J & P ELECTRICAL BLOG Electrical Component Industry Shortages NOVEMBER 24, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard about the global supply shortages affecting nearly all industries. From vehicle manufacturing to computer components, nearly every business involved in overseas production has been affected. The sudden rise in consumer electronics created a demand that the electronics supply chain couldn’t handle during the beginning of the pandemic. Due to worldwide shutdowns creating a pause in production, many companies are now playing catch-up. Moreover, tariffs were imposed on imported Chinese goods, which made the situation more challenging. Raw materials and bulk electronic component shortages forced manufacturers to remain idle, many with half-finished products. The electronic components in high demand include capacitors, resistors, semiconductors, and other parts. Prices for several raw materials, including copper and steel, have doubled between 2020 and 2021. Semiconductors, microchips, and PCBs are all produced in Asia, so some manufacturers are looking to move their operations back to America to compensate. Rising prices are also a factor; as demand rises and supply dwindles, costs increase. ElectronicsB2B reported that the semiconductor industry value is expected to increase by 11 percent from 2020 to 2027. Factors such as 5G-based automation, increased chip demand, and geopolitical issues could all play a massive role in whether the semiconductor shortage will ease up any time soon. Labor shortages are also another large factor in part causing supply deficiency. The number of global working hours was decreased by 8.8 percent due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. Supply chains are the root of the shortages; the longer they are, the more susceptible to interruptions. This is partly why many suppliers are trying to relocate closer to home, called reshoring. With a more relative location, electrical components will arrive more punctually. 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. Electrician Pay is Increasing NOVEMBER 10, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported higher wages for electricians throughout 2020. The average salary was $61,550, with the median hourly pay being $29.59 per hour. The wages of electricians across the United States were analyzed, including apprentices who typically get paid less than experienced electricians. The national average was $60,370 in 2019 and $51,190 in 2018. Areas with large populations and dense cities are generally where the most significant number of electricians reside. There are 78,970 electricians employed in New York City, Los Angeles, and Dallas combined. The states that employ the highest number of electricians are: California (71,010) Texas (60,890) Florida (41,900) New York (36,310) Ohio (23,430) Higher demand for electricians results in a superior standard of pay for those in that area. Each state’s cost of living is also factored in, which results in higher averages in certain regions. Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C. have somewhat elevated costs of living. The states that pay the highest wages for electricians are: Illinois ($81,650) New York ($81,340) Hawaii ($79,030) District of Columbia ($79,030) Oregon ($76,040) The industries that employ the most electricians are: Building Equipment Contractors (477,560) Employment Services (21,160) Local Government (13,780) The highest-paying industries for electricians are: Natural Gas Distribution ($106,280) Land Subdivision ($99,780) Technical/Trade Schools ($93,260) According to the Electricians: Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of electricians is expected to expand by 8 percent by 2029, which is twice as fast as the average for all occupations. The introduction of alternative energy such as wind, solar, and battery power provides emerging work for electricians. 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. Wayne State University Wins Electrical Challenge OCTOBER 28, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS The 2021 ELECTRI International/NECA Electrical Contracting Challenge (ECIC) was won by Wayne State University, Detroit. Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, came in second place, and the University of Toronto ranked third out of 17 teams. Nine teams ended up submitting final projects. The three finalists presented their projects to a panel of NECA judges in Nashville. After answering questions, the judges determined the winner. The ECIC (formerly known as the Green Energy Challenge) encourages students to think innovatively and apply problem-solving skills to certain situations. This year, all teams were directed to assemble a new residence hall while attending 15 classes regarding Building Information Modeling (BIM) and estimating. Wayne State University’s proposal focused on innovative solutions for abiding by social distance guidelines in a residence hall in Detroit’s Midtown area. Their plan included reasonably priced on-campus housing, monetary organization, and environmental support. Iowa State proposed that a residence hall focused on security, sustainability, and an improved user experience. A ground-based photovoltaic system was an aspect of their net-zero option. The University of Toronto suggested a residence hall aimed at providing superior lighting and security systems, along with accessibility access. A solar photovoltaic system would be implemented along with a net-zero recommendation of solar panels. A set of construction documents and building information models were given to each team, which became the groundwork for the design and virtual production. Real-world considerations were accounted for, including cost and workforce. First place, Wayne State, received a $4,000 prize, while Iowa State and the University of Toronto received $3,000 and $2,000, respectively. 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. Surge Protection 101 OCTOBER 13, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS For many people, technology is the center of their attention span. Between televisions, computers, smartphones, ovens, dryers, tablets, security systems, dishwashers, etc., many aspects of our lives are assisted by an electronic device. As people expand the number of devices they own, power protection should increase as well. When they suddenly stop working, it can sometimes seem catastrophic. Power surges are abrupt yet short-lived spikes in voltage that result in strong disruptive effects on the entire electrical system. Thousands of dollars worth of damaged electronics can result from these swift power surges. Typically caused by lightning strikes, power surges can also occur in small instances that damage equipment over time. Read on for some tips to protect your devices from power surges. Protect electronics: Ensure power lines, phone lines, and television lines are protected, as well as outdoor items such as pool equipment, air conditioners, and landscape lighting. Indoor surge protection: Beyond the outside surge protection, it’s imperative to safeguard the plugs as well. Surge protector strips can be used to protect electronics inside the building. To protect your devices, lightning surge protectors installed by electricians can redirect surplus voltage and current into a grounding wire. While the 120 voltage runs through circuits, electronics are protected and won’t lose power through a surge. Professional surge protection includes the following: Facility Guards: highest level of protection – can handle surges up to 400,000 amps Transient Limiters: commercial/industrial – can handle surges up to 100,000 amps DC Surge Protectors: transient or significant surges – can handle surges up to 10,000 amps Data Line Protectors: control/telephone lines Hybrid Surge Protectors: specialized protection for process control or computers For surge protection equipment, contact the electrical contractor supply specialists at J&P 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. Electrical Youth Camp for Employers and Employees SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS A boot camp called Support Ontario Youths is on a mission to support trainees and employers by streamlining and abridging the apprenticeship journey. Support Ontario Youth works together with various skilled trades and partners with specific organizations to host boot camps for those areas. They not only provide youth training; they also hire experts to train them. In the electrical boot camp, attendees can experience wiring a wall outlet through hands-on learning and an instructional booklet. Support Ontario Youth brings in positive, accountable, determined youth who have a strong desire to learn. Electricians who are enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and enjoy teaching are encouraged to apply for a position at the boot camp. 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. Old Electrical Panels Can Delay Transition to Renewable Energy SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS With an increase in electrical homes nationwide, the end goal is to use electricity for heating water and living areas, cooking, vehicle charging, and more resulting in a lower reliance on non-renewable energy. A recent report from Pecan Street outlined how roughly 48 million residential homes throughout the United States will require upgrades to transition from fossil fuels. Residential electrification in total could amount to up to $100 billion, with an average cost of $2,000 for each panel. The report states, “We estimate that more than half of the new homes being built today have electric panels that will not allow for full home electrification.” For 2020, that amounts to roughly 550,000 homes that will eventually face “a needless roadblock to transitioning away from natural gas.” Existing electrical panels create challenges in the effort to fully-electrify homes through: Panel sizing Building and energy codes Incentives through utilities According to the report, “If electric panel upgrades are not managed proactively through policy and incentive programs, the cost and hassle have the potential to be an obstacle for millions of consumers trying to electrify their homes.” Ranging between $1,000 and $5,000, electric panel upgrades can take weeks to accomplish. Some of the hurdles include waiting for permits and hiring an electrician, both of which can take some time. The report suggested utility companies offer incentives for upgrading electrical panels in existing homes to counterbalance these setbacks. State and local governments should also update codes for new construction to require the panels can withstand full house electrification. The report stated, “This minimum panel size could be a requirement for new construction written into municipal, state, or national electric, building, or energy codes. These policy changes would remove critical roadblocks to full electrification and avoid combustion fuel technology lock-in, which would result in continued greenhouse gas emissions from these fuels for decades to come.” Looking for electrical equipment for your infrastructure? Contact the electrification experts at J&P Electrical today! We have what you need, at a price you can afford. 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. All-Electric Homes Gain Popularity AUGUST 25, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS A preliminary effort of “all-electric” homes is gaining attention in a world where clean and efficient energy is at the forefront of environmental efforts to reduce carbon emissions. If the house is built with the right conditions, it can achieve zero emissions, or net-zero. Utility businesses, contractors, and manufacturers are upgrading, creating, and pioneering technologies to achieve net-zero homes. Electric homes have been in the spotlight before; they were all the rage from about 1950 to 1970. More than 850,000 houses were considered “Gold Medallion,” a program sponsored by the Edison Electric Institute, advocating General Electric Co. and Westinghouse Electric Corp. The phrase “Live Better Electrically” touted these electric homes that showcased electric washers and dryers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, and furnaces. At that time, coal was not considered unrenewable, and electricity was expensive, so natural gas ousted electric. In 2015, roughly 25 percent of homes throughout the United States were considered all-electric, according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency. Advocates of all-electric homes have been working diligently to deliver clean electricity as power networks aim to decarbonize. Justin Margolies is the senior energy research analyst for Slipstream, out of Madison, Wisconsin, which serves 21 states by joining with utilities, local and state governments, regulatory agencies, and other organizations to develop novel solutions to energy challenges. Margolies said, “Electrification can be an all-in or incremental strategy. For new homes, going all-in on electrification makes sense since costs for a gas connection, piping, and fixed monthly charges can be avoided altogether.” All-electric homes contain programmable mechanics, appliances, and LED lights that are powered without emissions. New homes could forgo natural gas lines thanks to technologies including air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and dryers, and induction stoves. Homes are typically wired for electric vehicles as well. Collaboration with other trades is imperative in all-electric houses. Margolies said, “Manufacturers offer installer training for their equipment, utilities offer consumer-facing educational resources, and Energy Star offers valuable information as well. There are also forums such as the Electrify Everything Facebook group that offers a place for contractors and homeowners to exchange technical insights and resources related to home and vehicle electrification. The Illinois Green Alliance is a great source of education, and ComEd has materials and resources for its Electric Homes New Construction program.” At J&P Electrical, we specialize in providing the electrical equipment you need. Contact us today to learn more. 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. Paint Shortage Affecting the Electrical Industry AUGUST 13, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS You might have heard about the worldwide shortages that have been sparked by a combination of the global pandemic, weather (freeze) catastrophes in Texas, fires in China, a lack of workers, and more. The supply chain has suffered from these setbacks, causing shortages in various industries such as technology, automobile, furniture, transportation, appliances, and electrical equipment. Shortages began during the global pandemic, as industries were affected by transportation and staffing issues. However, during the past three months, resin paints have been extremely difficult to acquire. Polyester and vinyl ester are most challenging to obtain, followed by epoxy. Thanks to a boom in new construction and countless homeowners upgrading due to confinement, demand for paint has been skyrocketing as well. Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors in Kalamazoo, said, “Strong demand is a good problem to have, but that demand is increasingly straining manufacturers’ ability to keep pace.” Greg McLaughlin, composites manager at Sea Force Center Consoles, said, “Resin distributors are rationing resin deliveries, with large-volume builders first in line. We’re hearing the industry could face a four- to six-week delay in resin products due to the Texas freeze from damages related to processing plants’ piping and fittings.” At J&P, we know the supply chain can be unpredictable, which is why we make sure to overstock when possible and plan for times like these. With paint orders being backordered for five months (and counting), things can get a little stressful but rest assured, the quality of our product will not be compromised! 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. Weather-Related Disasters Lead to Opportunities, Lessons JULY 29, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS Recent records were set for weather-related disasters, with repair costs in the multibillion-dollar range. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has kept a yearly count of floods, heatwaves, tropical storms, hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires since 1980. In terms of frequency and severity, these events have risen exponentially. In 2020, we saw unprecedented wildfires in the West, six hurricanes in the South, numerous tropical storms, tornadoes, an ice storm with hail the size of softballs, and a derecho windstorm responsible for tearing up crop fields, homes, and businesses across the Midwest. These weather-related catastrophes lead to states of emergency in multiple regions across the United States. Thousands of plants, animals, and people died. Additionally, the monetary repercussions totaled $96 billion. Conversely, a fruit crop freeze led to disaster in Florida. Combined with a few storms and tornadoes scattered throughout the country, 1981’s financial total for cleanup due to weather-related disasters was a mere $2.9 billion. Record snowfall, below-average temperatures, ice storms, record-breaking fires, and mass floods have knocked out power across Texas, California, and Michigan so far this year. Brett Brenner, president of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), said, “We’re just not prepared for disasters of this scale. From what we’re seeing in the electrical trades, most of the time, it’s complacency and less-experienced people [DIY homeowners setting up equipment or business owners reusing damaged equipment] coming into the picture that are the cause of injuries. It’s not so much about what we aren’t already equipped to handle.” Therefore, these unanticipated risks are caused by human intervention rather than climate. ESFI is dedicated to educating the public on what they can do to reduce dangers for themselves and emergency responders such as positioning electrical equipment above flood levels, taking precautions when using generators, evaluating water-logged power-driven gear, and more. Protection of homes, businesses, employees, and clients is vital to success. By providing the proper equipment, training, and education, disaster zones can be more easily remediated by all. Businessowners and employees share the responsibility of working safely when it comes to disaster relief and daily performance. Consider the following tips: Maintain a cordial, in-person relationship with your insurance provider. Ensure employees are well-trained and incentivized to work safely. Conduct routine safety meetings. Review insurance coverage and business needs on an annual basis. Evaluate possible hazards and create plans to recuperate if disaster strikes. Create risk management plans based on weather-related emergencies. Appoint certain employees to execute specific steps if severe weather occurs. 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. Helping Wildlife Through Power Line Corridors JULY 16, 2021 / ADMIN / 0 COMMENTS For safe and reliable electrical transmission, bushhogging, seeding, and herbicides are used to control weeds. Along high-voltage power line corridors and local distribution systems, a low profile must be implemented so trees and other tall vegetation do not fall onto lines. Tree branches and shrubbery meeting power lines equals interference sparking outages, wildfires, and other issues. Federal and state requirements are in place, which set guidelines for managing vegetation along power line passages. Utility companies can manage their own power line vegetation issues based on their rights-of-way (ROWs) beyond basic trimming and mowing. By promoting native low-growing vegetative communities, utility companies can offer safe, reliable operation of infrastructure while simultaneously benefiting local wildlife such as songbirds, pollinators, and more. Additionally, adding low-growing, native vegetation can contribute to corporate sustainability goals, lower the site’s carbon footprint, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and beautify the landscape. Power line ROWs make up substantial property countrywide, meaning implementing these strategies, called Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM), could provide nearly five million acres of habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Some of the benefits for wildlife include food sources, shelter, and nesting areas. Rick Johnstone, president of IVM Partners Inc., explained, “If you use the right techniques and the right chemistry, you’ll restore the habitat that used to be there but hadn’t been allowed to be there due to routine cutting. If you kill the root systems of unwanted species, the seeds in the soil will have a chance to grow.” According to Johnstone, the typical methods of constant mowing and tree-cutting generally promote regrowth of negative vegetation such as invasive species (aggressive, non-native plants). The relentless re-growth results in frequent maintenance, leading to elevated labor costs. Instead, IVM is a more enticing practice, as it can deploy appropriate, environmentally-sound, cost-effective methods to control undesirable vegetation. Techniques include bushhogging, mowing, selective tree cutting, herbicide applications, biological controls, and seeding. “The vegetation pretty much manages itself,” once you get a compatible plant community which usually takes a couple of years, Johnstone said. After that, only periodic treatments will be needed. 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. 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