Watt’s Up September 2024

Outdated electrical panels and wiring pose significant hazards, including the risk of overheating, fires, and electrical shock, especially as they struggle to support modern appliances. To ensure safety and compliance, it's crucial to assess, plan, and replace aging systems, following strict safety protocols and referencing the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other relevant guidelines. Proper installation, inspection, and the use of insulated tools and personal protective equipment are essential for minimizing risks during these updates.

Cagdas Halicilar, once an electrician, now enjoys a luxurious lifestyle as a Jeff Bezos lookalike, after quitting his job to start his own transportation company and joining a doppelgänger agency. His uncanny resemblance to the billionaire has led to appearances on Netflix, local TV shows, and constant requests for selfies, especially during a recent visit to the Amazon campus in Seattle. Halicilar, who mirrors Bezos' lifestyle, now dreams of sharing a whiskey with the real Bezos aboard a yacht.

Bill Mize, a 28-year-old union electrician, was severely injured while solo climbing North Sister mountain when a falling rock struck him, causing a 100-foot fall that left him with a broken kneecap and torn ligaments in his left leg. Despite the severity of his injuries, Mize remains resilient, declining outside financial help and expressing gratitude for his trade and union brothers at IBEW Local 280, who are raising funds to support him. Mize, who has undergone multiple surgeries, remains uncertain about the future use of his leg but holds no regrets about his passion for mountaineering.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is launching the COAST program, an advanced workforce development initiative, in its new downtown building, funded with $15 million approved by the Texas A&M University System board of regents. The program, aimed at underserved populations in the Coastal Bend region, will offer training in fields like manufacturing, cybersecurity, and electrical systems to meet local job demand and boost the economy. Initially, the program will operate on the university's campus and other partner facilities until renovations on the building are complete.

A viral TikTok video by user Brandon (@watchmen_inspections) highlights the dangers of improper extension cord use, showcasing an "electric nightmare" where multiple power strips are dangerously connected and even mounted with screws through a wall, risking a fire. This DIY setup has shocked viewers, sparking discussions about the need for better electrical safety education. The video serves as a cautionary tale about the potential hazards of overloading circuits and using cheap or improperly installed extension cords.