The “New Leaders Program” is a human resources innovation sponsored by Robroy Industries Conduit Division as an initiative to discover, hire, train and retain quality professionals within the electrical products industry.

Lorin Roberts has become the latest person to join this internal leadership program at the company’s facility in Gilmer, Texas.

Ms. Roberts earned her B.B.A. in Marketing at the University of Texas at Tyler. She is currently assigned to the organization’s quotations department where she will gain front line skills dealing with customers. Ms. Roberts will then join Robroy Industries Channel Marketing Department where her education and expertise will enable her to be a liaison between the company and its distribution network.

"Emerging leaders, like Lorin Roberts, deserve the opportunity to grow and share their talents to the benefit of all—especially our customers and channel partners," states Steve Voelzke, President, Robroy Industries Conduit Division. "We are committed to providing professionals the opportunity to positively impact the future of the electrical products industry while also benefitting from their own personal and professional progress."

Source: Robroy Industries

Despite the appearance of our own strong spring storms on June 13th, NEMA happily hosted a large crowd for its Hurricane Sandy: Rebuild Smart event featuring Representative Peter King. We were truly pleased to see so many individuals interested in how we can improve the reliability and resiliency of our power grid, and help prevent the widespread damage and discomfort storms like Sandy can cause. Some of the key moments included:

• “While no disaster is predictable or preventable, we do have the tools and technology to mitigate the damage and distress that storms like Sandy can cause," said NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis. “Being prepared and employing existing strategies help ensure the resilience and reliability of our critical power supplies.”

Read the full blog post.

Source: NEMAcurrents blog

Ulrich Spiesshofer will become ABB Ltd.'s chief executive from Sept. 15, the power and technology company said in a statement on Monday.

The company is grappling with integrating expensive acquisitions made by his predecessor Joe Hogan and a possible slowdown in China.

Mr. Spiesshofer had been one of the favorites for the top job at the world's largest maker of power grids and substations, according to reports in the Swiss media. The 49-year-old German had been head of its discrete automation and motion division since 2009 where he doubled revenue and integrated with U.S. industrial motors business Baldor—ABB's largest-ever acquisition, the statement said.

"I am extremely pleased the new CEO comes from within the company and brings a solid track record and deep knowledge of the portfolio," ABB Chairman Hubertus von Grünberg said. ABB didn't make Mr. Spiesshofer available for interview.

Read full article.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

King impressed by New Jersey IOU's smart grid savvy

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) should be completely restructured because the utility was so slow to restore power after Hurricane Sandy struck last fall, Rep Peter King, R-NY, told a NEMA-sponsored event yesterday in Washington, DC. The congressman held a news conference shortly after Sandy where he asked the "[US] Army Corps of Engineers to come in, federal officials to come in and run LIPA.

"That's how out of control they got," King said in response to a question from Smart Grid Today .

LIPA was one of the slowest of the affected utilities to restore power after Sandy tore up the East Coast last October and knocked out power for about 8.2 million people. At a meeting four days before Sandy, trustees of LIPA discussed the coming storm for a total of 39 seconds in a two-hour meeting, the New York Times reported online in November.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D, "was almost at war with LIPA during" Sandy and wants to overhaul the utility's management, King said yesterday.

In his January "State of the State" address, Cuomo proposed privatizing the utility, saying, "Hurricane Sandy revealed systemic flaws and weakness in LIPA's structure" (SGT, Jan-14).

New York City Mayor Bloomberg gave LIPA some constructive criticism when earlier this week he laid out a slew of steps that the Long Island utility and Consolidated Edison could take to better prepare for climate change (SGT, Jun-12). Bloomberg's plan could be "a model for the country" in terms of infrastructure preparedness, King said yesterday.

Part of LIPA's problem is its insularity, he argued. The utility, whose service area of 1.1 million customers is in King's congressional district, needs to be "more responsive to elected officials" to avoid repeating its post-Sandy performance, the congressman added.

Whereas New Jersey "had a much better, computerized system so they were able to tell people when they could expect their power to come back on," LIPA "couldn't tell within 10 days as to how long it was going to be," King lamented.

King impressed by PSE&G

King was at a US House homeland-security subcommittee hearing this month where an executive from New Jersey IOU Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) said "smart grid technology ... makes it possible for utilities like ours to obtain critical information that can help pinpoint problems and automate restoration," he reported.

"Smart grid technology can dramatically shorten the time it takes to restore service in the aftermath of a storm and can prevent outages from becoming widespread," Jorge Cardenas, PSE&G's VP of asset management and centralized service, added, according to testimony on the subcommittee's website. Cardenas was explaining his firm's proposed $450-million investment in smart grid technologies.

Asks PSE&G to help LIPA

After hearing that testimony, King encouraged PSE&G officials to meet with their LIPA counterparts to share best practices in leveraging smart grid technologies, the congressman said yesterday. For him, the surest way to fix LIPA is through public accountability, "an entirely new management," and by studying the methods of neighboring utilities that performed much better during the storm.

LIPA calls itself the second largest municipal electric utility in the US in terms of electric revenue, though instead of answering to a city council as do many other municipals, each of LIPA's Board of Trustees members was appointed by a state lawmaker or the governor, according to the utility's website.

Source: Smart Grid Today

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) welcomes the appointments of Dr. Chris Greer and Dr. David Wollman to the posts of Director and Deputy Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Smart Grid and Cyber-Physical Systems Program Office, pending approval by the Department of Commerce and Office of Personnel Management.

“We’ve worked with Dave for a long time between the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel and NIST’s Federal Advisory Committee,” said NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis. “I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Greer who brings a well-qualified fresh perspective to the table.”

Greer will also hold the title of National Coordinator for Smart Grid Interoperability, replacing Dr. George Arnold who was promoted to director of NIST’s Standards Coordination Office.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

​The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) today hosted a forum on Capitol Hill to highlight the need for a national approach to post-storm reconstruction that focuses on preparedness and reconstruction for stronger and more efficient electrical systems.

Participants included legislators, congressional staff, and business leaders whose mission is to employ smart technologies that can make America’s power systems safer, reliable, resilient, and more readily restored following a disaster like Superstorm Sandy. They support recommendations outlined by NEMA in its publication Storm Reconstruction: Rebuild Smart.

“While no disaster is predictable or preventable, we do have the tools and technology to mitigate the damage and distress that storms like Sandy can cause," said NEMA President and CEO Evan R. Gaddis. “Being prepared and employing existing strategies help ensure the resilience and reliability of our critical power supplies.”

Opening the panel on the lasting impact of Sandy, Rep. Peter King (NY-2), a member of the House Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee, described the devastation the hurricane caused in New York, and agreed the disaster offers valuable lessons on where improvements are needed.

Rep. King stressed that while it’s necessary to repair the damage resulting from Superstorm Sandy, it’s essential to consider future storms in the rebuilding process and integrate smart technologies that can make our power grid more resilient. “Funding put into mitigation now is more important than ever,” King noted. He further expressed expectations that every dollar spent on mitigation could save as much as four dollars in a future recovery effort.

Public policies also play an important role in advancing the move to smarter preparedness and rebuilding, Gaddis told the Capitol Hill audience.

Referencing two Senate proposals, the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act and the SAVE Act, he said, “NEMA supports regulations and legislation that encourage investment in smarter energy technologies.”

In addition, he said that NEMA urges the administration to extend and expand the current Energy Savings Performance Contracts program operated by the Department of Energy to promote installation of Smart Grid technologies across government and private sectors.

Don Hendler, president and CEO of Leviton Manufacturing, discussed advances in electrical technology that were not available when many hurricane-destroyed properties were built. Citing his own company as an example, he noted that technologies shielded the headquarters that lay in Sandy’s path.

“As a technology company in a recently commissioned facility, we were probably better prepared than others, but there are lessons from the Leviton experience that everyone can benefit from,” Hendler said. “The use of microgrids, energy storage, and backup generation are among the many Smart Grid technologies that take advantage of sensor and communications advances to deliver more reliable and resilient power to ensure that we are prepared for the next storm.”

Also important, Hendler said, is that smart rebuilding should include strengthening the cybersecurity of power systems. “We have to be equally diligent in terms of natural and manmade threats to the grid,” he said.

The importance of following the latest electrical standards to improve safety was emphasized by Brett Brenner, president of the Electrical Safety Foundation International, who explained the rigorous updating of the National Electrical Code®,which is adopted by states and municipalities across the country.

“Believe it or not, in every three-year code cycle there are literally thousands of changes,” Brenner said. “Given the death and destruction from this storm, there’s no doubt that the 2014 revisions to the code will be influenced by Superstorm Sandy.”

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

The federal government is turning to obvious but oft-neglected sources—shippers and transportation advisers—for advice on how to improve the national freight system and boost supply chain competitiveness.

The recommendations from two groups—the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness and the National Freight Advisory Committee—will likely shape how the Commerce Department and Department of Transportation operate. Their findings could also influence how Congress approaches laws relating to transportation infrastructure, customs and trade policy.

Advisory committees are nothing new to Capitol Hill, but the focus on freight policy comes as legislators ramp up their rhetoric on the importance of moving goods and materials effectively, said Emil Frankel, director of transportation policy for the Bipartisan Policy Center.

In the short term, the largest opportunity for their recommendations to be realized is in DOT’s national freight plan and policy, and the next surface transportation bill. The current $105 billion spending act, which called on the U.S. to catch up with the likes of Germany, Canada and other Western countries in creating a national freight policy and a strategic plan, expires at the end of September 2014.

The ACSCC has a head start, having been established in November 2011. The 40-member group—with executives from BNSF Railway, Boeing, Campbell Soup, Halliburton, Menlo Worldwide Logistics, Pfizer and Target—is set to provide final recommendations to the Commerce Department in September on freight policy, trade and competitiveness, information technology and data, finance and infrastructure and regulations.

The final recommendations are likely to be bold, judging from the discussion during the committee’s June 4 meeting in Washington. The ACSCC wants to use already collected data to map major supply chains by commodities and to target major chokepoints and transfer nodes, including customs clearance points at ports and land borders, and metropolitan congestion.

The findings could then complement the DOT’s study on freight congestion by mode, providing the department with a better understanding on where it can “get the most bang for its buck” for its investments, said Cynthia Ruiz, deputy executive director at the Port of Los Angeles.

“In order to make products in the United States that are competitive, you need to bring the components for manufacturing entering into the country competitively and reliably,” said Anthony Barone, director of global logistics policy at Pfizer.

Ways to achieve this include reducing certain duties on some manufacturing components, streamlining customs border clearance and the granting of foreign trade zone designations, and modernizing U.S. export credit support. The executive branch agencies could complete some of the committee’s working recommendations, but others will need congressional approval.

The advisory committee floated the idea of creating a national supply chain executive dashboard, which would fuse already available sets of trade data and give real-time insight into supply chain threats. Also recommended is creation of a White House-sponsored “SWAT Team” that would complete the long-delayed and over budget "single window" for electronically processing trade data, known as the International Trade Data System.

There needs to a body that prioritizes freight projects of national significance and ensures such initiatives get funding, said Rick Gabrielson, Target’s director of international transportation. That virtual “referee” needs to ensure the states aren’t making piecemeal freight investments that fail to enhance to national network, he said.

The DOT’s work to create a national freight policy and strategic plan could help with such planning. But no such freight-focused funding mechanism exists, and future funding for grant programs that have aided freight projects in the past — Projects of National and Regional Significance and Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery—is uncertain.

The committee also recommended completing the Next Generation Transportation System, which will allow airlines to better manage capacity and reduce delays, and harmonizing air cargo security regulations with other countries. Members want the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to hold off on further tightening of federal hours-of-service regulations for the trucking industry. The latest change to the HOS rules is slated to take effect July 1 unless an U.S. appeals court strikes it down.

The committee held off on taking a side in the debate over raising truck weights and sizes, deferring instead to the findings of an ongoing DOT study of the contentious issue.

How these recommendations will be melded into the DOT’s work to create a national freight policy remains to be seen. A clearer picture could emerge when the 47-voting members of the DOT advisory committee, which includes executives from Home Depot, Cargill and Con-way, meet for the first time later this month.

Insightful recommendations from the private sector and policy wonks, however, offer no guarantee the Obama administration and Congress will act on their suggestions. The National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission, set up through the 2005 surface transportation bill, called for a higher federal fuels tax and eventually foresaw charging drivers by how far they traveled as a way to boost the Highway Trust Fund.

Those suggestions went unheeded, but recommendations to streamline construction projects and focus on the most-needed infrastructure fixes have become a mantra for Congress and the administration. Even selective listening can deliver results.

Source: The Journal of Commerce

Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton worked with Portland General Electric (PGE) to develop an energy storage system and customized solutions for the new Salem Smart Power Center, a five-megawatt (MW) energy storage facility unveiled today in Salem, Ore. The 8,000-square-foot fully functional smart grid site will allow PGE to demonstrate how the integration of renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, and demand-response technology can increase the reliability and efficiency of energy for business and residential customers.

"PGE is working hard to pave the way for the smart grid in the region, and Eaton’s collaboration with this important project will help Oregon and the nation learn how to build intelligent energy resources for the future while continuing to deliver long-term value for customers," said Jim Piro, PGE president and CEO. "Eaton’s power system expertise helped make the project possible, and we appreciate the dedication to excellence they brought to this project.”

Eaton has one of the largest and most experienced teams of power system engineers in the industry. PGE drew upon this expertise for the design, engineering, integration and testing of the Salem Smart Power Center. Eaton also modified its award-winning Power Xpert ^TMinverters seamlessly into the site’s energy storage system. The inverters are designed to maximize energy harvest from renewable resources and transform energy into clean, reliable alternating current.

Read full article.

Source: Business Wire

Littelfuse, Inc., the global leader in circuit protection, today announced it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Hamlin, Inc. from Key Safety Systems for $145 million.

“We are pleased that the acquisition has closed on schedule. Hamlin is an excellent addition to our company and a significant step forward in our strategy to build a global sensor platform,” said Gordon Hunter, Chief Executive Officer.

About Hamlin

Founded in 1949, Hamlin Electronics is a leader in sensor technology, providing standard products and custom solutions for leading global manufacturers in the automotive and other industries. The company’s product line includes reed, hall-effect and its newly-developed PWG linear sensing technologies, as well as switches and relays. Headquartered in Lake Mills, Wis., Hamlin has manufacturing, engineering and sales offices in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit the Hamlin website.

Read full article.

Source: Business Wire

New High-Tech LED Light Bulbs Can Be Controlled From Anywhere in the Country with the Xfinity Home App

Comcast, a global media and technology company, and OSRAM SYLVANIA, a leader in lighting solutions and services, announced today the companies have entered into an agreement to offer energy efficient light bulbs that can be controlled remotely from anywhere through the Xfinity Home platform. By collaborating with OSRAM SYLVANIA, Comcast is further enhancing its Xfinity Home service by providing Sylvania’s new energy-saving LED smart light bulbs that can be plugged into any standard light bulb socket, and that can save up to 83 percent in energy costs and last up to 17.5 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs. In addition by partnering with OSRAM SYLVANIA, Comcast becomes the first service provider to offer an integrated remote controlled light bulb.

“With Osram Sylvania, we are bringing innovative lighting solutions that integrate with the Xfinity Home platform and provide home control and green technology features to our customers,” said Mitch Bowling, Senior Vice President and General Manager of New Businesses for Comcast Cable. “Home automation is a growing trend that takes complex ideas and turns them into simple solutions that can be delivered to thousands of people. This is another example of how we are continuing to evolve our Xfinity Home product by creating more innovative home control solutions for our customers to enjoy.”

“We are proud to work closely with Comcast to develop sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, lighting solutions for Xfinity Home,” said Tim Lesch, Senior Vice President, OSRAM SYLVANIA. “These energy saving light bulbs allow consumers to remotely control their lighting via a smart device when they need them, and set the desired level of brightness, while helping to save power and electricity costs “

Specifically, the SYLVANIA ULTRA iQ^TM LED BR30 flood light bulb has a life of 35,000 hours, which reduces maintenance and lamp replacement costs. In addition, it has integrated dimming controls that use the Zigbee^® Home Automation standard to create a system that can be controlled wirelessly for quick and easy adjustments using a smartphone or the Xfinity Home app. The 11w ULTRA iQ BR30 bulb emits 700 lumens providing 63 lumens per watt. Utilizing warm white 2700K color temperature light with a color rendering index (CRI) of 80, the SYLVANIA ULTRA iQ LED bulbs are dimmable to 5 percent and can help use up to 83 percent less energy than the incandescent bulbs they replace.

Xfinity Home is a broadband and cloud-based platform that provides next-generation home security, control and energy management features that allow customers to stay connected to their home and family through the use of an interactive Web portal, mobile devices and the free Xfinity Home app. In addition to 24/7 professional monitoring, Xfinity Home offers an expanding suite of home control and remote energy management services that include lighting controls, digital thermostats, live video monitoring, custom text and e-mail alerts, remote arming and disarming capabilities, water and carbon monoxide sensors.

Pricing and availability for the SYLVANIA bulb will be announced at a later date. For more information about Xfinity Home, please visit www.xfinity.com/home.

How can the United States use smart grid technologies to strengthen the electric grid to avoid outages during severe weather? During today's OnPoint, Paul Molitor, head of communications at the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, discusses new recommendations for managing weather risk more effectively. Molitor also talks about the financial and regulatory challenges facing the industry as it tries to broaden its reach.

Source E&E Publishing

Agfa HealthCare, a leading provider of enterprise clinical imaging and IT solutions, announced the global release for sale of ICIS(TM) View 3.0* , the medical images and results viewer for the comprehensive ICIS enterprise imaging solution. The ICIS patient imaging data platform is a fundamental part of the company's global e-health strategy. Building on its leadership in enterprise imaging management and web-enabled technology, Agfa HealthCare's ICIS View 3.0 allows clinicians, specialists, and all other stakeholders to access all patient imaging data from any PACS or VNA, using a single viewer, to support continuity and productivity of patient care . This cost-effective solution leverages the hospital's existing investment in technology, and provides access to the most current and relevant patient imaging data directly from the source.

To be demonstrated in the U.S. during the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) Annual Meeting, June 6-9, ICIS View 3.0 consolidates the viewing experience for clinicians throughout the enterprise, providing individualized access to patient data from Agfa HealthCare's ICIS platform as well as any vendor's PACS or VNA. ICIS enables providers to manage images just like other patient information in the EMR.

Image Enabling the EMR: Clinical Context is Key

ICIS View is powered by the innovative XERO ^®technology and is a core facet of Agfa HealthCare's ICIS (Imaging Clinical Information System) workflow-centric services platform for providing secure access for all clinicians to multidisciplinary image information through the EMR. ICIS elevates imaging data capture, consolidation, management, and access from disparate departments to the enterprise, to drive powerful clinical advances and IT efficiencies. The ICIS platform enables health networks to unify their patient records within the relevant clinical context of the EMR as well as leverage their infrastructure investment.

"As more departments generate imaging data, simply consolidating storage does not solve the challenge of using imaging to improve the delivery of quality care. Clinical workflow, designed to unify patient records in the EMR, is needed to acquire, distribute, and consume these images," said James Jay, Vice President - Imaging Informatics, Agfa HealthCare. "Agfa HealthCare is a leader in recognizing and meeting this challenge. ICIS delivers a comprehensive framework to enable flexible workflows to bring images into every step of the care continuum. This provides clinicians with a single point of access for all imaging data, integrated into the EMR, which can help reduce duplicate procedures and enable efficient care."

All imaging data from all sources

An added benefit of the ICIS platform is that there is no need to migrate the data from legacy systems. ICIS View allows direct access to imaging data stored within PACS or VNAs. A single server will connect to multiple image managers at the same time, using DICOM and/or WADO. Users can view images from multiple PACS with ICIS View within their preferred presentation view, defined by a chosen ICIS theme.

Planned to be released, ICIS Clinical Applications 1.0 can be added into the solution suite, enabling viewing of MIP/MPR/3D images from CT and MR datasets, within the same browser-based viewer.

A new user interface design for cine viewing plays at the DICOM-specific frame rate, allows adjustments of cine speed and trim, and enables autoplay in 1-up mode. Mobile device usage is enhanced with quick response (QR) codes for fast image sharing and collaboration.

Driving new revenues and reducing costs

"ICIS provides secure access to imaging data from different departments in one view, to anyone who needs this information: clinicians, specialists, referring physicians and patients," comments Koen Meeusen, Global Solution Manager Regional Health for Agfa HealthCare. "This flexible and comprehensive access lets hospitals make more efficient use of their staff, provide new services for clinicians, expand their clinical services, and build a robust EMR at a lower cost. By helping hospitals drive revenues and decrease costs overall, our ICIS platform can play a key role in fulfilling hospitals' operations strategies."

With more than 100 installations deployed worldwide, ICIS View has been successfully implemented in both large regional networks that require image sharing, as well as in individual hospitals needing both internal and external image distribution.

Source: Agfa HealthCare

CMC posted on its website the following letter to its customers describing the company's acquisition by Burndy LLC and Burndy Canada, Inc.:

Dear Customer,

I am pleased to announce that Burndy LLC and Burndy Canada Inc., affiliates of Hubbell Incorporated (Hubbell), have acquired Connector Manufacturing Company (CMC) and Canadian Connector Corporation (CCC) respectively, and their Barfield products brand.

Hubbell, celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, is a leading manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products serving a broad range of non-residential and residential construction, industrial and utility applications. CMC and CCC will be subsidiaries of Burndy LLC and Burndy Canada Inc., and part of the Hubbell Connectors, Grounding and Tooling Group (HCGT). BURNDY is a leading manufacturer of electrical connector solutions and application tooling, and operates within the Hubbell Electrical Systems platform. With an expanded base of mechanical connectors and the addition of pole line hardware and cabinets, the HCGT Group plans to strengthen its position in providing the most comprehensive set of connection solutions available in the market today.

We at CMC are very happy and excited to become a part of the Hubbell organization. We have joined a company that is a market leader with strong financial performance and shares our values for superior customer service and investment in leading product technology and innovation.

For you, our valued Customer, the change will be virtually seamless. CMC sales, service, support contacts and processes remain unchanged so you can use the same communication channels and methods you currently use.

We will continue working hard to earn your business and want to thank you for your loyalty and support.

Sincerely,

Nick Moraitis
Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Source: Connector Manufacturing Company (CMC)

​Featuring Keynote from Member of the House Emergency Preparedness Subcommittee; Panel Discussion with Leading Energy Infrastructure Experts

What:

On June 13, Congressman Peter King (NY-2), a member of the Emergency and Preparedness & Response Subcommittee and a Representative of a district devastated by Hurricane Sandy, will join the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to examine the federal response to Hurricane Sandy and readiness for the 2013 hurricane season.

With severe weather events happening more frequently in the United States, come record levels of devastation and rebuilding needs in community after community. A panel of leading energy infrastructure experts will discuss key lessons learned from Hurricane Sandy rebuilding, the need to rebuild smart and the role that solutions like smart grid, energy storage, backup generation and wiring play in ensuring that our infrastructure can stand up to future disasters.

Who:

Keynote:

Representative Peter King, Member of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications of the House Committee on Homeland Security

Panelists:

• Don Hendler, President and CEO, Leviton Manufacturing
• Brett Brenner, President, Electrical Safety Foundation International
• Evan Gaddis, President and CEO of the NEMA

WHERE:

Capitol Visitors Center Room HVC 201, located on the East front at First Street and East Capitol Street, NE, Washington, D.C.

When:

 Thursday, June 13^th, 2013, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Breakfast will be served.

RSVP:

RebuildSmart@nema.org (Required for Building Access)

Sponsor:

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

Increased demand for motors in the first quarter of 2013 drove NEMA’s Motors Shipments Index, up by 18.6 percent from the previous quarter to the highest reading in the history of this index. This improvement follows on the heels of a 7.4 percent gain posted in the fourth quarter of 2012. Since bottoming out in the second quarter of 2009, during the depths of the Great Recession, the index has climbed a cumulative 57 percent. Growth in the fractional horsepower segment of the motors market rebounded strongly in the first quarter while integral horsepower motor shipments recorded a moderate gain after falling for two consecutive quarters. The inflation adjusted dollar value of fractional horsepower motors shipments more than doubled between the second quarter of 2009 and the first quarter of 2013. Moreover, the value of integral horsepower motors shipments increased 12 percent over the same period.

The jump in the motors shipments index coincided with accelerated manufacturing activity in the first quarter of 2013. However, manufacturing sector industrial production lost momentum moving into the second quarter as output declined 0.3 percent in March and 0.4 percent in April. Still, the forward-looking ISM manufacturing index for new orders hovered above the “break even” mark of 50 on average for March and April. Industrial production is forecasted to advance 2.3 percent year-over-year for 2013, before picking up to the upper 2 percent range in 2014 amidst improved domestic and global demand.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

​Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

At a time when copper stockpiles are rising to the highest levels in a decade, manufacturers are paying the biggest premiums for the metal in as much as seven years.

Two reports, one from the Wall Street Journal and the other from Bloomberg, show financing deals are locking up supply and extending lines at warehouses.

The reports say that while inventories tracked by the London Metal Exchange more than doubled in the past year and supplies exceed demand for the first time since 2009, getting copper is becoming more expensive and taking longer. Buyers in Shanghai pay $135 a metric ton more than LME futures, up from $55 last year, Metal Bulletin data show. Luvata Malaysia Bhd., a circuit-board parts maker, stopped buying from local LME stockpiles after waiting times rose to three months from three days at the start of 2012.

That means manufacturers may not be reaping all the benefits of the 28 percent slump in prices since they reached a record two years ago. A big reason is because financing accords are curbing access to metal. As much as 30 percent of LME-tracked reserves are tied up in the agreements, Societe Generale SA estimates. About 84 percent of stockpiles are now concentrated in three locations, lengthening lines just as supply from mines is constrained by disruptions including a port strike in Chile and landslides in Utah and Indonesia.

“Premiums are up, and they’re up substantially,” said Rodney Kent, chief executive officer of Camden, New York-based International Wire Group Holdings, Inc., which had sales of $734 million last year. “You used to be able to clear an order and get an off-take in a matter of days, and now it can be a matter of months.”

Read full article.

Source: tED Magazine

NEMA’s Lighting Systems Index increased in the first quarter of 2013 following a 3.4 gain in the fourth quarter of 2012, growing 5.4 percent on a quarter-to-quarter basis and by 3.8 percent on a year-over-year basis. Lighting equipment demand has struggled to gain traction since the recovery began and remains well below the levels observed during the previous economic expansion. Fixtures, miniature lamps, emergency lamps and large lamps registered gains in sales value while ballasts fell further on a year-over-year basis.

Some key drivers for lighting equipment demand are improving. The housing recovery remains on track as overall housing starts were roughly 20 percent higher in April on a year-over-year basis. Building permits, a typically less volatile measure, climbed more than 14 percent in April from a year ago. Total housing starts are estimated to surpass 1 million in 2013 and 1.275 million in 2014.

By contrast, nonresidential construction is improving more slowly, with investment outlays up slightly more than 1 percent on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter. Leading indicators such as architecture firm billings and income property prices continue to indicate that continued improvement is on the horizon, as the industrial and commercial components of the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) climbed to its highest level in a year and topline readings increased for the second month in a row in March. The outlook for commercial construction (including office, retail, warehouse, dining/drinking establishments) is more promising for electrical equipment manufacturers as it is expected to outpace the broader sector in the coming several quarters.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

Severe weather events are happening more frequently in the United States. With historic floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes come record levels of devastation and rebuilding needs in community after community. And as we all become more reliant on electrical power for comfort, communication, and safety, a new approach to electrical preparedness and recovery is critical to minimizing the personal and economic damage caused by these events.

Never has this been so clear as in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. When Sandy hit, millions of people were confronted not only with destruction of their property, but with loss of power and services as well. Families, businesses, and first responders struggled to put their lives back together. As the 2013 hurricane season begins, what have we learned about how we can prepare for, respond to, and rebuild after major weather events?

On June 13, NEMA will host an event to explore these critical questions: What have we learned from Sandy, and how can we be ready for the next big storm? The keynote speaker will be Rep. Peter King (R-NY), who will provide an update on rebuilding efforts in his home of New York. Additional speakers will include Evan Gaddis, NEMA President and CEO; Don Hendler, President and CEO Leviton Manufacturing; and Brett Brenner, President, Electric Safety Foundation International.

This event (8–9 a.m.) is open to the public at the Capitol Visitors Center HVC 201. RSVP to RebuildSmart@nema.org

NEMA’s Primary Industrial Controls Index increased 4.5 percent on a quarter-to-quarter basis during the first quarter of 2013 after declining for three consecutive quarters. The index stands 1.7 percent below its year-ago level but nearly 50 percent above the cyclical trough observed in mid-2009. Nonetheless, the inflation- and seasonally-adjusted level of shipments remains below the pre-recession peak reached in 2007. The Primary Industrial Controls and Adjustable Speed Drives Index, a broader measure of industrial controls demand, also posted an increase during the first quarter of 2013, gaining 2.4 percent following a 0.2 percent loss in the fourth quarter of 2012. However, the index is down 0.7 percent on a year-over-year basis.

The growth in the indexes coincided with accelerated manufacturing activity in the first quarter of 2013. However, manufacturing sector industrial production is losing momentum moving into the second quarter as output declined 0.3 percent in March and 0.4 percent in April. Still, the forward-looking ISM manufacturing index for new orders hovered above the “break even” mark of 50 on average for March and April. Industrial production, a key demand driver for industrial controls, is expected to increase by 2.3 percent year-over-year for 2013, before picking up to the upper 2 percent range in 2014 amidst improved domestic and global demand.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

NEMA’s T5 and T8 linear fluorescent lamp indexes surged upward 6.3 and 15.7 percent on a year-over-year basis (y/y), respectively, during 2013Q1. Moreover, the T8 index value of 120.2 was the second highest in the history of the series. Meanwhile, the index reading of 173.9 for T5 lamps was the highest since 2011. Not surprisingly, the index for T12 lamp shipments continued to diminish, posting a decrease of 38.9 percent (y/y), settling at a value of 36.5 for the quarter.

T8 lamps increased in market share by 2.2 percentage points reaching 75 percent. The increase came at the expense of T5 and T12 lamps. T5 lamps garnered a share of 10.1 percent, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points. Shipments of T12 lamps gave back the remaining 2 percent during the quarter, dipping to a share of 14.9 percent.

 

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

NEMA’s shipment indexes for high intensity discharge (HID) lamps declined on a year-over-year basis (y/y) for the fourth consecutive quarter in 2013Q1. Shipments of sodium vapor lamps decreased 14.1 percent (y/y) to an index reading of 71.2 during the quarter. Mercury vapor lamp shipments were down a similar magnitude at 13 percent (y/y) to 44.2, the third lowest level in the index series. Metal halide lamp shipments fell too, posting an index value of 77.5, a decrease of 9.5 percent (y/y).

Market shares of the three lamp types varied less than 0.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. Sodium vapor lamps gave back 0.4 percentage points securing a share of 31.9 percent. Meanwhile, the shares held by mercury vapor and metal halide lamps increased marginally to 4.5 and 63.6 percent, respectively.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

​Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

NEMA’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current conditions in North America declined in May, falling from 66.7 in April to 55.9, but continued to show signs of improvement in the business environment by remaining above the 50-point mark. Confidence in future business conditions also declined in May but remained firmly in positive territory. The EBCI for North American conditions six months hence retreated in May to 76.5 from 80.6 in April.

Click here for the complete May 2013 report.

The Medical Imaging and Technology Alliance (MITA), a division of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, is pleased to announce the launch of its new digital campaign.

Visit its revamped Facebook page (RightScanRightTime) and stay tuned for interesting content surrounding the latest imaging news on the page at least once a week.

Show your support by:

• "Liking" MITA's Facebook page
• Sharing our content with others

Additionally, MITA plans to launch its new Twitter handle (@MITAtoday) soon.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

NEMA’s index for halogen A-line lamp shipments showed sharp growth during Q1 2013 registering an index level of 528.3, an increase of 127.1 percent on a year-over year basis (y/y). In contrast, the incandescent lamp index retreated by 28.8 percent (y/y), to 40.2. The index for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) posted a reading of 167.4, a marginal decrease from 168.4 during the previous quarter. However, the year-over-year comparison confirms shipments of CFLs are well below the 2012 level exhibiting a 6.5 percent decline (y/y).

Incandescent lamps yielded 2.9 percentage points (q/q) during the quarter settling at a market share of 67.9 percent. The market share for CFLs increased to 24.4, a gain of 1.1 percentage points (q/q). Halogen A-line lamps grew by 1.8 percentage points to a share of 7.7 percent of the combined market represented by the three lamp types.

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.​

Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

Acuity Brands, Inc. introduces BLANCA™ 700 Series spot, flood, linear surface and linear cove white LED luminaires from Winona^®. BLANCA white LED luminaires provide a smooth, uniform distribution of light to wash or graze applications such as commercial building facades, architectural details, landmarks, hospitality and architainment.

“BLANCA LED luminaires are designed to illuminate architectural features with a beautiful light quality to enhance aesthetics and details of the target feature,” said Patrick Brown, Winona Senior Product Value Stream Manager. “With four specific white LED color temperatures, we can provide color consistency across the BLANCA 700 series.”

BLANCA white LED luminaires are IP66 rated to weather the elements. They provide premium performance in both lumen output and energy efficiency. BLANCA LED luminaires are available in a variety of color temperatures (2700K, 3000K, 3500K, 4000K) and multiple distributions, making it easy to select an appropriate optic distribution for any application.

Source: Acuity Brands

Clark Silcox, General Counsel of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), today testified before the Senate Finance Committee at a hearing on S 662, the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2013. The Senate bill contains several provisions aimed at enhancing enforcement of intellectual property laws at ports of entry, including provisions directing port officials to share images and samples of products with trademark and copyright owners to assist inspectors in determining whether merchandise is genuine or counterfeit.

Silcox told the committee that U.S. Customs, when in doubt about the authenticity of a product, should permit the manufacturer who owns the trademark or copyright to examine the merchandise. It is the most capable entity to respond quickly and accurately to facilitate trade and enforce trade laws when help is needed.

“A deadline for response should be given. Trade facilitation and trade enforcement are supported at the same time,” he said.

Silcox testified that many NEMA members have been victims of electrical product counterfeiting.

“Product safety is a major concern in our industry, and many electrical products are third-party tested to safety standards by independent laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, CSA Group, Intertek, and other testing and certification organizations,” he said. “Counterfeit electrical products are frequently found to be substandard in terms of safety or product performance characteristics.”

Counterfeit electrical products found in the U.S. include residential circuit breakers, medium-voltage circuit breakers, extension cords, batteries, ground rods, light bulbs, electrical receptacles, ground-fault circuit interrupters, electrical connectors, and electrical adaptors. A number of other counterfeit electrical products have been found outside of the U.S.

“Members of our industry, along with the testing and certification industry whose certification marks have been counterfeited, have worked with U.S. Customs at the ports to help them identify suspect counterfeit products, educating them where genuine products are made, and where counterfeit products come from,” said Silcox. “I have been involved in several of those training programs, and we appreciate the public private partnership that has combined its resources to achieve some good results to protect the public.”

NEMA is the association of electrical equipment and medical imaging manufacturers, founded in 1926 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Its member companies manufacture a diverse set of products including power transmission and distribution equipment, lighting systems, factory automation and control systems, and medical diagnostic imaging systems. Worldwide annual sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion.

Press/Public Relations Contacts:
NEMA Communications Department
Email: Contact Form

The University of Kentucky (UK) College of Engineering has named Jim T. Pauley to its Hall of Distinction. He is senior vice president of external affairs and government relations at Schneider Electric USA, chair of the NEMA High Performance Building Council, and chair of the American National Standards Institute Board of Directors. The honor was bestowed on the basis of his exemplary career achievements and outstanding character.

The Hall of Distinction, which was established in 1992 to recognize past graduates and encourage similar success among current students, honored Mr. Pauley and five other alumni of the College of Engineering in 2013.

Read full article.

Source: ANSI

Honored for exceptional support of electrical distribution channel

Leviton received the 2013 Industry Award of Merit at the National Association of Electrical Distributors' (NAED) national meeting in Boston on May 6. As part of NAED's Annual Achievement Awards, which recognize individuals and companies that embody the industry's highest standards, Leviton was honored for the company's active role in promoting and supporting the wholesale electrical distribution industry.

"Leviton is honored to receive this prestigious distinction from our customers and friends at NAED," said Donald Hendler, Leviton's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Relationships are a vital aspect of business in the electrical industry, and NAED provides a forum for relationship development and advancement in the industry. At the forefront of innovation, Leviton strives to pursue and maintain relationships to reach the shared goal of manufacturers and distributors to provide our customers with most innovative solutions in the industry."

Leviton was honored among four industry leaders who have made significant contributions to the electrical industry. As a longstanding member of NAED, Leviton received the Industry Award of Merit for the company's dedication and commitment to both the NAED and the industry.

"This award is a true testament to our valued relationships with Leviton's loyal distribution channel alliances," said William Marshall, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Leviton. "We look forward to continuing to provide smart solutions to our partners and are dedicated to our ongoing commitment to the distribution channel."

Source: PR Newswire

NEMA kicked off Congressional High Performance Buildings Week on Tuesday with a reception to thank U.S. Representatives David McKinley (R-WV) and Peter Welch (D-VT) for assuming the co-chairmanship of the High Performance Buildings Congressional Caucus. The caucus was formed in 2008 to educate federal policymakers on the ways that buildings can help reduce energy waste while providing occupants with safe, sustainable, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing buildings to live and work in.

The reception featured remarks from Reps. McKinley and Welch, as well as the chairman of NEMA’s High Performance Buildings Council, Jim Pauley of Schneider Electric. Mr. Pauley thanked the Congressmen for setting an example for the rest of Congress on bipartisan cooperation, and underscored that increasing building performance is something on which both parties can agree. He noted that increasing the energy efficiency, sustainability, and safety of buildings should be a top priority of Congress.

Reps. McKinley and Welch recently introduced H.R. 1616, “The Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2013,” the House counterpart to Sens. Shaheen (D-NH) and Portman (R-OH) bill, which NEMA has publicly endorsed.

NEMA is working closely with Congress and the Obama Administration to promote high performance buildings through the work of the NEMA High Performance Buildings Council, which was established to promote the adoption of high performance NEMA-scope products and systems that increase the energy efficiency, safety, resilience, sustainability, productivity, and security of federal, commercial, and multi-family residential buildings.

State of Wisconsin

The Department of Safety and Professional Services is moving forward in its effort to update Chapter SPS 316, the Wisconsin Electrical Code, by adopting the 2011 edition of the NFPA National Electrical Code^® (NEC). The hearing is scheduled for August 27, 2013 at 10 a.m. in Madison.

I strongly urge the electrical industry to show their support for these actions by attending this hearing and encourage Wisconsin to continue their commitment to electrical safety by adopting 2011 NEC.

For those who cannot attend the hearing, comments may be submitted to James Quast, Program Manager, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935, or by email to jim.quast@wisconsin.gov. Comments must be received on or before July 5, 2013 to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.

The adoption of the 2011 NEC will provide a great benefit by increasing the electrical safety in all buildings constructed in the state. This action will continue to keep Wisconsin in the forefront of electrical safety to ensure the wellbeing of all citizens in the state.

Hearing Information
Date: June 27, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: 1400 East Washington Avenue
Room: 121B, Madison, Wisconsin

Contact: Don Iverson at don.iverson@nema.org

State of Michigan

The State of Michigan has adopted the Michigan Part 8 Rule-set which includes the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) with an effective date of July 1, 2013. This adoption affects all structures in the state except for one and two family dwellings. However, during the review of the 2011 NEC there were several code sections deleted from the Part 8 Rules adoption and they were as follows:

R 408.30801 National electrical code; adoptions by reference; inspection; purchase.

Rule 801. (1) The standards contained in the national electrical code, 2011edition, except sections 110.24, 501.30B, 502.30B, 503.30B, 505.25B, 506.25B, 547.1 to 547.10, and Annex H, as published by the national fire protection association (NFPA), shall govern the installation, replacement, alteration, relocation, and use of electrical systems or material. With the exceptions noted, the national electrical code is adopted in these rules by reference.

Contact: Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

West Virginia Adopted the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2007

In the 2013 legislative session, West Virginia adopted the 2009 IECC and the ASHRAE 90.1-2007, which the Governor has subsequently signed into law. The 2009 IECC will be effective as of November 30, 2013 and ASHRAE 90.1-2007 with an effective of September 1, 2013.

Contact: Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

Washington Bill to Place State on Six-year Code Cycle Defeated

SB 5378, which originated in the Senate, died in Assembly committee at the close of the legislative session on April 30. The bill proposed to place the state’s residential and commercial building codes – including life safety and energy codes – on a 6-year adoption cycle. Lawmakers were concerned that extending the code cycle from the current 3 years to 6 years would impact the state’s energy goals, as well as disallow new technologies and construction innovations. Some of the technology embraced in the new codes includes advances in solar photovoltaic design, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, data processing centers and energy management systems. Adopting the most current life safety and energy codes is essential to allow these new technologies to be implemented and keep the State of Washington economically competitive.

The Washington Legislature will likely appoint a Task Force to study the issue of code adoptions before the start of the next year’s legislative session. Representatives and stakeholders from throughout the industry will participate, including building and fire code officials, contractors, labor, manufacturers, suppliers, testing agencies and other interested parties. NEMA continues to remain engaged in this effort.

Contact: Mike Stone: mike.stone@nema.org

Wisconsin Initiates Adoption of 2011 NEC

The State of Wisconsin, Department of Safety and Professional Services has initiated the adoption of the 2011 NEC. This is the first step in the process that will be followed by public input and review before final adoption. Wisconsin continues to be a dedicated leader to public safety and economic growth by adopting the most current infrastructure codes that ensures not only the safety of citizens but also enables the latest construction and energy technologies to be used across the state in homes, schools, commercials buildings and manufacturing facilities.

Contact: Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

State of Connecticut

Connecticut Legislative Committee on Public Safety & Security Removes 6-Year Cycle Provision from HB 6524.

The Connecticut Joint Legislative Committee on Public Safety & Security unanimously amended HB6524 to remove a six year code adoption cycle provision. The committee acted favorably on the message they received from a large constituency within the state comprised of the IBEW, IEC, Fire Marshal Association, NFPA, ICC and local NEMA member electrical manufacturers. Current construction codes establish the foundation for our communities. Extending the code cycle would have placed the state industry at a disadvantage by not recognizing the latest construction materials and current design practices permitted in Data Centers, Residential construction, Manufacturing facilities and new electrical infrastructure such as electrical vehicle charging stations and photovoltaic systems.

Current construction codes are a primary enabler for economic growth. Adopting the latest building codes will drive a more competitive commercial and retail business environment with the energy savings from homes, businesses and industrial operations now available to reinvest in the local community promoting job growth.

Contact: Deana Dennis: deana.dennis@nema.org

State of Michigan

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes, will hold a public hearing to adopt the Michigan Part 8 Rules which includes the 2011 NEC. The hearing will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. in Conference Room 3, at 2501 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI 48864.

Contact Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

Electrical and Energy Codes Retain 3 Year adoption Cycle

After an 18 month debate in the State of Michigan over a Home Builder's Association move to extend the code adoption cycle to six years, the state Senate favorably acted on the message they received from a large constituency across the state regarding the negative impact extending code adoption would have had on the state. The fundamental enhancements in building and public safety have been retained for commercial and industrial facilities. Extending the code cycle would have place state industry at a disadvantage by not recognizing the latest materials and practices permitted in an adjacent state such as Data Center design and even electric vehicle infrastructure. The economic benefit derived from adopting the latest energy code will drive a more competitive commercial and retail business environment with those energy savings now available to reinvest in the local community promoting job growth. All of these benefits were retained for taxpayer funded facilities that are newly constructed or remodeled such as schools and government buildings that will recognize the benefit from the energy code by lowering operating cost for those facilities."

"The significant impact may be on the backs of Michigan’s home buyers. If the state fails to remain current by updating the Michigan Residential Code every three years, the impact will range from family safety to energy savings. Sources indicate that remaining current to the most recent energy code equates to a savings of nearly $1000 a year to a home owner. Take into considerations the 10,000 housing starts across the state and that establishes millions of dollars of disposable income for those home buyers to reinvest into the local economy.

Contact: Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

State of Illinois – Energy Code

On January 1, 2013 the State of Illinois adopted the 2012 IECC with amendments. Back on August 17, 2012 the Governor signed Senate Bill 3724 which amends the implementation date of the 2012 IECC to January 1, 2013. It will lengthen the time the Board has to review and adopt future published editions of the Code and make them effective. This will allow stakeholders more time for training and preparation to build, design, and enforce the future updated codes.

Administrative Rules to adopt the 2012 IECC with amendments were approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on December 11, 2012.

• See the following amendments.

Contact: Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

State of Georgia

Effective January 1, 2013, The INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS [IRC], 2006 Edition, published by the International Code Council, when used in conjunction with the Georgia State Amendments and all other Georgia State Amendments to the INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, 2006 Edition, shall constitute the official Georgia State Minimum Standard One and Two Family Dwelling Code.

Part IV, Energy Conservation (Chapter 11), is deleted from the INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS. Substitute all references to Chapter 11 ENERGY EFFICIENCY with references to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code (IECC with Georgia State Supplements and Amendments).

Part VIII, Electrical (Chapters 33 through 42), is deleted from the INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS. Substitute for electrical requirements the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code (National Electrical Code® with any Georgia State Amendments).

When using the IRC; replace all references to the ICC Electrical Code with references to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Electrical Code (National Electrical Code® with any Georgia State Amendments).

When using the IRC; replace all references to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) with references to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code (IECC with Georgia State Supplements and Amendments). The Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code shall be used for heating and air conditioning equipment as well.

Contact: Paul Abernathy: Paul.Abernathy@nema.org

Delaware Adopts 2011 National Electrical Code^®

The Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission adopted the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC^®), effective December 11, 2012. This regulation has the force and effect of law in the counties, cities, and political subdivisions of the State. However, any county, city, or local jurisdiction can amend this regulation providing such regulation or ordinance is more stringent or imposes higher standards than those required by the 2011 National Electrical Code and are not inconsistent with the NEC and are not contrary to recognized standards and good engineering practices.

The 2011 NEC is adopted in its entirety with the exception of two amendments regarding the installation of smoke alarms on branch circuits protected by Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupters. The amendments are the same as those made with the adoption of the 2005 and 2008 NEC. Sections 210.12(B) and 550.25(B) are amended by adding a second, third and fourth sentence to read as follows: Smoke alarms shall not be placed on branch circuits protected by arc-fault circuit interrupter. All smoke alarms shall be supplied by branch circuits dedicated to smoke alarm equipment. The connection of the smoke alarm branch circuit to the power service shall be mechanically protected by utilizing lock-on devices.

Contact: Gil Moniz: gilmoniz@nema.org

Oregon AFCI Proposed Temporary Rule Changes

The State of Oregon Building Codes Division, Electrical and Elevator Board, has issued new temporary rule changes regarding the installation of arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) protection in dwelling units. These changes incorporate the requirements of the 2008 NEC with the following amendments:

• Removes “hallways” as an AFCI covered area and adds “alcoves” as an AFCI covered area.
• Adds an exception to allow installation of up to five branch circuits that are not AFCI protected serving a single system in a single room.
• An informational note is added that explains the rationale behind the amendments to the text of the 2008 NEC.

These new temporary AFCI rule requirements are effective January 1, 2013 . A public hearing will be held February 19, 2013 , and if approved the rules become permanent on June 30, 2013 .

The State of Oregon has an existing temporary rule in place that limits AFCI protection to bedrooms only, similar to the 2005 NEC provisions. This rule will stay in effect until December 31, 2012.

These new rules, effective January 1, 2013, expand the requirements for AFCI protection in Oregon. However, they still amend the 2008 NEC model code requirements and lessen the level of safety provided by both the 2008 and 2011 NEC.

The complete text of the proposed rule changes, State comments and dates of public hearings can be viewed at the State of Oregon website.

Contact: Mike Stone, mike.stone@nema.org

On June 29, 2012, Gov. Scott Walker directed the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) to study eliminating GFCI, AFCI and Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRR) in homes without first seeking input from the Wisconsin electrical industry. During this time the Wisconsin electrical inspection and fire safety community mobilized in opposition of this proposal by advising the Governor’s office of their reckless disregard for electrical, fire and child safety in the state by not mandating these proven safety devices.

After reviewing concerns from the fire and life safety community, on September 24th Governor Walker rescinded the proposal to remove GFCI, AFCI and TRR and directed the DSPS to leave in place those safety requirements. The Governor should be applauded for his willingness to change course to keep safety at the forefront for all citizens of Wisconsin.

Contact: Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

Oregon Electrical and Elevator Board Meeting on AFCIs

The State of Oregon Electrical and Elevator Board has added an item to their September 27, 2012 meeting to “review and provide a recommendation on testimony received at public meeting for arc fault circuit interrupter protection”. This was a late submission item on the Board’s agenda and only appeared on their website in recent days.

A temporary ban on the expanded 2008 NEC requirements for AFCI protection was instituted at the May 24, 2012 Board meeting. A meeting was held on August 8, 2012 to receive testimony regarding AFCI’s and whether or not the ban should be made permanent. Written and oral testimony was given by manufacturers, testing labs, NEMA, contractors and installers.

The meeting on Thursday, September 27, 2012 will be to provide a recommendation regarding the testimony received at the August 8 meeting.

Click here for the link to the meeting notice.

• DATE: September 27, 2012
• TIME: 9:30 a.m.
• PLACE: 1535 Edgewater St., NW, Salem OR 97309. Conference Room A
• PHONE: Debi Barnes-Wood, (503) 378-6787

Contact: Mike Stone: mike.stone@nema.org

The Senate Committee for Regulatory Reform has scheduled a hearing in Lansing for HB4561 on September 27, 2012. If HB4561 is passed it will amend Michigan’s code adoption process for all building, mechanical, electrical codes from a 3 year to a 6 year cycle. I urge you to attend this important committee hearing to show your opposition towards this legislation and let your voice be heard. Michigan citizens deserve the most up to date building codes to continue to keep the state in the forefront of electrical safety to ensure the wellbeing of all citizens in the state.

• Meeting Notice: For HB4561  
• COMMITTEE: Regulatory Reform
• DATE: Thursday, September 27, 2012
• TIME: 12:30 p.m.
• PLACE: Room 110, Farnum Building,125 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933
• PHONE: Leta Howard (517-373-5314), Committee Clerk

Contact: Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

The Washington State Building Code Council held public hearings on September 21, 2012, on proposed changes to the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). These types of changes tend to produce a patchwork of costly regional requirements that vary from other national consensus performance standards. The proposed changes included the following:

1. R101.2 – Scope. Creation of a Maximum/Minimum rule, potentially imposing further costs on construction.
2. R202 – Definitions. Definition of “High Efficacy Luminaire” has been removed, as well as all subsequent references to luminaires in the rest of the code. Code only refers to “High Efficacy Lamps”.
3. R401.3 – Certificate (Mandatory). The compliance certificate is allowed to be posted within 3 feet of the electrical panel instead of directly on the panel.
4. R402.4.4 – Recessed lighting. Wording has been changed to require “certified” instead of “labeled” for air leakage for recessed luminaires installed in the thermal envelope. This requires third-party verification instead of only labeling of the product.
5. R403.1.1 – Programmable thermostats. Further performance requirements for programmable thermostats, including additional programmable setback periods and a minimum 10 degrees F deadband.
6. R403.9.4 – Residential Pool Pumps. A new section has been added. Some of the provisions include: prohibition of split-phase or capacitor start/induction run motors; motors over 1 HP must be capable of operating at two or more speeds; pump motor controls are regulated.
7. R404 – Electric Power and Lighting Systems. All references to “high efficacy luminaires” have been deleted, only references to “high efficacy lamps” remain.

Contact: Mike Stone at mike.stone@nema.org

To our friends in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana and any other state to be affected by Hurricane Isaac

NEMA and our manufacturers are always concerned for the life and safety of anyone who installs, review and inspect electrical equipment subject to flood and contaminated waters. NEMA has established this guide to help anyone who needs to determine if electrical equipment should be replaced or can be reconditioned under manufacturers’ guidance when subject to events like you are experiencing with hurricane Isaac.

Below you will find a link to our guide that is designed by NEMA with participation from our many manufacturers to help building officials and inspectors better understand how to evaluate water damaged electrical equipment. The reliable and safe operation of electrical equipment is vital to the core beliefs of the National Electrical Code [NEC] and the National Electrical Safety Code [NESC]; this general scope is to ensure the practical safeguard to persons and property from the hazards associated with the use of electricity. The NEMA guide on Evaluating Water Damaged Electrical Equipment assists in playing a role in that well established scope of the NEC.

• Evaluating Water Damaged Electrical Equipment Document

Contact: Paul W. Abernathy, Paul.Abernathy@nema.org

The West Virginia State Fire Commission has announced a public hearing date of August 24, 2012 in Charleston. The purpose of this hearing is to discuss the adoption of the 2011 NEC which will enhance electrical safety in West Virginia. The State Fire Commission should be commended for their hard work and dedication towards building safety for all citizens of West Virginia.

Date: Friday, August 24, 2012 @10:00am
Location: West Virginia State Fire Marshals Offices
1207 Quarrier St (Second Floor)
Charleston, WV

Contact: Don Iverson: Don.iverson@nema.org

Effective November 1, 2012, all commercial electrical construction in Oklahoma will be in accordance with the 2011 National Electrical Code without the informative annexes. The final approval of the Oklahoma Uniformed Building Code Council took place on May 30, 2012. Along with the adoption of the 2011 NEC the council also approved the adoption of the 2009 International Code Council [ICC] editions of the IPC [International Plumbing Code], IMC [International Mechanical Code] and IFGC [International Fuel Gas Code] on commercial construction.

Contact: Paul.Abernathy@NEMA.org

Texas Industrialized Buildings Code Council adopts 2009 I-Codes and 2011 NEC

The adoption of the 2009 International Codes and the 2011 National Electrical Code becomes effective for the Texas Industrialized Building Code Council on July 1, 2012. Any building constructed as an Industrialized Building for use in Texas is required to meet these current code standards. However, as a grandfathering allowance any construction plans already approved under previous adopted code editions prior to July 1, 2012 will be allowed provided that the Industrialized Building must be completed, inspected in the plant by a Texas approved third party inspector, and labeled (TX decal must be attached to the unit) by no later than 12/28/2012 or the unit shall not be eligible for a Texas decal.

In Texas, Industrialized Buildings laws cover buildings constructed in one or more modules at a location other than the installation site and designed to be used as a commercial structure when installed. The buildings are closed construction and cannot be inspected at the installation site without disassembling the building or destroying a portion of the building. On January 1, 2010, portable classrooms designed for teaching the curriculum required by the Education Code, regardless of whether the construction is closed or not, are required to meet all the provisions that are required for industrialized buildings.

Contact: Paul.Abernathy@nema.org

On June 14, 2011 the North Carolina Building Code Council adopted the 2011 National Electrical Code effective September 1, 2011. However, on June 17, 2011, the Rules Review Commission received written objections, pursuant to NCGS 150B-21.3(b2), from 11 persons requesting a delay of the September 1, 2011 effective date. On May 16, 2012, the NC General Assembly convened and adjourned on July 3, 2012 without additional legislative review. As a result of the actions on May 16 thru July 3, 2012, the 2011 NC Electrical Code referencing the 2011 National Electrical Code went into effect July 3, 2012.

Contact: Paul.Abernathy@nema.org

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Codes and Standards have completed the Electrical Subcode review process. Effective May 7, 2001, the 2011 National Electrical Code with amendments became the electrical standard for all new electrical installations in the state.

A summary of the 2011 amendments are as follows:

Section 210.12(B) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications Dwelling Units will be deleted, because it is regulated by the Rehabilitation Subcode.

The amendment to NEC 334.10(1), which permits the use of Type NM cable in accessory buildings or structures of dwellings will be deleted, because the text is now included in the 2011 NEC.

The amendment to 300.4(A)(1) will be retained. This amendment references the building subcode for the placement of cable- or raceway-type wiring methods installed through bored holes in joists, rafters, or other wood members.

The amendment to 334.12(A)(2) will be retained. This amendment deletes this item and permits exposed Type NM cable in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.

The amendments to the support requirements in 342.30(C) Intermediate Metal Conduit, 344.30.(C) Rigid Metal Conduit, 352.30(C) Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit, 355.30(C) Metallic Tubing Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit and 358.30(C) Electrical Metallic Tubing, will be deleted, because the 2011 deleted these requirements.

Section 406.4(D)(4), which requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) receptacles to be installed when receptacles are being replaced in a dwelling unit will be deleted, because additions, alterations and modifications are regulated by the Rehabilitation Subcode.

All amendments to Chapter 5 Special Occupancies will be retained.

The amendment to 645.17, Power Distribution Units will be deleted, because the text is contained in the 2011NEC.

Section 680.42(B) will be deleted and replaced with the text from Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) issued by the NFPA. This section addresses the bonding requirements for spas and hot tubs. The amendments will not require equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces for listed self-contained spas or hot tubs that meet certain conditions.

The amendment to 800.156 will be retained. This amendment deletes the requirement for a communications outlet in dwelling units.

Informative Annex H entitled "Administration and Enforcement," will be retained. This amendment deletes this Annex in its entirety.

Contact: Gil Moniz at gilmoniz@nema.org

Will the Michigan Senate Leave Citizens holding the Bill on Higher Energy Costs and Reduced Safety?

The Michigan Home Builders Association continue to single handedly push through legislation HB4561 that will extend building code adoption cycles in the state of Michigan from 3 years to 6 years. In the fall of 2011 the Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee held hearings on HB4561. After receiving compelling oral and written testimony during two different hearings in support of electrical safety, energy efficiency requirements and the need to recognize safe installation codes for new technologies such as electric vehicles from a wide spectrum of the electrical and building and manufacturing communitys to throw out HB4561, the committee voted to send the proposed legislation to the Senate for adoption. Once again the PRIMARY proponent is the Michigan Home Builders Association.

On April 26, the Senate Regulatory Reform Committee held its first public hearing on HB4561. The majority of the allotted time during the hearing was given to the Homebuilders (MHBA) arguing that slowing adoption will cut costs to the citizens of Michigan. Because of the cost associated with adopting codes that permit the state of the art technology to reduce construction cost and ensure safety is in place for new technology such as electric vehicles that are a growing sector of the automotive industry in the state. The real issue is that home owners and businesses are left holding the higher utility bills for years to come because energy code adoption is delayed. Consider the next 20 years of energy savings that would permit home owners to reinvest that savings into their local economy, but not if the home builders succeed at convincing the senate that short term gains for them are necessary that can be paid for by our kids and grandkids.

The opposition for this bill has extensive support from organizations such as the Michigan Manufacturers Association which includes large manufacturing firms such as General Motors, Ford Motor, as well as nearly 2500 other manufacturers in the state. They recognize that the most up-to- date codes permit the latest technology to bring investment and jobs to the state of Michigan. Without the ability to drive efficiencies through new technological advances, the edge necessary to remain competitive in manufacturing has a significant opportunity to be lost to other states in the country.

The opportunity to help the senate recognize the simplistic cost savings message being touted by the Michigan Home Builders Association leaves Michigan tax payers to pay the price years to come through potential insurance increases, higher utility bills, and lost investments that will impact every tax payer in the state. Michigan tax payers, homeowners and business need to share their concern with their state senator so that a single association does not drive legislation that leaves safety and economic competitiveness at risk. Express your concern to the committee at the next scheduled hearing on May 10, 2012 in Lansing.

COMMITTEE: Senate Regulatory Reform Committee
DATE: Thursday, May 10, 2012
TIME: 12:30 p.m.
PLACE: Farnum Building, Room 110, Ground Floor
125 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48933
Committee Clerk: (517) 373-5307 sjones@senate.michigan.gov

Contact: Don Iverson, don.iverson@nema.org

March 1, 2012 the much referred to 1 year grace period has expired and all projects permitted in the Commonwealth of Virginia are to be done under the 2009 Uniform Statewide Building Code which references the 2009 I-codes and 2008 NEC as aforementioned previously.

The Uniform Statewide Building Code [USBC] effectively changed the referenced editions of the International [I-Codes] to the 2009 Editions of the International Residential Code [IRC], International Building Code [IBC], International Plumbing Code [IPC], International Mechanical Code[IMC], International Energy Conservation Code [IECC], International Fuel Gas Code [IFGC] and lastly references the 2008 National Electrical Code. During the period from March 1, 2011 to March 1, 2012 the permit holders could request construction project submittals to be reviewed under the previous [2006 I-Codes & 2005 NEC] adopted and references editions.

Contact: Paul W. Abernathy, Paul.Abernathy@NEMA.org

The Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board voted to adopt the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) for new-home construction and the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for commercial construction. With this adoption new homes built in Alabama will become safer and finally conform to a statewide, nationally recognized standard.

Effective October 1, 2012, these new codes will be in effect and represent the first time the State of Alabama ever had a statewide code standard. It is important to note that a few municipalities have already moved forward and adopted the 2012 International Residential Code and the 2011 National Electrical Code.

Alabama is adopting the 2009 IRC with some amendments to its energy section. For example, compliance with the national standard for producing a certificate stating the insulation R-values, U-factors, and the solar heat-gain coefficients (SGHC) for windows remains voluntary in Alabama. The state deleted the requirement for the installation of programmable thermostats as well as requirements for insulation for slab-on-grade floors and to protect exposed foundations. It also moved up the requirements for R-8 duct insulation and testing for duct leakage to July 1, 2013.

The State of Alabama will allow county and local governments to amend specific provisions within the code where local conditions may warrant. However, the state is against any mandatory fire-sprinkler installation standard for one- and two story homes. This was one area that made the passage of the 2009 IRC so very controversial in many states.

The Alabama Energy and Residential Code Board is made of 17 representatives from construction firms, trade groups, associations, utilities, licensing boards, municipal building departments, and legislators. The states governors office appointed 15 board members, and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs provided consultation on portions of the codes related to energy efficiency.

Contact: Paul W. Abernathy, Paul.Abernathy@NEMA.org​

March 1, 2012, the much referred to one-year grace period has expired and all projects permitted in the Commonwealth of Virginia are to be done under the 2009 Uniform Statewide Building Code, which references the 2009 I-codes and 2008 NEC as aforementioned previously.

The Uniform Statewide Building Code [USBC] effectively changed the referenced editions of the International [I-Codes] to the 2009 Editions of the International Residential Code [IRC], International Building Code [IBC], International Plumbing Code [IPC], International Mechanical Code[IMC], International Energy Conservation Code [IECC], International Fuel Gas Code [IFGC] and lastly references the 2008 National Electrical Code. During the period from March 1, 2011 to March 1, 2012 the permit holders could request construction project submittals to be reviewed under the previous [2006 I-Codes & 2005 NEC] adopted and references editions.

Contact: Paul W. Abernathy: Paul.Abernathy@NEMA.org

The Ohio Board of Building Standards (OBBS) has announced a public hearing on April 26, 2012 at 10AM in Reynoldsburg. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the proposed changes of the Ohio Residential Code which includes provisions from the 2011National Electrical Code (NEC) that enhances electrical safety in One - Two & Three Family Dwellings. The full text of the public hearing draft containing the proposed rules can be viewed on the Boards website (http://www.com.ohio.gov/dico/BBS.aspx).

The adoption of the Ohio Residential Code would provide a great benefit by increasing the electrical safety of one two & three family dwellings constructed in the state. This action will continue to keep Ohio in the forefront of electrical safety to ensure the well being of the citizens of Ohio.

Date: Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 10:00am

Location: Ohio Board of Building Standards (OBBS)
Hearing Room #1
6606 Tussing Road
Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Contact: Don Iverson: don.iverson@nema.org

State of Idaho: Electrical Code Adoption effectively killed.

What appeared to be a positive move by the Idaho Electrical Board last August has turned into a dead end. At that meeting, after taking testimony from several individuals, the Board voted to forward a recommendation to the Legislature to adopt the 2011 NEC without amendment. There was a proposal to send two recommendations, one for full adoption, and one deleting the expanded requirements for AFCI protection. The intent was to give the elected officials the option of selecting either one. The second option was rejected because the Board did not want to be seen as being unsupportive of AFCI protection.

On January 31, 2012, the Idaho House Business Committee took up the adoption of the 2011 National Electrical Code. Previously, sub-committees from both the Idaho House and Senate took testimony on the proposed adoption, and both voted to reject the new electrical code. Because the Committees had only the single proposal, it was faced with either accepting or rejecting it in its entirety. With testimony in opposition from several contractors that grossly exaggerated the financial impact of expanded AFCI protection, plus stories of nuisance tripping, the sub-committees turned down the entire code. The primary testimony was from several electrical contractors and a few homebuilders.

At the Full Business Committee hearing, the Chairman asked for the recommendation of the subcommittee and the reason for that recommendation, immediately calling for a vote. There were several individuals in attendance whom had signed up to testify on the issue, mostly in favor of adoption, but were never given the opportunity to be heard. The vote was overwhelming to reject the Boards recommendation.

While it is still possible for the full Legislature to adopt the 2011 NEC, the reality is that it is a dead issue for at least another year. The Board can take this up again later in 2012, but the opposition to arc fault protection will likely not be less. In the meantime, Idaho will be without all the additional benefits and safeguards embodied in the latest and most up-to-date electrical code available.

Submitted by Joe Andre: joe.andre@nema.org

The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Advisory Board announced the proposed adoption to the 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC). The Board reviewed and approved the proposed amendments to the 2011 NEC recommended by the Electrical Subcode Committee. The recommendation includes the deletion of some existing amendments, which have been incorporated into the 2011 NEC and the addition of others where new requirements were added to the 2011 NEC. Public comments are welcome and should be submitted by March 3, 2012 to:

Amy Fenwick Frank
Division of Codes and Standards
PO Box 802
Trenton, NJ 08625-0802
Fax Number: (609) 633-6729
Email: AFrank@dca.state.nj.us

Following are some of the proposed actions:

Adding a sentence to the current amendment to 210.8(A)(5). The current amendments reverts 210.8(A) (2) and (5) back to the National Electrical Code 2005 text. This proposed amendment will correlate with the existing amendment to 210.8(A)(2), which clarifies receptacles installed under the exceptions to 210.8(A)(5) do not meet the requirements of 210.52(G)."

Section 210.12(B) Branch Circuit Extensions or Modifications Dwelling Units will be deleted, because it is regulated by the Rehabilitation Subcode.

The current amendment to NEC 334.10(1), which permits the use of Type NM cable in accessory buildings or structures of dwellings will be deleted, because the text is now included in the 2011 NEC.

The amendment to 300.4(A)(1) will be retained. This amendment references the building subcode for the placement of cable- or raceway-type wiring methods installed through bored holes in joists, rafters, or other wood members.

The amendment to 334.12(A)(2) will be retained. This amendment deletes this item and permits exposed Type NM cable in dropped or suspended ceilings in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings.

The amendments to the support requirements in 342.30(C) Intermediate Metal Conduit, 344.30.(C) Rigid Metal Conduit, 352.30(C) Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Conduit, 355.30(C) Metallic Tubing Reinforced Thermosetting Resin Conduit and 358.30(C) Electrical Metallic Tubing, will be deleted, because the 2011 deleted these requirements.

Section 406.4(D)(4), which requires arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) receptacles to be installed when receptacles are being replaced in a dwelling unit will be deleted, because additions, alterations and modifications are regulated by the Rehabilitation Subcode.

All current amendments to Chapter 5 Special Occupancies will be retained.

The amendment to 645.17, Power Distribution Units will be deleted, because the text is contained in the 2011NEC.

Section 680.42(B) will be deleted and replaced with the text from Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) issued by the NFPA. This section addresses the bonding requirements for spas and hot tubs. The amendments will not require equipotential bonding of perimeter surfaces for listed self-contained spas or hot tubs that meet certain conditions.

The current amendment to 800.156 will be retained. This amendment deletes the requirement for a communications outlet in dwelling units.

Contact: Gil Moniz, gilmoniz@nema.org

At the January 18, 2012 meeting of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council (RAC) the Council voted to recommend to the Pennsylvania Legislature that a six year code adoption cycle be instituted under the Uniform Construction Code. This recommendation will require an amendment to Act 45 of 1999 (as amended), which establishes a uniform construction code imposing powers and duties on municipalities and the Department of Labor and Industry providing for enforcement, imposing penalties and making repeals. The Act also provides for the duties of RAC, which include the review of the latest triennial code revisions issued by the International Code Council. If these recommendations are accepted the 2009 I-Codes that are currently in effect, will remain in effect until at least 2015 when RAC must review changes in the 2015 I-Codes. The 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) is adopted by reference in the 2009 Building Code and for one- and two-family dwellings the 2009 Residential Code is adopted with Electrical Provisions that are based on the 2008 NEC.

Contact: Gil Moniz, gilmoniz@nema.org