Southwest Industrial Electric | Spring Edition | May 2024

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Figure 1 | 2nd Annual SIE Basketball Charity 

A Month of Giving and Growth: Highlights from Our Recent Events 

Dear Community, 

We are thrilled to share the recent milestones and events that have highlighted our commitment to community engagement and professional growth. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to: 

ABC Golf Event: Sponsorship and Participation 

We were honored to participate in the recent ABC Golf Event. This event was not only a fantastic opportunity for networking and enjoying a day on the green, but it also reinforced our dedication to supporting industry initiatives. Our team had a wonderful time connecting with sponsors, participants, and industry leaders. Events like these are essential in cultivating relationships and promoting the collaborative spirit that drives our industry forward.  

2nd Annual Charity Basketball Tournament: A Slam Dunk for a Cause! 

Our 2nd Annual Charity Basketball Tournament was an incredible success! This year, we doubled last year's donations, all of which are going directly to CHLA’s Cancer and Blood Disease Institute. We extend our deepest gratitude to Alpha Structural for their continuous support and a big congratulations to Enterprise Fleet Management for taking home the championship trophy. The event was filled with competitive spirit, community bonding, and a shared goal of supporting a noble cause. The enthusiasm and generosity from all participants and spectators have truly made this tournament a Los Angeles staple for community involvement and charity. We can’t wait to see what next year brings! 

Small Business Construction Expo (Online): Building Connections 

Attending the Small Business Construction Expo was an invaluable experience for us. This expo provided a platform to engage with small business owners, industry experts, and potential partners. We showcased our latest projects, shared insights on industry trends, and explored new opportunities for collaboration. The expo was a testament to the vibrant and innovative spirit of the small business community within the construction sector. We left the event feeling inspired and eager to implement the new ideas and connections we gained. 

Looking Ahead 

As we reflect on these events, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the community’s support and the opportunities to give back and grow together. We look forward to continuing our involvement in such impactful events and finding new ways to support our community and industry. 

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Stay tuned for more updates and events in the coming months! 

  • Baby2Baby Summer Success Program 

  • Summer program ran by Baby2baby. Similar to the Family2Family program that runs in December; this program is an initiative aimed at supporting children and families in underserved communities during the summer months. The program provides essential items, educational resources, and enrichment activities to children who may not have access to meals and educational opportunities they typically receive during the school year. 

Southwest Industrial Electric is a proud member of NAWIC (National Women in Construction) and ABC (Associated Builders & Contractors). We hope to continue building our story, advocating for the public, and providing the safest quality installations.   

This Month in Electrical History: May 

 

The Birth of Thomas Edison’s First Power Plant – May 1882 

As we reflect on the rich history of electrical innovation, May stands out as a significant month. In May 1882, Thomas Edison began construction on the world's first commercial power plant, the Pearl Street Station in New York City. This milestone marked the beginning of the modern electric utility industry, changing the way people lived and worked forever. 

The Pearl Street Station 

Located in Lower Manhattan, the Pearl Street Station began construction in May 1882. Designed to generate direct current (DC) electricity, it featured six "Jumbo" dynamos, each producing 100 kilowatts of power—an unprecedented amount at the time. 

By September 4, 1882, the Pearl Street Station was operational, supplying electricity to 59 customers in a one-square-mile area. This event marked the first time central-generated power was distributed to multiple customers, revolutionizing daily life and business operations. 

As we celebrate this milestone in May, it reminds us of the incredible progress in the electrical industry. At Southwest Industrial Electric, we honor Edison’s legacy by committing to excellence and innovation in all our projects. 

Stay tuned for more insights and stories from the fascinating world of electrical history in our upcoming newsletters. 

Tempe AZ | Charger Install  

Southwest was asked to take on an EVC project based in Tempe, AZ. Here is a brief overview of the technical aspects. 

Power Installation 

  • Circuit Breaker: Install a 350A circuit breaker in the existing 800A switchboard. 

  • Conduit and Wiring: Run conduit and wire to service a new transformer. 

  • Transformer: Install a 225kVA (480-208Y/120V) dry type transformer with a 3R cover. 

  • Panel Service: Run conduit and wire to service a new panel EVP1. 

  • Panelboard: Install an 800A 120/208V 3-phase panelboard with (20) 40A circuit breakers. 

Charger Installation 

  • Circuit Running: Run 40A circuits from the panelboard to (20) charger locations. 

  • EV Chargers: Install Level 2 EV Chargers at (20) locations and appropriate signage. 

  • Commissioning: Commission and test all (20) chargers. 

  • Stenciling: Add stenciling at each charger for clarity. 

This project highlights our expertise in supporting the transition to electric vehicles with efficient and reliable infrastructure. Stay tuned for more updates! 

Project Preview: Service Upgrade and Internal Electrical 

The Benefits of Getting an EV Charger Installed by an Electrician 

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, the demand for reliable and efficient charging solutions is increasing. Installing an EV charger at your home or business is a smart move, but it's crucial to have this done by a professional, specifically an EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) certified electrician. At Southwest Industrial Electric, we understand the importance of a safe and efficient installation process. Let's explore the benefits of having an EV charger installed by an EVITP certified electrician. 

Ensuring Safety and Compliance 

Installing an EV charger involves complex electrical work that should be handled by an expert to ensure safety and compliance with all relevant codes and standards. 

An EVITP certified electrician will: 

  • Ensure the installation meets local, state, and federal regulations. 
  • Conduct a thorough inspection of your current electrical system to determine its capacity to support an EV charger. 
  • Install the charger safely, reducing the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and other hazards. 

By hiring a certified professional, you can be confident that your EV charger is installed correctly, providing peace of mind for you and your family or employees. 

Maximizing Efficiency and Performance 

Proper installation is key to maximizing the efficiency and performance of your EV charger. An EVITP certified electrician will: 

  • Optimize the placement and setup of the charger for the best performance. 
  • Ensure the charger is connected to a dedicated circuit, preventing overloading and ensuring a consistent power supply. 
  • Provide expert advice on the best type of charger for your needs and how to use it efficiently. 

This professional setup ensures that your EV charger operates at its full potential, reducing charging times and enhancing the overall performance of your electric vehicle. 

Avoiding Costly Mistakes 

DIY installation of an EV charger can lead to costly mistakes, including damage to your electrical system or the charger itself. 

An EVITP certified electrician will: 

  • Use the right tools and techniques to install the charger without causing damage. 
  • Identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. 
  • Provide a warranty on their work, giving you added protection against future issues. 

By investing in professional installation, you can avoid expensive repairs and ensure that your EV charger is a long-term, reliable solution. 

Enhancing Property Value 

Installing an EV charger can increase the value of your property, making it more attractive to potential buyers or tenants. 

A professional installation ensures: 

  • The charger is installed to the highest standards, which can be a selling point for eco-conscious buyers. 
  • The installation is documented and verifiable, adding to the property’s appeal. 

As electric vehicles become more common, having a professionally installed EV charger can set your property apart in the market. 

Supporting a Sustainable Future 

By installing an EV charger, you are contributing to a more sustainable future by promoting the use of electric vehicles, which have lower emissions compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. 

An EVITP certified electrician can help: 

  • Optimize your charger’s efficiency, reducing energy waste. 
  • Advise on integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar power, with your EV charger. 

This not only benefits the environment but also aligns your home or business with the growing movement towards sustainability. 

Building a Partnership with Experts 

At Southwest Industrial Electric, we take pride in our expertise and dedication to ensuring the electricity that powers your business is as reliable and safe as it can be. Through regular inspections, we build partnerships with our clients, gaining an understanding of their specific needs and offering customized solutions. 

At Southwest Industrial Electric, we're committed to delivering all these benefits through our specialized electrical inspection services. Keep your systems in check, and your business electrified, with meticulous care and professional diligence—contact us for your electrical inspection needs. 

Meet The Team: Jennifer Torres  

Meet our newest scheduling team member, Jennifer Torres. She works in the Specialty Service Department and plays a crucial role in scheduling electricians as well as handling some engineering work as well. Jennifer came to Southwest with ample experience and ready to hit the ground running. After spending 5 years in her last role, she joined us looking for a new work home and a change of scenery.   

What do you enjoy most about your job?  

“First and foremost, the team; my coworkers are awesome.  Secondly, I really enjoy speaking with the customers. I’ve encountered some very kind people that were so happy to have someone listen and send help via our specialty service technicians.  SIE has been very different than any job I’ve ever worked in, there’s never a dull moment. It’s an amazing job and I am very proud of the work we do here.” 

Testimonials From Our Recent Work in May 

“The job was completed last week, and as far as I can tell everything went well. Service was completed in a timely and professional manner, and we have no complaints on our end.” - Johnny from Amvac Chemicals 

Figure 3 - 5 Star review