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Author: J & S Electrical Contractors

Tips for Energy Efficient Lighting Retrofit and Design

Written by J & S Electrical Contractors on . Posted in Blog.

There are unlimited benefits to upgrading lighting within your business premises, the most important being greater efficiency and lower energy costs. Studies show that overhead lights account for more than 50% of energy usage in commercial spaces. In addition to saving electricity, redesigning lighting to include the latest technology improves illumination quality, safety, productivity and real estate value. Your utility provider may also offer incentives for green retrofits. However, every project is different, so it is important to know what is involved, in order to optimize results. Our experienced commercial electricians offer a step-by-step guide to successful lighting retrofits.

How to Get Your Money’s Worth from Lighting Upgrades

  • Define your goals: Are you looking purely for energy savings? Do you want to improve lighting quality? Eager to reduce the number of ongoing bulb replacements dipping into your maintenance budget? Identifying your needs will help create a proper lighting plan and design.
  • Understand your business needs: For example, high heat in restaurants and damp environments around pools and spas require different types of fixtures and bulbs compared to an office or reception area.
  • Assess your current lighting and energy usage: A lighting audit is a critical step in planning. The findings can help identify your usage, overall requirements and areas for improvement.
  • Understand the pros and cons of using existing fixtures: While it can reduce initial investment and effort, long term operational costs and maintenance could be higher. For instance, your existing ballasts must support LED bulbs.
  • Invest in lighting controls: Creating lighting schedules can reduce your usage by up to 50%. Dimming lights brings another 20 to 30% of energy savings. Having them turned on only when needed will increase the lifespan of your lighting systems in addition to reducing your electricity bills.
  • Hire an experienced commercial electrician: Proper lighting design and installation are important for employee and building safety, and consequently, the financial security of your business.
  • Maintain your lighting system: A maintenance program helps optimize the efficiency and benefits of your investment. Dirt, dust and aging fixtures reduce lighting levels affecting employee productivity and safety as well as increasing your energy costs.

Lighting Retrofit and Design by Licensed Commercial Electricians

The right lighting retrofit and design can yield significant returns. At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer customized solutions to improve your energy efficiency. Over the years, we have helped hundreds of medical, commercial and industrial facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware realize ongoing operational savings. From system design for new facilities to upgrading electrical panels and lighting for an expansion to routine maintenance and repairs, you can count on us for prompt response and cost-efficient services. 

Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. You can depend on our licensed and experienced electricians to upgrade your systems efficiently and safely. 

Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for energy efficient lighting upgrades and retrofit design.

How Many AMP Electrical Service Do I Need to Operate Effectively?

Written by J & S Electrical Contractors on . Posted in Blog.

Need to upgrade the electrical supply at your business premises? Standard panels can provide 100, 150, 200, 325, 400, 600 or 800 amps of power with the potential to add more circuits. Determining how much power you need is essential to operating cost-efficiently and safely. Our experienced electricians share tips on how to go about sizing amp service for your commercial or industrial facility.

5 Key Steps to Upgrading Your Electrical System

  • Calculate your electrical load: This helps ensure your building’s power distribution system is reliable, safe and compliant to code. List out all your electrical equipment (including your HVAC system and building controls), devices (computers, printers, etc.) and appliances (such as the coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, etc.) as well as lighting and building signs.
  • Understand usage: Each business is unique; so, understanding exactly how your facility operates will allow your commercial electrician to design a power distribution system that is appropriate for you. For instance, determining what machines and tools will need to operate simultaneously is a more accurate representation of your power requirements as opposed to simply calculating the total load on a particular circuit.
  • Consider future electrical demands: Are you planning to add more machines or work stations in the coming months or year? Thinking ahead can help you save on future installation costs as well as prevent sudden outages and electrical accidents caused by overloading. Be aware that electrical service size impacts your month-to-month energy costs, so do not go bigger unless you have concrete expansion plans.
  • Check the amp ratings of your current electrical panel: This will determine whether you can simply add more electrical circuits or need a higher capacity panel.
  • Contact a licensed commercial electrician: Upgrading your ampacity is a highly specialized and complex job best left to trained and licensed electrical professionals. In addition to operational efficiency, they can ensure compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) standards for safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States.

Installation, Repair and Maintenance by Licensed Commercial Electricians

If your business has grown, or you have new equipment, it is possible that you may have outgrown your current commercial panel. Flickering lights, blown fuses and corrosion inside an electrical cabinet are signs you need an upgrade. At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer customized solutions for medical, commercial and industrial facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. From system design for new facilities to upgrading electrical panels and lighting for an expansion to routine maintenance and repairs, we efficiently manage all your needs.

Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. Count on us to keep your electrical systems working efficiently and safely.

Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for your commercial and industrial projects.

Importance of Properly Gauging Your Electrical Service

Written by J & S Electrical Contractors on . Posted in Blog.

Is your electrical service able to support all your industrial equipment and devices? Load calculations are the first step in designing an efficient and safe power distribution system. Every business uses electricity in different ways. For instance, the requirements of industrial shops vary greatly from a commercial kitchen, retail outlet or office building. Knowing how to estimate commercial and industrial loads according to business needs is critical to preventing sudden outages and electrical accidents. Our experienced electricians explain how they go about sizing services for your facility.

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Electrical Safety Tips from Commercial Electricians for Property Managers and Developers

Written by J & S Electrical Contractors on . Posted in Blog.

Property management and development comes with its own unique set of challenges. Of critical importance is electrical safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 48,000 fires involving faulty equipment, improper installation and/or misuse of electrical systems cause deaths, injuries and $1.5 billion in property damage every year. Having your systems installed and regularly maintained by qualified commercial electricians can prevent this type of destruction and loss at your business premises.

To reduce the incidence of electrical fires, the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has designated May as National Electrical Safety Month. Do a self-audit of your systems to identify and fix potential problems. Whether you are managing a residential building or developing a retail facility, negligence can cost you dearly. Our experienced electrical contractors have provided a checklist below to help you keep your residents and employees safe.

Electrical Safety Self-Audit Checklist

  • Ensure your workers use electrical gloves and footwear while handling electrical materials at a construction site.
  • Always use a surge protector to shut off the worksite’s power supply during an emergency.
  • Have your electrical and lighting systems designed and installed by a qualified electrician.
  • Install an adequate number of receptacles to avoid the use of extension cords.
  • Use arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) and ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock.
  • Test the AFCIs and GFCIs every month to ensure they are working properly.
  • Ensure all outdoor receptacles have GFCI protection.
  • Keep electrical appliances away from water.
  • Keep the area around your electric meter and other electrical equipment clear.
  • Check electrical cords for damage and replace them in a timely manner.
  • Call a qualified electrician to resolve problems such as blown fuses, tripping circuits, flickering or dimming lights, and outlets or switches that feel warm or hot.
  • Hire a licensed electrician for any electrical work during property renovation projects.

Installation, Repair and Maintenance by Licensed Commercial Electricians

Not following prescribed electrical safety codes can put you in trouble with the law. At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer tailored solutions to meet the unique requirements of property managers and developers. From new electrical installs to wiring upgrades, lighting improvements and maintenance contracts, we can look after all your electrical needs in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

Our staff is fully licensed, insured, and up to date on the latest safety codes. We work with a variety of businesses, including medical, commercial and industrial facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. Count on us to keep your electrical systems working safely and efficiently.

Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for your commercial and industrial projects.

Advantages of Standby Generators at Your Place of Business

Written by J & S Electrical Contractors on . Posted in Blog.

Sudden shutdowns on account of power outages translate to a significant loss of business revenue. Whether you run a restaurant, retail store, hospital or manufacturing plant, having a backup source for power supply is critical to ensure uninterrupted operations and maintain customer satisfaction. Standby generators can help you stay open for business despite power outages.

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Protect Your Patients and Equipment with Medical Grade Electrical Services

Written by J & S Electrical Contractors on . Posted in Blog.

Electrical systems control nearly every aspect of medical facilities. Monitoring and diagnostic machines, ventilators, incubators, defibrillators, etc. are all essential to patient care. So is your lighting, primary heating and cooling equipment. Keeping your electrical systems in great shape is critical to positive outcomes. Here are some guidelines for implementing an effective electrical maintenance program.

Electrical Maintenance Tips for Medical Facilities

Preventative maintenance is an essential part of running safe and efficient medical operations. Follow these steps:

  1. Inspect all electrical wiring: Get a licensed commercial electrician to inspect all the electrical wiring in your medical facility at least once a year (twice a year is ideal). This allows you to identify and fix problems before they shut down your operations.
  2. Test generators: Even when hardly used, backup generators need regular maintenance to work properly when needed. We recommend running them at least once a week. If left idle for too long, air can enter and cause startup issues or equipment failure. Always inspect transfer switches and generators for signs of wear, and check the filters and oil levels before turning them on.
  3. Monitor and verify load: Electrical failures occur when you plug too many devices into a particular circuit. Safety mechanisms like circuit breakers may also overheat as a result of the overload causing electrical fires. Check equipment ampacity (ampere capacity); monitor and verify loads regularly to prevent overburdening any circuit. Do not make any changes to the electrical system or the building’s fuse box without consulting a professional electrician.
  4. Maintain your HVAC system: Hospital HVAC systems control temperature, air quality and humidity, all of which are important to patient recovery. Neglecting routine maintenance can have serious consequences. In addition to your furnace and air conditioner, pay attention to the cooling towers and water pumps connected to them.
  5. Hire a licensed commercial electrician: Electrical systems in healthcare facilities are more complex than other buildings. Installing or upgrading them requires a thorough knowledge of industry standards, safety codes, building design and your specific operational requirements. Choosing a company with relevant experience will help provide your medical facility with the reliable power supply it needs to care for your patients.

Medical Grade Electrical Services for New Installs, Expansions and Upgrades

Working with J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., you can feel confident that you are receiving top quality service. We work with a variety of businesses, including medical, commercial and industrial facilities across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Our staff is fully licensed, insured, and up to date on all of the latest safety codes and requirements.

Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. Count on us to complete your installs, upgrades and repairs on time and within budget.

Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for your commercial and industrial projects.