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Innovations in eMobility: The Next Frontier of Construction

⏱️ 34:19 🎤 Ellen Parson, Bill Fowler, Mike Patello, Joe Fossard
AUDIO EPISODE
Innovations in eMobility: The Next Frontier of Construction
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Chapters

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  • 0:00
    Introduction to eMobility Challenges
    Ellen introduces the podcast and the topic of innovations in e-mobility, highlighting common challenges faced by electrical contractors.
  • 1:45
    Speaker Introductions
    Bill, Mike, and Joe from Southwire introduce themselves and their extensive experience in the electrical and e-mobility sectors.
  • 5:00
    Understanding Site Disruption
    Bill explains why site disruption is a major issue in EV installations, especially on existing operational sites.
  • 16:54
    Solutions for Site Disruption
    The speakers discuss innovative products and methods like directional boring, micro-trenching, and HDPE conduit to mitigate site disruption.
  • 21:34
    Trends in EV Charging Infrastructure
    Bill details emerging trends, such as oversizing conduits for future-proofing and the shift towards more flexible cables to combat vibration-induced failures.
  • 30:35
    Labor Savings with Southwire Solutions
    Mike explains how Southwire's cable and conduit products and other solutions significantly reduce installation time and labor costs for contractors.
  • 33:20
    Cable and Conduit Explained
    Bill elaborates on Southwire's unique process of manufacturing cable in conduit, emphasizing its benefits for preventing damage and saving labor.
  • 38:20
    Addressing Cable Damage Issues
    Joe discusses common causes of EV charger failures, including cable damage during installation and issues with connections.
  • 41:47
    Why EV Installations Are Unique
    Joe explores why EV installations present more problems than typical electrical setups, citing unfamiliarity, diverse geographies, and inconsistent practices.
  • 48:32
    Preventing Cable Damage and Failures
    The speakers offer advice to contractors on preventing issues, including proper planning, best practices for cable pulling, and understanding the sensitivity of EV equipment.

Speakers

E
Ellen Parson
Host — editor-in-chief of EC&M
B
Bill Fowler
Business Development Director for e-Mobility and Contractor Solutions at Southwire
M
Mike Patello
Business Development Sales Director for EV e-Mobility team at Southwire
J
Joe Fossard
EV Infrastructure Team at Southwire

Key Takeaways

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Utilize directional boring and micro-trenching for minimal site disruption during EV installations, especially on existing properties.

✦

Consider oversizing conduits in EV installations to future-proof against rapidly evolving technology and avoid costly re-excavations.

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Implement flexible cables for internal cabinet wiring in EV chargers to mitigate failures caused by vibration, particularly in parking structures.

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Leverage pre-fabricated skids and components for EV installations to reduce on-site assembly time and allow for easier relocation of equipment.

✦

Employ Southwire's cable-in-conduit solutions to significantly reduce installation time and labor costs by eliminating the need for on-site cable pulling.

✦

Prioritize proper cable handling and installation techniques to prevent damage, as EV chargers are highly sensitive to even minor jacket abrasions.

✦

Develop standardized operating procedures and require verification photos for subcontractors to ensure consistent quality and minimize call-backs, especially across dispersed sites.

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