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Author: J & S Electrical Contractors

Steps Involved with Multi-Location, Franchise, or Chain Store Electrical Design & Build Outs

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.

High Voltage Electrical Professionals Needed

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.

Steps for Successful Large Equipment Troubleshooting and Rebuilds

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.

Tips for Cost-Efficient Conveyor Installation and Maintenance

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.

Equipment Relocation: 5 Reasons You Need an Experienced Commercial Electrician

Are you in the process of moving your restaurant, store or manufacturing plant to a new location? Equipment relocation is one of the major challenges business owners and managers face. Hiring an experienced commercial electrician can mean the difference between a seamless start and thousands of dollars lost in unnecessary downtime.

Here 5 benefits you simply cannot ignore:

  1. Proper load sizing to avoid unnecessary shutdowns: An energy audit is critical to avoiding system overload and power failure in the new location. Your electrician will use this detailed assessment to estimate your exact requirements and create an efficient power distribution system.
  2. Equipment testing to make cost-saving decisions: You can ask your electrical contractor to test all equipment and machinery currently in use to help you determine which to move or replace. This can save you hundreds of dollars in transportation and repair costs.
  3. Professional electrical drawings to speed up the permit process: Obtaining electrical permits becomes easier when you have a well-mapped electrical plan. It also helps ensure machinery placement optimizes productivity and energy efficiency.
  4. Preserving equipment warranties and employee safety: Inexperienced handling of your expensive machinery can void warranties, and put your equipment operators in harm’s way. Professional equipment movers and electricians can ensure that machines are properly transported and installed, thus minimizing your liabilities.
  5. Testing and correcting glitches for a smooth start: From ensuring safety circuits and emergency stops are properly installed and working correctly, to verifying grounding and performing a power quality survey for voltage snags, a qualified electrician will quickly troubleshoot problems to prevent any startup delays.

There are several aspects to consider when moving your business, but minimizing downtime is always the top priority. Experienced industrial/commercial electricians can ensure your equipment relocation and startup in the new premises goes as planned.

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer a full range of electrical services for plant relocation, expansion, and upgrades, as well as new builds. With our tailored installation and maintenance plans, you can optimize equipment efficiency and lifespan. 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 customized solutions are designed to deliver both quality and value. From machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, and more, we efficiently cover all your mechanical and electrical needs. Our commercial electricians are fully licensed, certified and up-to-date with technology and safety codes.

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

Checklist for Manufacturing Plant Relocation

Setting up an efficient power distribution system as well as moving and reinstalling equipment are some of the biggest challenges you are likely to encounter during manufacturing plant relocation. Mitigating these operational risks is key to employee safety and productivity. Knowing what to look out for and detailed planning will make all the difference. Our experienced industrial electricians have created a handy checklist to help you minimize any production and financial implications.

  • Equipment testing: Do a detailed assessment of all machinery, including production lines, industrial chimneys, presses, furnaces, and other electric, piping and mechanical systems before the move. This will help determine which equipment you can move directly to the new facility and those that need repairs or replacement.
  • Estimate of power demand: Safety, reliability and energy efficiency are critical considerations while designing your electrical systems. An energy audit of your current plant will help you estimate electricity requirements and create an efficient power distribution system in the new facility. Unless you are upscaling and changing machinery. A proper assessment is critical to avoiding sudden shutdowns and loss of productivity as well as equipment damage. Remember that oversizing adds unnecessary costs while under sizing can result in system overload and power failure.
  • New plant layout review: Go over the equipment layout in the new plant prior to relocating. The objective is seamless workflow and energy efficiency. A well-conceived   layout of machinery, equipment and different departments supports optimal function.
  • Startup, test and correct any glitches in electrical systems and production lines: Here are some tips to help.
    • Compare pre-move readings with current ones to troubleshoot problems.
    • Check that safety circuits and emergency stops are properly installed and working correctly.
    • Verify grounding.
    • Do a power quality survey for voltage sags and other problems.

Seamless Manufacturing Plant Relocation

Relocating a manufacturing plant is no small endeavor, but with smart planning, detailed project coordination and experienced industrial electricians, your move can be seamless. 

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer a full range of industrial electrical services for plant relocation, expansion and upgrades. Our tailored service plans offer the most value for your money. With our skilled lifetime support for your mechanical and electrical systems, you can minimize operational risks. 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 commercial electricians are fully licensed, certified and up-to-date with technology and safety codes.

From the food industry to chemical, water treatment and petroleum operations—we serve diverse clients. 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 and commissioning and 24/7 emergency repair services.

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