Ask The Electrician: What is Human-Centric Lighting and Is It Right for my Commercial Building?
As we move into 2026, the conversation about lighting in commercial buildings has fundamentally shifted. Building and facility managers are no longer just asking about watts per square foot, they are asking how lighting will impact the people who occupy the building. This shift is the result of a rise in popularity of human-centric lighting (HCL). HCL is a lighting strategy that focuses on physical and mental health, as well as performance, by supporting the body’s natural biological cycles. If you’re planning a major retrofit or new construction, understanding human-centric...
The Electrical Trade: Career Opportunities Beyond The Wires
Today, high school graduates have more career path choices than ever before. Technology, innovation and AI continue to expand and recreate traditional roles in many fields — the electrical trade being one of them. Students and job candidates continue to see how an interest or passion, seemingly unrelated to the industry, can lead them to a rewarding career in the electrical trade. One such individual, Brian Harlow, our Assistant Manager Design-Build Engineering, found that his interest in computers and gaming opened a path to the electrical trade. When Brian graduated from...
Ask The Electrician: How Do I Build Resilience and Prepare My Commercial Property for Winter Power Outages?
New England’s unpredictable weather, from severe winter storms to unexpected accidents, can bring commercial operations to a sudden halt. While preparing for an outage has traditionally been about having a backup generator, today’s focus is on building electrical resilience: the ability for a building’s systems to withstand, adapt to, and quickly recover from power disruptions. A resilient facility minimizes disruptions, protects assets, and ensures business continuity during a crisis. To truly safeguard your commercial property, consider adopting a three-step strategy. 1. Conduct a Professional Electrical Audit: A professional electrical audit goes beyond...
Electrical and Building Management Checklist for Daylight Saving Time
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the perfect opportunity for commercial building owners and managers to be proactive with their electrical and automated systems. A comprehensive review of these systems is necessary to maintain energy efficiency, system reliability, and tenant safety throughout the time transition. Here is an essential checklist to help prepare your facility for the time change: 1. Adjust All Time-Sensitive Controls The most critical task is to update every timer-driven system on the property. Manually adjust all mechanical time clocks for interior and exterior lighting (including parking lots and security fixtures),...
Prefabrication Drives Precision and Speed in Life Sciences Facility Construction
Construction projects in the life sciences sector demand a meticulous blend of precision, speed, and safety to meet strict compliance standards and demanding construction timelines. Research labs, cleanrooms, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities rely on specialized electrical systems that must be installed without error. As the use of UL-certified prefabrication increases, how these facilities are built is fundamentally shifting. The use of prefab advances labor from the jobsite to a controlled manufacturing environment, directly addressing the core challenges of this growing sector by delivering guaranteed installation accuracy and accelerated schedules. Efficiency via...
Interstate Electrical Services President Jim Alibrandi, receives the prestigious Anchor Award from the University of Hartford
Interstate Electrical Services President Jim Alibrandi, recently received the prestigious Anchor Award from the University of Hartford. Presented by President Ward, Vice President Pendergast, and Dean Alnajar of The College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA), this is the institution's highest honor, recognizing individuals who have achieved professional success and made significant contributions to their communities. Jim continues to be a strong advocate for the importance of technology in the AEC industry and for providing opportunities, education, and mentoring to advance the architectural, engineering, and construction fields. He is passionate...
Ask The Electrician: What Should I Consider When Planning a Data Center?
Planning a new data center or upgrading an existing one is a massive undertaking. The most critical piece of advice for any business owner is simple: get an electrician, an electrical engineer, and a designer involved from the very beginning. Why? Because the success of your data center hinges on its power infrastructure. The initial planning phase isn’t just about today’s needs; it’s about anticipating future growth. A successful approach designs for both today and tomorrow. Today covers all the equipment, racks, and components needed to get the data center operational....
Ask the Electrician: How Do Electricians Use Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging cameras are a valuable tool for modern electricians. Using infrared thermography, these cameras can safely and accurately diagnose electrical problems by detecting excessive heat, a common cause of damage to electrical components. Licensed electricians and thermographers use thermal imaging as part of a structured maintenance program. For example, they can scan a circuit breaker to check for loose connections, identify issues with breaker contacts that generate hotspots, or assess if the load on the breaker is properly balanced. After resolving any diagnosed problems, they use thermal imaging again to...
Ask The Electrician: What are the Key Requirements for Upgrading a Facility’s Life Safety Systems?
The balance between maintaining operational functionality and ensuring occupant safety calls for meticulous planning and execution when upgrading a facility’s life safety systems. For electricians working on these projects, the responsibility extends beyond simple wire connections; it demands a thorough understanding and strict compliance to a complex web of codes and standards. The key requirements for upgrading a facility’s life safety systems include ensuring a proper power supply to critical life safety equipment like emergency lighting, exit signs, fire alarms, and communication systems through dedicated circuits; using automatic transfer switches for...
Interstate Electrical Services Celebrates Employees’ Contributions
BILLERICA, Mass., July 10, 2025 — Interstate Electrical Services Corporation recently hosted its yearly Employee Appreciation Awards at its Operations Center in Tewksbury, honoring the dedicated individuals who contribute to the company’s success. The ceremony, led by Interstate President Jim Alibrandi, celebrated significant milestones and achievements within the Interstate family. This year's event recognized the newest cohort of graduating Apprentices. In a ceremony highlight, Alibrandi extended his gratitude to employees reaching significant tenure, with recognition spanning from 10 to over 45 years of service. The occasion also served as an opportunity...