NEWSLETTER: May July 2010

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1 MONTEREY BAY CALIFORNIA CHAPTER NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 507 Fax: (831) Pacific Grove, Cell: (831) California, Web: Phone: (831) NEWSLETTER: May July 2010 INSIDE THIS EDITION: Article(s): - CALCTP - Energy Audit Classes - NFPA 70E Upcoming MEI Classes 2010 Convention 2010 Calendar of Events Other Important Items NECA 2010 Convention Boston October 2-5 If you are looking to help improve your business savvy, capture new markets, see all the new electrical products, services and installation techniques in one room and visit a world-class city, all at the same time! Well, the NECA Convention is the place for you. Please take a moment and visit this site to learn more: Chapter Promotions & Money Saving Tips The Chapter has approved the following incentives to promote attendance this year: The Chapter will reimburse one person per Active Contractor Member (Active Chapter Members are those who report at least one full-time electrician on the monthly transmittal) to attend the Convention if they attended the Memorial Day Observation & Happy 4 th of July NECA/MEI educational seminars in addition to visiting the show floor and the other convention activities. The following will be reimbursed: - The cost of five-nights at the Chapter s assigned Hotel (Westin Boston Waterfront) - One full registration fee - Reimbursement for one roundtrip flight up to $400 - Up to $400 reimbursement for the spouse s attendance of the opening and closing celebration functions. If you would like to know how to save big bucks attending the Convention, please give the Chapter a call! SLMCC Green Opportunities! The California Statewide LMCC has developed the two programs below in an effort to help IBEW Employers address new market opportunities. They are being offered by IBEW/NECA throughout the state. Let the Chapter know if you are interested in either program. COMPREHENSIVE FACILITY ENERGY AUDIT CLASS The Key to Green Energy Projects (See Attached) AND Advanced Lighting Controls, a New Opportunity to Make a Difference The California Advanced Lighting Controls Training Program (CALCTP) is a statewide initiative aimed at increasing the use of lighting controls in commercial buildings. The CALCTP team is made up of California electric utilities, The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC), contractor and labor organizations, IBEW Journeyman Apprentice Training Centers (JATC), community colleges, and ICF International. The goal of the CALCTP is to promote the proper design, installation, and commissioning of advanced lighting control systems through training and certification of contractors and their workforce. CALCTP will result in a number of significant opportunities, including: Capturing a substantial untapped source of energy savings and peak demand reduction in commercial buildings. Integrating utility energy efficiency and demand response programs, resulting in the development of key infrastructure for the smart grid in California.

2 Increasing the demand for advanced lighting controls with High Performance T8 lighting systems, including first generation T8 retrofits. Providing labor and trade organizations with a high-value training opportunity for members. Creating new, green jobs for Americans. Breaking Down Barriers Advanced Lighting Control (ALC) systems typically include dimmers, occupancy sensors, photosensors, relay modules, and communication based devices. Studies indicate that energy savings of up to 40 percent can be realized by simply turning lights off in offices, conference rooms, and restrooms when those spaces are unoccupied during normal business hours. Additional savings can be realized using dimming ballasts and photo sensors to reduce lighting load when sufficient daylight is present. Finally, the installation of ALC technology is an essential step in expanding participation in demand response programs for commercial building owners and operators. As ALC systems become more sophisticated, sales and installation of these sophisticated systems is threatened by several significant barriers listed below: Installation contractors and lighting system designers are not fully aware of how the system components operate individually or as a system collectively to achieve the desired energy savings and peak demand reduction. Installation contractors and lighting system designers are often at odds regarding how lighting controls should be deployed, installed, and commissioned. Installation contractors do not always know how to properly commission the systems, and as a result they experience a high rate of call-backs and rework of installed systems. Customers find that control systems do not operate as promised, and often remove or disable the systems in frustration. The negative experience of installation contractors and lighting system designers related to the improper installation and commissioning of ALC systems has led many lighting practitioners, architects, and engineers to steer customers away from these systems. As a result, ALC system components are not typically stocked or promoted by electrical wholesalers, and building owners and managers often end up with a generic lighting retrofit having little or no control capability beyond an on/off switch or a limited number of occupancy sensors. Changing the Lighting Industry from Within The CALCTP team is committed to changing the lighting industry from within, through training and sales support. This is viewed as the most effective way to achieve market transformation and ensure the persistence of claimed energy savings by the utilities that provide purchasing incentives. Increasing the stocking, promotion, specification, proper installation and commissioning, and overall demand for ALC systems requires trained contractors. Training includes both technical and sales 2 training in the classroom and hands-on lab training. The CALCTP team is planning for 30 training sites in California that include JATC s and utility facilities. Additional training sites may be hosted by California community colleges. A concerted effort is required by all industry stakeholders in order to increase the adoption of ALC technology by commercial customers and other market actors in order to capture the enormous energy savings and demand reduction potential, improve light quality, and save end-users money. Key stakeholders include: Investor-owned and municipal utilities California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC), UC Davis Industry and trade organizations, such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), and American Institute of Architects (AIA). California community colleges Commercial building operators and organizations such as BOMA National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) Manufacturers and manufacturer rep agencies of ALC products The CALCTP concept is based on the principle that intimate knowledge of a market is necessary to influence that market. Experience has shown that market transformation is best facilitated by working with and through established industry organizations and accepted training practices. It can be difficult for electrical contractors and lighting installers to accept outside direction

3 regarding how they can do their job better. By leveraging contractor industry organizations such as IBEW/NECA and IEC to endorse education and training offered through JATC s, utilities, and community colleges, contractors and installers will embrace the CALCTP certification process. CALCTP is expected to dramatically increase the supply and demand for lighting controls in commercial applications, and create new, green jobs in the process. This important lighting initiative will substantially reduce lighting load in commercial buildings while providing improved light quality and increased productivity. The use of advanced lighting controls will play an essential role in the development of a highly reliable and efficient smart electrical grid system in the United States. The integration of energy efficiency and demand response that is made possible by CALCTP will become a model for other commercial building systems. As a leader in energy efficiency and related emerging technologies, California will be the proving ground for advanced lighting controls training, and this model can then be applied across the United States. A Very Short Guide to NFPA 70E by Brooke Stauffer Published ECMag: September 2007 Editor's note: The following is the last article Brooke Stauffer submitted to ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR; we've been holding it for some time because of the uncertainty of his status. There is still no concrete news, but we thought it would be appropriate to post this article to show just how knowledgeable he was. Despite all the press devoted these days to NFPA 70E, many electrical contractors, electricians and engineers still don t have a clear idea what the NFPA 70E standard covers and how it works. Here then, is a very short guide to this important electrical safety standard. Scope NFPA 70E-2004 is entitled Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. It is related to the National Electrical Code (NFPA standard 70) as follows: The National Electrical Code (NEC) describes how to design and install electrical systems but not how to actually perform the work. NFPA 70E describes safe work practices for electrical construction and maintenance but not how to design or install electrical systems. The two documents (NEC and NFPA 70E) have identical scopes and many of the same definition. They both cover inside wiring in buildings and similar structures. Neither of them covers utility (line) construction. sites are workplaces. The NEC covers safety of electrical installations, and NFPA 70E covers electrical safety in workplaces. While it technically applies to all workplaces (libraries, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, law offices, etc.), NFPA 70E is enforced most often on construction sites and at industrial plants. Anywhere that electrical construction and maintenance work happen is a workplace. Enforcement The NEC is adopted for regulatory use by states, cities and 3 counties. It is enforced by electrical inspectors. NFPA 70E is not adopted for regulatory use. Instead, customers, who require electrical contractors to follow NFPA 70E safety practices while working on their property, enforce it. NFPA 70E Covers Electrical Hazards Only NFPA 70E describes how to protect electrical workers from three kinds of electrical hazards: Electric shock and electrocution Arc-flash (electrical fireball) Arc-blast (electrical explosion at high energy levels) The NFPA 70E standard doesn t cover other construction hazards such as fall protection, safe use of ladders and scaffolds, hazardous substances, and respirators. These other subjects are covered by OSHA construction safety regulations. Four-Step Safety Strategy NFPA 70E outlines a four-step approach to electrical safety: 1. TURN OFF THE POWER. Work de-energized, whenever possible. This isn t always feasible. When it is working on or near exposed live conductors and parts, NFPA 70E requires the following: 2. LIVE WORK PERMIT. Have the customer sign an Energized Electrical Work Permit. 3. PLAN THE WORK. Have a written plan for performing the live work safely. 4. USE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE). This includes flame-resistant (FR) clothing, insulated tools, face shields, and flash suits. Turn Off the Power NFPA 70E describes three methods of turning off electrical

4 power and verifying that it stays off while work is being performed. Some people call this Lockout/Tagout, but that s actually only part of the process. The following are the three methods: 1. Individual qualified employee control 2. Simple lockout/tagout 3. Complex lockout/tagout Safety Practices When Working Live When working live around exposed energized parts, NFPA 70E requires the following: Live Work Permit. Have the customer sign an Energized Electrical Work Permit. This describes the work to be performed and why it must be performed live. Live work must be authorized by the customer, engineers, or other person in charge. Determine Shock Hazard Boundaries. There are three of these: Limited approach boundary Restricted approach boundary Prohibited approach boundary. Only qualified persons can enter the restricted approach boundary. Entering the prohibited approach boundary is considered the same as touching live parts. These boundaries are for shock protection only; they determine when electrical workers must use voltage-rated (rubber) gloves and voltage-rated (fiberglass) tools. Determine Flash Protection Boundary (FPB). The default flash protection boundary for systems operating at 600 volts is 48 inches. A qualified person who works closer than 48 inches to live parts must wear personal protective clothing (PPE) including flameresistant (FR) clothing. This PPE is for arc-flash and arch-blast protection, not protection against electric shock. Determine Hazard/Risk Category (HRC). NFPA 70E has several tables that help electrical workers select the correct type of PPE to wear, based upon the task they are performing live. There are five different HRCs: 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. Use Appropriate PPE. Workers must wear PPE specified by the tables in NFPA 70E whenever they are within the Flash Protection Boundary (48 inches for 600-volt equipment), whether or not they are actually touching the live equipment. Tasks such as voltage testing, for equipment troubleshooting or to verify whether power has been turned, off is live work that requires workers to wear PPE. Upcoming MEI Seminars Below is a list of the MEI Seminars that are currently available. Please note that the programs listed are subject to change. Register on-line at necanet.org! MAY Managing Field Productivity to Improve the Bottom Line May 6, 2010, Sun Valley, ID. Sponsor: Idaho How to Avoid Killer-Jobs by Improving Estimating Accuracy May 11, 2010, Troy, MI. Sponsor: Southeastern Michigan I- Screening Survey Workshop May 12, 2010, Warren, MI. Sponsor: Detroit Electrical JATC. This seminar is for Detroit JATC 4 Members only. Contact Gary Polulak (568) Electrical Contractors. Part II May 13-14, 2010, Long Island City, NY. Sponsor: New York City Basic Estimating of Electrical May 17-20, 2010, Oak Brook, IL. Sponsor: Chicago & Cook County. This seminar is for Chicago & Cook County Chapter Members only. Contact Frank Peters: (708) Prefabrication Design of Effective Process: A Tool for Maximizing Profitability in Electrical May 18, 2010, Portland, OR. Sponsor: Oregon-Columbia Managing Field Productivity to Improve the Bottom Line May 18, 2010, Atlanta, GA. Sponsor: Atlanta May 18-19, 2010, Lanham, MD. Sponsor: Washington DC Emerging PV Market Guide May 18, 2010, King of Prussia, PA. Sponsor: Penn-Del-Jersey Adapt or Perish: The New Business Model of Contracting May 19, 2010, Tangent, OR. Sponsor: Oregon-Pacific-Cascade Financial Principles & Tools for Electrical Contractors May 20, 2010, Rockford, IL. Sponsor: Northern Illinois I- Screening Survey Workshop

5 May 21, 2010, Denver, CO. Sponsor: Rocky Mountain Electrical Contractors- Part II May 26-27, 2010, Billings, MT. Sponsor: Montana JUNE Electrical Contractors June 7-10, 2010, Napa, CA. Sponsor: Northern California Productivity Plus: Changing the Way You Work to Reduce Waste and Improve Safety and Productivity June 8, 2010, Albuquerque, NM. Sponsor: New Mexico Change Orders in Electrical June 8, 2010, Renton, WA. Sponsor: Puget Sound This class is free for chapter members. Advanced Law for Electrical Project Managers June 9, 2010, Dublin, CA. Sponsor: Northern California Change Orders in Electrical June 9, 2010, Lakewood, WA. Sponsor: Southwest Washington This class is free for chapter members. June 15-16, 2010, Lisle, IL. Sponsor: Northeastern Illinois June 15-16, 2010, Warren, MI. Sponsor: Detroit Electrical JATC. This seminar is for Detroit JATC Members only. Contact Gary Polulak (568) Short Interval Scheduling June 16, 2010, Colorado Springs, CO. Sponsor: Southern Colorado Advanced Law for Electrical Project Managers June 16, 2010, Lanham, MD. Sponsor: Washington DC Earned Value Analysis June 17, 2010, Long Island City, NY. Sponsor: New York City Don t Leave Profits on the Table- Using the Industry Financial Operations Report to Identify Profit Improvement Opportunities June 17, 2010, Troy, MI. Sponsor: Southeastern Michigan Building High Performance Work Teams for Electrical Contractors June 24, 2010, King of Prussia, PA. Sponsor: Penn-Del-Jersey Note: For the most current course schedule, to read descriptions of each class and to register for an MEI course, please visit Catalog of Courses The Latest EDL What The Smart Grid Means For You & Your Building The EDL is a perfect addition to your company s newsletter or other marketing materials. Your regular customers, past clients and important contacts will appreciate receiving these monographs. EDLs can help you demonstrate to your customers the difference between an average electrical contractor and one that can add value to a project and save them money! Contact the Chapter to learn about member pricing for this publication. Meetings and Events: June 17, G/M & Board 4:00pm & Associate Member Dinner 6:00 p.m. July 1-5, NECA Tri-District, NY, NY August 19, G/M & Board Dinner 4:00pm October 2-5, NECA Annual Convention, Boston MA October 21, G/M & Board 4:00pm & Associate Member Dinner 6:00 p.m. December 16, G/M & Board Dinner 4:00pm 5