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Power Transformers 101

Power Transformers 101

Power transformers are conduits of electricity that increase or decrease voltage efficiently. These machines are used for transferring power from one circuit to another without changing the frequency. When electricity comes into the transformer from the power source, it is called primary voltage. Any voltage leaving the transformer is called secondary voltage. Two examples of…

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Bus Duct 101

Bus Duct 101

Bus duct is a familiar sight to electricians, but what about the terms “busbar” or “busway?” Keep reading to learn about this vital aspect of electrical distribution. The automotive industry first introduced busways in 1932; since then, it has expanded to serve many other industries. Busway is just another word for bus duct, which provides…

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Electrical Component Industry Shortages

Electrical Component Industry Shortages

By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the global supply shortages affecting nearly all industries. From vehicle manufacturing to computer components, nearly every business involved in overseas production has been affected. The sudden rise in consumer electronics created a demand that the electronics supply chain couldn’t handle during the beginning of the pandemic. Due to worldwide…

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Electrician Pay is Increasing

Electrician Pay is Increasing

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported higher wages for electricians throughout 2020. The average salary was $61,550, with the median hourly pay being $29.59 per hour. The wages of electricians across the United States were analyzed, including apprentices who typically get paid less than experienced electricians. The national average was $60,370 in 2019 and $51,190…

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Wayne State University Wins Electrical Challenge

Wayne State University Wins Electrical Challenge

The 2021 ELECTRI International/NECA Electrical Contracting Challenge (ECIC) was won by Wayne State University, Detroit. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, came in second place, and the University of Toronto ranked third out of 17 teams. Nine teams ended up submitting final projects. The three finalists presented their projects to a panel of NECA judges in…

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Optimism Rises in Commercial Contractor Field

A report from the United States Chamber of Commerce revealed that commercial contractors are becoming more optimistic about the future. The report noted that contractor optimism is being driven primarily by a rise in revenue expectations and better outlooks on hiring and equipment spending plans. During the first quarter of 2021, 36 percent of contractors…

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Manufacturers Share their Most Popular Electrician Tools

While most jobs require specific tools that vary by type or need, most electricians carry a few essential tools for basic settings. Here are the most popular tools purchased in the industry as specified by each manufacturer below. Manual Hand Tools Klein Tools– NCVT-1 noncontact voltage tester– 11045 wire stripper and cutter– 32500 11-in-1 multibit…

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Electricity Rates Measure COVID-19’s Economic Implications

Researchers and students at the University of Exeter Business School developed a way to measure the immediate impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on an economy’s Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. To calculate this data, the scientists analyzed hourly electricity consumption rates during Italy’s spring lockdown to measure the impact of those activities on their economy during…

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Electrical Grid Cyberattack Simulations Debated by Officials

According to testimony at a Senate committee hearing on August 5, the federal government should have the authority to simulate cyberattacks on the electric grid to lessen the nation’s vulnerability. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said, “The threat of cyberattacks by foreign adversaries and other sophisticated entities is…

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