The Electric Link - July 2024 Edition

The Electric Link: July Highlights and Industry Engagement

Welcome to the July edition of The Electric Link! This month, Southwest Industrial Electric made significant strides in industry engagement and received notable recognition.

We started the month with an exciting presence at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) event, where we enjoyed a tailgate and networking session, followed by the Angels vs. Astros game. This event allowed us to connect with industry peers and explore new collaborations.

We also participated in the Association of General Contractors (AGC) golfing event, showcasing our expertise and discussing the latest industry trends with key decision-makers.

Additionally, we're proud to share that Construction Executive Magazine featured us in a recent article, highlighting our commitment to excellence in electrical solutions. You can read the article here.

Our successful basketball charity event further demonstrated our dedication to community involvement. As we look ahead, we're excited about the new opportunities and projects on the horizon, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions.

This Date in Electrical History

This Date in Electrical History: July 13, 1921 - The Birth of the Insulated Cable

On July 13, 1921, the world witnessed a significant milestone in electrical engineering with the introduction of the first commercially viable insulated cable. This innovation revolutionized the electrical industry, providing a safer and more efficient way to transmit electrical power over long distances.

Before the advent of insulated cables, electrical wires were often exposed, posing significant safety risks such as short circuits and electrical fires. The development of insulated cables, typically coated with rubber or other insulating materials, marked a critical advancement in electrical infrastructure. This innovation not only enhanced the safety and durability of electrical systems but also paved the way for the expansion of electrical grids, making electricity more accessible to homes and businesses worldwide.

The introduction of insulated cables also had profound implications for the burgeoning field of telecommunications. By reducing signal loss and interference, these cables enabled clearer and more reliable communication over long distances, laying the groundwork for the modern communications networks we rely on today.

Navigating the Heat: Addressing Summer-Related Electrical Issues in Commercial & Industrial Sectors

As the mercury rises in the summer months, so does the potential for heat-related electrical issues in commercial and industrial settings. From overheated equipment to increased power usage, businesses often find themselves wrestling with a variety of challenges during this season. Here at Southwest Industrial Electric (SIE), we aim to shed light on these issues and provide effective solutions that ensure the safety, efficiency, and continuity of your operations throughout the sweltering summer months.

Overheating of Electrical Equipment

One of the most common heat-related issues is the overheating of electrical equipment. In the summer, electrical devices such as motors, generators, and transformers may be subjected to temperatures beyond their safe operating limits, leading to reduced performance or even premature failure.

To combat this, it's crucial to maintain proper ventilation in equipment rooms, regularly service and clean machinery to ensure optimal operation, and consider installing temperature monitoring systems for critical devices. At SIE, our team is skilled in conducting thorough equipment audits, performing preventative maintenance, and monitoring systems to help businesses safeguard their critical electrical infrastructure.

Increased Power Demand

As temperatures soar, so does the demand for power due to the increased usage of air conditioning systems and other cooling devices. This added strain on the electrical system can result in power surges or outages, particularly in facilities that are close to their capacity limits.

We recommend performing regular energy audits to identify potential inefficiencies and plan for increased summer demand. Load management strategies, such as shifting non-critical tasks to off-peak hours, can also help balance the load and prevent overloading your electrical system.

Deterioration of Insulation

Excessive heat can cause the insulation around wires to deteriorate faster, increasing the risk of short-circuits or fires. Regular inspection of your wiring, particularly in hot or poorly ventilated areas, can help detect and address insulation issues before they lead to more serious problems.

As your trusted partner, SIE is equipped to handle these heat-related challenges and more. Our team of experts offers a wide range of services, including preventative maintenance, energy audits, and emergency repairs, ensuring your business stays powered, safe, and efficient all summer long. We remain committed to helping commercial and industrial businesses navigate the unique challenges each season presents, providing tailored solutions that cater to your specific needs. Stay cool and confident this summer with SIE by your side.

5 Signs You Need an Electrical Inspection in Your Commercial Space

Damaged Wiring Needs a Wiring Upgrade

Your commercial space is essential to your business, and the wiring in that space helps make sure everything runs smoothly. While it can sometimes get put on the back of the priority list, it is critical to make sure that the wiring in your commercial space is working for you and your business. If you ever notice damage of any kind on wires throughout your commercial space, it is time to upgrade or repair those wires. While some damage such as that from rodents is isolated and can be easily fixed, some signs of wear are more telling of a more significant issue that would warrant a complete wiring upgrade.

Melted or frayed wiring is a serious safety issue and could be a sign that your electrical system is running too hot. This is a sign that you need to have your wiring system evaluated by a professional electrician to determine the extent of the damage. In addition to melted wiring, exposed wiring is another safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Your Circuit Breaker Overloads Often

Your circuit breaker is designed to turn off power if the system is overloaded or if there is a safety issue. This feature helps to protect your commercial space and your business. However, if your circuit breaker trips often, this could signify a potentially dangerous issue going on with the circuit. If you find yourself continually flipping back on your circuit breaker, you need to have an electrician find the cause.

Flickering Lights

While lights sometimes flicker, especially in larger commercial spaces, consistent flickering from overhead lights could indicate that your circuit is over-loaded. Loud buzzing, humming, or other noises when your lights are on is also a sign that something may be going awry in your lighting system.

Your Commercial Electrical Panel is Hot

Heat is never something you ever want to associate with anything related to the electrical wiring in your commercial space. If you notice that your electrical panel or light switches are warm to the touch, there could be a critical safety issue.

If you notice heat coming from your electrical panel or any light switches, call an electrician immediately to evaluate your system. Excessive heat can melt wiring insulation and cause sparks, which in turn leads to electrical fires. Electrical malfunctions account for a high rate of electrical fires due to sparks caused by overheating.

You Don’t Have Enough Outlets

Your business grows, and so does the number of things you need to have plugged in to keep your business running in your commercial space. If you find yourself fighting with your employees for outlets and stretching extension cords across your space, it’s time to reconfigure your electrical system to make it work better for you. If you are using outlet strips to give you more outlets, you could be stressing the existing wiring that is not built for additional power usage. An electrical inspection would determine what should be upgraded to meet your electrical needs throughout your commercial space.

In order for your business to be successful, your electrical system needs to do its job. A good electrical system is one that you don’t have to think about. If you are thinking about your system as things are hot, your circuit breakers trip or you simply don’t have enough power for your growing business; it’s time to upgrade!

If you need help with an electrical inspection or upgrade, contact us today to schedule an inspection, get a free quote, or speak to our knowledgeable team here at Southwest Electric.

At Southwest Industrial Electric, we're committed to helping you tackle these issues with our comprehensive electrical services. Our knowledgeable team adheres to the latest industry standards, ensuring your facility's electrical systems operate safely and efficiently. Reach out today to learn more about our solutions for your industrial electrical concerns.

Meet The Team: Steven Stella

Meet a member of our electrical team, Steven Stella. Steven has been working with SIE for over 2 years and holds the position of Foreman. What got Steven into electrical services was his love of building things and working with his hands.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“I enjoy building the most. Whether it be a small conduit run or a large-scale project. I also enjoy the creative challenges of planning out an electrical install and the variety of work environments we get the opportunity to work in.”

Testimonials From Our Recent Work

“Service was great! You guys came out, found the issue quickly, advised on new parts needed, and returned to complete the install. The machine has been running great, we are very happy with your service and will keep SIE in mind for future work.” – Truong

We are Full Service Industrial and Commercial Electrical Contractors. We can help with any electrical needs including Machine Service & Repair, Control Systems, Industrial Automation, Power Distribution, PV, EVC and BESS installation. We have managed thousands of projects for over 40 years, earning the trust of our clients and community through excellent execution and results.