Counterfeit electrical products are proliferating the global electrical market, damaging the reputation and profit of manufacturers, distributors and contractors, while endangering their customers.

As more and more energy-harvesting products hit the market, a growing range of commercial applications and benefits is becoming apparent. So how will this growing field of technology impact on current electrical solutions?

The outlook for Australia into the start of 2009 is rather grim across a number of industry sectors, according to a survey by business and credit analyst firm Dun & Bradstreet.

Changes to West Australian regulations regarding the testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment and RCDs on construction sites will come into effect on 1 January 2009, which will allow the testing to be done by a competent person or a licensed electrician.

WorkSafe Victoria has released a list of the most common injuries and hazards for people working in the electrical trades, along with suggested solutions to minimise these risks.

External power supplies are subject to minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) as specified by AS/NZS 4665. The standard calls for maximum permissible standby power consumption levels, and reflect the increasing attention to rising greenhouse gases and energy costs.

NECA has made a formal submission to the Senate inquiry into the Building and Construction Industry (Restoring Workplace Rights) Bill 2008, arguing against the abolishment of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

UK research reveals that people working in close proximity to compact fluorescent lamps may be exposed to the risks of high UV radiation. The UK government has subsequently approached the European Union to factor these findings in future industry standards.

Recent developments and announcements by major developers, such as NEC, OSRAM OS, GE, Matsushita Electric Works and Koizumi Lighting technology, seem to point towards 2011 as the year where the first commercial OLED lighting applications will appear on the market.

How the financial meltdown may affect the telecommunications industry in 2009.

Concern about rising power costs is the primary motivation for Australian organisations to implement environmentally sustainable information and communications technology (ICT) solutions, according to Frost & Sullivan's latest study — Environmental Sustainability and Technology: Opportunities for Green IT.

Too much night-time illumination can cause problems for stargazing, animal health and may even compromise sleep. So how do you balance public and private interests for night-time lighting?

Demand for bandwidth over the next decade could seriously challenge conventional telecommunication technology, requiring the industry to migrate away from copper-based DSL towards FTTH technology.

The Energy Networks Association (ENA) recently released the Proposed National Framework for Electricity Network Safety document as the recommended approach to national electricity network safety regulation.

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