Hi SIE family, we hope you are having a great November thus far! Midway through Q4 we have been having some much-needed fun for everyone around the office as we get into the holiday season.
Last month we had fun events like Monochrome Day; a themed dress-up day in which everyone came to work wearing a color of their choice. Halloween bingo, costume contest, and more!
As a company, we enjoy being able to come up with new ways to build comradery and we hope to continue to support our staff and find even more ways to get everyone involved.
As a leading electrical services company, Southwest Industrial Electric must continue to evolve to adequately represent its public. We strive to stay connected with the community, celebrate the success of others, and bolster team spirit. It’s our vision to become the leader in commercial and industrial electrical contracting in the US. We hope by participating in activities such as these, we are leading by example.
Click the link below to follow us on our social networking sites and to see more fun photos!
https://linktr.ee/southwestelectric
Southwest Industrial Electric | Halloween Costume Contest 2023
We hope to continue building our following and to continue supporting and recognizing the amazing work of our electricians and staff. This year’s costume winners were chosen based on the overall number of votes garnered via our staff vote.
Check out our winners!
- Monochrome Day – Melinda in Pink
- Sports Day Winner – Colton as a Skier
- Decades of the Dead – Lily in a Roaring 20’s gown... But dead
- Division Day – Div. 4 as the ‘Color Temperatures’
- Halloween Costume Day Winner – Valerie as Uma from Pulp Fiction
This Date in Electrical History
Hello SIE Community,
We're taking a journey back in time! As a premier commercial and industrial electrical contracting company, we pride ourselves not only on our cutting-edge services but also on our appreciation for the historical milestones that have brought our industry to where it is today. Let’s dive into some of the most significant events in electrical history that took place in the month of November.
November 1878, Thomas Edison & Commercial Lighting Breakthrough
In 1878, Thomas Edison successfully developed a commercially viable incandescent electric light, a breakthrough that had eluded researchers for decades. Recognizing the necessity of a complete electrical system, Edison and his team not only crafted a functional lamp but also designed the essential infrastructure. His innovative solutions, such as lamp regulators and high-resistance filaments, laid the groundwork for an economical distribution system. Concurrently, experiments with generators and advancements in vacuum technology propelled the project forward, eventually leading to Edison's decisive shift to carbon filaments.
Inspired by parallel work on telephone research, the adoption of carbon filaments marked a pivotal moment, ultimately resulting in the invention of electric light. By 1882, Edison's central station system in New York City became operational, ushering in a new industry. Edison's ability to fulfill promises and reshape the invention process solidified his legacy as a pioneering force in the development of electric lighting.
To read more visit https://constitutingamerica.org
As we look back on these pivotal moments, we are reminded of the countless ways electricity has shaped our world. It's not just about the wires, circuits, and switches; it's about progress, innovation, and the unyielding human spirit.
Here at Southwest Industrial Electric, we're proud to be part of an industry with such a rich history, and we're even more excited about the future. Together, let's continue to illuminate the world, power progress, and keep the wheels of innovation turning.
Until next time, stay charged!
Southwest Industrial Electric | Project Snapshot: Caelux Corporation
We're excited to share a sneak peek into one of our ongoing projects that underscores our commitment to excellence, innovation, and unparalleled service in the realm of commercial and industrial electrical services.
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Project Update: A Remarkable Journey with Caelux Corporation
In the ever-evolving world of commercial and industrial electrical contracting, our partnerships with clients define our success and growth. We are thrilled to share an update on our recent and ongoing project with Caelux Corporation, a partnership that has blossomed into something truly exceptional.
When our journey with Caelux began, it was a modest collaboration, aimed at bidding for a small lighting project. Jumping forward, after completing the referenced job as well as continuing to work on a series of other projects, including a service upgrade, powering an equipment line, and providing power to various areas of the facility, those early accomplishments laid the foundation for our current working relationship.
As contractors we love large projects and as leaders in space, we also love situations that allow us to deconstruct or highlight portions of our customer experience.
An experience that demonstrates our commitment to quality work and attention to detail, qualities that have become our hallmark.
Stay tuned for more updates in our upcoming newsletters. We're eager to share the final results with you, showcasing how we're powering the future of commercial and industrial electrical solutions.
What to Consider Before Upgrading a Control System
Longevity: Consider the average life cycle or longevity of the manufacturer’s products and how they handle the obsolescence of their products when selecting a new control system. Many products take years to develop, and most manufacturers’ goal is to have a product that stands the test of time. However, advances in technology sometimes drive a product into retirement well before the manufacturer intended it to. How the manufacturer handles these transitions can save you from prematurely replacing your entire control system.
Features: Some features are more important to one user than to another, but it is important to define these requirements as you start researching your next control system. If you have a clear list of features that you absolutely must have, along with features that you want or may need in the future, use this list to start checking off the boxes of your new control system. Many of the largest control system manufacturers have a lot of features in common, which may make this part of your decision difficult. Specialty input/output cards and communications options are two features you may be interested in, but there are many others that each user may want to consider when choosing the right control system for your plant or facility.
Ease of Use: Knowing your target users and their capabilities is important in the next category to consider, which is ease of use. Some systems are very intuitive and made for the average user, while some systems may require more training or instruction to get started.
SIE Power & Automation
Southwest Industrial Electric can design and install control systems for machines and motors, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems and more. Our technicians are well-versed in all the standards and requirements for a complete, safe, and reliable installation. We can automate all or part of a production process using discrete relay technology or state-of-the-art industrial computers or a combination of the two systems. Southwest also can install the power for packaging and distribution lines, and we can design a custom control system for the line. We are able to tailor-make exactly what our customers need to enable them to have the most efficient system possible.
For those with existing control systems that they want to modify we are able to look at the existing system and work out how it can be changed to operate the want they want.
Reach out to us via our website or social handles to learn more or request a free quote.
For more information or to hear more Click this Link!
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Understanding Hazardous Location Electrical: Safety Beyond Standard
At Southwest Industrial Electric, we are committed to powering the world safely and efficiently. One of the specializations we proudly champion is our expertise in hazardous location electrical installations and maintenance. For businesses and industries operating in environments where explosive or flammable materials are present, standard electrical practices simply won't suffice. Instead, there's a need for specialized electrical solutions that prioritize safety without compromising on efficiency.
What Makes a Location "Hazardous"?
Hazardous locations are areas where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to the presence of flammable gases, vapors, dust, or fibers. These could be present in various industries like oil and gas, grain storage, manufacturing, and more. The nature and degree of the hazard dictate the kind of electrical equipment suitable for use in that location.
Classifying the Risks
In order to simplify and standardize the hazards, these locations are generally classified into the following:
- Class I: Locations with flammable gases or vapors.
- Class II: Locations with combustible dust.
- Class III: Locations with ignitable fibers or flyings.
Each class is further broken down into divisions based on the likelihood of the hazardous material being present in the atmosphere.
Significance for the Commercial and Industrial Sector
In the commercial and industrial sectors, electricity is the lifeblood that drives productivity, innovation, and growth. However, it's essential to recognize that the stakes are higher in these environments. The combination of sophisticated machinery, large-scale operations, and intricate processes can amplify the risks associated with electrical faults, especially in hazardous locations. Proper understanding and handling of these challenges are not just about maintaining operations—it's about safeguarding investments, protecting personnel, and ensuring long-term business sustainability.
The SIE Approach to Hazardous Location Electrical
Risk Assessment: Every project begins with a comprehensive risk assessment. Our team evaluates the nature of the hazard, the frequency of its presence, and the potential risks involved.
Customized Solutions: Recognizing that every facility is unique, we design electrical solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that all installations and equipment are compliant with regulations.
Regular Maintenance & Monitoring: The dynamic nature of hazardous environments means constant vigilance. Our team provides regular maintenance to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of your electrical systems.
But our commitment doesn't end there.
We also offer a comprehensive Preventive Maintenance Inspection (PMI) service. Utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and methodologies, our PMI service identifies potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also optimizes system performance, reduces downtime, and ensures your operations run seamlessly. With our combined maintenance and PMI offerings, you get a holistic service that guarantees the reliability and longevity of your electrical infrastructure in even the most demanding environments.
Learn more here.
With years of experience under our belt, our team is well-versed in the nuances of hazardous location electrical installations. Our commitment to safety, combined with our technical expertise, ensures that you can operate with peace of mind, even in the most challenging environments.
Safety isn't just about compliance; it's about fostering a working environment where risks are minimized, and efficiency is optimized. At Southwest, we ensure that your electrical needs, even in hazardous locations, are met with the highest standards of safety and quality.
Stay powered. Stay safe.
WTC: Women Talk Construction Episode 84 with CEO Kristin Larson
CEO of Southwest Industrial Electric Featured on 'Women Talk Construction' Podcast
Kristin Larson, our CEO here at Southwest Industrial Electric, recently took the spotlight on the 84th episode of "Women Talk Construction with Christie and Angela" podcast. The episode, titled "A Communication Culture," delved into Larson's remarkable 18-year journey and the company's unwavering commitment to quality, community, and building a company culture for success.
During the episode, recent Southwest Industrial Electric activities were highlighted, including our participation at the green energy event, Re+ 2023 in Las Vegas. With over 40 years of experience in electrical, Kristin emphasized the company's dedication to precision, exceptional service, and product quality. The episode also shed light on their in-house electrical training, community-centric initiatives, and their commitment to aiding others. Larson's open-door policy was underscored as a means to foster a cohesive, trust-filled environment within the team.
Another key topic that was discussed was the importance of having women and resources for women in the construction industry. Stories such as Kristin’s and her ascent from tech services to her current CEO role are not just a testament to her resilience and vision but also to the growing recognition of the pivotal role that women play in the construction industry.
This episode emphasizes how fostering an inclusive and communicative work culture, and staying involved in the community, amongst many other things, contribute to the overall success of a company.
Listen to the podcast to gain insights into the thriving culture of Southwest Industrial Electric and follow the link below to learn more about “Women Talk Construction”.
Women Talk Construction Episode 84
Meet The Team: Stranton Aiono
Meet one of our sales superstars, Stranton Aiono. Stranton has been working with Southwest since early 2023. Day to day he works with both the sales and public outreach divisions; speaking with customers, representing the company at trade shows and events, and various other tasks. What attracted Stranton to this position was his overall familiarity with both sales and customer relations. With over 15 years of customer-facing experience, Stranton felt that he had the perfect background to not only fill the position but grow with it.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“What I enjoy the most here at SIE is the work culture. The work balance and standard of excellence is tangible. I love that we are not expected to set unrealistic targets, but ones that are in reach with full effort. Knowing this helps me feel the value of my work. I also appreciate the support available to employees. We have a great training program that has been put into place, as well as seniors that are always quick to help.”
Testimonials From Our Recent Work in October
“We have had Southwest Industrial Electric come in several times now. They came as a referral and so far, I've been very happy with everything they've done. I've worked with Doug and he's the real deal! He's quick to understand the symptoms and diagnose the problem(s)… Southwest has a great team. Everybody I've spoken with has been very professional, quick to resolve issues, knowledgeable, and communicates well. I look forward to continuing their services for any electrical help we need at our business (Maney Wire & Cable)” - Frank