EC&M On Air

How well do you understand terms related to ground/grounding, according to NFPA 70E standards? In this audio-only version of a popular online article, Ellen Parson reads Mark Lamendola's explanation of the dozen ground-related terms all electricians need to know. 

The electrical industry is undergoing significant transformation. As demand for data centers, critical infrastructure, and electrification projects accelerates, contractors are facing a unique opportunity to expand beyond installation services and create new revenue streams through equipment manufacturing. In this episode, Mary Derrick, Vice President of EOEM and Power Applications at Schneider Electric, discusses how electrical contractors can evolve into Electrical Original Equipment Manufacturers (EOEMs) and capitalize on one of the fastest-growing segments of the power industry. Mary shares insights from her work with contractors, OEMs, distributors, and partners across North America, highlighting the market trends driving demand for custom-engineered electrical equipment, including switchboards, power distribution systems, and mission-critical infrastructure solutions. The discussion explores why contractors are uniquely positioned to succeed as EOEMs, leveraging customer relationships, installation expertise, and market knowledge to expand their capabilities. Mary also discusses the critical success factors for entering the market, including engineering expertise, UL 891 competency, supply chain resilience, and strategic partnerships. Listeners will learn how the growth of hyperscale data centers and other electro-intensive industries is creating new opportunities for contractors, what separates successful EOEMs from the competition, and how Schneider Electric is helping partners grow through innovation, support, and collaboration. Whether you're exploring manufacturing for the first time or looking to scale your existing business, this conversation offers practical guidance for navigating the future of the electrical industry.

In this episode of EC&M On Air Next Gen Insights, Managing Editor Ellie Coggins talks with Sophia Piatczyc, project manager/electrical engineer. We discuss what fuels her passion for sustainable solutions/renewables, the four pillars of successful engineering, and technological insights. Sophia also shares more about her work with the Society of Women Engineers. 

In this episode, EC&M's Ellen Parson sits down with Wesco's David Speidelsbach and Andy Jimenez to explore how AI is influencing the next generation of data center electrical systems. 

In this episode of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson sits down with some of this year's executives from the Top 40 Electrical Design Firms, based on electrical revenue from 2025: Nicki Sparks, P.E., principal and electrical engineering leader at HED, and Adam Toth, P.E., president of Toth & Associates. They discuss where the majority of today's electrical design work is coming from and what will continue to drive engineering firms over the next several years.    Their conversation was so in depth that we decided to split it into two parts — you can check Part 2 when it releases next month. 

In this audio-only version of a popular past article, Editor-in-Chief and EC&M On Air host Ellen Parson features Part 7 of this online article series on NFPA 70E terms by Mark Lamendola. He covers what the standard means by the term "exposed" and how electricians can ensure their installations meet this requirement. 

We've finally revealed the winners of the three overall winners of EC&M's 2026 Product of the Year competition, and in this episode of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson sits down to talk about these innovative products. First, Ellen sits down with Travis MacLachlan, VP of Sales & Product Development at Rack-A-Tiers, to discuss the Wire Waffle, which EC&M readers voted as the overall Platinum Winner. Next, she discusses Arlington Industries' Low-Profile Wall Box, which won the Gold Award, with Richard Temblador, VP of Product & Business Development. Lastly, Ellen speaks with Omar Ibrahim, Global Product Manager, ABB Electrification Service, about its Silver winning product, the TRAFCOM Transformer Monitoring Solution.  To learn more about the three Product of the Year winners, read the product profile article by Amy Fischbach, which appeared in our August 2026 print edition. 

Our monthly special edition of EC&M On Air is back, featuring this year's class of 30 Under 30 All Stars! To kick us off, Managing Editor Ellie Coggins sits down with Shalina Gupta, electrical engineer with Design Collaborative in Fort Wayne, Ind. Shalina, age 28, shares how she incorporates her passion for art/theater into her electrical engineering career and what good mentorship means to her. We also cover tackling tough challenges early in her career, finding your place in the industry, working cross-functionally with other electrical trades, and navigating a healthy work-life balance.

In this audio-only version of a past popular online article, Ellen Parson reads "NFPA 70E: Key Terms Electricians Should Know, Part 6," written by Electrical Consultant Mark Lamendola. This article addresses NFPA 70E requirements for establishing an electrically safe work condition and why it isn't always as straightforward as it may sound. 

Jim Lucy, editor-in-chief of Electrical Wholesaling magazine and Electrical Marketing newsletter, joins Ellen Parson on EC&M On Air to discuss the industry's Top 100 electrical distributors and what those insights mean for electrical contractors, engineers, and facility personnel. Jim shares the big highlights from his report, including hot and cold market verticals, supply chain challenges, distributor acquisitions and their impact on the Top 100 reporting, product pricing, and more.