MMCSA had found that it had outgrown its existing phone system, which lacked desired contemporary features. An additional driver was the requirement for a new wing to house staff, after administrative consolidation of the group. After investigating a number of options, MMCSA CEO Marcia Fisher decided on a system proposed by A-COM Solutions. [ + ]

The much maligned smart meter was ostensibly born from the noblest of intentions: to ensure that power consumption, particularly peak demand utilisation, is charged to the responsible party and not subsidised by all users. A worthy goal no doubt, yet one which has undeniably been lost in a sea of negative publicity. [ + ]

Copper-clad aluminium (CCA) has been used in electrical cable for many years, being engineered to provide lightweight reticulation solutions appropriate to specific applications. However, the electrical and communications industries should be aware that CCA is not engineered for use in telecommunications and data cables. [ + ]

Many countries are turning to solar technology and renewable energy because of a need for alternative energy sources and environmental concerns. To help meet these needs, DNV has developed SUNdy, a large-scale offshore solar field concept. [ + ]

The National Measurement Institute (NMI) plans to lift the current exemptions for electricity meters and will introduce new legislation on 1 January 2013. The new legislation will remove the current exemption for some categories of electricity meter under the National Measurement Act 1960. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is, and always has been, a voice and firm advocate for the wellbeing of electrical contractors and their workers. Which is why we have continually taken a strong stand and lobbied against issues that adversely affect the electrical contracting industry and the people who work within it. [ + ]

The federal government has announced it will double the incentive paid to employers for an additional 21,000 electricians, plumbers and other construction tradespeople. [ + ]

Lighting at 1 Bligh Street in Sydney is being controlled with the help of EBDSPIR DD and MWS5 detectors manufactured by CP Electronics. The building is the next generation in high-performance sustainable office space and has been awarded a 6 Green Star Office Design v2 certification by the Building Council of Australia. [ + ]

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is calling for policy and regulatory reforms to cut the increasing amount of government red tape that is costing electrical and communications contractors both time and money. [ + ]

The ideal printing system for labelling components in electrical environments is chosen based on workflows and print volume. Requirements regarding materials and the durability of the print result are determined by the application. [ + ]

AFAC and ASIAL have guidelines intended to assist security companies to install, service and monitor smoke detectors/sensors connected to security alarm systems in an appropriate manner, without detailed knowledge of fire alarm standards, individual state regulations or building codes. [ + ]

In its simplest sense, the ‘cloud’ in the context of ‘cloud computing’ can be viewed as a alternative term for the internet. In the perfect vision of a cloud-based world, the size, power and location of network devices is not a concern for the user. Once the user has plugged into the cloud, the transmission, receiving and storing of data takes place without any concern for the mechanics of how this happens. This concept has long been accepted in the consumer world, but now cloud service providers are applying a similar philosophy to the business world. [ + ]

The Australian designed EcoSwitch eliminates standby power used by appliances and equipment when they are plugged in, but not in use. EcoSwitch plugs in between a power point and power board and is designed so that users can switch off all appliances or equipment easily. [ + ]

While smart meters receive the hype, reclosers are the true building blocks of the intelligent electrical distribution grid, underpinning its reliability. [ + ]

In the contractor world, the termination process is probably the most important aspect of network installation. In this article, Mark Putica explains pros, cons and trends in cable termination and installation to help you make the right decision. [ + ]