Author Archives: Mick

Generators and E-stops

On a recent project, we have had some back and forth with the Louisiana State Fire Marshall (SFM) in regards to the requirements for an E-stop (Remote manual stop station). The following is a summary of occurrences.

The 2016 NFPA 110 requirements are as follows:

5.6.5.6* All installations shall have a remote manual stop station of a type to prevent inadvertent or unintentional operation located outside the room housing the prime mover, where so installed, or elsewhere in the premises where the prime mover is located outside the building. Continue reading →

401k and rolling it over

Typically, engineers will work at an employer for roughly 3 to 5 years. This statistic was relayed to me back in 2007, and I don’t have any indication of whether it’s true or made up. However, due to my own experiences in the work field, it seems to hold somewhat valid as I have been employed by multiple employers and are typically laid off due to lack of available work. In a sense, engineering is simply a “padded” version of the construction industry where gearing up and gearing down in manpower usually happens at a slower scale. Continue reading →

Dynamic Message Sign

Within the past year, I was tasked with the electrical design of installing 15 dynamic message signs (DMS) for the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission, more commonly known as “The Causeway.” As the project begins to come to a close, the GNOEC has learned of a case in Iowa where placing interesting messages on a roadway sign may assist in getting drivers to pay attention, and effectively lowering the rate of traffic incidents. I’m not familiar enough with traffic studies or measures to minimize distracted driving to comment on whether or not it’s a good idea. Regardless, the sign messaging has started over the Easter Holidays.

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Upcoming NEC 110.24 changes

If you’re working a project that involves adding a new utility service, your project may become infected (affected /grin) by NEC 110.24.

Back in 2011, the NFPA code committee added section 110.24 to the National Electrical Code. Snips of how the code has developed further below. The 2011 code panel developed the rule stating that for service equipment other than residential needs to be field marked with the calculated available fault current. Continue reading →

School classes building an engineer foundation

Many individuals outside the realm of engineering including school children struggle to grasp the concept of an engineer’s job. An online search will yield some type of result as engineers are primarily involved in solving problems by using math, physics, and creative thinking. Technically, the above statement is true, but what about the other subjects taught in school? Continue reading →

My Safety Victory

safety-first1In April of 2016, I was able to offer a lunch and learn presentation to my colleagues. The basis of the presentation was Intro to General Safety. The presentation consisted of the following:

  • Occupational Health & Safety Act
  • Responsibilities of the employer
  • Responsibilities of the employee
  • A general overview of a workplace assessment
  • Protection & limitations of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Limitations of Fall Protection
  • Hazards of confined spaces
  • Overview of performing a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Continue reading →

Backing up Electronic Work

As an engineer that is in the process of starting up his own LLC, my scope of work has varied greatly. A young engineer starting out begins a career concerned primarily about design, certifications, and job opportunities. As a “more experienced” ( I’m not going to say OLD) engineer that is planning on starting a new LLC, the concerns include designs, certifications & licensing, business development, accounting practices, insurance coverage, planning for emergencies, etc. One of the unexpected issues I’m addressing today is the failure to back up the blog prior to switching hosting plans.

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