The operator of the South Australian electricity distribution network, SA Power Networks, is the latest organisation to benefit from the expertise of local company Jumbo Vision, which specialises in the development and integration of control rooms that deftly balance the human factor with the latest audiovisual technology. [ + ]

NECA is playing a major role in a new electrical apprenticeship pilot being trialled throughout Australia by the industry skills council E-Oz Energy Skills Australia, focused on improving electrical apprentice completion rates across the country. [ + ]

From 1 July 2012, if you are a contractor in the building and construction industry, businesses in this industry will have to report to the ATO the total amount they have paid you each year for building and construction services. [ + ]

In our role as electrical industry peak body, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is often asked by media what people should look for when they are engaging an electrician. Of course, our first answer is always to ensure you are dealing with someone who holds the appropriate licence and insurance for whichever state they’re working in. [ + ]

Steve Lawlor, Business Manager, Customer Support & Maintenance, Rockwell Automation, discusses the challenges of security management in today’s complex and interconnected environments. [ + ]

In yet another sector of the industry riddled with acronyms and abbreviations, green buildings can be a minefield of confusing terminology. NABERS, Green Star, GBCA, BEECs, EUAs ... if you’ve wondered what it all means and why you need to know, then read on. [ + ]

The city of Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, has partnered with Schneider Electric and Fort Collins-based Spirae Inc to roll out the area’s first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. As part of their innovative FortZED (Zero Energy District) project, the city is phasing in EVlink charging stations for installation at the city’s fleet lot, select public parking facilities and private business parking lots. [ + ]

In times of rising energy costs, government incentives and a desire to reduce household bills, solar installations are becoming increasingly common in residential applications. Coupled with a desire for the comfort and lifestyle benefits afforded by a control and management system, today’s homeowner demands a sophisticated integration of the two. The question for today’s contractor is how to effectively deliver all the advantages and maximise client investment. [ + ]

Engineers and technicians in Europe are working towards creating smart cities where building controls, industrial control systems and city infrastructure systems can all work together for a solution that offers energy efficiency as well as the highest possible supply availability. Read on to find out more. [ + ]

With the growing need for more base- and critical-load supply, many countries and industries struggle to manage their energy usage efficiently, despite the continuous availability of electrical power. This article provides detailed insights on the most common power quality problems, their likely effects and potential solutions. [ + ]

Frequently misunderstood and often not adequately factored in to engineering specs, harmonics can cause serious headaches for contractors. Unbalanced networks often warrant costly upgrades or rectification, which can leave the contractor carrying the can. [ + ]

Smart homes have been the talk of technology for decades, but never really hit the widestream acceptance that was predicted. From the heady space-age promises of the Jetsons to simple single-lamp lighting controls - did we outstmart ourselves? [ + ]

Bethsalem Care is an aged care facility serving the Christadelphian community of Adelaide. For almost 60 years they have provided care and hostel-style accommodation for church members and the wider community. Around 10 years ago, the board realised the nature of aged care was changing. Not only was demand increasing, but the community wanted assurance of a graceful transition from retirement to full-time care. [ + ]

Clipsal C-Bus can be programmed to do some impressive things, but often the most spectacular functions are unseen - quietly going about their business without any fuss or fanfare. [ + ]

Telecoms and managed hosting provider Macquarie Telecom has deployed server and network automation in its new $60 million Intellicentre 2 data centre to manage, and reduce, the costs of rapid ongoing growth. [ + ]