Electric Vehicle Industry Anticipates Rapid Growth

During a recent virtual event, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) announced a “Coming Wave of Electric Vehicles” and projected electric vehicles (EV) will comprise 40 percent of new car purchases by 2030. Factors such as rapid reductions in purchase price in addition to a wide variety of cost-competitive, high-performance, and lower carbon-emission models than typical vehicles are responsible for elevated consumer interest. Moreover, numerous communities and companies pledged to switch to electric alternatives for buses, vans, delivery vehicles, work trucks, and other ridesharing automobiles.

Economies aimed at decarbonization have implemented EVs as strategic tools in the overall effort. With the rising consumer interest, new demands will be placed on electric utilities and aging infrastructure. Increased research and development will be instrumental for proper execution.

BloombergNEF New York published the Electrical Vehicle Outlook 2020, which predicted EVs will hit 10 percent of global passenger vehicle sales by 2025, rising to 28 percent in 2030 and 58 percent in 2040. “Passenger EV sales jumped from 450,000 in 2015 to 2.1 million in 2019. They will drop in 2020 before continuing to rise as battery prices fall, energy density improves, more charging infrastructure is built, and sales spread to new markets,” according to the site.

Some of the factors driving the EV market include better technology, regulatory policies, and lower lithium-ion battery prices, which fell a whopping 87 percent from 2010 to 2019. In terms of regulations, 13 countries and 31 cities/regions have pledged to lower or phase out classic vehicle sales over time.

Infrastructure needs for EVs will rise, as predicted by Bloomberg NEF. By 2040, roughly 290 million charging points will be required worldwide to support the growing EV market. Charging hardware and installation costs will reach $500 billion globally by 2040.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

UV-C Light Sanitizes COVID-19

Broader interest in disinfectant applications has been sparked by the COVID-19 global pandemic. One sanitation method, germicidal ultraviolet light (GUV), is effective for disinfecting areas, including killing viruses and bacteria. However, a major drawback of this technique is that it is harmful to human health. Thus, GUV use is limited in occupied spaces.

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center released a study that found UV-C to be effective against influenza and seasonal coronaviruses present in airborne droplets. According to the research, continuous exposure would kill 90 percent of airborne viruses in about eight minutes. In 11 minutes, 95 percent of airborne viruses would die, 99 percent in 16 minutes, and 99.9% would be eradicated in 25 minutes. This new technology has recently been commercialized by Ushio Inc., Tokyo, and is emerging in the North American lighting market through Atlanta-based Acuity Brands.

Filtered far-UV-C cannot reach or damage living cells in the body (within recommended limits) as it does not penetrate the eye’s tear layer or the skin’s outer dead-cell layer. Real-world effectiveness was not measured in the study, so further research is needed. Nevertheless, the promising results suggest filtered far-UV-C has the potential to disinfect occupied spaces as well.

Ideally, areas with high social interaction levels (restaurants, offices, classrooms, public bathrooms, sports venues, public transit, retail, gyms, healthcare areas, etc.) would benefit from the new technology. Permanent pathogen mitigation has a bright future with UV light.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

UV-C Light Sanitizes COVID-19

Broader interest in disinfectant applications has been sparked by the COVID-19 global pandemic. One sanitation method, germicidal ultraviolet light (GUV), is effective for disinfecting areas, including killing viruses and bacteria. However, a major drawback of this technique is that it is harmful to human health. Thus, GUV use is limited in occupied spaces.

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center released a study that found UV-C to be effective against influenza and seasonal coronaviruses present in airborne droplets. According to the research, continuous exposure would kill 90 percent of airborne viruses in about eight minutes. In 11 minutes, 95 percent of airborne viruses would die, 99 percent in 16 minutes, and 99.9% would be eradicated in 25 minutes. This new technology has recently been commercialized by Ushio Inc., Tokyo, and is emerging in the North American lighting market through Atlanta-based Acuity Brands.

Filtered far-UV-C cannot reach or damage living cells in the body (within recommended limits) as it does not penetrate the eye’s tear layer or the skin’s outer dead-cell layer. Real-world effectiveness was not measured in the study, so further research is needed. Nevertheless, the promising results suggest filtered far-UV-C has the potential to disinfect occupied spaces as well.

Ideally, areas with high social interaction levels (restaurants, offices, classrooms, public bathrooms, sports venues, public transit, retail, gyms, healthcare areas, etc.) would benefit from the new technology. Permanent pathogen mitigation has a bright future with UV light.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center released a study that found UV-C to be effective against influenza and seasonal coronaviruses present in airborne droplets. According to the research, continuous exposure would kill 90 percent of airborne viruses in about eight minutes. In 11 minutes, 95 percent of airborne viruses would die, 99 percent in 16 minutes, and 99.9% would be eradicated in 25 minutes. This new technology has recently been commercialized by Ushio Inc., Tokyo, and is emerging in the North American lighting market through Atlanta-based Acuity Brands.

Filtered far-UV-C cannot reach or damage living cells in the body (within recommended limits) as it does not penetrate the eye’s tear layer or the skin’s outer dead-cell layer. Real-world effectiveness was not measured in the study, so further research is needed. Nevertheless, the promising results suggest filtered far-UV-C has the potential to disinfect occupied spaces as well.

Ideally, areas with high social interaction levels (restaurants, offices, classrooms, public bathrooms, sports venues, public transit, retail, gyms, healthcare areas, etc.) would benefit from the new technology. Permanent pathogen mitigation has a bright future with UV light.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Manufacturers Share their Most Popular Electrician Tools

While most jobs require specific tools that vary by type or need, most electricians carry a few essential tools for basic settings. Here are the most popular tools purchased in the industry as specified by each manufacturer below.

Manual Hand Tools

Klein Tools
NCVT-1 noncontact voltage tester
– 11045 wire stripper and cutter
– 32500 11-in-1 multibit screwdriver and nut driver set

Channellock
– Straight-jaw, tongue-and-groove pliers
– Round-nose linemen’s pliers
– Insulated grip, long-nose pliers

Milwaukee Tool
– Fish tapes
– Electric fish sticks
– Conduit benders

Southwire Tools and Equipment
– Simple PET fish tape
– S7N1HD multitool pliers
– S1018SOL stainless steel wire stripper

Power Tools

Bosch
– 12V Max EC brushless Flexiclick 5-in-1 drill/driver system
– 18V EC brushless Freak 2-in-1 bit/socket impact driver
– 18V EC brushless SDS-Plus Bulldog rotary hammer

DeWalt
– DCE151 20V Max XR cordless cable stripper
– DCE700 60V Max cordless pipe threader
– DCN701 20V Max cordless cable stripper

Hilti
– SID 4-A22 impact driver
– SCM 22-A cordless metal saw
– Cordless hydraulic cutting, crimping, and knockout tool set

Milwaukee Tool
– Crimping tools
– Cable cutters
– Knockout tools

Testers

Fluke Corp.
– Digital multimeters
– Clamp meters
– Basic electrical testers

Megger
– 1kV insulation tester
– Digital low-resistance ohmmeter
– Thermal camera

To find out more about these tools in-depth, read the original article from Electrical Contractor. For electrical equipment replacement products, contact the experts at J&P Electrical today.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Building Emissions Could Be Cut in Half with Heating Electrification

The American Council on Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) published a report that outlined how carbon emissions could dramatically reduce if space heating were converted to electricity. In order to meet long-term goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel burning to heat homes and buildings needs to be moderated or eliminated. High-efficiency electric heat pumps (generated from renewable energy) are one way to fulfill this need. The report models the effects of substituting several types of gas-based heating systems in commercial buildings with different electric heat pump systems.

Heating electrification in buildings encompasses replacing electric technologies for combustion-fuel where other fuels are being used. (i.e., space heating and water heating.) Industrial electrification consists of fueling a wide range of industrial processes by electricity instead of combustion fuels.

The different types of Electric Resistance Heating as outlined by the U.S. Department of Energy include:

Electric furnaces: require extra energy to distribute the heated air throughout the home, which makes them more expensive to operate. Air flows through ducts and the furnace’s heating elements activate in stages to avoid overloading a whole-house electrical system.

Electric baseboard heaters: zonal heaters controlled by thermostats are located within individual rooms. Metal pipes encase heating elements that run the length of the baseboard’s housing unit. These are usually installed under windows and can be noisy, giving poor temperature control.

Electric wall heaters: an electric element with a rear reflector pushes heat out into a room through a fan. These are installed on mainly interior walls, as exterior walls are difficult to insulate.

ACEE published a document describing different programs to electrify space heating in homes and buildings. By promoting the programs used to electrify space heating in homes and buildings, the public will become more aware of the options, opportunities, and advantages available. Rebate incentives also increase participation, emphasizing growth within the residential sector.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Policy and Systems Analysis under the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Contract prepared a document that outlines the drivers, barriers, prospects, and policy approaches regarding the electrification of buildings and industry in the U.S.

For all your electrical equipment needs, contact J&P Electrical today. 

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Michiganders Unite on Common Mission to Safely Reopen Our State

All Michiganders share the same goal: we all want to safely reopen Michigan.

No matter how we have been individually affected by COVID-19, we all want to get Michigan back to work, our economy fully reopened, and the joys of life the virus took from us returned.

To safely reopen and stay open, Michiganders must unite on a common mission to contain the virus – by taking three simple actions to reduce the spread and protect each other from getting sick or worse.

“There is hope to be found everywhere, and there is an end in sight if we all unite and work together to safely open businesses and keep them going, we can resume doing the things we all love here in Michigan.” said Mary Price of J&P Electrical Company LLC.

“Spread Hope, Not COVID”

At the request of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, J&P Electrical Company LLC is supporting a new statewide public education campaign called “Spread Hope, Not COVID.” The goal of the campaign is to unite all Michiganders to take three simple actions that will contain the spread of the virus at levels that will enable the state to fully reopen — and stay open. Michiganders must:

  1. Wear a mask or face covering over your mouth and nose to reduce the spread.
    1. While masks alone may not always prevent the spread of the disease, scientists, doctors and health experts agree that cloth masks and face coverings can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by about 70%.
    1. Masks do not have to be worn all the time. Michiganders are required to wear a face covering whenever you are in indoor public spaces and crowded outdoor spaces where you may be in close contact with people outside of your household, or people you do know but have not been with or near recently.
  2. Practice physical distancing by staying at least 6 feet from people outside of your household.
    1. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact.
    1. A mild illness for one person, could be life-threatening for someone else.
  3. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.
    1. Don’t touch your face, nose, mouth and eyes with unwashed hands.
    1. This routine practice also prevents the spread of many other viruses and illnesses.

In addition, testing and contract tracing continue to be vitally important towards reopening Michigan. To get tested, call the COVID Hotline at 888-535-6136 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, or visit Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest, to find testing locations near you and schedule an appointment. If you test positive, help prevent further spread by participating in case investigations and contact tracing with local or state health officials.

J&P Electrical Company LLC’s representative said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused undeniable economic and personal suffering for millions of Michiganders.

“Our gathering places, communities, schools, places of worship, places of business, and our homes: everywhere and everyone in Michigan has been touched by the impact of the virus,” Price said.

“If all Michiganders unite, we can fully reopen our state and stay open,” Price said. “The last thing any of us want is to reopen our state only to have it close again from another wave of infections and deaths. Reopening before it is safe puts our health care system and economy once at risk – a risk we cannot afford.”

The “Spread Hope, Not COVID” campaign is aimed at communicating with all Michigan residents through TV, radio, outdoor, digital, social, earned media, and direct communications. The campaign also includes content customized for specific audiences of Michiganders. The campaign’s content is based on extensive research with 2,047 Michigan residents. The campaign is made possible by funding approved by Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. Congress.

Now Trending: Electronic Face Masks

With face masks being all the rage, these days, manufacturers and hobbyists are discovering ways to innovate them; from air filtration to language translation, the possibilities are endless. Face mask requirements brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused N95 and other nano-particle filter masks to be in high demand. As individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide have pledged support toward the mask mandates, “mask up” has become the new norm. Novel consumer goods created by electrical engineers have been in-line with social trends; market deadlines bring them to life.

First on the list is LG’s revolutionary wearable air purifier mask. A UV case is included, which sanitizes the mask between use. The patented respiratory sensor and dual fans allow for clean, filtered air to enter the lungs with normal breathing patterns.

Vita Innovations created VitalMask, a biometric monitoring mask. The 3D-printed mask places sensors around the earlobes, nose, and mouth to monitor body temperature, heartbeat, blood oxygen levels, and respiration rate.

A homemade electronic face mask features LED lighting to mimic mouth motions while speaking. Inventor Tyler Glaiel was interviewed by BBC in June about his mask, which addresses a common issue that is missing in the more advanced medical devices: the ability to see when a user is talking.

The C-FACE, made by Donut Robotics, is a face mask that translates Japanese into eight other languages. Taisuke Ono, chief executive of Donut Robotics, explained, “We worked hard for years to develop a robot and we have used that technology to create a product that responds to how well the coronavirus has reshaped society.”

In response to the ever-present face mask societal mandates, many businesses and individuals are banking on this new electronic trend to catch on.

Want to learn more about the electronic face masks infiltrating the consumer market? Check out the original article from All About Circuits for an in-depth look. J&P Electrical supplies contractors and individuals with top-quality electrical components. While these innovative face masks are not yet mainstream, we can help with most other electrical component questions, issues, or sales.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Report Suggests Need for Improved Electrical Shock Safety Training

According to a safety report by Littelfuse, electrical workers who were trained on safety practices weren’t necessarily aware of how to avoid injury or death from electrical shock. The Chicago-based circuit protection manufacturer surveyed 575 electrical workers across an assortment of industries. Technicians, design and project engineers, maintenance electricians, electrical contractors, and safety, plant, and purchasing managers participated in the survey.

Over 90 percent of surveyed employees were provided with safety equipment training if they work with or near equipment voltage up to 500 volts (V.) Most of the workers (62 percent) who said they believe it is safe to work with 500V experienced electrical shock by more than 220V while working. 

“If a worker cannot distinguish a safe working voltage from a hazardous condition, then their safety training failed. It is also probable that any pertinent safety practices the worker has retained are ineffective when they are unable to read a hazardous situation,” Littelfuse wrote.

Many electrical workers who went through electrical safety training use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, to work on live equipment. The Littelfuse report stated, “If a worker believes they do not need to de-energize equipment if they wear PPE, then their safety training has failed.” Moreover, many facilities are required to send their electrical gloves to be tested by a laboratory; many do not, according to surveyed employees.

Facilities should be providing more than PPE to employees in order to prevent electrical shock. According to the Littelfuse report, “PPE is the least-effective preventative measure and responsible for many injuries and fatalities due to its human-based practices. GFCI protection, which is a much more effective preventative measure as it nearly eliminates the hazard, saves lives because it does not require human involvement for it to work. Its out-of-sight-out-of-mind practice requires zero energy from the workers to guarantee their safety.” Yet the National Electric Code does not require GFCI protection for circumstances as it does PPE.

For your electrical equipment and service needs, contact J&P Electrical. We can answer questions about safety and offer products to ensure your employees are protected. For further reading, check out the report by Littelfuse.

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. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment, such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Top Trends in the Electrical Industry for 2020

As we venture further from the industrial age of mass production and manual labor into the information age of electronic and automation systems, we see a dramatic shift in nearly every industry. This is especially true in the electrical industry, and the way we develop infrastructure, design cities, and consume energy will be almost unrecognizable.  

Technology has paved the way and is continually shaping and shifting markets and economies. Here are some of the top trends for 2020 in the electrical industry that will develop and drive us into the upcoming decade.

Energy Storage – 

A significant and essential trend this year is energy storage. Those who work in energy space believe it’s a critical component to improve and evolve the integrity of the grid. Consumers want more control over their energy, but the current system doesn’t allow for this type of movement on a mass scale. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has already implemented a “Pay-for-Performance” pricing structure to incentivize energy storage technologies development. This is one of the main ways that the U.S. energy grid will bring stability, and it has the potential to become a cost-efficient solution on a commercial scale. 

Increasing Energy Demand – 

Energy demand is expected to rise by 57% in 2050, and it has already grown more than 25% within the last decade. Embracing emerging technologies coming into the market seems to be the best way to address concerns of expanding energy demands. Technology like Distributed Energy Resources (DERS) for better energy storage and more accessible energy options will be a significant factor in optimizing energy consumption in the years to come. 

Renewable Energy – 

The EIA forecasts a 15% growth rate in 2020, which is the fastest rate in four years. The adoption of renewable energy is also increasing as consumer interest leads the charge for eco-friendly considerations based on emerging technology alternatives. By 2021, wind and solar are expected to grow by more than 17%, when coupled with more efficient energy storage options, it will lead the way for a larger energy source as the industry shifts towards grid parity. 

Grid Parity –

Grid parity is the next stage for all utility companies in the U.S. Grid parity happens when an alternative energy source like solar can generate power lower or equal to the price of a traditional energy source – say fossil fuels. Led by the interests of consumers wanting to have sustainable energy, companies that adopt with supplying the renewable energy market can capitalize on this widespread interest if implemented quickly.

Smart Cities –

Over 35% of mid-sized cities in the U.S. surveyed are already implementing smart city projects. Many electrical companies offer utilities that are already connected through homes and businesses, which can be used to detect water leaks, integrated air quality sensors, power smart streetlight systems, and so much more. Utility companies can also automate their operations and install backup power sources, battery storage options, and microgrids to prevent outages. However, these are only the first stages of smart cities. In the upcoming decades, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine smart streetlights that talk with your home devices to give you traffic updates, solar panel roads that charge nearby businesses and possibly your car. 

IoT & 5G – 

Undoubtedly, these two advances in technology will dramatically shape the landscape, not only in terms of energy but also in almost every other space that technology touches. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a blanket term used to refer to every device that is or will be connected to the internet. 4G has been the primary way data has been communicated; however, 5G will have 10X data transmission capacity of 4G. 4G will only accelerate IoT capability. As IoT increases in popularity, more connected devices will become typical and electrical contractors will begin encountering more of them. Electricians who become familiar with IoT devices could open themselves up to new job opportunities. 

Read about more trends emerging in 2020 within the electrical industry here

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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