Category Archives: Engineering

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

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

NEMA Enclosures (2013-11-21)

NEMA refers to the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association. This group focuses on developing product standards, government standards, and market economics (per their website www.nema.org). The electrical industry has adopted NEMA’s standard and testing requirements for rating electrical enclosures. Although NEMA does not offer any testing or certifying services, we refer to enclosures by their NEMA rating. Continue reading