Wireville.com

The 2013 Atlantic hurricane season is an event in the annual cycle of tropical cyclone formation. The season officially began on June 1, 2013 and ends on November 30, 2013. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones develop in the Atlantic basin.

The last season (2012) experienced an early burst of activity followed by an extended period of silence. Tropical Storm Alberto and Tropical Storm Beryl both developed several days before the official start of the season, an occurrence not seen since the 1908 Atlantic Hurricane Season, When Tropical Storm Debby formed on June 23, it was the first time ever that four storms formed before July since record keeping began in 1851. Despite the early start, no further storms formed through all of July. This streak ended in early August with the formation of Hurricane Ernesto and Tropical Storm Florence.

NOAA predicts active 2013 Atlantic hurricane season

Era of high activity for Atlantic hurricanes continues. In its 2013 Atlantic hurricane season outlook issued today, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting an active or extremely active season this year.

For the six-month hurricane season, which begins June 1, NOAA’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook says there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher).

These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. This 2013 season, we started off with Tropical Storm Andrea, which made landfall in Florida and moved up the US East Coast.

You Don’t Need A Hurricane To Generate A Data Disaster

Within your business plan you probably have included some sort of Computer Data Backup Plan. More than likely it includes some sort of process for getting your digital computer files (documents, spread sheets, etc.) saved or backed up. Not only should you backup your files, but also think about how your business will function in the event of a catastrophe. In other words, most companies think of their backup plan as “my IT person said all of my files are backed up”. So, if a disaster happens, and by chance you have saved the tapes, disks, etc… do you know how to get your data back? Maybe find out what the process would be if your server and all of the information was gone and you needed it back. How long would it take to purchase new equipment and put everything back together? You might want to discuss this with your IT person, but I know it takes a week or two to get a server from Dell, and then a few more days to rebuild and restore data. Also, what if your data backup media is damaged or destroyed in the same disaster? Then what? I have heard horror stories of after the data restore “some of my stuff is missing”… and many times it is gone forever.

So what are the alternatives? Today, you hear about the “Cloud”. Cloud Storage is where you use another company’s servers that are connected to the internet to store your data and files. Google, Microsoft, Amazon (and the list goes on) are all well known Cloud providers. However some other providers specialize in backup and disaster recovery. So instead of backing up your digital information locally to tape or other media, you can backup to “The Cloud”. One of these providers is called Carbonite You can back up the files on your personal computer for as little as $59.00 per year. This is a great option especially if you travel and use a laptop. However for business PCs, laptops, or if you want to backup your business server the price is higher. In addition, these providers are able to not only backup the files but also backup the entire server including operating system, email, databases, accounting information and files. As an example, one company that does this is called Doyenz Included as part of their service, with each backup they also test the data to make sure it was transferred from your server to their cloud servers correctly, and that it can be restored correctly. And last, as a part of the service if you do have a disaster they can restore your server and make it available in the cloud over the internet. So, as part of a Business Continuity Plan, you and your co-workers could continue to access your server and continue your operations by accessing your information in the cloud. Think of it this way, you and your employees have access to your server, data, etc. and you are able to work from a remote location until normal operations can be restored.

“End result is that there is a better alternative to the old tape backup system and hoping your data is safe. You are now able to backup over the internet to the cloud, and in the case of a major disaster, keep your business functioning from a remote location. A year or two ago, this type of service was incredibly expensive. However, now like any other technology, cloud backup is becoming more common place, and… it’s now affordable for most everyone. Call us to discuss your plan.”

Walter Huff

Huff Technologies

9310 Old Kings Road Suite 1301

Jacksonville, Florida 32257

904-396-4170

whuff@hufftech.com

Huff Technologies has been serving the greater Jacksonville Florida area for more than a decade. We are committed to our local economy and community, helping small to medium businesses grow and prosper. We understand that all companies are not created equal and strive to provide individually tailored technology solutions. Partnering with our clients, we understand that their success leads to our combined success. www.hufftech.com

The hurricane is the most destructive natural event possible.

Hurricanes are huge storms! They can be up to 600 miles across and have strong winds spiraling inward and upward at speeds of 75 to 200 mph. Each hurricane lasts for over a week, moving 10-20 miles per hour over the open ocean.

With warm air at its center, a hurricane is different from extratropical cyclones, which are the most common type of storm in the United States. The center of the storm is the calmest part. It is called the eye and has only light winds and fair weather. The low level storm winds blow counterclockwise around the eye in the Northern Hemisphere (clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere). Above 9 km, winds spiral outwards and clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.

Storm Surge As a hurricane’s winds spiral around and around the storm, they push water into a mound at the storm’s center. This mound of water becomes dangerous when the storm reaches land because it causes flooding along the coast. The water piles up, unable to escape anywhere but on land as the storm carries it landward. A hurricane will cause more storm surge in areas where the ocean floor slopes gradually.

When high tide happens at the same time as a storm surge, the combination of the two is called storm tide. During a storm tide, the water level may be 20 feet or more above normal. This causes huge floods. Storm tide is especially dangerous for islands or coastal areas where even a few feet of surge may cause large areas of flooding.

Proper Planning Prevents Potential Problems. You can be part of the solution, instead of part of the problem. Don’t be a victim. Get ready to be a first responder.

But that’s just my opinion,

Frank Bisbee – Editor

"HOTS - Heard On The Street" Monthly Column

www.wireville.com

AFL Fiber Optic Article - Network Performance Demands Proper Cleaning Practices

By: Kevin Haddock, AFL Cleaning Products Product Line Manager

Gone are the days of cleaning fiber optic connectors by swiping them on you shirt. Today’s networks demand proper cleaning practices in order to maximize performance. It is a fact that dirty connectors cause high loss and reflectance which negatively affect network performance. One of the largest causes of network failure and down time is simply caused by improper cleaning practices. Methods like swiping the connector on your shirt not only clean the connector end face poorly, they can also introduce other contaminants such as dust and lint particles to the connector end face.

As well as causing high loss and reflectance, dirt can cause connector damage such as pits and scratches that also affect the performance of your networks. Properly cleaning the connectors extends the life of the connector and minimizes replacement costs.

In order to maximize and maintain the performance of your network, connectors should be cleaned each and every time connectors are disconnected before reconnecting. All ports on network equipment and test equipment need to be cleaned before jumpers are connected. All jumpers need to be cleaned before connecting to network equipment and test equipment. Even new jumpers straight out of the bag should be cleaning before installing. Once cleaned a fiber inspection scope such as the FOCIS should be used to inspect the connector end face. If contaminants are still present the connector should be cleaned and inspected again. The process should be followed until the connector is free of contaminants.

There are many products on the market today that can be used for properly cleaning fiber optic connectors. Dry cleaning solutions like the popular CLETOP cartridge style cleaners use a replaceable cleaning tape that offer quick and effect cleaning of a variety of connectors on jumpers. There are also push-style dry cleaning solutions like the One-Click Cleaners that offer fast, easy and effective cleaning of fiber optic connectors on both jumpers and in adapters. One-Click Cleaners use a mechanical push action to advance an optical grade cleaning tape while the cleaning tip is automatically rotated to ensure the fiber end-face is effectively, but gently cleaned. One-Click Cleaners are available for many different connector styles including MPO and Duplex LC. Wet cleaning solutions like the FCC2 Fiber Connector Cleaner are also available for use when working in dirtier environments where dry cleaning might not be enough to get the connectors clean. FCC2 is an environmentally safe, non-hazardous, residue free fluid that can be used in conjunction with cleaning tips and wipes such as CCT Cleaning Tips and WFW FiberWipes.

Whichever cleaning product you choose, the important thing to remember is proper cleaning practices reduce network failure, down time and repair costs. Maximizing network performance can be as simple as following proper cleaning practices.

Written by:

Kevin Haddock
Distribution Marketing Specialist/Product Manager

NOYES Test and Inspection Division
TEL: (603) 528-7780 Ext. 194
www.AFLglobal.com

Reprinted with permission from AFL

Berk-Tek and Legrand Data Communications (Ortronics) terminated the NetClear Marketing Alliance March 4, 2013

A message from the Presidents: To our valued customers,

Effective May 19, 2013, Berk-Tek and Legrand Data Communications (Ortronics) will end the NetClear Marketing Alliance. In the coming weeks, you can expect to hear more from us individually regarding future product plans. Our first priority, as it has been for the past fifteen years, is to assure you, our valued customer, that we are committed to delivering world-class quality products and services throughout this transition period, even as we wind down our alliance activities.

In this regard, we are pleased to confirm that we will stand behind all existing NetClear warranties. Additionally, we are both committed to supporting ongoing offers of NetClear warranties on qualifying solutions during this transition period.

We recognize that the changes we are making raise some questions, but be assured that these changes will result in new options to meet your needs. We will continue to collaborate in providing outstanding customer service through this transition.

Thank you for the support you have shown us, and NetClear, over the last fifteen years.

Sincerely,
Paul F. Trunk Mark C. Panico

President, Berk-Tek President, Legrand Data Communications

Legrand and Superior Essex Establish New Alliance For Cabling Systems = nCompass Structured Cabling Systems

nCompass Structured Cabling Systems Will Offer a Comprehensive Solutions Approach to the Data Communications Market

NEW LONDON, Conn. April 2, 2013

Legrand and Superior Essex Communications LP announce the establishment of an alliance between the companies to jointly develop, market, support, and warrant cabling systems domestically and internationally. This new suite of solutions for structured cabling systems (SCS) combines Ortronics connectivity products and Superior Essex data cable products, and will be launched as nCompass.

The companies will also co-market their expansive portfolio of communications products that complement SCS for the enterprise market, including outside plant fiber cable, outside plant copper cable, RF coaxial cable and Layer Zero solutions - cabinets, racks, advanced cable management and aisle containment.

Superior Essex and Legrand will be sharing a network of sales representatives and certified installers for nCompass systems, which will be offered through select distribution channels. nCompass systems will be backed by a limited lifetime warranty for certified installations with performance guarantees that are unmatched in the industry.

“In creating this new alliance, we sought to re-write the old model and provide a truly solutions-based offering for our customers – an offering that is unified in terms of support and technology, global in its availability, and more encompassing in its applications coverage than the competition,” said Tim Waldner, President of Superior Essex Communications LP.

“nCompass is targeted at high-performance system applications, and will offer market-leading performance and many functional product advantages. More importantly, Legrand and Superior Essex will be collectively providing more comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for our customers and offering greater assurance in a time of rapidly advancing technology,” said Mark Panico, President of Legrand Data Communications.

For more information about nCompass, please visit www.nCompass-systems.com.

About Legrand
Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for use in commercial, industrial and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. Innovation for a steady flow of new products with high added value and acquisitions are prime vectors for growth. Legrand reported sales of close to $5.8 billion in 2012. Legrand has a strong presence in the North American market, with a portfolio of well-known product lines that include Cablofil, Electrorack, Middle Atlantic, NuVo, On-Q, Ortronics, Pass & Seymour, Vantage, Watt Stopper and Wiremold. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext and is a component stock of indexes including the CAC40, FTSE4Good, MSCI World, ASPI and DJSI (ISIN code FR0010307819). www.legrand.us/ortronics

About Superior Essex
Superior Essex Inc. manufactures a broad portfolio of wire and cable products and accessories primarily serving communications, magnet wire/winding wire, energy, wireless, and related distribution markets. It is a leading manufacturer and supplier of copper/fiber optic communications wire and cable products used to interconnect outdoor and in-building data networks. It is also a global leading manufacturer and distributor of magnet wire/winding wire products for use in motors, transformers, generators and electrical controls. Superior Essex also offers distributed antenna systems (DAS) cables and accessories that increase wireless coverage and network capacity, and low/medium voltage, energy cable products that service the Commercial, Industrial, and Utility markets.

Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies Alliance Launches New Combined System Solutions

System details, specifications and third-party verified system test results available at newly launched website

Bothell, Washington, May 28, 2013 – The Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies alliance announced today its new integrated copper and fiber system solutions – utilizing both Leviton and Berk-Tek products – backed by comprehensive third-party test results from Intertek Testing Services (ETL) and a limited lifetime warranty. In parallel, the alliance launched a new website, www.BerkTekLevitonTechnologies.com, which provides details about the systems, as well as warranty, sales and support information.

“The systems raise the bar in the industry for performance, reliability and innovation,” said Dean Lipke, Senior Director of Product Management and Marketing, Leviton Network Solutions. “Covering the entire gamut of applications, both backbone and horizontal, Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies offers an expansive suite that covers all customer network needs, resulting in the best return on infrastructure investment.”

“Berk-Tek and Leviton’s engineering and marketing teams worked in sync to combine the best products and technologies into inclusive copper and fiber systems tailored for specific market applications,” explained Kris Lindley, Director of Channel Sales and Marketing, Berk-Tek. “The data sheets and specifications include system descriptions for all types of networks and applications, guaranteed system performance charts, product components and part numbers.”

As part of the alliance, there are ten copper and three enterprise fiber optic systems. The copper solutions range from a high-end Category 6A+ F/UTP system to Category 5e UTP systems. The fiber systems include high-speed, high bandwidth OM3/OM4 systems, and OS2 solutions for campus and long distance networks.

In addition to field-installed systems, Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies offers pre-terminated fiber and copper solutions for the data center. The fiber systems are verified to exceed 40/100GbE performance requirements by third-party testing labs.

“All of the margin guarantees are concisely detailed with charted test results demonstrating best-of-breed solutions for both copper and fiber networks,” added Todd Harpel, Director of Business Management, Berk-Tek. “We wanted to prove our performance through leading technology and innovation and the test results speak for themselves.”

Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies systems are available in North America and to global customers who demand consistent network performance across all their networks. Both companies are mutually represented in the United States through industry-leading local sales representative companies that provide customers with a complete network infrastructure solution.

Berk-Tek Leviton Technologies projects are backed by a limited lifetime warranty and supported through an integrated contractor program. For more information on the alliance, visit www.berkteklevitontechnologies.com.

About Leviton Network Solutions

Leviton Network Solutions delivers complete network infrastructure systems for enterprise, data center, government, education, health care and residential markets around the globe. Solutions include copper and fiber optic connectivity, power distribution units, and much more. All Leviton products are engineered to exacting standards, offer industry-leading performance and are backed by the industry’s best service and support. Builders, contractors and other industry professionals consistently rank Leviton products as the most preferred brand in the industry. Make the smart choice for a better network. Learn more at leviton.com/ns or twitter.com/LevitonNS.

About Leviton

Leviton is the smart choice, providing the most comprehensive range of solutions to meet the needs of today’s residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Leveraging more than a century of experience, Leviton helps customers create sustainable, intelligent environments through its electrical wiring devices, network and data center connectivity solutions, and lighting energy management systems. From switches and receptacles, to daylight harvesting controls, networking systems, and equipment for charging electric vehicles, Leviton solutions help customers achieve savings in energy, time and cost, all while enhancing safety. For more information, visit www.leviton.com, http://www.facebook.com/leviton, http://twitter.com/leviton or http://www.youtube.com/Levitonmfg.

About Berk-Tek, A Nexans Company

For more than 50 years, Berk-Tek has been a leading manufacturer of more than 100 different network copper and fiber optic cable products. The company has led in the development of high-performance and enhanced fiber optic and UTP cables designed to transport high-speed data and voice transmissions. Berk-Tek has major manufacturing facilities at New Holland, PA, and Fuquay-Varina, NC. For more information, visit www.berktek.com.

About Nexans

With energy as the basis of its development, Nexans, worldwide expert in the cable industry, offers an extensive range of cables and cabling systems. The Group is a global player in the infrastructure, industry, building and Local Area Network markets. Nexans addresses a series of market segments: from energy, transport and telecom networks to shipbuilding, oil and gas, nuclear power, automotives, electronics, aeronautics, material handling and automation. Nexans is a responsible industrial company that regards sustainable development as integral to its global and operational strategy. Continuous innovation in products, solutions and services, employee development and engagement, and the introduction of safe industrial processes with limited environmental impact are among the key initiatives that place Nexans at the core of a sustainable future. With an industrial presence in 40 countries and commercial activities worldwide, Nexans employs 23,700 people and had sales in 2010 of 6 billion euros. Nexans is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris, compartment A. For more information, please consult www.nexans.com.

ARTICLE from Electrical Contractor Magazine = Fiber Optics - Testing: Pass or Fail? By Jim Hayes

fiberoptics BY jim hayes

Testing: Pass or Fail?

Evaluating cables based on test results

the last two columns covered fiber optic power meters, test sources and the reference cables you need to test the loss of installed fiber optic cable plants. This month, I discuss using these instruments properly and how to determine if a tested cable plant passes or fails the test.

We know that every tech wants an instrument that simply requires the push of a button to get a pass/fail result and to record the data so they can get on to the next test. Manufacturers want that, too. Not only does it make their instruments more popular with installers, but also it reduces their training responsibilities—at least, they think so.

At The Fiber Optic Association, I field most of the technical questions. About 90 percent of the questions concern testing, and most ask us to evaluate test results. Virtually all of the questions arise because the person conductng the testing or the end-user presented with the data does not know how to evaluate it. There are two issues here. First, you have to set up the test properly, and second, you have to know what test results to expect.

Setting up the test is straightforward, as many industry standards cover it. Use your light source, power meter and reference cables (which are chosen to match the fibers and connectors in the cable plant you are testing), and set a 0-decibel (dB) loss reference. However, you have options here because standards allow three different methods of setting a 0-dB loss reference, using one, two or three reference cables. One cable is preferred because the test is more accurate, three cables can be used for special connector types, and two cable references can be used for situations where the connectors on the cables do not match the connectors on the instruments.

Adding reference cables will cause the measured loss to be lower because connections are included in setting the reference. Two cable references will measure about 0.3–0.5 dB lower than a one-cable reference, and a three-cable reference will be 0.5–1 dB lower, depending on the quality and condition of the reference cables.

So what loss do you expect? The sum of all the losses of components that make up the cable plant, what we call a “loss budget,” determines the loss of the cable plant.

Let’s start with an example of the simplest case: a single-cable run with connectors on each end. The expected loss will be the loss of the length of fiber plus the connectors on either end. We calculate the loss of the fiber by multiplying the length. Let’s use 100 meters (m) or 0.1 kilometer (km) multiplied by the estimated attenuation coefficient of that type fiber at the wavelength we are testing. For example, testing multimode fiber at 850 nanometers (nm), we can use 3 dB per km, about the average in the industry, or 3.5 dB per km, the worst-case value in TIA standards. Thus, our 100 meters of fiber should contribute a loss of 0.3 dB (0.1 km × 3.0 dB per km).

The connectors on each end are always included in a loss budget since they will have connection losses when we mate them to our reference cables. While TIA allows 0.75 dB for connectors (again, worst case), good installers should figure adhesive/polish connectors (epoxy, anaerobic or HotMelt) at about 0.3–0.5 dB and prepolished/splice connectors at 0.5–0.75 dB.

So our simple 100 m multimode cable tested at 850 nm should have a loss of:

Fiber: (0.1 km × 3.0 dB per km) = 0.3 dB

Connections: (2 each × 0.5 dB) = 1.0 dB

Total = 1.3dB

If we have more connections or even splices in a cable, we add them to the loss budget with estimated losses of splices at 0.1–0.3 dB (0.3 dB is the worst case TIA loss). On the simple cable above, if we had an intermediate connection, we would add another connection, unless the connection was done by a patchcord between the two sections of the cable when, of course, we would have to add two connections.

I use the term “connections” to describe the point of loss, not connector, because a single connector has no loss by definition unless it is mated to another connector, what it is intended to do.

Now if we test our simple cable with a meter and source, we know it has an estimated loss of 1.3 dB. Using a one-cable reference, we know a fiber in our cable that shows a tested loss of around 1.3 dB, give or take, should be good. That’s a pass. But what if we use a two- or three-cable reference method? And what’s likely to be the measurement error or uncertainty? I’ll answer those questions next month.

HAYES is a VDV writer and educator and the president of The Fiber Optic Association. Find him at www.JimHayes.com

Reprinted with permission from Electrical Contractor Magazine

Published by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Bethesda, Md., Electrical Contractor magazine delivers 83,000+ electrical contractors and more than 68,000 electrical contracting locations, more than any other industry publication. Telephone: (301) 657-3110. Web site: http//www.ecmag.com.

ARTICLE from Electrical Contractor Magazine = TOOL USER BEWARE By Jeff Griffin

Focus by jeff griffin

Tool User Beware

Read the manual;
follow the rules to stay safe

Construction workers face numerous and varied job-site dangers, depending on the type of work they do. In addition to risks common to most construction jobs, electricians face the hazard of electric shock and other dangers associated with live power.

“Tools are an essential part of most tasks that electrical workers perform,” said Palmer Hickman, director of code and safety training and curriculum development, the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC). “Therefore, it is critically important that all tools be used safely so that the tool used does not become the cause of an injury or fatality. This begins with following all of the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer of the tool, along with the use of ground-fault protection and personal protective equipment, as necessary.”

While users are highly aware of the risks of operating power tools, Hickman pointed out that manual tools also pose risks.

“Knives, of all types, continue to be a common cause of injury,” he said. “Safety professionals report that some contractors have gone as far as banning their use. The industry has attempted to reduce these injuries through the use of cut-resistant materials used in gloves and a shift to manual and battery--powered tools designed specifically for stripping of conductors. As always, training also helps to reduce cut injuries.”

Drills, hammer drills and grinding wheels continue to be among the power tools associated with injuries.

“Proper body positioning, proper planning and use are important,” Hickman said. “Ensuring that guards and handles are in place and wearing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) all go a long way toward minimizing the hazards associated with the use of power tools.”

While immediate risks of injuries may be obvious, Hickman added that there are risks associated with using specific tools that may not always be considered.

“Silica hazards are associated with stone, brick and concrete-block cutting, blasting, chipping, grinding and sawing,” Hickman said. “Hearing loss is associated with many common power tools used in construction. There are ergonomic hazards associated with the use of many commonly used tools and commonly performed tasks. Common examples of ergonomic risk factors are found in jobs requiring repetitive, forceful or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling or carrying of heavy objects; and prolonged awkward postures. The potential for shock, arc flash and arc blast hazards are associated with energized electrical work. Personal protective equipment, such as rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors and arc-rated clothing, are among the last lines of defense against the hazards of shock and arc flash respectively.”

The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) curriculum and training introduces tools and tool use with introductory lessons, boot camp lessons and electrical industry application manuals; it promotes hazard awareness and recognition through OSHA 10- and 30-hour course materials, and it introduces industry-specific curriculum and training for electrical workers through core and advanced curriculum.

“It is vital,” Hickman said, “to use the proper tool for the job and to use the tool as designed and intended.”

Representatives of three primary suppliers of tools for the electrical industry comment on tool safety from the perspectives of their companies’ product lines.

Manual hand tools

Russ Goldmann, Klein Tools’ director of product design and development, said: “Any tool has inherent risks if not used properly. Using a tool for any purpose which it was not designed or intended to perform risks personal injury and damage to the work or tool. Utilizing pliers as a hammer or treating a screwdriver as a chisel will cause irreparable damage. Furthermore, uninsulated tools should never be used on live circuits. Tools are engineered for certain tasks, and when the user goes beyond the scope of this, it creates a potential hazard.

“Each tool requires a proper understanding of its function and the correct way to use it. Klein includes warnings on all packages with both symbols and text. We highly recommend that the user take the time to read the warnings to help prevent accidents and encourage product safety.

“Some tools are designed with specific safety features such as nonconductive fish tape with eyelet tip added to protect against shock from energized sources. Other examples include cutting tools with retractable blades or tool handles with plastic flock to prevent slippage. When working with energized sources with voltage up to 1,000 volts [V], Klein recommends insulated tools for added protection against electric shock. Tools marked with the official international 1,000V rating symbol comply with the ASTM F1505 and IEC 60900 standards for insulated tools.

“Tools must be maintained in good working order. Products that are bent, chipped, have bent or cracked parts or a ‘mushroomed’ head, they pose potential hazards that can cause serious accidents,” Goldmann said.

John Fee, Greenlee senior product manager, said: “Within the manual hand tool category, we see that pliers and wire strippers pose the highest risks of injury.

“For pliers, wrist injury can occur from repetition and from vibration through the handle when cutting through large nails, screws, etc. To help reduce this risk, tool designs have changed through metallurgy (tempered handles help absorb vibration), ergonomic designs, and [by] changing the rivet positions to provide high leverage. High-leverage pliers reduce the force needed for cutting hardened products by up to 36 percent. When using pliers, there is a risk of eye injury when cutting through nails, screws and other hardened products. The solution is for users to wear safety glasses.

“When using wire strippers and pliers, there is the risk of cutting into wire that is energized. We advise using a noncontact voltage detector to check wire to ensure it’s de-energized before working.

“Power-assisted tools can increase the potential of eye injury when cutting through hardened products. These tools increase the likelihood the user will exceed the capacity and capability of the tools and risk additional injury.

“Tool designs in ergonomics, high leverage/compound leverage, and 1,000V insulated grips help make tools safer to use,” Fee said.

Power tools

Jason Feldner, Bosch Tools’ cordless power tool product manager, said: “No matter which power tool is being used—whether it is corded or cordless, handheld or stationary, saw or drill—and no matter what the job site or location, there are basic safety tips that apply.”

Feldner offered the following tips for working safety with power tools.

• Read the instruction manual. Most complaints sent to power tool manufacturers are from people who don’t read tool instructions. Every tool comes with operating and safety instructions. Guessing and power tools don’t mix. Users who have misplaced instructions can access manuals on most manufacturers’ websites or request a new copy. Managers of a shop or tool crib can create binders with sleeves to organize every tool manual for easy access.

• Wear proper protective clothing. Never wear loose or baggy clothing or jewelry, and tie up long hair while working. Any of these items easily can catch in a power tool’s moving parts and possibly drag the user toward any cutting element or edge. Wearing approved safety goggles and ear protection is mandatory. Anyone who ever received an eye or hearing injury wishes, in hindsight, they had taken the few seconds necessary to don eye and hearing protection.

• Work in a safe environment. Work sites should be free of hazards, [and be] dry and well-lighted. Avoid clutter and distractions.

• Mind all power cords. Prior to operating any corded tool, check that all electrical cords, including the one attached to the tool, are free of kinks, frays or exposed wires. Use the correct length of extension cord designated in the instruction manual. Whenever possible, use a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which is specifically designed to overcome any potential current leakage issues and protect a tool user from shock.

• Examine the tool. Before plugging in a tool or activating a cordless model, be sure guards operate smoothly and quickly, switches function properly, and accessories are tightened in place. If any components are missing, replace them immediately. Do not operate a tool without a properly functioning guard, unless otherwise advised in the manual for particular applications.

• Choose the right accessory. Always select the right accessory for the job. If a blade is wrong for the material, is the incorrect width, or is dull, and if a bit is incorrect for material drilled or it is stripped or worn, the blade or bit can create hazardous situations, including binding or kickback.

• Maintain correct body positioning. When operating a tool, the operator should be balanced by footing and body position. Never overreach. Use the tool at a comfortable working level. Working above the head or below the waist can cause loss of strength and leverage with the tool. Working in awkward positions slows reaction time in the event of kickback or a binding bit.

• Use proper hand positioning and side assist handles. Manufacturers place side assist handles and secondary grip handles on tools to provide optimal control because bits sometimes bind and blades can kickback. Using extra handles can help avoid injury. It may seem obvious, but hands never should be placed near blades and the moving parts of any power tool. When any tool is activated, especially saws, hand positioning must be in designated safe or control areas.

• Finally, pay attention. When operating any tool, 100 percent of the operator’s attention must be on the work. Reacting to trouble is possible only if the tool user knows something is happening. Experienced electricians routinely perform many different tasks, many of them repetitive. Inattention often is blamed for many work accidents.

Test equipment

Testing equipment is a basic tool category for electricians but is beyond the scope of this article—a separate report will cover tester safety. However, it is important to know that some testers pose serious safety risks if improperly used.

GRIFFIN, a construction and tools writer from Oklahoma City, can be reached at up-front@cox.net.

Reprinted with permission from Electrical Contractor Magazine

ARTICLE from Electrical Contractor Magazine = Sister Installations – Integrating Safety Into Your Business Plan By John Paul Quinn

Focus by john paul quinn

Sister Installations

Integrating safety into your business plan

Safety and security are sister installations in the integrated systems model, and they differ sharply from the other three major elements—power, controls and communications—because safety and security have become two of the most high-visibility and critical issues in our daily lives in the past decade.

Since 9/11, safety measures have morphed from a troublesome matter of practicality to a heightened daily awareness fed by the relentless barrage of headlines chronicling violent disasters on every level from foreign countries to the local school district. In fact, these measures played a large part in quickly identifying suspects in the recent Boston Marathon bombings, leading to a massive and well-publicized manhunt.

For the electrical contractor (EC), this means taking a closer look at this aspect of systems integration work, which has the potential for significant growth.

“Percentage-wise, the safety and security segments of the average complete systems integration package have grown dramatically over the past few years,” said Mark Herman, a product manager at national distributor Graybar, St. Louis. “When you consider that some of the recent tragedies have affected schools and other public places, people are going to want enhanced safety and security control, and we believe this demand will most likely continue to grow.”

In fact, the “2012 Profile of the Electrical Contractor” stated that a significantly higher percentage of ECs reported working on both residential and commercial/industrial/institutional safety systems. However, that same survey also indicated that only four out of 10 contractors are involved in systems integration work (Electrical Contractor, July 2012).

But despite the increased public awareness of safety issues, there is still a lag in actual installation of safety systems, meaning contractors not yet actively involved still have a window of opportunity to get up to speed and to -participate—in both systems integration generally and safety work in particular.

“The contractor who is going to survive this economy has to expand his capabilities and business to include the disciplines, such as safety, that make up integrated systems,” said Frank Bisbee, president of Communication Planning Corp., Jacksonville, Fla., and editor of “Heard on the Street,” a syndicated monthly column. “And obviously, working on integrated systems makes installation expertise inescapable. Contractors need to become familiar with the technology and who the major suppliers of products are.”

Hesitation factor

As in the case of other specialized market sectors, some ECs are reluctant to make a commitment, but that is gradually changing.

“Electrical contractors’ awareness level of the importance of the safety/security elements of systems integration is growing, similar to the way that installation work expanded beyond strictly electrical to include communications and data,” said Graybar’s Herman.

But the cause of hesitation is why the life safety market hasn’t grown faster, a matter of speculation throughout the industry.

“Cost is one factor, and people have a tendency to rationalize that, ‘This kind of thing won’t happen to me’,” said Brad Weir, president of Kelso-Burnett Co., Rolling Meadows, Ill. “And, on the construction side, the players tend to do things the way they always did—the architects come up with a plan, and the engineers do their calculations. Yet, despite the fact that manufacturers have introduced products with increased capacity for safety measures, enhanced safety installation usually only takes place if the end-user pushes for it because he feels pressured by an incident in his geographic proximity.”

Weir speaks from experience because, in the last few years, there were a number of fires in Chicago-area high-rise buildings that involved loss of life.

“This series of events drew public attention to the number of older structures whose safety systems had been grandfathered over the years and lacked the efficiency of today’s integrated buildings,” he said. “So, an ordinance was passed that any building over 80 feet had to have fire alarm paging systems, which has kept contractors busy.”

“In addition, the city established a point system with which buildings have to comply, involving safety installations such as elevator recall, smoke detectors, and fire-rated doors and walls. This is a huge undertaking, and it will be difficult for contractors to keep up with the demand for these upgrade installations,” Weir said.

So the work is there, the volume is also, depending on market circumstances, but the EC has to be ready to seize the opportunity when it arises.

With regard to new construction, Weir cautions contractors to be aware of not only different codes, but also adapting the code stipulations to the realities on the job site.

“Many safety codes are municipal and do not appear in the [National Electrical Code],” he said, “and this often requires using a good dose of common sense. For example, when you’re installing speakers or alarms in a building, a certain decibel level is specified, but you have to be aware of where the doors are so that the decibel level will be maintained. The overall installation has to be considered as much as the rule itself.

“Another problem can arise when a contractor submits a life safety drawing to the city and it’s approved, but after it’s installed, the fire marshal does a walk-through and stipulates various additions. So the contractor should raise any potential issues with the authorities up front before moving to installation.”

Most important, the EC has to keep the comprehensive, integrated picture foremost in his mind.

“Systems integration can include structured cabling networks, both wireless applications and distributed antenna systems,” Herman said. “The practical question is, ‘What does the end-user want to do with these networks?’ In terms of safety and security, this involves everything from video monitoring to fire alarm and smoke detection as well as intrusion alert and access control systems. And the network can encompass other systems that usually might not be thought of as directly involving safety, such as lighting controls.”

In addition, contractors should not think of the safety/-security market as strictly commercial; there are new advanced systems solutions in the residential sector as well. Life safety applications now often include carbon monoxide monitoring, multiple-means intrusion alert, panic buttons and instant-call buttons to summon emergency assistance, to name a few.

Safety and the bottom line

There are two other critical aspects of systems integration and life safety systems that deserve the EC’s attention: both continue to evolve, and both require substantial post-installation service.

“Perhaps the biggest change on the installation scene is that safety systems have become more compact, more multifunctional, and do not require as complex an array of equipment and components as in the past,” Herman said. “Microtechnology has enabled manufacturers to develop much more capable systems in a smaller package, often wireless, which makes installation quicker, easier and more efficient.”

The question of service of these systems is more clear-cut and pragmatic.

“One significant difference between integrated systems work and traditional project work is the need for ongoing service,” Bisbee said. “This service work usually has a higher profit margin and becomes a long-term revenue stream for the contractor. Integrated systems have created a marketing package combining installation with maintenance.”

Taken together, the evolution of the systems and the service issue lead straight to the EC’s bottom line.

The need for enhanced safety and security will only increase, given the nature of events the public witnesses on an ongoing basis. Manufacturers have the products and systems available, and industry observers anticipate an inevitable move toward more widespread installation.

“Electrical contractors are becoming more and more sophisticated in terms of their capabilities and how they address the more demanding requirements of their customers,” Herman said. “Those who have not yet become seriously involved in safety installation should realize that this technology doesn’t represent a quantum leap in expertise. There are plenty of training programs available and they should understand there is a lot of room for growth in this continually evolving market.”

QUINN reports on a broad range of business and industry issues for journals in the United States and Europe. He can be reached at 203.323.9850 or at mirabel@snet.net.

Reprinted with permission from Electrical Contractor Magazine

ARTICLE From CI&M - Fluke Networks unveils Versiv family of fiber and copper cabling certification tools By Patrick McLaughlin

Chassis-based product set includes interchangeable test modules and software capabilities meant to speed up system acceptance.

By Patrick McLaughlin

The Versiv family of cable certification testers from Fluke Networks (www.flukenetworks.com) is “designed to help data communications cable installers more quickly, accurately and profitably achieve system acceptance for copper and fiber jobs,” the company says. A key component to enabling this more-rapid system acceptance is a software set built into the test platform called the ProjX management system, which will be described herein.

Versiv can be viewed as a platform, with a common chassis and interchangeable test modules for different copper- and fiber-test functions and capabilities. Depending on the test function, main and remote chassis or just a main chassis may be used. As depicted in the photographs accompanying this article, the chassis has few buttons. Versiv incorporates a user interface called Taptive, which is similar to the smartphone-like user interface Fluke Networks incorporated into its OptiFiber Pro tester in 2012. Described as an intuitive touch screen, the Taptive interface can elevate the capabilities of the tester’s users, including less-experienced installers. Taptive allows users to drill down to test-result details with finger touches. It also delivers graphical depictions of those results.

As it launches the Versiv platform, Fluke Networks is emphasizing its ability to save installers time, ensure accuracy and increase installer profitability during system acceptance. “In a global study of cabling professionals, mistakes, complexity and rework are adding more than a week of labor to a typical 1,000-cabling-drop installation,” the company said, “resulting in average losses of more than $2,500 USD. To combat these growing challenges, Versiv has been built from the ground up to go beyond testing and troubleshooting to address the entire certification lifecycle. Its new capabilities help contractors manage the complexities of today’s certification landscape and reduce errors that can threaten profitability.”

The software-based ProjX management system allows a cabling crew’s team leader to set up test parameters that work across multiple jobs and media. It also speeds up the planning and setup of projects by allowing technicians to capture consistent test parameters across an entire job, or to switch from job to job by clicking between projects stored in the tester. “The system allows up-to-the-minute project analysis and oversight to help speed certification and reporting,” Fluke Networks says. “If problems are encountered during the testing process, technicians can create a ‘Fix Later’ troubleshooting to-do list for later evaluation by more-experienced installers.”

Jason Wilbur, vice president and general manager of Fluke Networks’ data-communications cabling installation business, commented, “When doing cabling installation and certification, the difference between having a job be profitable versus a loss is oftentimes just a few percentage points. In 2004 we defined the certification market with the introduction of the DTX, which was focused on certification testing speed. But today’s challenges have changed and our customers must improve their agility and reduce errors when working across multiple mediums, codes and projects. The Versiv family is focused on helping our contractors profitably manage the complexities that are now part of their new normal.”

Wilbur elaborated on that concept in an interview with Cabling Installation & Maintenance. He explained, “Today’s contractors have to deal with a number of multiples—multiple projects being handled simultaneously, multiple types of infrastructure, multiple industry standards, multiple varieties of tools used for reporting, and multiple complex measurements being made.”

With so many proverbial moving parts, the project scheduling, deployment and commissioning processes are prone to error. And when errors occur, they negatively impact the project’s profitability for the contractor. Hence the emphasis Fluke Networks is placing on this new testing platform’s ability to simplify the complex, thereby significantly limiting any project’s susceptibility to error. (In a white paper, Fluke Networks outlines results of its own research into the frequency of errors among contractors around the globe, and the impact of those errors on business profitability. We intend to provide detail on these findings in a future issue.)

The Versiv platform comprises four test solutions, two of which already exist in Fluke Networks’ portfolio and two of which are new. The company’s existing OptiFiber Pro and OneTouch AT test products now exist in the form of modules for Versiv. Additionally, the platform includes new testers CertiFiber Pro Plus, an optical-loss test set (OLTS) and DSX 5000 CableAnalyzer, Fluke Networks’ next-generation copper-cabling test instrument.

A key capability of Versiv’s fiber-test functions is the Set Reference Wizard, which automatically zeroes out the reference cords—saving installers the burden and potential confusion of having to do so.

The DSX-5000 is a 1-GHz test instrument that meets the proposed ISO Level V accuracy specifications, enabling it to certify Level FA (Category 7A) cabling systems. The tester’s characteristics also include a 10-second Category 6A test, as well as the ability to test a system’s balance.

More detail is sure to follow from Fluke Networks about each test module’s particular capabilities. The overarching theme of the company’s Versiv release is that any or all of these tester types (OLTS, OTDR, network assistance, copper-cabling certifier) can be used interchangeably within the Versiv chassis. That, along with the software-based test-reporting and project-management functions, provides a simple and flexible tool that can drive down errors and positively impact a contractor’s bottom line, Fluke Networks says.

PATRICK McLAUGHLIN
Chief Editor
patrick@pennwell.com

Reprinted with permission from CI&M - Cabling Installation & Maintenance Magazine – a leading publication for structured cabling and networking for over 20 years. CI&M magazine is a PennWell publication. Check out their powerful web seminars

www.cablinginstall.com

‘Fastest 50’ Trade Shows List Includes Electrical Industry’s Favorite Show – The 2013 NECA SHOW is a MUST ATTEND Event

When Trade Show Executive magazine assembled its list of the “Fastest 50” trade shows for 2012, the NECA Show – the largest U.S. event for electrical professionals, including contractors – made the list for the first time ever.

Top industry shows were ranked in three “Fastest 50” categories. The NECA Show – to be held Oct. 13-15 this year, in Washington, D.C. – was included on two: Number of Exhibiting Companies and Total Attendance. More: http://bit.ly/ZrTGAn . The upcoming NECA SHOW is a MUST DO event for building owners and managers. The NECA SHOW agenda includes powerful new applications of Integrated Technology Systems that offer big paybacks in terms of reduced energy costs and enhanced “green technology”. Attendees will find this show has something for everyone.

Held in conjunction with the National Electrical Contractors Association’s Convention, the NECA Show is open to all electrical professionals, whether working for NECA-member companies or not. Free Show floor passes (where 300-plus exhibiting companies and organizations await) include admission to more than 18 Technical Workshops (also free) over the 3-day event.

“We are privileged to have been recognized by Trade Show Executive,” said Beth Ellis, director of NECA’s Convention & Show operation. “It’s an honor. But we think we’ve got a lots of growing to do in 2013 and beyond – adding even more exhibitors in lighting (including LEDs), data cabling and data centers, solar photovoltaics and other energy solutions, safety, and of course tools and equipment – the contractor’s bread-and-butter.”

Renewed NECA Show exhibitors range from major suppliers (Graybar, Schneider, Siemens) to software providers (Project DocControl, McCormick Systems, Trade Service Corp.) and other familiar electrical industry names – Fluke, Klein Tools, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Southwire . . . just to name a few. The full exhibitor list (updated frequently) is available here: http://bit.ly/10xC3yy or http://www.necashow.org/NECA2013/public/ExhibitorList.aspx?ID=521&sortMenu=105001

HOW TO GET YOUR FREE SHOW PASS: Online registration opens June 4. Electrical professionals should look for FREE registration codes in e-mails and magazine ads (including those in Electrical Contractor magazine). See www.necaconvention.org for more information.

ABOUT NECA

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the voice of the $130 billion industry responsible for bringing electrical power, lighting, and communications to buildings and communities across the United States.

NECA members are electrical contractors who work in all aspects of electrical construction. While most NECA members qualify as small businesses, large, multi-area electrical contracting firms are also members of the association.

Electrical contracting is the business of bringing Power, Light, Controls, and Communications (including Integrated Systems) to buildings and communities across the United States and around the world.

In the U.S., electrical contracting is a growing industry valued at over $130 billion annually, made up of over 70,000 electrical contracting firms employing over 650,000 electrical workers. NECA contractors are the technical professionals responsible for the most innovative and safest electrical construction in the U.S.
NECA contractors hold a high standard for superior performance and are committed to delivering quality results.

NECA contractors are the experts at the top of their field. They know the latest technology. They take the time to understand your business's unique needs, and they find the innovative solutions to meet them. NECA contractors employ the most highly trained and reliable workforce in the industry. They will get your job done right the first time, on time, without disrupting your business. www.necanet.org (check out this newly updated website)

Patch Cords are most networks Achilles Heel – especially fiber optic patch cords. Discover the magic bullet

Remember ALL patchcord connections surfaces must be clean.

THE MAGIC BULLET

Megladon Angle Polished HLC® ScratchGuard® Fiber Optic Patch Cords are incredibly durable and deliver maximum performance for CATV = CONFIRMED

Back in September 2011, Megladon Manufacturing Group (Austin, TX) took a monumental step for the CATV market by adapting the HLC process to angle polished connectors. Since then the CATV market has been adopting these new products and replacing other patch cords. Angle polished connectors have been used for years in high speed video transport applications due to inherent low reflection characteristics. As technology innovators, In 1997,Megladon created the HLC® (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level.

The fragile nature of fiber mating surfaces, however, has continued to plague an industry that is more competitive than ever. We purchased some of those patchcords to use in testing network performance on various systems in North Florida. A recent examination of the patch cords showed the still had the same undamaged connector mating surfaces after hundreds of uses in the field. The technicians that use these HLC® ScratchGuard Fiber Optic Patch Cords now insist on these cords for all their network service calls on CATV. Kevin Moy, lead tech [Certified Fiber Optics Installer (ETA)] for CPC- Communication Planning Corporation, Jacksonville, Florida told us, “ I think I’ve tried and tested them all. The ScratchGuard HLC is better than any other preterminated fiber cable available.”

With the exploding video on demand and streaming video content on the web, a need arises for high quality fiber optic products capable of withstanding this trend. Industry leaders and providers are having to transition into a more competent network infrastructure to conform to the now industry standard of high performance fiber optic networks.

The SCRATCHGUARD Fiber Optic Patch Cords (by Megladon Manufacturing Group) is a critical step forward in quality. The fiber optic connector is a crucial component and the “gateway to the fiber optic cabling network”. Damage to the connector due to repeated use has been the biggest problem for network managers, until now. The patented SCRATCHGUARD Fiber Optic Patch Cords have virtually eliminated the problem. “We have studied the Megladon Manufacturing products and spoken with several major network operations that are using these breakthrough products. The product exceeds every other fiber optic product that they have ever used.” said Frank Bisbee, Editor of the Heard On The Street column (www.wireville.com).

EDUCATION is critical “Jim Hayes, President of the Fiber Optic Association www.thefoa.org confirmed the need for education in the fiber optic communications industry as new solutions are coming to the marketplace like a tsunami.” Bisbee added. Almost well-trained technicians and/or purchasing agents are flooded with materials claiming patchcords and preterminated fiber optic cables meet the standards and deliver the performance to meet the networks requirements. The actual reality is that most of those products are subject to damage with just the slightest use. Repeatability is the objective in all the patchcords.

Megladon’s APC HLC SCRATCHGUARD fiber optic patch cords are ideally equipped for network installers that are utilizing high speed video networks. The HLC technology provides mating surface durability and low loss; paired with an Angle Polish Connector we now have a product that significantly reduces reflection, cutting down on interruptions in any given network.

“Up until now CATV and high speed video applications have not been able to take advantage of our HLC patented processes due to standardization on angle polish connectors. Now they can not only experience the HLC SCRATCHGUARD durability, but we added a reduction in insertion loss and reflection over traditional angle polish products,” said John Culbert, President of Megladon.

Solutions for OSP – CATV

Megladon found standard Node Tails used for CATV aerial applications needed to be improved. Bend insensitive glass was used along with Megladon’s patented HLC termination resulting in the only durable end face node tail on the market. The performance of the finished product has minimum insertion loss, bend loss and optical return loss. In addition to performance, Megladon further enhanced the product with a brass entry connector preventing stripped threads during installation and Hytrel furcation tubing to preserve the product during extreme temperature fluctuations.

Megladon® Manufacturing Group Ltd., a subsidiary of TyRex Group Ltd.®, is recognized as a leader in the fiber optic marketplace. Founded in 1997, Megladon made it their mission to provide customers with fiber optic products that far exceed industry standards. As technology innovators, Megladon created the HLC® (Hardened Lens Contact) termination, which has changed the market and taken it to the next level. For additional information on Megladon and their patented processes please visit the company’s website at www.megladonmfg.com.

For additional information regarding Megladon’s variety of fiber optic products please contact John Culbert at 512.615.4687 or by email at scratchguard@megladonmfg.com.

“Once you have tried this Megladon product you won’t use anything else…ever.”

The Light Brigade® Introduces New YouTube Channel

Tukwila, WA – May 31, 2012

The Light Brigade has launched a new YouTube Channel that provides customers with the opportunity to view short clips from The Light Brigade's fiber optic training media library prior to purchase. The YouTube Channel offers clips from the following topics:

A Brief History
Light Basics
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber Optic Splicing
Fiber Optic Connectors
Fiber Optic Patch Panels, Closures and Pedestals
Fiber Optic Testing
Troubleshooting a Fiber Optic Link
OTDR Theory and Operation
Fiber Optic Active Devices
Fiber Optic Passive Devices
System Loss Budgets

"Access to these videos on YouTube allows viewers to sample The Light Brigade's training media, making it easier for customers to select the video most appropriate for their needs," stated Dario DePaolis, vice president and general manager of The Light Brigade. "The training videos teach proper fiber techniques and disciplines, while providing the practical theory and application of various topics."

The Light Brigade, a division of AFL, produces high-quality DVDs and CDs filmed by professional cinematographers. Courses are technology-based and teach techniques applicable to many fiber optic products. In addition, The Light Brigade offers standardized courses that can be scheduled around the world as well as at their state-of-the-art training facility outside of Seattle, Washington. The Light Brigade also offers educational development services in which courses can be customized to a desired skill level or to focus on a specific subject matter.

For additional information on The Light Brigade, visit www.lightbrigade.com, email sales@lightbrigade.com

About The Light Brigade
Since 1987, The Light Brigade has instructed 43,000 attendees in its public and custom classes on fiber optic design, maintenance, and testing, including advanced topics such as FTTx, DWDM, and PMD/CD. In addition to creating custom courses tailored to any need or skill level, the company produces educational DVDs and CDs.

ARTICLE - TWO WEEK NOTICES WENT OUT WITH NICKEL BEER by JAMES CARLINI

Do you still use a rotary telephone (do you even know what that is?)? Can you buy gas at 20 cents a gallon where you live? Times have changed, companies have changed, and giving a two-week notice went out with nickel beers.

All the Human Resource “experts” who still tell you to give a two-week notice are hypocrites to the highest degree. Where were their voices “of authority and expertise” when it came to companies laying off their workforces in the last two decades? Oh I know, “it’s the right thing to do” when it comes to YOU giving notice, but the company doesn’t have to.

Many corporations would bring in a group of people to a conference room and say,

‘This is your last day. You will be escorted out of the building. Any personal property at your desks will be shipped to you.”

They didn’t even say, “Thanks for your service.” This decimated a lot of good employees who had ten to twenty years of service with those organizations. The ones who didn’t get laid off that day always thought they might be the next to go. Morale and loyalty plummeted.

WHAT ABOUT THEM BURNING THEIR BRIDGES?

Where were all the Human Resource consultants? They actually approved of that approach for the corporations. They definitely did not write any articles on how that would devastate the workforce or poison the morale of people left on the job. They won’t even debate me on this topic because their actions are too hypocritical when it comes to “loyalty and doing the right thing.”

I know of one corporation who used to have a Chicago ambulance parked outside every Thursday they gave people notice like that because they were afraid some might have a heart attack from the shock of the surprise announcement.

I do not hold myself out as any “expert” on personnel matters, but I do understand good leadership, setting a positive example and leading by example. This approach to layoffs shattered the idea of any company loyalty.

Recently, I received my 3,000+ response from my original 2005 article about not giving a two-week notice when leaving a company. http://wtnnews.com/articles/1757/

It has gotten so many hits as well as personal responses from people around the world (I actually got a phone call from someone in Greece to discuss their career dilemma). It’s time for another article on this subject.

SHOULD I GIVE A TWO-WEEK NOTICE? (A RECENT EMAIL)

Mr. Carlini,

I just read several of your articles on the positives of immediate separation without the customary two-week notice.

I left my job in February for various reasons, but because I felt uncomfortable staying and believed I may have been the victim of unfair reprisal and dismissal, I left with immediate separation.

I recently applied for a job with the state police, and the trooper doing my background investigation seems concerned with my choice, despite my explanations, and believes this may indicate my inability to commit myself to the academy, despite the fact that I dedicated fifteen years to the company I left.

Should he choose to make this an issue, I planned on showing him your articles to articulate my position, as I thought of and agreed with everything in your writings. I was curious if you can offer any further academic points to help to solidify my argument. I don't see my choice as an assailable position, but I thought I would look to you for help.

I realize that these writings are old, and it may be odd to receive an e-mail regarding them, but I found them very comforting and uplifting. Any help is appreciated.

Thank you for your time.
John G.

---------------------------------------------------

Dear John,

"these writings are old"? They are still VERY relevant.

You would be surprised on how many people have called or Emailed me on this topic. It is not odd to still get an EMail on them as I have responded to literally several thousand people in various career situations just like yourself. I wish I had a dollar for every response I have given. WTN has tracked my initial articles and they remain the most hit upon in their whole data base of articles.

Why? Because the business climate has changed. When companies lay someone off, they do not give two-weeks notices. They let you go that day.

Why? For security reasons, especially if you have access to their computer systems. So it is a "standard practice" across many corporations both large and small. As they say, “nothing personal.”

Companies (and many HR experts) have to realize that loyalty is a two-way street. So is a bridge.

Funny, how they never recommend a company to give two-week’s notice when they let people go. “Nothing personal, it’s just the current business environment dictates that we have to let you go today.” Can’t the same be used by the individual employee without any fear of reprisal or career stigma?

Over the years, people have seen how companies just let people go (with no notice) and now they have figured out - what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

“You’re burning a bridge” if you do the wrong thing? What about the company burning its image? No one seems to be worried about that, yet I know of people who got so mad, they won’t even buy their former employers’ products. A friend of mine got laid off from Motorola back in 2001 and he still will not buy any of their products. Multiply that by the 1000s.

You hear all the Human Resource people still saying "don't burn your bridges - give a two-week notice.” Are some of them still living in the 1930s?

Courtesy? Professionalism? The “right-thing-to-do”? PLEASE!

Loyalty is a two-way street - so is a bridge. So if you are "burning a bridge" by not giving notice, haven't all these companies burned tens of 1000s of bridges?

Why aren’t all the HR experts commenting on this improper management approach? Sorry, but you can't have it both ways. You cannot demand something from an employee that you yourself are unwilling to give.

PLUS, many companies replaced people with H-1B Visa workers (non-citizens). When they leave, they LEAVE. And when you ask them they know nothing about the “custom” of giving two weeks’ notice. WHY? That's not part of their culture.

Companies made a huge mistake and then compounded it by hiring cheap, foreign workers who have no “loyalty”. Two-week notices are not customary anymore.

And remember, just because you give a two-week notice, that does not mean you are guaranteed two-weeks’ pay. They can let you go that day and all they need to do is pay you for any accrued vacation time you might have. The two-weeks’ pay is NOT an automatic “gimme”. Many people believe they are required to pay you for those two weeks, they aren’t.

Companies who want notices better write it in a termination clause (that is mutual). Otherwise, it is completely voluntary and should not be demanded, expected, or looked upon negatively, if not given.

CARLINI-ISM : Giving two-week notices went out with nickel beers. Loyalty is a two-way street – just like a bridge.

Follow daily Carlini-isms at www.TWITTER.com/JAMESCARLINI

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

James Carlini, MBA, certified Infrastructure Consultant, keynote speaker and former award-winning Adjunct Professor at Northwestern University has advised on mission critical networks and intelligent infrastructure. Clients include the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, GLOBEX, JMB Realty, and City of Chicago’s 911 Center.

He is a very experienced Expert Witness in civil and federal courts on network infrastructure, intelligent buildings, DAS, WiFi, and fiber optics. He has worked on multi-million dollar cases involving AT&T, Bellagios, Ohio State University, Sprint, the US Dept. of Justice, the US Navy and others.

He is available for lawsuits (expert witness testimonies and litigation support), contract negotiations, strategic planning for intelligent infrastructure and buildings, and advising on marketing strategies for your organization.

Contact him at 773-370-1888 or james.carlini@sbcglobal.net

ShoreTel Enables Staffing Firms to Gain Competitive Advantage

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ShoreTel® (SHOR), the leading provider of brilliantly simple unified communications systems, including business phone service, virtual office and enterprise mobility solutions, continues to see adoption of its ShoreTel Sky® hosted UC solution for the staffing industry.

Staffing and recruiting firms are looking for business tools and applications that will increase productivity and improve their bottom line. In addition, a large part of their workforce is made up of millennials who are looking for modern technology and a flexible work environment. ShoreTel's cloud-based UC solution, ShoreTel Sky, helps give businesses ultimate flexibility, connectivity and seamless integration with the most popular applicant tracking systems (ATS), helping staffing firms meet the needs of both their workforce and customers. ShoreTel Sky helps improve business processes by giving managers access to valuable call metrics that help them track sales performance, service levels and staffing efficiency.

"Twenty years ago, many successful firms built their businesses with a phone, yellow pages and index cards, but today the industry is embracing new front office and applicant tracking systems that drive efficiency and productivity," said Keith Nealon, president and general manager of ShoreTel's cloud division. "In addition, staffing firms are only successful if they have the right talent working for them. In order to attract and retain top talent, firms need to offer the right technology to help recruiters and sales people be successful. With our mobility solutions, ATS integration and robust reporting, ShoreTel Sky is an important part of this tool set."

And companies are taking note:

"The scalability of the ShoreTel Sky platform enables us to customize our phone system as our business changes. With ShoreTel Sky, we can let the technology meet the business need."
¯ Heather Reck, telecommunications manager, EmployBridge

"We can use the ShoreTel Sky phone system from home by logging into the portal to conduct business as easily as if we were in the office."
¯ Eric Silverman, president and CEO, Blue Horizon Tek Solutions

"One thing that was important to us was partnering with a firm that understood our industry and that was committed to staffing. That meant they were looking at the way our recruiters do the work that comes across their desk, and that they were committed to integrating with the various other technology tools that our recruiters use. ShoreTel Sky has integrated with several of the applicant tracking systems that tend to be the most popular."
¯ Jamie Schwartz, president, Haley Stuart

ShoreTel Sky's cloud-based UC solution has pre-packaged phone system integration for applicant tracking systems including Bullhorn, JobDiva, JobScience, MaxHire, PC Recruiter and Sendouts. Integration with business intelligence from InsightSquared is also available. For more information visit: http://www.shoretelsky.com/customers/staffing/

About ShoreTel
ShoreTel, Inc. (SHOR) is a provider of business communication solutions whose brilliantly simple unified communications platforms, applications and mobile UC solutions promise a new rhythm of workforce engagement and collaboration. With costly complexity eliminated by design from its award-winning, all-in-one IP phone system, UC and contact center solution, and its industry-leading hosted phone system, workers enjoy a freedom and self-reliance that other providers can't match. Users have full control to engage and collaborate, no matter the time, place or device, for the lowest cost and demand on IT resources in the industry. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and has regional offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit shoretel.com or shoretelsky.com.

Communication Planning Corporation is North Florida’s leading ShoreTel dealer.

Since 1980, CPC has provided quality service for their communications and cabling needs. CPC and ShoreTel can deliver unified communications. www.communicationplanning.com

Contact Michael Shannahan, Vice President – Communication Planning Corporation (Jacksonville, FL) Tel. 904-645-9077 or michael@communicationplanning.com

CNS magazine reports: Optical fiber receives a boost - Addendum contains important new information in support of higher bandwidth optical fiber applications. By Paul Kish

By: Paul Kish
2012-07-01

Optical fiber cabling is undergoing significant changes in the industry to meet the demands of newer, higher bandwidth, applications.

Some of these changes relate to the performance of the fiber itself, for example the introduction of a higher bandwidth OM4 multimode fiber in the market. Others relate to establishing more controlled test procedures to verify optical fiber installations in the field.

This is particularly important for newer applications that impose very tight optical loss budgets.

For this month’s column, I wanted to present to you some of the changes and additions that are included in a new Addendum 2 to TIA-568-C.0 Standard on "Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises". TIA-568-C.0-2 Addendum updates the optical fiber test procedures for multimode fiber and includes new information in Annex B on array polarity systems and in Annex D on optical fiber applications.

Optical Fiber Testing: One of the most significant changes in TIA-568-C.0-2 is that field test instruments for multimode fiber cabling are now required to meet TIA-526-14-B Standard on "Optical Power Loss Measurements of Installed Multimode Fiber Cable Plant."

I wrote about the TIA-526-14-B standard in the May/June 2012 Standards Update column. In essence, TIA-526-14-B requires that the light coming from the end of the launch cord meet the "encircled flux" launch conditions and replaces the previous TIA-526-14-A standard, which uses an external mandrel wrap with a Category 1 light source.

It should be noted that the launch conditions specified in TIA-526-14-B also apply for Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) testing. These launch conditions can be achieved either within the field test instrument or by the use of an external mode conditioner.

Verifying Launch and Receive cord quality: Recognizing that the quality of the test cords and cleanliness of the connector interface can affect measurement accuracy, the TIA 568-C.0-2 addendum specifies that test jumpers (cords) and the ports under test should be clean and free of damage.

The endface condition of both the test jumper and the test port should be verified in accordance with IEC-61300-3-35 and Annex H of TIA-526-14-B for "reference grade" terminations. If higher than expected losses are measured, inspect and clean the connectors per IEC-61300-3-35 and retest. If cords continue to test high, replace the cord with a new one if necessary.

Array Polarity Systems: A large portion of the TIA-568-C.0-2 addendum provides illustrations and descriptions of array polarity systems for supporting multiple duplex systems and for supporting parallel signals. The most significant changes relate to array polarity implementations for parallel signals. Three sample methods are described, Method A, B and C. All these methods achieve the same purpose but are implemented differently. The purpose is to create an optical path from the transmit port of one device to the receive port of another device.

These different implementations may not be interoperable, and the Standard recommends that a method be selected in advance and maintained consistently throughout an installation. It should be noted that TIA 568-C.0-2 Addendum does not specify any polarity method that must be used for compliance. Designers and installers are encouraged to contact their manufacturers to evaluate polarity options.

Optical Fiber application support information: The current TIA-568-C.0 Standard includes a Table of maximum supportable distances and attenuation for optical fiber applications by fiber type. The new TIA-568-C.0-2 Addendum updates this Table for higher bandwidth applications and includes support information for the new OM4 fiber, which was not part of the TIA-568-C.0 Standard when it was published.

Additional support information is also provided for passive optical network (PON) applications over single-mode fiber.

The TIA-568-C.0-2 Addendum contains important new information in support of higher bandwidth optical fiber applications including optical loss testing procedures, array polarity systems and supportable distances. At the time of this writing, the standard has been approved for publication and is expected to be available shortly.

CNS

Paul Kish is Director, Systems and Standards at Belden.
The information presented is the author’s view and
is not official TIA correspondence.

Reprinted with permission from CNS Magazine – Canada’s leading publication for structured cabling, networking and telecom.

Cabling Networking Systems - CNS Magazine is published six times a year for over 11000 professionals across Canada.

CNS magazine covers the latest trends and issues for structured cabling, networking and telecom professionals across Canada and the USA.

The Challenge: Cabling, Networking, and Telecom Technologies are rapidly changing. Interoperability and compatibility challenges all of the industry’s engineers, designers, contractors, and installers to stay current and follow the trends as they evolve.

The Answer: Cabling Networking Systems - CNS Magazine www.cnsmagazine.com

ARTICLE - MUNICIPALITIES GONE WILD: East Dundee Ambulance Billing Fees By James Carlini

We all have heard about the municipality in California that has paid some of its administrators with six-figure salaries as well as six-figure pensions, but we think that is a very rare occurrence and that our own municipality would never get that bad.

Look closely at your municipality. Are they gouging you on the price of services? Are you paying double compared to the city next door?

I would have never thought that about my small Midwest community, but after needing an ambulance, I was in shock when we got the bill. We already pay for the fire department East Dundee Fire Protection District (Illinois) and its pension fund on two separate line items on our property tax bill. Where does all that money go?

CALLED FOR AN AMBULANCE? WAIT ‘TIL YOU GET THE BILL.

About a month and a half ago, my wife needed to go to the hospital. I called 911 and they sent out an ambulance. They came and took my wife to the community hospital. A few weeks later, we received the bill.

The total amount shocked me - $1,005.00 to go 5.5 miles. The only breakdown of the bill was $950.00 for the Ambulance service and $10.00 per mile for mileage ($55.00) for a total of $1,005.00. Nothing else was specified as it is on the tables below for neighboring municipalities A and B.

Some would say, just turn it into your insurance and see what they pick up. We did that but I thought it was an excessive bill with no real explanation of the services.

My wife did not require any extraordinary medical services while in the ambulance, so I did not understand the charges. I then looked up what it would cost from surrounding communities. I was in shock at the difference in taking a person the same distance from the community next door.

AMBULANCE RATES FROM A MUNICIPALITY “A” NEXT DOOR

Resident - Basic Life Support: $370.60 plus mileage
Resident - Advanced Life Support I: $440.09 plus mileage
Resident - Advanced Life Support II: $636.98 plus mileage
Non-Resident - Basic Life Support: $741.20 plus mileage
Non-Resident - Advanced Life Support I: $880.18 plus mileage
Non-Resident - Advanced Life Support II: $1273.96 plus mileage
Mileage: $8.86 per mile

AMBULANCE RATES FROM A MUNICIPALITY “B” NEXT DOOR

Resident - Basic Life Support: $350.00 plus mileage
Resident - Advanced Life Support I: $500.00 plus mileage
Resident - Advanced Life Support II: $600.00 plus mileage
Non-Resident - Basic Life Support: $425.00 plus mileage
Non-Resident - Advanced Life Support I: $525.00 plus mileage
Non-Resident - Advanced Life Support II: $650.00 plus mileage
Mileage: $10.00 per mile

If I compare the rates from my village to village “A” next door, I see that their rates are more than 50% LESS. Advanced life Support Level I is only $440.09 plus mileage. Even if she was rated at using Advanced Life Support Level II, it still is only $636.98 compared to $950.00 plus mileage. Our ambulance rate is still 50% HIGHER than our neighboring community.

The same goes for pricing from village “B”. How come they are significantly less?

Maybe I should have requested one of their ambulances to come pick my wife up because it would have cost us substantially less. The funny thing is that they do pick up people in our village due to the mutual aid agreement that they have with Municipality A.

GOUGING? MISMANAGED? OR BOTH?

In questioning my community, are you gouging me for services or is your agency so mismanaged? Do you have to charge over 50% more than the neighboring community for ambulance services? Neither reason is acceptable.

And, where is the schedule of fees and services? Nothing is posted on East Dundee Fire Protection District’s website as to ambulance charges and a breakdown of fees. Why not? There should be a clear list of service fees.

You hear so many government agencies and their employees whine about parity and being paid the same as surrounding areas. What about providing the same level of services? If you cannot match the cost of services, maybe it’s because your overhead is too high. Maybe we should just consolidate you into another agency and get some economies of scale?

It’s time to start reviewing ALL government services and determine whether or not they are being well-run or mismanaged. Consolidation of municipal services and little fiefdoms must be considered as a better alternative, especially when costs are so skewed for the same services.

Are you getting your money’s worth from your municipality? Start making them accountable.

CARLINI-ISM : Government services must be cost-effective because if they are not, they need to be reformed or consolidated and replaced in these poor economic times.

Copyright 2013 – James Carlini

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Contact him at 773-370-1888 or james.carlini@sbcglobal.net

BOMA International to Host New “Industrial Day” at Annual Conference – San Diego June 25, 2013

(WASHINGTON – June 4, 2013) The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International will be hosting a new “Industrial Day” at the 2013 Every Building Conference and Expo in San Diego on Tuesday, June 25. Owners and managers of industrial properties are encouraged to attend the all-day slate of activities designed for those who work with these unique buildings.

The schedule of events includes:

“The Industrial Asset: More Than Just Property Inspections” (9:00 – 10:15 am): At this educational session, learn why industrial properties are a good investment opportunity and why some owners are moving toward less office and more industrial in their portfolios; hear what industrial tenants really want; and discuss unique challenges with this type of property. Speakers include:

· Jim Clemo, Senior Vice President - Real Estate Operations, Duke Realty, Norcross, Ga.

· Amos Bracero, VP, Group Manager, Industrial, Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago, Ill.

· Brenda Crisp, SVP, Product Lead Industrial Property Management, Jones Lang LaSalle, Chicago, Ill.

· Peggy White, First Vice President, Regional Manager, Prologis, Atlanta, Ga.

· Ron King, Senior Director, Brokerage Services, Cushman & Wakefield, Carlsbad, Calif.

Industrial Roundtable (11:00 am – Noon): Join BOMA’s new Industrial Committee in a small group networking session. Discuss trends, challenges and best practices for managing industrial properties, and learn about new products and services BOMA is developing for managers of industrial properties.

Tour of a State-of-the-Art Industrial Building (2:00 – 4:00 pm): Participants will be transported 20 minutes outside downtown San Diego to tour a LEED® Gold Certified industrial building, owned and managed by Hamann Construction, one of the most active build-to-suit developers in San Diego. This modern, efficient property is a fully-occupied, state-of-the-art refrigeration building. Attendees will be treated to a guided tour and Q&A session. Sign up on site at BOMA’s Registration Desk at the San Diego Convention Center.

“BOMA International is pleased to offer owners and managers of industrial properties tailor-made events at the Every Building Conference and Expo,” stated BOMA International Chair Joe Markling, managing director of Strategic Accounts with CBRE. “With industrial properties becoming one of the fastest growing property types in the industry, the events of Industrial Day also will serve as an excellent educational experience for other property professionals interested in the next ‘big thing’ in commercial real estate.”

“Industrial Day will offer the latest tools and best practices for property professionals interested in investing in, owning or managing industrial properties,” remarked BOMA International Industrial Committee Chair Eileen Lewis, partner, PICOR Commercial Real Estate Services. “As more and more companies look to the growing industrial market sector to expand and diversify their portfolios, it’s vital to have the resources and knowledge to help them thrive. That’s what Industrial Day is all about.”

The 2013 Every Building Conference and Expo, held June 23-25 in San Diego, is the commercial real estate industry’s premier professional event. This collaborative meeting of the industry’s best minds includes more than 40 sessions across six education tracks. Session topics include: optimizing asset values; cultivating leadership skills and talent; turning sustainability issues into operational practices; harnessing innovation; retaining tenants; increasing operational performance and NOI; and more. General Session speakers include former Navy SEAL Team Six team leader Rob O’Neill and the much-anticipated industry panel discussion, “The Tenant is King: What Office Tenants Want and How to Wow Them,” where panelists will discuss the results of a new global tenant survey, which attendees can use to craft best practices in tenant relations.

About BOMA International

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International is a federation of 93 BOMA U.S. associations, BOMA Canada and its 11 regional associations and 13 BOMA international affiliates. Founded in 1907, BOMA represents the owners and managers of all commercial property types, including nearly 10 billion square feet of U.S. office space that supports 3.7 million jobs and contributes $205 billion to the U.S. GDP. Its mission is to advance the interests of the entire commercial real estate industry through advocacy, education, research, standards and information. Find BOMA online at www.boma.org.

BYTE BOTHERS TEST EQUIPMENT: Our focus is on the manufacture of innovative, high quality test equipment for the computer, datacomm, audio/video and security marketplaces. We are known for our creative approach to testing.... breaking the mold to provide our customers with tools that do more and cost less. Although we are best known as the maker of the low cost Low Voltage Pro (uniquely web upgradeable) and the Real World Certifier (tests the speed parameters of a cable plus stores 250 test reports), we have brought similar creativity to the Power Panel (for VoIP and IP camera installers); the ProTone Wire Locator with its illuminated tip; the TVR entry level LAN tester; the Camera Wizard CCTV tester with Vpp display; and other powerful, affordable testers. With Byte Brothers you are always guaranteed a top product at a price that you can afford.

In April 2013, Byte Brothers new Low Voltage Pro was awarded SIA/ISC's prestigious "Best in Category" blue ribbon at the ISC West Expo and Convention in Las Vegas, NV. The competition is part of SIA's new products showcase that recognizes excellence in product development. Click here to download the press release.

ASCENDANCE WIRELESS designs, manufactures, and deploys fixed wireless networks which enable simultaneous voice, video and data for physical security/surveillance, hospitality, fire/life safety, energy, government, transportation, corporate, ISP/WISP, education and military applications.

We deliver reliable, high performance, long range, and high capacity solutions for private and public networks. We have successful deployments throughout the world. Ascendance Wireless is a global leader of intelligent, fixed wireless IP networks with a primary focus on mission-critical applications within the Security, Access Control and Telecom industries.
Our range of solutions enable real-time, simultaneous transmission of video, voice, and data in Point-to-Point (PtP) and Point-to-MultiPoint (PtMP) networks with an unmatched level performance, ease of use, flexibility and carrier-class reliability.
In addition to our wireless products, we also deliver Access Control Interface Extender and Solar Power products.

PURE AIR FILTRATION provides customized air purifiers for the individual environments in which our clients work. From Data Centers to archives and libraries, Pure Air Filtration serves a wide range of markets such as: Hospitals, Commercial Buildings, Museums & Archives, Airports and Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants.

(Editor’s note: Look for huge breaking news on corrosive gases destroying DATA CENTERS later this year.)

These manufacturer additions are expand our existing line card of quality products that include:

OCC - SPECO TECHNOLOGIES – VERACITY - IPEX – MEGGER

for more information visit the TCF linecard on the web at: http://www.theconnectivityfirm.com/manufacturers.html

ARTICLE = Museums: Setting A Future Direction By Preserving History By James Carlini

Any civilization in the last 5,000 years can only be understood and measured by what we can read and discover about them. If they did not keep track of their accomplishments and cultures, chances are, we would know very little about them and their achievements.

- If you do not know where you came from, do you really have a good idea of where you are headed?

- How do you build upon the accomplishments of the past or avoid the mistakes of the past if you are unaware of them?

These seem to be good questions to ask people who do not have a good grasp of how this country started and developed throughout the last 200 years. As was pointed out by one museum curator, those in the last generation (the Great generation of World War II) seemed to have more of a focus on working to keep a strong account of our heritage, whereas the next several generations seem to be less and less concerned about our history and preserving the artifacts of the past.

Should we blame our educational system and teachers? Why teach history if it is not on the standardized tests? This could be an article or two in itself, but it is a sad commentary to go from one generation to the next and find that one generation could identify and name every plane that flew in World War II. The next generation was able to at least identify who were on what sides of the Allies and Axis powers to the next generation of not knowing who fought in the war and why.

“Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?” Sadly, that movie quote is as accurate as some people’s understanding of the most major events of the 20^th century. It gets worse if you ask people about the 19^th century in America.

DECATUR, ILLINOIS HISTORY

This last weekend we took a trip to Decatur, Illinois to visit several different historical places. Besides the houses of James Milliken, founder of MillikenUniversity and Richard J. Oglesby, governor of Illinois right after the Civil War, we looked at the Mueller Museum and the Macon County Historical Society. All of these places shed a light on the entrepreneurial spirit that drove 19th century Decatur into a diversified economy.

The Macon County Historical Society was a small museum with a large amount of historical information on how Decatur evolved by the efforts of early entrepreneurs. A.E. Staley developed the whole soybean industry there and it was so prominent Decatur is still known as the Soybean capital of the world.

What few people know is that he funded an early football team led by a young George Halas, the Decatur Staleys, that later became the Chicago Bears.

The museum curator said that they have to cut costs somewhere so they are giving away a historical building that was built in the 1800s as well as an all-wooden caboose because they do not have the funds for upkeep of these two large pieces. Anyone want a caboose? All you have to do is pay to move it out of their lot. FREE — Just Pay for Shipping!!

This isn’t the only museum in dire straits. Some of the large museums in Chicago and other places have hit some financial difficulties. The Chicago Field Museum is in some financial straits as is the ChryslerMuseum in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Chicago Field Museum is still open, but the Chrysler museum closed its doors at the end of last year. Evidently, FIAT (who owns Chrysler) doesn’t think having a heritage museum of their products is important.

Think of light from a flashlight losing battery over time. The light gets dimmer and the circle of light that it creates shrinks while it grows dimmer. Things that it illuminated start to blur and eventually fade into the darkness.

That is what is happening to our history as museums close their doors and fewer people get to see what they shed light on as important facets of commerce, industry, art, government and everyday life in America.

We take things for granted until they are no longer available to us. With so many museums at the edge of their budgets, it is another area for some of us to look at supporting.

Do you donate to museums or historical places? Our government has cut back. This year think about donating to preserve history, so that future generations can gain a solid understanding of all the small facets of people and their skills and ambitions that made up the foundation of this country.

CARLINI-ISM : People in government have to start making some tough decisions on what to fund and what to de-fund in the new America. History should be a priority and not a throw away.

Follow daily Carlini-isms at www.TWITTER.com/JAMESCARLINI

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Contact him at 773-370-1888 or james.carlini@sbcglobal.net

MAY 7th, 2013 = On the strength of multiple positive earnings reports, the Dow closed above 15,000 for the first time ever

5-7-2013 : It was another record-setting day on Wall Street. This time, the Dow closed above 15,000 for the first time ever on Tuesday, hitting 15,056.

Investors also pushed the S&P 500 to a new record. The broad index gained 0.5% to end at 1,625.96

The stock euphoria didn't touch the Nasdaq. The tech-heavy index ticked up just 0.1% after wafting on either side of the breakeven line for much of the day.

Stocks have had a remarkable run this year, with all three indexes logging gains of 14% to 15% so far.

European markets closed higher, driven by strong results from financial firms Societe Generale and HSBC.

Asian markets ended higher. The Shanghai Composite increased 0.2% and the Hang Seng added 0.6%. The Nikkei rose 3.6% to close above the 14,000 point barrier as traders returned after a holiday.

AND the FED keeps on printing money. Sooner or later, there will be “correction”.

Late news: Stocks were down across all sectors, extending a selloff sparked by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's comments Wednesday on how the Fed might begin to withdraw its $85 billion in monthly bond purchases before the end of the year as the economy improves. Those stimulus measures, along with sturdy corporate profits, have propped up the U.S. equity market so far this year, and boosted the markets to record highs in May. Stocks dropped almost 500 points from a DOW high of 15337 after the Fed news broke.

ARTICLE on POWER VS SMARTS –a managed grid – from CNS Magazine – Canada’s leading publication for structured cabling, networking and telecom

Power vs. Smarts

In order for something as complex as the smart grid to become a reality, old-school utilities have to bump elbows with
the latest and greatest in information technology.

By Timothy Wilson

Fiber communications infrastructure is a key enabler for the smart grid, which promises to turn our electrical networks into intelligent systems. With the right infrastructure in place, a smart grid should be able to monitor electrical demand and supply, while also supporting feed-in strategies for multiple energy sources that, in turn, can allow for dynamic tariff structures.

“Up to now, the visible and public view of the smart grid has tended to be smart meters, of which public opinion has been highly polarized,” says Ludo Bertsch, president of Horizon Technologies in Kelowna, B.C. “But there is more to the smart grid than smart meters. There is a lot going on behind the scenes in all areas, including transmission, distribution and generation, which are all moving toward making the grid more efficient.”

In the smart grid, data is intimately tied to the flow of electricity, with information management then becoming a crucial component supported by the system’s intelligent design. In order for something this complex to become a reality, old-school utilities have to bump elbows with the latest and greatest in information technology.

“Utilities have been operating for decades with high availability supported by radio networks,” says Rob Barlow, president of WireIE in Richmond Hill, Ont. “Now they need to overlay a communications network on top of the distribution system in order to collect data points and make informed decisions. It can be overwhelming. What does all the data mean, and where do you prioritize?”

Barlow sees the goal in terms of grid automation. To get there, utilities familiar with 40-year equipment lifecycles are facing upgrade requirements to their physical infrastructure, and an expectation that they embrace information and communication technologies with faster depreciation cycles.

This is complicated by the fact that in Canada each utility is at a different starting point depending on its regulatory environment, the state of its infrastructure, and the availability of varied power sources such as hydro, thermal, wind and solar.

Making the old new again

“There are global concerns for carbon emissions and the requirements to integrate a greater percentage of renewable generation,” says Rick Geiger, executive director of utilities & smart grid at Cisco Systems Inc. “These are generally distributed in nature, and require changes to utility operating models. They challenge the legacy electric power supply chain, which never contemplated sources of generation interconnected at the distribution level.”

Geiger echoes Bertsch in saying that the smart grid is not a single entity, despite the fact that the focus is often on smart meters and residential energy management. To tackle the larger challenges requires a holistic view that includes all source and distribution points. To figure that out, a systemic approach is a must.

“There are a number of maturity models and other metrics for smart grid progress,” he says. “In addition to advanced metering and energy management, the maturity models look at security and NERC-CIP compliance, advanced distribution automation, and advanced control models. There is also the integration of smart meters into operational systems, including outage management systems and availability, and the deployment of support for distributed energy resources. These include electric vehicle charging, distributed wind and solar, and distributed storage.” That is a tall order. As a result, these days the smart grid is very much a work in progress, with utilities rarely embracing one massive project to implement all the required elements. Size can also be a factor. In Canada utilities vary greatly, from Hydro Quebec with more than four million customers, to Saskatoon Light and Power, with only 60,000.

“Canada’s utilities also differ widely in their degree of vertical integration,” says Geiger. “Some might have complete ownership of generation as well as transmission and distribution, whereas other companies might be generation only, transmission only, or distribution only.”

For its part, Cisco has its own GridBlocks architecture, which serves as a framework against which the business and operational goals, as well as electric power supply chain and communication assets, can be mapped with the priorities of a utility, its regulators, and its customers.

“GridBlocks helps in the analysis,” says Geiger. “It provides guidance within the largest possible context, making sure that mistakes and omissions don’t occur.”

This big context approach is key, but also one of the reasons why the promise of the smart grid is its greatest challenge. Utilities are reluctant to commit to a complete transformation of their grids, yet piece-meal approaches with limited — or poorly conceived — fiber outlays can be a tough sell from an ROI perspective.

“One stumbling block is that every time a utility asks for money, people expect their rates to go down,” says Barlow from WireIE. “It is hard for them to justify investments without that in mind, but the business case is also about saving on attrition.”

The economics argue for taking the long view. A smarter and more stable grid that requires fewer people to take care of it is going to save money over time, but it will not bring down rates right away. And though saving money on linesmen may not be what comes to mind when people think of the smart grid, Barlow points out that there are fewer and fewer people employed in the field, and they are harder to find, too.

“Investments in information technology could alleviate this problem,” he says. “We need to have a transformational discussion, not only one that’s about saving money quickly.”

However, no utility can afford to replace their vast legacy infrastructure at once. Smart grid projects are undertaken according to priority and necessity, with utilities often not getting credit for being aware of the challenges and opportunities, or for the fact that the immensity of their systems forces them to work over long timeframes.

Smart takes flight

If there is one lesson that North American utilities have learned, it is that if you do not pay now, you pay later. Canada, for example, cannot afford to put all of its grid underground, but that means rural areas can face higher maintenance costs and blackouts during wind or ice events. Consequently, putting in place the technology to support a smart grid that reaches far and wide will certainly require more cabling, but it also means a lot of communication will go through the air.

“Communications is key and typically contact with a substation will be via fiber or fixed wireless such as microwave,” says Bruce Orloff, IBM Canada Inc.’s Smart Grid Leader. “End devices and intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) will be connected via wireless technology.”

From there, to ensure the best quality of service (QOS) a utility has to determine to what extent it wants to build out its own wireless network, and to what extent it wants to rely on cellular companies.

“Latency can be an issue, and some applications like video can be data hogs,” says Orloff. “But video can have real value monitoring unmanned substations, and also for ensuring personnel safety.”

To make it all work requires standards, and an understanding that a lot of the heavy lifting will be done by back office applications tying in grid operations, asset management, and customer domains — areas that have traditionally been in their own silos.

For a big company like IBM, which has spent the past year running simulations and tests with Hydro One as part of its Advanced Distribution System (ADS) project, a partner ecosystem is crucial to addressing the overall challenge.

“For example, we partner with Schneider Electric for distribution management systems, and then integrate the back end with Hydro One,” says Orloff. “On top of that, IBM has a huge software portfolio, specifically around big data and advanced analytics.”

It is the wireless to fiber capabilities supporting IEDs which really extends the reach of the smart grid, and which will be driving huge amounts of data into back office systems. This data is not unstructured, but it is nonetheless varied, and, despite a general understanding of rate fluctuations, not always predictable.

“As far as communications and wiring, most of the work has been on wireless, although wired communications such as powerline and twisted pair are also important, including big advances in communications rates,” says Bertsch from Horizon Technologies. “The main areas for fiber are for backbones, and high quality audio and video.”

Inevitably, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is also part of the solution, given its ability to direct data off of communications networks and its support of divergent technologies. MPLS can provide multiple services and facilities for the virtual separation and management of traffic, resilience, and security.

“It can also guarantee levels of service and provide a way to converge multiple communication links into a single manageable operational network fabric,” says Geiger. “The multiple goals of smart grid require the interconnection of many of these formerly siloed systems.”

He notes that as IP technology has grown in capability and declined in price, it has also become the technology of choice. Like many technologies, it comes with substantial security concerns, but its capabilities make it the ideal technology to support smart grid initiatives.

“Utilities today are burdened by the operational and maintenance costs of aging and sometimes obsolete communication systems and protocols,” he says. “At the same time they are being required to modernize and secure their infrastructure. IP and MPLS provide robust capabilities the utilities need at costs that are much more economical than continuing to support a multiplicity of legacy systems.”

Along with its GridBlocks architecture, Cisco has its connected Grid Design Suite (CGDS). CGDS is not specifically aimed at IEDs running their own software, but provides the ability to work with electric and network connectivity in a way that power and communication engineers can both understand.

“Of course this incorporates IEDs as well as any other equipment found in a substation, but the previously unmet need is not so much the fact that IEDs run different software,” says Geiger. “It is that communication engineers must provide architecture, design, configuration management and operations to support the electric power architecture and electric power operation of the substation.”

For the Smart Grid to become a reality, these views have to be united so that communication engineers can understand power needs, and vice versa. With that in place, a comprehensive, end-to-end view of the entire electric power supply chain is possible, moving beyond generation, transmission, distribution and delivery to incorporate distributed energy resources and energy trading.

And all those smarts should make for a more stable, environmentally sound, cost effective grid — perhaps one that will bring those pesky rates under control, too. CNS

Timothy Wilson is a freelance writer based in Peterborough, Ont. He can be reached via e-mail at
tim@twilsonassociates.com.

A brief history of the Grid

The electrical grid in North America is more than a century old. It began in the 1880s and the 1890s with the competing interests behind Thomas Edison’s direct current (DC) and George Westinghouse’s promotion of alternating current (AC). When General Electric put its weight behind an AC-supported grid, the tide shifted, resulting in the buildouts that formed the basis of today’s electrical system. Throughout the 20th century the plan was then to distribute electricity to as many locations as possible.

“The whole idea was to focus on supply,” says Dr. Kenneth Wacks, an energy management consultant who sits on the U.S. Department of Energy GridWise Architecture Council. “And with supply as the paramount concern, we saw a number of government policies to encourage electrification. It wasn’t until the 1990s that policy makers became concerned that there could be a squeeze on supply.”

In fact, Dr. Wacks says that the projected growth in demand had some thinking that North America could end up experiencing energy shortages by the late 1990s. That did not happen, but it did result in a number of policy makers asserting the importance of taking a balanced view that looked at more than supply.

“At the time, the technology to do the monitoring was not there,” says Dr. Wacks. “It required a lot of telemetry for distributed measurements and communications. In the 1990s we didn’t see the expected growth in manufacturing demand for energy — instead we saw a shift to services and the information economy. However, there was still concern about the environmental consequences of an over-reliance on coal and oil.”

There was also an interest in making the grid more reliable and efficient. With the emergence of Internet-based technologies, which could make the grid “smarter,” the United States Department of Energy created the GridWise Architecture Council in 2004, with President Barack Obama famously referencing the importance of a smart grid in his first state of the union address in January 2009.

Reprinted with permission from CNS Magazine – Canada’s leading publication for structured cabling, networking and telecom.

Cabling Networking Systems - CNS Magazine is published six times a year for over 11000 professionals across Canada.

CNS magazine covers the latest trends and issues for structured cabling, networking and telecom professionals across Canada and the USA.

The Answer: Cabling Networking Systems - CNS Magazine www.cnsmagazine.com

ARTICLE on BICSI Committee Meetings – from CNS Magazine – Canada’s leading publication for structured cabling, networking and telecom

BICSI Committee meetings

Since many who attend are subject matter experts, below are a few that may be of interest to ITS professionals.

By Richard Smith

One of the great opportunities offered at BICSI conferences that can improve your learning is spending time at one or more BICSI Committee meetings. These meetings are full of volunteers, many of whom are subject matter experts.

They meet at almost every North American BICSI conference for the purpose of improving the information technology systems (ITS) industry.

They also deal with subject matter that enhances BICSI’s purpose, which ultimately benefits members. Many of us in the industry today have various responsibilities that contribute to the success of our businesses.

Based on my observations and experiences, it is often this secondary learning and the willingness to share knowledge that brings people to committee meetings.

Another example or reason for attending is that you may have a particular ITS infrastructure-related issue that impacts or is important to the future of your business — and, by default the industry — but you do not have the time, resources or funding to make it happen. BICSI Committees may be the perfect place to get or assist others in helping you to get something done.

BICSI has several committees and subcommittees. Here are a few that may be of interest to you:

BICSI’s Codes Committee is responsible for initiating input into national and international codes setting. It is the responsibility of the Codes Committee to ensure that BICSI’s viewpoint is represented in this process, as well as notify BICSI’s membership of changes within applicable codes that may affect them.

One of BICSI’s Master Instructors told me years ago, “the most expensive Codes training you will ever receive is when a lawyer notifies you that you or your company failed to follow life safety Code rules on a job for which you were responsible.”

The Technical Information and Methods (TI&M) Committee is responsible for preparing and publishing BICSI technical manuals and for the development of additional technical publications as are deemed desirable to promote BICSI’s view of appropriate low-voltage service distribution design methodologies. Close communication and cooperation with the Codes Committee is required in the performance of committee duties.

The Registrations and Credentials Supervision Committee (RCSC) develops and oversees all aspects of BICSI’s professional assessment programs, including the RCDD, RITP, DCDC, ESS, OSP, RTPM and ITS Installer and Technician credentialing programs, as well as any additional program(s) as directed by the Board of Directors.

BICSI’s Standards Committee participates in the development of telecommunications related standards. The committee also notifies BICSI’s membership of changes within applicable standards that may affect them. The majority of work within the BICSI Standards Program is performed by its technical subcommittees. Each subcommittee is comprised of technical experts, and is the primary consensus body of the program. Thus, technical subcommittees and their leaders have a great responsibility, as the technical actions and decisions of a technical subcommittee are the actions and decisions for the entire BICSI Standards Program in that subcommittee’s field of expertise.

The Membership Outreach and Development (MOD) Committee is involved in programs and activities designed to increase BICSI membership value by providing advice on member publications and communications. The committee will also provide input concerning BICSI’s marketing and promotional efforts.

The MOD also has some subcommittees, including one that focuses on higher education and another on emerging professionals entering the industry who will potentially help you meet your future business goals.

Members of the Ethics Committee not only meet at every conference but they meet via conference call every few months depending on need. The Ethics Committee’s mission is to establish and administer a code of ethics and standards of conduct that enhances the professional value of the BICSI members and those holding BICSI registrations and certifications.

The Education Advancement Committee serves as an advisory body for BICSI’s various educational activities by establishing educational policies and recommending course content.

In addition, they review presentation proposals to determine the content of BICSI conferences.

Volunteering on BICSI committees allows your voice to be heard, so I encourage you to get involved. Visit www.bicsi.org/committees to learn more about the committees I have mentioned as well as other committees that may be of interest to you or your career interests. CNS

Richard Smith, RCDD, NTS, OSP, is the former Canadian Region Director of BICSI and the current manager of Aliant Cabling Solutions in Moncton, N.B. He can be reached at rsmith@bicsi.org.

Reprinted with permission from CNS Magazine – Canada’s leading publication for structured cabling, networking and telecom.

Cabling Networking Systems - CNS Magazine is published six times a year for over 11000 professionals across Canada.

CNS magazine covers the latest trends and issues for structured cabling, networking and telecom professionals across Canada and the USA.

The Answer: Cabling Networking Systems - CNS Magazine www.cnsmagazine.com

Jerry Bowman, BICSI President Is The First To Complete Credential Migration Application Process

Tampa, Fla., May 30, 2013—BICSI, the international association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, announces that BICSI President Jerry Bowman, RCDD, NTS, RTPM, CISSP, CPP, CDCDP, is the first Network Technology Systems (NTS) Design credential holder to complete the application process to migrate to the Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) credential.

In September 2012, the BICSI Board of Directors made the decision to sunset the NTS program. Shortly thereafter, BICSI volunteers began creating a migration plan for current NTS credential holders to obtain the DCDC credential. The plan, which was put into effect as of May 1, allows current NTS credential holders who meet the DCDC qualification requirements to apply to take a modified version of the DCDC examination. Those who pass the exam will be awarded the DCDC credential. Bowman has completed the application process and is preparing to take the DCDC examination.

“The DCDC program is very relevant to the ITS industry, especially in the high-demand area of data center design and implementation,” said Bowman. “This migration plan provides a path for NTS credential holders to acquire a credential that gives them a significant edge in being recognized as an expert in a growing market.”

The examination application deadline for the modified exam is December 31, 2013. Further information can be found at www.bicsi.org/nts.

BICSI is a professional association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry. ITS covers the spectrum of voice, data, electronic safety & security, project management and audio & video technologies. It encompasses the design, project management and installation of pathways, spaces, optical fiber- and copper-based distribution systems, wireless-based systems and infrastructure that supports the transportation of information and associated signaling between and among communications and information gathering devices.

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the ITS industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries.

www.bicsi.org

The Training Programs of NJATC - the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry receive a 750 Thousand Dollar, five-year commitment from Salisbury by Honeywell

The “Salisbury by Honeywell 750 Thousand Dollar” program establishes the company as an NJATC Platinum Level Training Partner

Upper Marlboro, MD – The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry (NJATC) has entered into agreement with Salisbury by Honeywell, an industry leader in providing manufacturing of personal protective equipment and live line tools to protect commercial and industrial electrical workers from the hazards of their job, to create the Salisbury by Honeywell Salisbury Personal Protective Equipment Academy program to train the next generation of electrical union workers. Over the next five years, Salisbury by Honeywell will donate $750 Thousand in cash, product and training support, to enhance the IBEW/NECA training efforts by adding state-of-the-art learning technology to the classroom.

The NJATC is a nonprofit organization founded by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to develop and standardize education in the electrical industry. The national Salisbury by Honeywell 750 Thousand Dollar program establishes Salisbury by Honeywell as an NJATC “Platinum Level” training partner and demonstrates its commitment to NJATC and IBEW-NECA training programs.

Salisbury by Honeywell’s $750 Thousand commitment will add programs, resources and scholarships to NJATC curriculum, including:

· Salisbury Personal Protective Equipment Academy, a new educational component that adds dynamic online training to the traditional mix of book learning, classroom and lab experience, creating a rich, blended learning model. The Salisbury Personal Protective Equipment Academy will become mandatory safety training for all IBEW apprentices who earn credit for the NJATC Personal Protective Equipment Course, as well as all students who receive training under the umbrella of the IBEW Construction Wireman (CW) and Construction Electrician (CE) classifications. “This virtual academy will include subjects such as proper selection and deployment of a worker’s personal protective equipment. The learning modules will be created in a fashion which will allow them to be utilized at multiple stages of a student’s learning,” said Marty Riesberg the director of curriculum development for the NJATC.

· Salisbury by Honeywell product endowments for local JATC classrooms will allow students to train with the “best-in-class” electrical components, developed by Salisbury and the increased uniformity of products in the lab that will in turn help instructors teach more efficiently.

· Salisbury by Honeywell National Training Institute (NTI) graduate and outstanding apprentice recognition programs rewards graduates of NTI instructor training with Salisbury by Honeywell products.

· Salisbury by Honeywell NTI Outstanding Graduate Scholarship program, which awards two graduates each year with a $5,000 scholarship to be used to support the cost of their continuing participation at the National Training Institute.

“The NJATC has had a long time relationship with Salisbury by Honeywell and this takes it to a whole new level. We could not be happier with such strong and lasting support,” said NJATC Executive Director Michael Callanan. “The NJATC strives to produce the very best training materials possible and we believe that this type of presentation of training materials is the future for how IBEW/NECA apprentices will learn their trade. We are grateful for the commitment from Salisbury by Honeywell to help us achieve this goal.”

“Salisbury by Honeywell is a strong believer in the IBEW and NECA and we are committed to supporting the future of skills training in America,” said Salisbury by Honeywell’s General Manager, Bruce Spencer. “We have worked together with the NJATC in various ways for over ten years and I’m very happy to formally recognize the value of this great relationship.”

About Salisbury by Honeywell

Salisbury by Honeywell, a part of the Honeywell Safety Products within The Automation and Control Solutions business group, is an industry leader in providing manufacturing of personal protective equipment and live line tools to protect commercial and industrial electrical workers from the hazards of their job. For more information, visit www.SalisburybyHoneywell.com

About NJATC

The NJATC is a nonprofit organization founded in 1941 by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The organization is committed to developing and standardizing education in the electrical industry to properly and effectively train members of NECA and the IBEW; providing the electrical construction industry with the most highly trained and skilled workforce possible. Since its inception, more than 325,000 apprentices have completed NJATC training programs and become competent Journeymen, making the organization one of the largest training and apprenticeship programs of its kind. For more information, go to www.njatc.org.

About National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

NECA is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the United States. NECA’s national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research, and standards development. For more information, visit www.necanet.org.

About The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

The IBEW is an international labor organization that has trained the most qualified electricians in the trade for more than 117 years. With approximately 725,000 members in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Republic of Panama, the IBEW has members in construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government. For more information, visit www.ibew.org.

The Training Programs of NJATC - the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry receive a 1.75 million dollar, five-year commitment from the Schneider Electric

The new program establishes the company as an NJATC Platinum Level Training Partner.

Upper Marlboro, MD – The National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Electrical Industry (NJATC) has entered into a national Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management technology, to create a $1.75 million program to train the next generation of electrical union workers. Over the next five years, Schneider Electric will donate $1.75 million in cash, product, and training support to enhance the IBEW/NECA training by adding state-of-the-art technology to the classroom.

The NJATC is a nonprofit organization founded by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to develop and standardize education in the electrical industry. Schneider Electric’s $1.75 Million program establishes the company as an NJATC “Platinum Level” training partner and demonstrates its commitment to NJATC and IBEW-NECA training programs.

The new MOU will add programs, resources and scholarships to NJATC curriculum, including:

· Schneider Electric Power and Distribution Academy, a new educational component which will add dynamic online training to the traditional mix of book learning with classroom and lab experience, creating a rich, blended learning model. The Schneider Electric Power and Distribution Academy will become mandatory training for all apprentices who complete their coursework in the NJATC Blended Learning Program. “This Academy will allow students to more easily relate to power distribution systems which, until the creation of this Academy, was only conceptualized by a one-line riser diagram,” said Marty Riesberg the Director of Curriculum Development for the NJATC.

· Schneider Electric product endowments for local JATC classrooms and labs, provides test equipment to labs so students can train with best-in-class tools.

· Schneider Electric Scholarship & Awards Programs rewards annually two graduates of the National Training Institute (NTI) instructor training program.

“The NJATC could not be happier to create a partnership with a company which is undeniably the market leader in this area. IBEW members and NECA contractors have, for many generations, known the quality which is associated with Schneider Electric. It is great to have this high level of quality and professionalism, from Schneider Electric,” said NJATC Executive Director Michael Callanan. “The NJATC is proud to work with a company with such a long and storied history and hopes to build a relationship which is just as long and storied.”

“We are thrilled to contribute to helping arm today’s contractors and future generations with valuable skills through access to training, hands-on product learning and scholarships,” said Marvin Shotts, Vice President, Southeastern Region and Strategic Accounts. “The market continues to evolve, which creates opportunities for contractors but also requires new skills sets. Being able to help advance the overall careers of the contractor workforce is important and we are elated that we can be a part of this important program.”

About Schneider Electric

As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Building, Data Centers & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the company's 140,000 plus employees achieved sales of 30.8 billion US dollars (24 billion euros) in 2012, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.

www.schneider‑electric.com

About NJATC

About National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)

About The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

FTTH - Registration Opens for Fiber to the Home Annual Conference in Tampa – Sept. 30 - Oct. 2

(WASHINGTON, DC) - The quest for ultra high speed broadband will move into high gear in September when more than 2,000 leaders from across the broadband industry meet in Tampa, FL, September 30 - October 2 for the 2013 Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Conference & Expo.

According to the FTTH Council Americas, the organizer of the annual event, the conference's highly acclaimed learning program will feature new elements, including an enhanced focus on helping FTTH service providers leverage their fiber advantage into higher customer demand and profitability. Also new this year is The Community Toolkit: Getting Gigabit for Your Town, a program track dedicated to offering practical information and how-to advice to civic leaders and local telecoms that are looking to deploy ultra high speed, all-fiber networks.

"As we saw in our initial Community Toolkit Conference last week in Kansas City, where we hosted representatives from hundreds of communities across the continent, fiber is now widely recognized as the linchpin for business success, economic growth and a better quality of life," said Heather Burnett Gold, the FTTH Council's President. "With that in mind, our annual conference will focus on connecting bandwidth-hungry communities and forward-thinking telecoms with the solution providers who can help show them the way to success."

"Anyone who was not able to join us in Kansas City can get a similar learning experience in Tampa, as well as access to North America's biggest and best trade show devoted to all-fiber connectivity," said Gold.

With the theme "FTTH: Empowering Innovation," the conference will offer discussion panels, interactive presentations and keynote addresses focusing on the latest FTTH technologies, deployment techniques, and high-bandwidth applications that service providers and network operators can use to boost customer demand and assure the success of their networks. Other sessions will explore FTTH developments in Canada and Latin America, as well as in other regions of the world.

The event will combine a 130-exhibit trade show with a special "World of Applications" exhibit featuring hands-on demonstrations of next-generation applications and services enhanced by all-fiber connections.

The opening keynote for this year's conference will be Tom Koulopoulos, chairman and founder of Delphi Group, a Boston-based think tank providing advice on leading-edge technologies and futures to global 2000 organizations. Koulopoulos is the author of the book Cloud Surfing, which looks at the dramatically changing forces and behaviors that are driving the way we work, live, and play in the hyper-connected cloud.

"Whether you are talking about business success for telecommunications providers, economic development in communities or the future competitiveness of nations, all-fiber connectivity has moved right to the center of the discussion. And this is the one event of the year where the entire fiber to the home industry gathers under one roof to plan our high bandwidth future," said Dave Kiel of Corning Cable Systems, the chairman of the 2013 FTTH Conference & Expo.

According to the FTTH Council, nearly 10 million households in North America are now connected to fiber to the home networks. More than 20 network operators are now offering gigabit connectivity to their subscribers, including Google Fiber, which recently announced it would expand its gigabit services from Kansas City to Austin, TX and Provo, UT.

Details on the track sessions and panels can be viewed on the conference website, where online registration is now open.

Attention reporters and editors: If you would like to apply for media credentials to cover this conference, please send an email request to media@ftthcouncil.org.

Viamedia is Year-Round Platinum Partner of the 2013 FTTH Conference & Expo. ADTRAN, Corning, Dycom and OFS are Year-Round Gold Partners, and Graybar and TE Connectivity are Year-Round Silver Partners.

About the Fiber to the Home Council Americas

The Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Council Americas is a non-profit association consisting of companies and organizations that deliver video, Internet and/or voice services over high-bandwidth, next-generation, direct fiber optic connections - as well as those involved in planning and building FTTH networks. Its mission is to accelerate deployment of all-fiber access networks by demonstrating how fiber-enabled applications and solutions create value for service providers and their customers, promote economic development and enhance quality of life. More information about the Council can be found at http://www.ftthcouncil.org.

ShoreTel Receives 2013 IP Contact Center Technology Pioneer Award from CUSTOMER Magazine

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ShoreTel® (SHOR), the leading provider of brilliantly simple unified communications platforms, including business phone systems, applications, and mobile UC solutions, announced today that TMC has named ShoreTel Enterprise Contact Center as a recipient of a 2013 IP Contact Center Technology Pioneer Award from CUSTOMER magazine, the leading publication in the CRM, call center and teleservices industries since 1982.

ShoreTel Enterprise Contact Center easily connects internal and external customers to the right agent at the right time, resulting in lowered costs and an improved customer experience that helps to transform a contact center into a revenue center.

"Through complete unified communications integration from ShoreTel, call centers can now achieve single call resolution with functionality that lets agents effectively communicate both externally and internally using voice, Web chat, email, instant messaging and video," said Pejman Roshan, vice president of product management at ShoreTel. "Our customers recognize the power of our enterprise contact center solution to improve productivity and boost customer satisfaction, and we're pleased the editors of CUSTOMER magazine have recognized this as well."

The prestigious IP Contact Center Technology Pioneer Award honors companies that have produced innovative, 'Best in Class' IP contact center solutions in the last twelve months.

"Technology is absolutely essential to managing a successful, efficient call center," said Rich Tehrani, CEO, TMC. "This award recognizes those companies that have truly advanced contact center technology in the last twelve months thereby distinguishing themselves as industry leaders.

"TMC is pleased to honor ShoreTel with an IP Contact Center Technology Pioneer Award for bringing superior, groundbreaking technologies to market while providing high quality and advanced applications," continued Tehrani.

Winners of the IP Contact Center Technology Pioneer Award will be published in the July 2013 issue of CUSTOMER magazine. For more information please visit www.tmcnet.com.

About ShoreTel, Inc.
ShoreTel, Inc. (SHOR) is a provider of business communication solutions whose brilliantly simple unified communications platforms, applications and mobile UC solutions promise a new rhythm of workforce engagement and collaboration. With costly complexity eliminated by design from its award-winning, all-in-one IP phone system, UC and contact center solution and its industry-leading hosted phone system, workers enjoy a freedom and self-reliance that other providers can't match. Users have full control to engage and collaborate, no matter the time, place or device, for the lowest cost and demand on IT resources in the industry. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California and has regional offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit www.shoretel.com or www.shoretelsky.com.

About CUSTOMER
Since 1982, CUSTOMER magazine has been the voice of the call/contact center, CRM and teleservices industries. CUSTOMER has helped the industry germinate, grow, mature and prosper. CUSTOMER has served as the leading publication in helping the industries that have had such a positive impact on the world economy to continue to thrive. Through a combination of outstanding and cutting-edge original editorial, industry voices, in-depth lab reviews and the recognition of the innovative leaders in management and technology through our highly valued awards, CUSTOMER strives to continue to be the publication that holds the quality bar high for the industry. CUSTOMER reaches 250,000 readers every month. Please visit www.customer.tmcnet.com.

About TMC
TMC is a global, integrated media company that supports clients' goals by building communities in print, online, and face to face. TMC publishes multiple magazines including Cloud Computing, M2M Evolution, CUSTOMER and Internet Telephony. TMCnet is the leading source of news and articles for the communications and technology industries, and is read by as many as 1.5 million unique visitors monthly. TMC produces a variety of trade events, including ITEXPO, the world's leading B2B communications event, as well as industry events including: 3D Printing Conference & Expo, Asterisk World, AstriCon, CVx ChannelVision Expo, Cloud4SMB Expo, DevCon5 - HTML5 & Mobile App Developers Conference, M2M Evolution Conference & Expo, Mobile Commerce Zone Conference & Expo, SecureIT, StartupCamp, Super Wi-Fi Summit, SIP Trunking-Unified Communications Seminars, Wearable Tech Conference & Expo, WebRTC Conference & Expo, and more. Visit TMC Events for additional information. Please visit www.tmcnet.com.

ShoreTel and the ShoreTel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ShoreTel, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

Communication Planning Corporation is North Florida’s leading ShoreTel dealer.

Since 1980, CPC has provided quality service for their communications and cabling needs. CPC and ShoreTel can deliver unified communications. www.communicationplanning.com

Contact Michael Shannahan, Vice President – Communication Planning Corporation (Jacksonville, FL) Tel. 904-645-9077 or michael@communicationplanning.com

USGBC Lauds New Platinum Members for Highest-Level Commitment to Council

More than 30 diverse companies sign on to top tier of membership

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 23, 2013) – The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is pleased to announce that more than 30 of the world’s most respected companies, ranging from banks and retail corporations to architecture firms and technology companies, are showing their strong commitment to green building and have joined USGBC as platinum level members.

“USGBC’s platinum level members represent some of the world’s most innovative, forward-thinking corporations and organizations, and we are proud to count on them as partners in the green building movement,” said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “USGBC’s global relevance helps members grow their business by joining a diverse community dedicated to advancing the latest in innovative building practices. We bring together local and international, big and small, mission- and market-driven businesses and organizations that make direct impacts within their own spheres of influence and collectively advance the movement for a more sustainable built environment.”

Platinum level USGBC members include: ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions, Bank of America, Carrier/United Technologies, CH2M HILL, Deutsche Bank AG, Diageo, DPR Construction, Hines, Hunter Douglas, Intel Corp., Johnson Controls, Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kohler Co., Lafarge North America Inc., Lennox International Inc., Procter & Gamble, Siemens Industry, Inc., Skanska, STV Group, Target Corporation, Transwestern, URS Corporation, Verizon and Wells Fargo.

USGBC’s membership structure is made up of four levels: organizational, silver, gold and platinum. The levels help members interact with USGBC in a manner that best accommodates their priorities, needs and budget.

Platinum level members receive dedicated customer and public relations support, a robust online presence on usgbc.org and leadership recognition among USGBC’s network. USGBC members also receive exclusive benefits such as access and savings on green building educational programs, LEED and USGBC publications, Greenbuild, LEED and the LEED professional credentials. USGBC members also receive dedicated customer support services. To find out more about membership, please visit: usgbc.org/member.

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About the U.S. Green Building Council

USGBC is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org, explore the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG) and connect on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Nearly 100 Building Projects Test the Next Version of LEED

Global projects represent a variety of building types, including schools, universities, healthcare facilities, office spaces and residential buildings

Washington, D.C. — (May 30, 2013) — The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced today that nearly 100 building projects across the globe are already using LEED v4, the next version of the LEED green building program, by participating in the LEED v4 beta. The beta project teams are helping USGBC validate and improve LEED v4 implementation and testing support resources such as reference guide content and LEED Online forms. USGBC’s goal is to fine-tune the LEED user experience during this beta period, before LEED v4 launches this fall, based on suggestions and input from the beta project teams.

LEED v4 builds on the fundamentals of the past while offering a new system that prepares all LEED projects in a portfolio to perform at a higher level. LEED v4 also provides a new suite of time-saving support tools designed to help streamline the certification process.

“LEED v4 beta participants are some of the most forward thinking leaders of our time,” said Scot Horst, senior vice president of LEED, USGBC. “These projects are incorporating cutting-edge green building strategies and techniques, and will serve as a model for future green building projects across the world. The beta has helped streamline LEED, making it easier for LEED users to accomplish their goals.”

“The truth of the matter is that LEED v4 is much more practical,” said Theresa Lehman, LEED Fellow and director, Sustainable Services, Miron Construction Co. Inc., working on Lake Mills Elementary School in Lake Mills, Wis. “LEED v4 continues the mission of USGBC to transform the industry, and I commend USGBC and the technical volunteers for taking the leap and putting a lot of thought and effort into the program.”

“I appreciate that the new LEED reference guide incorporates all the different documents,” said Chloe Bendistis, Sheward Partnership, working on Humanscale’s San Francisco office and showroom and two projects with University Place Associates in Philadelphia, including its new headquarters. “The LEED v4 reference guide includes campus guidance, district thermal energy guidelines and scenarios that might impact retail, healthcare or hospitality. It’s helpful to have all of these pieces together in one place.”

Over the course of LEED’s development cycle, the program undergoes a series of public comment periods culminating in a final ballot, during which USGBC members vote to pass the changes within the final system. LEED v4 will open for a 30-day ballot period beginning June 1, and it is expected to publicly launch this fall at USGBC’s annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo.

In addition to making continuous updates to the LEED rating system to maintain its rigor and cutting-edge approach, USGBC has taken on a series of actions to improve the LEED customer experience in advance of the release of LEED v4. As a result, USGBC was awarded a Bronze Stevie Award for its superior customer service.

These actions include:

Reducing the number of LEED submittal forms to simplify the certification process
Creating credit documentation and calculators, to be available via USGBC’s Credit Library
Developing LEED reference guides in a variety of formats, including a forthcoming and entirely new web-based reference guide that will include online tutorials, videos and other useful resources to help project teams implement LEED
Scaling up the size and expertise of its LEED certification review team, managed by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), which is responsible for assessing the quality of LEED certification applications and materials and granting LEED certification
Growing the LEED certification review team to include licensed engineers, architects and other specialty building professionals
Significantly investing in LEED Online to streamline and increase the reliability of the user interface, the central online portal for submitting documentation for LEED certification

The LEED v4 beta currently is open, and USGBC is encouraging additional projects to sign up. To register, contact Chrissy Macken at cmacken@usgbc.org.

About the U.S. Green Building Council

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-efficient and energy-saving green buildings. USGBC works toward its mission of market transformation through its LEED green building program, robust educational offerings, a nationwide network of chapters and affiliates, the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, the Center for Green Schools and advocacy in support of public policy that encourages and enables green buildings and communities. For more information, visit usgbc.org, explore the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG) and connect on Twitter and Facebook.

CERRO WIRE ARTICLE - Three things to look for when purchasing wire

Simple ways to ensure wire you buy has been manufactured with quality in mind

Just as two cars may be of vastly different quality even though both have one steering wheel and four tires, not all wire is exactly the same, even though it appears to be on the outside. Those purchasing building wire should be aware that wire manufactured “on the cheap” may come in the same sizes as high quality wire, and may nominally meet the same UL standards, but that does not mean it will perform as well as better quality wire. To ensure that wire you buy can be easily installed and get the job done, look for three key factors that signal high quality wire: the wire is produced using length control techniques to make sure you get what you paid for; insulation is applied using co-extrusion; and wire is inspected with quality control equipment that measures dimensional control, detects defects, and tests for PVC insulation integrity.

Length control

The first factor to look for begins with asking this question – Are you getting exactly what you are paying for in your building wire? If wire you purchase is manufactured using length control, this is a question you can actually answer. When wire contains an accurate footage mark, it allows for quick identification of the re-order point, guaranteeing the full purchased wire length and reducing random lengths. This better controls end-of-reel scrap, prevents the need to carry excess cable inventory, providing precision length, accurate footage, and cost control.

For example, Cerrowire’s True Sequential Footage™ uses a footage mark to document remaining wire, beginning with zero at the bottom of the reel and ending with the finished length at the top. The accurate footage mark allows for quick identification of the re-order point, guaranteeing the full purchased wire length and reducing random lengths. This better controls end-of-reel scrap.

Cerrowire is the only wire manufacturer with a footage guarantee; footages on Cerrowire’s standard reels are guaranteed to be within +/-0.5 percent of the tagged footage. If the footage falls below that range, Cerrowire credits the customer for the amount of the product that is short or replaces the length of wire that is short. In addition, Cerrowire also reimburses the customer for reasonable, direct, out-of-pocket labor costs incurred as a result of the shortage.

Tandem extrusion versus co-extrusion

One of the key features of quality wire is insulation/jacketing that is smooth and consistent. There are two main methods for applying multiple layers of insulation/jacketing to wire: tandem extrusion and co-extrusion. With tandem extrusion, insulation/jacketing layers (for example, PVC/ nylon) are put on one at a time and the finished product is placed in a cooling bath. With co-extrusion, the two layers are applied simultaneously. This gives an advantage in diameter control. The PVC and nylon layers adhere to each other much better and when the product is cooled and finished, as it bends, the two layers bend together better.

With tandem extrusion, the PVC and nylon layers tend to separate from each other, especially in colder weather. The nylon can crack and fall off, so the wire might lose the resistance to gasoline and oil added by nylon. The product is said to “horse-collar,” a term that refers to the ripples that form along the inside of the tight circle when wire is bent. When wire horse-collars, the ripples may rip right off as the wire goes around a corner if it is tight in a conduit, exposing copper. In the process of installation, you lose the physical protection of the nylon layer and the insulation function of the PVC layer.

Use of co-extrusion rather than tandem extrusion to apply the PVC insulation and nylon jacket ensures a tight, yet flexible, nylon jacket that will not horse-collar or wrinkle and hang up or tear during installation. Even as the wire is cornering, the cable remains smooth and the two layers stay together. The method results in more consistent properties and a more durable product, far less susceptible to brittleness at low temperatures and stress cracking, which is prevalent with tandem extrusion. Although the end product may look similar, the co-extruded insulation will have better abrasion resistance, and the nylon jacket will be more likely to remain intact. The co-extruded jacket will be tighter, and the nylon will adhere better to the PVC.

Issues associated with faulty installation can lead to aborted installation if severe. The wire may have to be pulled out, causing loss of time and delay to construction schedules. If installed, it might be rejected by the owner on a job. If really acute, it could lead to damage to the PVC layer, failure of dielectric and a wire shorting out. In most cases, installers spot torn away nylon at the leading end, where the wire comes out of the conduit during installation, and the job is stopped while the wire is pulled out.

The need to eliminate horse-collaring, wrinkling, and its attendant installation problems, along with elimination of low temperature brittleness, were of sufficient gravity that Cerrowire began converting line by line to co-extrusion a few years ago. While a significant expense, the process has resulted in a better product, as well as eliminated a leading cause of customer service call and returns. This in turn has reduced labor costs and the need to reimburse customers when installation is affected. Issues with torn nylon have dwindled tremendously, and low-temperature cracking is virtually non-existent.

Equipment and testing – watch out for dimensional control, spot defect detection, and high voltage testing for PVC insulation integrity

The third tip centers on ensuring that wire you buy makes use of quality control and inspection technology. First up is ensuring dimensional control of PVC and nylon wall thickness. If the wire does not have adequate wall thickness, it may be subject to the chance of insulation penetration, which could cause a failure. Also, the wire’s dialectic strength is automatically reduced by reducing the thickness; there is more protection with adequate wall thickness.

To ensure dimensional control, the wire should be manufactured using a laser micrometer to monitor the wall thickness of the PVC insulation and nylon jacket as it is being extruded onto the wire and microprocessors control the process to insure that every foot of wire has the correct thickness of PVC and nylon. Laser micrometers are extremely effective in maintaining a consistent wall thickness.

A variation of the laser micrometer can also be used to include spot defect detection. The same sensors, processing the information differently, can spot defects and eliminate them before they could become a problem during installation. The sensors are like multiple curtains of light, crisscrossing the wire from different angles, taking thousands of samples per second over many feet of wire. Measuring the average wall thickness by how much light is blocked out, the computer microprocessor processes this data to calculate and compare with pre-set wall thicknesses. It also uses information from the same sensors to locate any instantaneous change in wall thickness, using other software to spot defects like high or low spots, or bumps.

The wire machine can be programmed to reject the spot. (In fact, the defect may or may not cause a failure, but installers pulling wire who see a deformity have to assume the wire would result in a probable failure, stop the installation, pull out all the wire and reinstall, leading to a great deal of lost installation time.)

When the laser results in a lot of rejections, operators can stop and take action to prevent further defects and correct the problem. The laser micrometer therefore prevents bad wire from going out, helps diagnose and correct problems, and results in an extremely high quality level.

Another manufacturing step that improves wire quality is conducting a high voltage test to ensure there are no defects in the insulation. Copper conductor being insulated is grounded at the beginning of the process coming off a reel or coil. After the insulation is applied, it goes through a “bead chain” curtain, which is energized to test a voltage, from 7.5 kilovolts for smaller sizes to 15000 volts for larger sizes. If there is a hole or weak spot in the insulation, as that section goes through the bead chain, the potential on the bead chain will arc out to the grounded wire inside. When this occurs, it sets off a visible and audible alarm and also ejects the package to one side as having a defect. In some cases the operator manually rejects the section and sends it off to be reworked (the defect area is cut out) or scrapped.

Quality manufacturing techniques will lead to quality wire

In short, within the general category of wire that complies with UL specifications, there is wire that barely meets the specification and wire that is well above it. And this definitely relates back to the performance of the cable in field.

The key is to have excellent control of manufacturing processes so there is not a great deal of variation. When selecting wire for your next building project, look for some of the extra product benefits and quality measures taken during the manufacturing process. Asking questions on the three key factors that establish that wire was manufactured correctly will prevent problems from happening during installation and end up saving you money. www.cerrowire.com

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Cerro Wire LLC, a leading manufacturer of copper electrical building wire and cable, supplies its products to wholesale electrical distributors and retail home improvement centers across North America. Cerrowire’s Electrical Distribution Division offers building wire for residential, commercial and industrial use. Our operating philosophy focuses on customer service, low cost operations, simplification and innovation. Our employees operate manufacturing and distribution facilities around the United States.

Cerro Wire is a Marmon Wire & Cable/Berkshire Hathaway company.

For more information contact Dale Crawford at DCrawford@cerrowire.com or (256) 773-2522 x314.

GREENTECHEXPO - LEED Remains GSA’s Rating System of Choice

From the GREENTECHEXPO Editor

Recently, the U.S. General Service Administration's (GSA's) Green Building Advisory Committee officially recommended that LEED <http://www.facilitiesnet.com/site/pressreleases/GSAs-Green-Building-Advisory-Committee-Recommends-LEED-for-All-GSA-Buildings--28351> be the rating system of choice for all government buildings. The decision represents a big win for the U.S. Green Building Council — LEED had been the GSA's rating system of choice since 2006, and the Green Building Advisory Committee's recommendation all but ensures GSA will keep LEED as its preferred green building rating system.

Here’s the link: http://www.greentechexpo.com/emails/greenbuildingalert/GTbuildingbom.asp?sentday=5/21/2013

IDEAL Announces Appointment of New Chief Financial Officer

SYCAMORE, IL, MAY 23, 2013 -- IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., one of the world's largest manufacturers and suppliers of quality tools, connectors and testing products for electricians and data communications contractors, today announced the appointment of Carmelle Giblin as the company's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately. Ms. Giblin assumes this role from Jim Pfotenhauer who will remain with the company in his new position as Vice President of Finance, Secretary & Treasurer. Mr. Pfotenhauer, who joined IDEAL in 1982, will assist to ensure a smooth transition.

"IDEAL is most fortunate to add the talent of a seasoned professional like Carmelle Giblin as our new CFO," commented Jim James, President/CEO of IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. "IDEAL has built a dynamic management team to meet our ambitious worldwide goals and leverage the vast business opportunities in front of us. Carmelle will play a pivotal role in seeing that those goals are met."

Mr. James added: "I again want to thank Jim Pfotenhauer for his outstanding contributions to IDEAL over his long, distinguished career. We're fortunate to have him in his new role going forward."

A highly experienced financial professional, Ms. Giblin was most recently Vice President, General Manager at Kester, an Illinois Tool Works (ITW) business and a global supplier of interconnecting materials for the electronic and micro-component assembly markets. She began her career as a Certified Public Accountant, eventually becoming a Group Controller with ITW in 1999.

As CFO, Ms. Giblin will be responsible for guiding IDEAL business units in meeting financial goals, ensuring that the highest control standards are applied to account reconciliation, stewardship of assets and integrity of financial transactions. She will also provide leadership in the areas of budgeting, forecasting, reporting, acquisitions and financial analysis of business performance.

To learn more visit www.idealindustries.com.

Optical network hardware market 'looking good' in 2013 says Infonetics Research

May 20, 2013

Lightwave Staff

Proving that it’s all how you look at things, analysts at Infonetics Research say there’s reason for optimism among optical transport equipment vendors in 2013, despite the fact that sales during the first quarter declined year on year.

"The four-quarter rolling average for global optical WDM equipment revenue notched a third consecutive quarter of growth in 1Q13, and we believe the market will continue trending in a positive direction this year," notes Andrew Schmitt, principal analyst for optical at Infonetics Research, as the market research firm preps the release its 1st quarter 2013 (1Q13) Optical Network Hardware report May 24.

"On a year-over-year basis (1Q12 vs. 1Q13), total optical spending is down 5%, but this is only a result of massive cuts in legacy (SONET/SDH) spending over the past 12 months (down 30%). The WDM segment is up 10% year-over year, a welcome sign that spending in this more relevant segment is returning to long-term trend levels,” Schmitt adds. “I won't call it a recovery until WDM revenue is up by double-digit percents for several quarters on a year-over-year basis. But 2013 is looking good, especially in North America and China, where 100G rollouts are picking up speed."

Infonetics provided a chart, which compares WDM sales to that of legacy SONET/SDH gear over the past four quarters.

Fiber-optic network hardware sales totaled $2.6 billion in the first quarter of this year, Infonetics reports. North America was the quarter’s beacon of light; it was the only region to see growth on a sequential basis, rising 7.5% from 4Q12.

The top vendors in the quarter, on an alphabetic basis, were Alcatel-Lucent, Ciena, Fujitsu, Huawei, and ZTE. Ciena had a particularly good quarter, surpassing Alcatel-Lucent to become the Number 2 vendor of WDM systems behind Huawei. NYSE newcomer Cyan also had a good quarter, increasing revenues 86% from the same quarter in 2012 (see "Cyan IPO to launch today").

Infonetics' quarterly optical hardware report covers worldwide and regional market size, market share, forecasts through 2017, analysis, and trends. It tracks metro and long-haul SONET/SDH and WDM equipment, Ethernet optical ports, SONET/SDH/PoS ports, and WDM ports.

http://www.lightwaveonline.com/articles/2013/05/optical-network-hardware-market-looking-good-in-2013-says-infone.html?cmpid=EnlNetworkingMay222013

AFL Announces 2013 Naruse Scholarship Recipient

Spartanburg, SC – May 8, 2013 – AFL presented the 2013-2014 Naruse Academic Scholarship award to Robert Borowicz, son of Eric Borowicz, operations manager for AFL’s conductor accessories division. Robert’s academic and extracurricular achievements have secured awards, scholarships and a foundation for future success.

Ranked fifth in his class at J.L. Mann High School, Robert is a member of the National Honor Society and recipient of the Furman Scholar Award and PC Fellow Award. He received a perfect score on the ACT math section, scored 4 or higher on all Advanced Placement (AP) exams and will be recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Similar to Robert’s academic conduct is his athletic ambition. His passion for swimming began at age eight when he joined his first swim team. In high school, he became J.L. Mann’s Men’s Swim Team captain and was selected six times as an all-state swimmer. In the 2013 4A State Swimming Championship, Robert won a silver medal in the boys 200 medley relay and a bronze in the 100 backstroke. He is also a junior national qualifier and a member of USA Swimming’s Scholastic All-America Team, comprised of high school student-athletes who have obtained a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Robert plans to continue his education at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he will major in computer engineering. As for swimming, he will sign his National Letter of Intent to swim at Georgia Tech this month. Robert plans to take his passion for swimming all the way to the Olympics.

Administered by the Center for Scholarship Administration, AFL’s Naruse Scholarship is awarded to eligible senior high school students of full time U.S.-based AFL employees with a minimum of one year of service. The amount of the scholarship is up to $2,000 per year, with a cap of $8,000 per student per year over a four-year period. The award is applied to the cost of tuition, room and board, fees, books and supplies.

For more information about AFL and its Community Outreach Program, visit www.AFLglobal.com/company/community.aspx.

Pictured (left to right): Steve Ferguson, Vice President and General Manager, AFL; Eric Borowicz, Operations Manager, AFL; Robert Borowicz, Naruse Scholarship Award recipient; Corie Culp, Public Relations Manager, AFL; Jody Gallagher, President and CEO, AFL.

About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

ASIS International and BICSI Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Privacy, workforce development and federal resources among top issues to be addressed

Alexandria, Va. (May 21, 2013) –ASIS International (ASIS) and Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The overarching objectives of the agreement are to foster the growth of the security and information technology systems industries, promote public safety and protect critical infrastructure globally.

The largest association for security management professionals, ASIS represents more than 38,000 security practitioners worldwide.

BICSI is a professional association that supports the information technology systems (ITS) industry, serving more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians.

The primary focus of this agreement is collaboration and information sharing in the areas of research, education, standards and advocacy. Among the key issues that may be addressed by the two associations are: privacy concerns over the use of security and information technology systems technologies; the development of an educated security and information technology systems workforce; voluntary consensus standards; and the availability of federal and state financial resources for the protection of critical infrastructures during a time of fiscal austerity.

“The collective knowledge and expertise within our membership bodies is quite substantial. By focusing on common goals and leveraging our core assets, ASIS and BICSI have a tremendous opportunity to impact and shape the future of homeland security by influencing and driving practice, policy and strategy across the private and public sectors,” says Geoffrey T. Craighead, CPP, president, ASIS. “Together, we possess the information, skills and abilities to exponentially increase the effectiveness and efficiency of security and information systems technology systems for the global benefit of public safety and business resiliency.”

“There is incredible synergy between these two great associations. I’ve been a member of both for many years, and have watched as the convergence of ITS and physical security enabled a relationship like this to make sense for the stakeholders of both associations. I would encourage all BICSI members involved in any aspect of physical security to take advantage of the benefits of the ASIS relationship,” said BICSI President Jerry L. Bowman, RCDD, RTPM, NTS, CISSP, CPP, CDCDP

News of developing initiatives resulting from the MOU will be announced on the organizations’ websites—www.asisonline.org and www.bicsi.org.

About ASIS International

ASIS International is the leading organization for security professionals, with more than 38,000 members worldwide. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security interests, such as the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits, as well as specific security topics. ASIS also advocates the role and value of the security management profession to business, the media, government entities and the public. By providing members and the security community with access to a full range of programs and services, and by publishing the industry’s No. 1 magazine—Security Management—ASIS leads the way for advanced and improved security performance.

About BICSI

BICSI provides information, education and knowledge assessment for individuals and companies in the Information Technology Systems (ITS) industry. We serve more than 23,000 ITS professionals, including designers, installers and technicians. These individuals provide the fundamental infrastructure for telecommunications, audio/video, life safety and automation systems. Through courses, conferences, publications (BICSI NEWS) and professional registration programs, BICSI staff and volunteers assist ITS professionals in delivering critical products and services, and offer opportunities for continual improvement and enhanced professional stature.

Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, USA, BICSI membership spans nearly 100 countries.

For more information, contact BICSI at 800.242.7405 (USA and Canada toll-free) or +1 813.979.1991. You may also email bicsi@bicsi.org.

BOMA International Joins Global Coalition on International Property Measurement Standards

(WASHINGTON – May 8, 2013) BOMA International signed a declaration to become a member of the International Property Measurement Standards Coalition (IPMSC) at its organizational meeting, May 1-2, at the World Bank in Washington, D.C. The coalition is comprised of the leading professional and non-governmental organizations from around the world and is focused on developing a principle-based standard for the way buildings are measured globally.

At present, the way property assets—such as office buildings or shopping centers—are measured can vary enormously from country to country. With so many different methods of measurement in use, it makes it difficult for global investors and tenants to accurately compare space. With the implementation of global property measurement standards, properties will be consistently measured; creating a more transparent marketplace, greater public trust, stronger investor confidence and increased market stability.

“Since 1915, BOMA has been the secretariat of the ANSI-accredited standard for measuring floor space in office buildings,” remarked BOMA International Chair and Chief Executive Officer Joe Markling, managing director of Strategic Accounts with CBRE. “We are pleased to join with our colleagues from around the world to establish a consistent set of standards for the method of measuring real property no matter where that property is located. Through our work with the IPMSC, we can provide BOMA members and the commercial real estate industry at large with a true basis for cross-border comparison, and industry transparency and self-regulation.”

At the first meeting of the IPMSC, representatives of the organizations which have come together to address this problem signed a declaration to formally join the IPMSC and agreed to the next steps, which include the formation of an independent standards development committee and a program of wider industry and stakeholder engagement.

The following organizations joined BOMA in signing the declaration: Appraisal Institute, Australian Property Institute, Council of European Geodetic Surveyors, International Consortium of Real Estate Associations, International Monetary Fund and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

***

About BOMA International

CABA NEWSBRIEF

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Home Systems

NRCan, Minto to build net-zero energy homes
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Green building leader Minto is jumping to the forefront again with the recent announcement of a partnership with Natural Resources Canada to build net-zero energy homes. As one of five building partners with NRCan, Minto will work with experts to plan, design and construct at least five zero-energy homes in Ottawa to aid in research on building such homes on a community scale. NRCan is a CABA member. Minto Developments Inc. was a founding CABA member.

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AT&T Digital Life adds 7 cities to its launch list
Residential Systems
AT&T's wireless home management service, Digital Life, has just launched in an additional seven cities, adding to the 15 it started with at the end of April and moving closer to the 50 cities it hopes to populate by the end of 2013. Starting on May 24, Baltimore, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Sacramento and Washington, D.C. will all be eligible for the service.

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MTS to sell Allstream to Accelero
Ottawa Business Journal
Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. has agreed to sell its Allstream business telecommunications arm and use about half of the proceeds to reduce its pension and debt obligations. Winnipeg-based MTS, which operates Manitoba's largest telecommunications business, says the deal values Allstream at $520 million. MTS Allstream is a CABA member.

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Quantum dots to come to mobile devices, TVs
Mashable
Nanosys and 3M have worked quantum-dot technology into displays for mobile devices and television sets, promising it will offer more-colorful screens while using less power. The two companies plan to offer samples of the technology to manufacturers in this quarter. 3M is a CABA member.

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Analysis: Xbox One concedes the living room to cable industry
All Things D
Microsoft's new Xbox One console is not expected to displace the role of cable providers in supplying content to the living room, Peter Kafka writes. Xbox One owners won't be able to watch live television unless they have a pay-TV subscription, he notes. "In essence, Xbox One is acting as a sort of custom remote for your cable box, which will let you change the channel; it is also creating its own programming guide so you can see what's on TV," Kafka writes. Microsoft is a CABA Board member.

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Canadian Home Builders' Association announces new CEO
Canadian Home Builders' Association
Kevin Lee has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer at the Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA). Lee comes to the CHBA from the Office of Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada where for the past five years he has been the Director of the Housing Division. Further, after nearly 30 years at the helm of the Canadian Home Builders' Association, John Kenward, the organization's COO has retired. Canadian Home Builders' Association and Natural Resources Canada are CABA members.

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Analysis: Examining the possibilities of a smart home
The Hindu
In the smart home, the washing machine, the fridge and the AC will communicate with each other as well as with the smart electricity meter, the home gateway and with the electricity supplier and together, with the homeowner's inputs on priorities, will decide which appliances should run at what time to optimise energy use and reduce peak demands. This will lower costs for the utility and for the consumer.

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Case Study: KNX Experience Home in Antwerp, Belgium
KNX Today
The KNX Experience Home provides a platform where various manufacturers and distributors show KNX products, or the products they use in their installations, which can be controlled with KNX protocol. All of these intelligent devices and applications are linked together and work flawlessly in a bulletproof total solution in a realistic environment. Lighting, heating and air-conditioning; green energy; audio and video integration and décor make the KNX Experience Home a liveable home that is ready for today and the future. KNX Association is a CABA member.

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Missed last week's issue? See which articles your colleagues read most.

How Microsoft plans to transform buildings worldwide (GreenBiz.com)
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Large Building Automation

Hairy skyscraper quietly harnesses wind power in urban setting
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Piezoelectric technology helps a skyscraper in Stockholm harvest power from the wind with thousands of straw-like strips covering the building's surface. The strips are safe for birds and produce little noise, making them suitable for urban environments, writes Kristine Lofgren.

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IBM's 'Building Whisperer' on the future of smart buildings
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He is on a mission to take data streaming in from the physical world and help all of us live in a more sustainable and efficient way. At IBM, they call Dave Bartlett the "Building Whisperer." Bartlett emphasizes that smart buildings and cities are well beyond what most people think of as green. It is really about providing optimal occupancy services in a reliable and more sustainable manner, he says. IBM is a CABA Board member.

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Prefabricated Antarctic research station to run on renewable energy
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Estúdio 41, a Brazilian firm, has created the winning design for the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station. The 34,000-square-foot Antarctic research outpost will be a modular, prefabricated structure that runs on solar and wind power. It will use radiation plates and a water-conservation system that will treat and reuse greywater. A heat-recovery system will make the station 45 per cent more energy efficient than other structures of a similar size.

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AT&T launches the Cellular Smart Grid as a service
Greentech Media
AT&T recently announced that it's taking on that central role for the first time, in a project with Duck River Electric Membership Corp., a 71,000-customer rural cooperative utility in Tennessee. Under the terms of contract, AT&T will integrate cellular-connected smart meters from Itron, meter data management software from ElectSolve and volt/VAR optimization and distribution grid controls from S&C Electric, and will then manage the entire affair for the utility.

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Navigant Research finds more than 1,300 demand response programs worldwide
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Demand response (DR) programs, which aim to achieve stability on the grid by ensuring that demand does not exceed supply of electric power, have been offered to many electric customers in the United States for decades. In the last ten years, utilities and grid operators have adopted new technologies and practices to move demand resources to the next evolutionary phase, offering more advanced types of DR schemes. According to a new tracker report from Navigant Research, at least 1,342 DR programs are now underway worldwide – 95 per cent of them in North America. Navigant Research is a CABA Board member.

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Helping to create better building efficiency applications
3scale
This interview with Jim Schwartz, director of strategic marketing for Johnson Controls, a CABA member, focuses on emerging technologies and cloud based software deployment models. With extensive experience in high-tech marketing, product management and operations, Jim has held senior leadership positions with Microsoft, Cisco and several start-ups.

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Water utilities to spend $2 billion on smart meters through 2020
Bloomberg
U.S. water utilities will spend $2 billion on smart meters in infrastructure upgrades this year through 2020, almost matching all previous investment in the leak-finding devices, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Water utilities until this year had spent $2.4 billion on smart meters, according to data compiled by the London-based research firm. Investment peaked at $395 million in 2010 as companies took advantage of stimulus funding allocated for clean-energy and water projects, said Maxime Serrano Bardisa of BNEF.

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Pure Air Control Services offers energy solutions, adds jobs
CABA
The innovative energy strategies of indoor air quality consulting firm Pure Air Control Services, Inc., a CABA member, are significantly improving the way we live, work, and play. The firm is now growing its staff to include additional technical field representatives, administration, sales and marketing team members.

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Microsoft looks beyond gaming with upcoming Xbox
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CABA preparing to launch landmark research study
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CABA is launching its Landmark Research Study, “Monetization Modeling of Connected Homes 2013” and IHS was selected by the Steering Committee to undertake the research. Currently committed to this project is; ALARM.COM, BOSCH, IBM, Pella Corporation, Qualcomm Incorporated, Samsung, Schneider Electric, SecurTek Monitoring Solutions, and TELUS. To view the recorded webinar and the project prospectus go to: http://www.caba.org/research/projects/connected-home-monetization.

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CABA's 'Life Cycle Costing and Intelligent Buildings' landmark research study
CABA
The research that will be conducted by Frost & Sullivan promises to deliver detailed outcomes including international and North American case studies identifying what works with LCC and what needs to be fixed. You may download a copy of the "Life Cycle Costing and Intelligent Buildings" Prospectus, Frost & Sullivan Power Point Presentation and Recorded Webinar at: http://www.caba.org/research/projects/life-cycle-costing. Currently confirmed for the LCCIB Steering Committee are: Cadillac Fairview Corporation Limited, Hydro One Networks, Hydro-Québec, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Ingersoll Rand/Trane, Legrand/WattStopper, Microsoft Corporation, Philips, Siemens Industry, Inc. and The Siemon Company.

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CABA President & CEO to present research in China
CABA
CABA is again endorsing and supporting Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition 2013; Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology 2013; and Building Solar China (Guangzhou) 2013 which will be taking place June 9-12, 2013 in Guangzhou, China. CABA President & CEO Ron Zimmer will participate in the official opening ceremonies and will be also be presenting new CABA research. His presentation "Connected Homes and Smart Grids" will made at AGORA, which will be held part of the above events. Zimmer will draw upon the latest research from the "Impact of the Smart Grid on Connected Homes" landmark project to highlight success factors in raising consumer awareness and how to prepare for the current and future developments of connected home technologies. Industry professionals that would like to meet with the CABA President & CEO during these events, should contact him at: Zimmer@CABA.org. The events in Guangzhou are produced by Messe Frankfurt, a CABA member.

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Research Spotlight

HomePlug AV2 Technology
CABA
This report, published by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, provides an in-depth review of HomePlug AV2 Technology. HomePlug AV2 provides a major step forward in high-bandwidth capabilities and interoperability for cost-effective "no new wires" networking that supports HD / 3D video and other bandwidth-hungry applications by leveraging existing power line wiring throughout the whole home. Remember that a paid CABA research subscription/membership provides you access to the world's largest collection of connected home and intelligent building research: CABA Member Research Library.

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Welcoming Our New Members

CABA acknowledges member support
CABA
The Board of Directors of the Continental Automated Buildings Association would like to thank and recognize the following CABA members that renewed their CABA Research Subscription/Membership. Your continued support of CABA is greatly appreciated.

CoR Advisors

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NECA NEWS

National Electrical Contractors Association http://www.necanet.org/news/news-release-archive

Go to www.necanet.org

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – NECA SHOW – Wash.DC – Oct. 13-15

National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) = Getting the Most Out of NECA 2013 Washington D.C.IT MAKES PERFECT BUSINESS SENSE

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS CONTRACTORS – Take note: Big Revenue opportunities here!

NECA Convention registration opens Tuesday, June 4 - Lock in early registration rates today, and attend the industry's premier electrical construction event!
There's nearly 50 different educational opportunities to learn from leading experts on the industry trends, business practices and technology shaping electrical contracting today. See why attending NECA 2013 Washington DC makes perfect business sense.

· Getting the Most Out of NECA 2013 Washington D.C. | NECA Convention 2013 www.necaconvention.org

· Getting the Most Out of NECA 2013 Washington D.C.IT MAKES PERFECT BUSINESS SENSE Where else can you participate in education sessions geared

The NECA Show is the largest exposition for any and all electrical needs, including power supply, security systems, integrated building systems, lighting and controls.

Times have been tough over the last few years, and electrical contractors need all available tools for business success. Are you tired of losing bids? Are you even more tired of losing money on jobs that you win? The NECA Show provides opportunities to turn your business around with over 300 manufactures and distributors, showcasing thousands of product solutions you need. And, all in just three days!

See Which Companies Will Be Displaying Thousands of Solutions This Year

NECA Show Hours:

Sunday, Oct. 13
11:30 am – 5:00 pm

Monday, Oct. 14
11:30 am – 4:00 pm

Tuesday, Oct. 15
10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Exhibitor Opportunities

Products that will be at the 2013 NECA Show:

· Associations/Foundations

· Boxes & Enclosures

· Building Automation & Controls

· Codes, Standards, Certifications

· Computer Hardware & Equipment

· Conduit, Raceway, Wireway

· Connections & Terminations

· Distributor

· Energy Efficiency

· Fasteners, Hangers, Clamps, &

· Supports

· Fire/Life Safety

· Grounding & Bonding

· Heavy Equipment

· Home Automation

· Ladders, Lifts & Platforms

· Lighting & Controls

· Low Voltage: Voice/Data/Video,

· Fiber Optics

· Motors & Motor Controls

· Online & Web Services

· Outdoor Products

· Power Quality & Distribution

· Publications

· Safety Equipment & Apparel

· Security

· Services: Financial, Insurance,

· Retirement, other

· Software

· Solar Energy / PV

· Structured Wiring/Cabling

· Switches and Switchgear

· Testing Equipment

· Tools

· Training

· Transformers

· Transmission & Distribution

· Equipment

· Underground Equipment

· Vehicles & Vehicle Equipment

· Wind Energy

· Questions or Ideas? Contact Us

· Julie Duda
Exhibit Sales Manager
770-632-0044 T
770-632-7922 F
julduda@necanet.org

Beth Ellis
Executive Director Convention - Exposition
301-215-4507
301-215-4553 F
eie@necanet.org

Katie Nolan,
Meetings Manager
301-215-4506 T
301-215-4553 F
katie@necanet.org

·
Sue McCart
Marketing Convention - Exposition
770-632-0044 T
770-632-7922 F
sue.mccart@necanet.org

2013 Dates / Times

·
Set – Up
Fri. 10/11 8:00 – 5:00
Sat. 10/12 8:00 – 5:00

Show Hours
Sun. 10/13 11:30 – 5:00
Mon. 10/14 11:30 – 4:00
Tues. 10/15 10:30 – 2:30

Dismantle
Tues. 10/15 2:30 – 9:00
Wed. 10/16 8:00 – 12:00

Where

· Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington DC

http://www.necashow.org/NECA2013/public/Content.aspx?ID=566&sortMenu=108000

NFPA NEWS

National Fire Protection Association http://www.nfpa.org/newsreleaselist.asp?categoryID=488

Go to www.nfpa.org

NEBB continues the tradition of donating to ASHRAE’s Research

May 8, Montreal, Canada - NEBB donated $10,000 to ASHRAE Research at the 2013 NEBB Annual Conference in Montreal, Canada.

Stan Fleischer, President, NEBB, handed the check to Tim Wentz, Vice President, ASHRAE, at the opening session of the 2013 NEBB Annual Conference on May 2, continuing the long tradition of NEBB’s support for ASHRAE research. NEBB’s donation will help fund research projects, “1245-RP 7.07 69,808 Determine the Effects of Duct Fittings on Air Velocity Measurements KANSAS STATE U. - Manhattan, KS” and “Measuring Air-tightness of Mid- and High-rise Non-residential Buildings.” NEBB’s donation will help ASHRAE’s research to further high performance HVAC&R technologies which result in improved standards and guidelines.

ASHRAE Golden Circle is made up of investors who contributed $10,000 or more to ASHRAE research. Golden Circle investors contributed more than 10% of the total amount of funds collected for research. Universities and other private enterprises conduct these research programs, and the findings are used to update ASHRAE’s standards and guidelines. ASHRAE’s guidelines then serve as a benchmark and help educate and promote uniform testing, ratings and safe practices throughout the entire HVAC&R industry.

NEBB is the premier international association of certified firms that perform testing, adjusting and balancing of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems in addition to building systems commissioning, building systems retro-commissioning, fume hood testing, building enclosure testing, and cleanroom certification. NEBB is the leading source of industry information through its standards, procedures, publications, specifications, text books, study courses and newsletters.

Additional information on NEBB is available at www.nebb.org.

The Light Brigade® Offers New Fiber Optic Pro A/V & Broadcast Course

New course addresses a growing need for professional training in fiber optics for Professional Audio Visual and Broadcast professionals

May 29, 2013 – Tukwila, WA – Announcing the release of its Fiber Optics for Pro A/V training course, The Light Brigade is introducing a new industry-specific fiber training course to address the use of fiber optics in the Pro A/V and Broadcast industries. The course is focused on those who design, install, maintain and troubleshoot fiber optic systems and spans.

The growth in video bandwidth demand is driving the need for expansion into fiber optics technology. This requires a thorough understanding of the types of fiber optic systems, bandwidth requirements, optical interfaces and various types of transmission products, optical cables and connectors. This three-day course is comprised of 12 hours of classroom instruction followed by 12 hours of hands-on fiber optic training including system testing and troubleshooting. In addition, the course covers fiber handling, cable preparation and terminations, plus inspection, cleaning, testing and troubleshooting.

“Educating the Audio Visual and Broadcast Professional in both the knowledge and hands-on skills related to fiber optics was a core target in the design and development of the course,” stated Jim Clodfelter, marketing manager with The Light Brigade. “After collaborating with InfoComm International, we developed a class designed specific to the industry inclusive of InfoComm Recertification Units.”

The new Fiber Optics for Pro A/V course will be previewed at Infocomm 2013 in Orlando, Florida next month. The short course ST107: Fiber Optics for the Pro A/V Market is offered Tuesday, June 11, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Or visit the Light Brigade at booth #5776 for additional information.

Regularly scheduled classes start in July and will be offered in the following cities:

Orlando	Las Vegas	Chicago	New York
Dallas	Atlanta	San Francisco	Los Angeles

Custom classes are also available. For complete class schedules and description, visit www.lightbrigade.com. For additional information, contact The Light Brigade team at sales@lightbrigade.com or call (800) 451 7128 or (206) 575 0404.

About The Light Brigade

Since 1987, The Light Brigade has instructed over 45,000 attendees in its public and custom classes on fiber optic design, maintenance, and testing, including advanced topics such as FTTx, DWDM, and PMD/CD. In addition to creating custom courses tailored to any need or skill level, the company produces educational DVDs and CDs.

D-Tools SIX Offers Integration into Tigerpaw Software

SI SIX Custom Report enables D-Tools Project information to be imported into Tigerpaw's business automation tool

CONCORD, CA. and BELLEVUE, NE, May 29, 2013 - D-Tools, Inc., the worldwide leader in system integration software, and Tigerpaw Software, Inc., a leading developer of business automation and service management software announced today that they have completed an integration of their respective products, providing an end-to-end project management solution for residential and commercial system integrators.

The integration of D-Tools System Integrator SIX and Tigerpaw allows users of SI SIX to utilize a custom report to import data into Tigerpaw, establishing a complete estimation, design, and project management workflow that utilizes the strengths of each solution. The integration enables integrators to create a project, proposal and detailed system design from within the D-Tools SIX application and push that project and product data into Tigerpaw for invoicing, inventory tracking, and additional project management.

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the integration between Tigerpaw and our software platform. This integration signifies our on-going efforts to deliver a flexible, extendable platform that can meet the needs of a wide range of customers," said Adam Stone, D-Tools president. "Our joint customers will benefit from this bridge between our solutions which will enhance their productivity and simplify company processes."

"This integration benefits clients from both our companies as it arms them with a comprehensive solution," Tigerpaw President James Foxall said. "By linking D-Tools' project system design capabilities and Tigerpaw's end-to-end business automation solution, system integrators can drastically enrich their customer experience and gain a real competitive advantage."

For additional information on the D-Tools SIX and Tigerpaw Integration, please visit http://d-tools.mindtouch.us/SIX_Guide/012_Tigerpaw_Integration

###

About Tigerpaw Software, Inc.

Tigerpaw's comprehensive tool empowers more than 35,000 users to manage, automate and integrate business functions including service, accounting, CRM, inventory, field service management, sales, marketing, quoting, inventory, ticketing and customer communication all within one, easy-to-use system. Their award-winning, software is designed for B2B service providers who sell, monitor and service software, computers and other equipment. Tigerpaw offers a comprehensive, business automation solution for companies in industries as varied as A/V, IT, telephony and POS to medical equipment and ATM machines.

For over 25 years, Tigerpaw Software has designed service management and contact management software that helps businesses increase sales, provide better service, manage projects, bill their customers faster and make better business decisions every day.

For more information, contact Tigerpaw at 800.704.9009; by email at info@tigerpawsoftware.com; or visit www.tigerpawsoftware.com.

About D-Tools, Inc.

D-Tools, founded in 1998 and based in Concord, California, is a worldwide leader in accessible, highly accurate system design and documentation software. The company's -flagship product, System Integrator™ (SI), is a total design solution that utilizes Autodesk® AutoCAD and Microsoft® Visio for comprehensive system design, documentation and project management. D-Tools SI allows residential and commercial integrators to streamline their business processes to increase overall revenues while reducing the time and costs associated with the installation and integration of low-voltage systems. Over 4,400 leading companies use D-Tools software to reduce time and costs and streamline the system integration process. D-Tools is a three time recipient of the Consumer Electronics Association's Mark of Excellence Award, multiple recipient of Custom Retailer's Excite Award (2007,2008,2009,2010,2011), Multi-Room Audio Video Awards - Best Installation Aid, National Systems Contractors Association, Sound and Video Contractor's Innovations in Technology for Business Productivity Award and CE Pro's High Impact Award for Design Software.

For more information, contact D-Tools at (866) 386-6571, e-mail at info@d-tools.com, follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DTools, like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/beatool or visit D-Tools online at http://www.d-tools.com

New Video Shows Siemon’s Innovative LC BladePatch In Action

Video Shows How to Improve Access, Time and Reliability for Fiber Patching and Polarity Reversal in Ultra-High Density Environments, such as the Data Center

May 21, 2013 - Siemon, a leading global network infrastructure specialist, has launched a video to demonstrate the impact of its new LC BladePatch^® fiber optic duplex jumper. The short video shows how key features improve access, ease, time and reliability for fiber patching and polarity reversal in ultra-high density environments, such as the data center.

According to Siemon, LC BladePatch revolutionizes high-density fiber patching with the easiest access available in the industry. The connector’s patent-pending push-pull boot controls the latch, allowing easy insertion and removal, without the risk of damage.

Security and network manager of Blue Chip, Carl Southern, is featured in the video and he explains the challenge with traditional fiber patching: “One of the problems we have with fiber patching in our data center is when we’re patching in high density environments, it can be very difficult to insert the fibers and it can be even harder to remove them. It can be very frustrating and we can also suffer from damaged fibers. When we’re patching in blade servers, access can be very limited; it can be very difficult to reach the latch with your fingers.”

Siemon’s LC BladePatch is claimed to resolve all these issues with its intuitive, ergonomic action, it eliminates the need to access a latch during installation and removal, avoiding any disruption or damage to adjacent fiber connectors in the tightest-fitting fiber patching environments.

Beyond patching, the polarity reversal was also demonstrated using the LC BladePatch’s patent pending rotating latch. As is shown, only the latch rotates, not the entire connector, which eliminates potential connector and cable damage during polarity changes, whilst clearly indicating that a polarity change has been made. Carl Southern confirms; “I couldn’t believe how easy it was after I was shown; very, very simple, very quick and very safe. Traditional fiber reversal often involves a high risk of damaging the fibers or the connectors. With this connector that risk is minimized.” Plus the new jumper has an overall smaller diameter uni-tube cable design that reduces cable pathway congestion for improved airflow, energy efficiency and easy cable management.

“The LC BladePatch is like nothing the industry has seen for high-density fiber patching. Its push-pull action allows easy removal from the finger grip at the end of the strain relief boot rather than trying to access an LC standard latch and potentially disrupting adjacent connectors,” says Robert Carlson, vice president of global marketing at Siemon. “The LC BladePatch concept was born from a customer need and as this video demonstrates that it is truly the ideal solution for today’s highest density blade server, SAN and switch environments.” The final word goes to Carl Southern: “In our data centers we are constantly re-patching fibers, according to our customers’ requirements. This connector makes our life very, very simple.”

For more information on LC BladePatch and to order a free demonstration sample, visit www.siemon.com/lcbp.

About Siemon

Established in 1903, Siemon is an industry leader specializing in the design and manufacture of high quality, high performance network cabling solutions and services for Data Centers and Intelligent Buildings. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, with global sales, technical and logistics expertise spanning 100 countries, Siemon offers the most comprehensive suite of copper and optical fiber cabling systems, cabinets, racks, cable management, data center power and cooling systems and Intelligent Infrastructure Management solutions. With more than 400 patents specific to structured cabling, Siemon Labs invests heavily in R&D and the development of Industry Standards, underlining the company’s long-standing commitment to its customers and the industry.

RAD's MiNID Ethernet NID on an SFP Sleeve Wins Best Telecoms Product Innovation Award

Mountain View, California, May 23, 2013 – The MiNID Ethernet Demarcation NID on an SFP Sleeve, part of RAD’s Service Assured Access (SAA) solution, has been named the winner of the NetEvents Innovation Award for the most innovative telecoms product of 2013. The panel of judges was composed of an independent body of ITC industry experts, including Dr. Robert Metcalfe, the inventor of Ethernet.

These prestigious awards recognize the very best in the technology industry and reward leading individuals and organizations for innovation and performance in the networking and telecommunications sector. They were announced May 22 at a charity gala celebrating “Ethernet’s 40th Birthday” at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, in conjunction with the Ethernet Innovation Summit.

RAD’s finger-sized MiNID (Miniature Network Interface Device) plugs into the SFP cage of any manufacturer’s hosting device, transforming it into a Carrier Ethernet demarcation and SLA verification device for remote service monitoring and fault isolation. This enables service providers, wholesale carriers, and mobile operators to easily and inexpensively upgrade their networks to deliver reliable bandwidth with end-to-end SLA guarantees.

“What makes MiNID a winning telecom product is that service providers can now offer a premium SLA Assurance option with better fault isolation and low total cost of ownership," said Dror Bin, President and CEO of RAD. “MiNID breaks through the barriers of cost and complexity, making it possible to finally deliver Carrier Ethernet to everyone, everywhere.”

MiNID's innovative SFP sleeve design makes it a true plug-and-play solution that replaces standalone demarcation devices. In addition to virtually eliminating power, space, and cabling expenses, MiNID’s design renders certification issues with multiple SFPs non-existent. It is fully compatible with third party SFPs, switches, routers, small cells, DSLAMs, and other equipment.

RAD customers include operators and service providers such as Bharti Airtel, British Telecom, CenturyLink, China Mobile, China Telecom, Deutsche Telekom/T-Mobile, Embratel, France Telecom/Orange, Hutchison, KDDI, KPN, SingTel, SoftBank, Telefónica, Telekom Austria, TeliaSonera, Telstra, Telus, Verizon, and Vodafone.

RAD Introduces New Distance Teleprotection Solution

Fully Integrated Solution Seamlessly Transports Teleprotection over TDM, Packet Networks

MAHWAH, New Jersey, May 16, 2013 – Power companies seeking cost-effective solutions for transmitting Teleprotection data across their communications networks now have a wider range of options.

RAD Data Communications, the veteran manufacturer of service assured networking solutions for utilities, has introduced to the market a unique, future-proof solution that integrates a Distance Teleprotection module into the company’s popular hybrid Megaplex multiservice multiplexer, which supports both TDM and packet-based uplinks.

“Megaplex is the only Teleprotection solution in the market that seamlessly transports distance commands over both legacy and packet infrastructure,” notes Mati Epstein, Line of Business Head for Utilities and Transportation at RAD Data Communications. “Therefore, it is guaranteed to be a wise investment in the years ahead as power companies complete their migration to PSNs.”

“By incorporating the Distance Teleprotection module inside of the Megaplex, RAD is also able to lower costs and network complexity by completely eliminating the need for traditional, separate standalone devices and reducing the number of cables that have to be installed,” Epstein explains.

Another major advantage of choosing the Megaplex is that it also supports Differential Teleprotection (including C37.94) in the same box. The Megaplex itself is a fully redundant platform, complies with IEEE 1613, and has a wide range of Ethernet, voice, and data interfaces that support the full range of substation communications requirements.

“No less important for power companies is that RAD’s Megaplex has an established track record of success, having been deployed by leading utilities on six continents to transmit Ethernet, legacy data, and voice,” concludes Epstein. “It is a veteran solution on which power companies can safely rely to meet all their mission-critical requirements.”

RAD’s utility customers include Eskom, Terna, Enel, National Grid USA, Hydro Quebec, Endesa, IEC, Kepco, Meralco, E-on, Elia, Nampower, AES, Powercor, and Novosibirsk Energo.

About RAD

RAD Data Communications provides Service Assured Access solutions that reduce operational complexity and improve service profitability for retail, wholesale and mobile service providers, as well as evolutional migration solutions for service providers and power and transportation utilities, facilitating a smooth, secure and cost-effective transition to packet-based networks. RAD’s multi-faceted in-house technology embraces OAM and performance management; service assurance; traffic management; fault management; synchronization and timing over packet; TDM pseudowire; ASIC and FPGA development; hardware miniaturization; and SFP form-factor solutions. The company's installed base exceeds 12,000,000 units and encompasses more than 150 service providers around the world, as well as scores of power utilities, transportation systems and government institutions. RAD is active in industry standardization bodies such as the IETF, Broadband Forum, ITU, and MEF. RAD is a member of the $1.2 billion RAD Group of companies, a world leader in networking and internetworking product solutions.
RAD site: www.rad.com Twitter: http://twitter.com/RADdatacomms

ShoreTel Gains Market Share in both Enterprise IP and UC as a Service in the U.S.

According to Synergy Research, ShoreTel gains market share against its three largest competitors

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 17, 2013 – ShoreTel® (NASDAQ: SHOR), the leading provider of brilliantly simple unified communications platforms including business phone systems, applications and mobile UC solutions, continues to gain market share in the IP telephony market in the United States according to recent data published by Synergy Research Group. In its market share summary report for the first calendar quarter of 2013, Synergy found that ShoreTel had both the highest sequential market share and revenue growth rates for Enterprise IP Telephony compared to Avaya Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc. and Mitel Networks Corporation. In addition, ShoreTel gained market share in the Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) Private Network segment, and retains the number one position in that market.

According to Synergy data based on revenue, ShoreTel ranks third in Enterprise IP Telephony market share in the U.S. with a revenue increase of 7 percent over the previous quarter, and the company grew its market share from 6.4 percent in Q4’12 to 8.0 percent in Q1’13, a 25 percent increase in quarter over quarter market share growth and 13 percent year over year market share growth. In contrast, Synergy reported for the same U.S. market that Cisco’s revenues dropped 18 percent; Avaya’s revenues dropped 26 percent and Mitel’s revenues dropped 22 percent.

Synergy also reported that ShoreTel increased its leading market share position in the U.S. in Q1’13 to 34 percent in the UCaaS Private Network segment for services most commonly targeted to larger businesses.

“ShoreTel continues to gain in market share over our largest competitors who have experienced declining sales,” said Peter Blackmore, ShoreTel CEO. “By offering customers ultimate choice and flexibility in both on-premise and cloud solutions, we continue to win business. With investments in customer satisfaction programs, hybrid infrastructure, as well as our strong partner ecosystem, we expect to see continued long-term growth.”

“By addressing both the existing IP telephony and emerging Cloud UC market, ShoreTel is executing on a bold strategy which is reaping market share gains presently and positions ShoreTel as a major competitive force in the future,” said Jeremy Duke, founder and chief analyst, Synergy Research Group.

Related Links & Conversation

· Subscribe to ShoreTel’s blog.

· Follow ShoreTel on Twitter and Facebook.

· Read ShoreTel Customer Success Stories.

· Bookmark this Unified Communications Glossary

· #ShoreTel, #UC.

About ShoreTel
ShoreTel, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHOR) is a provider of business communication solutions whose brilliantly simple unified communications platforms, applications and mobile UC solutions promise a new rhythm of workforce engagement and collaboration. With costly complexity eliminated by design from its award-winning, all-in-one IP phone system, UC and contact center solution, and its industry-leading hosted phone system, workers enjoy a freedom and self-reliance that other providers can’t match. Users have full control to engage and collaborate, no matter the time, place or device, for the lowest cost and demand on IT resources in the industry. ShoreTel is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and has regional offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit shoretel.com or shoretelsky.com.

# # #

ShoreTel and the ShoreTel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ShoreTel, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Cisco is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems, Inc. or its subsidiaries. Avaya is a trademark of Avaya Inc. and is registered in the United States and other countries. Mitel is a registered trademark of Mitel Networks Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Communication Planning Corporation is North Florida’s leading ShoreTel dealer.

Since 1980, CPC has provided quality service for their communications and cabling needs. CPC and ShoreTel can deliver unified communications. www.communicationplanning.com

Contact Michael Shannahan, Vice President – Communication Planning Corporation (Jacksonville, FL) Tel. 904-645-9077 or michael@communicationplanning.com

REMEMBER TO RECYCLE, REDUCE AND REUSE

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	Copyright © www.wireville.com

Wireville.com

Issue: June 2013 By: Frank Bisbee

Copyright 2013 – James Carlini

More than 30 diverse companies sign on to top tier of membership

About the U.S. Green Building Council

Global projects represent a variety of building types, including schools, universities, healthcare facilities, office spaces and residential buildings

About the U.S. Green Building Council

Issue: June 2013
By: Frank Bisbee