Tag: panel switches - page 7

As a homeowner we often use an extreme amount of energy without even considering where it is all going to.  In this article we will look into the ways in which we use energy throughout our homes on a daily basis and how you may be able to address the largest areas of waste within your home.

Appliances and electrical components that use a lot of power are often referred to as electrical vampires.  These appliances rack up high energy bills not only when they are being used but as they are plugged in and sit waiting to be used.  This wastes energy and increases home energy bills.  To avoid the extra expense consider using power savers on the following pieces of electrical equipment within your home.

Video Game Consoles

Who doesn’t enjoy unwinding at the end of the day with a game shared with the family on a video console?  Although video game consoles are a great way to unwind they are a huge draw on the energy within your home.  If the console is plugged in it is drawing energy.  So even if you are not enjoying the console it is using energy.  Even when a console is turned off if it plugged in it is expending approximately one watt of energy.

Laptop Computers

It is almost impossible to believe but a laptop uses more energy than a desktop computer.  Laptops have many different components that are running within together in one place.  This means that the system need additional energy over that off a desk top computer to function.  A desktop, on average, uses about three watts of energy whereas a laptop runs on about nine watts while it is turned off.  Consider though that a desktop also uses electricity to run speakers, monitors, scanners, modems and USB hubs.  When deciding which source is a better use of energy for your home consider the entire system as a whole and not each component separately.

Cable Boxes

Cable boxes may seem completely innocent as they sit on top of the television console waiting to be used however they are one of the worst electrical component offenders when it comes to energy usage in your home.  When off, on average a cable box uses about twenty eight watts of power.   While in use a cable box uses about thirty watts.

If you are concerned with the amount of energy that various electrical components are using while plugged in and turned off or turned on there is only one way to eliminate the issue and that is to unplug it.  As a homeowner you may be looking for a solution that does not require you to unplug and plug in appliances as they are used within the home.  In this case an easy, straightforward solution is the addition of power strips.  A power strip in the off position only uses about a single watt of electricity which is far less than any of the above components.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to electrical equipment companies many of us non-electricians are at a loss as to exactly what it is that they do or sell.  Electrical equipment and components are a mystery to those of us who do not work with them.  Entering a manufacturing facility is overwhelming to most industrial spectators.

There are a variety of different sized pieces of equipment splayed across a large room.  Each piece of equipment offers its own purpose; most involve manufacturing a product that is used to create, package or in some way bring something new into the world.   There are a variety of industrial manufacturers using electrical equipment.  With each industry has a specific need in regards to equipment and replacement components that is needs to have available to ensure that production never is delayed, stalled or brought to a complete halt.  Electrical equipment is the backbone to many industrial manufactures.  Without reliable equipment or replacement components readily available production will stop thus resulting in delayed manufacturing, decreased employee production and a loss of profit.

In the next few installments we will begin to look at new surplus and reconditioned electrical equipment and components to bring a better understanding to exactly what this intriguing industry is all about.   Today we will discuss bus ducts and bus plugs and the impact they have within large industrial manufacturing plants.

In most industrial settings electrical power is not distributed the same as it is in residential and commercial settings.  In these settings power is distributed through hardwiring within the walls throughout the building.   This allows electricity to flow through the building distributing similar voltage to rooms throughout the building this differs from industrial manufacturing settings where the electricity needs to be distributed differently throughout the building.

Electricity in industrial manufacturing facilities needs to be directed to where it is needed.  In these large open industrial settings equipment needs to be able to be moved about and the electricity needs to be designed to allow for this freedom.  There are not many closed walls or permanent structures to allow electricity to be distributed throughout the plant; this is where bus ducts and bus plugs are useful.

Bus ducts are in a sense, an extension cord.  Each section of the bus duct is put together and run along the ceiling to complete a super highway of industrial power throughout the plant.  Bus plugs complete the entire electrical super system allowing power to get from the bus duct system to the equipment below in need of power.

Bus plugs are similar to the plugs on the ends of appliances throughout our homes that are used on a regular basis.  The bus plug connects a section of the bus duct to the equipment below that is in need of power.  Bus plugs can be used for anything from lighting to heavy machinery.  This system is used in industrial settings because it offers flexibility and ease of use.  There is no hardwiring within the building and therefore the manufacturing floor can be rearranged as needed.  If new equipment is introduced or a piece is taken out, the power system can also adjust.

It is our hope that this article gives readers a basic understanding of this unique electrical component as well as how and why it is used throughout industrial manufacturing settings.  If you are in need of replacement bus plugs or new surplus bus ducts for your current system look no further than the experts at J & P Electrical Company, LLC located out of Warren, MI at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com/.

There are plenty of myths surrounding the industry of refurbished electrical components.  Different people have varying opinions on when to use them and how to ensure that they are safe and reliable.  The truth is that reconditioned electrical components are every bit as good as new products.  In fact some may even say better because of the rigorous testing and stringent standards the electrical parts are put through before they can be sold.

Many companies that sell quality refurbished electrical parts completely disassemble the piece and clean and inspect each part thoroughly.  From there the parts are painted with the highest quality of paint, usually acrylic enamel, which is specifically chosen because of its durability.  After this is complete the electrical piece is reassembled and tested.  This is true of reconditioned breakers as well.  In order to know when and how to use electrical reconditioned breakers we shall look into the truths of refurbished breakers.

The goal when purchasing and using any reconditioned electrical product, including retrofitted circuit breakers it is important that you have complete confidence in their ability to perform.  Just as new electrical components do, reconditioned electrical parts decrease the number of unplanned outages experienced while keeping personnel safe.  The one main difference between refurbished and new electrical parts is the cost associated with them.  It makes sense that anytime you are replacing used, worn out components with new ones the manufacturing equipment will be safer and more reliable.

The main myth is that you are taking a risk to save your company a few bucks; in fact the old adage is without risk there is no reward, right?  This is not the truth when choosing refurbished over new in manufacturing.  In fact choosing high-quality reconditioned breakers and more can not only save you money but prove to outlast their new counterparts.

Choose to work with a company that has a reputation of providing high quality new and quality reconditioned components.  Not all electrical company’s and suppliers are of the same quality.  Look for a company that is interested in a number of variations of the industry from asset recovery, product reconditioning and the sale of new electrical components.

To ensure that you are purchasing a quality reconditioned power breakers ask about the company’s refurbishing policies.  A power breaker should only be sold as a quality refurbished product if the supplier has cleaned, analyzed, reassembled, tested and only sold after passing a final inspection and rigid testing.

The pricing for refurbished parts can vary between companies.  Some reconditioned electrical part suppliers will loan you a good reconditioned part, such as a power breaker, while they actually take yours in and recondition it.  This leaves you with a working breaker so that there is no down time on your equipment and you will have a new, reconditioned part within a few days or weeks depending on the company’s ability to turn products around.

The product is not only cleaned and reassembled; the latest technology is installed within the component adding to the integrity of the reconditioned product.  You will be saving your company time, money and improving the quality of the machines in which employees are working with.

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.

There are a variety of myths surrounding the refurbished, reconditioning electrical component business.  With every myth comes an explanation that helps put it to rest or one that brings it to light.  This article will lie to rest some of the most prevalent myths within the electrical component industry.

Myth VS Reality within the Reconditioned Electrical Component Industry

• Reconditioned electrical equipment is often counterfeit: Surplus and counterfeit electrical parts are part of the gray market within the electrical equipment industry and should not be lumped together with legitimate suppliers of quality refurbished, reconditioned electrical components.  This is something that many original equipment manufacturers and licensed distributors like to lead industry users to believe in order to ensure they are the only sought after suppliers of electrical components.

The truth is that most reconditioned electrical components are used to continue running equipment that is older and often outdated, most not supported by the original manufacturer anymore.  To avoid buying counterfeit parts understand that most counterfeits parts are sold to replace components on new electrical equipment.  Surplus equipment refers to new unused electrical equipment and this is where counterfeiting is found most often.  To avoid counterfeit products customers should note that most reconditioned products are for older model equipment.

• Refurbished electrical equipment is not as safe to use as new: This is a myth that can be completely busted by the procedure that is in place by both the electrical original equipment manufacturers reconditioning service centers and by the electrical industry at large. With the required multiple step process to ensure the refurbished product performs to the original specifications it is guaranteed that the reconditioned part will work as safely as a new surplus product.

 Steps in Refurbishing Electrical Equipment

• Initial testing is conducted
• Products are disassembled, inspected and cleaned
• Components are replaced by worn & aging components
• Products are reassembled
• Performance testing and component verification is performed
• Documentation is presented and submitted
• Certifications are done to state that the equipment may be even safer than the original

In fact many refurbished electrical components are safer than new original manufactured equipment because it is individually tested.  OEMs are not required to test each product yet are only required to perform a batch test on the electrical components that are produced.

As we continue in this installment on myths verse the realities of refurbished electrical components we will look into the following myths and dispel them.

• Reconditioned electrical equipment is lower quality and less reliable then a new product
• Refurbished electrical equipment is less expensive to buy but more expensive to operate
• Reconditioned electrical equipment increases safety and liability concerns
• Only original equipment manufacturers can properly recondition electrical components
• Refurbishing electrical equipment invalidates the Underwriter Laboratories Seal

We will in fact prove it is true that not all myths are created equal; in fact many myths make for really bad business decisions.

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.

Many of the electrical components we use on a daily basis in our homes and businesses are a mystery to us.  Not many people are concerned with their electrical systems or those electrical systems that supply heat, electricity and such until they have failed.  Once they stop functioning and our lives are put on hold or business is delayed we finally become concerned with all the inner workings of the equipment.  In a previous installment we reviewed electricity its flow along with three main electrical components: disconnect switches, main breakers and fuse panels.  In this installment on the mysteries of electrical equipment we will examine branch circuits, switches, outlets and wiring.

Wiring: In every home you will find various wires and cables.  The three main options in wiring within a home consist of Romex, bx cable or wiring encased within conduit. Romex is the name of a type of plastic insulated wiring that is comprised of non-metallic sheath.  This is normally the wiring that is used in dry, protected areas such as stud walls and side joists.  It is the wiring used when there is no risk of mechanical damage or subjected to excessive heat.  Bx cable is also known as armored cable.  This cable encases wires using aluminum or flexible steel sheaths that are semi resistant to damage.  The safest method of wiring when it comes to durability is single strands of conductor wiring pulled through a conduit.  These three types or wiring are used to carry the electrical current from the main panel to the device needing it.  It is crucial that the wiring that is installed is properly sized for the load requirements that are anticipated.

Outlets:  Electrical outlets are used to plug in portable electrical devices.  An outlet consists of a hot feed, a neutral and aground.  Special outlets should be installed in areas with moisture present as normal grade home outlets are not equipped to handle getting wet.  Outlets are found throughout homes are usually places strategically in consideration of a rooms layout and where there appears to be a need to electricity.

Switches:  A switch is similar to an electrical outlet in that they are placed in areas throughout the home.  They provide electricity to devices that are stationary such as lights and fans.  The switch will turn the devices on and off.  Switches come in single-pole, three-way, four-way and dimmer.  The purpose of the different switches is to offer a variant to the flow of current that goes to the lights and fans within the home.

Branch Circuit:  In a home there is a main circuit breaker that has several smaller branch circuits that is feeds electrical current into.  A branch circuit feeds electricity into breakers to power switches and outlets.  Most circuits can be either 120 volts or 240 volts.  A 120 volt circuit requires a single pole breaker and only uses one phase of electricity.  This is a light circuit meant to power between 15 and 20 amps. It is good for outlets and switches.  A 240 volt circuit uses a two pole breaker and uses both phases of the circuit.  A 240 volt circuit will power larger appliances such as electric ranges, electric stoves, central air units or hot tubs.  The appliance will not get electricity unless both phases are working.  This circuit also requires a two-pole 30 amp breaker.

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.

The winter season is upon the north.  Many of us are starting to get buried under piles of snow and are soon to be locked inside hoping for a break in the freezing temperatures.  It is the perfect time to make sure that all electrical systems have been inspected for potential electrical component problems.  Proper maintenance and regular upkeep on the industrial electrical systems in your home will prevent having to find emergency maintenance service when temperatures are below freezing when being without heat or electricity is dire.  Proper preventative maintenance on electrical systems can prevent a disaster later on.

Why should proper preventative maintenance on electrical systems be performed?

The power requirements, during the winter months, are far greater than any other time of the year.  There is a constant struggle to keep industrial buildings warm in order to prevent electrical systems used in the operation of the business running efficiently.  All the while industrial facility’s and plant managers are looking to improve their efforts to lower power consumption and reduce expenses overall.  Programmable logic controllers should be employed by industrial companies to be trained and specialized in the equipment used throughout the facility.

With the above goals in mind there are a variety of issues, as listed below, that can be prevented with proper electrical preventative maintenance.

• Circumvent electrical shorts that can lead to fires. When a current is overloaded electrical short circuits can occur. This could potentially lead to starting an electrical fire.  To avoid this remove any wires that have become exposed.  It is also important that load imbalances are avoided.  Excessive heat buildup, arcing and explosions can occur.
• Detect electrical components that are running hot or not running according to the specifications stated. Before an electrical component fails it will most likely start to run hot.  Check running components such as transformers, motors, bearings and wires.  If it noted that they are running warmer than specified it is time to think about preventative replacement.  Refurbished electrical components can be purchased at a discount to allow industrial equipment to keep running efficiently without the expense of new components or replacement equipment.
• Check for any loose connections. A loose connection on any piece of equipment can lead to fluctuations in power causing erratic operations and uneven power distribution between the wires.

Preventative maintenance should be a full time position that is filled by a trained specialist.  This one position can save the company both time and money.  With regular equipment maintenance companies are able to avoid unplanned downtime.  This leads to more regular production, better customer services and is cost effective.  Buying new equipment, down time, decreased production and hiring emergency repair services are all incredibly costly for any company.  Simple, regularly scheduled maintenance along with the use of refurbished electrical components allow for smooth operation within manufacturing.

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.

Electrical components are somewhat of a mystery for most of us.  In most of our everyday lives and jobs we don’t deal with the need to know a lot about various electrical components. That is until they stop functioning and we are hindered in what we can and cannot do.  No one thinks about the electricity running into their home until they can’t turn on the television or cook dinner.

When the power goes out or a circuit breaker is blown we become interested in the electrical circuit running through our home.  At that point the electrical system becomes important.  This article will give you a bit more information on the basic components that must function together to allow electricity to flow into our homes or places of work.

Electricity in your home starts with the connection of electrical services.  This is as simple as having the power company run wires to your homes’ feeder wires which are attached to a meter on your home or close power pole.  The meter measures the amount of electricity used and that is the month you are charged for each month.  The meter feeds into either a disconnect switch, main breaker or fuse panel within the home.

Disconnect Switch:  The main advantage of a disconnect switch is that is offers a way to disconnect all power to the house with one main switch.  This is for safety and is used in cases of fire and floods.

Main Breaker:  A main breaker consists of a breaker panel.  This is a panel that contains electrical currents to flow through to different areas within your home.  If too much current is flowing to one area the circuit will blow and thus stop sending electrical current to that area of your home until the breaker is switched back on.  If the current was to flow at an excess this could overload the entire circuit and cause a fire.

Fuse Panel:  Fuses feed the amount of electricity that is being sent and blow out when too much current it being asked of it.  This occurs a lot in rooms where major appliances are in use.  Bathrooms and kitchens usually have to have more fuses allocated to them.  This will allow the current to be broken up to different areas within the room.  The flow of current then can be shifted throughout the space as to not overload one circuit.

In our next installment we will discuss branch circuits, switches, outlets and wiring.  Electrical components within the home aren’t as complex as they are sometimes thought to be.

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.

It is necessary, in any manufacturing environment to maintain and repair the equipment that is used in the operation of the business.  Preventative maintenance is done to keep machines working properly and to avoid safety issues. Equipment that is not taken care of properly and then in turn becomes damaged can lead to unnecessary downtime, injuries and loss of production.  If the equipment is used in the operation of your business it is important to minimize any downtime that can be experienced.  To keep business running as usual it is important that inspections, repairs, alterations and maintenance are done regularly by well trained individuals.

When it comes to determining whose job it is to complete regular inspections, maintenance and repairs on equipment used in the operation of your business it is best to assign that job function to one team of employees.  This allows it to be consistently monitored by the same employees.  All inspections, repairs and maintenance should be recorded in order to keep track.  This will lead to an organized record of repairs and will help in performing future preventive maintenance.  If a pattern is seen it is possible to perform maintenance before issues arise.  This will keep downtime to a minimum and allow for maximum efficiency.

The five basic principles in the maintenance process of manufacturing equipment are: refurbish, repair, calibration, cleaning and replacement.

Refurbishing is the process of servicing and restoring older or damaged equipment to make it like new again.  This process involves disassembling equipment, cleaning it thoroughly and replacing pieces that are not in proper running order.

Repair manufacturing equipment occurs when a piece is not totally damaged.  Minor machine damage can be repaired.  This is a cost effective way to keep older machines running effectively longer.  It is cheaper to replace a part or two on manufacturing equipment rather than continually replacing pieces.  Equipment is a large expense in manufacturing.  Therefore when a repair can be done it saves the company both time and money.  It is always best to reuse or repair a machine over replacing it when possible.

Calibration should be done regularly on equipment used in the manufacturing process as it keeps product consistency.  Equipment that is not properly calibrated will produce uneven and inconsistent results.  When there are issues with variability it can lead to a tarnished brand reputation.

Cleaning equipment is another important aspect within maintenance.  Cleaning manufacturing electrical components should be done regularly.  Wipe equipment daily with thorough cleaning done weekly to ensure the proper maintenance of manufacturing equipment and electrical components.

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.