🔌 Welcome to the May Edition of Watt’s Up by Electrical Excel
Summer is heating up, and so is the demand for skilled electricians. Whether you’re preparing for your licensing exam or aiming to stay sharp in the field, this month’s newsletter is packed with resources to energize your journey.
🧠 Exam Prep Tip: Mastering the NEC Book for Success
Your NEC book is your best ally during the exam—but only if it’s properly prepared. Here are some do’s and don’ts to ensure your book is exam-ready:
✅ Do:
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Highlight key sections.
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Use permanent tabs (avoid removable ones).
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Write short notes in the margins or blank pages.
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Bring a softbound (black cover) edition.
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Write in pen.
❌ Don’t:
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Stick or glue extra pages.
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Use Post-it Notes or similar removable stickies.
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Write long notes, paragraphs, or Q&A.
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Bring spiral-bound, binder, or hardcover books.
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Write in pencil (could be mistaken for in-exam writing).
For a comprehensive guide, check out our Electrical Exam Prep Tip #127.
📚 Code Spotlight: NEC Article 220.55 – Kitchen Equipment Load Calculations
Article 220.55 is crucial when calculating loads for kitchen equipment. Misunderstanding this can lead to significant errors in service sizing. Ensure you’re familiar with the demand factors and how they apply to multiple cooking appliances.
Dive deeper into this topic with our detailed breakdown: Don’t Skip Over Table 220.55.
📣 Community Update: Upcoming Exam Prep Seminars in Texas
Join our intensive 2-day seminars designed to prepare you thoroughly for the Texas Journeyman or Master Electrical Exam. Our sessions cover formulas, calculations, code sections, and more. Plus, if you don’t pass after attending, you can return to our seminar for free.
Reserve your spot today: Electrical Exam Seminar – IN CLASS.
📬 From the Archives: 7 Tips for the Electrician License Exam
Consistency and strategy are key to passing your exam. Our top tips include creating a solid study plan, understanding the exam format, using reliable study materials, and more.
Read the full article: 7 Tips For the Electrician License Exam.
🌐 Industry News: May 2025 Highlights
Google Invests in Electrician Training Amid AI Power Surge
As AI data centers drive up U.S. electricity demand, Google is funding the training of tens of thousands of new electricians to help alleviate power shortages. The company is donating $10 million to organizations such as the Electrical Training Alliance, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the National Electrical Contractors Association for apprenticeship and workforce training. This initiative is projected to increase the supply of electricians by 70% by decade’s end. (Reuters)
NEC 2026 Reorganization: Major Structural Changes Ahead
The 2026 National Electrical Code (NEC) will introduce significant structural changes, including relocating Article 220 (Load Calculations) to Article 120 in Chapter 1. This reorganization aims to enhance code clarity and usability. (Daily Reporter, NFPA)
TE Connectivity Acquires Richards Manufacturing
TE Connectivity has announced plans to acquire Richards Manufacturing for approximately $2.3 billion in cash to enhance its presence in the electrical utilities market. This acquisition comes in response to the increasing demand for power driven by the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the need for more resilient infrastructure due to aging systems, extreme weather, and green energy initiatives. (Reuters)
📌 Call to Action: Ready to Elevate Your Electrical Career?
Don’t navigate your exam preparation alone. Explore our resources, join our seminars, and connect with a community dedicated to your success.
👉 Visit Electrical Excel to learn more.
Electrical Excel
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