MEA launches new membership category
07 May, 2013Master Electricians Australia has launched a new category of membership that offers nationwide industry support to contractors and businesses within the electrical and wider sectors.
Victorian First Home Owner Grant will benefit contractors, says MEA
06 May, 2013The Victorian Government’s plan to increase the First Home Owner Grant will have positive flow-on effects for small electrical contractors in Victoria, Master Electricians Australia says.
ABB to power one of Africa’s largest PV solar plants
03 May, 2013 | Supplied by: ABB Australia Pty LtdAutomation and technology group ABB has won an order worth around $25 million to supply electrical and control systems for a new 75 MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
New Zealand makes Ultra Fast Broadband installation easier
03 May, 2013Arranging fibre installation for Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) in apartments and office buildings will be more straightforward in future, thanks to a new code of practice.
EMSc opens new office in Australia
02 May, 2013 | Supplied by: EMSc (UK) Ltd
EMSc (Australia), the Australian subsidiary of UK-based EMSc, has established a new office in Melbourne to meet the growing demand for its Powerstar voltage optimisation system in Australia.
RS Components and Philips Lumileds announce global distribution deal
01 May, 2013 | Supplied by: RSRS Components and Philips Lumileds have announced a global distribution agreement that will see RS Components able to stock the full breadth of the Philips Lumileds range at its 17 distribution centres around the world.
International Standard for solar LED lanterns released
30 April, 2013The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has released a new technical specification for solar-powered, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting devices, such as solar lanterns.
Protection against electromagnetic effects
30 April, 2013 | Supplied by: IEC e-techLightning is a huge natural electrostatic discharge between electrically charged areas within a single cloud, from one cloud to another or between a cloud and the earth. The discharge is accompanied by a flash or strike, can result in serious injuries or fatalities when people are exposed to it and can cause serious damage to equipment, installations and buildings when it hits the ground.
Cuts to SAAA payments hurting small business, says MEA
30 April, 2013Changes to the Federal Government’s Support for Adult Australian Apprentices (SAAA) payments are hurting small businesses, Master Electricians Australia has said.
Visionstream secures NZ$500 million contract for Ultra Fast Broadband
29 April, 2013 | Supplied by: VisionStream Pty LtdVisionstream, part of Leighton Contractors, has announced a contract extension with Chorus worth over NZ$500 million to continue construction of New Zealand’s Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) network in the greater Auckland region.
Organic photovoltaics will remain a small market
29 April, 2013 by Dr Harry Zervos, Senior Technology Analyst, IDTechExOrganic photovoltaics, although potentially a disruptive technology, do not currently offer very high efficiency levels or lifetime and these characteristics limit their market uptake, says a recent IDTechEx Research report. However, OPVs can offer versatility in form factor, improved indoor performance and low capital expenditure for large-scale manufacture.
Energy audits standard open for public comment
26 April, 2013 | Supplied by: Standards AustraliaThe AS/NZS 3598:2000 Energy Audits Standard is open for public comment. Energy audits and surveys are investigations of energy use for a defined audit object, such as a manufacturing site.
Solar PV module revenues expected to drop to $20.5bn
24 April, 2013Solar photovoltaic (PV) industry module revenues are forecast to decline 20% in 2013 to $20.5 billion from $25.5 billion in 2012.
Top electrical safety mistakes contractors make
24 April, 2013 by Jim White*, Shermco IndustriesThis article discusses the top nine electrical safety mistakes contractors make, from PPE to maintenance.
MEA calls for qualified energy auditors in Queensland
23 April, 2013Stephen King, MEA Queensland state manager, called on the government to endorse energy efficiency and assessment qualification as a prerequisite for performing in-home energy audits in the state.