|  During the last year, EC&M editors posted quizzes so readers could test their knowledge of the 2020 National Electrical Code skills. Each quiz features three questions that are presented in a true/false, fill-in-the-blank, or multiple choice format. The answer to each question is offered up on a separate slide, which follows the question. Here are the 10 quizzes (listed in descending order) that readers enjoyed the most last year. See links on each slide to the full quizzes. |
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|  Intel announced plans for an initial investment of more than $20 billion in the construction of two new leading-edge chip factories in Licking County, Ohio. This move aims to boost production to meet the surging demand for advanced semiconductors. |
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Members Only |  PREMIUM CONTENT: In this episode, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson and longtime Code Consultant Russ LeBlanc discuss when and if a trifecta of GFCI protection may be needed to ensure Code-compliant installations for certain appliances, such as a drinking water cooler or bottle fill station. |
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Members Only |  In this episode of EC&M "On Air," Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses diversity and inclusion initiatives in the construction industry with Stephanie Roldan and Jorge Quezada. They are two of the hosts of Construction DEI Talks, a podcast series presented by partner companies Rosendin Electric and Granite. It aims to question common practices in the industry, educate listeners, and shift the industry’s culture to be welcoming to everyone. |
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|  Power tools and their batteries are rugged instruments designed to perform tough jobs, but they still require care to maintain safe, optimum performance. There are steps users can take to extend tool and battery life and help keep power tools operating at peak performance for a longer life cycle. |
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|  Fill in the blank. Pendant luminaires installed in Class II, Division 1 locations shall be suspended by threaded RMC or steel IMC conduit stems, by chains with approved fittings, or by other approved means. Stems shall be provided with _____ or other effective means to prevent loosening. |
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|  Overcurrent protection is covered in Article 240, so Article 242 was created to address overvoltage protection. To make the distinction between surge protection devices (SPDs) and surge arrestors clear, the voltage level is stated. Part II of Article 242 is for voltage protection at 1,000V or less (which means SPDs) and Part III is for voltage protection above 1000V (which means surge arrestors). |
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|  The fall protection program in many companies is woefully out of touch with the reality of materials and physics. Often, it consists of the user performing a perfunctory visual inspection and a “feel test” for defects such as frayed stitches. Yes, this step is important but it alone is insufficient. A harness that looks perfectly good might not be able to hold you if you fall. Your control over harness safety depends on whether you keep it as your personal PPE or check it out of a tool crib. |
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Members Only |  PREMIUM CONTENT: In this episode of “EC&M Tech Talk,” Randy Barnett, a journeyman electrician, electrical instructor, inspector, author, trainer, and electrical safety expert, first briefly discusses the background of electronic drives used to vary the speed of motors. He then shows viewers how the modern variable-frequency drive (VFD) operates, discusses functions and protections, and then reviews the NEC requirements for their installation. |
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|  From agriculture to health care to logistics, global spending on professional service robots increased 12% between 2019 and 2020. Is the electrical industry following or bucking that trend? |
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|  Geared toward electrical apprentices, this article explores why a structured approach to navigating the National Electrical Code is so important. This article will provide electrical apprentices, seasoned journeymen, and electrical license test candidates with tips, tricks, and efficient ways to navigate the NEC, streamlining the process and saving you time, energy, and, most of all, stress. |
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|  As originally reported in The New York Times, the U.S. Supreme Court recently reinstated the stay on OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) by a vote of 6 to 3. This move prevents the Biden Administration from enforcing the vaccine/testing mandate for employers with 100 or more employees as set forth in the ETS, which was supposed to take effect on January 4. |
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|  Shoddy electrical installers beware: If you’re behind an electrical installation gone wrong like those featured here, there’s a good chance your handiwork may turn up in the pages of EC&M or on our website someday soon. |
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|  As we start a new year learning to live with COVID-19, EC&M’s editorial team recently reflected on the topics we published in 2021 — the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the increasing solar PV market, the top electrical design firms and contractors, Code violations, etc. We selected some of the most memorable articles (listed in random order) for readers to revisit. |
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|  Is that installation for real? Unfortunately, yes it is. We present the “best of the worst” What's Wrong Here photos from 2021. Read each hint, and then click the next slide to read the analysis from NEC Consultant Russ LeBlanc on each Code violation. |
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|  Who doesn’t like a photo gallery? EC&M online readers had many to choose from in 2021 — of course, some were more popular than others. We’ve compiled the top 10 most viewed photo galleries of 2021 at www.ecmweb.com — our gallery of galleries. Check it out, and see what content your fellow readers found most interesting. |
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|  Year after year, it's no surprise that the National Electrical Code (NEC) continues to be EC&M readers' most sought-after subject area of interest. Throughout 2021, Russ LeBlanc, NEC Consultant, took readers with him into the field through his "Moving Violations" video series, finding Code violations in some of the most unsuspecting places. People who watch these videos undoubtedly are left wondering what the heck the installer was (or wasn't) thinking. This year was no exception. |
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| Take our monthly quiz to find out how much you know about the NEC, and enter for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Amazon, Cabela's, or iTunes! |
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