Key Elements To Look For When Buying Refurbished Equipment and Components

When it comes to buying equipment to use in manufacturing there are many advantages that come from purchasing used or refurbished pieces.  It is cost effective for companies, both big and small, to buy quality used and refurbished industrial assets for their facilities.  It is also beneficial for a company’s budget to repair large, heavy industrial equipment with less expensive refurbished components verse OEM parts.  Before jumping into purchasing refurbished equipment and components it’s important to take into consideration a variety of factors. 

It is always important to choose the right equipment for your facility.  Without the proper equipment your facility won’t run effectively.  Key elements you should look at before purchasing new or refurbished industrial equipment includes:

Is the equipment refurbished or used? 

If it is used you will want to ask specific questions that have to do with the number of hours the equipment has been used as well the usage history.  Most equipment has a specific lifespan; certain repairs are known to be expected at certain points throughout its lifecycle. 

If it is refurbished you will want to determine the process the company used to refurbish the equipment.  It is important to choose a company that offers quality refurbishing.  

Refurbishing is not about cosmetics; it is about bringing a piece of equipment back to life.

What is the manufacturer’s reputation?

The manufacturer’s history and reputation play a role when choosing industrial equipment.  It is important that the equipment is coming from a reputable manufacturer.  Always choose quality and reputation over cost.  It is worth paying a bit more to buy a product from a reputable manufacturer.  Buying a used or refurbished component from a quality manufacturer is better than buying a new off brand with a sketchy reputation. 

What maintenance records are available?

All equipment runs better and lasts longer with proper maintenance.  Before buying used equipment as to see the available maintenance records.  Think about it like a car, regular tune ups and oil changes allow the car to run more efficiently and longer.  Well maintained industrial and manufacturing equipment will last longer than one that has not.

Is there physical wear and tear?

Be sure to do a visual inspection on used and refurbished equipment before finalizing the purchase of any large scaled equipment for your facility.  Normal wear and tear is to be excepted even if the equipment has been refurbished.  Visible cracks, corrosion, wear and fatigue on components, especially mechanical ones, indicate issues with the machinery.  These should be big red flags to look for a different piece of equipment to purchase that will better meet your facilities need. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Key Factors In Preventative Maintenance Programs

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

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

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

Important Preventative Maintenance Factors

• Employees Qualified to Oversee and Execute your Preventative Maintenance Program

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

• Regularly Scheduled Equipment Maintenance

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

• Informed Decisions on Electrical Component Replacement

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

• Maintenance Performance

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

• Clear Concise Methods in Record Keeping

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

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

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

The Purpose of Bus Ducts and Bus Plugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Purpose of Bus Ducts and Bus Plugs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myths About The Refurbished Electrical Component Industry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expelling the Myths Surrounding Refurbished Electrical Components

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

Myth VS Reality within the Reconditioned Electrical Component Industry

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

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

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

 Steps in Refurbishing Electrical Equipment

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

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

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

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

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

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