With a limited availability of the older style duct detectors and their scheduled total replacement with the New Style InnovairFlex line the following Q&A's have been released. Note that some part #'s referred to in the Q&A's are FireLite but the answers are not limited to the FireLite offering. At the end of the Q&A's you will find a link to locate the product cut sheet and training information that we recommend you review. This duct detector uses a modular style construction where many options, including test switch require additional components and/or 24 volt power.  Please consult with your Crown Supply representative when duct detector requirement arise to ensure problems are avoided in the field.

Q&A's (as published by System Sensor & FireLite ) :

Please take a moment to read Sea Gull Lighting's explination of a change in how ceiling paddle fans will ship and be lamped as of Janurary 1, 2009. These changes are due to the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005.

For More Click Here

   In a Statewide Blanket Variance ( 08-04 ) decided on June 24th, 2008 the Rhode Island Board clarified the requirements for 3-Family apartment buildings and extended the deadline for compliance to July 1, 2009.

To view the Interpretation click here.

   The newly adopted RI Fire Code allows the use of internal cable clamps in boxes listed for use with MC Cable. The section of the code reads:

"(Add) 13.8.10.6.2.4

UL listed type MC cable connectors with insulated bushings and screw type cable attachments or box clamps with anti-short inserts shall be used in all MC cable installations.  Connectors shall be made of steel, not the cast type.

Exception: UL listed steel junction boxes with screw type box clamps listed for MC cable use may be used provided that an anti-short insert is utilized."

Note the Exception !!

Crown Supply is excited to announce the availability of real time online customer account access.  This new service allows customers to access their Crown Supply accounts including the ability to access open orders, reprint invoices, view open accounts receivables and more, all via the web.

                To set up online account accesses for your Crown Supply account simply visit our web site and complete the following steps:

1.     Click the Account Access link (lower left hand corner of the Crown Supply web site)

Note -The Crown Supply Account Access portal will appear in a new window

2.     In the new window that appears locate and click the registration link (lower portion of the logon section)

3.     Enter and submit the needed information, including your Crown Supply account number that can be located on any Crown Supply invoice.

4.     Wait for your confirmation e-mail.

Contact Mr. John Little at Crown Supply's Providence, RI location if you have any questions or experience and problems

TAMPER RESISTANT RECEPTACLES HELP PROTECT CHILDREN FROM ELECTRICAL INJURIES

PROVIDENCE – JANUARY 31, 2008 – Effective January 1st, 2008, the National Electric Code (NEC) has mandated all new construction residential receptacles be tamper-resistant.

The new requirement results from a ten-year Consumer Product Safety Commission study that documented thousands of injuries each year to children who attempt to insert foreign objects into receptacles. The study found that in the U.S., an average of seven children per day are treated in emergency rooms for injuries due to contact with electrical outlets. Most victims experience 1st-degree or 2nd-degree burns to the fingers and emotional trauma, but more serious injuries also occur.

Because child-safety outlets provide an important advance in reducing traumatic injuries to children, 2008 NEC Article 406.11 requires the use of tamper-resistant (TR) receptacles in all new construction. Required in hospital pediatric care areas for over 20 years, tamper-resistant receptacles, also known as child safety outlets, have proven to effectively reduce electrical injuries. The shutters inside a TR receptacle block access to the contacts unless a two-prong plug is inserted, helping ensure hairpins, keys, and other common objects children try to insert will be locked out.


Why Tamper-Resistant Receptacles are the Safest Solution Available Today

• Once installed, TR receptacles are permanent, offering continuous protection unlike plastic outlet caps which can be easily removed. 
• Sliding-shutter wall plates add layers of material between the plug blades and receptacle contacts, which can cause potentially dangerous heat build-up. 
• Tamper-resistant receptacles are certified and subjected to severe and documented testing procedures defined by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). 
• TR receptacles are required by UL to be clearly marked with “TR” on the receptacle face, making them easy to identify.

All major receptacle manufacturers offer tamper-resistant receptacles at a cost only slightly higher than comparable standard receptacles. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) estimates the total increased cost per average home to be less than $50.

For more information on Tamper-Resistant Receptacles, visit www.childoutletsafety.org/

For more information on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, visit the NEMA website.

           The Rhode Island General Assembly releases news on the Senate Committee hearing testimony on Fire Safety Code regulation changes. Many deadlines have changed and the code is said to go into effect on March 1st, 2008.

Read the full article HERE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


PROVIDENCE – December 11, 2007 – In an effort to increase the level of electrical protection in new homes, the latest editions of the National Electric Code (NEC) call for some major changes throughout the residential electrical industry.

Effective January 1, 2008, the NEC will require Combination Type Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) in place of the current Branch Type AFCI. Electrical contractors and those in the residential electrical industry need to be aware of the following changes:

Existing Branch Type AFCIs will continue to be offered for those markets that have not adopted the Combination Type AFCI requirements per the 2005 and 2008 Editions of the NEC. Please review your local requirements with the applicable enforcement agency.

Click here to visit the NEMA Web site: http://afcisafety.org/

About Crown Supply Co. Inc.
At Crown Supply, we have been serving contractors’ and home owners’ lighting and electrical needs for over 60 years. Crown Supply continues to strive towards providing our customers with quality lines that enhance their profitability and assist them in meeting ever-changing business demands. Our current service offerings have expanded to include fire alarm system design and a lighting showroom for the general public.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PROVIDENCE – November 30, 2007 – Crown Supply Co. Inc., a wholesale distributor of lighting, electrical, and fire alarm equipment and supplies, was recently showcased in Progress Report, the bi-monthly publication distributed by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce.

The company was featured for the September/October issue’s “Small Business Snapshot,” a recurring segment in which Progress Report highlights some of Rhode Island’s most successful small businesses. In the article, William F. Donahue IV, President of Crown Supply, offers candid responses to questions about his personal leadership strategy, unconventional marketing ideas, and how his company continues to distinguish itself from the competition after more than 60 years in business.

A member of the Providence Chamber since 1987, Donahue credits Crown Supply’s success to the company’s specialized service offerings and long-lasting customer relationships. Donahue routinely follows up with customers just to check in and see how things are going, which he says helps solidify business relationships and increase customer satisfaction, adding that “Simply listening, offering assistance with issues or concerns, or just being a sounding board goes a long way.”

Crown Supply strives to bring this type of personalized customer experience to each customer, which is one of the reasons the company has continued to grow in today’s competitive business environment. Unlike many of their competitors, when a customer has an issue, they have direct access to Crown Supply’s owner and management. According to Donahue, “Providing this type of service fosters the development of a bond with our customers that goes far beyond the price of a commodity.”

Progress Report is a bi-monthly newsletter published six times a year by the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce. The newsletter promotes current members and happenings at the Chamber.

View the complete article on Crown Supply in the September/October edition of Progress Report.

About Crown Supply Co. Inc.
At Crown Supply, we have been serving contractors’ and home owners’ lighting and electrical needs for over 60 years.  Crown Supply continues to strive towards providing our customers with quality lines that enhance their profitability and assist them in meeting ever-changing business demands. Our current service offerings have expanded to include fire alarm system design and a lighting showroom for the general public.

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Our site has been redesigned with an all new look allowing simple navigation, quick loading pages and updated content.  The  updated content management will allow our customers access to more up to date information, including current commodities pricing, technical bulletins, factory recalls and more. We are continuing to develop our web site to offer more product, industry and technical information. Our goal in these efforts is to create a single stop for all our customers information needs allowing you to find information you need to run your business more efficient and profitably.