Master Electricians’ research indicates 80% of homeowners believe they are well protected by safety switches, when in fact only 60% are partially protected with the remaining 40% having no protection at all. This explains why it is important for electricians to continue to endorse safety switches and encourage all their customers to have them installed on all circuits for the greatest level of protection. [ + ]

Within renewable energy there are many different technologies: wind energy, solar thermal energy and solar electric energy known as photovoltaics or PV. Although some electrical mechanics would be involved in the wind farm industry and possibly the solar thermal power industry, it is the PV industry which has seen the demand for electrical contractors in recent years. The growth in this market has been substantial. [ + ]

Cable company Nexans has developed the Lo-Sag conductor, which consists of a thermal-resistant aluminium conductor wrapped around a composite carbon core. It has been installed in Brazil to address the country’s increased power demand. [ + ]

The ApprenticeConnect service assists employers in the apprentice hire process on their behalf from recruitment to completion. This includes, among other services, providing advice and facilitating communication and ongoing monitoring of an apprentice’s training, facilitation of a training plan with the RTO as well as on-the-job training and mentoring. [ + ]

Australia-based solar companies that are not properly charging GST could soon run into troubled waters.  [ + ]

Ceramic Fuel Cells’ gas-to-electricity generator BlueGen uses patented fuel cell technology to provide electricity from widely available natural gas. A fuel cell is an electricity generator that converts gas into electricity and heat through an electrochemical reaction, without combustion or noise. [ + ]

Ongoing discussion on the effect of variable voltage, variable frequency (3VF) drives (VFDs in the US) on coal mining power systems has received some clarification with recently collected data. [ + ]

MPower’s Grid Stability System (GSS) is designed to minimise power fluctuations from solar generating plants into remote area diesel power stations by incorporating battery storage and control of battery energy to stabilise power production from photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants. [ + ]

FMSA, a Melbourne-based company offering comprehensive architectural, interior design and professional construction management services, has reduced its energy usage and costs through an environmental retrofit of its office building in North Melbourne, which included installation of three 85 kW Yanmar gas-powered, air-conditioning systems. [ + ]

The final countdown to the carbon tax has begun. This article details the key elements of the carbon price mechanism (CPM) and provides some last-minute prepation tips to help you get ready for 1 July 2012. [ + ]

The data cable termination tool from Australian company Tech Innovations helps alleviate many challenging manual handling and safety issues confronted by technicians. The product allows technicians to perform the task on a stable, height-adjustable working platform that is lightweight and easily transported. [ + ]

Concentrating solar power (CSP) could provide around 30% of Australia’s total current electricity generation capacity with only modest extensions to the national electricity grid if forecast cost reductions are achieved, finds a report released by Australian Solar Institute (ASI). [ + ]

Aon Hewitt has announced its 2012 Best Employers in Australia and New Zealand survey results. The company also outlines the five characteristics that distinguish a ‘best employer’ from the pack. [ + ]

The regulatory requirements for cabling providers who install specialised cabling within customer premises have been amended by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The new competency requirements will apply from 1 July 2012. [ + ]

The New York skyline is being made over, thanks to a partnership between lighting company Philips and the Empire State Building (ESB). Philips was selected by the ESB to help the building transition its iconic tower lights to LEDs. [ + ]