A time-domain reflectometer (TDR) is an invaluable tool for finding faults on metallic cabling. Other common tests, such as an insulation test or a ‘high-pot’, will show that the cable is faulted. However, they do not tell you where the fault is. It could be miles away, or it could be right under your feet. 

Three scientists have been awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine for their work uncovering the way our brain makes sense of where we are and is able to navigate effectively. [ + ]

The secret to a greener future is to get smart and get connected, and the place to start making it happen is staring you right in the face.

Harmonics in power systems are a major concern as they are becoming increasingly prevalent and they can give rise to serious problems that include excessive heating and premature equipment failure. While there is good general awareness of these issues, many questions still arise, not least in relation to terminology. Here are answers to a few of the most common of these questions. [ + ]

Canon's VB-S800D camera has been selected as the only 'mini dome' for select surveillance area upgrades in Westfield centres nationally. [ + ]

According to the National Road Safety Partnership Program, a Central Queensland University study has uncovered a dangerous pattern in the driving habits of tired mine workers. [ + ]

With overall energy use by health services expected to rise and Australian hospitals already using twice as much energy as commercial office buildings, hospitals are taking creative approaches to energy management. 

The home and building automation industry has witnessed rapid changes in technology and this has provided challenges for those wanting to be involved in the industry.

Electricity metering accuracy is important in ensuring the integrity of a billing system. [ + ]

According to research from the Oil & Gas Producers Association, a massive 80 to 95% of vehicle accidents are caused by human error. In recent years over 30% of workplace fatalities in industries like oil and gas were transport related; and incidents relating to driver fatigue are reported as being on the increase. [ + ]

Electric power blackouts are often the result of automated protection measures that ensure power surges or downed power lines do not damage trees, people, appliances or other parts of the grid. [ + ]

Apart from offering a mode of transportation, service vehicles play an increasingly important role in impacting field service performance. At the execution level, vehicle performance data is now used by organisations in a number of ways. [ + ]

Bad weather not only prevents staff getting to work, but transport and utility businesses that rely on vehicle fleets for customer service operations or deliveries can be particularly affected. How fleet managers respond to these factors to minimise disruption to service can make or break a company's reputation - and business. [ + ]

The National Electricity Market wasn't designed with distributed generation in mind. Indeed, one major design flaw acts to penalise solar power, and does so more in Australia than in practically every other country in the world.  [ + ]

ABB will install its PowerStore, an integrated commercial flywheel technology to integrate with a battery system on Kodiak Island in Alaska to enable the integration of more renewable energy from an expanded wind farm to its microgrid. [ + ]