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6 22
Contents +

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Glen Hobson - 205-733-1341
SALES DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Hank Underwood - 205-733-1343
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Rick Harless - 205-733-1324
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR/WEB DESIGN
Jacklyn Hobson
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Derek Gaylard
ART DIRECTOR
David Todd

06 The day every electrical contractor will be installing Solar Electric Systems:
That day is either here for most or coming very soon
Executive and Advertising Offices
2070 Valleydale Rd,
Suite # 6 Hoover, AL 35244
toll free: 866.981.4511
phone: 205-733-1341
20 Snap Track Cable Tray and TURCK Quick Disconnect Technology
Reduce Installation and Commissioning Time
fax: 205-733-1344
www.theelectriccurrent.com
The Electric Current is distributed free to qualified sub-
scribers. U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and

22 Solar Installation Simplified

additional mailing offices.

The Electric Current is distributed to to qualified owners

and managers in the electrical industry. Publisher is not li-
able for all content (including editorial and illustrations

34 DAP Technologies Introduces the M4000 Mobile

Handheld Rugged Computer
provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and
does not accept responsibility for any claims made against
the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsi-
bility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or indi-
viduals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of
this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without
prior written permission from the publisher.

36 From where does the temptation to risk life

and limb unnecessarily originate?
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
The Electric Current 2070 Valleydale Rd.,
Suite #6 Hoover, AL 35244

PRINTED IN THE USA

4 The Electric Current January 2011

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Case Study +

The day every ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

will be installing Solar Electric Systems:
That day is either here for most or coming very soon

Solar powered homes, businesses and beyond.

{ It’s not a trend, a fad, or for “Greenies” any longer –

It’s a solid investment and it’s here to stay –
The question is, who is going to take it seriously? We did
Written by Don Elder President of Northglenn Winlectric and SolarElectricDistributor.com
}
THE SUPPLY HOUSE RITUALS Electrical Parts Wholesale warehouse and sessed, the BOM (bill of materials) is sent
the descriptions will be nearly identical re- out to the supply houses, the quotes are
The Distributors Perspective: Ask an elec- gardless of where you ask the question. gathered and the decisions of “where to
trician, apprentice or electrical contractor What you will hear is “The project evolves, purchase” are made.
purchasing agent in America to define their the project is estimated, the materials are as- It’s an ageless cycle of “Distributor to

6 The Electric Current January 2011

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Case Study +

Contractor” and “change” was not fore-

seen in our industry, until the economy
showed all of us that “change” was
mandatory.
WE WERE THE DEFINITION OF
THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY HOUSE
For the sake of this objective article, I
will use my company as the example of
the “Typical Electrical Distributor” as we
were in early 2008. Northglenn Winlec-
tric is located in the city limits of Denver,
CO. Competition in the Denver metro area
is fierce amongst competitors to say the
least. As the economy continued to fail,
so did the opportunities. Margins kept low-
ering and the available projects were a
fraction of what they were only a year
prior. Our company was in jeopardy.
In 2008, we could supply an electrical
contractor with enough materials from
rough-to-finish a dozen+ homes, a
dozen+ commercial TI’s, a few gas sta-
tions and more on any given day out of
our inventory.
Winlectric is part of the Winwholesale
corporation, the nation’s largest Distribu-
tor-Direct to-Contractor organization with
over 600 companies nationwide (most are
the plumbing division Winnelson’s). All
companies are “locally owned” allowing
individuals such as myself to purchase up to
40% of the stock available. What this al-
lows is flexibility in our business model, our
product lines, our direction and Northglenn

8 The Electric Current January 2011

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Case Study +

THE FIRST “SOLAR GUY”

WALKS THRU OUR DOORS THE NAYSAYERS
After establishing relationships with so-
lar specific manufactures such as Multi-Con-
Winlectric was needing a new direction. us. He was met with resistance. tact USA, Wiley Electronics, SMA, Soladeck
As one of the smaller wholesale houses in Geoff had visited nearly every whole- to name a very few, our product line and in-
the metro area we were losing ground. sale house in the metro area and not ventory grew, as well as our inventory dol-
one had the required materials needed lars at a staggering rate but the sales and
THE FIRST “SOLAR GUY” to complete his current or future pro- customer base grew just as quickly. I
WALKS THRU OUR DOORS jects, not one wholesale house had any- have a Board of Directors and the change
In the early spring of 2008, Geoff one on staff that could speak his they viewed was concerning to say the
Vezzetti , part owner of Sun Electric language, we were a last resort and least. Winwholesale is a conservative or-
Systems out of Boulder, CO came to our we had little interest in the beginning ganization that repeats and repeats suc-
counter. Geoff was NOT a “solar guy”, and here is “why”. Geoff relayed to cess in distribution practices in nearly
a “greeny” or a proponent of changing us that ALL, I repeat ALL solar installers every market, “solar” was new and was
the world via alternative energy, in fact across the country had to purchase viewed as “temporary due to incentives”.
Geoff , a Master Electrician was per- these impossible to find solar specific We did the research, we investigated
forming all of the electrical oversight on parts via the internet. and the fact was, Solar energy was here
both the DC (solar)and AC installation As the company owner, I was being to stay regardless of incentives. I write
portion of projects for Bella Energy, one asked by a new customer to start stock- this now, nearly 3 years after purchasing
of Colorado’s largest solar energy com- ing 100’s of expensive, hard to find our first solar product for re-sale and after
panies(Sun Electric Systems is now a di- parts and keep them on the shelf at all multitudes of pressure to “stick with what
vision of Bella Energy). What Geoff times. In return, Geoff would spread the we know best”. The fact is, Solar is still
asked of our company was to supply un- word to both electricians and solar in- here to stay and our company has now
familiar parts/materials for his solar pro- stallers, that there was in fact a supply earned a national reputation and cus-
jects, parts we had not only never heard house that is taking care of the needs tomer base and it’s only the beginning for
of and manufactures that were new to of the solar electric community. our plans and future locations.

10 The Electric Current January 2011

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Case Study +

TRAINING, EDUCATION AND MORE

TRAINING EQUALED OUR SUCCESS
Our first obstacle in becoming a legiti-
mate supplier of solar parts was to learn
the industry. What we found out as a team
immediately is that solar energy systems
are closely related to what we already
knew but the theory and applications dif-
fered vastly. We needed education. The
first step was to take one of my top em-
ployees, Kevin Krieger and have him ob-
tain his NABCEP (North American Board
of Certified Energy Practitioners) Photo- from the new house panel or switch gear powered systems will guarantee solar
voltaic certification, which is recognized as needed in your system, all the way to the power is now a permanent part of our
the nation’s highest certification in the Solar PV module. If it’s in a system, it’s on our economy, it’s viability is now recognized
Energy Installation field. shelf. as a long term investment, both commer-
Kevin introduced to our team via multiple cially and in residential applications.
company trainings concepts, theory, appli- EVERY ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR WILL Let’s talk “payback”. Factor utility rates
cations and the parts used in solar systems. NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR SOLAR are rising and will continue to rise. Esti-
What we quickly understood is that without POWER SYSTEMS mates are that all utility companies across
the knowledge, we were not prepared for Solar Powered Electrical systems. They the nation will on average, increase rates a
the task. Northglenn Winlectric/SED now are in nearly every neighborhood and busi- minimum of 6% to as high as 35% each
employee’s 2 NABCEP certified installers ness community in the country. The notion and every year to compensate for the rise
and a sales team educated and trained to of solar running it’s course and the industry in cost of natural and produced energy
provide not only qualified answers and so- dying out, especially if the rebates and in- sources as well as updating and replacing
lutions, we also can provide in-house de- centives run out, is not logical. Basic eco- the antiquated power distribution system
signed systems that cover the entire system nomics and investment aspects of solar structure. The average “payback” in most

14 The Electric Current January 2011

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Case Study + OUR COMPANY IS PROVIDING A

SOLUTION FOR SUPPLY DEMANDS
metro areas on the east coast and parts of
California is less than 3-5 years for an en-
IN THIS STRONG, NEW INDUSTRY.
tire solar system cost regardless of purchase
cost when taking advantage of rebates and
incentives that typically average 20% up
to 40% depending on location. Payback
even in areas where the energy rates are
inexpensive have a maximum ROI of less
than 10-12 years.
Nearly all components of a solar sys-
tem, most importantly the module, have a
minimum of 10 year warranty and nearly
all PV module manufactures offer a mini-
mum of a 20 year warranty. It’s simple
math, invest in solar and your investment
will eventually pay off and start paying you.
Then there is the ever growing customer
base that is not interested in rebates or in-
centives, rather the independence a solar
system can offer. With the ever occurring
rolling blackouts in certain parts of the
country, and the chance that the grid can
fail at anytime, we are designing and
selling many systems that offer our cus-
tomers complete “off-grid” , or battery
backup solutions. This allows the home
owner and or business owner to function
regardless of the utility.
TRANSFORMING AN INDUSTRY
ONE CONTRACTOR AT A TIME
Our company is providing a solution for
supply demands in this strong, new indus-
try. We have the products and resources
to transition the typical Electrical Contractor
into Electrical Contractor that can now pro-
vide the complete solar solution. With over
800+ established accounts nationwide,
most are electrical contractors and our
sales/design team is helping and educat-
ing the electricians & PM’s to understand
and provide solar solutions in their resi-
dential, commercial and utility projects.
With over 2,000+ solar specific products
we have your solution.
Download our BOS (Balance of System)
spreadsheet at no charge or obligation at
www.sedpv.com/csform today to view a
comprehensive parts list with pricing on the
typical residential pitched roof application.
Shipping on ANY order over $5K is al-
ways free. Call today 866-778-0009 or
visit us at www.sedpv.com to view our
products and services. Locations in New
Jersey and the San Francisco Bay area will
be opening in early 2011 to better serve
your needs. ❑

18 The Electric Current January 2011

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Case Study +

Snap Track Cable Tray and TURCK

Quick Disconnect Technology
Reduce Installation and Commissioning Time

TechLine Manufacturing has introduced a stronger, more efficient cable

tray system for electrical contractors, that in conjunction with the use of TURCK in-
strumentation tray cable (ITC), cordsets and quick disconnect junction boxes, lessens
labor on the plant floor during electrical installation of instrumentation and control
equipment. TechLine’s UL certified Snap Track aluminum cable tray system assem-
bles with patented push pins in place of traditional nuts and bolts. The push pins sim-
ply snap into place without the use of tools, thus reducing installation time. Snap
Track cable tray systems are designed to accommodate the limited width require-
ments of instrumentation cable and have a high load bearing capacity.
TURCK has an extensive line of ITC rated quick disconnect cable for use in place of rigid metal conduit
that eliminates the need for boundary seals in some hazardous locations, reducing installation time, com-
missioning and maintenance.
Snap Track systems include solid side rails with inward “C” configuration to provide superior strength and
cable protection — from the control room to the instrument and all points in between, including drops, brick
panels and service loop attachments at the instrument stand. TURCK’s IP and NEMA rated junction bricks,
equipped with quick disconnect technology, easily mount to TechLine’s panels. The complete line includes
7/8 16UN and M12 standard, miniature, low-profile, terminal chamber and NAMUR junction bricks with
integral cables or home run connectors. They are available for virtually all industrial networks, as well as
HART and analog wiring.
TURCK is an industry leader providing superior quality sensing, connectivity and network products to help
manufacturers improve their automated processes. For other TURCK product or technical information, contact:
1-800-544-7769, turckusa@turck.com or visit www.turck.com ❑

20 The Electric Current January 2011

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Case Study +
Solar Installation
Simplified
The conventional approach to
residential PV system installation in-
volves a myriad of steps including de-
sign, engineering, documenting,
sourcing of components from multiple
sources, off-site receiving and han-
dling, and one-of-a-kind on-site instal-
lation. However, there exists a
simpler, alternative approach that in-
22 The Electric Current January 2011
volves the use of photovoltaic system
packages, sometimes referred to as
“kits”.
Photovoltaic system packages are
pre-engineered, documented, com-
plete systems that are ordered with a
single part number and available in
a wide range of configurations. Pre-
engineering means solar contractors
Ordering using a single
part number saves time in
purchasing while off-the-
shelf availability minimizes
lead time and guarantees
everything will arrive
at the same time as a single
order.
are freed from the details of system
design and are guaranteed a reliable,
proven standard system. The inclusion
of electrical and mechanical draw-
ings translate to less time spent
putting together a submittal package
for the local building department or
obtaining interconnection. Ordering
using a single part number saves time
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Case Study +
in purchasing while off-the-shelf avail-
ability minimizes lead time and guar-
antees everything will arrive at the
same time as a single order. Avail-
able configurations in the hundreds
assure that the requirements of most
installations can be satisfied with a
PV system package.
RELEVANCE TO
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
Solar electric system packages are
not for everyone, but they are ideally
suited for many electrical contractors.
System packages are ideally suited
for electrical contractors who are new
to the solar installation business. Kits
embed the experience that the novice
solar contractor lacks. They allow con-
tractors to focus on their areas of ex-
pertise: selling and installing jobs,
particularly the electrical portion.
Here, system packages help keep con-
tractors out of trouble, insure a quality
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24 The Electric Current January 2011
sys-
tem for the end customer, and safe-
guard the reputation of the industry.
They represent the best formula for
success for electrical contractors new
to the business.
System packages also make sense
for small and/or low volume electri-
cal contractors who have solar expe-
rience. These contractors offer a wide
range of electrical contracting ser-
vices, including solar electric. These
businesses are experienced in solar
installation and can complete up to
12 systems a year, but do not have
the volume to warrant additional
overhead in purchasing, engineering,
inventory, and logistics.
There are also a large number of
small businesses that operate from
their home or a small storefront with
limited or no shop space. These op-
erations sometimes pick up system
packages directly from the freight
carriers dock or have them dropped
shipped to the customer.
In short, system packages save
experienced electrical contractors
time and money by simplifying their
operations.
Regardless of experience or vol-
ume, PV system packages offer elec-
trical contractors a proven,
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Case Study +
streamlined business model. Many
solar contractors base their entire
PV business around system pack-
ages because of their simplicity and
efficiency.
INSTALLATION WITH
A SYSTEM PACKAGE
Solar installation utilizing PV sys-
tem packages is fundamentally simi-
lar to the conventional design-
from-scratch approach, except it is
simplified in many ways.. There are
also processes unique to the installa-
tion of system packages. These are
described below.
STEP 1: SYSTEM SIZING
AND SELECTION
Site evaluation for a solar electric
system is no different for PV system
packages than for conventional sys-
tems; the difference is how the system
is sized and selected.
The conventional procedure is for a
26 The Electric Current January 2011
solar consultant/electrical contractor
to evaluate the site in terms of orien-
tation, shading, roof pitch, roof size
etc. and then turn over the roof plan
to a designer accompanied with elec-
tricity usage data and the customer’s
energy production objective (e.g.
100% system).
PV system packages, being pre-en-
gineered, enable the solar consultant
to size and select the system during
the initial site visit using a configura-
tion table. Once the output of the sys-
tem is determined, the first and most
critical configuration decision is the
selection of the module. SunWize
Grid-Tie System packages have three
module choices providing a spectrum
of price points and efficiencies:
SANYO (high efficiency and price),
SOLON (mid-range efficiency and
price) and Trina Solar (mid-range ef-
ficiency and low price). For instance,
if roof space is limited, then the
SANYO HIT 215 will likely be the
best choice for the system to meet its
production goal. The solar consultant
then refers to the SANYO section of
the configuration table.
Once the module has been selected,
the solar consultant needs to choose
the inverter. The inverter choice may
be driven by factors such as whether it
will be mounted indoors or outdoors
or the installer’s preference of manu-
facturer. SunWize Grid-Tie Systems
offer inverters from the four leading
manufacturers: SMA America, Fro-
nius, Enphase Energy and Schneider
Electric. If the installer prefers SMA,
the solar consultant then goes to the
SMA sub-section.
Finally, the solar consultant locates
the configuration with the desired ar-
ray output (in STC or CEC watts DC)
within the SANYO/SMA section of
the configuration table. SunWize
Grid-Tie Systems have over 300 con-
figurations ranging from 1.1 to 8 kW,
typically in increments of 400 W. For
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Case Study +
SunWize modularizes its packages
into “panels” of three, four or five modules.
larger systems, two or more smaller
systems can be combined. The con-
sultant then decides whether the sys-
tem needs to be ordered with or
without racking. Perhaps the system
won’t be going on the roof, but on the
ground or maybe the system will in-
stalled on a standing seam metal roof
and the S-5! clamp system will be
used to mount the modules.
PV system arrays are modular in
their design so that each system is
compromised of sub-arrays, enabling
them to be configured in an almost in-
finite variety: portrait, landscape, one
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28 The Electric Current January 2011
large array, two or more small arrays,
and so forth. SunWize modularizes
its packages into “panels” of three,
four or five modules. Each panel can
be mounted separately or connected
to each other using splice kits for the
rails. The solar consultant, knowing
the dimensions of the module, will de-
termine how to best arrange the mod-
ules on the roof.
This process can be greatly simpli-
fied. One solar contractor selects a
range of packages from 2 kW to 5
kW (the range eligible for rebates
from the state of Florida) and deter-
mines their retail, installed price for
each system. The salespeople then se-
lects the size that best meets the re-
quirements of the customer based on
their budget, usage, available roof
space, etc. The installation team then
makes a pre-installation site visit to lo-
cate the inverter, design the “home-
run” and determine other details of
the project.
STEP 2: PURCHASING AND DELIVERY
Once a system is selected, pur-
chasing is simple. An order is placed
using the unique single part number
for the system. Due to the stocking of
all system components, installers can
time the purchase close to the instal-
lation date, minimizing their carrying
costs and improving cash flow. Some-
times installers will request the electri-
cal drawing ahead of purchase to
complete their submittal package for a
building department permit.
The installer has the option of having
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Case Study +
the system shipped to their shop or di-
rectly to the job site. Job site delivery
is logistically more challenging be-
cause the timing of the delivery is
sometimes difficult to predict. Not only
does someone have to meet the deliv-
ery, but the delivery address often has
to be accessible to a semi-truck. The
delivery can be specified for truck
equipped with a lift gate and pallet
jack for easy unloading. Another op-
tion, as mentioned, is to pick up the
shipment at the freight carrier’s dock
and take it right to the job.
Aside from checking for freight
damage, the installer double checks,
using a complete BOM (included in
the shipping documents), that all parts
are included in the package shipped.
STEP 3: INSTALLATION
AND INSPECTION
Prior to installation, the installer
needs to have designed, specified
and purchased the electrical connec-
tion between the array and the in-
verter as well as the inverter and the
30 The Electric Current January 2011
electrical panel. The wire, conduit,
connectors, etc. for the “homerun” are
stock items that can be ordered and
picked up or delivered from the local
electrical supply house.
Once the crew arrives at the cus-
tomer site, installation of the system
package is virtually identical to cus-
tom designed system. That is, all the
components and parts are now pre-
sent at the job and installed accord-
ing to standard practices. Again, with
PV system packages, the installation
is not in danger of disruption; the
crew is not slowed down or at a
standstill while someone makes a run
for a missing part.
System packages have also been
known to facilitate inspection by build-
ing officials. There have been enough
system packages sold so that some in-
spectors have developed a sense of
familiarity and comfort with them.
When SunWize’s Dave Holt had his
system inspected by a building in-
spector from the City of Henderson,
NV, he had one look at the docu-
mentation and said “This is another
one of those SunWize systems.” and
signed the permit off.
The hand-off of the system to cus-
tomer is also enhanced with the doc-
umentation provided with system
packages. They receive not only the
technical drawings and installation in-
structions, but also all the manufactur-
ers manuals and warranty information
in one binder.
PV SYSTEM PACKAGES ARE A
SIMPLER, LOWER RISK ALTERNATIVE
In summary, PV system packages
exist in the marketplace as a sim-
pler alternative to piecing together a
system from components. They not
only make sense for newer and
smaller electrical contractors, but
provide a well established business
success formula. ❑
For more information, go to
http://www.sunwize.com/prod-
ucts/solar-grid-tie-systems-solar-in-
stallers.php, email gts@sunwize.com,
or call 866-476-9493.
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New Products +

DAP Technologies
Introduces the M4000 Mobile
Handheld Rugged Computer
New handheld computer ideally suited for warehouse
applications packs in memory, modularity and features

ugged, powerful and lightweight,

R DAP Technologies’ newest M4000

series handheld computer has the
additional advantage of being modular, al-
lowing customers to choose the technology
they need now and easily upgrade as
needs change.
Built on a Windows® CE operating sys-
tem, sealed to IP65 and engineered to with-
stand multiple 1.5 meter (5 foot) drops, the
M4000 is ideally suited to the specific re-
quirements of warehouse environments.
With 128 MB SDRAM and 1 GB flash
ROM standard, DAP’s newest offering pro-
vides ample memory for storing data locally,
while communications options include GPRS
and Summit Radio wireless LAN 802.11b/g.
It also has a user-accessible, expandable SD
slot.
The M4000 series offers a 3.5” 256K
color LCD touch screen with LED backlighting
and a choice between an alpha-numeric
(M4010 model) or alphabetical (M4020
model) keyboard. Customers are not locked
into their decision as keyboards can be
swapped as future needs change.
The same modularity is true of the optional
1D laser or 2D imager scanners, which can
be easily upgraded as technology advances.
Customers can also choose standard or high-
capacity Li-ion battery packs, and optional
GPS or RFID functionality.
“Many of today’s companies are still using
paper-based systems to manage inventory,
shipments and fleets,” said Khalid Kidari, di-
rector of product management and marketing
for DAP Technologies. “DAP’s M4000 series
rugged computers give those companies the

34 The Electric Current January 2011

0111TECp06-40 12/22/10 3:46 PM Page 35

opportunity to make the transition to mobile computers for demanding cently consolidated the Duros and
a more efficient, computer-based sys- industries and harsh environments. DAP product lines under the DAP
tem that reduces human error and DAP’s computers improve data brand.
boosts productivity, without locking collection, processing and trans- Now DAP has been expanded to
into technology that has a limited mission in numerous industries, in- include a full range of rugged com-
lifespan.” cluding utilities, field service, puters from mobile handhelds to
DAP’s voice-ready M4000 series identity management, transportation fixed-mount solutions. For more in-
handhelds features four program- and logistics. DAP Technologies re- formation, visit www.daptech.com. ❑
mable function keys and four scan-
ner trigger buttons—two each on the
left and right sides—which er-
gonomically fit the user rather than
the user needing to adapt to the de-
vice. It also can be equipped with a
removable pistol grip or vehicle-
mounted.
The rugged M4000 series is 7.5 x
3.5 x 1.5 inches (193 x 91 x
42 mm) and weighs a little
over a pound (595 g). It
runs on a Marvell®
PXA270 520MHz proces-
sor.
“The modularity of DAP’s
M4000 means that cus-
tomers not only have
choices at the time of pur-
chase, they can swap out
elements like the type of
keyboard, RFID readers or
scanners as their needs
change or technology ad-
vances,” said Eric Miller,
vice president of DAP Tech-
nologies. “Customers aren’t
locked into their original de-
cisions by cost-prohibitive up-
grades. That’s true
future-proofing, and we’re of-
fering it on a competitively
priced computer.”
Earlier this year, DAP re-
leased its M2000 series, a
smaller handheld computer
with similar functionality, mod-
ularity and ruggedness. The
M2000 and M4000 series
computers are intended to
complement one another in
warehouse environments.
About DAP
Technologies
DAP Technologies has of-
fices in Tempe, Ariz.; Que-
bec City; and Abingdon, U.K.,
and designs and manufactures
rugged PDA, handheld and
Visit us at: www.americantech.net

The Electric Current January 2011 35

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Industry News
+

From where does the temptation

to risk life and limb
unnecessarily originate?
he trait seems to be instinctual in na- old and battered bicycle was saddled, with- mark of a normal and well-spent childhood. It

T ture. Surely many still remember, when

recalling their youth, the sound of their
mother’s shrieking voice, that was often ignored
or outright disobeyed as the next higher tree
branch was reached for and scaled, or as an
out even the thought of donning a helmet cross-
ing the mind, in the conquest of the tallest and
steepest downhill run in the city. Most will un-
doubtedly leave behind such adolescent folly
is inevitable that youth and ignorance will be re-
placed by age and responsibility, in most cases
anyhow.
The medical establishment will often ask, at
and the destructive tendencies that are a hall- the onset of a study, if the causes of a particular

36 The Electric Current January 2011

0111TECp06-40 12/22/10 3:36 PM Page 37

ailment are a function of genetics or en- been accomplished with a minor overlap in formed on a semi-regular basis was the con-
vironment or perhaps a mixture of both. shifts. A gas detector for air quality monitoring dition and security inspections required of two
With regards to the area of industrial as well as an adequate portable retrieval sys- 1940’s-era water storage towers. Said towers
safety, or lack thereof, the “ailment” is tem would have been a wise and relatively were built by the U.S. Army Corp. of Engi-
most certainly a function of environment. small investment in the interest of the worker’s neers some time after World War II and were
Although it seems that the youthful “lust well being as well the employer’s financial completely devoid of any safety provisions. In-
for risk” is lost with regards to one’s interests. spection of the towers required the scaling of an
recreation and personal life through Another potentially disaster-laden task per- un-caged, steel ladder to the top of the seventy
age, the tendency to take risks “on the
job” seems to remain strong unless an
environment of safety is continuously
fostered. I worked my way through col-
lege, among other things, as a land
reservation’s maintenance person. And
during the course of those years, I never
would have anticipated that one day, I
would be working directly within the
safety industry. Perhaps the fact that
this editorial is even being written now,
can be contributed to some type of
“penance” for the sins of a young
worker. It is only now, at this point in
my life, due to the fact that I am first-
handedly tasked with preventing unsafe
practices and habits that I can truly un-
derstand the dangers that were a part
of a daily routine. Similar routine, no
doubt, still exist in great numbers today
predominately due to a lack of safety
education.
As an 18 year old “kid” I had never
even heard the phrase “permit required
confined space” yet the reservation in
which I was employed was littered with
them. Regular access to quite a few
underground vaults which housed the
mechanical components for the
labyrinth-like water system that lay like a
web over the 2000 acre area was regularly re-
quired for routine maintenance and water qual-
ity inspections. These tasks were performed
alone with no consideration for prescribed con-
fined space protocol. The potential for disaster
was definitely there, and help might have been
days away, as it was common to have only
one maintenance person on duty over the
course of a two to three day period. The ex-
ample is given, not as a testament to “blatant
disregard” for the regulations, but on the con-
trary “total ignorance” of the regulations. A
transition to safe work practices would have
been so simple, but the need was not realized,
and the knowledge was not readily available.
Simple changes would have included limiting
maintenance activities which involved entry to
days where two workers were on duty and
could act as a team; this could have easily
Visit us at: www.procyon2.com

The Electric Current January 2011 37

0111TECp06-40 12/22/10 3:36 PM Page 38
Industry News
+
foot tall tank where the hatches were accessed
and inspected. The task was always per-
formed by a single worker at the termination of
a 30 minute drive along a picturesque albeit
deserted forest service road and the use of any
type of fall protection during this task was not
even a consideration. Help, if required, would
likely not have been available or accessible if a
disaster had occurred. The scenario described,
again considered routine, is no less danger-
ous as a result of ignorance, what you know
can hurt you. The total lack of a team ap-
proach and an implemented fall protection
plan could have led to a fatality in an instant.
Only now, over the last decade or so have I be-
come aware of all of the simple and cost ef-
fective products that are available on the market
that would have all but eliminated the potential
for disaster in such a scenario. A simple over-
head-mounted davit system coupled with a re-
tractable lifeline and harness would have
afforded inexpensive protection and cheap in-
surance against a catastrophic accident.
Well, “Who Knew?” At the time, no one,
and a complete absence of a culture of safety
Visit us at: www.agbody.com
38 The Electric Current January 2011
with regards to working at heights and amid
confined spaces is to blame for the scenarios
that thankfully never resulted in a serious injury
or death. Even in those days, not too long
ago, workers employed in larger, high-profile
industries had been aware of the potential for
injury and death and you can bet that their
employer’s accountants were equally aware
of the associated costs of accidents and lost
time. As a result, fall protection and confined
space safety equipment had been imple-
mented and engrained in the workforce for a
generation or more. Where does the small, in-
dependent worker or contractor fall into the
big safety picture, and how do they become
better educated and safe when it’s not corpo-
rate policy? In a situation where the entrant
or climber is also the Sales Department, Safety
Officer, and the CEO, who is ultimately re-
sponsible for safety? Small outfits, to some de-
gree, can continue to “fly under the radar”,
avoid regulators and fines, and in the process
perhaps save a dollar or two, but the luck will
undoubtedly run out at some point. Each one
of us must bear the responsibility as a human
being to “Be Safe” in our vocational lives, if
not for the benefit of one’s own life and limb,
but in the interest of the young, impressionable
worker around us who needs to learn a trade
as well as the safety practices which will get
them home safe at the end of the day through
firsthand experience and the influence of a
positive example. ❑
Christopher Duke is the Engineering Man-
ager at T.A. Pelsue Company. T.A. Pelsue
has over 40 years of experience in the tele-
com and industrial safety fields. Christopher
can be reached at chrisd@pelsue.com
Visit us at: www.arpiusa.com
0111TECpFPads 12/22/10 3:50 PM Page 39

Visit us at: www.cementexusa.com

0111TECp06-40:0111TECp06-40 12/27/10 12:41 PM Page 40

Advertiser Index +
Company Name Page Number Website
AG Body, Inc. 38 www.agbody.com

American Technical Publishers 35 www.americantech.net

Bierer & Associates 9 www.bierermeters.com

California Turbo 29 www.californiaturbo.com

Cementex 39 www.cementexusa.com

DH Solar 11 www.dhsolar.net

Draft Logic Electrical 1 www.draftlogic.com

E-Z Meter 2 www.ezmeter.com

ERICO 15 www.erico.com

Hayward Baker BC www.haywardbaker.com

Hioki USA 5 www.Hiokiusa.com

Jonas Software IFC www.jonasconstruction.com

Krenz Vent 24 www.krenzvent.com

KVAR IBC www.kvar.com

NABCEP 12 www.nabcep.com

Ontility 13 www.ontility.com

Pelsue 21 www.pelsue.com

Phase- A- Matic 33 www.phase-a-matic.com

Power Sight 25 www.powersight.com

Procyon 2 37 www.procyon2.com

Ram Mount 23 www.ram-mount.com

S & C Electric 3 www.sandc.com

SED 19 www.SEDPV.com

Steelman Industries 24 www.steelman.com

Sun Electronics 17 www.sunelec.com

Sun Wize 31 www.sunwize.com

Surge Suppression 27 www.surgesuppression.com

Techline Mfg. 7 www.techlinemfg.com

Underground Devices Inc. 28 www.udevices.com

Utlity Metals 16 www.utlitymetals.com

Wisman Enterprises 32 www.twistarp.com

40 The Electric Current January 2011

0111TECpFPads 12/22/10 3:51 PM Page C3

Visit us at: www.kvar.com

0111TECpFPads 12/22/10 3:51 PM Page C4

Visit us at: www.haywardbaker.com