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Electrical Apparatus
The Magazine of Electrical &
Electronic Application & Maintenance

March 2005 

Below are listed featured articles from the March 2005 issue, Vol. 58, no. 3 © 2005 Barks Publications, Inc. ... see also March 2005 departments and columns and Previous issues.

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• What to see at the Plant Show  We highlight the floor exhibits, products and manufacturers of the National Manufacturing Week Expo (including the Plant Engineering & Design shows), March 7-10 at Chicago’s McCormick Place – one of the year's first major trade shows.
  By Kevin Jones, EA Senior Editor

• How to - and how not to - write a motor repair specification  There are many reasons you should, but be careful.  Those responsible for many motors and for industrial process maintenance and downtime costs will certainly appreciate this comprehensive March technical article. EA Engineering Editor Richard Nailen outlines how well-written repair specifications can eliminate ambiguity, contradiction, or omission, leaving no doubt as to what's expected. (Read a summary of this article.) (Read a summary) (trilingual summary appears in the magazine)
  By Richard L. Nailen, P.E., EA Engineering Editor

• Staying on top of commission jobs   Contracting a control installation or other job doesn't mean you can't keep track of what's being done
  By David Tryling, EA Electronics Editor

• Voltage drop in motor circuits   What's allowed?  Scrolling through question-and-answer Internet forums for electricians, plant operators, and contractors reveals that a frequent topic for discussion is voltage drop -- the difference between what an electric power system makes available and what actually appears at a downstream load. Our article answers basic questions: What's the lowest load voltage allowed by Code? How large a conductor is needed? What are the rules for paralleling conductors, or connecting different size conductors in series? And just how does reduced terminal voltage affect the connected load? We help readers understand the roles of utility practice and industry standards in governing voltage drop, as well as the relationship between system or circuit voltage and the rated or nameplate voltage of connected apparatus.
  By Richard L. Nailen, P.E., EA Engineering Editor

• 'Objective' versus 'prescriptive' electrical code  A new approach in Canada
  By Richard L. Nailen, P.E., EA Engineering Editor

• Plant and shop equipment    A special section devoted to equipment and materials used in apparatus service - We feature the latest new products for service shops and in-plant electrical departments.
  By the EA staff

• Why budgeting is essential for a business   It's not a waste of time - don't neglect this tool for gaining valuable insights
  By William H. Wiersema, CPA, EA Contributing Editor

See also March 2005's Departments, columns