According to a recent report in The Boston Globe, the combination of increased copper prices and record housing foreclosures in the US state of Massachusetts has resulted in an ‘epidemic’ of house thefts.

Australand has appointed HPM Legrand as its preferred national supplier, with the partnership commencing 1 July 2008.

Tyco Electronics’ networking division AMP Netconnect has launched a new website — www.ampnetconnect.com.au — configured as an information-driven portal where businesses can find useful technical details.

Energy-efficient lighting provider Ilum-a-Lite has been announced as a finalist in the 2008 Telstra Business Awards in both the Social Responsibility and Micro-Business categories.

A recent report from Ovum Research analysing the current status, as well as the future, of optical fibre stated that, at the end of 2007, nearly 29 million subscribers worldwide were connected with fibre infrastructure, mostly via FTTH (fibre-to-the-home) or FTTB (fibre-to-the-building).

SAI Global has released the latest intruder alarm and CCTV Australian Standards — AS/NZS 2201.5:2008 'Intruder alarm systems — Alarm transmission systems’ and AS 4806.4 — 2008 ‘Closed circuit television (CCTV) — Remote video’.

Israeli energy company SDE has signed an agreement to sell sea-wave power plants throughout China, with construction being financed by investors from Hong Kong and China.

Belden recently announced plans to acquire Trapeze Networks, a provider of wireless local area networking (WLAN) equipment, for US$133 million in cash. The acquisition is intended to build on Belden's position as a complete signal transmission solutions provider.

At the 25th NECA Victoria Apprentice Awards, held on 9 July 2008, a talented group of electrical apprentices were recognised for their outstanding academic and technical skills working in industrial, commercial and domestic markets.

Major projects have begun to meet the growing need for power in south-east Queensland, according to Mines and Energy Minister, Geoff Wilson.

SAI Global has announced a new standard to help lighting designers, engineers and manufacturers design, manufacture and install road lighting for the increased safety of pedestrians and vehicles.

The Electrical Trade Union has expressed concern over the way soft wiring is being performed by workers not holding electrician’s licenses.

A Campbellfield company has pleaded guilty to seven workplace health and safety charges after two Chinese workers in Australia on section 457 visas suffered serious injuries in 2006.

Professor Vic Gosbell was honoured by being awarded the M A Sargent Medal for the electrical engineer of the year for 2007, by the Board of Colleges of Electrical Engineers of Engineers Australia, in Melbourne on Friday 6 June.

Lighting manufacturer Philips calls on the government to help prepare Australians for the plan to phase out inefficient incandescent lighting products in November 2008.