Parking Lot Perils

Electrical X-Factor is all about the fast-paced, ever-changing world of the electrical trade as seen by a seasoned electrician who’s been in the business for over 40 years. David Moss, CEO and founder of Patriot Electric in Victoria, BC, doesn’t hold back. He comes from the school of hard knocks… and class is in session.

In this supercharged episode, we talk about the new hotness: electric vehicles. Specifically, electric vehicles blowing up. There are critical safety concerns surrounding the lithium-ion batteries, and a new need for updated fire safety regulations. We welcome Herbert Schmitz onto the show to talk about fire prevention and how innovations used in the mining industry can be applied to parkades and buildings as a precise, multi-functional early-warning detection system…

Linear Heat Detection: what is it, and how can it help prevent people from dying in a fire? Schmitz highlights the potential for a catastrophic event given the material composition of a modern electric car, the difference between an electric vehicle battery running away versus an internal-combustion engine fire, and why it’s so deadly for first responders and bystanders.

He and David Moss discuss regulatory challenges and roadblocks (the very human nature to reject change), and the way forward, in order to prevent disaster that may only be a matter of time at this point with concerns about cheap manufacturing, a lack of quality control, and a fundamental lack of understanding of the technologies involved.

Safety is always about making changes for the better. Unfortunately, they usually come in response to Titanic-levels of tragedy and according to Schmitz, British Columbia’s parkade fire codes haven’t been updated since the ‘70s.

About Herbert Schmitz & LUNA Innovations (https://lunainc.com/)

Herbert Schmitz is a seasoned professional in the mining and technology sectors, currently serving as the Global Segment Lead for Mining at LUNA Innovations since February 2023, where the focus is on implementing distributed fibre optic sensing systems to enhance operational efficiency and safety in mining. In addition, Herbert is involved with Anderson Leadership Consulting as a Creator and Disruptor, crafting innovative solutions in condition monitoring. Prior experience includes serving as Chief Technology Officer at Advanced Automated Systems, Operations Manager at Firetech CC, and Instrument Technician at Anglo Platinum, demonstrating a strong technical background in automation and instrumentation. Herbert holds a Diploma in Automation Engineering Technology from Randfontein College.

Luna Innovations Incorporated is a leader in optical technology, providing unique capabilities in high-performance, fiber optic-based, test products for the telecommunications industry and distributed fiber optic-based sensing for a multitude of industries. Luna’s business model is designed to accelerate the process of bringing new and innovative technologies to market.

About David Moss & Patriot Electric (https://www.patriotelectric.ca/)

David Moss has over 40 years of experience being in the electrical trade. He is a big believer in giving opportunities to and training the next generation of electricians, offering highly successful co-op and apprenticeship programs with Patriot Electric. David himself has been a member of the Camosun College Advisory Apprenticeship Board since 2001.

Patriot Electric is continuously evolving and learning as technology leaps forward, and is committed to offering the most recent and cutting-edge tech to their clients. They have grown from just a few to a team of over 30 in the last two decades. The expertise of founder David Moss, along with the new practices and skills of their co-op EIT students creates a unique mix of knowledge and expertise across a number of areas. This has led to recognition in the form of the 2013 Business Of The Year Award from the Greater Victoria Chamber Of Commerce, and Trades Company Of The Year at the 14th annual Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards.

Host: David Moss (CEO and Founder, Patriot Electric)

Guest: Herbert Schmitz (Global Segment Lead - Mining, LUNA Innovations)

Narrator: Tamara

Producer: Eric

Writer: Jordan

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