EC&M On Air

Jim Lucy, Editor-in-Chief of Electrical Wholesaling, dives into the 2025 construction forecast. He highlights hot and cool markets, mega projects on the horizon, and the impact of political shifts on the industry. Lucy discusses how federal funding uncertainties affect infrastructure and EV projects, alongside trends in contractor consolidation. He explores the fluctuating prices of key materials like copper and steel and emphasizes the rising importance of app-based lighting technologies and the renewable energy sector for future opportunities.

In Episode 61 of EC&M On Air, we're bringing you "In Case You Missed It" insights from Rick Pedley, president and CEO of PK Safety! Your host and editor-in-chief of EC&M, Ellen Parson, reads an audio-only version of Rick's popular article, "How to Avoid Spark Explosions." This article highlights what static electricity is, how dust plays a role in creating spark explosions, and why proper static grounding devices help prevent worker injury. You can also read Rick's original article. 

In Episode 60, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses major topics around the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure market with three industry experts: Clif Orcutt of Henderson Engineers, Rick Azer of Black & Veatch, and John Eichberger of the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI). Their conversation was so informative, we decided to split it into two parts, with Part 1 covering the state of the EV charging industry, challenges around regulations, application 2023 NEC revisions, and more.  This episode is Part 2, which covers vertical market demand and the surge in certain markets; how the election results may impact EV charging infrastructure projects on the federal level; new activity in 2024 and moving into 2025; consumer trends; OEM responses to consumer behavior; and what to look out for moving into 2025. 

In Episode 59 of “EC&M On Air,” Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, highlights some of the most popular technical content we’ve been running recently, but this time brought to you in audio-only form. In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. This week, we’re featuring subject matter expert Randy Barnett, who addresses some of our readers’ most pressing electrical questions. This episode highlights the 2023 NEC requirements for reconditioned equipment. Randy starts with a discussion about how the 2023 NEC has expanded its requirements regarding reconditioned equipment. Next, he summarizes important changes and explains how those apply to you. Finally, he outlines marking requirements when dealing with reconditioned equipment. 

In Episode 58, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses major topics around the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure market with three industry experts: Clif Orcutt of Henderson Engineers, Rick Azer of Black & Veatch, and John Eichberger of the Transportation Energy Institute (TEI). Their conversation was so informative, we decided to split it into two parts.  This episode covers the current state of the EV market; how regulations around greenhouse gas reductions drive EV infrastructure action; common charging issues around maintenance/operations and network connectivity; challenges surrounding EVSE regulations; and application 2023 NEC revisions.  Part 2 of this conversation is out now, and it covers vertical market demand, consumer insights, upcoming EVSE trends for 2025, and more. 

In case you missed it, this content was originally brought to you in our EC&M Asks Q&A video series. In Episode 57, Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief of EC&M, is featuring subject matter expert Tommy Northcott on the podcast. Tommy starts with a discussion on the direct connection between electrical safety and electrical equipment maintenance. For background, he provides a brief history of electrical maintenance over the years, which ultimately resulted in the creation of NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, and how this recommended practice officially became a standard as of 2023.  

In Episode 56 of EC&M On Air, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sat down with a few of this year's Top 50 electrical contractor executives to discuss the biggest challenges that electrical contractors are facing along with the current state and future of AI adoption. Our guests include Gaël Pirlot of Inglett & Stubbs, Tony Mann of E-J Electric Installation Co., and Chuck Goodrich of Gaylor Electric.  Since their conversation was so insightful (and ran long), we decided to split it into two parts to make sure listeners don't miss any of this great conversation. If you missed Part 1 on electrical industry market trends, you can check it out on your favorite podcast app or on our website. 

ICYMI, Episode 55 features an audio-only version of a popular past EC&M Asks video. This Q&A features SME Don Kiper of Estimating 101, who addresses addresses some of our readers’ most pressing questions about electrical estimating, including how to talk to contractors about selecting the right software solution, aspects to consider when making that decision, and how quality software can increase productivity and improve cost savings. 

In Episode 54, EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sat down with a few of this year's Top 50 electrical contractor executives to discuss some of the most significant electrical industry trends: Gaël Pirlot of Inglett & Stubbs, Tony Mann of E-J Electric, and Chuck Goodrich of Gaylor Electric.  Their conversation was incredibly insightful and ran on the long side, we decided to split it into two parts to make sure listeners don't miss any of this great conversation. We'll publish the rest of their discussion next month, which will cover these execs' takes on AI adoption and business challenges.  You can also visit the EC&M website to read the full Top 50 special report, see the complete rankings, and view some of their biggest projects in the past year.   

In Episode 53, we're featuring an audio-only version of a popular video from Eddie Guidry, who addresses some of our readers' most pressing questions regarding the differences between NEC and OSHA electrical requirements — and why we need both. He also explains the scope and enforcement of OSHA citations in electrical settings as well as describes the difference between what's considered "approved" and "acceptable" in the NEC vs. OSHA.  Eddie’s been in the electrical industry for more than 45 years, and sits on many national and international industry codes and standards committees.