Author: J & S Electrical Contractors

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.

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.

Are you moving your chain store to a better location? Are you adding a new franchise store to your existing business portfolio? Building or renovating a store begins with a concept for a new design. If you need to upgrade or create a new electrical system, then you need the assistance of professional electricians to ensure you meet code and your clients, employees, or tenants are safe. Leaving your electrical design to anyone less than a skilled and certified commercial electrical contractor can lead to significant trouble later on. 

Electrical Plan Design for Build Outs

The process of taking your concept to completion requires several steps. They include:

• Design Process – Your design team needs to understand the full scope of what your project requires. They use this information to define and sketch out the necessary components involved, such as office areas, specialized machinery, and the power distribution equipment needed to run everything.
• Understanding the Scope of the Project – The scope of the job depends on what the customer requires and what structure is being used. For example, if a business needs to rewire their existing building then the new wiring has to be integrated with the old. This also means that the current system can work together with the new system. 
• Parts of the Electrical Plan – Parts of the electrical plan can include: general electrical requirements, specialized electrical requirements, lighting systems, and distribution systems.
• Discerning Proper Standards – Each part has specific standards that are required depending on the jurisdiction of the location.
• Creating the Electrical Plan – Using all these steps, an electrical plan is sketched into a clear diagram which electrical contractors then use to bring the job to completion.

Hire a Licensed Commercial Electrician for Your Location’s Electrical Build Out

For more than 25 years, J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc. has completed not only small jobs but also large, multi-location projects. We have worked with a variety of businesses including chain stores, retail stores, and franchises 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. Depend on us to complete your build out 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.

Working with high voltage electrical systems is an extremely dangerous job. The smallest mistakes can lead to serious injuries, even loss of life.  A general maintenance worker without training in handling live electrical equipment or an unqualified electrician with insufficient knowledge of safety procedures to mitigate potential hazards will increase your liability. The same is applicable to the use of outside electrical contractors with unqualified workers. Businesses owners who ignore these risks put both their employees and livelihood in jeopardy. 

Dangers of Working with High Voltage Electricity

Voltages over 600 volts are in the high voltage category. Electrical injuries from direct contact or exposure to high voltages are of many types. They include:

• Electrical burns
• Electrical shock
• Falls
• Skin ruptures
• Damage to the heart and internal organs
• Neurological injuries
• Eye injuries
• Electrocution (which can be fatal)

OSHA requires that all workers who work on or near electrical equipment must have proper training. Workplace accidents arising out of negligence and failure to comply with established safety protocol can lead to heavy fines, multi-million-dollar law suits and in extreme circumstances, a complete shutdown of your business operations.

Why Hire a Commercial Electrician for High Voltage Work

Qualified commercial electricians have the knowledge, skills and experience to minimize potential hazards.

• They know how to use special tools and work procedures required for high voltage work, including barricading requirements.
• Their training ensures they understand special hazards associated with high voltage equipment like flames and electrical arcs and can exercise the necessary controls per regulatory standards.
• Specialized training includes electrical safety best practices to provide the correct response should a situation occur.

When hiring a commercial electrician, make sure they have high voltage training as well as sufficient experience with the type of equipment you want to install or repair.

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., our fully licensed and certified commercial electricians work with a wide range of high voltage electrical equipment in industrial and commercial plants. From complex system installations to emergency repairs and preventative maintenance, our cost-efficient solutions provide you with significant operational savings. Rest assured, we will set up your electrical systems to minimize outages, equipment failure and downtime. 

Talk to us about your electrical needs and we will be happy to tailor a service plan for you.

We use a consultative approach to design solutions that fit your specific operational needs. For over 25 years, industrial plant managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country depend on us for a wide variety of electrical, commercial and mechanical contractor 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. Count on us for electrical systems that will provide you with optimal functionality, reliability and cost-efficiency.

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.

Modern equipment offers a high degree of reliability and efficiency. While this is certainly an advantage, the downside is that it may be often taken for granted until a problem occurs. Expert troubleshooting, regularly preventative maintenance and equipment rebuilds can help prevent sudden failures and downtime. Our highly-skilled commercial electricians share some useful tips for cost-effective operation.

• Equipment inspections: When was the last time your mechanical and electrical systems were inspected? Deterioration of motors, generators, transformers, wires, cables, switchgear, batteries, light fixtures, arresters, electronic controllers, etc. over time is normal. However, studies show that industrial plants realized the lowest repair and replacement costs when a regular equipment inspection program was in place. Classify your equipment in terms of importance and risk to identify and record issues for corrective action. 
• Preventative maintenance: Money spent on preventative maintenance will translate to lower equipment breakdown repair costs. Just fixing stuff when issues occur can be expensive. Your preventative maintenance program should be based on thorough equipment inspections and evaluations. In our experience, a one-size-fits-all approach to loss prevention tends to waste valuable resources and/or leads to neglect of critical actions. Also, simply following codes may not be enough. Codes typically assume that standard maintenance practices are in place, but they rarely mandate these practices. Furthermore, while for some equipment merely following code may be adequate, for other, the requirements may be even more stringent.
• Equipment troubleshooting techniques: Expert troubleshooting involves correctly identifying the specific cause (or component) that is causing the problem. First, look for components which tend to burn or wear out, such as mechanical switches, fuses, relay contacts, or light bulbs. Coils, motors, transformers and other devices with windings which generate heat are the next probable cause of failure. Inspect screw and bolt connections as they can loosen over time and cause high resistance leading to burning. Finally, check for defective wiring. Remember that while you might identify the issue, you may not be qualified (as per OSHA requirements) to work on it.
• Equipment rebuilds: Reconstructing equipment can give you increased lifespan with a lower price tag. When updated with the latest technology, it is often comparable to a new machine. In addition to environmental benefits, large equipment rebuilds have become popular because they save you money by prolonging the service life of your existing machines.

Avoid Outages and Loss of Productivity

Are you eager to prevent frequent equipment breakdowns? At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., our fully licensed and certified electricians are on the cutting-edge of technology. We recognize and adhere to the latest safety codes, providing service that delivers quality and value. Our comprehensive electrical solutions and tailored service plans are designed to prevent costly outages and optimize your returns. In addition to equipment installation, we also provide troubleshooting advice for repair and rebuilds.

With extensive experience in mechanical equipment and electrical systems in industrial and commercial plants,  we can help lower your operating costs. For over 25 years, industrial plant managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country depend on us for a wide variety of electrical, commercial and mechanical contractor services.

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.

Conveyor belts are essential to a wide range of operations, including large manufacturing plants, distribution centers, airports, and smaller industrial units. Professional conveyor installation optimizes the service life of your material handling system and helps you maintain a safe working environment. Our highly-skilled commercial electricians share some valuable tips for cost-effective operation of your conveyer system.

• Select the right size, capacity, and track configuration: From space-saving monorail conveyors to high-efficiency floor conveyors for assembly lines, and multi-track power conveyor systems that transport a variety of items, there are many options to choose from. Select a system that is appropriate for the type of material you want it to carry. Overloading your conveyor will damage it. We also recommend thinking ahead to accommodate any growth and expansion plans at your plant.
• Pay attention to design: Your facility layout impacts the design and size of your conveyor belt. The ideal design covers all loading and unloading areas to improve work efficiency and productivity.
• Choose throughput carefully: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need faster or slower throughput. This refers to conveyor speed or the maximum number of cases per minute (CPM) the conveyor will safely accommodate. To maintain optimal performance, engineers suggest that the CPM throughput should be within 10% of the maximum limit.
• Calculate power requirements: Determining the power requirements of your conveyor belt is critical to preventing machine breakdown and system overload. We can help you properly estimate your requirements to avoid equipment damage and downtime costs.
• Operator training: Only qualified personnel should operate a conveyor. Training should include instruction in operation under normal conditions as well as what to do in emergency situations. Loading and unloading points should also be kept clear of obstructions that could endanger personnel.
• Regular maintenance: All mechanical equipment including conveyors need maintenance. Just fixing issues as they occur can be expensive. Adhering to a comprehensive preventative maintenance plan will help you maximize run time.

With the right system, correct conveyor installation, and regular upkeep, you can make the most of your investment. Working with an experienced provider of conveyors and a team of certified commercial electricians will help minimize your liabilities.

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., our fully licensed and certified electricians ensure seamless installation and operation of your conveyor systems. Our expertise covers a wide range of material handling systems in industrial and commercial plants.  Leverage our tailored service plans to reduce implantation time, and optimize the returns on your investments. For over 25 years, industrial plant managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country depend on us for a wide variety of electrical, commercial, and mechanical contractor services.

Our comprehensive electrical solutions include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, as well as test, commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. Designed and installed to exacting standards, our power control solutions deliver consistent performance and ensure your peace of mind. You can count on us to ensure your system is up and running as soon as possible.

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