Littelfuse: Solid-State Industrial Relays Quality Test Report

Littelfuse: Solid-State Industrial Relays Quality Test Report

April 21, 2025 Littelfuse Provides Insights Into Their Solid-State Industrial Relays Introduction Solid-State Relays (SSRs) are a critical component in modern electrical & electronic systems, providing reliable switching capabilities for various applications from industrial automation to consumer electronics. When it comes to choosing the right solid-state relay for your application, it’s important to know the…

PataBid vs. Accubid Classic: How Electrical Estimating Software is Evolving

PataBid vs. Accubid Classic: How Electrical Estimating Software is Evolving

April 21, 2025 By Melvin Newman, Patabid CEO The landscape of construction technology — especially in electrical estimating software—is evolving at a rapid pace. With the rise of cloud-based platforms, AI-driven automation, and advanced data integration, contractors now have more options than ever when choosing the right digital estimating tool.    With the rise of…

ESA

ESA has Identified Increasing Safety Concern Surrounding Meter Base Installations

April 18, 2025 ESA and EFC are raising awareness on an increasing safety concern the ESA has identified surrounding meter base installations. ESA identified an increase of installed meter bases where the neutral block is isolated from the enclosure. According to OESC Rule 10-210 a bonding conductor must be installed between the meter base and…

Non-residential Construction Investment Continues to Reach Record Highs in January 2025

Non-residential Construction Investment Continues to Reach Record Highs in January 2025

April 18, 2025 Overall, investment in building construction rose 1.8% (+$393.7 million) to $22.1 billion in January. The residential sector increased 2.3% to $15.4 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 0.8% to $6.7 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 5.7% in January. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction increased 1.5% from the previous month to $13.2 billion…

BC Non-Residential Drives Growth, Multi-Family Component Drives Residential Decline in February Building Permits

BC Non-Residential Drives Growth, Multi-Family Component Drives Residential Decline in February Building Permits

April 18, 2025 In February, the total value of building permits issued in Canada increased by $371.3 million (+2.9%) to $13.1 billion. Gains in construction intentions were led by British Columbia’s non-residential sector. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits issued in February grew 3.2% from the previous month and was up 5.6% on…

Navigating Tariffs: Practical Strategies for ECABC Members

Navigating Tariffs: Practical Strategies for ECABC Members

April 18, 2025 Canadian businesses are facing uncertain and unprecedented risks created by tariffs on Canadian goods from the United States. The combination of the economic impact to BC’s economy from these tariffs, and the potential increase in the cost of construction materials and equipment as Canada is forced to respond with retaliatory tariffs, has…

Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

Four Ways Permanent Power Enahnces Outdoor Spaces

April 14, 2025 Today’s workplaces are expanding beyond the four walls of an office. As technology continues to evolve, employees are looking for new and alternative workspaces to inspire creativity and increase productivity. This includes taking their work to outdoor spaces. Bringing technology to outdoor spaces has become a challenge for facility managers and property…

New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

New Report: Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather

April 13, 2025 Alberta is facing more severe weather events, with rising temperatures, wildfires, and more frequent extreme storms threatening homes and businesses. Our report, Preparing Alberta’s Buildings for Severe Weather−written in partnership with the Alberta Ecotrust Retrofit Accelerator program−highlights the need for deep retrofits to ensure the province’s buildings can withstand these changing conditions. Four…

CCA Bulletin: Managing Tariff Risks in Construction Projects

CCA Bulletin: Managing Tariff Risks in Construction Projects

April 13, 2025 This bulletin was prepared by select members of the Canadian Construction Association’s (CCA) General Contractors National Advisory Council. Its purpose is to assess the potential impacts of tariffs and counter-tariffs on general contractors in Canada focusing specifically on: In both areas, the bulletin explores both upstream and downstream impacts – examining how…

Code Quiz: Section 26 – Installation of Electrical Equipment

Code Quiz: Section 26 – Installation of Electrical Equipment

April 7, 2025 By Bill Burr Section 26 – Installation of Electrical Equipment Receptacles Question: Rule 26-706 specifies that all receptacles of CSA configuration 5-15R and 5-20R installed in: …must have a particular feature, what is this feature? Source: CSA C22.1:24, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 – Safety Standard for Electrical Installations. © 2021 Canadian…

Alberta Municipalities EV Charging Installation Rebate

Alberta Municipalities EV Charging Installation Rebate

April 4, 2025 Alberta Municipalities are proud to provide financial rebates for applicants to purchase and install electric vehicle charging stations in Alberta as part of the Electric Vehicle Charging Program (EVCP), funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) & Alberta Municipalities.  The funding will cover up to 46% of your total project cost, which can…