Monday, December 28, 2015

Myths About The Refurbished Electrical Component Industry

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.

Expelling the Myths Surrounding Refurbished Electrical Components

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.
  • 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.

Monday, November 30, 2015

The Mystery Of Electrical Components Continued

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.

Preventive Electrical Maintenance For The Winter Season

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.

Friday, October 30, 2015

Maintaining Electrical Components In Manufacturing Equipment

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.

The Mystery Of Electrical Components

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.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

The Purpose of Circuit Breakers

Many people know that their homes have a circuit breaker but aren’t familiar with what they do or why they are important.  All of the electrical power that is supplied to your home is controlled by your homes circuit breaker.  They are used to control the flow of electricity throughout your home.  This one unit can turn the electrical power on and off within the home.  If you are experiencing an electrical surge, your homes circuit breaker will automatically cut the power supply to ensure that no major damage occurs.  This is referred to as tripping the breaker.  This can occur throughout the entire home or in just areas where a surge is experienced.
If the wires in your electrical system are unable to carry the load of electricity properly a surge has occurred.  When this happens the breaker is unable to perform properly and shuts down. The breaker will then need to be reset.  The breaker will keep tripping if the circuit continues to be over capacity.  If this occurs often your circuit breaker is not meeting the electrical capacity you require.  This signals to you, the homeowner, that it is time to upgrade your circuit breaker. 
Often times the system can be upgraded by improving the capacity of the circuit breaker by adding an additional panel to the main panel.  You first must check all of the electrical components and wiring to isolate and identify the area that is not being sufficiently powered.  If it is found that there are power supply issues throughout the board it may be time to upgrade all together.  This is a common issue found in many older homes.
Electrical appliances both small and large have changed a great deal throughout the years in regards to how much electricity they require.  With this change many older homes are finding that an additional panel added on to the current circuit breaker is only a temporary fix to a much larger problem that exists.  Sometimes it is possible to get by in these situations by decreasing the amount of electricity needed throughout the home at any given time.  For instance, if the television is on in the living room and dinner is going in the oven it may trip the breaker if you decide you also want to blow dry your hair in the bathroom. 
Larger homes require more electricity as well.  When you are considering any major home improvement upgrades such as an addition, upgraded kitchen or bathroom it is important to check the capacity on your current circuit breaker to ensure that you will not be taxing the supply of power.  If you find that you are switching from gas appliances to electrical appliances you may find the current circuit unable to power them without upgrading. 
The circuit breaker in your home plays a huge role in protecting your family.  Without this electrical component shutting down overloaded circuits we would find an increase in electrical fires.  Overloaded systems will overheat which will cause wires to split and fires to occur.  This is why it is so important to have a basic understanding of what your homes circuit breaker does for you and to recognize the signs that it is not functioning properly. 
All homeowners should know where their circuit breaker box is located, how to cut the power to not only the entire home at once but also to specific locations as well as how to change fuses contained within.  These are the basics that homeowners can handle without calling in an electrician.  It is however recommended that a certified electrician manage any additions or upgrades if you do find that the homes electrical demand is overloading the current circuits supply.
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.

How Circuit Breakers Can Save Your Home In A Flood

Would you know what to do or where to begin if you found that your home was in danger of flooding?  Many homeowners don’t think about flooding or believe that the probability that a flood will affect them is slim.  The truth of the matter is that floods have become one of the most common natural hazards to affect homeowners throughout the United States.  Localized flooding, from events such as water freezing and thawing, can affect smaller contained areas such as neighborhoods or smaller communities.  General flooding can occur from events such as constant rain or torrential downpours which can flood entire water systems throughout multiple states.
Flooding is a common occurrence.  They can occur no matter where you live but are more common if you live in low-lying areas, near water or downstream from a dam.  Concern yourself with flooding if your home is located by small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low-lying dry ground that appear harmless.  If you find that a flood is imminent there are a few things that homeowners can do to prepare.
  • Electricity and water mixed together are a deadly combination.   The possibility of electrocution during a flood is high.  In order to prevent this from occurring homeowners should turn off and unplug all electrical appliances, utilities and components powered using electricity.  Homeowners should locate the homes circuit breaker and shut off the main breakers.  This will shut the electricity off throughout the entire home.  Never touch any electrical appliance or electrical component when you are wet or if you are standing in water.  Do not risk electrocution.  Even if the electrical power is shut off if an appliance is not unplugged it can still contain a power current that can cause harm.
  • Never walk through water that is moving.  The current in just six inches of moving water can cause homeowners to fall.  Locate an area where the water is not moving.  Use something long and firm to test the ground in front of you before you step.  In a flood your homes floors can become weak which can lead to a collapse.
  • Flood water is always contaminated.  Once flood water has entered your home the area is then contaminated as well.  Homeowners must clean and disinfect everything.  Electrical appliances should never be reconnected even after they have been clean and disinfected until water is no longer present.  Appliances and main electrical supplies should also be inspected by professional electricians before the homes power supply is re-established through the circuit breaker
Flooding can affect anyone, anywhere at any time.  Homeowners should be prepared if flood conditions exist and should know what to do to protect themselves and their families. 
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.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Being Safe When Working With Electrical Transformers

In accordance to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) all electrical wiring and equipment must be in accordance with NFPA 70.  Electricity is hazardous and all employees working with transformers are subject to protection.  This is unless it is an existing installation which can be allowed to continue in service based on authorization of the jurisdiction in power over it.
In this article we will review basic information within NFPA 70 regarding transformers.
Transformer rooms that are made from fire-resistant construction with a minimum fire rating of an hour needs to be used with any individual, dry-type transformers of more than 112 ½ kVA rating.  Below this there isn’t specific installation requirements for the room in which the transformer is located.   Ones rated over thirty five hundred volts need to be installed within a vault with three hours fire-resistance.
Doorways leading into a vault from the interior of the building must have doors that are not only tight fitting but also have a minimum fire rating of three hours.  One exception is when the transformers are protected by automatic sprinklers, water sprayers or carbon dioxide in which a one hour rating is sufficient.
The NFPA 70E addresses safety standards in electrical safety.  These requirements are in place to protect all employees who install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and their components.  It recognizes the dangers associated with electrical energy.  These guidelines are in place to prevent against injury or death.
In order to comply with the NFPA 70E all employees working and operating electrical equipment above 50V must wear arc-flash protective gear.  Arc-flash is an electrical current passes through the air when the insulation between electrified conductors can no longer withstand the voltage being applied. Even a flash that lasts under a second can be severe, leading to a fatality.
In order to establish compliance with the NFPA 70E there is a checklist that lays out both short-term and long-term actions to take.  Some of them are listed below:
  • Maintenance mechanics, facility repair workers and electricians are not allowed to work on hot or live equipment while wearing all cotton apparel.
  • Equipment should be de-energized as much as possible before work is performed.
  • Hazard warning labels should be placed on all electrical equipment.
  • Workers should be trained in arc-flash hazards.
  • Logout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures need to be updated and reviewed often to be sure all control panels are included.
  • LOTO training needs to be constantly assessed to ensure employees are trained properly. If there is an issue they should be retrained.
There are so many conditions in place to ensure the NFPA 70E requirements are met within your company by all employees working with electrical equipment and 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.

Understanding Residential and Commercial Electrical Components

One mystery that stumps many of us is the usage of fuses in electrical components residentially and commercially.  Most of the confusion surrounds the voltage, Watts, ratings and labels.  Below we will look at fuses in greater detail to offer guidelines on working out the correct fuse for every situation.
What is a Fuse?
Fuses are used in electrical appliance, automobiles, homes and businesses.  They are designed to prevent a flow of current that is higher than the value of the fuse.  One example of this is if you choose a 3A fuse; any current flow exceeding 3A will cause a surge and the fuse will “blow”.  The fuse keeps too much electricity from flowing into the equipment which would result in some type of failure such as a fire or explosion.
Any excess in current flowing through a circuit is prevented from going any further with the use of fuses.  The main purpose of fuses is to prevent melting or fire from occurring under fault conditions.  A fault condition is where a higher current value attempts to move through and the fuse disallows any extra current from flowing through.
The fuses value is dependent upon the power needed to allow the equipment to run properly.  An appliance, such as a heater, is higher powered, requiring more current and thus larger fuses with a cable that is capable of carrying it.
Molded Main Plugs
Sometimes, as within molded main plugs, the cable is molded to the plug.  The fuse is fitted within the molded plug. The fuse value is marked on the outside of the plug which makes checking the fuse very easy.  In order to check out the fuse you lever it out and check to ensure the value is the same as what is marked on the plug.
Rewireable Main Plugs
Rewireable main plugs are ones in which the user can wire on their own.  These plugs can handle a variety of currents and are marked to represent this.  Even if a cable says it can handle a 13A fuse does not mean it should be used on your appliance.  Make sure the fuse you choose matches the appliances maximum voltage not that of the cable.
Watts Verse Fuse Ratings
There is a simple calculation to determine the current amps taken by an appliance.  Divide the power in watts by the mains voltage to work out the needed amps.  For example, a 1900 watt divided by 230 voltages is equivalent to an 8.3 amp rating.  This allows you to decide between a 3A, 5A or 13A fuse.  You can obviously see that 3A and 5A will be too small for an 8.3A rating. You will need to choose a larger fuse such as a 13A.
To choose a cable with enough capacity to carry the current check the diameter of the cable.  A cable of 7.5mm or more is likely to be rated for 13A or greater.  Be careful to note that a 3A or 5A fuse should not be changed just because the cables rating is 13A however a 13A fuse should only be paired with a 13A cable not a lower rated cable.
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.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Benefits of Preventative Maintenance In Consumer, Manufacturing and Business Organizations

Consumers, manufactures and business organizations all look for ways in which they can save both time and money without taking away from the derived value.  One way these groups accomplish this is by putting in place a variety of preventative maintenance programs.  There are several methods used to put these programs in place.
A prime example of a preventative maintenance method consumers use is the replacement and testing of household fire alarms twice a year when the time changes.  This example is a very basic use of where preventative maintenance is employed with the consumer group.  Manufactures use preventative maintenance to maintain large industrial equipment.  When a break down occurs it costs the company money and time for repairs.
Maintenance helps prevent these occurrences.  Electrical equipment wear items include bus plugs, fuses, disconnects, starters and a variety of additional components.  In a business organization preventative maintenance occurs in a variety of ways as well such as computer maintenance, routinely replacing ink in printers as well as such basic tasks as regular light bulb replacements.  Depending on your organization your routine list will vary but the main goal will remain the same; to safeguard against future equipment damage resulting in downtime as well as costly repairs that occur with improper care.
Lasting Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
1)      Most preventative maintenance programs run at constituent time intervals.  This lessens the costs associated with downtime.  A sudden breakdown of equipment during peak production times is incredibly costly to manufactures and organizations alike.  This turns into higher consumer costs or loss of profit; both are undesirable and can be prevented with routine maintenance procedures in place.
2)      Efficiency increases in both equipment and personnel with preventative maintenance programs running which in turn increase profitability.
3)      Workers keep detailed records and documentation on equipment, replaced components, corrosion and areas of concern.  This allows accurate estimations of when an incident will occur so that it can be resolved before a complete failure is eminent.
4)      There is an increase in productivity and profitability with a decrease in expenses occurred with downtime, system shut down and emergency service repairs.
5)      Preventative maintenance program software is created to be monitored allowing assurance that machines are being taken care of properly and at the correct time.  Errors in maintenance are caught and resolved immediately.
There is a myth that preventive maintenance is expensive to employ and monitor.  This is far from reality.  Using logical calculations we are able to prove that these maintenance techniques are not only beneficial long term but more cost effective then maintenance preformed during equipment failure.
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.

Scheduled Electrical Equipment Maintenance Benefits Industrial Manufacturers

In manufacturing each and every department holds significant value to the company as a whole.  Some may say two in particular hold more: human resource and machinery.  In manufacturing machines are used to meet your supply and demand.  In order to ensure maximum productivity these machines must be taken care of and maintained.
Machine maintenance helps to ensure that each unit is kept in working condition.  It creates a system where machines are regularly cared for, inspected and documented.  The documentation on the machinery is then analyzed and adjustments to the machines maintenance plans can be made to ensure maximum machine efficiency.
If a company finds that after thirty operating hours a certain fuse on the machine regularly they will adjust the maintenance plan to account for this. The plan will be adjusted to change the fuse out after twenty nine operating hours to prevent the downtime that occurs when a fuse unexpectedly fails.
Machine maintenance also includes preventative maintenance which helps to keep the machines running efficiently.  This allows manufacturing plants to keep machines functioning properly at all times rather than attending to issues when they arise.  Waiting until a unit fails to perform normal upkeep leads to a lack of productivity and increased costs.  Emergency repairs as well as employee downtime are two major causes of going over projected company budgets.
Manufacturing Plant Maintenance Schedule Benefits
  • Regular maintenance to machines increases efficiency, speed and performance of the productivity of both the machine as well as the machines operator.
  • Routine care increases the life expectancy of the equipment.
  •  Standard upkeep allows machines to perform without the hassle and expense of repairing units that comes with unexpected breakdowns.
  • Decrease costs come with regular replacement of wear items.  This allows wear items to be replaced before their failure causes damage to other parts within the machine.
  • Electrical components updated regularly allow machinery to work at the best possible rate allowing work to get done economically.
  • Regular machine maintenance programs are less expensive per day then repairing or replacing manufacturing equipment.
  • Regular upkeep helps to increase employee safety as well.  A defective machine can lead to major workplace accidents.
  • Computer software offers analysis of collected data and makes recommendations on improvements to the maintenance plan.  Service can be performed in advance of known component failures.
In order to achieve maximum results from your manufacturing maintenance plan it is crucial to appoint   an industrial maintenance professional.   Their expertise in the area of maintenance is invaluable to your organization.  Investing in personnel to maintain machines is smart business as it keeps machines running properly thus leading to cost savings.  An in house machine expert works to prevent downtime as well as emergency repair expenses.
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.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Increase Your ROI On Industrial Equipment With Maintenance

In manufacturing it is important to extend the life of your equipment.  The return on investment is examined in great detail even before pieces are purchased.  The equipment alone can’t be held responsible for this feat; the people running the machines need to be responsible to perform regular, routine maintenance as well.  To ensure a proper ROI look into developing a companywide policy on the residual care of equipment.  Below are some considerations to look at as you develop a plan of action to extend the life of your equipment.
One of the first steps to take when working to improve the longevity of industrial equipment is to ensure the employees running the machines are trained properly.  If there are multiple users for certain larger pieces of equipment maintain a usage log along with a checklist of procedures to perform before, during and after the machine is used.
Make sure that all operators of equipment are set with the knowledge they need to spot issues before they arise.  Replacing electrical wear items before failure saves manufacturers thousands of dollars.  Not only do you prevent employee down time while the machine is being serviced you also prevent emergency service fees which quickly add up to triple the cost of regularly replacing electrical components that are known to wear with extended use.
Create a checklist for machines with many moving parts.  Ensure that these pieces of equipment are on a regular schedule for lubrication.  Lubricating parts that are constantly moving increases the longevity of the machine.  Create a checklist that is specific to each piece of equipment and the types of oils and grease to be used on each.  Teach users what to look for to help diagnosis problems before the problem becomes critical.  Check for residual build-up and signs of excess oil during this process as these issues can be a sign of problems before they arise.
By simply replacing electrical components as they begin to wear companies can save themselves a tremendous amount of money.  Electrical components on large equipment each have a unique life span.  Take this into consideration and replace items such as fuses, circuits, bus plugs, transformers and switchboards.  Even if the component has not failed yet replacing it before it does works to benefit the equipment.  A components failure while in use can cause more damage to the piece as a whole.  A modern example of this is refilling the gas in your cars tank before it is completely empty.  Running a car without gas causes many other components within the car to fail.  The same is true of running manufacturing equipment with failed 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.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Save Money Doing Regular Equipment Maintenance

Saving money is something all companies, big or small, desire to do. If you are constantly spending money on new equipment or fixing run down equipment you are hardly being financially savvy. One way to help avoid the expense of new manufacturing equipment or the down time that comes with fixing older equipment is by performing regular maintenance. Regular preventative maintenance works to fix smaller issues as they arise before they turn into large costly repairs. Here are some things to help you get started with an equipment maintenance regimen within your company.
Keep Daily Logs of Use: This is particularly important when working in a large industrial setting where many people are working on the same machine. A daily log of the machines use and who has been using the equipment will help to pin point when and where any inadequacies are. Many software programs have been created to help with this process.
Schedule Regular Planned Maintenance: Regular maintenance is critical when working with different electrical components within industrial machines. Many components are actual wear items that are meant to have a certain life span when it comes to their usage. Items such as bus plugs, switchboards, disconnects and fuses to name a few should all be regularly checked and changed out to avoid failure. Regularly scheduling these repairs will help to avoid the down time that comes with an unexpected electrical component failure. Wear items should be changed out regularly.
Clean and Lubricate Often: To increase the lifespan of equipment and electrical components within your machinery it is important that it is properly cared for. This is as simple as taking the time to properly clean the equipment daily and applying lubrication on a regular basis to areas in need.
Perform Regular Inspections: This is an incredibly important step when it comes to maintaining equipment. Regular inspections of belts, pulleys, gears and sprockets can prevent major issues down the road. Catching a belt before it breaks is a huge feat when working with industrial equipment. Once an item such as a belt breaks the risk for greater harm to the equipment occurs. If a machine is allowed to continue to run with broken components it will cause irreversible damage.
Protect Equipment While Not In Use: When equipment is not being used for long periods of time or is put into storage, as is the case with seasonal industries, it is crucial that it is stored properly. All pieces not in use should be kept under a tight cover to prevent dust and dirt from settling into the gears. Pieces should be stored in a climate controlled environment so as to prevent humidity and moisture from settling. Before you store equipment it is ideal that the machine be properly lubricated and cleaned as well. Taking these extra precautions during the storage procedure will make use after storage more efficient.
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 athttps://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Popularity In Choosing Reconditioned Manufacturing Parts and Equipment

There are so many reasons to consider buying used reconditioned electrical equipment to replace or repair equipment within your manufacturing facility.  Feeling confident when purchasing refurbished and reconditioned electrical supplies is simple; the market demands high quality equipment and that is what you can expect out of electrical equipment that has been reconditioned.
There are many reasons why the popularity of equipment and supplies that have been reconditioned has risen.  In this article we will explain how price, availability, warranties and quality testing help to create a positive return on your investment when purchasing and using reconditioned electrical equipment over new surplus.
Price: On average a company can save anywhere from fifty to seventy five percent on the cost of electrical equipment when buying reconditioned equipment over the cost of new surplus.  Over time this savings can really add up for your company.  Why not save money where you can especially when there is very little difference between purchasing new over reconditioned electrical equipment.
Availability: The availability of reconditioned products over new is a huge benefit when it comes to making a purchase.  New inventory, equipment and replacement parts, often take a substantial amount of time to come in.  Most manufactures do not keep inventory in stock of a wide selection of new equipment. Lead times to order these products can take anywhere from a week to several months.  This is not conducive to fixing an issue right now.  Used reconditioned equipment can be in hand as fast as it takes the product to ship.  Electrical supply companies tend to stock an abundance of reconditioned electrical equipment so that when an issue arises they can ship the product directly to you minimizing additional down time for your business.
Warranty:  Another benefit of purchasing reconditioned electrical equipment is the warranty that is issued.  Reputable companies will offer a one year warranty on all reconditioned electrical supply purchases.  This is equivalent to what most manufactures offer on new surplus.
Quality: The standards when purchasing equipment that has been reconditioned is fairly stringent.  Electrical parts are fully disassembled.  From there each and every part is cleaned and thoroughly inspected.  Parts are then painted, reassembled and tested.  Products are tested to ensure that they are as close to new as possible.  Each product must meet or exceed the manufacturers UL certification.  Voltage withstands all tests from one phase to another to the ground.
When equipment is not longer manufactured you may not have a choice other than to purchase reconditioned parts.  This is something that occurs frequently as technology changes.  Components are reconditioned to ensure that your manufacturing equipment doesn’t also become obsolete when parts fail.  Equipment is an expense that most business owners don’t want to make until they have exhausted all other options.  Another major benefit in when it comes to the reconditioned electrical component market.
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.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

The Growing Popularity Of Reconditioned Electrical Components

To many people the idea of purchasing something that is used is not something that they would normally consider.  Most people just prefer to purchase new.  The luxury of buying new isn’t always available in business.   This is especially true when discussing electrical equipment and parts.  There are many reasons that you may have to resign yourself to purchase products that are up-cycled.
One main reason that a reconditioned product may be preferable over new surplus, especially when it come to electrical supplies is price.  Reconditioned products, as will other up-cycled goods, can cost from anywhere between fifty to seventy five percent less than a new one.  In industrial applications where you are continually replacing, repairing and maintaining equipment the savings with reconditioned products can really add up.
Another reason that reconditioned surplus is so popular in industrial applications is because of the products availability.  New surplus, especially on older pieces of equipment can be difficult to locate.  If you need to replace a component time because a sensitive component to the equation a two week turn around for a new part is just not feasible.  Reconditioned parts are often in stock for even obsolete electrical equipment making downtime equivalent to shipping and installation times.
It is also important to note the varying definitions of the term reconditioned, recycled, refurbished and up-cycled.  When speaking about electrical parts and machinery, especially in manufacturing the terms reconditioned and refurbished mean that a part has been used.  Electrical surplus companies purchase these used products and recondition them to sell as “new”.   The part is brought in completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected, replaced if needed, painted, out back together and tested.  Only if the product passes the highest quality standards in testing will the product be offered for sale.  Reputable electrical companies will offer a one year warranty with sales on reconditioned electrical components. This is the same warranty that is offered on new electrical parts as well.
In other industries these words have other meanings.  Sometimes manufacturers will call a product that is overstocked and no longer being produced by the manufacturer used or reconditioned.  Sometimes a part that’s package has been damaged in shipping will be discounted or offered as refurbished even though the product itself has not been damaged and is perfect working order.  A product that has been used as a display model or comes with a cosmetic defect a product can also be marketed as reconditioned or refurbished.  This means to you as a consumer that a product of like new quality being sold as a discounted price.
Saving money where you can is important in today’s tight economy.  This not only relates to residential consumers but industrial consumers as well.  This is why, although many people prefer to buy new products and supplies many are leading to reconditioned or refurbished supplies to keep their homes and businesses running.
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.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Reducing Electronic Waste

The environment is something that is important to each and every one of us.  In commercial settings, electronic waste is abundant.  Reducing this waste is something that has become an important priority in these settings.  Professional companies handle e-waste disposal and will come in and recycle or refurbish your used electrical components and equipment.
There are several simple ways to reduce the electronic waste that is put out by our companies and create a positive impact on the environment we live in.
Maintain and Preserve Instead of Change
Newer isn’t always better.  Many times we change equipment when it is unnecessary just because a new model has been introduced not when it is actually beneficial to the needs of the company.  Yes, technology is progressing and we like to keep it up to date so that we don’t fall behind within our industries; another way to do just that is with software upgrades.  When components fail you can replace them in order to maintain older equipment.
A simple example of this can be found by looking at home appliances.  When the refrigerator stops chilling food we don’t automatically look to purchase a new one.  Most of us hire an appliance repair company to evaluate the issue and quote us the cost to replace and repair the issue.  This happens to be less expensive nine times out of ten and reduces the environmental footprint we leave behind.
Choose to Recycle
Electronic waste is more toxic than other types and harder to break down.  When you throw away electrical components, lap tops, mobile phones, computers or computer parts you are negatively affecting the environment. Think about the amount of electronic waste that you alone create and multiple that over and over again.  Proper e-waste disposal needs to become a priority.  Many companies will properly dispose of and recycle electronic waste.  Most offer services where they will pick up the old hardware so that you don’t even have to be bothered at all.
Purchase Refurbished, Reconditioned or Repurposed Equipment
When a product is refurbished it means it has been taken back by the manufacturer and the defect has been repaired and rigorously tested.  Then they are sold at a discounted price because they are no longer in their original, factory package.  This doesn’t make them lower quality products.
Similarly, reconditioned products are components that have been used and repaired back to “new” to be sold again.  Reconditioned electrical components are popular within manufacturing and industry settings for their cost savings and ability to perform the same way a new product does at a steep discount.  Reconditioned components are taken apart, repaired, put back together and tested to ensure their reliability.
Repurposed equipment is taking something that once used for one project and using it for something new.  For instance, if a desk top has been used in the front office but is no longer keeping up with the demands of that department it is repurposed in an area that requires less out of it, perhaps as a machine that’s sole purpose is to create labels.  Repurposing instead of replacing is a great way to save money as well.
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.