Electrical Industry News Week
Published by Kerrwil Publications Limited with support from the EFC
Cooper Industries

Message From The Editor

The importance of establishing and acting on objectives

Nobody is against virtue, but as we've all heard the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Indeed, we often hear declarations of commendable intentions and yet nothing changes. The concepts of equality and safety are referred to extensively in our industry and others, and we often see declarations of intent that progress no further than a written statement. In this issue our contributor Michelle Branigan talks about a new accord on gender diversity that does more than state principles. It sets out clearly defined objectives and best practices to achieve them. Also, more on mistakes that even smart people are making when testing electricity. Good reading!

Line Goyette
Managing Editor
linegoyette@kerrwil.com  
Tools For The Trade

Changing Scene

ABB ABB Launches Industry-Leading Digital Solutions Offering, ABB Ability
With the commercial launch on March 14 of more than 180 solutions and services, ABB is unlocking value for customers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution…
Senate Prompt Payment Act Set for Final Review in Senate Committee
Bill S-224, the Canada Prompt Payment Act, has undergone a rigorous review and is ready to undergo a clause-by-clause review before a vote to send the bill to the House of Commons…
SaskPower SaskPower Supervisor Found Guilty of Breaking Safety Rules in Lineman's Death
A SaskPower supervisor has been found guilty of health and safety violations that contributed to the death of a lineman, reports the CBC…
Schneider

Personal Development

From Talk to Action — Building a Truly Representative Workforce

Michelle Branigan
HR Branigan On March 8 — International Women's Day — Electricity Human Resources Canada, with the support of Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, announced EHRC's newest initiative to support the increased representation of women as skilled workers in the electricity sector. The Leadership Accord on Gender Diversity for the Electricity Industry is a public commitment by employers, labour and educational institutions to promote diversity, equality and inclusion, and increase the representation of women in their programs, organizations and the sector. Read More

Economy

Value of Building Permits Issued in January Rose 5.4%

Building Permits The value of building permits issued in January totalled $7.6 billion, a 5.4% rise over December. The increase follows two consecutive monthly decreases. Six provinces posted increases, led by Alberta and British Columbia. Nationally, construction intentions rose in every component. Construction intentions in the non-residential sector rose 11.2% to $2.5 billion, following a 10.3% decline in December. The value of building permits for institutional structures rose 19.0% to $732 million. The commercial component was up 6.8% to $1.4 billion. Read More

Safety

Safety Checklist: 10 Dumb Things Smart People Do When Testing Electricity, Part 2

Safety Fluke People who make their living by working with electricity quickly develop a healthy respect for anything with even a remote chance of being "live." Yet the pressures of the getting a job done on time or getting a mission-critical piece of equipment back on line can result in carelessness and uncharacteristic mistakes by even the most seasoned electrician. Here in Part 2 are the final five quick reminders of what not to do when taking electrical measurements. Read More

Marketing

5 Social Media "Facts" You Should Ignore

Marketing Trying to learn how to manage your business' social media can be a difficult task. The web is filled with outdated social media facts. In some cases, information and advice are outright incorrect. With non-stop changes to Facebook (and other platforms') algorithms, it is hard to know what social media advice is good and what you should avoid. Here are five social media "facts" I regularly see, but you should ignore. Read More

Survey Says

SurveySays

Average Electrical Contractor Salaries by Job Type

Among six job types, project manager salaries consistently lead from 2014 to 2016. However, within each job type salaries vary from year to year.
Read More

Survey Says From Recent Issues

New Products and Solutions

Fluorescent Lamp

Fluorescent Lamp Replacement from Standard

Increase efficiency by replacing your fluorescent lamps with LED lamps, without changing your existing system. Standard's fluorescent lamp replacement is available in T8, T5 and U-Bend format. There are no wires to replace, no need to change drivers; simply install into a luminaire with an instant start or program start electronic ballast and start saving. Read More
Surge Protection Devices

Ilsco Surgency Surge Protection Devices: Residential, Commercial and Industrial Applications

Surgency surge protectors deliver high performance, award-winning TVSS/SPD surge protection for the residential, commercial and industrial markets. All protectors feature a compact NEMA polycarbonate enclosure and LED indicator lights, are easily installed outdoors or indoors, have optional electrical noise filters, and are capable of withstanding harsh environments and lightning strikes. Read More
Samos Pro

Wieland Samos Pro Compact Safety Controller

Samos Pro Compact modules offer extensive functionality, a compact design and user-friendly software that allows the modules to successfully cover various safety applications cost-effectively. The module offers up to 20 safe inputs and 8 safe outputs at a width of just 45mm. Read More
Anti-Fog Lens

Salisbury by Honeywell AFLENS Optional Anti-Fog Inner Lens for Arc Flash

The Aflens anti-fog inner lens provides an added layer of protection and comfort. The face shield itself can be easily attached and detached from your helmet and can be slid up and down with one hand from the stowed position atop the helmet. Read More
Royer 4023XP

Royer 4023XP Women's Electrical Safety Boot

The Royer 4023XP is an 8" Canadian made full-grain leather work boot made specifically for women in the electrical industry. The boot features non-metallic puncture resistant insole, steel protective toecap, non-woven ISOFIX lining, and a POLIYOU footbed. Read More
Arc Rated Harness

Miller Revolution Arc-Rated Harness

The Miller Revolution arc-rated harness delivers a comfortable and mobile design while still providing safety and security for electricians and workers employed near energized electrical sources. The harness is manufactured from a combination of Kevlar/Nomex Miller DualTech fire retardent webbing. Read More
LifeGuard

I-Gard GP/GPA Lifeguard Ground Fault Protection Panel

I-Gard's GP/GPA ground fault protection panel offers complete electrical safety in areas where employees may meet ground leakage currents where standard grounding systems have become unreliable. The Lifeguard panel protects against ground leakage currents from corrosion, mechanical damage, wear, or aging wire insulation. Read More

EIN's Training & Events Calendar

Calendar

Training, networking and professional development opportunities for members of Canada's electrical industry.

Electrical Tech Talk: Most Common Code Violations
March 28, 2017
Salmon Arm, BC

Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta: Computer Estimating for Small Projects
March 30-31, 2017
Calgary, AB

Energy Innovations Forum 2017
April 4-5, 2017
Fredericton, NB

Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta: Business & Public Relations
April 7, 2017
Edmonton, 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.

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The Electrical Stock Market

Track the stock market performance of 25 publicly traded electrical equipment suppliers and electrical wholesalers. Updated weekly.

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Electrical Industry Newsweek is published by Kerrwil Publications Limited with support from the EFC
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