Tag: Asset Recovery

The Importance of Preventative Maintenance of Bus Ducts


Having an uninterrupted supply of electricity for customers is the main goal of a power generation industry to allow them to meet their demands. It can be very costly for a company to have any unplanned downtime due to any equipment failures. This is a fact when looking at bus duct systems since they effectively transfer power to switchgear and other loads. To prevent avoidable downtimes from occurring it is imperative to have preventative bus duct maintenance in place.

Neglect on Systems

Too often, critical systems like bus ducts that transmit power at industrial buildings go neglected. The reason behind this is because people are under the wrong concept that since bus duct systems do not consist of moving internal parts that they do not need regular maintenance or service. Over time, carbon and other foreign debris can build up and contaminate the bus systems that will, in turn, cause cataclysmic arcs and damage the equipment. Without proper inspection and preventative maintenance performed regularly, the equipment will have without a doubt have unexpected failures that will cause outages, can further damage equipment and increase safety risks for personnel as well. 

Preventing Failures

It is very important to have regular and systematic inspections of the bus duct systems performed. If the installation is done in unfavorable conditions, for example, high temperature/ humidity or environments with a lot of dust it is recommended these inspections are performed at a more frequent interval in these instances. The most common failures that are observed during bus duct failures can range from damaged gaskets/ bellows, grounding issues, cracked weld joints, conductor connection integrity, and even improper termination design or installation.

Installing New Bus Ducts

One factor to consider when installing a new or replacing bus duct system is to consider the ampacity requirement for your actual operating environment as opposed to just choosing one based on a standard chart’s temperature assumption. The most bus generally occupies at high-temperature areas since they are installed near the ceiling. Temperatures will continue to fluctuate while under load or no load as well, so it is important to do the research and know the limits of the equipment. Another good piece of advice is to install extra protection with service conductor bus ducts to protect the bus duct zone from fault. It may be an extra up-front cost but the savings from downtime in the future will be well worth it.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electricalcompany that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We offer a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugsbus ductspanelswitches, and transformers. Services include asset managementproduct reconditioning, and electrical products. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com



Why is Asset Recovery Important?

Electrical plants can house a plethora of dangerous components and parts, and when one is torn down, for whatever reason, often what is left behind can be troubling for more than one party. Asset recovery is a very important step in this process and is something one should consider when dealing with large-scale tear-down projects. Fortunately, many organizations exist with fully insured, experienced, and professional experts who specialize in the proper recovery of assets of all kinds. Regardless, there are a few reasons to keep in mind as to why asset recovery is important.

Bad material in planet

 Electrical components may sometimes be made from natural resources, but the vast majority are man-made objects and thus do not do the planet any favors when left behind on tear-down sites. The material used to make these objects need to be recovered by a company that specializes in asset recovery so these materials can be stripped down and either recycled properly or reformatted to fit within new products. If this does not happen you can see these objects sticking around far longer than the planet would like, which benefits nobody.

Liabilities and cost

The cost of electrical components and parts can vary from relatively cheap to astonishingly high prices, depending on the nature of the item. It’s obvious that companies want to make money, so the idea of leaving assets and potential dollars on sites is not business owners. Being able to recover these assets ends up saving the supplier or manufacturer thousands of dollars AND prevents the assets from causing harm to the enviroment.

These components or IT assets can be a liability if not properly recovered and/or recycled. For certain IT components and devices, the possibility of sensitive information can always remain despite any attempts of wiping data, and anybody can recover these assets not affiliated with any professional asset recovery organization and use that data to their own advantage. It’s important that proper recovery is completed to not leave any potential data leaks from happening onsite.

Stolen

An obvious reason in which asset recovery is important bleeds into the prior two reasons: stolen property. Because a wide variety of electrical and IT components and parts are very expensive to the manufacturer no business wants to waste the money having their equipment stolen by somebody before it can be properly recovered. Theft is a widespread and universal issue spanning all industries and the theft of electrical components is not spared. It is an ongoing issue with theft and that is a good reason to support the recovery of electrical assets.

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 offer a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugsbus ductspanelswitches, and transformers. Services include asset managementproduct reconditioning, and electrical products. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com



Understanding Bus Plugs


If you are not an electrician or familiar with the terms used in the electric power fields, the products that make our homes and business run efficiently may be very mysterious. For some people, a bug plug sounds like its something the belongs in the automotive industry for actual busses? We are here today to get your electrical knowledge straightened out and give a inside look to what a bus plug really is and what it does.

What Is It exactly?

Bus plugs are basically what the name entails and are large industrial electric plugs that are like the ones you find in homes. However, Industrial or manufacturing plants that utilize heavy machinery require specialized power needs that is unique when compared to typical power distribution systems that are used inside residential or commercial buildings. Each bus plug is designed to connect to a specific section of bus duct or also known as busway, overhead and will then transfer electricity down to any chosen product whether it’s a lighting system or heavy equipment that needs power below. Busways were first produced in the late 1920’s for the automotive industry in Detroit and have since continued to improve and make their ways into many industrial plants to be utilized.

Why use them?

When looking at many industrial plants or buildings, many are structured in design with large open floor plans to maximize the total square footage and allow a variety of uses for the specific area. One of the major benefits of the busway and bus plug system is the flexibility of each product. With this type of installation, there is no physical hard wiring and the whole electrical system can be removed and rearranged to accommodate the building floor plan needed. As the future continues to change the machinery used, there are no concerns as to how power will be given to new equipment when things need to be moved or upgraded. Bus duct systems are a very efficient solution to get a lot of power to a big area that power distribution continues to change frequently. This is another reason why manufacturing plants need these products in order to provide large quantity of power to different areas of the building.

Proper Maintenance

Unplanned downtime can be detrimental and costly to any business and can be avoided with proper maintenance and service on products when needed. Bus ducts are extremely important in effectively providing power to switchgear and other different loads. Unfortunately, it is typical to find that critical systems that transmit power for industrial facilities are often neglected since many of people are unaware that regular maintenance and service is required even though bus ducts do not utilize moving internal parts.

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 offer a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugsbus ductspanelswitches, and transformers. Services include asset managementproduct reconditioning, and electrical products. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com



Questions That Are Important to Ask When Buying Electrical Surplus Inventory Online


When a project is cancelled, warehouses are liquidated, or there are manufacturing overruns an electrical surplus inventory is generated.  Local surplus dealers were once the only sellers of electrical surplus inventory.  Today however, surplus equipment can be purchased through e-commerce platforms.  It is important you should proceed with caution when you come across surplus electrical component’s suppliers online; research and asking the right questions when buying online is crucial.  Below you will see how you should proceed when buying electrical surplus online.

Asking the right questions when buying surplus electrical equipment online helps you make the right purchase.  These questions should include:

  • Is the equipment a product that is from the original factory?
  • Will the new surplus inventory come in a sealed box?
  • Are there any visible structural damage like fractures or cracks in the equipment?
  • Do the products being sold contain any proof of safety and reliability?
  • Are there any signs of the equipment being burned in any way?
  • Has the equipment been in use, when?
  • Has the product failed?  What were the circumstances of the failure?
  • Do the products come with a warranty? When does the warranty expire?
  • Does the equipment have a period in which it can be returned if it does not meet the required standards?

Essentials to Consider When Purchasing Surplus Electrical Equipment

Voltage Ratings Input/Output

Know the voltage rating of the surplus electrical product as well as the voltage rating of your power sources.  This will determine if the equipment is suitable for your application.  Incorrect voltage ratings risk short circuiting, arching, and electrical fires.

Continuous Current Rating

The continuous current rating will allow you to know if the device will be able to perform properly in varying environments.  This is listed as Amperes.  They represent the continuous current that can be carried when used in the temperatures it is calibrated for.

Current Rating, Short-Circuit

Short-circuit current rating, SCCR, is a current rating that defines the maximum short-circuit current the product can safely handle.  Individual SCCR components for the electrical assembly are calculated to determine the SSCR for the entire electrical panel.

Electrical Current Frequency

Pay attention to the current frequency at which equipment or breakers are designed to operate properly.  The electrical current frequency determines the highest current a device can handle operating at without issue.

Don’t compromise the quality of surplus equipment by purchasing from a less than a reputable electrical component supplier.  At J & P Electrical, we assure quality and competitive pricing.  Contact us today to discuss your 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 offer a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugsbus ductspanel switches, and transformers. Services include asset managementproduct reconditioning, and electrical products. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com



Installing Bus Ducts Properly

Bust ducts, known also as busways, are created from a sheet of metal with the busbar being made of copper or aluminum. Bus ducts conduct electrical currents, that is their main purpose when used in manufacturing.  Many companies manufacture bus ducts, with the most popular supplier being Square D.  Not only does Square D manufacture bus ducts, they supply a wide range of bus plugs, electrical switches, circuit breakers, and more.  Proper installation and assembly of a bus duct will save you money and prevent costly downtime. 

Proper Bus Duct Installation

In order to ensure your electrical system functions properly your bus ducts must be installed correctly.  Bus ducts are used to provide power throughout an electrical system so if there is an issue with the bus duct it can result in costly delays and downtime.  In order to avoid this, proper installation is required.

The Importance of Ampacity

The amount of electrical current that a device can withstand without being damaged is known as ampacity.  A bus ducts ampacity rating is determined by using the temperature within the operating space and referencing a standard chart for temperature assumptions.  Once the operating temperature has been determined users must consider the rise in temperature between a zero current and a full load current.  As an example, a common bus duct with copper inside often has a current rating of 2,000 amps per square inch.  The rating results in the voltage dropping as the temperature increases.

Additional Protection

Like with any installation especially electrical, location is a key aspect that needs to be considered.  For most facilities bus duct installation is downstream from transformers and upstream from the primary overcurrent device.  Whatever devices is being used to protect the transformer cannot be used to protect the bus duct from electrical fault.

Extra protection to the bus ducts is another way to decrease any potential downtime from occurring.  When downtime occurs, facilities end up paying for workers to stand around.  Adding an extra layer of protection to your bus duct will give you extra peace of mind as you will know your bus duct will properly function.   

Bus ducts that are installed outdoors should include protection from the elements.  Choose a shelter that allows water to drain vs sitting in a pool overhead.  Extra water allowed to collect can cause a short in the bus duct.  Humidity can also be an issue when bus ducts are utilized outside.  This can be prevented by using stainless steel as it inhibits corrosion.  An epoxy primer of paint can be added to the housing to prevent the oxidation of the metal.

Bus ducts can also be installed on an outside wall.  When this is the case proper flame-retardant wall fittings that are waterproof and vapor-resistant should also be used as a precaution.  Extra supports for the ducts where they enter the wall should be in place to hold the extra weight. 

The installation of bus ducts is important.  Correct installation allows a system to function properly without downtime.  Protection helps to prevent corrosion and protects from outside elements.  And using proper metals and assembly kits from the manufacturer help to ensure you are using the right materials for your bus duct assembly.

J & P Electrical Company is a full-service electricalcompany that supplies contractors, end users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We offer a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugsbus ductspanelswitches, and transformers. Services include asset managementproduct reconditioning, and electrical products. More information can be found at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com

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 reputable reconditioned 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.