EC&M On Air

In Episode 60, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses major topics around the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure market with three industry experts: Clif Orcutt of Henderson Engineers, Rick Azer of Black & Veatch, and John Eichberger of the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI). Their conversation was so informative, we decided to split it into two parts, with Part 1 covering the state of the EV charging industry, challenges around regulations, application 2023 NEC revisions, and more. This episode is Part 2, which covers vertical market demand and the surge in certain markets; how the election results may impact EV charging infrastructure projects on the federal level; new activity in 2024 and moving into 2025; consumer trends; OEM responses to consumer behavior; and what to look out for moving into 2025.

In Episode 59 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing electrical questions. This episode highlights the 2023 NEC requirements for reconditioned equipment. Randy starts with a discussion about how the 2023 NEC has expanded its requirements regarding reconditioned equipment. Next, he summarizes important changes and explains how those apply to you. Finally, he outlines marking requirements when dealing with reconditioned equipment.

In Episode 58, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses major topics around the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure market with three industry experts: Clif Orcutt of Henderson Engineers, Rick Azer of Black & Veatch, and John Eichberger of the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI). Their conversation was so informative, we decided to split it into two parts. This episode covers the current state of the EV market; how regulations around greenhouse gas reductions drive EV infrastructure action; common charging issues around maintenance/operations and network connectivity; challenges surrounding EVSE regulations; and application 2023 NEC revisions. Part 2 of this conversation is out now, and it covers vertical market demand, consumer insights, upcoming EVSE trends for 2025, and more.

In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. In Episode 57, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott on the podcast. Tommy starts with a discussion on the direct connection between electrical safety and electrical equipment maintenance. For background, he provides a brief history of electrical maintenance over the years, which ultimately resulted in the creation of NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, and how this recommended practice officially became a standard as of 2023.

In Episode 56 of EC&M On Air, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sat down with a few of this year's Top 50 electrical contractor executives to discuss the biggest challenges that electrical contractors are facing along with the current state and future of AI adoption. Our guests include Gaël Pirlot of Inglett & Stubbs, Tony Mann of E-J Electric Installation Co., and Chuck Goodrich of Gaylor Electric. Since their conversation was so insightful (and ran long), we decided to split it into two parts to make sure listeners don't miss any of this great conversation. If you missed Part 1 on electrical industry market trends, you can check it out on your favorite podcast app or on our website.

ICYMI, Episode 55 features an audio-only version of a popular past EC&M Asks video. This Q&A features SME Don Kiper of Estimating 101, who addresses addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about electrical estimating, including how to talk to contractors about selecting the right software solution, aspects to consider when making that decision, and how quality software can increase productivity and improve cost savings.

In Episode 54, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sat down with a few of this year's Top 50 electrical contractor executives to discuss some of the most significant electrical industry trends: Gaël Pirlot of Inglett & Stubbs, Tony Mann of E-J Electric, and Chuck Goodrich of Gaylor Electric. Their conversation was incredibly insightful and ran on the long side, we decided to split it into two parts to make sure listeners don't miss any of this great conversation. We'll publish the rest of their discussion next month, which will cover these execs' takes on AI adoption and business challenges. You can also visit the EC&M website to read the full Top 50 special report, see the complete rankings, and view some of their biggest projects in the past year.

In Episode 53, we're featuring an audio-only version of a popular video from Eddie Guidry, who addresses some of our readers' most pressing questions regarding the differences between NEC and OSHA electrical requirements — and why we need both. He also explains the scope and enforcement of OSHA citations in electrical settings as well as describes the difference between what's considered "approved" and "acceptable" in the NEC vs. OSHA. Eddie’s been in the electrical industry for more than 45 years, and sits on many national and international industry codes and standards committees.

In Episode 52 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is featuring EC&M’s 2024 Product of the Year Winners! The Platinum Winner is Eaton's KwikRail cable tray. The Gold Winner is Lex Product's PowerRACK for outdoor use. The Silver Winner is ABB's Spec Setter safety switch. To learn more about each of the three overall winners, read the special report. You can also check out all of this year's Product of the Year entries to see the latest in electrical product innovation.

In Episode 51 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights and opinions on all topics electrical. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This episode features subject matter expert Don Kiper, owner of Estimating 101, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about electrical estimating. Don outlines six factors to keep in mind when you’re considering using a third-party estimator.

In Episode 50 of the EC&M On Air podcast, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, introduces a few of this year's 2024 30 Under 30 Electrical All Stars: Jose Alvarez, Unity Power Services; Khalid Hachil, Stantec; Sierra English, Phoenix Electrical JATC; and Hazen Ring, Vanguard Electrical. They discuss about some of their secrets to success related to them moving up so quickly in the electrical industry at such a young age, along with insights about the latest challenges they’re seeing in the industry, what it’s like for the new generation in the electrical industry, what’s most important to them in their careers, and their opinions on the big things to watch in the next couple of years. To meet the rest of this year's 30 Under 30 All Stars, read the special report, which appeared in the July 2024 print issue.

In Episode 49 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about arc flash hazards, including why calculating the blast radius for debris during an arc flash event can be more complicated than you might think, the difference between arc flash versus arc blast hazards, the consequences for not performing regular maintenance on electrical equipment, how circuit breakers work to clear a fault to minimize potential damage, and safety best practices when conducting thermography or infrared scans on energized electrical equipment.

In Episode 48 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights, and opinions on all topics electrical, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief, sits down with a few top executives whose engineering firms made our Top 40 Electrical Design Firms list in 2024: Kunal Shal of PBS Engineers, Chris Sacco with Core States Group, and Adam Toth of Toth & Associates. They dissect some of their firms’ secrets to success, industry trends, and biggest challenges they expect to face in upcoming years.

Welcome to Episode 47 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine. Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series and features Ron Widup, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about electrical busway in commercial applications. Ron starts with a discussion on the basic construct of a bus duct and then moves on to how to avoid a bus duct failure as well as where installers can look for guidance. He also enlists the expertise of insurance expert and engineer John Weber to speak on common failure scenarios and recommendations for prevention. Ron Widup is the vice chairman, board of directors, and senior advisor of technical services for Shermco Industries and has been with Shermco since 1983.

In Episode 46, Ellen Parson had the chance to sit down one of the authors of FMI's 2023 Labor Productivity Study to discuss how the ongoing workforce shortage continues to plague the nation's construction industry. Tyler Paré, who leads FMI's Performance practice, dissects the most important data/trends and shares how contractors can establish sound operating procedures. This conversation is based on a popular article we published in our March 2024 print issue. You can read the special report here.

In Episode 45, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about temperature limitations, general requirements in the NEC as well as the confusion that often surrounds grounding electrodes.

In Episode 44, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sits down with Denise Green, Midwest regional sales manager and national breaker specialist with Group CBS, to cover common questions about how circuit breaker condition affects arc flash safety. Denise presented a very popular webinar on this topic last summer, which is available on demand on the EC&M website for you to listen to in its entirety.

In Episode 43 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is highlighting highlight some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Don Kiper, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about electrical estimating. He answers one of the most common questions he is asked: Do you need to average branch wire estimating?

In Episode 42, we're back with Part 2 of our discussion with Rosendin's CEO Emeritus Mike Greenawalt and Edward Cota with Arizona's Department of Education and chief strategy officer and chairman of the Arizona Education Economic Commission. In today's section, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson continues this fascinating discussion with more information on how construction leaders can benefit from public-private partnerships like this, how to develop similar models to teach in middle schools and high schools, and how to help shift the perception of the skilled trades in not only students’ minds but also their parents. They also cover ways they’re thinking outside the box by harnessing an immersive technological experience to attract kids and create greater interest in a career in the electrical field. And in case you missed Part 1 of our conversation, you can listen to it here.

In Episode 41, we're highlighting Part 2 of Electrical Trainer Harold De Loach's explanation of Art. 100 definitions from the 2024 NEC, which originally ran as a video but is presented in this podcast in an audio-only format. This discussion centers around additional terms every electrician needs to know, including authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), how to recognize key definitions when they’re formed in a question on an electrical exam, and the difference between bonding and grounding.

In Episode 40, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses solutions to the nation's ongoing construction workforce shortage with Rosendin's CEO Emeritus Mike Greenawalt and Edward Cota with Arizona's Department of Education and chief strategy officer and chairman of the Arizona Education Economic Commission (AEEC). They discuss the new, groundbreaking partnership between Rosendin and Arizona state educators; background of the pre-apprenticeship program created for Grand Canyon University (GCU); and how it works hand in hand with the AEEC. We also dive into Mike's background as a C student to apprenticeship to head of a $3-billion electrical contracting company.

In Episode 39 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief, is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only format. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Harold De Loach, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about which definitions in the National Electrical Code should be mastered first, including technical terms and how to apply them in real-world applications; what specific language can be confusing and why; and what terms every electrical apprentice should have a basic understanding of in order to be successful. He also go over best practices for navigating the Code book most effectively.

In Episode 38, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson talks with a panel of experts to deconstruct trends in the electrical construction industry surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). We cover how this technology is already being used in the industry, what areas are in development that may maximize productivity, big things to watch going forward, and why — despite many people's fears — this technology isn't going to take your job anytime soon. Our experts include: John Guilfoyle, chief of technology and innovation, Stanley Consultants Josh Gillespie, director of BIM/VDC, Interstates Dustin Schafer, chief technology officer, Henderson Engineers Aaron Szymanski, Chief Product Officer (CPO), Augmenta To learn more about AI in the electrical construction industry, read the full report by Tim Kridel.

In Episode 37 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Eddie Guidry, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about listing requirements for code compliance with electrical equipment. The main question is must all electrical items be listed, NRTL listed (which is a nationally recognized testing laboratory), or UL listed to be NEC and OSHA compliant? Eddie breaks down those questions and provides practical answers. He also discusses some of the errors made in language when it comes to specifications on electrical equipment, why there are no “blanket” requirements, examples from the field, and common misconceptions in this area.

In Episode 36 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, sits down with friend, long-time colleague, and resident construction industry data expert Jim Lucy to talk about what to watch in the construction market this year. Jim is the editor-in-chief of Electrical Wholesaling magazine, a sister publication to EC&M, as well as the editor of Electrical Marketing newsletter. They discuss industry trends across a variety of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, renewables, institutional, and more. Additionally, Jim shares insights into some of the hottest local markets for electrical professionals. Jim's full 2024 market report appeared in the December 2023 print issue of EC&M, which you can read here.

In Episode 35 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights, and opinions on all topics electrical, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights a past popular video featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott in this audio-only format. Tommy addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about all things arc flash, including the common concern over how to deal instances when the arc flash study and posted stickers are out of date, how to ensure an electrically safe work condition, arc flash incident energy considerations, the difference between arc flash hazard and arc blast hazard, and what you can do to determine the arc flash hazard for DC systems and battery banks.

In Episode 34 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson meets with some of the top execs from this year’s Top 50 Electrical Contractors special report: Willis Wiedel, Encore Electric; Rob Smith, Sargent Electric; and John Axelson, Hunt Electric. They cover hot button topics, such as how their firms have navigated supply chain challenges, rising material prices, inflation, and worker shortages; what new revenue streams have emerged; how they’ve positioned their companies for growth going forward; and what they believe are the big things to watch in the market moving into 2024 and beyond.

In Episode 34 “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is highlighting some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about PPE requirements and disconnect switches, including whether or not you must wear electrical PPE to operate a disconnect switch, applicable NFPA 70E tables, the probability of an arc flash, and what you need to do to be safe when working on this equipment.

In Part 2 of Episode 33 of EC&M On Air, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson continues her conversation with four of this year’s Under 30 Electrical All Stars. In Part 1, Ellen introduced the guests: Luke Snow, Toth & Associates; Maria Ellis, M.C. Dean; Ian Smith, CDM Smith; and Jordan Emch, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. In Part 2, they continue to discuss industry trends, learning from older generations while embracing new technologies/methods, challenges faced as a young leader in the electrical industry, and the best advice they have received. For more information on all of the EC&M 30 Under 30 All Stars highlighted in our July 2023 issue, read the original report.

In Episode 33 of EC&M On Air, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sits down with four of this year’s Under 30 Electrical All Stars. Their conversation went so great that we decided to split it into two parts. In Part 1, Ellen introduces the guests: Luke Snow, Toth & Associates; Maria Ellis, M.C. Dean; Ian Smith, CDM Smith; and Jordan Emch, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. They describe how they became interested in the electrical industry and what contributed their success at a young age. Stay tuned for Part 2, which will be released later this month. For more information on all of the EC&M 30 Under 30 All Stars highlighted in our July 2023 issue, read the original report.

In Episode 32 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Harold De Loach, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about the most common mistakes apprentices make when referencing the National Electrical Code. This includes how the Code book is structured, tips for navigating this massive book when an apprentice is in the early stages of his or her career, how to find the information you need fast, and how to deal with “special permissions” and exceptions.

In Episode 31 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights and opinions on all topics electrical, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, sat down with a few top executives whose engineering firms made our Top 40 Electrical Design Firms list in 2023: Jason Wollum of Henderson Engineers; Brian Leavitt of IMEG; and Darin Anderson of Salas O’Brien. Not only do they cover some of their firms’ secrets to success, but they also talk about the latest trends they’re seeing in the industry as well as the biggest challenges they’re facing in the next few years. For more information, read the full Top 40 special report.

In Episode 30 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about arc flash hazards and personal protective equipment (PPE), including whether it’s ever safe to work above 40 cal/cm2, how to choose the right PPE for your specific situation, how to determine the required PPE when electrical equipment is arc rated or arc resistant, and arc flash hazards for systems less than 480V.

On Episode 29 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights, and opinions on all topics electrical, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M sits down with Gregg Schoppman, Principal at FMI, to talk about his firm’s latest talent study, specifically how these results relate to construction and engineering firms. To read the full report, visit this link.

In this special edition of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sat down with the product managers representing the Platinum, Gold, and Silver winners of EC&M's 2023 Product of the Year competition to learn more about the products’ applications, development process, and end-user benefits. The Platinum Award went to the MegaFlex UL, represented by John Goosseff, global product manager of ABB Inc.. The Gold Award winner is the NFPA LiNK software, represented by Kyle Spencer, director of subscription services for the National Fire Protection Association. The Silver Award went to the M12 cable stapler, represented by Sean Kelley, director of product management for Milwaukee Tool. This year’s competition featured products introduced to the market between Jan. 1, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022. A hand-picked panel of judges narrowed down the 110 entries to 34 category winners for the first phase of the competition. These category winners were then narrowed down to our three finalists through an online poll available to EC&M readers, who cast their votes to determine the three award-winning products. For more information on all three of the 2023 POTY winners and the history of the EC&M Product of the Year competition, read the report by Freelancer Amy Fischbach.

In Episode 28 of “EC&M On Air,” we're bringing to you one of our most popular EC&M Asks Q&A video series in an audio-only format. It features subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about all things grounding and bonding, including whether or not the main grounding electrode conductor can be spliced, 3-pole vs. 4-pole automatic transfer switch grounding and separately derived systems, grounding diesel engine driven backup generator as compared to natural gas generators, and understanding auxiliary electrodes.

On Episode 27 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M sits down with Rocky Rowlett, vice president of safety for Faith Technologies Incorporated (FTI), to talk about all things electrical safety, specifically how FTI treats safety as a culture at their company.

In case you missed it, we're featuring one of Electrical Trainer Harold De Loach's popular EC&M Asks video Q&A's in Episode 26, where he covers how to understand the layout of the NEC.

In Episode 25 of “EC&M On Air,” a podcast series from EC&M magazine that shares industry intelligence, insights and opinions on all topics electrical, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson presents a special edition in honor of Father’s Day, which was celebrated this past Sunday on June 18. She sat down with father and son duo Bruce Clodfelter, Sr. and Bruce Clodfelter, Jr. who work at Rosendin Electric. It’s common for electrical work to run in families or be passed down to the next generation, but this story puts a little twist on passing the torch.

In Episode 24, we're featuring an audio-only version of a popular EC&M video on readers’ most pressing questions about arc flash hazards. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott.

In Episode 23, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson dives into the topic of how to reduce lost labor hours on electrical construction job sites with a panel of experts and contractors: Dr. Perry Daneshgari, CEO and president, and Dr. Heather Moore, vice president of customer care and support, from MCA Inc.; Neil Davidson, executive vice president of Commonwealth Electrical Company of the Midwest; and Rich Shumway, general manager for Wilcox Electric. For more information, read “How to Reduce Lost Labor Hours on Electrical Construction Projects” by Freelancer Tim Kridel, which was the cover story for our February 2023 print issue.

In Episode 21, we highlight an audio-only version of a popular training video featuring reader Q&A’s. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about grounding and bonding.

In Episode 21, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses some of the biggest construction trends of 2023 with Jim Lucy, Editor-in-Chief of EC&M’s sister publications, Electrical Wholesaling and Electrical Marketing. For more information on this topic, read Jim’s latest article on “10 Big-Money Construction Projects for 2023,” which originally appeared in EC&M’s February 2023 print edition.

In Episode 20, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson was joined by three industry leaders from Black & Veatch — Dale Claudel, Jason Rowell, Leslie Ponder, and Kevin Ludwig — to discuss highlights from their new 2022-23 Electric Report, “Rethinking the Modern Grid.”

In this episode, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses how ongoing supply chain issues continue to plague the electrical industry with Don Leavens, vice president and chief economist at NEMA; Madeleine Bugel, senior manager of trade and international government relations at NEMA; and Chris Sokoll, president of Disc Corp.

In this episode of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sits down with three electrical professionals from Rosendin Electric: Sandy Hankiewicz, Angela Rundle, and Jessica Ray. Together, they discuss what it's like for women to succeed in the traditionally male-dominated electrical contracting/engineering industry.

In this episode, Ellen Parsons sits down with some of this year's Top 50 executives from MYR Group, MDU Construction Services Group, Faith Technologies Incorporated, Inglett & Stubbs, and Cache Valley Electric.

In this episode of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson chats with three of this year's Under 30 All-Star nominees: Taylor Groves of Stansell Electric, Cody Krstonich of MC Dean, and Cody Swayze of Smith Seckman Reid.

In this episode, Ellen Parson discusses industry trends with EC&M Top 40 executives Scott Wheeler of The Engineering Enterprise, Ken Golovko of HED, and Cyrus Izzo of Syska Hennessey Group.

In this episode of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLCs) with a panel of industry experts: Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, Chris Meek, and Aprille Balangue, who are in conjunction with BetterBricks, a commercial resource of Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, to help building professionals gain a competitive edge in the market.