April 2002 

Below are listed featured articles planned for the April 2002 issue, Vol. 55, no. 4 © 2002 Barks Publications, Inc. ... along with popular and well-read features from our  departments and columns.

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• Our first big roundup in 2002 of the latest in new product introductions for test instruments and devices, bench tools, material handling apparatus, and other equipment that can improve the efficiency and service effectiveness of service shops and plant/institutional electrical maintenance operations. 

• Is there really such a thing as an “all-purpose” grease that’s suited to every type of bearing loading, speed and environmental condition? No...and using the wrong lubricant for a particular application can lead to serious problems from overheating, “washing out,” or other types of breakdowns. This article helps readers sort through the different types of greases that have been developed for specialized uses. With trilingual summary. By Richard L. Nailen, P.E., EA Plant Engineering Editor

• It can be useful and necessary, but possibly misleading. Materials in any type of electrical apparatus, no matter how much or little it’s used, are eventually exposed to operational and environmental stresses with the passage of time. This article helps readers understand, and prepare for, the ways in which electrical, thermal, mechanical and chemical properties are affected by aging . By Richard L. Nailen, P.E., EA Engineering Editor

• Generalities can be misleading; concerns should be referred to manufacturers or tested. Whether it’s physical, chemical or emotional, when a saturation point is reached, it means you’re out of room. That holds for electromagnetic devices, too. This article helps readers understand, and prepare for, the concept of saturation when operating electrical apparatus. By Richard L. Nailen, P.E., EA Engineering Editor

Safety & Health

• Getting a better grip on hand protection - There are thousands of types of gloves—for every workplace use  By Richard B. Elsberry, EA Contributing Editor

• Fixing leaking costs in your operations - How to control costs in challenging economic times By William H. Wiersema, CPA, EA Contributing Editor