Articles
Protecting against electrical surges - 20 things you should know
All electrical installations are subject to a frequently distorted electricity supply. Uncontrollable anomalies such as lightning strikes and electromagnetic interference can and do distort the AC supply into buildings. Some can be catastrophic, destroying equipment from a single surge, while others can be too small to notice on their own, but have a cumulatively detrimental effect on equipment that inexplicably fails over time. But there are simple ways to deal with these challenges.
[ + ]Leave our apprenticeship system alone
Changing the apprenticeship system so electrical apprentices complete all of their training in a classroom is a concept the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) opposes. This is known as ‘institutional training’. It is not in the best interests of the apprentice or our industry.
[ + ]Industry call for government to prioritise digital economy infrastructure
Communications Alliance has called on the recently elected federal government to take immediate steps in upgrading Australia’s communications infrastructure to maximise the country’s ability to benefit from the digital economy.
[ + ]Draft standard for recessed luminaire barriers
A draft of the standard for recessed luminaire barriers has recently been issued for public comment.
[ + ]NECA puts out call to avoid DIY home insulation
NECA has issued a warning to the community to avoid DIY installation of insulation batts, citing the need for qualified electricians to determine the electrical safety of the roof space.
[ + ]Photovoltaics integrated into buildings
A recent report on photovoltaic technologies points to a new opportunity to accelerate the deployment of solar panels.
[ + ]Improving power quality and lowering energy consumption
A focus on improved power quality, green energy and lowering energy consumption, the Walkers Arms Hotel at Walkerville, South Australia, is a benchmark for the use of innovative new technologies.
[ + ]Can the world be powered mainly by solar and wind energy?
A Nobel Prize winner has proposed that the world is potentially on the brink of a new era in human history where most energy will be sourced from solar and wind electricity generation.
[ + ]Media Monitors upgrade infrastructure
Media Monitors, an Asia-Pacific media intelligence company, provides more than 4000 clients with the media intelligence to enable effective communications. Its suite of products provides the tools and insight for PR and communications professionals to monitor their interests across all media, analyse the brand or message and more effectively connect with relevant journalists and editors.
[ + ]Improving energy efficiency in Crowne Plaza hotel
The Crowne Plaza hotel in Melbourne’s central business district has recently implemented the latest part of its wider sustainability strategy through the installation of a number of mySmart enGauge screens. These screens provide employees and customers alike with visibility into real-time and historical energy usage data from across the hotel. enGauge, a ‘sustainability indicator’ which allows the hotel to visually share its sustainability strategy, is provided by mySmart, a supplier of energy- and resource-efficient solutions for building environments.
[ + ]Data centre managers plan to increase technology spend, says survey
A recent survey of data centre managers in Australia identifies a focus on investing in ‘green’ infrastructure.
[ + ]Master Builders Association recognises registered trades
Master Builders Association of Victoria announced a new category of membership for properly qualified trades associated with the construction industry.
[ + ]More house fires mean more safety checks needed
Peak electrical industry body NECA is urging residents to undertake four simple steps to help make their homes safe after a recent spate of house fires.
[ + ]Conduit developments in hazardous areas
New developments in metallic and nonmetallic conduits provide cost-effective alternatives for installing electrical and communications cabling in hazardous areas.
[ + ]Is power protection costing more than it should?
All electronics in an organisation - from desktops to data centres - require continuous, clean power. Anything less puts businesses at risk of data corruption, equipment damage and unplanned downtime. Most organisations meet this requirement by having a central UPS that serves an entire building/data centre, or distributed UPSs placed closer to the equipment being protected, or both.
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