|
Volume 3 • Issue 27
Message From The Editor
What price are you prepared to pay to get that job?
Underground economic activity for 2013 totalled $45.6 billion in Canada, or about 2.4% of GDP. For contractors, your brand reputation can make the difference between winning and losing a big contract — whether you work under the table or not. These topics and more are discussed in this issue. Some questions to consider: how are workers protected in the underground economy? Are customers insured? Is the contractor's reputation being promoted through the proper channels? Is working in the underground economy worth it? Good reading! Follow us on Twitter @EINnewsletter.
Line Goyette
Managing Editor
linegoyette@kerrwil.com
|
Changing Scene
- PowerStream's Utility-Scaled Microgrid Now Operational
PowerStream, in partnership with the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), has officially launched a utility-scaled microgrid, which has the capacity to provide several hours of backup power supply for approximately 400 customers residing or owning a business in Penetanguishene, ON…
- Repeat Offences Lead to $31,900 Fine for Guelph, ON Furnace and Air Conditioning Contractor
A furnace and air conditioning contractor operating in the Guelph, ON area, has been convicted on charges relating to conducting electrical work without an electrical contractor's licence and failing to take out the proper electrical permit…
- Hydro One Awards Leonard S. (Tony) Mandamin Scholarships to 10 Students
In celebration of National Aboriginal Day, Hydro One has recognized 10 outstanding students selected for the Leonard S. (Tony) Mandamin Scholarship. The scholarship, named in recognition of the Honourable Justice Leonard S. (Tony) Mandamin, is granted annually to First Nations, Métis and Inuit post-secondary students…
- Small Business Lighting Incentive Program for Ontario
Businesses across Ontario may qualify for up to $1,500 in free energy-efficient lighting and equipment upgrades. Eligible businesses will receive a free onsite lighting assessment, up to $2,000 in incentives towards eligible energy efficient lighting upgrades, and a turn-key lighting installation by a licensed contractor.
- Emerging Leaders for Solar Energy Launches Mentoring Program
Emerging Leaders for Solar Energy (ELSE) has launched its first mentoring Pprogram, designed to connect young professionals with established leaders in the solar and renewable energy industry…
|
Best Practices: Managing Your Business
How Contractors Can Build and Protect Their Brand Reputation
By Shawn McCadden
For contractors, brand reputation can make the difference between winning and losing a big contract. A case in point is DuPont. Over the past two decades, DuPont has built a reputation as a safety leader, enabling its Sustainable Solutions unit to generate US$3.9 billion a year training other companies in workplace and environmental safety. Now that income is at risk after a series of fatalities, lawsuits, investigations, and fines have led the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration to place DuPont on its list of severe workplace safety standards violators. DuPont is big enough to take a hit and recover, but for a smaller contractor, even a few negative online reviews can quickly add up to significant lost business and revenue.
Read More
|
Company Profile
GLC Controls - Industrial Automation Services
GLC Controls Inc. provides specialty automated systems and controls to the Prince George, Vancouver and Calgary areas. With over 20 years of experience, the company is recognized as a leader in superior customer service and expertise. GLC Controls Inc. is a full service automated control company. Services include…
Read More
|
Product Recall
Klein Tools Clamp Meter Recall
Klein Tools has issued a voluntary product recall on four products in its test and measurement line due to a potential safety hazard. A fastener that can work itself loose over time, potentially leading to a false reading when measuring voltage...
Read More
|
Southwire Recalls Non-Contact Voltage Detectors
This recall expansion involves Southwire non-contact voltage detectors with model numbers 40110N and 40120N, sold as part of the Multimeter kit. The recalled voltage detectors are designed to alert users to the presence of electric current running through electrical wires...
Read More
|
3M Recalls Hard Hats Due to Shock Hazard
This recall involves 3M vented hard hats sold online under the 3M, 3M Tekk Protection and AOSafety brands. Online, the hardhats were marketed as protecting against electric shock, but they do not provide this protection, posing a shock hazard to users. No injuries have been reported.
Read More
|
Economy
2013 Underground Economy Remains Stable at 2.4% of GDP
Underground economic activity for 2013 totalled $45.6 billion in Canada, or about 2.4% of gross domestic product (GDP). Three industries accounted for more than half of the total underground economy value added: residential construction (27.8%), retail trade (12.5%), and accommodation and food services (11.7%). The proportion of underground activity to GDP has been stable since 2002. The highest proportion was 2.7% in 1994, while the lowest was 2.2% in 2000. The underground economy as a proportion of GDP was the largest in Quebec; the smallest, in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Read More
|
Survey Says
Key Product Influencers for Buyers
Manufacturer's reputation consistently leads, but not by much. See how it compared to four other influencers…
Read More
|
Survey Says From Recent Issues
|
New Products and Solutions
Ideal Networks Upgrades the LanXPLORER Pro Network Troubleshooter
Ideal Networks has upgraded the LanXPLORER Pro network troubleshooter with professional PDF reports and compatibility with the Ideal AnyWARE mobile app. Alongside other helpful new diagnosis and connectivity features, technicians using LanXPLORER Pro can now transfer test data to mobile devices directly from the work site using the Ideal AnyWARE app. The app allows users to quickly and simply share PDF or CSV test reports with colleagues or clients, even those based in other locations, improving collaboration and troubleshooting capabilities as well as boosting productivity and minimizing downtime.
Read More
|
HD Electric: New Double Vision Digital Voltmeter/Phaser
HD Electric Company's new Double Vision Dual Display Digital Voltmeter is a compact, high accuracy dual display voltmeter and phasing set with capacitive test point mode and peak hold. It can be used in both overhead and underground applications and is accurate and repeatable to within 1%. The voltmeter's lightweight and weather-resistant construction makes it ideal for use in tight work environments with minimum approach distances or with storm duty during disaster relief.
Read More
|
Wieland Electric Adds RFID Switches to its Safety Sensor Portfolio
Wieland Electric Inc. has expanded its family of sensorPRO contactless safety switches with a range of new RFID-coded sensors that provide flexible protection against unauthorized access or manipulation for machine operators and equipment. The STS Series safety switches are high-reliability, contactless devices that can be employed as stand-alone safety switches or wired in series (cascaded) in sets of up to 30 sensors, while maintaining PLe / Category 4 safety ratings. The safety switches are available in three coding options.
Read More
|
Hammond Stainless Steel Wireway System: Cable Protection in Corrosive Environments
This 1487SS modular pull-through wireway system consists of three cross-section sizes: 4 x 4, 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 inches, all with a smooth brushed stainless steel finish. Components are available in standard 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 120 inch straight lengths with an extensive range of fittings that enable required configurations to be constructed from standard elements. The 1487SS system sections are formed from 14 gauge 304 stainless steel and are fitted with 10 gauge flanges at each end.
Read More
|
From Our Last Issue
- EFC'S 20/20 Vision: The Future of the Canadian Electrical Contractor
Emerging technology, demographic shifts, volatile economic conditions, and changing customer expectations have all created new challenges and opportunities within Canada's electrical industry, notes Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) in its just-released research report, 20/20 Vision: The Future of the Canadian Electrical Contractor. "All players within the electrical industry will be challenged to adjust their business strategies to keep pace with new market demands." The report examines changing trends from the perspective of the organization's largest customer segment — electrical contractors. Among the findings…
- Power Factor Correction: An Overlooked but Powerful Tool for Delivering Energy Efficiency and Savings
Amid all the talk about how to reduce CO2 emissions and limit climate change, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar often take centre stage. But there's another technology poised to deliver energy reductions of 10% or more that gets far less attention: power factor correction (PFC). To date, it's been a largely overlooked method of reducing energy consumption, costs and CO2emissions, and achieving sustainability. But PFC is actually far more effective than many "green" alternatives because it effectively enables companies to get more power out of the same amount of utility electricity.
- Jeff Koller — A Man of Strong Convictions
Jeff Koller was recently named the new Executive Director for the Electrical Contractor Association of Ontario (ECAO), and is tasked with advocating on behalf of his members for fair and above-board practices within the electrical industry. Electrical Industry News Week had the opportunity to speak with Koller about his role with the ECAO and issues he feels are pressing concerns for the industry. As an advocate for electrical contractors, Koller has particular concerns about two pieces of legislation: Bill 112 and the Construction Lien Act.
|
EIN's Training & Events Calendar
Training, networking and professional development opportunities for members of Canada's electrical industry.
2016 ECAO Industry Conference
September 21-25
Minett, ON
BCEA Energy Industry Breakfast Meeting
September 27
Burnaby, BC
Alberta Safety Codes Council: Alberta Electrical Utility Code
September 28
Red Deer, AB
View all Events |
Current Copper Prices
 Monitor daily and 6-month $US prices for copper — the preferred electrical conductor for most categories of electrical wiring.
View Current
|
The Electrical Stock Market
 Track the stock market performance of 25 publicly traded electrical equipment suppliers and electrical wholesalers. Updated weekly.
View Current
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In The Next Issue
Lighting and boating |
Join The Electrical Industry News Week Reader Advisory Board
Help shape what content you need and when. Gain access to special product launches and promotions. Give your input and ideas on best practices and practical methods.
Click here to join |
|
