It is unfortunate that electrical discussions – of all things – have turned political, but what are we to do? Just sit there and accept all sorts of ridiculous mandates without complaint of debate? Stalin would indeed be proud!
Politics IS affecting the trade, right down to proposed bans on, of all things, incandescent light bulbs… the most glaring attack yet on the trade. Actually, I shouldn't say “proposed” anymore because Title 24 of the California Energy Code MANDATES fluorescent lighting for new construction of kitchens and baths. What if I don’t want my kitchen or bath to look like office space? What if I don’t want to replace my light bulbs with those silly looking CF bulbs?
Electricity production – energy production in general – in and of itself has become EXTREMELY political. For example, with the grid becoming more unreliable, standby generator installations which used to be limited mainly to emergency facilities are now becoming commonplace. Solar (a very dirty technology) is once again seeing a resurgence now with inverters, batteries, and a variety of complex control systems. Wind power continues to expand, cluttering the landscape. Electricity is essential for a modern society, but increasingly it is under attack. Just look at what happens anytime any type of new power project is proposed.
I wish our debates were only limited to technical, practical, safety and code related issues – as it should. But this trade, like so many others, has taken on the wrath of those who view progress and an impediment, and such outside interference that will not end if we simply remain compliant.
Granted, BBQ has nothing at all to do with the electrical trade, but it brings forth the larger issue of regulation gone out of control. It was labeled OT as appropriate, which is why I responded in kind. Perhaps the moderators of this forum would consider a separate “off topic” section for these types of discussions, perhaps restricted to members willing to participate, so that it doesn’t distract from the exceptional vocational value of this forum. Such a forum should still be moderated so things don’t get out of control... which I doubt it would because the folks here are very respectful of others.
Joe
