In every episode, EC&M brings electrical insights, market data, technical information, and helpful hints to our audience of electrical engineers, electrical contractors, and plant facility personnel.
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October 28, 2026Episode 12832 min
Top 40 Design Firms: How Engineering Firms Are Using AI — and Preparing for the Next Generation
This episode of EC&M On Air features Part 2 of Ellen Parson's conversation with Nicki Sparks, P.E., principal and electrical engineering leader at HED, and Adam Toth, P.E., president of Toth & Associates, two executives from this year's EC&M Top 40 Electrical Design Firms. In case you missed it, you can check out the first part of their conversation , featuring discussions on the current state of the industry and where demand for electrical design work is coming from. In Part 2, Nicki, Adam, and Ellen focus on AI adoption and both what it can replace and what it won't. They also dissect workforce challenges, infrastructure concerns, and what the future will bring for the industry.
October 14, 2026Episode 1275 min
The 12 Definitions of "Ground" in Electrical Systems — EC&M On Air Highlights
How well do you understand terms related to ground/grounding, according to NFPA 70E standards? In this audio-only version of a popular online article, Ellen Parson reads Mark Lamendola's explanation of the dozen ground-related terms all electricians need to know.
October 9, 2026Episode 12525 min
Powering Growth - The EOEM Opportunity for Electrical Contractors
The electrical industry is undergoing significant transformation. As demand for data centers, critical infrastructure, and electrification projects accelerates, contractors are facing a unique opportunity to expand beyond installation services and create new revenue streams through equipment manufacturing. In this episode, Mary Derrick, Vice President of EOEM and Power Applications at Schneider Electric, discusses how electrical contractors can evolve into Electrical Original Equipment Manufacturers (EOEMs) and capitalize on one of the fastest-growing segments of the power industry. Mary shares insights from her work with contractors, OEMs, distributors, and partners across North America, highlighting the market trends driving demand for custom-engineered electrical equipment, including switchboards, power distribution systems, and mission-critical infrastructure solutions. The discussion explores why contractors are uniquely positioned to succeed as EOEMs, leveraging customer relationships, installation expertise, and market knowledge to expand their capabilities. Mary also discusses the critical success factors for entering the market, including engineering expertise, UL 891 competency, supply chain resilience, and strategic partnerships. Listeners will learn how the growth of hyperscale data centers and other electro-intensive industries is creating new opportunities for contractors, what separates successful EOEMs from the competition, and how Schneider Electric is helping partners grow through innovation, support, and collaboration. Whether you're exploring manufacturing for the first time or looking to scale your existing business, this conversation offers practical guidance for navigating the future of the electrical industry.
October 7, 2026Episode 12618 min
Next Gen Insights with Sophia Piatczyc, DLR Group
In this episode of EC&M On Air Next Gen Insights, Managing Editor Ellie Coggins talks with Sophia Piatczyc, project manager/electrical engineer. We discuss what fuels her passion for sustainable solutions/renewables, the four pillars of successful engineering, and technological insights. Sophia also shares more about her work with the Society of Women Engineers.
October 2, 2026Episode 12228 min
The New Power Architecture for AI Data Centers
In this episode, EC&M's Ellen Parson sits down with Wesco's David Speidelsbach and Andy Jimenez to explore how AI is influencing the next generation of data center electrical systems.
September 29, 2026Episode 12425 min
Top 40 Design Firms: What's Fueling the Electrical Design Boom?
In this episode of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson sits down with some of this year's executives from the Top 40 Electrical Design Firms, based on electrical revenue from 2025: Nicki Sparks, P.E., principal and electrical engineering leader at HED, and Adam Toth, P.E., president of Toth & Associates. They discuss where the majority of today's electrical design work is coming from and what will continue to drive engineering firms over the next several years. Their conversation was so in depth that we decided to split it into two parts — you can check Part 2 when it releases next month.
September 14, 2026Episode 1216 min
NFPA 70E Definition of "Exposed" — EC&M On Air Highlights
In this audio-only version of a popular past article, Editor-in-Chief and EC&M On Air host Ellen Parson features Part 7 of this online article series on NFPA 70E terms by Mark Lamendola. He covers what the standard means by the term "exposed" and how electricians can ensure their installations meet this requirement.
August 24, 2026Episode 12033 min
Meet the 2026 EC&M Product of the Year Platinum, Gold, and Silver Winners!
We've finally revealed the winners of the three overall winners of EC&M's 2026 Product of the Year competition, and in this episode of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson sits down to talk about these innovative products. First, Ellen sits down with Travis MacLachlan, VP of Sales & Product Development at Rack-A-Tiers, to discuss the Wire Waffle, which EC&M readers voted as the overall Platinum Winner. Next, she discusses Arlington Industries' Low-Profile Wall Box, which won the Gold Award, with Richard Temblador, VP of Product & Business Development. Lastly, Ellen speaks with Omar Ibrahim, Global Product Manager, ABB Electrification Service, about its Silver winning product, the TRAFCOM Transformer Monitoring Solution. To learn more about the three Product of the Year winners, read the product profile article by Amy Fischbach, which appeared in our August 2026 print edition.
August 13, 2026Episode 11921 min
Next-Gen Insights with Shalina Gupta, Design Collaborative
Our monthly special edition of EC&M On Air is back, featuring this year's class of 30 Under 30 All Stars! To kick us off, Managing Editor Ellie Coggins sits down with Shalina Gupta , electrical engineer with Design Collaborative in Fort Wayne, Ind. Shalina, age 28, shares how she incorporates her passion for art/theater into her electrical engineering career and what good mentorship means to her. We also cover tackling tough challenges early in her career, finding your place in the industry, working cross-functionally with other electrical trades, and navigating a healthy work-life balance.
August 10, 2026Episode 1186 min
What Is an Electrically Safe Work Condition? — EC&M On Air Highlights
In this audio-only version of a past popular online article, Ellen Parson reads " NFPA 70E: Key Terms Electricians Should Know, Part 6 ," written by Electrical Consultant Mark Lamendola. This article addresses NFPA 70E requirements for establishing an electrically safe work condition and why it isn't always as straightforward as it may sound.
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