In Episode 45, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about temperature limitations, general requirements in the NEC as well as the confusion that often surrounds grounding electrodes.

In Episode 44, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sits down with Denise Green, Midwest regional sales manager and national breaker specialist with Group CBS, to cover common questions about how circuit breaker condition affects arc flash safety. Denise presented a very popular webinar on this topic last summer, which is available on demand on the EC&M website for you to listen to in its entirety.

In Episode 43 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is highlighting highlight some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Don Kiper, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about electrical estimating. He answers one of the most common questions he is asked: Do you need to average branch wire estimating?

In Episode 42, we're back with Part 2 of our discussion with Rosendin's CEO Emeritus Mike Greenawalt and Edward Cota with Arizona's Department of Education and chief strategy officer and chairman of the Arizona Education Economic Commission. In today's section, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson continues this fascinating discussion with more information on how construction leaders can benefit from public-private partnerships like this, how to develop similar models to teach in middle schools and high schools, and how to help shift the perception of the skilled trades in not only students’ minds but also their parents. They also cover ways they’re thinking outside the box by harnessing an immersive technological experience to attract kids and create greater interest in a career in the electrical field. And in case you missed Part 1 of our conversation, you can listen to it here.

In Episode 41, we're highlighting Part 2 of Electrical Trainer Harold De Loach's explanation of Art. 100 definitions from the 2024 NEC, which originally ran as a video but is presented in this podcast in an audio-only format. This discussion centers around additional terms every electrician needs to know, including authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), how to recognize key definitions when they’re formed in a question on an electrical exam,  and the difference between bonding and grounding.

In Episode 40, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses solutions to the nation's ongoing construction workforce shortage with Rosendin's CEO Emeritus Mike Greenawalt and Edward Cota with Arizona's Department of Education and chief strategy officer and chairman of the Arizona Education Economic Commission (AEEC). They discuss the new, groundbreaking partnership between Rosendin and Arizona state educators; background of the pre-apprenticeship program created for Grand Canyon University (GCU); and how it works hand in hand with the AEEC. We also dive into Mike's background as a C student to apprenticeship to head of a $3-billion electrical contracting company.

In Episode 39 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief, is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only format. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Harold De Loach, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about which definitions in the National Electrical Code should be mastered first, including technical terms and how to apply them in real-world applications; what specific language can be confusing and why; and what terms every electrical apprentice should have a basic understanding of in order to be successful. He also go over best practices for navigating the Code book most effectively.

In Episode 38, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson talks with a panel of experts to deconstruct trends in the electrical construction industry surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). We cover how this technology is already being used in the industry, what areas are in development that may maximize productivity, big things to watch going forward, and why — despite many people's fears — this technology isn't going to take your job anytime soon.  Our experts include: John Guilfoyle, chief of technology and innovation, Stanley ConsultantsJosh Gillespie, director of BIM/VDC, InterstatesDustin Schafer, chief technology officer, Henderson EngineersAaron Szymanski, Chief Product Officer (CPO), Augmenta To learn more about AI in the electrical construction industry, read the full report by Tim Kridel.

In Episode 37 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Eddie Guidry, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about listing requirements for code compliance with electrical equipment. The main question is must all electrical items be listed, NRTL listed (which is a nationally recognized testing laboratory), or UL listed to be NEC and OSHA compliant? Eddie breaks down those questions and provides practical answers. He also discusses some of the errors made in language when it comes to specifications on electrical equipment, why there are no “blanket” requirements, examples from the field, and common misconceptions in this area.

In Episode 36 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, sits down with friend, long-time colleague, and resident construction industry data expert Jim Lucy to talk about what to watch in the construction market this year. Jim is the editor-in-chief of Electrical Wholesaling magazine, a sister publication to EC&M, as well as the editor of Electrical Marketing newsletter. They discuss industry trends across a variety of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, renewables, institutional, and more. Additionally, Jim shares insights into some of the hottest local markets for electrical professionals.  Jim's full 2024 market report appeared in the December 2023 print issue of EC&M, which you can read here.

In Episode 35 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights, and opinions on all topics electrical, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights a past popular video featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott in this audio-only format. Tommy addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about all things arc flash, including the common concern over how to deal instances when the arc flash study and posted stickers are out of date, how to ensure an electrically safe work condition, arc flash incident energy considerations, the difference between arc flash hazard and arc blast hazard, and what you can do to determine the arc flash hazard for DC systems and battery banks.

In Episode 34 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson meets with some of the top execs from this year’s Top 50 Electrical Contractors special report: Willis Wiedel, Encore Electric; Rob Smith, Sargent Electric; and John Axelson, Hunt Electric. They cover hot button topics, such as how their firms have navigated supply chain challenges, rising material prices, inflation, and worker shortages; what new revenue streams have emerged; how they’ve positioned their companies for growth going forward; and what they believe are the big things to watch in the market moving into 2024 and beyond.

In Episode 34 “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about PPE requirements and disconnect switches, including whether or not you must wear electrical PPE to operate a disconnect switch, applicable NFPA 70E tables, the probability of an arc flash, and what you need to do to be safe when working on this equipment.

In Part 2 of Episode 33 of EC&M On Air, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson continues her conversation with four of this year’s Under 30 Electrical All Stars. In Part 1, Ellen introduced the guests: Luke Snow, Toth & Associates; Maria Ellis, M.C. Dean; Ian Smith, CDM Smith; and Jordan Emch, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In Part 2, they continue to discuss industry trends, learning from older generations while embracing new technologies/methods, challenges faced as a young leader in the electrical industry, and the best advice they have received. For more information on all of the EC&M 30 Under 30 All Stars highlighted in our July 2023 issue, read the original report.

In Episode 33 of EC&M On Air, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sits down with four of this year’s Under 30 Electrical All Stars. Their conversation went so great that we decided to split it into two parts. In Part 1, Ellen introduces the guests: Luke Snow, Toth & Associates; Maria Ellis, M.C. Dean; Ian Smith, CDM Smith; and Jordan Emch, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. They describe how they became interested in the electrical industry and what contributed their success at a young age.  Stay tuned for Part 2, which will be released later this month. For more information on all of the EC&M 30 Under 30 All Stars highlighted in our July 2023 issue, read the original report.

In Episode 32 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Harold De Loach, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about the most common mistakes apprentices make when referencing the National Electrical Code. This includes how the Code book is structured, tips for navigating this massive book when an apprentice is in the early stages of his or her career, how to find the information you need fast, and how to deal with “special permissions” and exceptions.

In Episode 31 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights and opinions on all topics electrical, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, sat down with a few top executives whose engineering firms made our Top 40 Electrical Design Firms list in 2023: Jason Wollum of Henderson Engineers; Brian Leavitt of IMEG; and Darin Anderson of Salas O’Brien. Not only do they cover some of their firms’ secrets to success, but they also talk about the latest trends they’re seeing in the industry as well as the biggest challenges they’re facing in the next few years. For more information, read the full Top 40 special report.

In Episode 30 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about arc flash hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE), including whether it’s ever safe to work above 40 cal/cm2, how to choose the right PPE for your specific situation, how to determine the required PPE when electrical equipment is arc rated or arc resistant, and arc flash hazards for systems less than 480V.

On Episode 29 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights, and opinions on all topics electrical, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M sits down with Gregg Schoppman, Principal at FMI, to talk about his firm’s latest talent study, specifically how these results relate to construction and engineering firms. To read the full report, visit this link.

In this special edition of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sat down with the product managers representing the Platinum, Gold, and Silver winners of EC&M's 2023 Product of the Year competition to learn more about the products’ applications, development process, and end-user benefits. The Platinum Award went to the MegaFlex UL, represented by John Goosseff, global product manager of ABB Inc.. The Gold Award winner is the NFPA LiNK software, represented by Kyle Spencer, director of subscription services for the National Fire Protection Association. The Silver Award went to the M12 cable stapler, represented by Sean Kelley, director of product management for Milwaukee Tool. This year’s competition featured products introduced to the market between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022. A hand-picked panel of judges narrowed down the 110 entries to 34 category winners for the first phase of the competition. These category winners were then narrowed down to our three finalists through an online poll available to EC&M readers, who cast their votes to determine the three award-winning products.   For more information on all three of the 2023 POTY winners and the history of the EC&M Product of the Year competition, read the report by Freelancer Amy Fischbach.