EA April 2026
Energy
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ELECTRICAL APPARATUS | APRIL 2026
Electric Avenue
19 The case for sand batteries
Sand is a simple, abundant, durable medium that’s suitable for storing renewable energy
By Maura Keller, EA Contributing Writer
Conventions & Trade Shows
22 Fresh AHR
Innovation, community, and the future of HVACR were all on display at the annual HVACR expo
By Charlie Barks, EA Managing Editor
EA Reader Profile
24 Jimz Fix-It Shop
How James Kocmoud learned to fi x things by doing
By Colin Gregory-Moores, EA Contributing Writer
Electrical Manager
26 The compliance crunch
How emissions mandates are reshaping American industry in spite of complaints
By Charlie Barks, EA Managing Editor
Energy
28 United in pursuit of nuclear energy
An Illinois plan to develop nuclear energy fi nds bipartisan support
By Bill O’Leary, EA Contributing Writer
Power Plants
29 Underwater current events
Why bulb-type hydroelectric generators matter
By Chase Fell, EA Contributing Writer
Power Transmission & Distribution
35 Where fusible meets functional
Types, protective features, and various industrial distribution applications of medium-voltage fusible switchgear
By David Bredhold, EA Contributing Writer
Finance & The Workplace
40 Get on board or get left behind
U.S. economic expansion and Industry 4.0 have brought electromechanical service to a crossroads
By William H. Wiersema, CPA, EA Finance Editor
Safety & Health
44 Clearing the way
How electric utilities manage trees and vegetation near power lines to prevent outages By Charlie Barks, EA Managing Editor
Pump It Up
46 New trends in pumps
AI, energy, and rentals have emerged as top priorities among pump manufacturers
By Kevin Jones, EA Senior Editor
ELECTRICAL APPARATUS | APRIL 2026
Departments
04 The editor's comment
The many facets of the energy sector
05 Let's solve your problem
Answers to questions about reed frequency and motor output
06 Business
Financial reports reveal prevailing electrical industry trends
10 Know Your Industry
How API keeps the oil and gas industry flowing
12 Associations
New edition of influential motor repair standard now available
16 Calendar
Events on batteries, facility management, and contracting
18 Plant Happenings
Coal’s comeback in Tennessee, and Wichita water plant delayed
18 Names and Faces
Personnel changes at Siemens, WD-40, and Robroy Industries
42 Product Showcase
What’s new in tools, accessories, and furnishings for the shop
45 Utilities
When greater electricity demand lowers electricity cost
48 Classified advertising
Your monthly marketplace for equipment, businesses, and more
48 Cy's Super Service
The electrical service industry’s most prominent curmudgeon
49 EA puzzle
A crossword puzzle based on EA’s February and March issues
51 Moe, Genny & friends
The surreal world of an anthropomorphized motor and generator
52 Direct & current
Fully 3D-printed electric motors, and a Canadian energy corridor
52 Advertising index
Who’s who—and who’s where—in this issue of Electrical Apparatus