The new BCA lighting requirements restrict lighting to 5 W per square metre, as opposed to the previous 25 W per square metre. Read more »
A key issue for businesses in 2012 will be the new energy reporting regulations. The Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) scheme is the first regulatory step in making business more energy wise and penalties will apply for non-disclosure. Programs such as the NSW Government’s Energy Saver program are available now to businesses wanting to take the important first step towards understanding their energy footprint. Read more »
The newest parts of an International Standard for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) will help devices to seamlessly cross multivendor and multitechnology networks - another step forward for intelligent homes and offices. UPnP technology together with enabling home automation technologies such as KNX (ISO/IEC 14543-3) or Echonet (ISO/IEC 14543-4) makes this possible, because it allows devices to connect and work together, facilitating multiple applications like entertainment, energy efficiency, security and building control, through data and resource sharing, communications, the internet and simplified network establishment. Read more »
The event, featuring the theme Delivering Best Practice, will focus on raising the knowledge and skill levels of information technology systems (ITS) professionals in the many facets of ITS infrastructure through technical presentations, exhibits, guidance on NBN deployment, ‘best practice’ workshops and networking opportunities. Read more »
Lighting, in the home, in commercial and industrial situations and even on the streets, has come a long way in the last 70 years or so. Tungsten lights, sodium lights, cold cathode tubes, mercury vapour, halogen, neon, iodine, CFLs and fluorescent are all still with us but beginning to take a back row compared with the all-advancing, all-shining LED (light emitting diode) that threatens to take over any time soon. Read more »
Many businesses enjoy the flexibility of engaging contractors for certain projects or to assist during busy periods. However, confusion often arises as to whether these so-called contractors are regarded by the law as such. Whether a person is a contractor or an employee will be a question of fact to be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all the relevant factors of the relationship. Read more »
Premise or customer cabling is defined as “cabling beyond the carrier’s network boundary” in the Telecommunications Act (the Act) and involves any cabling that can connect a device to the telecommunications network. Read more »
The upcoming lighting legislation in the US will mandate that lighting manufacturers cease the production of non-efficient lighting and related products, which will change the way facilities consume energy and maintain lighting. Read more »
Businesses considering energy reduction strategies due to projected volatility of energy costs or increased pressure from the investment community to lower the corporate carbon footprint can now make up to more than 40% of energy-efficiency improvements with little or no capital investment. Below are six starting points for an effective energy management system. Read more »
SF6 gas is extensively used in the electrical industry for dielectric insulation and current interruption in circuit breakers, switchgear and other electrical equipment. Using recycled SF6 gas will help reduce carbon emissions and could result in a cost-saving potential of up to 30%. Read more »
The rapid changes in technology have meant that methods previously used for testing equipment are no longer accurate in many cases. Because an electrician comes across new technology on a regular basis, not to have a True RMS (root mean square) meter can be compared to a boxer going into a fight with one arm tied behind his back. In this article, Phil Collins, Engineering Support Manager, Techtronics Australia, explains what True RMS (TRMS) is and how to find it. Read more »
Man first came to understand the value of copper around 10,000 BC. The Romans, Greeks, Aztecs and Egyptians were quite innovative in their use of copper and copper-tin alloys such as bronze and brass. The metal was readily accessible, very ductile and malleable, making it relatively easy to smelt. It also had a natural resistance to corrosion. The current extraordinary rate of development in China and India has significantly increased the demand on this resource, driving the cost of copper to record levels. As the lifeblood of all electrical systems, it is essential that designers and engineers are efficient in their use of copper to produce an economical solution without jeopardising the integrity of the electrical supply system. Read more »
The electrical industry in Australia is characterised by sole traders, family, micro and small businesses, which face daily challenges involved in running a company in difficult times. Read more »
The introduction of the carbon tax and the planned removal of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) are two government policies that will affect the electrical and communications industry. Read more »
The following cautionary tale, which shows the pitfalls of confusing price with cost, is a fairly accurate example of what we have been seeing in customers’ buying practices. What this story shows is that the true cost of wire includes so much more than the material cost. Those looking for true bargains need to consider a variety of factors such as rebates, product guarantees and return policies, and value-add features that may end up saving money in the long run. The calculation of costs must also consider lead time, fill rates, number of shipments to complete an order, as well as payment terms. All play a role in determining the true cost. Read more »
Seifert mtm Systems' second-generation models of the ecool series with speed-controlled compressors offer temperature stability for less component stress. Read more »
Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets projects substantial growth in the OLED lighting materials market Read more »
Businesses are increasingly getting caught out by the Fair Work Ombudsman on sham contracting arrangements. Below are some tips on how to avoid sham contracting arrangements. Read more »
NECA warns consumers should be careful when buying products manufactured overseas as they may not meet Australian standards. Read more »
Research firm Ovum says there will be $213.8bn of new revenues up for grabs in the telecoms sector between 2012 and 2015. Read more »