Tag: panel switches - page 6

The Differences Between Breaker Boxes and Fuse Boxes

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

Circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes aren’t something that most of us have to access on a regular basis. It is important however to know where they are located and how they function before you find yourself in the middle of a power outage. These boxes can be located anywhere but most often can be found in the garage, basement or utility closet. Once you have located the box it is important to know the difference between a circuit breaker boxes and fuse boxes and how to restore power if it goes out.

Your breaker box will be a metal box that is flush against the wall that is enclosed by a metal door to keep the breakers or fuses protected. The garage, basement, storage room or utility spaces are the places where you will most likely find them located. If you can’t find the box located inside somewhere check outside or next the meter box.

Next, determine if the house has a circuit breaker or fuse box. Open the door and take a look inside. Do you see rows of switches? If you do you have a circuit breaker. If you see sockets like a light bulb then you have a fuse box. Most commonly newer homes will have circuit breakers where as older homes that have yet to update their electricity will have a fuse box or maybe even several fuse boxes.

When replacing a blown fuse it is crucial that you unplug the appliances that are connected to the circuit that has lost electricity. If the kitchen looses power then unplug all of the appliances and other electrical products that are plugged into the circuit. If this is not done the risk that is faced is another blown fuse.

When you are replacing the fuse from the box be sure to turn off the main power switch. This is a toggle switch located within the fuse box. This main switch allows electricity to flow on a main current to the other circuits throughout the fuse board. As you are shutting the main power off protect yourself by wearing rubber soled shoes and thick gloves when shutting the power down.

Find the fuse that connects the electricity to the point within the home that is no longer functioning. Once the fuses are located and unscrew the fuse from the socket and replace it with a new one of the same power rating. After the fuse has been replaced it is time to switch the main breaker back on.

For a circuit breaker that has been tripped the process is a bit simpler. You will still need to go through and unplug the appliances and shut the main breaker off in both fuses and circuit breakers. After this is done you should be able to see which breaker is blown because it will be switch facing the opposite way. Reset the switch back to its original state and that will restore the circuit. After this is done the main power can be reinstated.

When replacing either of these types of electrical circuits if you notice that the circuit keeps blowing it is time to call in an electrician. An electrician will come in and evaluate the state of the electrical wiring throughout your home and consult on electrical upgrades to your home.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

bus ducts, bus plugs, electrical equipment, Electrical Manufacturing Components, Electrical Products, J & P Electrical Company Asset Recovery, panel switches, Product Reconditioning, reconditioned electrical components, transformers

Electronic Components and Flooding

Posted on June 28, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

Unexpected weather happens all across the country. Flooding is a natural occurrence that is occurring more and more nowadays due to the changes in our climate. Heavy rains tax the infrastructures that are in place to contain the overabundant water causing failures. Once the water recedes it is time to evaluate the damage that has occurred. This is true in both residential and commercial settings.

Evaluating electrical equipment is a serious issue. Large manufacturing equipment is quite costly to replace. After equipment has been subjected to large amounts of water it needs to be properly evaluated. A thorough evaluation will give companies an idea on the most cost effective way to get up and operating. Electrical equipment that has been involved in a flood is dangerous especially if the equipment is not properly re-energized before the equipment is properly reconditioned, refurbished, repaired or replaced.

Certain guidelines have been put in place recently due to the increase in floods. Flood water comes from a variety of places and thus can be contaminated with chemicals, oils, saltwater and a combination of materials that can wreak havoc on electrical equipment affecting the manner in which the machine operates. The NEC, National Electrical Code, states that internal electrical components subjected to flood water must not be damaged or contaminated by foreign materials. This allows electrical equipment inspectors to reject the use of equipment that has possible damage or deterioration from corrosion or chemical actions and/or reactions.

Inspectors handle each type of electrical component differently based on the possible risk. A working knowledge of electrical equipment is a must when evaluating the intricacies of each piece. If it is deemed that the equipment can be salvaged it is crucial that properly trained technicians assist in the equipment reconditioning process. The inspector will evaluate the piece based on several factors including the role it plays, the degree of flooding it was subjected to, the age of the equipment and the time it was submerged or exposed to flood waters.

The National Electrical Manufacturing Association, NEMA, has many public policies in place regarding electrical equipment standards after flooding. There are several components that must simply be replaced no matter the circumstances of the flooding. Items such as molded-case circuit breakers, Mylar wrapped busways, low voltage fuses and electronic trip power circuit breakers and more. However, items such as busways with powder coated bushbars can often be reconditioned when the damage that is present has not inflicted damage to the over coating applied to the bushbars.

Anytime your facility incurs flood damage it is crucial to have all electrical equipment evaluated. It is dangerous to operate any machinery after exposure to flood water even if it appears to be dry and free of damage. Many times the damage done by flooding is internal or unseen to novices. The safety of you and your employees must come before the urgency of operations.

J & P Electrical Company

Purchasing New, Re-Furbished or Used Manufacturing Equipment

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

Many entrepreneurs believe that purchasing new manufacturing equipment is the option when replacing failing machinery. Sometimes buying a new piece of equipment is the only option. This is true when technology has changed and used or refurbished equipment will not keep pace with the changes. Other times the technology stays consistent; the perfect time to save your company some money with the purchase of used or refurbished manufacturing equipment. Assess the needs of your company to decide if new, used or refurbished equipment is the best option for your company.

Consider the following:

Initial Expense
Operating Costs
Product Warranties
Equipment Guarantees
After Sales Support
Safety
New Equipment Purchase

Buying new manufacturing equipment provides many advantages; the number one benefit is the technology updates that are offered when using new equipment. Brand new manufacturing equipment offers your facility a competitive edge and can influence the efficiency of your facility. Another benefit of purchasing new equipment is the ability to purchase extended warranties, service plans and the advantage that new equipment brings “piece of mind” to the purchaser. The downfall, new equipment is expensive. Be sure to budget in the cost for set up and training.

Refurbished Equipment Purchase

Purchasing refurbished equipment or refurbished electronic parts to repair equipment is a great alternative for companies. Refurbished electrical components and refurbished equipment is full disassembled, repaired, updated and then reassembled. Refurbished equipment is less expensive than new equipment often including similar warranties, customer service and guarantees depending on the manufacturer that equipment is purchased through.

Used Equipment Purchase

When choosing to purchase used manufacturing equipment it can surely be less expensive initially out of pocket. The overall cost of the equipment and components for repairs can be only a fraction of the original cost of new equipment. Many companies will sell DEMO manufacturing equipment as used machinery. When buying used manufacturing equipment is up to you to check out the overall condition of the equipment. You will want to see the equipment in working order to ensure it is in order. Also, be sure to have complete proper documentations on the equipment whenever you purchasing used manufacturing equipment. This will make buying components to repair equipment simpler if it is to malfunction.

No matter what you choose, new, used or refurbished, it is crucial that the equipment meets safety standards. The equipment must be safe to use. Make sure to also do a cost analysis; what is the difference between purchasing new equipment and keeping refurbished and used equipment running in like new condition.

J & P Electrical Company

Challenges Involving Aging Equipment Part Two

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

In our previous article we discussed the impact that aging equipment has on running a business. We talked in-depth about how proper maintenance and regular electrical component part replacement, electrical equipment can continue to function properly.

Power circuit breakers require regular maintenance to guarantee accurate function while sustaining equipment warranties. The scale of maintenance recommended on power circuit breakers includes the following:

Regular physical assessments
Ongoing cleaning and lubrication
Consistent equipment adjustments
Examination of overcurrent protective devices
Routine circuit testing
Dielectric testing
Speed and time assessment

New surplus or reconditioned electrical components are often needed to be installed to restore circuit breakers to like new operating condition.

Some facilities choose to recondition electrical components on their equipment in house. In order to refurbish a circuit breaker they are tested in comparison to ANSI standards and then disassembled from top to bottom, scoured and examined. All damaged parts are then repaired, refurbished or replaced. After this step is performed the points of pivot are all scrubbed and lubed. The circuit breaker is then reassembled and retested.

Additional repairs may be needed depending on a number of things such as how old the equipment is, the location it is being used in, how readily replacement components can be found, cost associated with the ongoing upkeep and new technology becoming available.

The dependability of electrical equipment comes down to this; it isn’t a question of if there will be a failure or malfunction it is a question of when it will occur. Plant managers need to consider the cost of maintaining aging or obsolete equipment verse replacing equipment that takes advantage of updates in technology.

One such update in electrical circuit breakers comes with the addition of switchgear. Switchgear is a combination of electrical components such as disconnect switches, fuses and circuit breakers. The switchgear is used similarly to the main disconnect in a circuit breaker box; the switchgear will energize and de-energize electrical equipment.

The current of electricity needs to be controlled in electrical equipment for a multitude of reasons. Whether upgrading to switchgears or staying the course, maintain the current electrical circuit breaker it is crucial that the component continues to function properly to maintain the safety of equipment. When performing maintenance on electrical equipment or replacing refurbished electrical components within commercial equipment the electrical power flowing to the machine must be completely shut off. To avoid electrocution the current of electricity needs to be completely shut off. The equipment and maintenance personal should also take safety precautions to ensure that they are properly grounded in case even the slightest current is still stored within the circuit.

J & P Electrical Company

Challenges Involving Aging Equipment

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

Utility companies continue to face challenges involving future outlook, governmental regulations all while providing safe, secure, reliable and reasonably cost electricity to consumers. Aging equipment used in the distribution of electricity is faced with a unique set of challenges including: population growth, technological advancements, personnel reductions and becoming obsolete.

Proper reinvestment strategies need to be in place to facilitate the challenges that are faced in making sure that equipment remains effective for the increasing consumer demands. Operation and maintenance budgets should consider creating a comprehensive plan involving repairing, refurbishing and replacing equipment as it progresses through its life cycle.

Each piece of equipment used in the distribution of electricity deteriorates at its own pace. Strategic planning needs to be put in place considering where the current equipment in place is within its own life cycle. For instance, a piece that is fairly new may only need to be budgeted for general maintenance where as mid life cycle equipment should include budgeting for refurbished parts and labor to repair it. While pieces at the end or nearing the end should budget for complete replacement or refurbishment.

Electrical distribution performed with underperforming, unreliable or faulty equipment puts the entire operation and distribution process at risk. Without a detailed maintenance plan in place, in regards to continued equipment care companies risk employee safety, expense equipment damage, untimely equipment repairs or replacements and/or facility downtime.

Facilities of all sizes, including electrical utility companies must detail for their facility staff an action plan assessing and monitoring current equipment performance. A thorough proposal must include a plan that takes into consideration modifications and corrective actions.

The INPO, Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, set in place a structure to help ensure equipment dependability. This is known as AP-913. Six major areas involving equipment consistency create the AP-913 including:

1) Essential Component Identification

2) Performance Monitoring

3) Remedial Actions

4) Continued Equipment Consistency Development

5) Life Cycle Management and Long Term Planning

6) Preventative Maintenance Implementation

Many companies, not just electrical utility companies, are putting actions in place to follow AP-913. It is a common belief that predictions can be made by analyzing historical data kept on manufacturing equipment. Using this information can help companies gather information on when to perform general maintenance. Predictions help prevent equipment failure and downtime as well. If certain parts fail during the same time frame in the equipments life cycle companies can decide ahead of time the best course of action to provide minimal downtime. Should the part that fails be sent in to be refurbished, should it be replaced with a new surplus or refurbished component or should the equipment be replaced all together.

Equipment replacement is usually a last resort because it tends to be cost prohibitive. Repairing equipment is most often the likely option. Certain equipment, because of new technology can become obsolete. If this dies occur new surplus parts are difficult to find. Refurbished electrical components help conquer this dilemma.

With proper planning and systems in place companies will be able to minimize the impact of equipment failure. Proper maintenance and preventative repairs are a huge element in keeping companies properly functioning while operating within the given budget.

J & P Electrical Company

Asset Recovery, bus ducts, bus plugs, electrical equipment, Electrical Manufacturing Components, Electrical Products, panel switches, Product Reconditioning, reconditioned electrical components, transformers

Four Important Reasons To Purchase Refurbished Equipment and Parts

Posted on April 28, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

Buying new surplus, replacement parts and equipment is a necessary part of running a business. It is a process that without proper preparation can be stressful, expensive and time consuming. It is important to plan for equipment failure and the need for replacement parts sooner than later. This will ensure that when there is equipment failure within your facility that you know where to turn to find exactly what you are looking for. It is a good idea to look for refurbished and reconditioned equipment and parts. Here’s why!

Cost Savings: Buying refurbished and reconditioned parts and equipment allow you to save money over having to buy new surplus. Depending on the equipment needed, parts desired, vendor, how fast you need it and if it needs to be installed it is not uncommon to say upwards of between thirty to fifty percent off the cost of new. The same product, the same result all at a fraction of the cost.

More Bang For Your Buck: When you purchase used, refurbished, or reconditioned equipment and parts you will find that you can often purchase a name brand piece of equipment at a lower cost. It is the same concept as when you are purchasing clothes from a thrift shop. The same name brand pants that would cost you one hundred dollars at the mall would cost a fraction of that when purchased at a resale shop. Those hundred dollar jeans may only cost you around forty bucks but you get the same exact thing.

Dependability: When you buy products that are reconditioned or refurbished you are purchasing a piece of equipment or part that has already had the bugs worked out. Depending on the electrical component company that you work with the testing process is more rigorous then that of new surplus.

Environmental Sustainability: Buying refurbished and reconditioned parts and equipment allow you to do your part to sustain the health of our environment. Buying used products that have been made new again reduces equipment waste that fills up landfills and incinerators. Purchasing refurbished and reconditioned equates to recycling. The benefits of recycling are plentiful. In working to sustain the environment you conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse emissions all while save energy and sustaining the environment for future generations.

There are many reasons to choose refurbished electrical components and reconditioned equipment over more costly, brand new equipments and parts. Research a reputable reconditioned electrical part company to work with. Establish a relationship with them to ensure their assistance when you are in a bind with equipment failure and in need of an immediate replacement part or piece of equipment.

J & P Electrical Company

Benefits of Purchasing Refurbished Electrical Equipment and Parts

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

Perhaps one of the largest benefits of purchasing refurbished electrical components comes from the savings to individuals and business owners alike. No matter the undertaking, be it a repair to a home appliance or industrial-grade breaker, it is in your best interest to look for the quality and cost savings in refurbished electrical components. No matter what electrical project you take on the same rules apply; look for quality components at inexpensive rates.

No matter if you are repairing appliances within your home or industrial grade equipment it pays to find the most inexpensive, efficient product at the lowest cost to ensure a complete solution to the project at hand. Refurbished products are the most suitable options in most circumstances involving both commercial and residential users.

Used and refurbished electrical component suppliers have been a popular resource for years. Buyers prefer to purchase these types of electrical components not only because of cost efficiency, quality and availability to options that are often older and harder to find.

Cost Savings: Everyone is looking to buy electrical components that will get the job done without costing an arm and a leg. Brand new parts may seem ideal but when looking at the life span and cost many find that for a real cost savings refurbished components add as much life to your equipment.

High Quality: Even if a part is new it doesn’t mean that you are guaranteed to receive a high quality component. Refurbished products go through a rigorous reconditioning process and are tested to meet and often exceed manufacturers UL certifications.

Availability: This is one of the reasons that the sale for refurbished electrical components has risen so much in recent years. Industrial equipment is built to last. Often times it is difficult to find suppliers that have new parts in stock for older equipment. It is not cost effective to always upgrade a large piece of equipment and often unnecessary as the life span of the piece is far from reaching its peak. Reconditioned electrical parts come in clutch when you find that new parts are obsolete.

Options: When equipment goes down companies lose money. No one wants to be in the middle of product and unable to fix their electrical equipment. With refurbished components, users have a plethora of options at their finger tips within the refurbished electrical component industry. Many reconditioned component suppliers will have in stock or assist you in find the part you need, at a reasonable price with immediate availability.

Companies save time and money when purchasing quality industrial electrical components that are refurbished. At J&P Electrical Company, we sell a wide range of industrial electrical components from all major manufacturers, including bus plugs, bus duct, panel switches, disconnects, transformers, fuses, circuit breakers and more. We have two large warehouses that hold over 20,000 sq feet of new, used and obsolete electrical equipment. We are sure to have in stock the product you need when you need it.

J & P Electrical Company

Information On Electrical Panels

Posted on March 28, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

Every home and business has one. A mysterious gray box inset in a wall, usually in a basement, garage or laundry room, that controls the electricity flow. The electrical panel that is contained within the puzzling gray box is a major electrical component that many of us will have to learn to operate to ensure the electricity in our homes and business’s stays operational.

The insides of the box are important to even those whom are unfamiliar with the world of electrical components. When the panel is opened what you initially see is a single circuit breaker that is displayed as two columns. Above these columns a large switch called the main switch can be seen. The main switch controls the electrical current for the entire home while the smaller switches within the two columns are responsible for electricity in certain locations in the home or business.

Individual breakers control the electrical current to the outlets in your home. Each one allows only a set amount of current to flow through that unparticular current at any one given time. When a current that is larger than what the circuit can handle is pushed through the breaker will surge cutting off all power to the outlet.

A perfect example of this that is witnessed on a daily basis is within a teenage girl’s bathroom. Picture an outlet loaded with a blow dryer, electric tooth brush, hair straighter and magnified mirror. When all of these appliances try to pull power at the same time the circuit will become overloaded. At this point the breaker will surge and power will no longer be received through the outlet.

To remedy the situation the electrical current needed will have to be downsized by unplugging the overloaded outlet. Within a bathroom space the current is often exceeded. In most residential settings outlets with built in circuit breakers will be installed. This allows homeowners the convenience of resetting the breaker right there and then after the overload is stopped. If a circuit in a bedroom or living room surges the homeowner will most likely need to locate the panel and switch the circuit breaker in question back on. This process is fairly simple and a blown circuit is easily identifiable as the switch will be a different color than the switches that have not surged.

Circuit breakers are designed to surge as a safety feature against overloaded electrical outlets. They protect your home and business against damage that can be caused when a flow of current is present that is not able to be handled by the circuit. Without the protection of a circuit breaker problems that arise from an overabundance in electrical current, such as fires, could occur. When the current level exceeds the breaker the breaker fails and the system is working as it needs to.

The main switch within the panel is to control the electrical current throughout the entire home. Homeowners may find themselves tripping the switch in cases of flooding or other emergency weather situations. Flipping the main switch cuts power to the entire house protecting appliances and heating and cooling systems from surges caused by lighting. Large surges, all at one time, as seen in lighting strikes can cause damage beyond repair to large appliances and systems within the space. It is better to cease all electrical current in these situations to avoid that possibility within your home or business by switching the main circuit breaker into the off position.

J & P Electrical Company

Power Outage Delays Solved With Generator Installation

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

Does your business experience power outages on a regular basis? Do you find yourself having to shut down operations because of power failures? If this is the case in your business no matter how big or small you are it is important that you install a permanent generator to restore the power within seconds of an outage to prevent further business loss.

If you don’t wish to install a permanent solution a temporary generator can be installed to assist during a power outage. Power outages are highly inconvenient and can cause major profit loss. It is important to have either a permanent or temporary generator in place to restore power. A temporary solution should be simple and hassle free to install when the power is interrupted.

When you are looking into either a temporary or permanent generator there are a few things to consider. First determine what size load the generator will need to sustain in order to operate business at a satisfactory level. If full capacity is desired you will need to purchase a larger generator over if you can just run a few functions to keep the business up and running. What length cable will you need to purchase to run from the load to the generator? Which critical loads within the business need to be restored to run efficiently? Hire a professional electrician to install the temporary or permanent power option into the building’s electrical service.

The solution of a temporary generator is a quick and easy way to restore power to the electrical distribution system within your business. With the installation of a transfer switch and a generator quick connect tab box your business can be up and running within ten minutes of the arrival of a portable generator. This process allows for a safe transfer between standard and standby power sources. It is important to keep your business functioning fully and this can be done with the installation of a temporary generator, transfer switch and quick connect tap box. When there is a loss of power a system that allows for a fully resorted power system and your business can continue to run as usual.

If your business does not have a proper disaster recovery plan in place it is essential that you begin this process with the installation of a power back up. Even if you choose not to install a permanent generator an incident plan should be in place to ensure that the businesses day to day processes can continue. Loss of power results in the loss of electricity. Without electricity you are in unable to save data, preserve perishable items, ensure security or communication systems. It is essential to operate any business that a backup solution to restore power is in place and easy to access when an emergency situation arises.

J & P Electrical Company

Key Factors In Preventative Maintenance Programs

Posted on February 20, 2016 by Creative Programs and Systems

There are so many important factors to consider when working within a manufacturing setting. One of the most important aspects arguably is preventative maintenance. When electrical equipment doesn’t include a variety of moving components many industrial managers overlook machinery maintenance; this is however the incorrect thought process is. All electrical equipment requires regular maintenance to be scheduled. In fact when electrical systems lack moving parts they report a failure rate of up to three times more than systems with preventative maintenance programs in place.

When discussing the failures in electrical distribution it is important to remember the two culprits responsible for about half of all failures. Loose wiring and part connections as well as exposure to moisture are both major issues that cause equipment failure. Both issues can be managed with a comprehensive electrical preventative maintenance program in place.

There are five key factors that are relevant when introducing such a program to your team and facility. An established electrical maintenance program can benefit a manufacturing facility in a number of ways including increased employee safety, increased production, decreased down time, increased customer service and so many more benefits that come with equipment throughout the facility running as expected.

Important Preventative Maintenance Factors

Employees Qualified to Oversee and Execute your Preventative Maintenance Program

It is important to hire or train employees that are in charge of the preventative program. Each piece of equipment requires specific testing and maintenance. Employees should be thoroughly trained to ensure electrical safety practices and procedures are followed.

Regularly Scheduled Equipment Maintenance

It is crucial that components in machinery are inspected, tested and serviced on a regular basis. With regular record keeping manufacturers will be able to develop a detailed plan based on component failure. This will allow for a detailed maintenance program to be established.

Informed Decisions on Electrical Component Replacement

The only way that informed decisions can be made is with proper information and understanding of the problem that exists. This requires education and information on the current electrical systems currently in place. Employees responsible for preventative maintenance should have access to testing reports and educational material.

Maintenance Performance

There does come a time that schedule performance will require a machine to be shut down. The nice thing about doing it in this manner, rather than waiting for it to break is that you can control the timing. Scheduled outages can be done when production is low during holiday breaks or decreased production.

Clear Concise Methods in Record Keeping

In order to track the work that is done and the timing of break downs a plan can be established to prevent equipment failure during peak manufacturing times. Work should be performed and electrical components replaced when needed. Tracking the results will lead to identifying problem areas so that they can be corrected before the problem occurs.

Preventative maintenance is a cost effective way that improves the efficiency of both employees and equipment. Neglecting electrical machinery is costly. A program that is in place to establish guidelines on maintenance helps with this.

JP Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company