Wired In
May 21, 2025 Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Instagram
Industry News
Board of Electricity Meeting Updates
Members, log in to read the highlights from the April Board of Electricity meeting including requesting information on enforcement actions, exam pass rates, 2026 NEC update, increases to permits and inspections, and more... 
Employers Should Prepare for Ongoing Immigration Enforcement Efforts
There has been an increase in enforcement activity directed at employers by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.
Ask the DLI: GFCI rules
Question: As electricians, how can we deal with the new GFCI rules when the manufacturers are not required to make the equipment compatible to GFCI and many panels don’t make GFCI breakers? Members, sign in below to read the DLI's answer.
HR Question of the Month: REWORK
We have an employee who is putting in extra hours fixing mistakes in their work. Do we need to pay the employee for these extra hours since they are basically just doing the same job twice?
Job Opening: Shop Build Instructor
Teach construction basics to 16- to 24-year-olds in hands-on workshops. Mondays 4-8pm. Address: 1018 North 5th Street, Mpls. Pay: $40/hour stipend. Apply with Mariaha Dean at (651) 233-7861 or mariaha@edenresources.com.
REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS IS WHAT WE DO
PRK&A Law®
Peters & Kappenman, P.A. handles a wide variety of employment and construction law matters, including representing contractors in mechanic’s lien disputes and collection matters involving subcontractors and suppliers.  Martin Kappenman has over 20 years of experience representing businesses of all sizes in this area of law.
 
Contact Martin Kappenman at 952.921.4603 or mkappenman@pklaborlaw.com for questions regarding your mechanic’s lien or collection concerns.
 
WWW.PKLABORLAW.COM
Advertisement
 
Center for Energy and Environment
Viking Electric
MEMBER NEWS
Smith Schafer Named in the Top 100
We are thrilled to share that Smith Schafer has earned a prestigious spot on Accounting Today’s 2025 Top Firms: The Midwest list! This recognition is part of Accounting Today’s esteemed annual Top 100 Firms in the nation. Smith Schafer is a long-time member of the Electrical Association. If you're in the market for an accountant, reach out to them below.
Members in the News! ATEK Distribution
ATEK Distribution in Minneapolis named SBA’s Minnesota Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year. The business is owned by Jeff Anderson and is among SBA awardees being recognized ahead of National Small Business Week for their efforts to empower entrepreneurial success, create jobs, and drive economic growth. Read the full news release below.
Safety and Compliance
MNOSHA Workplace Safety Consultation: Safety Grant Program
The Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation administers the state’s Safety Grant Program, which provides reimbursement funding grants of up to $10,000 to employers incorporating hazard controls designed to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses while enhancing workplace safety and health.
Tips to Protect Your Data
Horror stories from people falling for cyber security hackers are becoming increasingly popular, unfortunately.  These hacks can be all consuming and take a lot of time (and sometimes money) to address.  The Electrical Association’s IT provider has some tips and resources to keep you and your team/family safe.
Workforce News
Hennepin Technical College to Launch Evening Construction Electrician Program at Eden Prairie Campus
Hennepin Technical College (HTC) is proud to announce the launch of a new Construction Electrician program at its Eden Prairie campus beginning Fall 2025.
Shaping the Future: Electrical Association Engages with YouthBuild Emerging Constructors Program
This spring, Michelle Dreier from the Electrical Association engaged and spoke with YouthBuild Emerging Constructors (YBEC) in North/Near North Minneapolis. Youthbuild-EC is inspiring group of young adults, participating in a workforce initiative led by EDEN Resources and the Man Up Club.
Education and NEC
Overcurrent Protection
Most people simply accept that these devices will operate when current levels exceed a certain threshold for a given duration. While that assumption holds true, overcurrent protection has come a long way...
Quiz on the Code - Chapter 6
 1.  Listed flexible metal conduit or listed liquidtight flexible metal conduit that encloses the secondary circuit conductor from a transformer or power supply for use with neon tubing shall be permitted as a bonding means if the total accumulative length of the conduit in the secondary circuit does not exceed _____ feet.