Moon Landing

Did you know there are people who believe the moon landing was a hoax? Wow. I mean, I've been called a conspiracy theorist, but that is taking it to a whole new level. Nevertheless, in case you haven't had enough strolling down the memory lane by moonlight, check out this cool You Tube video of the landing on the moon by clicking here.

Women's Words

I am a woman, but I'll be the first to admit we are a strange breed. We offer something unique to the world. I found these online and thought they were funny. Here's some of the funnier ones for those who need a laugh!

Women's Dictionary:

Argument (ar*gyou*ment) n.
A discussion that occurs when you're right, but he hasn't realized it yet.

Airhead (er*hed) n.
What a woman intentionally becomes when pulled over by a policeman.

Bar-be-que (bar*bi*q) n
You bought the groceries, washed the lettuce, chopped the tomatoes, diced the onions, marinated the meat and cleaned everything up, but, he “made the dinner.”

Cantaloupe (kant*e*lope) n
Gotta get married in a church.

Clothes dryer (kloze dri*yer) n.
An appliance designed to eat socks.

Diet Soda (dy*it so*da) n.
A drink you buy at a convenience store to go with a half pound bag of peanut M&Ms.

Eternity (e*ter*ni*tee) n.
The last two minutes of a football game.

Exercise (ex*er*siz) v
To walk up and down a mall, occasionally resting to make a purchase.

Grocery List (grow*ser*ee list) n.
What you spend ½ an hour writing, then forget to take to the store.

Hair Dresser (hare dres*er) n.
Someone who is able to create a style you will never be able to duplicate again.
See also “Magician.”

Hardware Store (hard*war stor) n
Similar to a black hole in space-if he goes in, he isn't coming out anytime soon.

Childbirth (child*brth) n.
You get to go through 36 hours of contractions; he gets to hold your hand and say “focus,...breathe...push...”

Lipstick (lip*stik) n
On your lips, coloring to enhance the beauty of your mouth. On his collar, coloring only a tramp would wear...!

Park (park) v./n.
Before children, a verb meaning, “to go somewhere and neck.” After children, a noun meaning a place with a swing set and slide.

Patience (pa*shens) n.
The most important ingredient for dating, marriage and children. See also “tranquilizers.”

Waterproof Mascara (wah*tr*pruf mas*kar*ah) n.
Comes off if you cry, shower, or swim, but will not come off if you try to remove it.

Risk Control Hierarchy: Enhanced by Thru-Door Electrical Safety

A clear and realistic set of objectives goes a long way in driving continuous improvements in electrical safety.Resources can be allocated and priorities can be defined once objectives are set. The Risk Control Hierarchy (RCH) in the ANSI-Z10 standard provides electrical safety professionals with an excellent roadmap for setting the right safety objectives that result in the reduction of electrical risks. For example, when a Department of Energy electrical safety program is analyzed under the light of the RCH, many potential electrical safety improvements begin to jump off the page.The RCH not only helps improve a plant electrical safety program, but it also inspires manufacturers to improve their electrical equipment designs. Lastly, the RCH provides a means to measure the effectiveness of an electrical safety initiative much the same way a project manager uses financial measurements (Return on Investment or Payback Analysis) to evaluate a project.

Click here to download the the entire paper in PDF.

Click here to be redirected to Grace Engineered Products' Web site.

Oh Say Can You See…

I think I was in Junior High when I really read the poem that had become our National Anthem. The first stanza is dripping with imagery that pierces my heart. Imagine for a moment Francis Scott Key was standing before you asking the questions which have echoed through the decades. Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, what so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight, or the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare; the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Forgive me for being what some may consider sappy, but for me the final question – the one I have put in red – is the one I ask myself when the fireworks are exploding in the sky. Fireworks are, after all, our reenactment of that fateful battle (and the other battles that have secured our freedom) which inspired this timeless this poem.

Martin Luther King, Jr., called the Declaration of Independence a Promissory Note. Every Fourth, while the “ramparts are gallantly streaming” I am humbled by the realization that I am a beneficiary of that Promise. I am humbled by the sacrifice of the people who daily get up and defend what that Star-Spangled-Banner represents. I understand our Nation is polarized right now. We have ideological differences that create deep chasms where reconciliation and understanding have gone to die. Yet, I still cling to the Promise that we have “unalienable rights endowed to us by our Creator.” I hold on to the objective penned in the Preamble of the Constitution, which states: “We the People, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” What a mission statement!

This Fourth of July is the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It isn’t more spectacular than last years’ Fourth. It isn’t less important than next years’ Fourth. It is amazingly wonderful every year because this experiment we call the United States of America is amazingly wonderful. So, when you are watching fireworks this year, in between the ooohs and aaahs, perhaps you will consider what those explosions in the sky represent. And, as the National Anthem is being sung and that last question asks if the flag still waves, perhaps you will be inclined to answer with resounding glee, “You bet it does!”

True Confessions of a Marketing Manager

As the Marketing Manager, I am charged with the task of coming up with creative, innovative and unique ideas that will make you, the consumer, want to buy our products. Is it working?

This recession is making it difficult for all companies. We are all hungry for sales and vying for your attention. While things have perked up in recent weeks, industry experts tell us we will see dramatic ups and downs in the months to come. Pardon me while I wince and sigh. I don't know about you, but I am growing tired - physically and emotionally tired - of this (uh-hmm) economy. So, in my capacity as Marketing Manager of Grace Engineered Products, I have just one thing to ask: Will you just buy our products already?!

I know this direct and somewhat temper-tantrum-ish plea may cause some to think me unprofessional. To tell the truth, I am not really the "professional" type. Much of the time that is unnecessary pretense aimed at making others think we are better and more equipped than we actually are (you don’t know anyone like that, do you?). It's a lot of PR, people. I prefer to operate in an authentic reality. I'm not into smoke and mirrors. So, my reality consists, in part, of these three things: our products are great, they are what people need, and they save you money. Seriously.

So, I implore you. Please take a serious look at our products. You can find them on our website at www.graceport.com. In the mean time, I vow to hold up my end of the bargain. I will continue to come up with funny, thought-provoking and interesting marketing campaigns that will woo you. All I ask is you do me one favor. Just buy our products already! =)

Application Stories, Please

Did you know we are always looking for application stories? If you use our products...send me some pictures and tell me how you use the product. If I use your story, I will send you a Visa Gift Card for $100! Contact me at brandib@grace-eng.com!

Computer Problems

Grrr..computer problems. Is there a soul on earth who has a PC and not had a computer problem? I’d wager a week’s worth of recession-tainted pay that answer is no. Any takers?

This week, all of last week, and much of the week before I have been struggling with - you guessed it - computer problems. It seems I wandered onto some inconspicuous website and unsuspectingly picked up spy ware that has wreaked havoc with my operating system. Graphics I’ve been working on have vanished and my epileptic computer can’t stop seizing long enough to do much more than send an email. There have been at least two times I have been reduced to tears because of this virus-infested contraption with a keyboard. Enough is enough. Because of my technological turmoil these past few weeks, like any other jilted woman, I have decided to cut from me that which fuels my fury – at least for the time being.

Here are a few fun ways you can ‘unplug’ too:

Read a book - not a Blog.
Play a game. A real one with pieces.
Play solitaire without a mouse.
Stand in line instead getting online.
Meet people... in real life.
Chat with your mouth and not your fingers.

Have fun!

Did you know...

Here are a couple "did you know?" facts about arc flash:

Did you know that temperatures as high as 36,000 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded in arc flashes?

Did you know that 36,000 degrees Fahrenheit is more than 3 times the temperature of the surface of the sun?

Did you know that the pressure from the blast of an arc flash has a force of up to 1000 pounds?

Did you know that the intense heat of an arc flash can melt electrical components and the molten droplets can be propelled into the air by the blast turning them into fiery shrapnel-like pieces that impale victims and ignite their clothing?

Did you know that burns on your arms, chest/torso, and face would account for 40% of your body?

Did you know that if you are 51 and have burns on 40% of your body your survival rate is only 50%?

Clearly arc flash burns are life threatening. Are you doing everything you can to protect yourself or your employees? Visit http://www.graceport.com/ to find thru-door electrical safety products that increase safety and employee productivity.

Making the Human Race Stronger

Not too long ago, an employee of mine was calling prospective customers to tell them about the latest and greatest in electrical safety devices. In the midst of typical calls, the employee encountered a man with an interesting perspective. The man, a manager of an engineering company, didn't think electrical safety devices were important. He said, "If someone is stupid enough to go into a hot panel, well, then that just makes the human race stronger."

While I hope not all people share his sentiment, it does bring up a thought-provoking question. Is the function of electrical safety devices solely to keep people safe? One may think so, I mean, they are called electrical safety devices for a reason. But, as you may have suspected, it is a trick question. The truth of the matter is these devices, while the key objective is to keep people safe, really do a lot more. Not only can these devices help with following NFPA guidelines, but they can increase employee productivity. With the weakening dollar and the faltering economy, increasing productivity can be the difference between a successful quarter and going in the red.

As the owner of a company that manufactures products, I know manufacturers are either making money or losing money every minute of every day. When their machines are up and running, the company makes money. When they are down, they lose money. Incorporating devices that reduce the number of minutes machines are down just makes good business sense. Using devices that increase safety and productivity is a smart thing to do. And, as that manager pointed out, being smart does make the human race stronger. It just so happens it makes a profit, too.

-Phil Allen, President
Grace Engineered Products
philallen@grace-eng.com

Back to Basics

There is a book called Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of the American Community by Robert Putnam. It is a horrendously long book chalk full of statistics, but an interesting read nonetheless. The gist of his book is this: Before cars were common, people walked everywhere and when they did they ran into their neighbors and talked. Before television was common, people would sit on the front porch after dinner and when they did the neighbors would join them. Now, we drive by our neighbors and at most wave hello and no one is on the porch after dinner anymore because we are in our homes watching television or on the computer. Basically, the author puts forth the theory that technology has eroded human interaction, or what he calls social capital, and it is having a devastating effect on our communities.

As summer approaches and the uncertainty of the economy lingers, maybe you are like some of us and you’re looking for a less expensive version of your life. We thought it might be fun (and cheap) to take a cue from Robert Putnam. We've comprised a list of 25 things to do this summer that will help you save a buck while investing in your social capital. Just remember to add the words, “and invite your neighbors” to the end of each suggestion! Let us know how it works out!

1. Get a ball and play Spud with your kids!
2. Invite some friends over and have a pot-luck.
3. Get out a deck of cards or a board game.
4. Build a fire in the back yard and roast marshmallows.
5. Go hiking in a park.
6. Have water balloon fights (or squirt gun fights) with the kids.
7. Organize a scavenger hunt.
8. Go on a picnic.
9. Go to the library.
10. Check out a community calendar and attend free events.
11. Learn how to juggle (or teach someone).
12. Try a new recipe.
13. Play kickball with the neighborhood kids.
14. Start a compost bin.
15. Have a yard sale.
16. Make homemade greeting cards (Birthday, Christmas, etc)
17. Turn on the water sprinkler!
18. Start a book club.
19. Volunteer on a political campaign.
20. Go disc golfing.
21. Attend a free community class.
22. Do amateur star gazing.
23. Ride a bicycle.
24. Help some kids start a lemonade stand.
25. Sit on the porch after dinner.

Question and Answer with OSHA

Many people have questioned whether or not TempCovers are "approved" by OSHA. Please see this response as found in the Letter of Interpretation, which you can read in it's entirety by clicking here.

Question: Does the TempCover product, when used in conjunction with manufacturer recommended procedures, comply with the requirement in 29 CFR 1926.405(d) to limit the accessibility of live electrical parts to qualified persons?

Answer: As we have stated previously,1 OSHA is generally precluded from approving or endorsing specific products. The variable working conditions at job sites and possible alteration or misapplication of an otherwise safe piece of equipment could easily create a hazardous condition beyond the control of the equipment manufacturer. However, where appropriate, we try to give some guidance to help employers assess whether products are appropriate to use in light of particular OSHA requirements. If used in accordance with the manufacturer recommended procedures for use, use of this product would not violate the limited accessibility provision in 1926.405(d). That provision states:

Switchboards that have any exposed live parts shall be located in permanently dry locations and accessible only to qualified persons. Panelboards shall be mounted in cabinets, cutout boxes, or enclosures designed for the purpose and shall be dead front. However, panelboards other than the dead front externally-operable type are permitted where accessible only to qualified persons. Exposed blades of knife switches shall be dead when open.(Emphasis added). The applicable part of the manufacturer recommended procedures states:
2) TempCovers are intended to be used only for a period of a work shift or consecutive multiple work shifts that are manned by a qualified and/or licensed persons. 3) Qualified person and/or persons shall be properly trained as per all applicable OSHA Standards and NFPA 70E. 4) The use of proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and the additional use of a barrier is the responsibility of the user/user's employer. Refer to applicable OSHA Standards and NFPA 70E.(Emphasis added). The combination of the three instructions/procedures listed above, which includes an instruction to use a barrier in conjunction with the panel, is designed to ensure that the live electrical parts are "accessible only to qualified persons." If a TempCover is used in accordance with these instruction/procedures, the requirement in 29 CFR 1926.405(d) regarding accessibility would be met. If you need additional information, please contact us by fax at: U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, Directorate of Construction, Office of Construction Standards and Guidance, fax # 202-693-1689. You can also contact us by mail at the above office, Room N3468, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210, although there will be a delay in our receiving correspondence by mail.

May is Electrical Safety Month – Embrace Safety to Increase Profits

Every year since 2004 when the US Senate unanimously passed Resolution 334 deeming May National Electrical Safety Month, emphasis has been placed on educating the American people about the “importance of respecting electricity and practicing electrical safety in the home, school, and workplace”.

According to the Senate Resolution, thousands of deaths and injuries can be prevented each year by following basic electrical safety precautions. Additionally, companies can reduce some of the 1.6 billion dollars of property damage incurred each year by incorporating electrical safety practices and devices into their procedures. While some companies are slowly seeing the financial benefits of investing in safety, other companies view safety as an encumbering and expensive task. This view exists despite the ample evidence in recent years suggesting that by making safety a priority, companies will not only reduce expenditures but they will actually increase sales and profits.

One example exists in a study done by The Department of Labor and Industry Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that was published in 2007. The study focused on a multi-national company with more than 100 employees that manufactures press-sensitive films and labels for the automotive, health, beauty, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. The study found that investments in safety not only decreased expenditures but it also improved the bottom line for this Minnesota company. The benefits were seen in increased employee productivity, improved product quality, and lower workers’ compensation premiums. The company began this venture in 1999 by implementing a new health and safety program. From the years 2001 through 2005, the company experienced a 7.5% increase in sales and reduced manufacturing defects and waste expenditures by more than 83% (from $2.7M in 2001 to $435K in 2005).

In addition to the financial benefits, the company also experienced a reduction in OSHA citations. In 1997, the company was given 14 citations. After approximately two years of the new health and safety program, the company was revisited by two OSHA auditors for a period of five days in 2002. The auditors issued no citations. These financial and procedural accomplishments were attributed to the proactive stance the company took toward safety.

“While the tide is turning on how companies view safety,” says Phil Allen, “it is important to remember – especially during National Electrical Safety Month - that incorporating safety is necessary because there are people involved. I heard someone put it this way: ‘People who come to work should go home to their families and loved ones in the same condition as when they arrived.’ That is the real value to companies, I think, when they can return husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, to their loved ones in the same condition as when they arrived. Improving the bottom line is just a bonus."

In these times of uncertainty, one thing is clear. Electrical safety is here to stay. Thankfully, so are we.

We often get asked the question “Is your product NFPA 70e compliant or Arc Flash Rated?” While the question is simple the answer is not. The complexity of being electrically safe can not be boiled down to a yes or no answer. Examining the NFPA 70e not as a list of “do’s and don’ts” but rather as a list of sequential priorities is the key. Consider this analogy: Let's say you take your car in for a check-up and discover you have bad brakes and balding tires, but you only have the money to fix one, what would you do? Fix the greatest risk first? The same is true with electrical safety. In the world of NFPA 70e, everything starts with an arc flash study – without which you can only guess how best to protect yourself. Unless you understand how much potential energy is contained within an electrical enclsoure, you don't know how to be safe. It is important to remember that sooner or later, an electrican must be exposed to voltage to do his job.

Once you start down the road with NFPA 70e, then you get to decide if a certain procedure or product can make your NFPA 70e compliance easier. In the case of Grace Engineered Products, the NFPA principle is simple: Find as many ways to reduce voltage exposure as possible. This is what our products do. Instead of asking if our products are compliant a more precise question is, “Which part of the NFPA 70e do our products help address?”

Since there is no such thing as perfect compliance to any regulation one must be able to understand the foundational principles of NFPA 70e and begin to put in place a process that results in fewer injuries and more safety. That's where Grace comes in...

A Fallen Hero

American flags flew at half-staff yesterday in Davenport, Iowa. Our small metropolis fulfilled an obligation it had done twenty times before; we buried a fallen soldier.

CPL Jason Graham Pautsch was killed on Good Friday by a suicide bomber while serving in Iraq. He is survived by both his parents, three brothers, a sister, and a community of supporters. His sacrifice and service to his country and fellow man is enough to make even the strongest of individuals weep. Yet, our tears are not for Jason or the life he doesn't get to live. No, we cry for his family and the emptiness they are burdened with for the months and years to come. This is because there is more to the testimony of Jason than just being a son, a brother and a solider. You see, Jason was a Christian. We don't weep for Jason because we know he is in the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ. For that we give praise to God.

As an American and Christian company, we'd like to pause this week and break away from the typical Blog entry to which you have grown accustomed. We'd like to honor the memory of Jason by taking a moment to thank his family for their sacrifice. Furthermore, we'd like to thank the men and women who now serve and who have served in the American Armed Forces. Your courage and commitment to service is humbling. Stay safe and God speed. You are all in our prayers.

Dude, I love you!

We have an intern at Grace. His first name is Drew. His last name is Allen. For those who know our company well will be able to figure out right away that he is our boss's son. That right there takes all the fun out of having an intern…until today.

Drew has been spreading his wings in the world of Grace Engineered Products and has recently started to answer a few sales calls. Like it was for all of us, building a GracePort® from a description poses a few challenges. Today was no different. Drew picked up a call from a guy. A big, burly guy, or so Drew described him. You know the breed. A seasoned electrician-type. A man’s man. The caller was asking one difficult question after another. We listened as Drew stumbled a bit as he was thinking through his answers. Finally, he answered all the questions and we could hear the relief in Drew’s voice. Then, it happened. As Drew was wishing the caller a good day, he ended with, “Alright then, love you!”

It just goes to show you that, at Grace, we’ll stop at nothing to win your affections! To prove it, we are auctioning Drew off on Ebay. Going once, going twice...

UL Type 12 vs. UL Type 4

In years past, UL unofficially recognized a UL Type 4 housing as a suitable alternative for a UL Type 12 enclosure. Last year, however, the local UL inspectors suddenly did not allow a Type 5 GracePort® on a Type 12 enclosure. The required the enclosure to be detracted to a UL Type 1 rating. It did not seem to be an issue with the enclosure manufacturer that built a Type 12/4 rated enclosure.

We responded by submitting our GracePort® housings to UL to obtain the needed Type 12 rating. We were able to insert a cut gasket into the lid to pass the oil test, which is the only difference between UL Type 4 and UL Type 12.

We realize that a programming port is such a small piece of the automation puzzle. It is so small, in fact, that you can only afford to spend about 10 minutes specifying a GracePort® for your projects. Keeping up with UL is huge, but a very necessary investment. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to help you with your programming needs. We appreciate your business.

Phil Allen, PresidentGrace Engineered Products

Let Me Give You $100...

...Please!

Last month I needed to purchase a new camera. I know very little about cameras, but I knew what I wanted it to do and I had a brand in mind (I liked the commercials...what can I say!). Yet, I wasn't quite ready to lay down 600 big ones based on a funny commercial. So, like any savvy purchaser, I did some online research. I compared price and features on the brand I knew (we'll call it "Brand A") with another well-known brand (you guessed it..."Brand B"). To be honest, it was pretty much what you'd expect. Those market researchers for the camera companies knew what I'd be looking for! Both cameras were going to give me all I wanted plus a little more, and they were priced within$10-$15 of each other. Guess which one I bought..."Brand B"! Why? I read the customer feedback. It was clear based on consumer comments that just about the only thing great about "Brand A" was that funny commercial. It just didn't hold up to all the hype. So, I trusted my fellow-camera-buyers and got the other one. Boy am I glad. I've got my camera and I love it. It is everything they said it would be!

So, what does this have to do with $100 for you? It's simple. If you use our products we want to hear about your experience and how you used our product! If we can use your Product Application Story in an email blast, an article, or our bi-annual newsletter, I'll send you a $100 bill. It is that simple! Email me at brandib@grace-eng.com with your story!

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Ah…Benjamin Franklin! He’s one of my favorite founding fathers. He was intelligent. He was an innovator. He was wise among the ladies…which is both funny and strange. And history has attributed him with saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. I couldn’t agree more.

I tend to think of ‘ol Benjamin working diligently at his desk when all of the sudden a rumble of thunder spurs an unexpected change in his day. He peers outside his window and looks for the ominous storm approaching. It’s to the south! He quickly gathers his coat and hat, and hurriedly exits his home. As he begins his walk to the nearest southern hill, he goes through his mental checklist: Kite? Check. Key? Check. String? Check. I suspect Benjie, a smart as he was, was thinking his life might be at risk. All the research he had done and the experiments he’d performed must have given him some insight as to the power he was flirting with.

He arrives at the tallest, southern-most hill within walking distance. The dark, turbulent clouds have overtaken the peaceful sky. Thunder and lightening get tangled with each other. The rain is cold and spits down from the sky making it difficult for Benjie to see. Yet, he still manages to erect his kite and keep it in flight amid the assaulting wind! Then, it happened….

Afterward, I imagine Benjamin, wet and disheveled, walked home with a goofy grin on his face. Perhaps his hands tingled a little from the electrical shock. Maybe his hair was a bit singed. His kite, torn almost to pieces, might have dragged along side him. I wonder if it was then when he realized just how lucky he was. For on that day not only was electricity discovered…but Franklin, no doubt, also discovered the importance of electrical safety! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure indeed!

Brandi S. Borgstadt
Marketing Manager for
Grace Engineered Products
www.graceport.com

Can you help me build a GracePort®?

Our part number system to build a GracePort makes sense…to us. It only takes a full-time employee 3 months of hard-core studying to learn the ins and outs of our numbering system. Okay, just joking. It doesn’t really take that long, but it can seem like it sometimes. Truth be told, it takes only a few minutes to figure out about 95% of our part numbers. So, here are some quick steps to help you.

There are only five questions you need ask to successfully build your GracePort. They are:

1. What type of power, if any, do you need?
2. What NEMA rating or UL Type do you need?
3. Do you need a Circuit Breaker?
4. What applications (interface codes) do you need?
5. What size of housing is required?

Okay, let's get started. First, you'll need to be familar with our set up. All GracePorts start with a "P-" The "P-" indicates GracePort. The section between the first and second dashes are for your applications or interface codes. We'll get to that later. The section between the second and third dashes are for your housing size; Nema rating or UL Type; Power Option; and Circuit Breaker. Check out this example setup:
P-Interface Codes – Housing Size, Nema Rating / UL Type, Power Option, Breakers

Okay, first things first. Locate your Grace Engineered Products catalog. If you don’t have a catalog and would like one send a request to sales@grace-eng.com. Put “Catalog request” in the subject line and include your mailing information in the body. So, here are some quick steps to help you:

1. Power or No Power? Inside the cover of your catalog is the GracePort® Part Guide. Once you have this, you’ll want to determine what kind of power you’ll need, if any.

• Yes, I need power: NFPA 79 indicates that all outlets on an enclosure panel need to have GFCI protection. Your code should be RF.
  Example: P-Interface Codes – Housing Size, Nema Rating / UL Type, RF, Breakers
• No, I don’t need any power. Your code will be RX.
  Example: P-Interface Codes – Housing Size, Nema Rating / UL Type, RX, Breakers

2. NEMA or UL Rating: Next you will need to determine what NEMA Rating or UL Type you will need. We offer 7 different kinds. Here is a quick guide:

• Nema/UL Type 1 = Code 1
• Nema/UL Type 4X = Code 2
• Nema/UL Type 12 = Code 3
• Nema/UL Type 4 = Code 4
• Type 4X 304 Stainless = Code 5
• Type 4X 316 Stainless = Code 6
• Nema 7&9 Explosion Proof = Code 7

Let’s say you want the Nema/UL Type 12. That code is 3, so now look at our example: P-Interface Codes – Housing Size, 3, RF, Breakers

3. Circuit Breaker or No Circuit Breaker? This part is really easy.

• Yes, I need a Circuit Breaker. Okay, enter the amperage of the CB you need in the "Breakers" space of our example. If you need 3 amps then enter 3. If you need 20 then enter 20. Example: P-Interface Codes - Housing Size, 3, RF20.
• No, I don't need a Circuit Breaker. Just enter 0(zero) in the "Breakers" spot. Example: P-Interface Codes - Housing Size, 3, RF0.

4. Now, let’s talk about Interface Codes. This is where it can get hairy, but don’t let it discourage you! We are almost done! There is one thing to remember about this section. All the codes you choose must be put in alphanumeric order.

• Open up your GracePort® Part Guide. There are most of our interface codes available. When you find what you need write it down. Then, put them in order alphanumerically. For this example, I am choosing a Cat 5 Ethernet (R2) and a USB Type A Female to Type A Male (P11). Here’s how our example would look: P-P11R2 – Housing Size, 3, RF20.

5. What size of housing do you need? Now that you have your number almost completed all you have to do now is determine the housing size. Seasoned GracePort® Part Builders still struggle with this because there is no fast and steady rule. But, we will prevail!

• First, look at the green chart on your GracePort® Part Guide. We have both panel mount housings and surface mount housings. The sizes are down the middle. Here is one rule that won’t change: If you have a GFCI (RF power option) then you have to get either a K- or M-sized housing. Here is what our example would look like with that: P-P11R2 – M3RF20
  

That's the gist. After you've built your GracePort®, click here to have it checked by our Inside Sales Department!

Your Personal Stimulus Plan!

Investing is a dirty word these days (just ask the friends of Bernard Madoff!). The market spits and sputters upwards a little one day and comes clattering and smashing down - a lot - the next. Companies are laying-off workers; "well-established" companies aren't, as it turns out; and people are suffering from a new disorder: spending anorexia. Let's face it...the economy is like a fish freshly plucked from the sea of taxpayer bail-outs and is thrashing about gasping for... fluidity! So, how about some well-deserved (and much-needed) optimistic rays of sunshine to soothe your dry and thirsty bones in this era of 1929 re-visited? We thought so...

There is no better subject with which to "grace" our inaugural Blog than to tell you there is hope on the horizon of our economic recession. If your company is suffering from slumping profits, don't despair! Now is the time to dig your heels in and get back to basics. One way is to focus on safety. Did you know that studies show focusing on safety will increase profits and employee productivity? Let us tell you the story of a company named Ritrama. A couple of years ago, OSHA visited Ritrama and found their focus on safety to be short-sighted. They had racked up several serious violations and were looking at forking out thousands of dollars in fines. So, they decided to get serious about safety.

Soon, the time and money savings were evident. The company reported from the years 2000-2003 they saved $44,000 in workers' compensation premiums. Additionally, they increased productivity and the quality of products to the equivalent of a sales increase of 7.5%. Moreover, the amount of waste from manufacturing defects went from $2.7 million in 2001 to $435,000 in 2005. That's a savings of almost a half million dollars a year! But don't take our word for it. You can read the entire study by clicking here.

Safety is not a profit-taker; it's a profit-maker! Don't let the sagging economy threaten your bottom line. Let us help you focus on safety so you can reap the benefits...visit us at http://www.graceport.com/!