• Merit Contractors AssociationAlberta doles out apprenticeship scholarshipsRegistered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) scholarships have been awarded to 384Alberta high school graduates participating in the program. “RAP scholarships are agreat way to encourage students to transition into post-secondary learning from highschool,” said Doug Horner, minister of advanced education and technology. “Awardrecipients are recognized for their hard work and provided support to continue on intheir apprenticeship programs as they shift into the next stage in their lives.”The Alberta government partners with industry to fund the annual $1000 scholarships.Students can start in RAP as early as Grade 10. Their work earns them on-thejobtraining hours toward an apprenticeship, along with credit toward their high schooldiplomas. When the apprentices graduate from high school and start their first periodof in-class training, they are eligible to receive $700 of the scholarship. They receive theremaining $300 when they start their second period of in-class training.“I’m pleased to see industry and government continuing to support Alberta’s youngapprentices,” said Brian Bickley, Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Boardchair. “RAP scholarships are another excellent way to promote the trades in Alberta, asmore and more young people explore these challenging, hands-on careers.”OntarioMarcel Houle1.800.461.4076QuebecMichel Trepanier1.877.307.5525East CoastRod Blake1.800.565.8771Congratulations to the following up-and-coming electrical apprentices:• Kyle Bauer (Wetaskiwin)• Kevin Koustrup (Drumheller)• Christopher Bell (St. Albert)• Christopher Kowalewski (Calgary)• Daniel Bilyk (Vegreville)• Justin Kreutz (Sylvan Lake)• Anthony Bourque (Edmonton)• Christopher Krushel (Medicine Hat)• Chad Boyce (Edmonton)• Brian Kuhn (Edmonton)• Dylan Brewster (Rimbey)• Jordan MacKay (Irma)• Garrett Cannan (Mundare)• Tyler Martin (Medicine Hat)• Michael Charuk (Vegreville)• Timothy Massey (Edmonton)• Robert Clark (Sherwood Park)• Justin McDiarmid (Red Deer)• Michael Croft (Calgary)• Jay Mitchel (Strathmore)• Ryan Deary (Calgary)• Rory J. Neall (Sherwood Park)• Thomas Dul (Sherwood Park)• Kyle Ness (Lougheed)• Calvin M. Foster (Lacombe)• Kurtis Peters (La Crete)• William Gaugler (Hotchkiss)• Jeff Porozni (Vegreville)• Ryan Gemmell (Calgary)• Reese Roth (Cold Lake)• Jayden Hachey (Drayton Valley)• Mark Sauchenko (Grande Prairie)• Brittney Hammond (Beaverlodge)• Tyson Schatschneider (Wetaskiwin)• Tanner Hanasyk (Thorhild)• Mikeal Schempp (Hussar)• Brennan Haycock (Edmonton)• Jonathan Shephard (Medicine Hat)• Nicholas Hudgins (Stony Plain)• Eric Soderberg (Lacombe)• Shawn Hutton (Ardrossan)• Corey Steele (Bonnyville)• Matthew Jenner (Airdrie)• Steven Stenson (Forestburg)• Tyler Jensen (Drumheller)• Jeremy Urlacher (Cold Lake)• Peter Klanten (Olds)• Jonathon Wong (Clive)12 • january 2008 • www. mag.comChess_EB_Jan08.indd 11/3/08 9:05:53 AM

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

egionalfocusOsram lights Banff with LED streetlightsThe town of Banff, Alta., has joined forces with Osram Opto Semiconductors in launching a pilot project to convert itsstreetlighting to LED; eight streetlights have been upgraded to LED lighting with the goal of reducing energy consumptionby 36%. The LED streetlights’ fixture design and directional nature also adhere to one of Banff’s environmentalpriorities: to help preserve and protect the night-time environment (including views of the night sky).The goals of the project are to gather performance data and track energy consumption information during variableweather and lighting conditions to identify permanent future solutions.Albertans set winter power demand recordAt 6 o’clock in the evening of Monday, December 3, Alberta’s demand for electricity reached an all-time high of 9701megawatts, breaking last year’s record of 9661 MW set on November 28, 2006.“The heaviest demand for electricity in Alberta typically occurs during the winter,” said Warren Frost, Alberta ElectricSystem Operator (AESO) vice-president of operations and reliability. “A prolonged cold snap, reduced daylight hours andincreased lighting are all factors that combine to push demand to record levels.”Electricity consumption in Alberta has grown by 28% since 2000, with a year-over-year load growth of 4.7%. AESOestimates an additional 5000 MW of electricity by 2017 and 11,500 MW by 2027 will be required to meet the growingelectricity demands of Albertans.Priorities set for 2010National Model CodesIn developing the 2010 National Model Codes, theCanadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes(CCBFC) has identified priorities presenting whatit calls “complex technical challenges”. One of thepriorities affect Part 9 of the National BuildingCode of Canada (NBC), entitled “Housing andSmall Buildings”, and deals with secondary suites inresidential buildings.The Standing Committee on Housing and SmallBuildings has formed a task group to evaluate therequirements that currently apply to buildings withnot more than two dwelling units and will recommendrevisions, if needed, to address secondarysuites. Secondary suites are smaller suites often retrofittedinto existing single-family dwellings. Theyare sometimes referred to as “accessory apartments”or “in-law suites”. A number of provincial codesand municipal jurisdictions have requirements thatapply to these suites, but there is little consistencyfrom one jurisdiction to another.The task group plans to review the requirementscurrently provided in provincial codes in their considerationof a possible reduction in requirements or thedevelopment of alternative solutions for secondarysuites. Among the issues the task group will addressare egress and exiting, fire detection and electricalsafety. The group plans to provide a report withrecommendations to the parent standing committeeby the spring.Reading someoneelse's copy ofElectrical Business?VisitEBmag.comand click SUBSCRIBE!Chances are you qualify for aFREE SUBSCRIPTION.Hubbell_EB_Jan08.indd 114 • january 2008 • www. mag.com12/21/07 10:08:20 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.

Are thermostatset-back and set-up validenergy-savingoptions?Testing twin R-2000homes for the answerCanadian Centre for Housing Technology Twin Test HomesNRC’s Twin Test Homes are fully finished, 2100-sf fourbedroomhouses that are used to test the latest innovativehousing devices. Devices are tested in the one on the leftwhile the other is used as an experimental control. Thehomes are highly automated, and each has ‘virtual families’that wash, cook and open doors. Photo courtesy NationalResearch Council of Canada. Photo Harry Turner.Regularly lowering the temperature on a thermostat overnight orwhile away from home to conserve energy is a common habitamong Canadians. In 1994, over 70% of us claimed to practisethis habit, while only a small portion (16%) claimed to own a programmablethermostat (p-stat). With p-stats comes the ability to programdifferent strategies for additional savings in summer and winter.The concept of adjusting thermostat setting to achieve energysavings is by no means new, and the use of thermostat set-back inenergy-efficient houses has also been explored. In a 1988 paper,however, researchers suggest that set-back thermostats are of questionablevalue—and may even be counterproductive—in a homebuilt to R-2000 standards.So with p-stats and energy-efficient houses becoming moreprevalent, side-by-side testing was deemed necessary to determinewhether a p-stat offers any substantial savings to a homeownerwith an efficient house, and whether these savings come at a costof discomfort to the homeowner or risk of damage to the homethrough repeated envelope surface condensation.During the winter heating season of 2002-2003 and the summercooling season of 2003, the Canadian Centre for HousingTechnology (CCHT) ran a series of trials to determine actualenergy savings from thermostat setting in one of its R-2000 testhouses. The unique nature of the CCHT Twin House Facilityallowed not only the examination of energy savings, but also wholehouse performance. These twin, two-storey R-2000 houses featurea simulated occupancy program and are fully instrumented withover 300 sensors. (EB visited this facility several years ago. It’samazing the experiments they can carry out and measure.)During the thermostat experiments, important factors affectingoccupant comfort were explored, including: air temperature recoverytime from set-back and set-up; house surface temperatures duringwinter set-back; solar effects; and summer house humidity. Aside-by-side testing approach was used. Following an initial periodof benchmarking, different thermostat strategies were deployedin one of the houses, referred to as the ‘Test House’. The secondhouse, referred to as the ‘Reference House’, remained at a controlsetting of 22°C without winter set-back or summer set-up.Three different set-back temperature strategies were deployedin the Test House during winter testing. During summer testing,two different temperature strategies were tested. The first strategyemployed a 3°C daytime set-up, while the second was simply ahigher temperature setting: 24°C, 24 hours/day.A single, centrally located programmable thermostat, featuringconventional recovery (system activation at the time of temperaturesetting change), controlled both the space heating and cooling systems.Features of the thermostat included: a 2°C nominal deadband,and a cycle rate of 3 cycles/hr when at the 50% load condition.What did they learn?During the winter, measured savings from the CCHT experimentswere slightly lower than the Energy Star savings calculatorfor p-stats, which assumes a 5.4% per degree Celsius of setback.A dual seven-hour setback of 4°C produced a seasonal savings of10% on furnace gas consumption, while a dual seven-hour setbackof 6°C produced a seasonal savings of 13%. Apart from the shorterduration of setbacks, 7 hours instead of 8 hours, the airtightness,insulation, and passive solar design of the R-2000 house may havecontributed to the difference in measured savings.The results from the winter set-back experiments highlight theneed for the use of ‘optimum start’—where the thermostat anticipatesthe house’s response and begins heating in advance to meetthe desired temperature setting at the proper time. This was not afeature of the p-stats tested at CCHT (though it is a requirementon newer Energy Star models). The two-hour recovery time on colddays could easily be anticipated by this control strategy, increasingoccupant comfort in the early evening. However, the optimum starttime strategy would cause the house to spend less time at the setbacktemperature, resulting in reduced savings from those recordedin this experiment.Furnace size is a contributing factor to recovery time, and theones used in this experiment were oversized. Although a smaller-Table 1Energy Star acceptable setpoint timesand temperature settings (2005)Setting Time Setpoint temperatureHeat CoolWake 6 a.m. 21°C 26°CDay 8 a.m. 17°C 29°CEvening 6 p.m. 21°C 26°CSleep 10 p.m. 17°C 28°C16 • JANUARY 2008 • www. mag.com

Table 2CCHT research house specificationsConstruction standard• R-2000Liveable area• 2260 sf, two storeysInsulation• Attic: RSI 8.6 (R-49)• Walls: RSI 3.5 (R-20)• Rim joists: RSI 3.5 (R-20)Basement• Poured concrete,full basement.• Floor: concrete slab,no insulation.• Walls: RSI 3.5 (R-20) in aframed wall. No vapour barrier.Garage• Two-car, recessed into the floorplan; isolated control room in thegarage.Exposed floor over the garage• RSI 4.4 (R-25) with heated/cooled plenum air spacebetween insulationand subfloor.Windows• Area: 377 sf total, 174 sf Southfacing.• Double-glazed, high solar heatgain coating (on surface 3).• Insulated spacer, argon-filled,with argon concentrationmeasured to 95%.Air barrier system• Exterior, taped fiberboardsheathing with laminatedweather resistant barrier.• Taped penetrations,including windows.Airtightness• 1.5 air changesper hour @ 1 lb/sfFurnishing• UnfurnishedW h e n I t ’ sMetal Halide,Make SureIt’s Venturesized furnace could heat the house effectively at a constantsetpoint, it would experience more difficulty recoveringfrom set-back temperatures, resulting in longer recoverytimes. Were the furnace size an exact match to the highestheating load, it would be unable to fully recover from theadded load of the thermostat set-back on the coldest daysof winter.Throughout both the summer and winter trials, thefurnace operated in continuous circulation. This is thehouse’s standard mode of operation, and is required toprovide outdoor air via the HRV (heat recovery ventilator)in the highly airtight R-2000 construction. In a housewith ‘looser’ construction, the furnace could be operatedin ‘automatic’ mode, allowing outdoor air to be obtainedfrom natural ventilation, without the 84% efficient heatexchange of the HRV.In this type of operation, one would expect a quickerresponse of the house to a set-back or set-up—looser constructionallowing for faster heat transfer between indoorsand outdoors. More savings from thermostat set-back wouldbe expected in these looser homes, particularly during warmwinter weather with an average outdoor temperature above4°C (where savings in the R-2000 Test House were negligible).Additionally, a slower recovery time would be expectedfor the same reasons—the furnace (or air-conditioner) havingto run longer to combat the larger heat gains (or losses)to regain the original thermostat setting.Thus, the house would spend more time at the set-backor set-up conditions, resulting in larger savings. Continuouscirculation, in addition to circulating outdoor air from theHRV, also helps to distribute heat in the house. Withoutcontinuous circulation, an increase in stratification wouldoccur, creating potential for even lower surface temperaturesduring setback.Both summer thermostat strategies were accompanied byadvantages and disadvantages. The energy savings from theset-up strategy were offset by long recovery times. Even witha thermostat equipped with pre-comfort recovery, it wouldhave to start its recovery roughly half-way through the setupperiod to return to the set temperature on hot days. Thisrecovery time could be reduced slightly by eliminating airconditionercycling as it approaches the setpoint. However,without controlled cycling, the system would be more likelyto overshoot the setpoint temperature, providing unnecessaryexcess cooling and adversely affecting comfort.Long recovery times from summer set-up are mainlyattributable to A/C sizing. Although the two-ton air-conditionerwas effective at maintaining the house at a constantset temperature even on the hottest days, it was ineffective atrecovering from a 3°C set-up, let alone a 4°C set-up as preprogrammedinto Energy Star thermostats. Central air-conditionersare often sized to just meet the design cooling loadcalculated, as was the CCHT air-conditioner. An additionaldrawback to the set-up strategy is the resulting peak in energyuse late in the evening, something utilities are trying hard tominimize. For these reasons, the set-up thermostat strategymany not be the best energy saving strategy for summer.The summer higher-temperature setting results in largersavings than the set-up, and also eliminates this eveningpeak by maintaining the house temperature throughoutthe day. However, the issue of comfort is raised. Not onlyis the temperature in the house higher than ideally desired,but the humidity levels are also slightly increased becauseof reduced air-conditioner operation.They’re not all thatDespite the energy efficiency of the R-2000 Test House,thermostat set-back strategies provided up to 13% seasonalsavings in furnace gas consumption and 2.3% seasonal savingsin furnace electrical consumption during the winter. Thehighest energy savings occurred for the lowest set-back temperature(16°C) on the days with the highest heating loads.On warmer winter days, savings from thermostat setbackwere negligible, as the R-2000 home maintained itstemperature despite the thermostat setting. On most occasions,recovery times from thermostat set-back were lessthan one hour, reaching a maximum of 2.25 hours on thecoldest test day. Generally, thermostat set-back proved tobe an effective and inexpensive energy-saving strategy in anenergy-efficient home.Two summer thermostat strategies were examined: a daytimetemperature set-up and a higher temperature setting24 hours/day. Air-conditioner and furnace electrical savingsfrom the set-up strategy were highly dependent on weather(days with low solar gains producing minimal savings). Forthe entire cooling season, savings of 11% could be expected.The set-up strategy also suffered from long recovery times,surpassing seven hours on the hottest days. Proper implementationof a set-up strategy would require larger sizingof the air-conditioning unit to reduce these recovery times.Even then, the set-up strategy would be adding to the peakelectrical load experienced in the evening by utilities.Air-conditioner and furnace electrical savings were morethan twice as high for the higher temperature setting strategy(23% for the entire cooling season). The downsideto the higher temperature setting is occupancy comfort.Not only is the temperature higher, but indoor humidityincreases due to less frequent air-conditioner operation,decreasing comfort levels and increasing perceived heat.Thermostat strategies are likely not the best alternativewhen used on their own for reducing summer energy use.Utimately, this study shows us that while programmablethermostats do save homeowners some money, they shouldnot be the only energy-saving strategy considered, especiallyin what researchers call ‘loose’ homes. Not everyonehas an R-2000 home, so there are plenty of opportunitiesto explore other energy-saving strategies with clients. Thebetter informed they are of programmable thermostatsbenefits and limitations, the more inclined they’ll be tolisten to advice on additional opportunities.This article is based on a research paper published by NRC’sInstitute for Research in Construction (IRC) entitled “The effects ofthermostat set-back and set-up on seasonal energy consumption,surface temperatures and recovery times at the CCHT Twin HouseFacility”, authored by Manning, M.M.; Swinton, M.C.; Szadkowski,F.; Gusdorf, J.; Ruest, K. (March 2007). The Canadian Centre forHousing Technology (CCHT) is jointly operated by the NationalResearch Council of Canada (NRC), Natural Resources Canada(NRCan) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC).The World Leaderin Metal Halide Technology VentureLighting.comVenture_1_EB_Jan08.indd 1www. mag.com • january 2008 • 1712/21/07 9:51:19 AM

Get over the idea that only children shouldspend their time in study. Be a student solong as you still have something to learn,and this will mean all your life.— Henry L. DohertyWhen It’sMetal Halide,Make Sure It’s VenturePhil Flemming, IBEW’s (First District, Canada) international vicepresident(at right), sits in on Session 1, “Construction Sector CouncilWorkshop on Plain Language”, delivered by Julia Lew—a WorkplaceEducator for SkillPlan (BC Construction Industry Skills ImprovementCouncil). Lew is the lead author for the Construction Sector Council’s“Plain Language for Construction”.Ray Matthews, the provincial director of training, ElectricalIndustry Education Trust Fund of Alberta, discussed how hisoutfit, despite having three brick-and-mortar facilities, investedin video conferencing. His group also successfully tackled theissue of off-site training by investing about $1 million in atrailer that can visit folks in work camps.Problem-Solving (Thinking Skills) are the three most importantpredictors of success in the trade,” she added.Rosemary Sparks, the director of operations for theConstruction Sector Council (CSC) took the stage to discussher organization’s work in creating a Construction SupervisorNational Standard. “The construction supervisor,” she explained,“is among the oldest age groups in the trades,” which is why it’simperative to CSC that a suitable standard be developed.The problem, Sparks notes, is that a construction supervisor“is usually a good tradesman who shows leadership skills and istaken from the ranks. At that point, they’re typically not givenany formal or informal training [for their new role]”. As such,CSC wants your input for full validation of the ConstructionSupervisor NOA (National Occupational Analysis). To participate,visit www.csc-ca.org.Cynthia Waugh, manager, trades and apprenticeship withHuman Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC)came to the symposium to talk about the ApprenticeshipIncentive Grant (AID). “While the number of apprentices inCanada is rising, completions remain flat,” she noted. “Also,apprentices tend to be 25 years [of age] or older, and have alreadytried something else before choosing an apprenticeship.”Waugh covered some of the things introduced in Budget2006 that encourage more apprenticeship training, such asthe Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC) and Tradesperson’s Tool Deduction (which were nicely explained byEB’s resident business expert, Ron Coleman, in the March 2007edition of EB’s free e-newsletter, E-Line). One additional itemintroduced in Budget 2006 that speaks directly to apprentices—and that Waugh came specifically to talk about—is the AIG.Delivered by Service Canada (servicecanada.gc.ca), it’s a taxablecash grant of $1000 per year available to registered apprenticesonce they have successfully completed their first or secondyear/level of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Sealtrades. It is meant to help cover some of the tuition, travel andtool costs, and encourage apprentices to complete their programand get their Red Seal, which will allow them to apply their skillsand knowledge anywhere in Canada.So here’s the issue: the grant is there, the money is there, butnot enough people know about it! Waugh really encouragedeveryone at the symposium to increase awareness of the AIG sothat they receive more applicants. In a couple of months (April 4,to be exact) it will be the one-year anniversary of Monte Solberg,HRSDC’s minister, presenting the first $1000 AIG cheques.Let’s all make sure that, while this program exists, we take advantageof it as best—and as often—as we can!The highlight of Saturday afternoon was the “Pan-CanadianLook at Best Practices in Action”—essentially, a talk show formatwhere training leaders from across the country took the mike todiscuss their successes and challenges. Ray Matthews, the pro-The World Leaderin Metal Halide Technology VentureLighting.comVenture_2_EB_Jan08.indd 1www. mag.com • january 2008 • 1912/21/07 10:02:01 AM

vincial director of training, Electrical Industry Education TrustFund of Alberta, discussed how his outfit, despite having threebrick-and-mortar facilities, invested in video conferencing “sowe can broadcast from one location to another”. The technologyis not perfect, though, as Matthews admits there are some speedissues, but they “mainly use it for meetings so we don’t have to flypeople back and forth”. Matthews’ group also successfully tackledthe issue of off-site training by investing about $1 million ina trailer that can visit folks in work camps.Rick Lousier, Local 2085’s training and education coordinatorin Manitoba, had some sobering concerns in his part of theworld. “We have trouble getting people out for training,” headmits, “because they’re just so busy, and with the AboriginalOutreach Program, we didn’t have the mentoring program wewere assured we would have.” At the same time, Lousier concedes,there’s no point in having a training program “if you don’thave any jobs for them... you just become a broken promise”.Fern Tardiff, chair of Local 625’s JATC in Nova Scotia,explained his group tracks apprentices’ training to make surethey’re getting good exposure. And they listen to their contractors.“[They] were telling us they were getting too many apprenticeswho have never set foot on a construction site [so now]the apprentices need a pre-apprenticeship period to gain somepractical experience.”IndustryAnnouncementSt. Thomas Holding Inc., wholly owned by theCity of St. Thomas, and the owner and operatorof St. Thomas Energy Services Inc. (STESI), hasentered into an agreement to purchase the sharesof two companies near the Town of Tillsonburg:Tiltran Services and Lizco Sales. This is thefirst transaction of its size in Ontario involving amunicipally-owned utility company purchasing acompetitive, privately-owned services company.Tiltran specializes in the engineering, constructionand maintenance of high voltage electrical power,wind and solar systems. Lizco has the largest,privately-owned transformer inventory in Canada.Together, the companies will have the abilityto gain access to broader markets and largerprojects, find ways to secure new revenuestreams and be aggressive in pursuing newbusiness opportunities. The transaction will becompleted on January 2, 2008.St. Thomas Energy Services Inc. along with theirnew partners Tiltran and Lizco will continue toprovide excellence in service to their customersin Ontario, Canada and North America.For more information, please contact BrianHollywood, President and CEO, St. ThomasEnergy Services Inc. at 519.631.4211 ext. 238,www.stesi.com or Pat Carroll, President,Tiltran Services at 519.842.6458 ext. 225,www.tiltran.com.In this session, led by Carol MacLeod, participants learned how todeliver NETCO’s curriculum on Test-Taking Strategies for Red SealElectrical Exams and options for integrating it into ongoing technicaltraining programs. MacLeod is NETCO’s project consultantand the designer of NETCO’s Test-Taking Strategies curriculum.And all this happened Saturday morning before breakingfor lunch! There was more to come.Saturday afternoonAfter lunch, registrants attended one of three afternoon seminars:1) Construction Sector Council Workshop on PlainLanguage; 2) Interview Techniques for Selecting Apprentices;and 3) Train-the-Trainer: Test-Taking Strategies for Red SealElectrical Exams.For my part, I tried popping in and out of sessions to geta feel for all of them. One of the highlights of Session 3 wasmeeting CSA’s Bob Nelson, the mastermind behind an interactiveCD that helps you train for your C of Q. Known asESAT (Electrician’s Self-Assessment Tool), it helps you getthrough the pressure of preparing for the final C of Q examby putting you through the paces with more than 1100sample questions covering each block, task and subtask inthe HRSDC Occupational Analysis for the ConstructionElectrician. Available for purchase on CSA’s website (www.csa.ca), the CD is based on CE Code 2006–Part I to matchcurrent exam coverage.In Seminar 1, Julia Lew (a workplace educator for SkillPlan),walked her group through a number of examples of excessivelywordy and confusing messages, and showed them how to cleanup the text so that the message comes through loud and clear.After all, in many industries—especially construction—youwant everyone to understand policies, warning, dangers, etc.perfectly. At the start of her session, she explained three Tips toconsider before committing a message to paper: 1) Organizethe information; 2) Make it short; and 3) Be clear.Finally, Session 2’s Cheryl Crumb explained the nuances ofinterviewing, particularly as it relates to interviewing a potentialapprentice candidate, or apprentice for your company.(However, these techniques can apply to anyone, anywhere).Like onions, people have many layers, and Crumb identifiedthe three layers with which interviewers should be concerned.Level 1 just scratches the surface; our gut reaction to a person.It’s superficial and what Crumb calls “dating behaviour”.When you get down to Level 2 of a person, that’s where youlearn about their credentials; their technical abilities. However,this is already on the person’s resume, so why waste time withthat at the interview?No, Crumb suggests we must drill down to the final layer,Level 3, of a person, to learn about their attitude and job beliefs,as this is the level that ultimately decides what kind of personwe’re bringing on board, and whether or not we’ll be happywith them. “We must learn to ask Level 3 questions from theoutset,” Crumb says, arguing that we shouldn’t place muchimportance on resumes. “They serve to list the basic thingsthe candidate must have. Beyond that, they tell you nothing ofthe individual [and] let’s face it: an electrical apprentice won’tconsider resume-writing an Essential Skill.” She summarizes:“Our challenge is to ask the questions that reveal behaviours”.Sunday morningThe NETCO Symposium didn’t fool around with ourtime, as Sunday morning again featured a line-up of prominentspeakers.Sandie Birkhead-Kirk of the CCDA (Canadian Council ofDirectors of Apprenticeship) talked about her organizationIn the photo are (left to right): CECA’s executive secretary, ErylRoberts; Scott Murray, ex-StatsCan statistician, now presidentof DataAngel Policy Research Inc.; and Jerry Wilson, IBEW (FirstDistrict, Canada) international representative. Murray’s presentation“Human Capital Development: Key Issues and ChallengesFacing the Construction Industry” was somewhat bleak, to saythe least, but they say that knowledge is power, so in that regardhe did a great job of preparing us for the world to come.and how it fits into the Canadian skilled labour landscape.This is the group behind the whole Red Seal program, andone of things she admitted was that CCDA recognizes thatit needs “more input and transparency” with the examinationprocess. However, CCDA is moving forward. In 2005,explained Birkhead-Kirk, it adopted a change in its mandateto include research.So, some time this year, we should expect the completionof the National Apprentice Survey (NAS). Some other projectsthat should be complete (or near completion) includeApprenticeship Technical Training Models and the 1993Registered Apprentices Cohort Study (we’ll keep you posted).There was one more presentation that really bears examination:“Human Capital Development: Key Issues andChallenges Facing the Construction Industry” by ScottMurray (an ex-StatsCan numbers-cruncher, now presidentof DataAngel Policy Research Inc.). This presentation reallyopened many of our eyes to the past, current and futurestate of both skilled trades and Canadians’ employabilityon the global scene. Something Murray referred to as ‘TheUndeclared War’—that is, on our livelihoods and the standardof living we enjoy in Canada.Murray argued, and says the numbers prove him out, thatthe skilled trades create greater wealth for a society “than rocketscientists”. But the real purpose behind his talk was to explainhow the world is changing, and that if we don’t adapt quickly,“we’re in deep shit”. One of the problems in Canada is that“we’re not having enough babies”; not enough kids are comingthrough the education system to fill market requirements forskilled labour. Our second problem (opportunity) is globalizationof goods and services. “For the firms that can muster thethings that they need to compete internationally, this offershuge opportunity, huge economies of scale,” he said, withouthaving to say what would happen to the firm that cannot musterin the face of globalization.The market for all of the key inputs has also globalized, sono matter where you’re located, everyone is gaining the sameaccess to technology, capital, etc. So all things being equal,argued Murray, your success will come from your people.Another problem that Murray threw into the mix is the factthat “multinationals are willing and able (even overnight)” tomove their operations to the lowest-cost regions of the world.As such, job losses are inevitable in Canada. However, whatremains to be seen—and it becomes a matter of public policy,says Murray—is whether laid-off Canadians will be able tofind similar, well-paying replacement jobs.“The ringer in this ‘undeclared war’ is that other countriesare gaining ground in education and training,” said Murray,explaining that when people in Bangladesh, for example,achieve the same levels of skill and education as their Canadiancounterparts—and possess the same access to informationtechnologies—they’ll be able to compete directly against uson costs alone. In essence, Canada won’t stand a chance. Prettydoom and gloom.Suffice to say, the NETCO Symposium really drove homethe idea of how much we all need to pool our resources toensure the success of all. Unless we all work toward the commongoal of being the best in the world (that’s right... not justCanada, but the world), we may have to start practising tellingpeople what it’s like not to live in a First World country.20 • january 2008 • www. mag.comStThomas_EB_Nov07.indd 111/23/07 12:51:03 PM

Mind your safetyA warning about implementingNFPA 70EBy Dave SmithElectricians have been doing live work since Edison lit up Menlo Parkin 1879. Should a contractor tell his client there will have to be aproduction stoppage for what has traditionally been an accepted livetask, it’s very likely the client will merely find another contractor.One task identified in this section is “Remove/install a circuit breaker”. The electrician in this casewould need to wear FR PPE suitable for Hazard/RiskCategory 1, which is a maximum 4-cal exposure.It would seem straightforward, then, to adopt NFPA70E, provide FR PPE to your workers and have themuse the tables when doing live work. What preventsyou, however, are Notes 1, 2, 4 and 5 at the bottom ofpage 31, which restrict the use of these Tables withinthe parameters of each Note. For instance, Note 1restricts the above task to a panel of no more than25,000 amps of available short circuit current (SCC)that is protected by a fuse or breaker with a maximumof two cycles fault clearing time.Who is going to know this SCC information? Ifyou’re a plant maintenance electrician, you should beable to determine this information for the panel you’reworking on, but if you’re an electrical contractor workingfor a variety of clients, good luck! And if the panelis fed from a pole top or locked vault transformer,you might have to wait weeks for a utility worker toclimb the pole or open the vault so you can locate theneeded transformer and fuse data information.It is highly unlikely you will ever have more than25kA available on a 240V panel, but if you don’t know,then you cannot use NFPA 70E’s table. As for theclearing time, who would know that off-hand? Fusesand moulded-case circuit breakers should open in lessthan two cycles, but an air circuit breaker will not.Were the panel in the downtown core of a major city,supplied from a network of transformers, the clearingtime would be the time it takes for the fault to burnitself open.an AFH analysis done, just use the tables”), but they overlook the factthat you cannot use the tables without access to the technical informationrequired by the Notes I’ve described above.All electrical contractors will have to adopt this standard in unison;otherwise it gives an unfair competitive advantage to anyone whocontinues to work energized. Our electrical contractor associationsneed to collectively get on board and urge their members all acrossCanada to refuse to do any live work. Once this starts, the movementwill slowly spread to all contractors.NFPA 70E is a great standard, driving important and long overduechanges that will keep our children and friends alive and unscathed.However, our regulators and associations need to start driving homethe message that every facility should have an AFH study done. This isan unwelcome message, but one that needs to be sent. ImplementingNFPA 70E carries an enormous cost to owners and shareholders, but it’smainly a one-time cost. When it is done, we’ll have much safer facilitiesand work practices leading to fewer accidents, injuries and misery.At recent conferences I’ve attended I heard many dire warningsabout the liability to which supervisors and others could be exposedshould they choose not to adopt and follow NFPA 70E. These warningsare always packaged in terms of provincial and federal charges,and fines, lawsuits, legal costs, etc. While this is true, society shouldrecognize that we’re in a transition phase, and that we should have aone-year moratorium on any criminal charges while industry implementsthe standard. It’s a difficult standard to implement, after all,and punishing individuals and companies during this time of transitionmakes about as much sense as a police officer giving you a ticketon a highway with no signs.Dave Smith is president of Canada Training Group and has been providing consultingservices to industry since 1980. This story and others can be found atwww.canada-training-group.ca, and feel free to use this information to supportyour own safety program. E-mail davesmith@canada-training-group.ca.Implementing NFPA 70E carries an enormous cost to ownersand shareholders, but it’s mainly a one-time cost. When itis done, we’ll have much safer facilities and work practicesleading to fewer accidents, injuries and misery.Questioning yourNoisy Bathroom Fan?NFPA 70E is an American standard for electricalsafety in the workplace and is being adoptedacross Canada and internationally. (CSA is developinga Canadian equivalent, CSA Z462, which isscheduled for completion this year.) Disparate provincesare adopting NFPA 70E at different speeds andin different ways; some provincial legislation refers toprotecting workers from flashover or arc flash whileother legislation speaks to protecting workers fromrecognized hazards.NFPA 70E is designed to protect workers in twosignificant ways:1. by restricting live work to testing, troubleshooting,adjustments and data gathering only, and;2. by suiting up workers in voltage-rated and flameresistantPPE that is equal to the maximum voltageand arc flash hazard when working on or aroundexposed, energized equipment.The first point is a huge change, as the ultimate goalis to eliminate live work altogether. Other than electricians,few people are really aware of how much workin Canadian industry is done live so as not to interferewith production. Many articles on the subject referencean American Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration statement, which says financial considerationsare an unacceptable reason for performing liveelectrical work. While an admirable position, it’s largelyimpractical; with the electrical design of many facilities,the entire production process would have to be stopped(unless the work could be scheduled to coincide witha production stoppage, but this would be difficult in a24/7 facility).Especially hard hit will be electrical contractors.Electricians have been doing live work since Edison litup Menlo Park in 1879. Should a contractor tell his clientthere will have to be a production stoppage for whathas traditionally been an accepted live task, it’s verylikely the client will merely find another contractor.As an electrician and an electrical safety consultant—as well as the father of an electrician—I am in completesupport of NFPA’s initiative. At the same time, psychologistAbraham Maslow’s research into the Hierarchy ofHuman Needs clearly shows that fighting for our livelihoodsis almost a primal instinct, and doing a traditionaljob live because you are a small contractor feedingyour family, or expecting someone else to because youneed to keep your job, is going to continue.A simplistic solution would be to follow NFPA 70E’ssecond point—that of suiting up workers in voltageratedand flame-resistant PPE—thereby enabling electricalworkers to continue to do certain tasks both liveand safely. Let’s examine that option.Pages 29-31 of NFPA 70E contain eight sections thatlist typical tasks an electrical worker has traditionallydone live and the PPE required were live work to continue.The columns list the individual task, the Hazard/Risk Category of that task (from which the requiredflame-resistant PPE can be selected), and whether ornot voltage-rated (insulated) gloves/tools are required.For example, the top section on page 29 identifieswork done on “Panelboards rated 240V and below”.Practically, 240V systems do represent a lower arcflash hazard, but should a worker perform any task—including testing, troubleshooting, adjustments anddata-gathering—without knowing this data, he couldbe in violation of the standard. Were an accident tohappen, he and his company would be in violation offederal and provincial safety standards.Should the task location exceed the Note limitationsof 1, 2, 4 or 5, then Article 130.7(C)(9)(a), top left ofpage 29, says that an arc flash hazard (AFH) analysis isrequired—an engineering study requiring the completionof a short circuit study, followed by a protectivedevice study. The results are used to determine the incidentenergy in cals/cm 2 at every contact point throughoutthe system so that the proper FR PPE can be selected.The final step is to label all equipment with all the criticalelectrical safety information. The cost of these analysescan range from $3000 to more than $200,000.Many well-meaning proponents of NFPA 70Einsist that it is easy to use (i.e. “if you have not hadAeroflo 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.comAeroflo_EB_Nov07.indd 1www. mag.com • january 2008 • 2110/16/07 3:51:41 PM

Products FOR LIGHTING APPLICATIONSSevere environment exit signsHighlites’ Weathergard series ofAC and emergency LED exitsigns are designed for use insevere environments, such as cold,damp or wet installations, as wellas areas where accidental damageor vandalism may be a concern.The signs boast a rugged, wraparoundclear polycarbonate sign enclosure, affixedto a sturdy, die-cast aluminum frame. They are also corrosionresistant with neoprene-gasketed construction and stainlesssteel, tamper-proof hardware. The series has wall, ceiling, andend-/pendant-mount models, and your choice of Black, Grey,White or brushed finishes with matching canopies. Availableoptions include self-diagnostic circuitry, fire panel interface,audio-visual alarms, two-circuit input and special wording.HighlitesOutdoor luminaires with low visual signatureWARP9 from Kim is a low visual signature outdoor arealuminaire featuring Visual Stealth Technology that helps itcamouflage itself against its surroundings. You can choose fromtwo housing sizes with electronicor magnetic ballasts. Select oneof four distinct IES light distributions,then pick from a varietyof mounting, fixture and finishoptions. WARP9 meets IESNA and IDA fullcutoffrequirements for use where light pollution ortrespass may be concerns. The fixtures are constructedof copper-free, marine-grade die-cast aluminumwith a corrosion-proof chromate conversion finish.They are specified for pole-top arm mounting.Illumination is provided by a selection of wattagesand colour temperatures, in HPS, MH or CFL.Kim Lighting Inc.Flat LED LightingGO Lighting (Toronto, Ont.)launched its GO FLL (flatLED lighting) solutions that,it says, will reduce energy costsfor office, commercial andretail spaces while improvingthe quality of lighting and thework environment. GO FLL emits no UV radiationor EMI, and contains no mercury, lead or cadmium.It’s also 100% recyclable. The lights can berecessed into ceilings or walls, and pendant-, T-barorsurface-mounted—in any position. Fitting theminto tight spaces is easy because the power supplycan be separated and located some distance awayfrom the actual fixture.GO Lighting Technologies Inc.HID flood luminairesCrescent/Stonco’sSilhouette is thelatest in a seriesof architecturallystyled arealuminaires, andis suitable for outdoor applications requiring tightlight control. The luminaire features one-piecedie-cast aluminum housing finished in Duraplex IIpolyester, available in many standard and designercolours. It can be used in conjunction with Stonco’sFloodPak multi-purpose series, as they share thesame curved appearance and provide optimal cutofftechnology meeting Dark Sky requirements. Itslens and lens frame resist heat and shock damage,as well as bug and dust entry. All internal electricalcomponents are installed on a ballast tray thatswings down for easy access and replacement.Other features include a key slot design that allowsfor single-person hook and placement of the fixture,leaving hands free for wiring, tool-less entryfor re-lamping and a lens frame that opens byreleasing a stainless steel latch.Crescent/StoncoEnergy-efficient luminaireColumbia’s two-lampEnergyMax luminaire’sparabolicscombine a proprietarylouvermaterial and ballast to opti- mize both lightoutput and energy savings. When compared tothree-lamp parabolics that use 85 watts of power,EnergyMax two-lamp parabolics deliver the samelumen output while consuming less energy (67watts). With its two 28W T8 lamps, EnergyMaxPlus uses only 56 watts of power. An adapterplate is included with each fixture for fast wiringconnections. An included plastic dust cover helpsprotect the lamp from construction dust and otherhazards, while the shallow 4 7/8-in. housing heightallows for installation in restrictive ceiling areas.Latches are fingertip actuated, positive-feed type,fabricated of spring steel and completely concealedin the black reveal.Columbia LightingProtected MH lampsGE’s protected metal halide lampsemploy a quartz shroud that surroundsthe arc tube for containmentin the unlikely case of anarc tube rupture. These lamps areintended primarily for use in openluminaires, but can also be operatedin enclosed fixtures (and are designedto meet the containment test specifiedin ANSI C78.387). GE’s mogul-basedprotected ceramic MH and MPR lamps are providedwith an EX39 exclusionary base. GE MXRprotected MH lamps employ E26 medium bases.GEEnergy-efficientT8 lampsStandard offers a rangeof energy-efficient T8fluorescent lamps, includinga 25W version, that offer a minimumthree-year payback and reduced lampendblackening. The lamps are TCLP compliant,and boast a good CRI and lumen maintenance.Standard ProductsLeviton_EB_Jan08.indd 122 • january 2008 • www. mag.com12/13/07 10:12:35 AM

Productsavailable (with or without knockouts) and conveniently locatedmounting holes, EZ Form pull boxes meet cUL and EEMACindustry enclosure standards.HoffmanCat 6 UTP cableLabour-saving divided racewayWiremold/Legrand offers a compact, dual-compartmentraceway for jobs not requiring the extracapacity of larger perimeter raceways or vertical dropsystems. The Wiremold 2400D steel raceway systemboasts downward-facing device boxes for receptaclesand communications jacks that feature an ‘overthe-raceway’design so they can be installed over acontinuous run of raceway base, reducing cutting.Specially designed obstacle avoidance fittings enablethe raceway to bridge existing runs of small raceway.The raceway is a FiberReady system, with availablefittings to ensure a gradual bend radius for fiberoptic and 10-gigabit cabling. The 2400D is availablein Ivory and Fog White (the standard colour for lowvoltagecomponents).Wiremold/LegrandFull slide decoratordimmers and fan controlsCooper expanded its lightingcontrol product offering withnew full slide decorator dimmersand fan speed controls.The switch provides dimmingcapabilities and fullyvariable and multi-speed‘quiet versions’ of fan speedcontrol. The increased areaof the mounting straps andside- and back-wired terminals make installationquicker, while the low-profile housing (1.27-in.)gives installers more room inside the box for wires.The preset dimmers can be used for both single-poleand three-way wiring configurations, offering incandescentand magnetic low-voltage capabilities in asingle SKU. They feature a high-gloss exterior madeof UV-colour-stable material, and a dirt-resistantsurface. They’re also lighted for easier access in thedark, and fit any standard decorator wallplates.Cooper Wiring DevicesSpace-saving pull box ships flatBerk-Tek says improvements in the design and manufactureof the LANmark-1000 cable has resulted in a “best-in-class”Category 6 UTP cable. The LANmark-1000 has increasedall crosstalk parameters by 4 dB over the old design, whichalready exceeded component performance as specified byTIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 Category 6. This is the result of both there-engineering of the cable core design combined with investmentin manufacturing equipment and new processes at thePennsylvania facility. And the improvements have not changedthe outside diameter of 0.226 in. or the price. LANmark-1000is part of the NetClear GT2 Enhanced Cat 6 channel solutionfrom Berk-Tek and Ortronics/Legrand.Berk-TekIndustrial Grade Qualityavailable in Type 1 and Type 3Renclosures for commercial andmulti-residential users.t 30A to 1200A, Fusible orNon-fusible devicest Double throw switches forback-up powerNEW Featuresy Elevator interlocks up to 200Ay Rated for solar powerapplicationsy Optional finger safe protectionSplices offer numerous approvedconductor combinationsPanduit’s Pan-Lug copper compression parallel splices deliverinstallation flexibility and reduced costs by offering numerousUL-listed and CSA-certified conductor combinations: 10parts provide safe and reliable terminations of 278 conductorcombinations to increase productivity and minimize inventoryrequirements. The splices feature industry-recognized colourcoding and large, easy-to-read part numbering for visual verificationin low-light conditions.PanduitSquare DCommercial Safety SwitchesFor more information visit,www.schneider-electric.ca/dcHoffman’s new EZ Form pull boxes boast a flatdesign that allows them to store easily in the shopor truck. The boxes can be hand-formed in 15seconds or less, making them a convenient solutionfor installations where an extra pull box is requiredto fill an unanticipated need. Forming is quick andeasy by bending along pre-scored fold lines; the sidesinterlock and snap into place without the use oftools. Plus, the pull boxes feature 16-ga. steel constructionand flat covers, which can be removed foreasy wiring access. With three commonly used sizesSchneider_pg2_EB_Oct07.indd 19/24/07 10:26:19 AMwww. mag.com • january 2008 • 23

ProductsConnection system for washdown environmentsWoodhead launched its new stainless steel versionof the BradConnectivity Ultra-Lockconnection system, which is designedand engineered to meet the sanitaryrequirements of food, beverage andpharmaceutical manufacturers. Thethreadless, M12-compatible Ultra-Lock system comprises a series of integrated cordsets, distributionboxes and receptacles built on a patented ‘push-to-lock’technology that enables fast, easy installation without turningthe coupler. This positive locking feature, combined with aunique radial seal, assists in reducing downtime related to failedsensors and other control devices subjected to severe washdown.The O-ring seal is an IP69K-rated radial seal that is operatorindependent;it maintains a constant pressure seal against moisture.(In fact, the seals have been tested against water pressuresof 1200 psi to 1500 psi.)Woodhead IndustriesRange hood with compact profileThe UP27 professional-style range hood (the newest additionto the Best by Broan line of kitchen ventilation products), offerscontemporary style and the performance of larger professionalstylemodels in a compact, under-cabinet profile. Suitable forretrofit applications, the UP27 is available in internal andexternal blower versions, and accented by seamless welded constructionof brushed 304 stainless steel. There are several bloweroptions: the UP27I features a 700 cfm internal blower that canexhaust through the top or back of the hood for horizontal/vertical duct applications; and the UP27E offers the choice offour inline and four external blower options up to1500 cfm. The UP27 series includes Evolution bafflefilters and boasts the exclusive Heat Sentry system,which automatically detects excessive heat and turnsthe blower to a higher speed. The UP27 also featuresconcealed, adjustable speed and lighting controlsthat remember the last setting used. The UP27 isavailable in 30-in., 36-in., 42-in. and 48-in. widths,and is 22-in. deep. A non-duct recirculation kit isavailable for use with internal blower models.Broan-NuTone LLCCold weather filler foamSpecially formulated for use infreezing temperatures, Hilti CF512 cold weather foam can dispenseand cure at temperatures aslow as 30°F. It is ideal for restrictingair, sound, dirt and waterinfiltration in a variety of applications.The high-performance,high-yield foam is designed forfilling around penetrations andgeneral gap/crack applications,such as insulating around electricaloutlet boxes and fillingopenings around HVAC ducts,pipe and cable penetrations. Theproduct is a recognizable orangecolour to distinguish from otherfoam materials (not for use as afirestop). For precision installation,it is used with the Hilti Premium CF DS-1dispenser, which helps eliminate pressure loss andwaste, and prolongs shelf life.Hilti (Canada) Corp.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.CACompact PLCThe TelemecaniqueModicon M340 PLCis a rugged, compactand user-friendlycontroller suitablefor most applicationsranging from factory automation and packaging tomining, oil and gas industries. The M340 integratesa high-speed USB port and offers two additionalcustomizable communication ports; users can programonline, transfer programs, access data files andmanage remote operation and diagnostics thanks toopen TCP standards and the embedded Web serverfunctions. This openness ensures users can accesstheir machines in complete security from anywhereon the floor, office or remotely. The PLC can manageapplications up to 70K instructions and 256kB data,which is automatically backed up in the internalFlash memory. Data or maintenance files can alsobe stored and easily accessed from a PC or by simple‘drag-and-drop’ via FTP. Each M340 module is ‘hotswap’ designed and automatically configured by theCPU when inserted into the backplane.Telemecanique (Schneider Electric)Bathroom fansAeroflo’s AeroFan is engineered toprovide good ventilation andefficient performance.The in-ceiling designdelivers strong, effectiveand quiet ventilationfor anybathroom. It isavailable in lightedand non-lightedversions, and has a varietyof optional grille designupgrades that will complement any décor.It boasts two-speed operation, a long-life ball bearingmotor, and thermal overload protection. Designedfor easy installation, the fan has adjustable mountingbrackets and fits 4-in. and 5-in. ducts. Selected unitsare UL listed for use over a tub/shower enclosurewith a GFCI circuit.Aeroflo Inc.MEET_EB_Jan08.indd 124 • january 2008 • www. mag.com12/10/07 12:56:08 PM

Electrical Design/Simulation Software Etc.The Constructor Ladder logic, Volts by DolphinECT promise Electrical Circuit & Control programsRes Wire Pro Software- for Residential WiringTutorial Software-PLC, CLX Trainer, RSView,TPI- Electrical-HVAC/R Meters & Ind. Instruments.Uninterruptible Power Supplies-Vesta Jupiter-MarsWaltech AssociatesTel. 905-466-7417 Fax 905-632-5597e-mail: info@waltechassociates.comwww. waltechassociates.comCanadian Distributors forP R O D U C T S H O W C A S EWANTEDWANTEDMolded 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.comA D V E R T I S E R I N D E XAdvertiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PageAeroflo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Arlington Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Band-N-Go Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Brady Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Chess Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12CSA (Cdn. Standards Assoc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 & 26Falvo Electrical Supply Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Fluke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10General Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Hammond Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Hubbell Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14I.E.D. Limited Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Leviton Manufacturing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Master Promotions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Maxis Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Megger Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Messe Frankfurt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Nexans Canada Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Northern Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Osram Sylvania Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Power Survey Int’l Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Schneider Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23St. Thomas Energy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Standard Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Thomas & Betts Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 5 & 11Underground Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19United Wire & Cable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Venture Lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 & 19VJ Pamensky Canada Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Call for DistributionOpportunities665 Millway Ave. Unit #34Vaughan, ON. L4K 3T8bandngo@bellnet.caPhone: 905-669-7476Fax: 905-669-1953Toll free: 1-888-871-6573 L I T E R A T U R E S H O W C A S E2008 test andmeasurement guideTechniCAL released its 2008 Test &Measurement Guide, which providesinformation on products such asmultimeters, clamp-on meters, electricaltesters, calibrators, thermometers, etc. Thefree 74-page catalogue includes anadditional 12-page Product Feature section,promoting new products from manufacturerssuch as AEMC Instruments, ComarkInstruments, PPM Instruments and more.For a copy, e-mailsales@technical-sys.comor call (866) 327-8731. Composite versussteel enclosure literatureStahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures haspublished “Composite First Choice”—a detailedenclosure user’s guide comparing thebenefits of non-metallic composites withstainless steel. Included in the literatureis an easy-to-read quick-reference guidefor buyers, which contains data specific tocorrosion and chemical resistance, relativecost, UV resistance, ease of modification,dielectric strength, density, modulus ofelasticity, specific gravity, and coefficient ofthermal expansion.You can view/downloadthe guide at www.stahlin.com,or call (616) 794-0700. www. mag.com JANUARY 2008 25

CODE FILEBY LES STOCH, P.ENG.‘Tis the season for the reasonAgreat deal of wisdom supports the reason(s) for writingeach Rule of the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC);reasons that are not always clear to CEC users. In fact,we’re not always completely satisfied to follow the Ruleswithout first understanding the reasons behind them. Solet’s look at several Rules from Section 10, Grounding andBonding, and explore the reasons behind them.Rule 10-700(2)(a) specifies that a manufactured groundingelectrode may consist of at least two, 3-metre groundrods driven full-length into the earth, spaced at least 3 metresapart and bonded together. Obviously, achieving the lowestpossible (or, at least, acceptable) grounding resistance is theRule’s primary objective, but why a minimum of 3 metres?Let’s go to the beginning. The measured resistance ofany grounding electrode is the sum of all its resistancesincluding the grounding conductors and connections, thecontact resistance between the grounding electrode andthe earth, and the resistance of the earth. The first twoare extremely small; we can, as a rule, neglect them, andit’s customary to consider the resistance of the groundingelectrode to be the resistance of the earth.To better understand this concept, we can think of thesoil around each ground rod as a series of cylindrical shellsspaced equal distances apart around the rod. The cylindernearest to and around the ground rod will have the highestresistance, since it has the smallest cross-sectional areaand volume. As we move further away from the rod, eachsubsequent cylinder will have a progressively larger volumeand, therefore, a lower resistance across it.In practice, if we took a number of grounding resistancemeasurements at several distances from a single groundrod, we would find that about 25% of the total groundingresistance appears at 0.03 metres from the rod, 52% at 0.15metres and 94% at 3 metres. In fact, we can only measure100% of the total grounding resistance at an approximatedistance of 7.6 metres to the rod.Since most of the grounding resistance is nearest tothe rod, we can conclude without difficulty that spacingground rods closely together will not greatly improve theoverall grounding resistance provided by a single rod.When the rods are spaced closely together, overlappingcurrent dissipation from the ground rods during a faultincreases their voltages and the overall grounding resistance.As the rule prescribes, we need to install ground rodsat least 3 metres apart so as to effectively reduce the overallresistance of our grounding electrode.Rule 10-806(4) requires that magnetic materials usedto enclose grounding conductors must be bonded to thegrounding conductors at each end. When a sleeve of iron orsteel is used for mechanical protection, it amplifies the magneticfield around the conductor during current flow, increasingthe voltage drop and impedance across the conductor.How does bonding help? To reduce the inductive reactancedue to the magnetic field, both ends of the sleevemust be bonded to the conductor so that the metal sleevecan carry a portion of the ground fault current, and toavoid an increase in the voltage drop and impedance in theconductor. (This preventive measure is not required whenusing non-magnetic sleeves for mechanical protection.)According to Rule 10-700(3)(a), a field-assembledgrounding electrode may consist of a copper conductorat least 3-metres long, sized in accordance with Table 43,enclosed in the bottom 50 mm of a concrete foundationfooting and at least 600 mm below grade.How does enclosing a conductor in concrete providean effective grounding electrode? Concrete located belowgrade has a somewhat lower resistivity than average loamsoil. For this reason, encasement of a wire in concrete willresult in lower resistance in earth of average or high resistivity.This is due to the reduction of grounding resistanceclosest to the electrode. (From our earlier discussion wealready know that most of the overall grounding resistancewill be found nearest the copper conductor.)Rule 10-702 specifies that, where there are multiplegrounding systems for electrical, communications, CATVand lightning protection systems, they must be separatedat least 2 metres from each other and bonded together bya minimum #6 AWG copper conductor. In the case oflighting protection, bonding between systems must be ator below grade.What are the advantages of this rule? Separation andbonding are both required because a ground fault couldoccur on any of the systems; this ensures a low impedancefault path to clear faults on any of the systems as quicklyas possible. Bonding between grounding systems is alsorequired so that, in the event of a lightning strike on anyof the systems, damage may be avoided from side flashesbetween the grounding systems.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) for theElectrical Contractor Registration Agency. Visit him online at www.lstoch.com.Questions and answerscompiled by ESATackle 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 February’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 1Voltage applied to piping for pipeline resistanceheating shall not exceed 120V, and the supply shallbe from an auto-transformer.a) True b) FalseQuestion 2A garage that is part of a bulk storage plant—inwhich tank vehicles are stored or repaired—shallbe considered to be a Class I, Zone 2 location up to___ mm above floor or grade level (unless conditionswarrant more severe classification or a greater extentof the hazardous area).a) 50 mm c) 300 mmb) 150 mm d) 450 mmQuestion 3Tap connection conductors for a field-wired recessedluminaire shall be installed in a raceway extendingat least 300 mm, but not more than 2 m, from theluminaire and terminated in an outlet box.a) True b) FalseAnswersto Code Conundrum▼▼▼Electrical Business November/December 2007Q-1: Non-current-carrying parts of tube stands, tables and otherapparatus in an installation of diagnostic imaging installationsshall not be bonded to ground.False. Rule 52-014 states: “Non-current-carrying parts of tubestands, tables, and other apparatus shall be bonded to ground inconformity with the requirements of Section 10”.Q-2: All metal raceways and all non-current-carrying metal portionsof fixed or portable equipment used in finishing processes—regardless of voltage—shall be bonded to ground in accordance withSection 10.True. Rule 20-414.Q-3: 35 (1-1/4) rigid PVC conduit shall be securely attached to hangersor to a solid surface with the maximum spacing of the points ofsupports not greater than:1.2 m. Rule 12-1114(1)(b), which refers to the maximum spacingof conduit supports: (1) “All rigid PVC and HFT conduit of one sizeshall be securely attached to hangers or to a solid surface with themaximum spacing of the points of supports not greater than: (b) 1.2m for 35 (1-1/4) and 41 (1-1/2) trade size conduit”.To find out more, register to receive CSA’s “Keep Me Informed” e-newsletterCSA_banner_EB_Nov07.indd 126 • JANUARY 2008 • www. mag.com11/23/07 12:06:47 PM

NAIL DOWN THESAVINGSwith this LOW VOLTAGE BRACKET© 2003, Rev 2007 Arlington Industries, Inc.Nail onLVN1LowVoltageMountingBracketArlingtonLVS2Just nail or screw thesebrackets to a wood orsteel stud – and you’reready to install low voltageClass 2 wiring!• Lower cost thanextension rings• Non-conductive• Eliminates pushbackFaster to installthan mud rings!Also available for steel;screw-on single-gang LVS1& two-gang LVS2Patentpending800/233-4717 • www.aifittings.com©2007 Arlington Industries, Inc.TV BOXfor LCD/PLASMA TVsTVB613 includes recessed TV Boxwith trim plate, low voltage separator, NM cable connector,installation screwsOptionCover for TV BoxTVB613CArlingtonPatented.Patents pendingSeparatorTVB613Trimplate800/233-4717 • www.arlnew.comRECESSED POWER & LOW VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL BOXESTwo-gangTV BoxCSA withgrounding lug onlyNEW!Arlington’s recessed, 13" wide TV BOX and new indoorIN BOX for new or old work, allows LCD and plasmaTVs to mount flush against the wall.Non-metallic TV BOX mounts between 16" o.c studsfor a secure horizontal or vertical installation.In BOTH recessed boxes...Plugs stay inside the box, don’t extend past the wall.You can install two duplex receptacles, or two lowvoltage devices the two-gang box. Or use the suppliedbox separator to install one low voltage device and oneduplex receptacle. TV Box also offers two additional built-inmounts for low voltage, data/mediaDVFR2Wconnections (i.e. speakers, satelliteTV, surround sound).2-gangIndoorIN BOX Same great featuresas the TV Box!Two-gangrecessedIN BOXTextured, paintabletrim plate coversedges of cut drywall.SeparatorTrimplatePlateNEW SIZESLOW VOLTAGEMOUNTING BRACKETSJust for CLASS 2 LOW VOLTAGE WIRINGUse Arlington’s non-metallicmounting brackets toinstall Class 2 wiring –and to seat wall plates flushwith the mounting surface.In addition to our singlegang LV1 – We now have two, three andfour-gang styles and the round LVR1!4-gangLV4GRAB ANYBODY.TMin METAL or PLASTIC#9301/2" MetalNEWPlastic!Arlington’s aluminum or plasticAnyBODY ships as an LB,but converts to a T, LL, LR or Cby switching the covers andthreaded flanges to createthe style you need.For existing construction, ourlow-voltage mounting brackets...• Adjust to fit 1/4" to 1"thick drywall, wallboardor paneling – LVR1 fits upto 1-1/2" thick surfaces• Install faster,and cost lessthan metalRoundLVR1NEW!Try LVR1for smoke detectorinstallations3-gangLV32-gangLV2#935NM2" Plastic#930NM1/2" PlasticIt’s easy – and convenient.Plus, it saves you the hassle,space, and cost of stockingfive different conduit bodies.They’re competitively priced withLBs with NO EXTRA COST for thenormally more expensive T –and UL/CSA Listed.Plastic• Sizes 1/2" to 4"• Includes three flangeswith glue-in pipe jointAluminum• Sizes 1/2" to 4"“Wings” flip up and hold securewhen Mounting Screwsare tightenedRecessedScrew Holeseats wall plateflush withwall surfaceThinFront Lipseats betteron drywallSingle-gangLV1It Ships as an LB...BUT IT’SANY BODYYOU WANTIT TO BE!• Includes threaded flangesfor three openings• 1/2" to 2" are combinationEMT/rigid – they’re threadedfor rigid, but also have aset-screw for use with EMTTMIt’s all anybodyneeds to savetime & money!Oval Holeallows forfinal shifting &straighteningof deviceTLLLRCArlingtonArlingtonPatented800/233-4717 • www.arlnew.comPatents pending©2006 Arlington Industries, Inc. rev507Scranton, PA 18517800/233-4717 • FAX 570/562-0646www.aifittings.com

GE offers a brilliant choice of high-performance,energy-efficient lighting solutions for commercial,industrial and residential applications.Compact fluorescent, linear fluorescent, halogenand high intensity discharge lamps – GE’s provenrange of lighting solutions drastically reducesenergy consumption and maintenance costswhilst protecting the environment and improvinglighting performance.Get greener and brighter. For more information,call 1-877-259-0941.w w w . g e l i g h t i n g . c o m