Preventive Maintenance Keeps Equipment Running Longer

Heavy machinery used in manufacturing requires continual maintenance in order to keep it running at peak efficiency.  Poorly maintained machinery will run poorly and breakdowns cost money not only for repairs but also in downtime.  When machinery is not maintained, safety is compromised. 

Professional Tips for Maintaining Machinery and Electrical in Manufacturing

• Keep Up to Date with Operator Training

Most large scaled machinery will have multiple operators.  Manufacturing facilities running three shifts will have operators on each shift as well as others to fill in when necessary.  When using any tracking software for machine maintenance it is important that operator training for equipment is part of the checklist. Correct machine operation is critical in maintain machinery. 

Operators should be trained in visual inspection as well.  When a piece of equipment is first introduced into a manufacturing facility it should be thoroughly inspected by the operators who will be using the machine. This is also a good time to provide critical operator training and to put in place a training schedule.  When machinery is updated all operators need to be included in additional training. Not only is there employee turnover to account for, but overtime operators will become relaxed which will lead to breakdowns in proper techniques. On going training helps to eliminate this. 

Equipment manuals should be kept up to date and revised as needed.  These manuals should be kept within the vicinity of the equipment so that operators have access to them when needed.  A shorter manual can be used for ease of reference on common everyday operations. 

• Apply Lubricants Liberally and Frequently

Manufacturing components move all the time.  Lubricants can reduce the friction that is caused from all of these moving parts.  A regular maintenance schedule involving lubrication not only extends the machines lifespan and the longevity of the electrical components and parts working within the machine.

Lubrication is one of the most importance aspects in machine maintenance and should be checked on a regular basis.  It is critical that signs of excess oil and grease build-up are tracked as well as cracks in oil seals and leaks.

Using the correct lubricant for the machine and the components within is important.  Be sure to use the oil and grease that is recommended by manufacturers when lubing up electrical components. Checking lubricants helps in the diagnosis of problems in large machinery.  Experts can analyze the particles in used oil.  The makeup of the contaminants can indicate the part of the machine that is suffering from excess wear and breakdown.

• Examine Machinery for Signs of Wear

Machinery in manufacturing facilities often operates at high temperatures, with vibration, shock, and friction that contribute to the overall breakdown and wear of heavy machinery and electrical components and parts within.

• Machine vibrations come from belts and gears that are not in alignment.
• Shock comes from accidents and poor operation techniques.
• Increased temperatures come from extensive use, friction, improper lubrication, and worn our parts.
• The age of key machine components can cause deterioration. Belts can warp, seals can crack and dry out, bolts loosen and stretch.  The age of large scaled machinery needs to be tracked and monitored to avoid a compromise to the safety of your machine.   

When you notice that moving parts in your heavy machinery is beginning to wear and tear it is important to perform necessary maintenance as soon as possible.  The replacement of worn parts is essential to the health of your equipment.

• Keep the Facility Clean and Maintain Clean Equipment

Heavy machinery and the facility that contains it should be kept free of contaminants and as clean as possible.  Seals and filters should be examined to ensure they are in good order.  It is crucial that manufacturing equipment and the components within are kept tidy.

• Maintain a Record of Maintenance and Repairs

Record keeping of repairs and maintenance on equipment is beneficial for so many reasons.  Over time patterns will emerge and you will be able to anticipate when components will fail.  Detailed records of preventive maintenance such as checking fluids, electrical systems, and components within.  Moving parts are especially important in maintenance. 

• Moving components create friction.  These items need to be inspected for wear and replaced on a regular basis. 
• Gears need to be lubricated often. 

Following these steps will extend the lifespan of manufacturing equipment and heavy machinery.  With the exuberant costs associated with large scaled equipment and machines, increasing your ROI with regular maintenance and replacement of electrical components you can extend the usable time of these pieces. 

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

More on Electrical Distribution Equipment Failure – Should It Be Kept or Discarded?

As we promised in our last installment, we will continue the discussion on equipment failure.  We will continue to dive into various electrical components and how they work, their longevity, usage, and testing. 

Transformers

Transformers are large scaled pieces of equipment that are used to either reduce or increase the voltage produced by a current.  Liquid filled transformers are most often installed outdoors on a concrete slab, under a canopy to protect against the elements.  The liquid serves two purposes, it cools the transformer coils and provides insulation between the coils and the grounded tank. 
Older transformers use insulating mineral oils where as newer transformers use either a silicon based, fluorinated hydrocarbon, or combustion resistant vegetable oil based dielectric fluid or synthetic esters.  These insulating fluids break down first due to the entrance of moisture, impurities, and intermittent periods of heating and cooling.  Liquid transformers can deliver consistent service for more than 30 years with regular maintenance, fluid replacement, testing, and repairs.

Low Voltage Circuit Breakers

LV distribution systems commonly use molded case circuit breakers.  These systems contain two elements that deteriorate when used, a spring-loaded operating mechanism and copper contacts.  These two components will wear out from abrasion while closing and arching when the breaker is opened.  Larger breakers can be replaced. 

As these systems age the mechanisms that operate will start to slow down which delays clearing times.  The springs operating the mechanism are strong and hardly ever need to be fixed or repaired.  Lubrication however will deteriorate and need to be replenished to avoid the slower clearing times.  When a breaker operates above the normal trip rate it should be replaced.  These systems often last upwards of 20 years.  After 20 years replacement is most often recommended whether or not you are seeing slower clearing times during testing.

Low Voltage and Medium Voltage Cables

For most of us cables are quiet simple consisting of a stranded aluminum or copper conductor that is wrapped in insulation as well as a jacket that is resilient to the weather.  The manufacturing of electrical power and control cables sounds fairly simple however this industry is one that is in fact highly specialized.

Assessing the integrity of electrical cabling and its remaining longevity is important however can be quite complicated.  Cables can quickly lose electrical integrity while it is in use because of air pockets, gas pockets, and the voids found in the insulation.  This occurs due to thermal expansion and contraction.  If cables are in water their deterioration will occur at a faster rate.  Testing and analysis on these voids will offer up an estimate on the life that remains for the cable.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

Electrical Distribution Equipment Failure – Keep or Discard

When dealing with electrical equipment and components it is inevitable that they will fail, and you will have to deal with the consequences.  The minute electrical equipment is put into place, from transformers to circuit breakers and panel switches and tap boxes, they start to decline.  Deterioration of electrical products happens for a number of reasons including:

• Moisture Absorption
• Differing Temperature Cycles
• Dust and Particles Settling
• Condensation Buildup
• Fragile Operating Springs
• Insulation Material Breakdown
• Rusted Out Switchgear Enclosures
• Dried Out Capacitors

When electrical components within distribution systems age vulnerabilities start to appear. With automation being what it is today, electrical technology can often run unassisted, without issue for years. Because of this maintenance on these systems tend to be ignored which can lead to unpredicted failures which lead to catastrophic failures; the most common being fire.  Thus, in order to keep electrical components operating at their peak and delivering consistent power renovations and maintenance are critical.
The two biggest nemeses of electrical equipment and the components within are moisture, condensation, dust, and loose particles. When equipment is installed outdoors or in spaces that offer no type of temperature or humidity control deterioration occurs more rapidly then in spaces where there are controls, just at a slower, more gradual pace. 
Based on the quality, maintenance schedule, and environment of electrical equipment and components that are installed the deterioration rate varies.  When planning for maintenance, upkeep, and refurbishment of electric components and equipment it is important to establish the age and overall condition of each piece. 

Electrical Equipment and Component Insulation

Components within each piece of equipment must be inspected individually.  Insulation is the component of electrical equipment that degrades the quickest.  Paper and solid synthetic insulation is used throughout equipment around motors, capacitors, cables, transformers, circuit breaker trip coils, operating coils of contractors, and reactors.  The breakdown of insulation depends a great deal on the temperatures that it is exposed to.  To increase longevity of equipment and decrease the breakdown of insulation it is important for equipment not to be operated above optimal temperature ratings.

Capacitors in Electrical Equipment

There are various types of capacitors used in both low and medium voltage distribution systems including:

• Surge Capacitors
• Power Factor Correcting Capacitors
• Commutating Capacitors
• Capacitors in Active and Passive Filters
• Pole-Mounted Capacitors

The most common capacitor to use in ratings up to several hundred kVAR is power factor correction.  They are sealed in airtight, insulated units for protection.  The insulating material that is used is a metalized polypropylene film that is compressed in a thermal setting resin.  In the event of internal failure, pressure sensitive interrupters are used to disconnect the capacitor. Capacitors are always fused externally because their failure is most often due to circuit shorts.

There is a nonstop loss of power internally because of lag thus causing the insulating resin to dry.  This often goes unnoticed.  Most capacitors have an average life expectancy of about seventeen years when in continuous operation. This of course decreases depending on the environment in which it operates.  Many systems have a decrease in this average life expectancy due to being exposed to over use and variation in frequency.  To check measurements for capacitors, use clamp-on ammeter to test and detect disparity over time. 

In our next installment we will dive deeper into more electrical components and how they work, their longevity, usage, and testing.  Such components we will inspect will include transformers, circuit breakers, reactors, cables, relays, and more.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

What Is an Air Breaker and How Do They Work?

Just as molded case circuit breakers, MCCB, air circuit breakers, ACB, is device that is in place to provide protection from an electrical surge or short-circuit.  The main difference is the amps they protect; ACB can withstand higher short circuit currents and mechanical stress because of the arc extinguisher element then MCCB can.  There are a variety of air circuit breakers and switching gears available to purchase.  Air circuit breakers have replaced oil circuit breakers because of their resiliency, performance, ease of installation, and low maintenance level. 

Three Types of Air Break Circuit Breaker

The three main types of air break circuit breakers include: plain break, magnetic blowout, and air chute.  Their main application is for use in maintaining indoor voltage and switch gears.

Plain Break 

The simplest of all air circuit breakers is the plain brake.  Two horns shape the main point of contact.  This creates an arc that extends from the tip of one to the other.

Magnetic Blowout

In higher voltage capacity’s, up to 11KV, magnetic blowout air circuit breakers are used.  The arc extension gets by the magnetic field that is made from the current in blowout coils.

Air Chute

Air chute air break circuit breakers have main contacts of copper and conduit which are in the closed position.  They are most often silver plated and have a low contact resistance.  The arching contacts are created from copper alloy and are resistant to heat and are solid.

Air circuit breakers are most often used for controlling the power station auxiliaries and industrial plants.  They provide protection to electrical machinery such as transformers, capacitors, and generators.  Where ever there is a possibility of fire or explosion, air circuit breakers are most often installed.   They offer a higher resistance to power that allows an increase in the resistance of the arc by splitting, cooling, and lengthening.  The main drawback in air circuit breakers is that the arc chute principle is less efficient under low currents where electromagnetic fields are weak.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

Generator Tap Boxes: Instant Power During Power Outages

No matter what business you are in, be it manufacturing, banking, health care, or education a sudden change in the power situation can be a debacle.  A loss of power means a loss of time, resources, and more so it is imperative to prepare for just such an occasion. 

 To plan ahead to avoid an electrical interruption companies could choose to install a permanent generator. An installed permanent generator can be a large maintenance expense.  To avoid this extra expense the installation of a tap generator is a viable, cost effective option.  When a natural disaster like storms,blackout, and what not a tap generator allows businesses to get your electricity back up and running quickly.

A tap box is a simplistic generator that is installed outside of the business.  It plays the role of connecting the business’s portable generator to the electrical system.  This allows you to get a temporary supply of electricity running to avoid downtime.  This connection can be made either manually or using an automatic transfer switch.  The power is generated so efficiently that it can be up and running without any delay using programable logic circuits and auto start generators.  Your power system will be emergency ready and the cost savings of no down time and not having to hire a professional electrical contractor to temporarily connect power will be pay off the first time the power goes out.  Being prepared ahead of time pays off.

When having a generator tap box installed you will want to assess your electrical needs.  The needs and requirements that your specific business have will vary from even your competition.  Here are some things to consider when choosing a generator tab box.

• How often do you lose power?
• What are your electrical needs?
• What systems are crucial to keep running?
• What is your budget?

No matter what the answers are to these questions, J & P Electrical will have a solution that fits your exact needs. 
J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

Choosing Circuit Breakers Over Fuses

In the past fuses were the only option when it came to protecting homes, businesses, and equipment against overloaded circuits, shorts in circuits, and other faults.  With advancements in technology, circuit breakers became a popular option over the use of fuses due to the number of advantages they are able to offer.  The use of modern-day circuit breakers creates increased safety and reliability, decreased costs, and additional support for energy management initiatives.

Benefits of Using Circuit Breakers

Performance Reliability

The performance of fuses can decrease overtime.  Age increases the instances of fault, causing fuses to open even under normal conditions.  There is no way for fuses to be tested thus the current value that causes it to become faulty can never be determined.  Circuit breakers however are tested when manufactured and can be tested throughout its lifetime to ensure peak performance.

Comprehensive Protection

Circuit breakers trip circuit, breaking the electrical connection, up to a thousand times faster than fuses.  The trip capacity of a circuit breaker is greater than the equivalent fuses.  Modern day circuit breakers provide exception fault current limitations which was once only known to occur with fuses.  This function offers reliable protection while increasing the life of equipment by decreasing the aging that occurs with frequently tripped circuits.  Unlike fuses that can experience an overload even when one of multiple fuses opens, this will never occur within a circuit breaker.  When one breaker experiences an overload, the connection will be stopped immediately.

Increased Safety and Production

Replacing fuses can be risky for untrained personnel.  Fuses have exposed conductors and therefore can be quite tricky to change out.  The connections for circuit breakers are hidden, being that it is unexposed it keeps re-connecting the circuit safer for employees.  A major cause of fires within industrial settings occurs because of fuses that were incorrectly replaced.  This could include using the wrong fuse, incorrect model and/or rating, and more.   These issues are almost inconceivable when correcting a tripped connection when using a circuit breaker. The time saved is also considerable when using circuit breakers as reclosing the breaker can occur instantly which prevents production downtime.

Savings

Although the cost of a single fuse is less than the cost of a circuit breaker overall the installation and usage is less expensive.  Consider that three-phrase circuits must have three fuses.  Also, the cost of keeping extra fuses in stock.  Overall operation costs of using fuses instead of a circuit breaker are higher.

More Functionality

Circuit breakers, unlike fuses, can offer additional functions like ground fault protection.  System coordination between breakers, cascading and selectivity cannot occur when using fuses whereas circuit breakers allow for this feature.  Newer technology allows for circuit breakers to use remote controls, have alarm features, offer measurement features, and communication within your network.
J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

The Basics in Wiring Electrical Disconnect Switches

Understanding how the electrical system works in your manufacturing facility is not as difficult as you may think. While it may seem like magic how the lights turn on or how the power gets to your stuff that you plug into the wall outlet. However, it is far from magical and in fact it is quite simple really. It is not a very complex system when explained.

There are several parts that make up your electrical service, one of the most important parts being the disconnect switch. This device is designed to instantly shut off the power to your facilities main power panel. This device is a very important part of your manufacturing electrical system and should only be used in extreme conditions.

How does an electrical disconnect switch work?

The basic operation of an electrical disconnect switch is simple in that it truly has only one purpose and that is to kill the power to the main power panel for your facility. All the facilities wiring goes into the main power panel and is connected to breakers that control the power inside the building. The disconnect switch sits in line between your facilities electrical meter and main power panel.

By turning this switch off you will instantly disconnect all power going into your location, this does not however, have any effect on your electrical service. You will continue to have power at the meter and on the feeder side of disconnect switch.  It is important to know where your electrical disconnect switch is, which is also referred to as the electrical service disconnect switch.

When repairs or replacement is needed it is important to find the right parts.

Due to the seriousness of the functionality of the electrical disconnect switch only trained professionals should ever open up the disconnect switch box. This is because the feeder lines going into the switch have 240v running through them and that is enough to kill a person if you are in direct contact with it. When repairs are needed, and it becomes necessary to replace the electrical disconnect switch there are several options that will be recommended.  One of the more common options in manufacturing is budget friendly reconditioned disconnect options. 

When parts are needed you can insist on using reconditioned equipment.  Often reconditioned electrical components like the disconnect are preferred as they not only save you money but most often all the bugs that are found in new OEM parts have been worked out and fixed.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electrical company that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bud ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers.  More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

How Are Bus Plugs and Ducts Used in Manufacturing?

All buildings whether commercial or residential require some sort of electrical power in order to provide lighting, outlets and other electrical devices. For commercial buildings, you have power needs for machinery, lighting, cooling systems, and other types of electrical needs. Typically, in a residential building, you have electrical service entering the house with cables. This is different then how electrical power is distributed in commercial and manufacturing settings.

Commercial buildings, especially those used by medium or large-scale manufacturing businesses use a larger type power distribution system that requires a much different way to run power through the manufacturing spaces of the building. Unlike residential power distribution which uses cables to carry the power throughout the home, commercial building use bus ducts or sheet metal runs with either aluminum or copper busbars.

History of the Busway Power Distribution System

The busway and bus bars were first introduced in the US back in the 1920's at the request of the auto industry in Detroit, Michigan. The system gave them the necessary versatility that was needed for supplying power to the assembly line equipment that was being used in the manufacturing facilities at the time. Over the years since, there have been numerous innovations that have improved on the original design and installation procedures.

Commercial Power Distribution System Components

Heavy duty machinery typically found in manufacturing plants have unique power requirements which cannot be served by typical power distribution systems that are found in most residential homes and most commercial buildings. For these unique power requirements, there is a power system that is designed especially suited for this type of need. Bus Ducts and Bus Plugs are combined to deliver the necessary power to each machine

Bus Ducts - Bus Ducts also referred to as busways are sections of sheet metal with bars attached to them that are made of either aluminum or copper.  The sections are connected together in order to reach each piece of machinery that is needing the power. This type of power distribution system requires trained, certified professional electricians to install them and ensure that they are in full operation at all times.

Bus Plugs - Bus Plugs are specially designed components that work in tandem with the busbars in a unique type of power distribution system that is typically installed in a large-scale manufacturing facility. Each bus plug is used to connect directly to busways that are running throughout building to deliver the power to equipment like large motor starters and other power switching equipment.

Indoors and Outdoors Power System

One of the benefits of using this type of system in a manufacturing facility is that it can be used both indoors and outdoors to deliver the necessary power to different parts of any operation. The unique design of the system helps to prevent voltage drops across each of the numerous sections of the bus ducting throughout the building.

The system can also be fitted with a trolley system that is designed to deliver power to equipment that is designed to move frequently. There are also cables that are used to deliver the power directly to the trolley itself.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Fused Disconnect Switch vs Circuit Breakers

For all those people who are looking for major differences between fused disconnect switches and circuit breakers, this post will eradicate all your confusions and help you to make the best choice. Before proceeding further, let’s shed some light on why you need devices such as circuit breaker panels and fused disconnect switches.

Electrical circuits in residential and commercial establishments are designed to carry a certain amount of current. Due to any reason, if more current passes through them, it can lead to dire circumstances where sensitive appliances and equipment can be destroyed. In some situations, this overflow of current through electrical circuits can also result in a fire that can prove to be extremely fatal for the inmates of the building.

In order to prevent such a situation from happening, different devises such are used that serve the purpose of protecting overcurrent in wires. These devices, in a current overflow situation, disconnect or open the circuit. This helps in preventing the fire from erupting. Thus, there are fewer chances of any damage to be caused to appliances and equipment installed in the building. Devices such as circuit breaker and fused disconnect switch also work in case of short-circuit situations.
Now that you are aware of the basic function of both these devices; let’s now have a look at major differences between them.

Fused Disconnect Switch

A fused disconnect switch, as the name suggests, is a combination of a fuse and switch. The fuse shuts the circuit off and switch disconnects it in case of an issue. Switches are designed to be shut the power off manually. On the other hand, fuse works in the opposite way. They are made up of a small filament that melt down in case of a current overflow. A fuse’s current rating is preset. Thus, when the current exceeds the rating of the fuse for a longer period of time it melts automatically. As a result, the circuit is disconnected.

A point to note here is that when a fuse disconnects the circuit, it can be used again. Power can only be restored if the fuse is replaced by a new one.

Circuit Breaker

With circuit breaker, there is no issue of getting a new fuse every time it turns the power off due to the overflow of current or short-circuit. Thus, it is often considered a better option for many appliances. Circuit breaker panels can also be turned off in a manual way as they also serve the functions of a switch. This feature makes them handy if you want to do get some electrical work done in the building.
A circuit breaker disconnects the circuit automatically with the help of an electromagnet it features when it detects overflow of current or a short-circuit. After the problems have been fixed, it only needs to be turned back on for restoring power.

A Final Word

To sum it up, both these devices can help a great deal to eliminate issues caused by the overflow of current or short-circuit. As stated above, a circuit breaker disconnects the circuit both automatically and manually and a fused disconnect switch offers the same purpose. The difference lies in their design and functionality. Thus, when selecting them, take into consideration the electrical requirements of your premises for taking the best decision.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

How Are Circuit Breaker Panels and Disconnects Used?

Circuit Breaker Panel

A circuit breaker panel is the main point from where electricity is passed around to other electrical circuits. Power for your house comes through the service entrance which passes through the electrical meter which records the amount of voltage you use. It then flows through the circuit breaker panel. The panel usually gives out 100 to 200 amps of power. The panel, in short, is just a bunch of switches.

The service entrance wires are attached to terminals called lugs. Lugs are always energised with electricity unless your local power company shuts it off. A dead front cover, which is a metal panel, covers all the lugs and electrical wiring connected to the panel. The dead front cover provides access to every breaker and switch.

The circuit breaker panel always consists of a main breaker which is a large switch. If the main breaker is shut down, then electricity access to every other circuit is cut off as well. However, the lugs remain energised with electricity. Main breaker activity does not affect the lugs. The circuit breaker panel always has two rows for the branch circuits. It includes circuits which provide 15-20 Amps of energy for lighting or fans or other outlets in a kitchen or garage. Branch circuits which are labelled with 40-50 amps of energy are known as ‘double pole breakers’. These supply electricity to high voltage appliances such as dryers or air conditioners. A large breaker may also supply electricity to a sub-panel which is mainly used for electricity in detached r quarters. The panel also has hot & neutral bus bars. Moreover, the ground wires prevent electrocution from happening due to frayed hot wires. Many circuit breakers also consist of disconnectors.

Disconnectors

A circuit breaker disconnector is used to isolate the electrical circuit from electricity to maintain or repair it. A disconnector is only used for safety purposes and can be operated either manually or automatically. Circuit breaker disconnectors are off-loading devices which means that they do not contain the workings for controlling electric arcs and should be opened after the current is interrupted by another device.

A circuit breaker disconnect consists of a lock-out tag-out that prevents inattentive operations from happening. These locks are part of a trapped-key interlock system so that there is steady stream of operations.  A switch disconnector combines the properties of a disconnector and load switch.
In disconnecting circuit breakers, the disconnector is integrated so that there is no need to use separate disconnectors. This has the advantage of being reliable and the need for maintenance decreases. The usage of this device is, however, limited as compared to a disconnector because there may be problem which arise while maintenance takes place.

A fused disconnect is used to replace a circuit breaker as it works in the same way and is cheaper. It can turn a circuit on or off and its fuses can provide protection. Having more information about electrical breakers and disconnectors can help you in every-day life. If a small electrical problem was to arise, you’d be able to solve it yourself.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Using Bus Plugs and Ducts in Manufacturing

There are millions of different pieces of manufacturing equipment and electrical components on the market today that only make sense to those who use them in their line of work.  Most of which make little to no sense to those of us who don’t use them. For example, what use would you have for bus plugs and bus ducts, what are they and how do they improve manufacturing.

Bus duct and bus plugs are used to distribute power around manufacturing facilities and industrial buildings such as processing plants, metal fabricating plants, and throughout heavy manufacturing areas where the machines aren’t stationary or need to be moved around from time to time.

All manufacturing buildings are powered differently.  For example, power is distributed through hardwiring in the walls of residential buildings so as to connect to all of the electrical outlets in a room. Industrial buildings such as factories, on the other hand, feature larger open floor plans with various machinery dispersed all around the facility, none of which are near any wall or permanent structure. They require a source of power, and in this case, a giant industrial electrical plug, which is where bus plugs and ducts come in.

A bus plug is essentially a component of a busway (industrial extension cord) that is used for delivering power to the appropriate equipment and circuits. Think of a busway as the extension cord you have at home that you use to plug in several connectors, the same applies to the busway and bus plug system, they enable flexibility and can be disconnected and rearranged to allow whatever manufacturing equipment that needs to be powered on virtually any floor of an industrial building. There is no physical hard wiring to the building, a manufacturing business can bring in more equipment without having to wire or rewire the entire electrical system; they simply have to plug in a bus plug into a busway, and voila, they are up and running.

Like with many electrical systems, bus plugs also require circuit protection, which in this case, is through a circuit breaker or a fuse depending on the application. Using bus plugs and ducts is the most economical and efficient way to power large commercial facilities or manufacturing plants and feed all manufacturing equipment, particularly, in areas of the building where the power distribution keeps changing.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Dispelling Myths About Reconditioned Electrical Components

Many businesses and manufacturing facilities must purchase equipment and parts for maintenance & repairs.  One of the key goals with purchasing equipment and parts is that they will serve them for the longest possible amount of time at a reasonable and affordable price.  Refurbished machinery and reconditioned parts can be a great alternative for all business owners, especially those just starting out and are working within a budget.  There are certain myths surrounding reconditioned components, especially electrical, that can deter business owners from making a purchase even when it’s the most logical option.

Below we will look at these myths and share advice on how to make a wise investment when purchasing reconditioned electrical components and refurbished machinery for your business.

• Myth 1: Reconditioned electronics are slow and operate poorly in comparison to new components.

The truth is that how well a refurbished electrical component operates today has little to do with how new it is.  It does however, boil down to the quality of reconditioning, maintenance, and use.  New electrical components operate based on how they were constructed, and the software used to create them.

• Myth 2: Reconditioned electrical components are junk.

Electrical components are termed as junk if they are no longer being used. However, once an old piece of electronic equipment is refurbished, it can work better than a new piece of equipment.  When reconditioning the piece issues that have been exposed over time can be addressed.  If one part is always breaking on the component, then when it is refurbished that element can be fixed properly to avoid an issue later down the road.

• Myth 3: Refurbished gadgets and used devices are the same thing.

A used device is one that has been used and is experiencing wear and tear whereas reconditioned gadgets are those that are taken, dismantled and given a new lease on life.  This means that it is rid of issues and malfunctions that could affect how it functions. 

• Myth 4: Reconditioned electrical components have a shorter lifespan.

Authorized refurbishing companies make significant investments on their reconditioned electrical components and as such, it is to their benefit if the refurbished equipment works for the longest time possible. So just because the electrical equipment is refurbished does not mean that it will not serve you for a long time in fact many times the exact opposite is the case.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Three Reasons Your Circuit Breakers Keep Tripping

Electrical issues tend to create a feeling of anxiety and frustration to the homeowner. In this age, reconditioned electrical components are a blessing that has helped much to improve the electrical sustainability in the home; but still, many people are not using it due to a lack of awareness. The homeowners don’t know what's wrong, but rather suddenly, they lose access to the power.

To repair the circuit breaker, they are habitual of spending lots of money repeatedly but don’t invest in refurbished electrical components because they don’t know what’s going on at the back. Let’s have a look.

Firstly, you would have to understand what is a circuit breaker trip?
It comes because of a circuit fixed to your electrical switch surpassing its sheltered parameters. They can be recognized by a sudden loss of energy to machine or loss of power in your home that is restricted to a zone.  There is a lot of issues that can bring about circuit breaker trips and following are the some of the top 3 reasons for an electrical breaker stumbling in your home.

Overload

A circuit over-loading is effortlessly the most widely recognized explanation behind a breaker trip. This basically implies that you have quite recently got excessive stuff stacked on the breaker.

Breakers have a proper safe limit of energy from which they supply to your appliances and home. In the event, if it would be exceeded, the breaker will trip. You will witness this frequently when you endeavor to introduce another appliance where your electrical framework cannot bolster it, or if you connect to a powerful machine like a space radiator in a zone that does not have the entrance to safe amperage.

For example: If anyone has a 20-amp electrical circuit with 25 amps of electrical current running through it and at some time if you are using iron, hair dryer, and washing machine, then eventually the circuit breaker will trip to save itself from preheating.

Short-Circuiting

This thing happens when a hot wire encounters another hot wire(s). You will generally observe darkening around the outlet or burning smell when this happens. Also, in case you are managing a short-out, don't interface with your outlet by any means. Leave the breaker tripping, and call emergency help as soon as possible.

Ground Fault

A ground fault is genuinely like a short circuit, if not indistinguishable. The distinction is in the collaboration. A ground fault is a point at which a hot wire meets your establishing wire, and along these lines, the protected establishing of your outlet winds up void and dangerous. Handle this in a similar way you would do the precautions with the short circuit.

Now you would have an idea about the reasons why your circuit breakers keep tripping and what you should do when it does.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

What Should You Avoid When Buying Refurbished Electrical Components?

Opting to buy reconditioned or refurbished electrical components has many benefits some that only your wallet can thank you for. Provided the reconditioned electrical components performs as they should, buying a used item for a lot less saves you quite a chunk of change, especially when it’s not financially feasible to buy a new electrical component. There are, however, certain risks involved in buying refurbished electrical components, particularly when you don’t know what to look out for.

You may start by asking yourself why the owner of said refurbished electrical component is selling the item(s) to begin with. The price might be right on the scope of your budget, but you might end up inheriting a costly problem that you have to contend with until you can re-sell it or buy another one altogether. You also may need to keep in mind that it might be hard to find spare parts of a used electrical component, which may also cost you an arm and a leg to have them repaired. Consider the following things that you certainly must avoid when buying refurbished electrical components:

Reputable Source

You finally find the component you have been looking for, the price is right, and it’s just a click away. But wait, with so many counterfeit parts available out there, how do you know that it is the real thing? When buying refurbished electronic components always look for a trusted source and crosscheck certain things such as how long they have been in business, including feedback and reviews from past customers, which ideally should be mostly positive because, well, you can’t please everyone. Reconditioned or refurbished electrical components that can be traced back to the manufacturer are probably ideal to purchase.

 Cosmetic Imperfections

This should go without saying that a visual inspection of a reconditioned electrical component is of great importance. Even when being sold by a retail trader as “new old stock” or “used,” the electrical component should be in its original packaging where packaging is applicable even if the packaging shows a little shelf wear and tear or possibly opened. The electrical component should be cleaned, inspected and deemed fully operational within the manufacturer's specifications even with noticeable cosmetic imperfections, such as paint wear or product scratches.

Refurbished electrical components will not always be in their original packaging. However, they are Okay to purchase provided they have been repaired by the manufacturer or manufacturer's authorized service, they meet with all the manufacturer’s specifications and is in excellent condition

Missing Information

Do not buy a refurbished electrical component from an advert that doesn’t give you all the key product specifications, including how long it’s been used, its accessories, illegible labeling, the warranty if applicable, as well as the return policy, etc. Whoever you chose to buy from should also be able to answer all your questions to ensure that you can get your money back if the refurbished electrical component doesn’t work as it’s supposed to.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Four Rules for Electrical Safety After A Flood

Ensuring electrical safety after a flood must take precedence over salvaging any remains or inspecting the home. The reason: water and electricity do not mix! It is understandable that you are very eager to check on your belongings, to try to get things back to normal as soon as possible. However, there is always a high risk of electrocution after flooding and of course, no material belongings are worth facing any risks and hazards associated with live electricity in your apartment. Here are few practical tips that will help you ensure electrical safety after a flood.

Stay Away from A Flood-Damaged Basement

A flooded basement may have live electrical wires that you are not aware of. While it is easy to think you can really avoid meeting such wires, even the water may not be safe. It would be best to contact an electrician to ensure the home’s electrical meter is removed from the socket to ensure the house is totally disconnected from the grid. This is an ideal way to shut off all power to the house as there can still be an electrocution even if you have lost power – telephone wires, the cable wire or other wires may have electricity due to shorting and contact from outside electricity.

If there is Power Outage, Do Not Assume It Would Remain Off

After flooding, there may be widespread power outage from the municipal electricity supply. However, it is not ideal to rely on the power outage from the general supply for safety after a flood as power may be restored at any time. Never rely on the municipality utility but take steps to shut off the power from your own apartment.

Do not operate the HVAC Equipment until it is inspected

Flooding may sometimes affect the ductwork and could even flow into parts of your air conditioning system or some areas that may appear dry. The HVAC system could be a big electrical risk if powered up without inspection. Ensure a qualified HVAC specialist checks the system before power is restored.

Dispose Electrical Equipment Affected by Flood

After water in your apartment has been pumped out and recovery efforts have begun, you would need to dispose any electrical equipment affected by the flood. Items such as armored cable, fuse boxes, building wire, switches, air conditioners, heaters, circuit panels and breakers and any items that cannot be salvaged must be disposed to avoid any potential risks and dangers while they are in use.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

Different Types of Electrical Switches

We use electrical switches every single day in our lives. Whether they are used to turn on the light or if they are used indirectly while using computers and other appliances, switches are one of the most common electrical accessory around. There are a number of different electrical switches we can use, each having its own unique purpose and use. The type of electrical switch we need to use depends on what we need to use it for. It is a secondary accessory that is highly dependent on the primary accessory it supports. Out of all the switches available in the market, two are highly common and of great use: panel switches and line switches. Let’s have a more detailed look into the two most common types of electrical switches that are in use today.

Panel Switch

Panel switches were developed in the 1910s by Western Electric labs and introduced in the Bell System. Panel switches became used as early types of automatic telephone systems. Known for their huge panel like structure, panel switches are basically very tall strips of layered terminals that are separated by a fine layer of insulation between them. First installed in 1915, the panel switch became the go to method for phone terminals.

That is, however, just one type of panel switch. The second type is far more common and known to almost everyone. Common panel switches are the ones we see on our walls. Most of the switches in our homes are arranged in a panel arrangement. It is basically a plastic panel fitted in the wall with multiple switches embedded in it. This makes it easier for people to switch multiple appliances off or on since the switches are arranged together in the same place.

Line Switch

Much like common panel switches, line switches are very popular as well. In fact, they are perhaps the go to switches to attach to smaller electric appliances. Lamps especially almost always line switches. Line switches carry a relatively smaller load than panel switches and are used for electrical appliances you do not commonly use. An analogy can be drawn with toys that have their own specific switch for use whenever it needs to be used.

In that manner, line switches are commonly used for appliances that are rarely turned on. Lamps, decoration pieces, fountain lights, and disco lights are all common appliances that have line switches attached. Line switches are fairly simple and can be fixed or attached by anyone who has an idea about how to. However, panel switches are often very complex since they are attached to wires from all around a room, or even the entire house! This makes them too difficult for common people to understand, and they cannot find and fix faults on their own. Therefore, whenever there’s a fault with a panel switch it is important to hire a professional for repair or replacement.  You can purchase a new one or a refurbished switch, both will have gone through rigorous testing before making it to you the consumer.

Contact Us Today

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists, call 877.844.5514 today.

The Importance of Using Refurbished Electrical Components

Most of the industry experts these days are looking forward to being able to use refurbished electrical equipment and replacement components on their manufacturing lines. Although many people have misconceptions about using refurbished components such as transformers, bus ducts, panel switches, circuit breakers, and such however the truth is that reconditioned machines and components offer a variety of benefits for your workplace.
Importance of using refurbished electrical components can be highlighted from below points:

Reduced cost:

One of the biggest benefits of using refurbished electrical component at industrial processing is that they are cheaper as compared to other identical solutions. The components that come after refurbishing process usually have low selling price irrespective of the reason why manufacturer renewed it. It will help you to save somewhere between 25 to 50 percent on your component purchase.

They come out of rigorous inspection process:

Components that are available at lower price range does not mean to present lower quality. Instead, the refurbished components undergo the more careful testing process. It doesn’t matter what wrong happened to the product before refurbishing process, manufacturers always prefer to follow careful inspection to ensure the best performance. It means you will be able to buy many superior components at the lower price range.

Ease in availability:

Most of the components get obsolete from the market with time and if some specific product lines need them it becomes a challenging task to find the lot again. But the surplus components are the best choice to find components of such limited lots. On time availability of these difficult to find components will help you to avoid downtimes at your workplace. Most of the refurbished products are generally available with same day shipping service.

They come with a warranty:

Just because you are buying Surplus Electrical Components for your product assembly lines, it doesn’t mean that they will not last long. As per market reviews, the refurbished components usually have more life and they also come with a warranty. Most of the manufacturers offer around 12 months warranty on their refurbished component collections so you can find them a trustworthy solution for your industry. Most of these components are certified that they will work safely and same as original ones.

The biggest benefit of buying refurbished components is that you can get services for parts that are outdated, and their production is stopped by the original manufacturer. If you are planning to repair your old pieces of electrical equipment and need same components for replacement, the surplus collection is the best choice to keep working without facing any trouble.

To ensure safe purchase of refurbished components, you must check the policy of the company. It is important to look for a vendor that ensures quality refurbishing of components with safe cleaning process including proper analysis, testing and rigorous inspections. The price range of refurbished components also varies company to company, so it is good to check with various vendors and compare their prices to ensure the best buy services. Once you can find a right seller that guarantees safe operation of refurbished components, you can use them safely at your manufacturing lines.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com/products.php.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists call 877.844.5514 today.

Safely Refurbishing Manufacturing Equipment after a Flood

Flooding can cause much devastation.  One of them being the ability to ruin the workability of electrical equipment. Manufacturing equipment is much like any other electrical equipment in the way it reacts to water flooding inside its circuits. If you are the owner of such machinery, and it has been hit by a flood or any other water spill, then you don’t need to worry because you have an option to refurbish these electrical components.

Reconditioned electrical components can save you from spending extra money on buying new equipment. Also, it can save your time because installation of new equipment and getting it working just like the previous one can be hard.
However, manufacturing equipment requires prudent considerations in order to safely refurbish them. Let us go through these considerations.

• Assess the damage

The first thing before even considering repairing or refurbishing any electrical component is to check the extent of the water damage that it has received. In order to do that, you would need to gather all the information that you have about the equipment. That information can include all the pertinent drawings and documentation that had come with the instrument.

Once you have that information, you can either yourself do the inspection or have a specialized team to do it. Too often, an electrical component is well insulated by the manufacturers against any water intrusions. Thus, through valuable knowledge about the machinery and the assessment of the damage, one can get an idea if it needs to be repaired.

• Never try plugging the equipment

Water has electrical properties. When it seeps inside an electrical component, it floods all the circuits therein. If the component is running when it experiences water seepage, then it can result in short circuits. Alternatively speaking, if equipment is turned on after it has received water seepage, then it can still cause short circuits. Either way, the machinery is damaged, and thus, whether equipment is on or off before the flood, you should never plug them into the electrical socket to see if they are working.

• Leave the equipment for drying

As we said before, you should never plug in the manufacturing equipment in electricity socket. What you should do is let them get dried. Nobody should be allowed to get near to it unless some decision is reached on whether the equipment should be completely removed or its individual parts are taken out for refurbishing.

• Hire refurbishing professionals

What we talked about in the above paragraphs are main considerations on the part of the owner and the operators of the manufacturing equipment. However, when it comes to repairing the equipment after flooding, proper refurbishing professionals should be hired.
These professionals know the working of equipment and also the makeup of its complex circuits. They can guide you better regarding whether the components should be completely renewed or repaired.

Refurbished electrical components can work just like they used to when they weren’t damaged. Some people have a fear in their hearts regarding these reconditioned electrical components. However, they should know that the repairers are there to bring a damage component to life without compromising its workability.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com/assetmanagement.php.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists call 877.844.5514 today.

Purchasing Reconditioned Electrical Components over New Surplus

Whether you are having your electrical devices fixed or giving them a whole new state-of-the-art facelift, knowing where to look and what to look out for can make all the difference because buying refurbished equipment may be not only a cost-effective alternative in the short-term but also a secure long-term financial solution.

You may have a machine that has replacement parts that are becoming obsolete, but you don’t want to get rid of it or a need to preserve the equipment because it is that is no longer being produced. With a little research, there are certified refurbished experts, licensed distributors, or original equipment manufacturers available out there who are more than capable of offering you solutions that are specific to your needs.

Refurbished Does Not Mean Not As Good

Common misconceptions about purchasing refurbished electrical components are that people believe that because components are often sold at reduced prices, it means they are reduced in performance. This is in fact not the case at all. An electrical component that has undergone comprehensive re-manufacturing and testing process according to all OEM specifications can be restored to a perfect working condition enough that an untrained eye would believe it is brand new. This ensures that refurbished electrical components can continue to function without any hiccups and failure rates that are significantly reduced since it has been tested.

It’s not to mean that those with an inclination toward newer technology than what is currently available in the refurbished equipment market shouldn’t go for the surplus electrical components. In fact, buying new is ideal for those who do not have any financial constraints for this type of purchase.
On the other hand, reconditioning electrical components, otherwise known as refurbishing, electrical components, does indeed, save money, time, and it also extends the components lifespan. In addition to that, by giving electrical components an update, electronics manufacturers reduce e-waste and can keep electronic waste out of landfills. Electronic waste has become a growing concern over the recent past following the exponential growth of the global market of electrical and electronic equipment.

Testing Procedures

It is also important to mention that while original equipment manufacturers OEM are only obligated to batch test their products, reconditioning or refurbishing standards require 100% device testing, a process that follows the following stringent procedures:

• Conduct an initial test
• Strip, inspect, and clean the electrical device
• Replace and recondition worn or damaged electrical components
• Reassemble
• Perform verification test
• Document and finally certify

Saving Money When Possible

If you intend on buying new, more expensive equipment but cannot afford it, purchasing a refurbished electrical component or a piece of newly refurbished equipment may be your best bet.
Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com/products.php.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists call 877.844.5514 today.

Purchasing Reconditioned Electrical Supplies

Making sure that proper electrical supplies are used in any kind of electrical repairs or upgrades around your home or business it is important to get the optimal result. It is nearly impossible to replace electrical supplies that are well used when equipment is older as the replacement parts have become obsolete.  When you aren’t able to find new electrical components for older equipment the best and only way to navigate is with refurbished electrical components.

Needing Parts for Older Equipment

When you have obsolete circuit breakers, bus ducts, transformers, switches, and any other supplies that are no longer viable you run the risk of ending up with an electrical problem that could be dangerous.  However if you are unable to find the parts new that could be a problem.  This is why companies specialize in reconditioning obsolete electrical components.  Reconditioned electrical supplies need to meet the quality standards that will ensure peace of mind when any types of electrical repairs are done inside your home or business.

There are many cases of electrical issues that are caused by worn electrical supplies and this is not something that should be happening with options available such as reconditioning obsolete or used electrical components.  This is the main reason why such a large number of facilities look into refurbished electrical components when electrical work is done.

Safety Matters

Any work that is related to electricity needs to be taken seriously if you are to get the most reliable results when you get it done.  This is definitely important and it will ensure that you can create a very safe environment for your home or place of business.  Proper electrical components and supplies can mean the difference between a safe place and one that is a constant risk.

Finding The Right Fit

Finding the best possible refurbished transformers, circuit breakers, switchboards, disconnects, and fuses are definitely an essential part of repairing equipment electrical components and electrical repairs.  Quality refurbished electrical components provide the best outcome and help you avoid any dangerous setups that could cause fires and damage to your equipment at home or in your office.
A large inventory of refurbished electrical components is available online at www.jpelectricalcompany.com. You will find that the prices and the number of available products match the quality that you can expect from every purchase. Fast, reliable and packed with the features you need for a truly successful result. Reliability, durability, and quality are the main reasons why this is the best place to shop for electrical supplies.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com/products.php.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists call 877.844.5514 today.