The Electric Current Blog

Innovation, Sustainability | April 26, 2019

So, What about the Smart Grid?

It seems like all new electrical projects somehow have something to do with a smart grid at one time or another. What is a smart grid? The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) describes the smart grid as “an intelligent electricity grid—one that uses digital communications technology, information systems, and automation to detect and react to local changes in usage, improve system operating efficiency, and, in turn, reduce operating costs while maintaining high system reliability.”

Innovation, Quality, Safety | April 11, 2019

Beyond The Code – National Electrical Installation Standards

At this year’s Code Seminar sponsored by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) of the Electrical Alliance, 160 participants — including Electrical Alliance contractors’ representatives and electricians — received important updates and training on the National Electrical Codes (NEC)®. The Code Seminar, held on March 23, focused on the 2017 NEC® Significant Changes and provided updates relevant to Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E) and fire alarm code.

Innovation, Safety | March 4, 2019

2019 Industry Advancements – Staying Ahead of the Curve

As technology rapidly changes, electrical contractors must stay up-to-date on industry advancements— their jobs depend on it. Advancements in tools, lighting, machinery, accessories and more, frequently allow for electrical jobs to be completed faster, more efficiently and often times even more cost effectively. In addition, many of these advancements help trades workers to be safer on the job.

Training | February 22, 2019

JATC Apprenticeships – 2019 Class Applications Close March 29, 2019

At The Electrical Alliance and Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), we believe there’s more than one path to success. We know firsthand that the traditional classroom experience isn’t for everyone—not to mention the thousands of dollars in student loans that can come along with it.

Innovation, Quality, Safety | February 14, 2019

Aarow’s Installation Challenges Working On NIH’s 24/7 Hospital Fire Alarm Replacement

Starting July 25, 2017, Aarow Electrical Solutions was awarded a contract with JV EGI/HSU to replace the active fire alarm infrastructure within NIH main hospital. There are three 14-story risers plus penthouses in the building 10 hospital East, West, center, and five 8-story risers plus penthouses in the Mark O. Hatfield Clinical Research Center (CRC), both under one roof, all of which received the new infrastructure.

Training | February 9, 2019

The Electrical Alliance Supports SkillsUSA

The Electrical Alliance has been a long-term supporter of SkillsUSA, a national partnership of students, teachers and the industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. It provides educational programs, events and competitions that support career and technical education in the nation’s classrooms.

Innovation, Quality, Safety, Sustainability | January 11, 2019

2018 Awards – Lit Up By Electrical Alliance Contractors

Year after year, Electrical Alliance contractors demonstrate that they light up the nation’s capital and surrounding metropolitan area. In fact, Electrical Alliance contractors worked on the vast majority of the largest construction projects in the greater D.C. region last year and are essential contributors on many award-winning projects.

Training | January 4, 2019

IBEW Local 26 Member Spotlight: Steve Swaney

Fourth-Year Apprentice Steve Swaney is not quite like most of our Local 26 apprentices. At 51 years old, he finds himself a few decades older than most of his fellow apprentices in the program. While most people his age would be hesitant about returning back to school at this stage in their life, Steve is excited by the educational opportunities he has at his disposal and the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career.

Outreach | December 28, 2018

A Helping Hand This Holiday Season

IBEW Local 26 was busy this December collecting food and charitable donations to benefit S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat) in Washington, D.C. Collected donations totaled over $8,000 worth of food. Generous contributions were provided by IBEW Local 26, day and night school students of the JATC and holiday party donations from Local 26 members. Electrical Alliance contractor C3M Power Systems LLC contributed cash, as well as food donations; and, Perlectric., Inc, another Electrical Alliance contractor, donated Giant Food gift cards. IBEW Local 26 has held an annual holiday food drive since 2008.

Outreach, Quality | December 7, 2018

Electrical Alliance Leader Honored After 36 Years of Service to the Industry

The Electrical Alliance, the DC Chapter of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association), and IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 26 are pleased to announce that Andy Porter, former Executive Director of the DC Chapter of NECA, was inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contracting at the 2018 NECA Convention, September 29 – October 2 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.