Category: Uncategorized (Page 1 of 6)

The demand for efficient and reliable power distribution systems in commercial spaces is skyrocketing in today’s fast-paced world. From bustling shopping malls to high-tech office complexes, the lifeline of these structures is a seamless supply of electricity. Here’s where commercial busways make a grand entry as the modern-day champions of electrical distribution.

What exactly is a commercial busway? Imagine a series of electrical conductors neatly tucked inside a protective enclosure. These conductors play a pivotal role in distributing electricity throughout a building. Unlike traditional cabling, which often resembles an unruly jungle of wires, busways are streamlined, efficient, and modular.

Modularity: A Game Changer

The beauty of commercial busways lies in their modularity. Need to revamp a section of your office? No problem! Busways can be easily reconfigured or extended, saving time, and reducing costs. The plug-and-play nature of busways means that adding or relocating power outlets is a breeze. Say goodbye to extensive rewiring and welcome the era of flexible power distribution!

Compact and Space-Efficient

Real estate is precious, especially in commercial settings. Busways’ sleek design ensures that they take up minimal space, without compromising on performance. This is a boom for architects and engineers, who can now plan spaces without the bulky constraint of traditional electrical cabling. The reduced footprint also translates to better airflow and cooling, which is critical in areas housing sensitive electronic equipment.

Safety and Reliability: Non-Negotiable

Safety is paramount, and commercial busways deliver. The protective enclosure around the conductors mitigates the risks of electrical shocks and arc flashes. Moreover, busways are designed to contain electrical faults, reducing fire hazards. With busways, you can rest assured knowing that the occupants and assets are shielded from electrical mishaps.

Energy Efficiency: Good for the Wallet, Great for the Planet

Finally, let’s talk about energy efficiency. Busways are designed to minimize electrical losses. This means that more of the electrical power is utilized effectively, leading to lower energy bills. Moreover, by optimizing energy use, busways contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. Adopting busways is a step in the right direction for eco-conscious businesses.

To summarize, commercial busways are nothing short of an electrical marvel. Their modular and compact design, coupled with safety features and energy efficiency, makes them an indispensable tool in modern commercial spaces. As we continue to build and innovate, busways will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the electrical landscapes of the future.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Power transformers are conduits of electricity that increase or decrease voltage efficiently. These machines are used for transferring power from one circuit to another without changing the frequency.

When electricity comes into the transformer from the power source, it is called primary voltage. Any voltage leaving the transformer is called secondary voltage. Two examples of transformers include step-down, which lowers voltage, and step-up, which raises voltage.

Step-down transformers have higher primary voltage than secondary. These transformers are useful for situations requiring a lesser voltage than provided by the power source. 

Step-up transformers have lower primary voltage than secondary. When the power source is inadequate, these transformers can provide a boost.

Technically, all transformers can operate in both step-down and step-up modes, so the attribution is given based on how the transformer is being used. 

Other types of transformers include: 

• Three Phase: used in three phase power systems; most cost-effective
• Distribution: steps down the voltage for commercial or domestic distribution; operates 24/7 with 50 percent of a full load at maximum efficiency
• Electrical Power: operates at high or peak load times with maximum efficiency at or near full load; used in a transmission network to step up or down voltage
•  Instrument: C.T. and P.T. are used to lower high voltage and current to levels that can be measured by common instruments
• Autotransformer: used in situations where the ratio between the high voltage and low voltage is less than two
• Two Winding Transformer: used in situations where the ratio between the high voltage and low voltage is greater than two
• Outdoor/Indoor: specifically designed for either application
• Oil Cooled: refers to the cooling medium as transformer oil
• Dry Type: refers to the cooling medium as air cooling
• Core Type: contains two vertical legs with two horizontal sections called yokes; rectangular with a common magnetic circuit
• Shell Type: has a central limb and two outer limbs with a double-magnetic circuit
• Berry Type: core resembles wheel spokes with tightly fitted metal sheet tanks; oil used inside

Are you looking for a specific type of transformer, or have one to sell? You’ve come to the right place! Contact the experts at J&P Electrical to talk about transformers today.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Bus duct is a familiar sight to electricians, but what about the terms “busbar” or “busway?” Keep reading to learn about this vital aspect of electrical distribution.

The automotive industry first introduced busways in 1932; since then, it has expanded to serve many other industries. Busway is just another word for bus duct, which provides an alternative means of conducting electricity. Used in commercial and industrial settings, bus duct conducts electricity to power cables or cable bus.

Bus duct is comprised of sheet metal duct containing either aluminum or copper busbars in a grounded metal enclosure. Busbars are metallic strips or bars that conduct a substantial electrical current. Since bus ducts are flexible, they are easy to maintain and can handle different charging load requirements.

Bus duct is typically used where cable and conduit would be used in residential applications. Bus duct provides a high degree of electrical efficiency for both low- and high-amperage conditions. It’s also incredibly versatile, thanks to advancements such as elbows and offsets. These developments allow bus duct to adapt to directional changes.

To effortlessly meet load changes, tap-off units or new sections can be implemented. Some cases do require cable and conduit, however. For example, if a bus duct will be installed near corrosive vapors, it should not be used.

Planning ahead is vital when ordering bus duct for a specific use. Pay close attention to dimensions, note any bends, columns, floor elevation changes, route information, etc. Sketches of where the bus duct will flow are helpful. Standard bus duct can be ordered from inventory stock if the job is not too complex.

At J&P Electrical, we strive to provide the best electrical equipment possible. We have a massive supply of bus duct and plugs, along with other reconditioned products. Check out our inventory today!

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the global supply shortages affecting nearly all industries. From vehicle manufacturing to computer components, nearly every business involved in overseas production has been affected.

The sudden rise in consumer electronics created a demand that the electronics supply chain couldn’t handle during the beginning of the pandemic. Due to worldwide shutdowns creating a pause in production, many companies are now playing catch-up. Moreover, tariffs were imposed on imported Chinese goods, which made the situation more challenging.

Raw materials and bulk electronic component shortages forced manufacturers to remain idle, many with half-finished products. The electronic components in high demand include capacitors, resistors, semiconductors, and other parts. Prices for several raw materials, including copper and steel, have doubled between 2020 and 2021. Semiconductors, microchips, and PCBs are all produced in Asia, so some manufacturers are looking to move their operations back to America to compensate.

Rising prices are also a factor; as demand rises and supply dwindles, costs increase. ElectronicsB2B reported that the semiconductor industry value is expected to increase by 11 percent from 2020 to 2027. Factors such as 5G-based automation, increased chip demand, and geopolitical issues could all play a massive role in whether the semiconductor shortage will ease up any time soon.

Labor shortages are also another large factor in part causing supply deficiency. The number of global working hours was decreased by 8.8 percent due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. 

Supply chains are the root of the shortages; the longer they are, the more susceptible to interruptions. This is partly why many suppliers are trying to relocate closer to home, called reshoring. With a more relative location, electrical components will arrive more punctually.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported higher wages for electricians throughout 2020. The average salary was $61,550, with the median hourly pay being $29.59 per hour. The wages of electricians across the United States were analyzed, including apprentices who typically get paid less than experienced electricians. The national average was $60,370 in 2019 and $51,190 in 2018.

Areas with large populations and dense cities are generally where the most significant number of electricians reside. There are 78,970 electricians employed in New York City, Los Angeles, and Dallas combined.

The states that employ the highest number of electricians are:

• California (71,010)
• Texas (60,890)
• Florida (41,900)
• New York (36,310)
• Ohio (23,430)

Higher demand for electricians results in a superior standard of pay for those in that area. Each state’s cost of living is also factored in, which results in higher averages in certain regions. Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C. have somewhat elevated costs of living.

The states that pay the highest wages for electricians are:

• Illinois ($81,650)
• New York ($81,340)
• Hawaii ($79,030)
• District of Columbia ($79,030)
• Oregon ($76,040)

The industries that employ the most electricians are:

• Building Equipment Contractors (477,560)
• Employment Services (21,160)
• Local Government (13,780)

The highest-paying industries for electricians are:

• Natural Gas Distribution ($106,280)
• Land Subdivision ($99,780)
• Technical/Trade Schools ($93,260)

According to the Electricians: Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of electricians is expected to expand by 8 percent by 2029, which is twice as fast as the average for all occupations. The introduction of alternative energy such as wind, solar, and battery power provides emerging work for electricians.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

The 2021 ELECTRI International/NECA Electrical Contracting Challenge (ECIC) was won by Wayne State University, Detroit. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, came in second place, and the University of Toronto ranked third out of 17 teams. Nine teams ended up submitting final projects. The three finalists presented their projects to a panel of NECA judges in Nashville. After answering questions, the judges determined the winner.

The ECIC (formerly known as the Green Energy Challenge) encourages students to think innovatively and apply problem-solving skills to certain situations. This year, all teams were directed to assemble a new residence hall while attending 15 classes regarding Building Information Modeling (BIM) and estimating.

Wayne State University’s proposal focused on innovative solutions for abiding by social distance guidelines in a residence hall in Detroit’s Midtown area. Their plan included reasonably priced on-campus housing, monetary organization, and environmental support.

Iowa State proposed that a residence hall focused on security, sustainability, and an improved user experience. A ground-based photovoltaic system was an aspect of their net-zero option.

The University of Toronto suggested a residence hall aimed at providing superior lighting and security systems, along with accessibility access. A solar photovoltaic system would be implemented along with a net-zero recommendation of solar panels.

A set of construction documents and building information models were given to each team, which became the groundwork for the design and virtual production. Real-world considerations were accounted for, including cost and workforce. 

First place, Wayne State, received a $4,000 prize, while Iowa State and the University of Toronto received $3,000 and $2,000, respectively.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

A report from the United States Chamber of Commerce revealed that commercial contractors are becoming more optimistic about the future. The report noted that contractor optimism is being driven primarily by a rise in revenue expectations and better outlooks on hiring and equipment spending plans.

During the first quarter of 2021, 36 percent of contractors reported they anticipated their revenue to increase over the rest of the year, rising 25 percent from the last quarter of 2020.

A moderate to high level of confidence was reported by 86 percent of contractors regarding the United States market’s ability to provide new business in 2021. In the fourth quarter of 2020, 19 percent of respondents said their confidence level was high; in 2021, almost a quarter (24 percent) reported the same.

The report stated, “The score of revenue expectations, one of the index’s three leading indicators, jumped five points to 57, while contractors’ confidence in new business opportunities rose two points to 59.”

In the upcoming six months, 46 percent of contractors said they would employ more people, making hiring plans gain traction, up from 37 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020. Only three percent of contractors expect to diminish staffing, down from 12 percent in the fourth quarter of 2020; 46 percent expect to keep the same amount of personnel.

Neil Bradley, executive vice president, chief policy officer, and head of strategic advocacy for the United States Chamber of Commerce, said, “The industry still has a way to go to return to pre-pandemic levels, but rising optimism in the commercial construction industry is a positive sign for the broader economy.”

For all of your electrical contractor equipment needs, contact the experts at J&P Electrical 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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

While most jobs require specific tools that vary by type or need, most electricians carry a few essential tools for basic settings. Here are the most popular tools purchased in the industry as specified by each manufacturer below.

Manual Hand Tools

Klein Tools
– NCVT-1 noncontact voltage tester
– 11045 wire stripper and cutter
– 32500 11-in-1 multibit screwdriver and nut driver set

Channellock
– Straight-jaw, tongue-and-groove pliers
– Round-nose linemen’s pliers
– Insulated grip, long-nose pliers

Milwaukee Tool
– Fish tapes
– Electric fish sticks
– Conduit benders

Southwire Tools and Equipment
– Simple PET fish tape
– S7N1HD multitool pliers
– S1018SOL stainless steel wire stripper

Power Tools

Bosch
– 12V Max EC brushless Flexiclick 5-in-1 drill/driver system
– 18V EC brushless Freak 2-in-1 bit/socket impact driver
– 18V EC brushless SDS-Plus Bulldog rotary hammer

DeWalt
– DCE151 20V Max XR cordless cable stripper
– DCE700 60V Max cordless pipe threader
– DCN701 20V Max cordless cable stripper

Hilti
– SID 4-A22 impact driver
– SCM 22-A cordless metal saw
– Cordless hydraulic cutting, crimping, and knockout tool set

Milwaukee Tool
– Crimping tools
– Cable cutters
– Knockout tools

Testers

Fluke Corp.
– Digital multimeters
– Clamp meters
– Basic electrical testers

Megger
– 1kV insulation tester
– Digital low-resistance ohmmeter
– Thermal camera

To find out more about these tools in-depth, read the original article from Electrical Contractor. For electrical equipment replacement products, contact the experts at J&P Electrical 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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Researchers and students at the University of Exeter Business School developed a way to measure the immediate impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on an economy’s Gross Domestic Product, or GDP. To calculate this data, the scientists analyzed hourly electricity consumption rates during Italy’s spring lockdown to measure the impact of those activities on their economy during that time. Traditional metrics and official statistics take at least three months to calculate and will not remove other factors affecting consumption and production.

Data was analyzed from the Italian power market from January 2015 through June 2020. The results gave the researchers an idea of what the electrical consumption would have been if not for COVID-19 restrictions. The hypothetical model was then cross-referenced with actual consumption rates during and after the lockdown. The end result was then rescaled to focus on the implications for GDP.

In the first quarter, Italy’s GDP fell 5.1 percent, and during the most intense three-week lockdown period (March and April, when many factories were also shut down), the researchers calculated a reduction in the GDP by about 30 percent.

As Italy gradually reopened socially and economically, the GDP was still about 8.5 percent lower than it would have been without the outbreak at the end of June.

Several caveats were noted, including possible shortcomings of solely examining a short amount of time versus a more extended period. The lengthier timeframe would include added influences from other national procedures, as well as potential spillover effects from pandemic policies. Moreover, as adaptation strategies such as working from home are implemented, the researchers noted, “The effect of future lockdown restrictions may become less severe. This consideration has to be balanced against the potential for long-term and repeated lockdowns exerting cumulative and progressively more adverse economic effects, including through the impacts on human wellbeing.”

Read the complete research study conducted by students at the University of Exeter Business School for a detailed examination of the mathematical formula implemented to calculate the data.
 

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment, such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

According to testimony at a Senate committee hearing on August 5, the federal government should have the authority to simulate cyberattacks on the electric grid to lessen the nation’s vulnerability. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said, “The threat of cyberattacks by foreign adversaries and other sophisticated entities is real, and it’s growing.”

Citing 2019’s Worldwide Threat Assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Murkowski explained those findings stating that China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries are stepping up cyber operations to target the United States’ military and critical infrastructure, including the nation’s electric grid. The Energy Department claimed that a Russian government-backed hacking group infiltrated a U.S. energy entity’s network in January 2020.

The energy sector’s vulnerabilities are of particular concern to national security since electricity and fuels are used to power transportation, water facilities, hospitals, communications, and more. The gap between physical, operational technology, and information technology systems is narrowing, creating even more concern. Grid operators incorporate new management systems, utility companies install millions of “smart meters” and other internet-enabled devices on the grid. Advancements in technology lead to improved operations and real-time feedback, however, malicious hackers can target these systems to gain access and compromise larger systems.

Murkowski said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique opportunity for cybercriminals to attack our networks, including critical energy infrastructure. We all know the stakes here. A successful hack could shut down power, impacting hospitals, banks, gas pumps, military installations, and cell phone service. The consequences would be widespread and devastating, and only more so if we are in the midst of a global pandemic.”

Red-teaming is a simulation using hackers to test various organizations’ cybersecurity and threat response. The result provides an outside perspective and has been performed in the past. In July, the Office of Energy Infrastructure Security (OEIS) joined with the National Guard and conducted Cyber Yankee, a red-team-simulated cyber-attack on a utility system throughout the New England states. This exercise was beneficial for professionals to thwart potential incoming threats by creating defensive and recovery plans.

Check out this article by the National Conference of State Legislatures for more information about the nation’s energy infrastructure and the growing cyberthreat.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment, such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.