Year In Review: Top 10 Articles of 2024
It was an exciting year of bringing you new types of content and continuing to be your resource for electrical industry tips, tricks and news. We covered everything from smart manufacturing and robotics to wire pulling tips to creating a winning workplace culture. Check out our list of top 10 blog posts from 2024 to see what people found most valuable, and stay tuned for more in 2025!
1. Fuses vs. Circuit Breakers: Which One Should I Use?
Fuses vs. circuit breaker – which option is right for your application? Fuses and circuit breakers are extremely important for protecting your wire, devices and personnel. However, how do you pick which one (fuse vs circuit breaker) to use? What are the advantages of each? Check out what Van Meter’s Product Specialist, Mike Ritchie, has to say. Read more »
2. Six Wire Pulling Calculators That Will Make Your Job Faster and Easier
You don’t get paid to calculate wire pulls. You get paid to complete them. Learn how Southwire’s free wire pull calculating tools help you save time planning projects, so you can get to payday sooner. Read more »
3. Don’t get caught out in the cold. Tips for pulling wire in cold weather
Cold temperatures place extra strain on cables, causing them to temporarily become brittle and inflexible. Below a certain temperature, it becomes difficult for cables to retain their flexibility and plasticity while being bent. Read more »
4. Van Meter Appointed As Authorized Rockwell Automation Distributor in NE Minnesota & NW Wisconsin
Van Meter announced that effective today they are the newly authorized Rockwell Automation distributor in the greater Duluth-Twin Ports, Minnesota market, which extends into northeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Mielke Electric Works, Inc. was the previously authorized distributor. Read more »
5. Five Steps For Efficient Emergency Egress Lighting in Commercial Buildings
While we never want to depend on emergency lighting, it’s necessary for keeping our public spaces safe when the power goes out. Planning an effective emergency egress lighting system that meets egress lighting requirements is tricky though. What electrical lighting standards should you follow? How much light do you need under normal and emergency conditions? Read more »
6. Which Commercial Lighting Control System Is Right For You?
You might know that a commercial lighting control system can help your business reduce energy usage and cost, but how do you know which system will give you the best results? Keep reading to learn more about the important features of four popular lighting control systems to help you decide which one is right for you. Read more »
7. How to find Rockwell Automation product lifecycle status
For two Van Meter employee-owners, working for Van Meter put them in the right place at the right time to create a better life for themselves and for their families. Here’s how working for Van Meter changed their lives. Read more »
8. Van Meter Named To Top Workplaces USA List
For the second consecutive year, Van Meter Inc. is a Top Workplaces USA award recipient as one of the top 100 qualifying mid-size companies in the United States. Van Meter is ranked 32nd among companies with 500-999 employees in USA Today’s publication of Top Workplaces. Read more »
9. How to Do a One-Person Circuit Wire Pull with Southwire's Wire Pulling Tools
Using your own strength for your circuit wire pulls is possible, but how is your body going to feel at the end of a full day? How about the end of the week? It also takes multiple people, so you’re using up hands that could be doing something more productive on your jobsite. Read more »
10. Where To Find The Perfect Job Candidate Without Looking Too Hard
Looking for that perfect candidate to fill your vacant position? Well, you might be looking for a while. Just a couple years ago, workers across the country were quitting their jobs in record numbers in what has been called the “Great Resignation.” Read more »