Thursday, December 29, 2016

Save Money With Refurbished Electrical Components

A great way for businesses to save money is to look into purchasing used or refurbished electrical components to replace components that have failed.  It is important when buying used or refurbished circuit breakers, transformers, bus ducts and plugs to make purchases from a reputable, trusted source.
There are risks involved in purchasing refurbished electrical components from unknown sources.    Components with visible damage, rust, missing pieces or illegible labeling there is an added risk.  It is important that the part that is purchased and received is in good shape and labeled appropriately.    Without much needed information on amps or wattage, especially when working with electricity, there is a greater risk of danger.  Precautions should always be taken when working with electricity.
Avoid the following when looking into buying used or refurbished electrical components:
Before you make a purchase be sure you fully understand what you need. Don’t assume the seller is educated on what you need.  As a buyer the more information you have the better off you are in getting exactly what is needed.  The brand name and catalog number are always good to have on hand when searching for a necessary component.  All of this knowledge helps to protect you, the buyer, from dodgy sellers.
It is best never to buy used or refurbished electrical components off of an ad where specific details about the product are not given.  As a buyer it is your right to know all of the details about a specific product including exactly what condition it is in upon purchase. If the information that you need is not clearly listed ask for the information in writing.
Another thing to look into when purchasing refurbished components online is to look to see if the online store also has a brick and mortar shop.  Many times companies operate both online and at a store front.  If this is the case be sure to research both aspects of their business to get a clear picture of who you are dealing with.  Companies that operate both online and in person often have a deadline on when you can return products as well as a fee for restocking the item.
Here is a list of questions to assist you when talking with sellers of used or refurbished electrical components.
  • It is important to first distinguish if the product you are purchasing is new, used or refurbished. This should be the first question you ask.  The price of the component should also reflect the difference.
  • If the component has been refurbished ask about the process the company uses to refurbish their components prior to sale.
  • Ask if there is a warranty or guarantee on the product.
  • If it is a used product is sure to clarify if the equipment is in working condition or if it is only good for parts.
  • Check to see if used or refurbished components have been tested.
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, November 30, 2016

Refurbished Doesn’t Mean Used

There are certain terms that no matter what context they are used in that have a negative connotation to them.  Words like refurbished and reconditioned conjure up feelings of negative thoughts and opinions just as much as the term used.  Many companies don’t understand why they would be spending money on something if it isn’t brand new or if it is even safe.  Can refurbished electrical components, appliances and electronics be as capable as buying brand new? 
Consumers looking to make purchases within a budget may choose refurbished products because they can make their purchases at a substantial discount.   Refurbished electrical components, appliances and electronics are all carefully inspected and reconditioned to standards that are often higher than buying new.  Consumers save money and are guaranteed that the products are thoroughly examined, analyzed and picture perfect. 
When purchasing products that are refurbished it is important to work with a company that offers consumers a return policy.  When a purchase is made consumers must have the liberty to use the product and test it out.  A minimum of thirty days for returns to be made should be standard to ensure that the refurbished components are working as desired. 
Finding a company to purchase from is the hardest part of purchasing quality refurbished products. Companies that receive components or appliance straight from the manufacturer are preferable to work with however that doesn’t mean that companies that specialize in asset management should be counted out.  Companies, especially those specializing in electrical components offer a service referred to as asset management. 
The asset management division in companies concentrates on performing complete electrical clean outs and plant tear downs.  These divisions are made up of experts that are well trained in recovering components to be refurbished.  Thus insuring they are in the best possible shape to be brought back to the facility and reconditioned to the high standards of the company. 
A product that is refurbished or reconditioned is labeled as such because it could not otherwise be sold.  The product is not new and can’t be sold as such due to the restraints that are put on selling products as new.  Buying a product that is reconditioned can have a variety of different meanings from being a product that has been returned, has cosmetic damages, reworked or fixed entirely.  Units that are used as displays cannot be turned around and sold as new.  The fact that products can come from a number of different sources is often what worries consumers that are considering buying refurbished. 
A good rule of thumb is to look into the company you are purchasing from and the companies return policy.  As long as you are making a purchase from a reputable company that is able to stand behind their products with a fair return process then by all means buy refurbished over new and save money in your budget to spend elsewhere.
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, October 31, 2016

Benefits of Refurbished Equipment and Components

There is an entire industry built around refurbished and reconditioned manufacturing equipment and parts.  This industry is growing in popularity for a variety of reasons.  In this installment we will look into why the refurbished part industry is preferred to OEM parts.
The most notable difference between new and refurbished components is the cost.  There is no denying that OEM parts are significantly more expensive than their identical refurbished counterpart.  It will always save your company money to purchase a refurbished component over an original.  The amount you save will depend on a number of things one being the electrical component company that you make purchases from.  At a minimum expect to pay at least twenty percent less but expect the savings to be upwards of forty percent over OEM parts.
Another reason that people choose refurbished over new is that it often allows them to buy a higher quality component or piece of equipment then they could afford if they needed to buy it new.  Consider the last time you looked at cars.  Twelve thousand dollars buys an economy car brand new while that same twelve thousand dollars buys a used luxury coupe.  You can get a higher end part or piece of equipment for the same price as a lower quality new product. 
When purchasing refurbished components you are more likely than not to find what you need even after your equipment is considered obsolete.  This is incredibly important in the manufacturing sector.  When you buy refurbished you are hedging against obsolescence.  When looking at refurbished equipment you can upgrade more frequently because of the lower expense which allows you to stay up to date on advancements in technology without breaking the bank.
Software licensing is another area where savings and upgrades are maximized.  For instance, you may be currently using a server that is running older version software.  Upgrading the software can cost upwards of three hundred dollars which is often the cost of a refurbished server with the newer operating system installed.  Not only do you get an upgrade in software but an all around upgrade in equipment.
Some industries require that equipment thorough maintains the same specifications and remains compatible to the systems used throughout.    If one of the devices fails or a new employee is hired it may be near impossible to find equipment that meets with the standards already in place.  Buying from a supplier of refurbished equipment allows you to find exact matches most of the time and will probably be less expensive then the purchase of the original equipment. 
For more information or to find a company that specializes in refurbished equipment, parts and electrical components look online today.
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.

Debunking Myths Surrounding The Refurbished Electrical Component Industry

There are several myths that surround the refurbished electrical component industry. Opinions differ on when to use them and how to ensure they are consistent and dependable.  In truth refurbished electrical components are as safe and reliable as original electrical manufactured parts.  Some within the industry even believe that refurbished parts may be of higher quality than their OEM counterparts due to the intense testing and rigorous tests they must go through before they can be sold.
Most sellers of refurbished electrical parts follow a detailed plan when preparing them.  It begins with the component being thoroughly taken apart, cleaned and inspected.  After this process is complete each part is painted with paint chosen based on its durability.  The process is complete when the part is assembled and thoroughly tested.
Manufacturer’s purchase and use reconditioned electrical products for a variety of reasons.  In order for manufacturer’s to purchase reconditioned products they must trust in the products ability to perform when necessary.  As do OEM parts, refurbished parts help to keep the number of unintentional outages while working to keep workers productive and safe.  The one main difference is the difference in cost between the two.  Whenever older, worn components are being replaced the equipment will be more dependable and consistent. 
There is a myth in that there is a risk involved in trying to save a few bucks with refurbished parts. Although many times the old adage that there is no reward without risk is not true when it comes to purchasing and using refurbished electrical components.  More often than not high quality refurbished electrical parts will outlast their OEM counterparts at a fraction of the expense. 
It is important to purchase refurbished parts for a company with a substantial reputation within the industry.  A proven track record of providing quality new and refurbished components is a must.  Not all company’s and suppliers are the same.    Choose a company that involved in several different variations of the electrical component industry including asset recovery, equipment and product reconditioning as well new part sales. 
In order to be certain the company you are buying from is offering you what you need be sure to ask about their refurbishing policy.  Only components that are quality refurbished components that have been cleaned, analyzed, reassembled, tested and passed rigorous inspections should be available for sale.  Pricing varies between companies that offer refurbished components for sale.  Some companies will even loan you a replacement part while they get to work refurbishing yours. This allows your company to keep production running without a hiccup while refurbishing your part.  It’s a win-win for both parties. 
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, September 26, 2016

Important Industrial Equipment Maintenance

In order to keep your business running smoothly it is important to keep industrial equipment well maintained.  In many industrial settings equipment maintenance is an afterthought instead of forethought.  Preventative maintenance in the workplace saves a company more than it costs in the long run.  Spending just a small amount of time to create a reasonable maintenance schedule for large scaled equipment and components can save a company a lot of time and money in the long run.
Prevention verse Rectification
There is little to do other than to repair a piece of equipment once is stops working correctly.  It doesn’t matter if a professional has to be called in or if someone within the company can make the repair it has to be done and the time the equipment is down is costing the company money in both lost production and employee productivity.  Corrective maintenance may get the equipment up and running eventually but at the cost of missed revenue.
Whereas scheduled preventative and regular maintenance can help to prevent against the devastation down equipment can have on a company.  When a maintenance schedule is stuck with catastrophic problems can be caught and corrected before they begin thus helping to stay ahead of issues before they become devastating.
Regular machine maintenance allows machine operators to spot potential problems with equipment before it results in a break down or worse, an injury.  Technicians running large scaled equipment should be trained to spot issues before they shut down machinery.  If this can be achieved companies can save on lost revenues, expedited repair costs, losses in production, employee safety and more.
Maintaining industrial equipment saves money.  Companies that use refurbished components in the maintenance of their machinery save even more.  Make sure to keep a detailed record on repairs to machines.  Analysis should be done regularly on this information as it can offer a lot of insight into a proper maintenance schedule.  If companies see that the same part always needs to be replaced on equipment after certain periods of time then they can adjust the maintenance schedule to correct the issue before it occurs.
Maintenance extends the life span of most everything in life including electrical components that run your business.  Think about it in another way.  If this was your car and you never took it in for oil and filter changes it probably won’t last for as long as if you had done the proper maintenance.   Car manufacturers have guidelines in place regarding the maintenance on your vehicle based on years of analyzed data and records from other vehicle owners.  This process allows updates to be made to the maintenance schedule as time goes on.  For instance, an oil change used to be recommended every three thousand miles but now based on new technology and data analysis oil changes on certain makes and models of cars has been expanded up to six thousand miles.
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.

Properly Maintaining Industrial Electrical Components

In order to keep industrial machinery and equipment in good running order it is important that it is properly maintained and cared for.  When large manufacturing equipment is improperly cared for it not only runs inefficiently but also decreases the safety and reliability of the machine. If a breakdown in machinery occurs it is not only time consuming to correct it is also extremely costly.  Below we will look into how to maintain large industrial equipment to ensure it is kept running efficiently.
Keep On Top Of Operator Training
Equipment in industrial manufacturing settings often has more than a single operator.  With this in mind it is crucial that the equipment is correctly operated and therefore each individual using it is trained accordingly.
When machinery is first purchased and brought into a manufacturing setting it should be thoroughly inspected.  Training should take place not only when new equipment is purchased but should be ongoing in nature.  If the number of operators working on the machine regularly turns over it is easy for important steps in the training process to be overlooked.  To avoid skills from becoming outdated and poor overall operations training on large equipment should be ongoing.
Keep On Top Of Lubricants
Machines with many different moving parts need to remain well lubricated.  Scheduled lubrication helps to extend the lifetime of equipment and the moving electrical components within.  Lubrication is important. Be sure that the correct lubrication for the machine is used.  Special oil needs to be used on each specific machine.  Check the requirements set forth by the manufacturer.  Look for signs of excess oil or grease build up on pistons, check for leaks around the seal.  Analyze the oil.  If containments are found it could indicate components are wearing and breaking down.
Check For Wear
Machinery with moving parts is bound to breakdown.  Carefully check for excess wear.  Look for gears and belts that are out of alignment from machine vibrations.  With extended use, friction, poor lubrication and worn parts comes higher than normal machine temperatures shorting the life span of the machine.  If you become of an unusual amount of wear or a pattern in wear occurring it may be time to look into issue deeper.  It is important that any wear and tear on the moving components within the machine is taken care of immediately.
Keep The Environment and Machinery Clean
A clean environment promotes equipment cleanliness which has a large impact overall on equipment longevity.  As part of equipment maintenance schedules be sure to include thorough cleaning to the work environment and machines.  Fewer contaminations in the space mean less likelihood for them to cause issues with machinery.
A routine maintenance schedule, performed on a regular schedule will increase the longevity of equipment, cut costs as well as increasing productivity & safety.
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, August 15, 2016

The Difference Between Reconditioned and Refurbished

What is the difference between buying factory reconditioned and factory refurbished?  Each year there are millions of products that are returned to manufacturers each year.  Sometimes it is because they have been leased to the consumer and the lease is up or others because they aren’t functioning properly.  This determines how a manufacturer can market a product for resale and the condition the product is in when the consumer purchase it.
Products are often l eased by consumers in order to keep up to date on needed technology without the exorbitant expense of purchasing the product outright.  When an item is returned to the manufacturer the product is often reconditioned by replacing worn components, testing the product and putting it out for sale.  The process of reconditioning has less to do with actually repairing it than it does with replacing parts that commonly need updating and putting it back out to be sold.
Two categories of companies can actually sell reconditioned equipment: factory authorized and reseller recondition.  When the item is reconditioned by the factory itself or by a certified outsource firm to company resale standards it is considered factory authorized.  When an item is purchased from the original company and reconditions in house but is not certified by the original manufacturer the item is considered to be in reseller recondition.
When an item is returned because of a defect to the surface or functionality and refurbished it is more about repairing the damage then replacing parts that are worn out.  When a return is made the company takes the time to find what the problem with the item is, repairs it, replace parts needed to be replaced and labels it as refurbished.  Being certified is again the difference between being labeled factory refurbished or in-house refurbished.
What All Of This Means To Buyers
Whether you are purchasing a reconditioned or refurbished component, part, piece of equipment or electronic you want to be educated.  The more you know the easier it will be for you to compare new vs reconditioned products and the price being charged.  Also educate yourself on what you should expect out of the product.
Be sure to read the entire listing before you purchase a reconditioned or refurbished component.   Most of these products have been through a stringent testing product before they can be listed for sale.  Be sure that the listing makes mention of this.
Check out seller’s feedback.  Previous buyers will give you a sense of how the company offer support to their customers.  Yes, negative feedback happens but look more into how they handle issues when they arise.  Are emails answered, problems solved and tech support given when needed?
When items are refurbished or reconditioned by a factory or certified outsourcer they usually come with a warranty or guarantee.  Check to make sure the warranty offers you enough time to actually use and test the product to determine if it is working for you as stated.  The usual warranty for reconditioned components is around fifteen to thirty days.
If looking to save money while getting similar quality that would be expected out of new equipment or replacement component parts buy reconditioned or refurbished.
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 Difference Between Used and Refurbished

One way to save a lot of money is to seek out refurbished tech items, electronics and electrical components when looking into making purchases.  It is important to remember that there is a difference between buying a used product and one that is refurbished.  Both can save you a lot of money however there are actually numerous differences that make refurbished better than used.
One of the first differences between used and refurbished items is the warranty.  All components that have gone through the refurbishing process come with a limited warranty of some kind.  When purchasing a used item however, it is rare for the item to be sold with any type of warranty.  Used items are usually bought and sold as is.
When it comes to the physical condition between used and refurbished items there is also a huge difference.  Refurbished items, especially electrical components, are supposed to look as close to the original as possible.  When something is refurbished it has been taken apart, cleaned, parts replaced and put back together in like new condition whereas used items are sold as is and are potentially worn.
Vendors rarely sell used items.  If you are purchasing an item from an OEM it is most often a true refurbished product. They will offer a full warranty on the item as if it was knew because essentially the process of refurbishing is making a like new product.  Used items will often be sold through third party vendors who label them as refurbished.  An item is unlikely to be a true refurbished product if being sold without a warranty or the description states the item is being sold as is.
When a product is refurbished or sold through an OEM is will come with customer service support.  When you purchase a used item you are not guaranteed to have any support services.  It is bought as is, buyer beware.  There are more guarantees when it comes to purchasing components that are refurbished.
If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, especially when purchasing electrical components for manufacturing equipment or for your home then the way to go is refurbished.  Another good thing about buying refurbished components is that you can usually find components for older machinery often even the most obsolete of machines.  Where new components are no longer available and used components would be in like shape to what you are replacing, refurbishing gives you a like new way to keep your machines running properly.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Resetting Your Homes Electrical Circuit During A Power Outage

When you own a home you are familiar the possibilities of sudden losses of electrical power.  This phenomenon is an especially common throughout the hot summer months as home owners are blasting air conditioners for hours on end.  As air conditioners run at max levels electrical circuits reach their limits and short out to prevent the current to overheat, catching fire.  At this point it is time to get your power up and the circuit restored.
Once in a great while there will be a power outage that over takes a whole neighborhood, city or region.  If this occurs then there is not a whole lot you can do about it but get out the flashlights and candles.  When the power outage is isolated to your home then you are in a bit more luck.  It is more likely than not to be an electrical short.
When a circuit breaker or fuse box shorts not only will the electricity go out but you often a loud pop can be heard when it occurs.  This is the most common solution if the electrical power within one area of your home stops working.  This occurs when a circuit has more electricity running through it then it allows safely.  A fuse or breaker will automatically “blow” or “trip” when this occurs to prevent the circuit from overheating and possibly causing a fire.
In order to prevent outages like this from occurring it is important not to overload the electrical circuits within your home.  When you need a lot of electricity in one area it is important to run separate circuits of electricity to the area.   If however, the amount of electricity changes to the circuit frequently and two circuits is overdoing it then make sure not use too much electricity at one time.
This happens in bathrooms regularly.  Homeowners want to be able to have the hair dryer running the curling irons warming up and iron on standby.  This isn’t normality for the circuit but occasionally occurs, right?  If you see this happening it make more sense to move some of jobs to another circuit to prevent it from tripping.
If a circuit is tripped then homeowners will want to reinstate the circuit and allow the electrical current to flow again freely.  This is done by locating your homes circuit box.  This is a metal box that contains a series of breaker switches or fuses.  When you open the metal door of the box there will be one fuse or switch that is tripped.  If it is a fuse you will replace that one fuse, after turning off the main current, with one of the same voltage.  A circuit switch on the other hand will need to be flipped back to its original state once the main current has been turned off.   After the individual circuit is allowing electrical current to pass through it again then it is time to flip the main switch on the breaker box back on.
If for some odd reason this doesn’t restore the power to the area then it may be time to call in an electrical professional.  They can make sure that the electrical standards in your home are up to par to prevent any dangerous situations from occurring in the future.
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 Differences Between Breaker Boxes and Fuse Boxes

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.

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Electronic Components and Flooding

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 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.

Purchasing New, Re-Furbished or Used Manufacturing Equipment

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 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, June 1, 2016

Challenges Involving Aging Equipment Part Two

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 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 24, 2016

Challenges Involving Aging Equipment

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 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, April 28, 2016

Four Important Reasons To Purchase Refurbished Equipment and Parts

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 reputablereconditioned 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 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, April 27, 2016

Benefits of Purchasing Refurbished Electrical Equipment and Parts

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 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, March 28, 2016

Information On Electrical Panels

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 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, March 17, 2016

Power Outage Delays Solved With Generator Installation

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 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, February 23, 2016

Decreasing Energy Usage Within Your Home

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.