Wire and Cable Technology Blog

The Energy Department last month reported that wind energy alone could supply 20% of the nation's electricity needs by 2030 if we can build the power lines needed to transmit it. The problem, as it turns out, is not generating the power, but moving it from where there's wind and sun, to where people consume it. Not only will we have to invest in alternate technologies, such as wind turbines and solar panels, but the more conventional technology of power lines. If you ask me, the question is not whether we can afford it or not, but can we afford not to do it. It seems to me that the quicker we adopt alternative energy technology, the better off we all will be. What do you think?

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Many engineers simulate the behavior of high-voltage cable in a power distribution system or the interconnecting cables in a computer system as part of the design process. The biggest problem with simulations is the accuracy of the models. Good models will result in accurate simulations, but poor models will yield useless ones. Just like in data systems: Garbage In = Garbage Out. Do you model your cable application? If so, are you happy with the quality of your models? If you're not happy with the models, what are you doing about it?

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In the Sci-Fi classic 2001: A Space Odyssey an astronaut talks to the computer controlling his space craft. In real life, however, there are still some major hurdles to overcome before voice I/O becomes commonplace, if ever. Now, there's a tester that claims to use voice recognition and speech synthesis to improve tester productivity. It still kind of freaks me out when I hear the flat, cold voice of most computer speech. And while speech recognition is getting better, I'm not sure it's ready for the factory floor. What do you think? Are you ready to have your tester talk to you, or is this just another gimmick that's liable to be turned off and forgotten once the novelty wears off?

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High-tech research gets most of the press, but small, incremental improvements are often more significant than research projects that fail to pan out. In the wire and cable industry, these improvements may be a new cable jacket material that's more rugged or that can withstand heat better. Other incremental improvements may be a new test method that slashes test times or an assembly technique that makes a more reliable cable. Are you working on these kinds of development projects? Can you give me an example from your own work?

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Every day, there are new reports of wire and cable theft. The price for copper and aluminum scrap is so high that thieves plunder buildings, construction sites, railroad crossings, and telephone installations. Missouri is attempting to stem the tide with laws that would require scrap dealers to obtain ID from sellers of copper or aluminum worth at least $50. Is that enough? Telephone outages can cost businesses many thousands of dollars and if railroad crossing signals don't work, lives are at stake.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Wire & Cable Technology, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Wire & Cable Technology today.