Author: J & S Electrical Contractors

Surge protection should be an integral part of every industrial, commercial and residential electrical system. Yes, it is true that surges in electric current are natural and have always occurred. However, the increasing use of sensitive electronics which are highly susceptible to damage make surge protection critical.

What causes a surge?

Power surges are quick, temporary spikes in voltage that occur when the electrical charge in the circuit gets a sudden boost. One study revealed that 63% of surges originated from within the facility. What caused them? Load dynamic changes on large machines, motors and light load panels turning on and off, etc. The remaining 37% were the result of external factors such as utility grid switching, electrical accidents and lightening.

What surge damage means for businesses

Utility experts estimate that power-related problems cost US companies more than $80 billion a year.

Below is a quick overview of how surge damage drives up your business expenses:

• Higher equipment repair and maintenance costs
• Expense of replacing motors, machines and electronics that are destroyed
• Shorter equipment lifespan leading to early replacement expenses
• Equipment failure resulting in unplanned downtime and loss of productivity
• Electrical accidents and workplace injuries

How to protect your facility from surge damage

A high quality surge protection device (SPD) minimizes the risk of internal and external surges and saves you thousands of dollars in damage.  A properly-designed and installed SPD can withstand significant voltage spikes. An experienced commercial and industrial electrical contractor can help you find the right one for your facility as well as connect it correctly to your electrical system. 

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer tailored solutions for your commercial or industrial facility. From new electrical system installation with surge protection to facility upgrades and lighting, we are fully equipped to meet your specific needs. Energy-efficient solutions, quality workmanship and exceptional service have helped us make customers for life. For over 25 years, plant and facility managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country depend on us for a wide variety of electrical, commercial and mechanical contractor services.

Ask us for a custom plan to protect your business from harmful electric surges. We will ensure stable electrical power transmission to your sensitive electronics and machines. Our commercial electricians are fully licensed, certified and up-to-date with technology and safety codes. From installation to maintenance and emergency repairs, you can rely on us for cost-efficient electrical solutions.

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

According to the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program, combined annual energy costs for U.S. commercial buildings and industrial facilities amounted to $400 billion as of March 2015. With an earlier survey in 2007 revealing that almost 30% of this energy is used inefficiently or unnecessarily, reducing any wastage is a top priority for business owners.

Our team of experts here at J&S Electrical offers more tips to help you streamline usage and reduce your energy bills.

Upgrade outdated equipment with Energy Star solutions: Heaters and air conditioners lose their efficiency over time and tend to use more power than necessary to achieve set temperatures. Many local governments provide tax incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances for your business and these can help offset your cost.

Maintain your HVAC system: Regular tune-ups and cleaning as well as timely repair will keep your heating and air conditioning equipment functioning at optimal efficiency.

Optimize use of daylight: Try to make use of natural light as much as possible. Installing skylights is one way to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Also switch off extra lights in corridors, stairways, conference rooms, workstations, the reception area and cafeteria.

Consider switching to solar power: While installing solar panels might seem expensive initially, solar power is free and the setup cost can be recovered in a few years through the continual energy savings. The federal government also offers a tax credit for solar systems installed at business premises which can help reduce your expenses.

Plant more trees on your business premises: They can shield your building from the summer heat as well as the cold winter winds which will help reduce your cooling and heating bills.

Involve your employees in energy-efficiency initiatives: Educate them about the energy-saving features of your high-efficiency equipment and appliances. Encourage them to come up with their own ideas for reducing energy usage and cost. Provide incentives for achieving goals; it is a great way to keep employees invested in energy-saving programs.

Set energy saving goals: Assess your energy usage and set clear goals for improving your efficiency. Identify areas of improvement so you can monitor and measure progress.

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer tailored solutions for your commercial or industrial facility. From new electrical system installation to facility upgrades and lighting and energy savings, we are fully equipped to meet your specific needs. Quality workmanship and exceptional service have helped us make customers for life. For over 25 years, plant and facility managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country depend on us for a wide variety of electrical, commercial and mechanical contractor services.

Ask us for a custom plan to make your business more energy efficient. Our vast experience and attention to detail enables us to complete projects on time and within budget. Our commercial electricians are fully licensed, certified and up-to-date with technology and safety codes. From installation to maintenance and emergency repairs, you can rely on us for cost-efficient electrical solutions.

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

Reducing business energy costs involves implementing energy-efficient operational procedures. Inadequate equipment maintenance and unsustainable practices are the main causes of high energy bills.

Our team at J&S Electrical Contractors offers 10 tips valuable tips to help reduce your operational expenses.

1. Divert high energy usage to off peak hours: Familiarize yourself with the time-of-use pricing your utility company offers. Try and schedule high usage for low or off-peak times when the rates are reduced. Train your employees to follow this practice and determine how you can lower energy usage with more initiatives.
2. Get an energy audit done: Have a professional energy auditor (or an energy audit company) assess your business premises for potential energy savings through equipment replacement, operational practices, or building systems and envelopes projects. To reduce cost, check with local utility companies about free energy audit programs and incentives for improving energy efficiency.
3. Replace existing bulbs with CFLs and LEDs: Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) typically use about 25%-80% less energy than traditional incandescent ones. They also last up to 25 times longer.
4. Switch off equipment when not in use: Make it a point to turn off (and unplug if possible) office equipment, the microwave, coffee vending machines, lights and air conditioners after-hours and on weekends and holidays. These continue to draw power if they are plugged in. Encourage employees to use the hibernation feature of computers and laptops. You may also consider plugging these items into a power bar with a switch that can be easily turned off when they are not in use.
5. Opt for energy efficient devices: Selecting energy-efficient equipment and appliances can result in significant savings over the years. Look for ENERGY STAR® products which are certified for their energy-efficiency.
6. Invest in a programmable thermostat: It can automatically adjust the temperature of your office or factory when no one is working; thus, bringing you significant energy savings. In addition, lowering the temperature by one degree during winter and increasing it a degree in summer can reduce power usage by up to 10%.
7. Look out for small drafts: Check windows and doors for leaks and seal them properly. Even the smallest drafts can drive up your heating and cooling costs.

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer customized solutions to meet the specific requirements of your commercial or industrial facility. Quality workmanship, personalized attention and on-time, within-budget project completions have earned us the continued loyalty of our customers. For over 25 years, plant and facility managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country depend on us for a wide variety of electrical, commercial and mechanical contractor services.

Ask us how to make your business more energy efficient. From new electrical system installation to facility upgrade or expansion, our vast experience enables us to seamlessly co-ordinate every aspect of your project. Our commercial electricians are fully licensed, certified and up-to-date with technology and safety codes. Detailed preparation and attention sets our company apart. From installation to maintenance and emergency repairs, you can rely on us for cost-efficient electrical solutions and exceptional customer service.

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

Transformers transmit electrical energy from one circuit to another. Since their main purpose is to increase (step up) or decrease (step down) voltage, these electrical devices can be used for a variety of needs ranging from power distribution and measurement to the charging cradle of your cell phone.

Below is an overview of the main types of transformers and their application.

• Power transformers: Generally used for increasing or decreasing voltage in a power distribution network. Electrical utilities typically use a “step up” transformer to increase voltage and reduce the amount of energy that is lost during transmission over long distances and “step down” to decrease voltage before it reaches consumers.
• Distribution transformers: Used to step down voltage for distribution to residential and commercial users.
• Instrument transformers: They reduce high voltage and current to lesser values which can then be measured and safely used by conventional instruments.
• Single-phase transformers: Often used to supply power for residential lighting, receptacle, air-conditioning and heating needs.
• Three-phase transformers: Constructed by winding three, single-phase transformers on a single core to achieve cost-effective power distribution.
• Two-winding and auto transformers: Two-winding and auto transformers are typically used to step up or down voltage from the transmission grid to the distribution grid. When the high and low voltage is greater than 2, it is more cost-effective to use a two-winding transformer. Auto transformers are preferred when the ratio is less than 2.
• Core and shell transformers: A core type transformer has two vertical legs or limbs with two horizontal sections. HV and LV coils are placed on both limbs. A shell type transformer on the other hand, has a central limb and two outer limbs. Both HV, LV coils are placed on the central limb.
• Oil cooled transformer: Large transformers used in power distribution or electrical substations that have their core and coils immersed in oil which both cools and insulates them.
• Dry-type transformers: Air-cooled transformers that provide an economical method of correcting a lower or higher voltage rating for efficient operation of electrical equipment.

As a valued customer of J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., you will receive tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of your industrial or commercial facility. Our quality workmanship, personalized attention and on-time, within-budget project completions ensure that you are fully satisfied. Discuss your transformer requirements with our team. We will seamlessly co-ordinate every aspect of your project.

Our commercial electricians are fully licensed, certified and up-to-date with technology and safety codes. From transformer installation to maintenance and emergency repairs, you can count on us for cost-efficient electrical solutions and exceptional customer service.

For over 25 years, plant and facility managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country rely on us for a full range of electrical, commercial and mechanical contractor services. We will be happy to add you to our long list of happy customers.

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

Residential and commercial electric wiring are vastly different, right from the quality and grade of material used, to load and energy requirements as well as the installation process. Since there are many factors that go into designing and installing an electrical system, it is important that you hire the right electrical contractor for the job.

Here is an overview of the 3 main differences between commercial and residential wiring below for your understanding.

Residential Wiring

• Insulation – Completely covered with sheath insulation to protect wiring as well as residents from electrical shock.
• Location – Usually hidden from view within wall interiors, rafters and attic crawl spaces in your home.
• Load – Uses a single phase circuit of 120 volts with the exception of appliances such as air conditioning units, refrigerators, washers and dryers which use a 2-phase circuit of 240 volts.

Commercial Wiring

• Insulation – Has a higher level of insulation which is thermoplastic, high-heat resistant, nylon coated (THHN) for protection from corrosive substances.
• Location – Typically run through tube-like conduits which provide protection from damage but are easily accessible for servicing.
• Load – Generally a 3-phase electrical system, with 2 smaller legs each running 120 volts plus 1 wider leg running 208 volts—this reduces workload on individual wires but provides higher output when combined.

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer customized solutions to meet the unique needs of your industrial or commercial facility. Our customers are assured of quality workmanship, personalized attention and on-time, within-budget project completions. For over 25 years, plant and facility managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country rely on us for a full range of electrical, commercial and mechanical contractor services.

Discuss your new electrical system installation, facility upgrade or expansion with our team. We will seamlessly co-ordinate every aspect of your project. Our commercial electricians are fully licensed, certified and up-to-date with technology and safety codes. From installation to maintenance and emergency repairs, you can depend on us for cost-efficient electrical solutions and outstanding customer service.

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

From recessed kitchen lighting to parking garage and outdoor area illumination, the list of LED lighting products for residential, commercial and industrial purposes is continually growing. Rapid advances in LED technology are resulting in improved performance and cheaper pricing virtually every year.

If you are considering converting to LED lighting, here are some pros and cons to be aware of.

5 Advantages of LED Lighting

1. Energy efficient: LED lighting is estimated to offer 80% to 90% energy efficiency when compared to traditional incandescent lights. This is because the LED method of producing light loses far less energy to heat than traditional lighting technology.
2. Longer lasting: While a standard incandescent bulb delivers an average of 20,000 hours of light, LED lights can last for as long as 100,000 hours. This is equivalent to approximately 11 years of continuous operation, or 22 years of 50% operation.
3. More durable: LEDs are built with sturdy materials and are therefore, more rugged than their traditional counterparts. They are resistant to vibration, shock and certain degree of external impact. This is why they do not shatter or break as easily as incandescent light bulbs.
4. Cheaper to use: Since LED lamps last longer, they do not have to be replaced as often as incandescent ones. In addition to this, you also save on the cost of lighting them up, which typically accounts for about 7% to 10% of your energy bill.
5. Eco-friendly: LED lights are 100% recyclable. They also do not contain any toxic materials like the mercury vapor in CFLs and have significantly reduced CO₂ emissions. Experts say they can help to reduce your carbon footprint by up to a third.

Disadvantages of LED Lights

With continual improvements in LED technology, much of the initial complaints of flickering, dimming problems or failure in high temperature conditions have been greatly reduced. Choosing good quality LED lighting with an Energy Star rating can help you maximize its benefits. Although initial purchase price is definitely higher than traditional bulbs, the savings you enjoy over the lifespan of LEDs makes them worth the switch.

At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., our solutions are customized to meet the unique needs of your industrial or commercial facility. For over 25 years, plant and facility managers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and across the country depend on us for a full range of electrical, commercial and mechanical contractor services. Our aim is to meet your timeline and budget while exceeding your expectations.

Discuss your LED lighting project with us. Our commercial electricians are fully licensed, certified, and up-to-date with technology and safety codes. From installation to maintenance and emergency repairs, you can count on us for quality work and cost-efficient electrical solutions.

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