EC&M On Air

Incorporating Robots Into Solar Installations

In Episode 76 of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson sat down with David Lincoln, senior vice president at Rosendin, to discuss some really cool technology they're implementing throughout their solar installations. They have been using robots to increase the efficiency and safety of building solar energy fields. Ellen and David dive into this exciting practice and how robotic technology can help electrical contractors perform work (like solar) faster and more effectively. 

Next-Gen Insights with Hazen Ring, Vanguard Electrical

Episode 75 features a special edition of EC&M On Air, where we are highlighting insights from past EC&M Under 30 All Stars! Today's guest is Hazen Ring, account service manager with Vanguard Electrical in Fort Worth, Texas. Hazen and Ellen discuss tips for young folks in the industry, technology worth exploring, and more. 

The Most Unusual Power Outages of 2024 — EC&M On Air Highlights

In Episode 74 of EC&M On Air, we're featuring another audio-only version of a popular piece of past content from the EC&M website. Today, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson is highlighting the most unusual power outages of 2024, which was a photo gallery based on data gathered by Eaton. It covers some of the wildest and weirdest causes of power outages in the United States and Canada. Listen to hear about some of these unique electrical instigators, or check out the original gallery. 

Understanding Advanced Risk Factors for Electrical Safety

In this episode of EC&M On Air, we're featuring an interview conducted at PowerTest 25 in March 2025 by Ellen Parson with Lanny Floyd, adjunct professor (principle consultant, electrical safety and technology), The University of Alabama at Birmingham. They got the opportunity to discuss Lanny's presentation at PowerTest 25, hosted by NETA, entitled "Advanced Risk Factors for Electrical Safety." Topics covered include:

• Why there has been a steady decline in electrical fatalities in the United States over the past decade.
• New safety approaches from major organizations like OSHA, NIOSH, and NSC.
• How human behavior and decision making drive electrical safety outcomes.
• Strategies for integrating advanced risk factor analyses into existing electrical safety programs.
• Defining how "expanding our thinking" will lead to improved electrical safety outcomes.

Safe Ladder Usage on Job Sites with Mark Lamendola — EC&M On Air Highlights

In Episode 72 of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson reads an audio-only version of a past popular article from the EC&M website. Today, she features "Maintaining Safe Ladders on Job Sites," written by Mark Lamendola, an electrical consultant to EC&M, and originally published in February 2025.

Next-Gen Insights with Khalid Hachil, Stantec

Episode 71 of EC&M On Air features another interview with a past Under 30 All-Star! This time, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson interviews Khalid Hachil, an electrical engineer with Stantec. They discuss why Khalid decided to enter the electrical industry, insights from an electrical engineering perspective, and tips for other electrical engineers looking to advance in their career and better understand technological trends. 

Check out Khalid's original 30 Under 30 profile for more information about him. 

Misconceptions About the Power Quality Industry

This episode features Part 2 of EC&M Editor-in-Chief's conversation with Philip Keebler, technical advisor to PBE Engineers. They cover common misconceptions throughout the power quality industry that electrical professionals need to be aware of.

In case you missed it, check out Part 1 of this conversation, where Ellen and Philip discussed economic factors of PQ issues.

NECA Recommendations for Tariffs & the Electrical Industry — EC&M On Air Highlights

In Episode 69 of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson is highlighting a popular past article with alerts from NECA for its members about what impending tariffs will mean for the electrical industry. If you're interested in more insights regarding tariffs, check out this recent article from Tom Zind, a freelance reporter for EC&M. 

Next-Gen Insights with Wes Newton, Hill Electric Co.

Episode 68 features our latest Next-Gen Insights interview with 2024 EC&M Under 30 All Star honoree, Wes Newton, a service technician with Hill Electric Co., Anderson, S.C. EC&M Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson and Wes chat about Wes's journey into the electrical industry, must-know technology, and other tips for up-and-coming electrical leaders.

You can learn more about Wes in his 2024 30 Under 30 Electrical All Star profile.  

Follow EC&M On Air for more Next-Gen Insights. These special interviews are released the second Thursday of each month!

Economic Considerations for Power Quality Issues

In Episode 67, we're covering the many misconceptions surrounding power quality (PQ) issues with Philip Keebler, technical advisor to PBE Engineers. This episode had so much great PQ information, so Ellen Parson, host of EC&M On Air and Editor-in-Chief of EC&M, decided to split this episode into two parts. This episode is Part 1 and covers economic considerations all electrical professionals must understand when it comes to PQ issues.