A recent survey into green practices and attitudes amongst Australian IT managers and CIOs indicates that it isn't being practised in the data industry as much as hoped for.

According to a US survey, the cost to deploy solar energy systems has reduced significantly over the past decade, paving the way for more market acceptance of this alternative energy source.

Conducting a regular transformer testing and maintenance program could assist in reducing costly business insurance premiums.

NECA's annual electrical industry survey reveals the current charge-out and pay rates of electrcial contractors and apprentices across Australia, on a state-by-state basis.

Data cable testing in the US has revealed that many cables on sale in the market are not compliant to critical fire safety codes.

Project: 5 Star ‘green’ Parramatta Justice Precinct
Solution: Star Electrical and Schneider Electric energy-efficient electrical installation

Counterfeit electrical products are proliferating the global electrical market, damaging the reputation and profit of manufacturers, distributors and contractors, while endangering their customers.

As more and more energy-harvesting products hit the market, a growing range of commercial applications and benefits is becoming apparent. So how will this growing field of technology impact on current electrical solutions?

The outlook for Australia into the start of 2009 is rather grim across a number of industry sectors, according to a survey by business and credit analyst firm Dun & Bradstreet.

Changes to West Australian regulations regarding the testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment and RCDs on construction sites will come into effect on 1 January 2009, which will allow the testing to be done by a competent person or a licensed electrician.

WorkSafe Victoria has released a list of the most common injuries and hazards for people working in the electrical trades, along with suggested solutions to minimise these risks.

External power supplies are subject to minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) as specified by AS/NZS 4665. The standard calls for maximum permissible standby power consumption levels, and reflect the increasing attention to rising greenhouse gases and energy costs.

NECA has made a formal submission to the Senate inquiry into the Building and Construction Industry (Restoring Workplace Rights) Bill 2008, arguing against the abolishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

UK research reveals that people working in close proximity to compact fluorescent lamps may be exposed to the risks of high UV radiation. The UK government has subsequently approached the European Union to factor these findings in future industry standards.

Recent developments and announcements by major developers, such as NEC, OSRAM OS, GE, Matsushita Electric Works and Koizumi Lighting technology, seem to point towards 2011 as the year where the first commercial OLED lighting applications will appear on the market.