Infrastructure Stocks for Investment

The United States federal government is slated to deliver heavy funding for infrastructure projects in the upcoming years. The onshoring boom starting to take hold makes it a better time than ever to invest in specific stocks focused on infrastructure. 

The infrastructure law will boost the funding of many American infrastructure companies as a growing number look to reshore their businesses to the States. From plane engines to internet service providers, continue reading to discover the possibilities. 

AT&T – T
Internet broadband and mobility (smartphones) are at the forefront of AT&T’s horizon. The company will benefit from the infrastructure bill that is expected to provide $65 billion for expanding broadband internet coverage. T stock has a price-earnings ratio of 7.6 and a high dividend yield of 6.1 percent.

Canadian Pacific – CP
This Canada-based freight-railroad operator is currently merging with Kansas City Southern, one of its major American counterparts. CP has already benefited from solid fertilizer, wheat, automotive, and intermodal volumes, with an overall revenue swelling 19 percent year-over-year. 

Caterpillar – CAT
This equipment giant manufactures pavers, backhoes, and other heavy construction vehicles. CAT gets a chunk of its revenue from selling equipment to oil and natural gas explorers. The farm equipment sector is being boosted by elevated food prices, which fares well for CAT. In the third quarter, CAT jumped 21 percent year-over-year to $15 billion. 

Eaton – ETN
Eaton is well-positioned to benefit from the government’s upcoming electric grid investment due to their development of electrical components and power distribution systems. Last quarter, Eaton soared 75 percent year-over-year in terms of its sector backlog, and the company’s earnings gained 15 percent. 

General Electric – GE
This electrical giant is a massive player in the plane engine market and is expected to grow 10.9 percent between 2021 and 2028. Air travel is growing in popularity, which puts engines in high demand. When GE’s joint ventures are added to the equation, it’s the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer. GE also sells turbines to power natural gas plants, is focused on improving the electrical grids, and will benefit from the government’s investments in the grid. 

Union Pacific – UNP
One of the United States’ largest freight train operators, projects supported by the infrastructure law will be backed by Union Pacific, along with many onshoring goals. The railroad is expected to be adaptable to challenging macroeconomic environments. UNP’s forward price-earnings ratio is 17.5, and the dividend yield is 2.5 percent. 

Vulcan Materials – VMC
One of the biggest providers of raw materials used for construction in America, Vulcan, is slated to receive a heavy lift as a result of road repair, construction of bridges, roads, etc. Materials used include sand, gravel, rock, concrete, stone, and more. Last quarter, 115.9 million of Vulcan’s shares were held or bought, while they unloaded a mere 5.7 million stock shares.

For more details, read the article in full by Larry Ramer at Investor Place.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Electrical Grid Repair Stalled by Supply Chain Issues

Florida’s power grid was recently demolished by Category 4 Hurricane Ian, and crews are furiously rebuilding using poles, generators, and wire. 

Hurricane Ian was one of the strongest storms ever to hit the United States and the deadliest to hit Florida since 1935. The catastrophic losses totaled tens of billions of dollars, killing more than 150 people. Millions of people were left without power in the storm’s wake.

Industry officials were initially concerned about future storms causing more damage before relief efforts could finish. They also warned that the nation’s supply chain issues could slow the recovery as well. 

A shortage of distribution transformers is plaguing the United States. These are essential for lowering electricity from high-voltage lines and reducing them to levels adequate for home and business. 

Joy Ditto, president and CEO of the American Public Power Association said, “It’s a critical component to the electrical grid that has been in scarce supply for a number of months now. We started to recognize it as a national concern in late winter, early spring, and the situation is getting worse.” 

Ditto explained that transformers are now taking over a year to arrive after being ordered, when it used to take roughly three months. This issue is causing electrical component companies to swap boxes with utilities seeing a shortage. 

About six transformer manufacturers throughout the United States are suffering through labor and raw-material shortages, mostly because the steel used in transformers is made by a single manufacturer. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association questioned the Energy Department about suspending a 2016 efficiency standard which they believe is responsible for the steel shortage. 

Though the shortages plague many companies, the efforts being made are ensuring materials can be shared with those who need them most. Hurricane and other natural-disaster relief are prioritized in terms of supply, crewmembers, and more. 

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Disconnects 101

A safety switch (or disconnect) monitors the electric current in various applications. They are used with major industrial machines such as conveyor belts, line equipment, heavy appliances, and whole-system electrical protection. You may need to disconnect your equipment from the electrical supply for repairs, maintenance, or emergencies. Safety switches monitor the current and detect faults in the electrical infrastructure so that in the event of an electrical leak, a short-circuit, an overload, or equipment failure, the safety switch will nearly instantaneously (within milliseconds) shut off power to the system.

Safety switches are an NEC requirement (National Electrical Code) in all industrial settings and were established by the National Fire Protection Association. The NEC requires that a safety switch be “in sight” or visible and no more than 50 feet from the equipment it controls.

There are many types of safety switches, and the model you need depends on the conditions inside your working environment. Not sure what type you require? Call J&P Electrical, our experienced and motivated team of staff can help, and if we don’t have the product you are looking for, we’ll find it! 

Types of Disconnects:

  • Light duty safety switch (residential, disconnect workshops, hobby rooms, furnaces, and garages)
  • General duty safety switch (residential & light commercial disconnects)
  • Heavy- duty safety switch
  • Double throw safety switch
  • Indoor
  • Outdoor

Disconnect Fuse Types:

  • Fused
  • Non-Fused
  • Cartridge
  • Class T
  • Plug

Disconnect Maximum Voltage:

  • 120VAC
  • 240VAC
  • 600VAC

Disconnect Amperes:

  • General/light duty – 30A, 60A, 100A, 200A, 400A, 800A
  • Heavy duty – 30A, 60A, 100A, 200A, 225A, 400A, 600A, 800A, 1200A
  • Double throw – 30A, 60A, 100A, 200A, 600A

Looking for disconnects or other industrial equipment? J&P Electrical is sure to have or be able to find what you’re looking for; give us a call!

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Panelboards, Switchgear, & Switchboards

Most people don’t tend to think about it until there is a problem, but the building’s electrical system is so essential that it makes everything else possible. Electrical systems are a mystery to many, so few understand the general basics. Here, we introduce a little about panelboards, switchgear, and switchboards, just so you know, and perhaps help you in keeping things running smoothly.

Panelboards

Panelboards are usually found in commercial buildings due to their large size and the amount of power they can handle. They are designed for single-phase or three-phase applications, depending on your needs. The main function of a panelboard is to distribute power from the source to other devices in your building or facility through breakers designed for specific voltages ranging from 120 to 600 volts or higher, depending on your location. They are the most common circuit breaker box type and are always mounted to a wall. They are used to distribute power to an entire building or other areas. Panelboard covers protect these devices from damage by keeping them dry and clean while providing easy access for maintenance and repair.

Switchgears

Switchgears are used on larger projects, such as factories or warehouses, where there is a need for more than one circuit breaker or fuse within a single enclosure due to increased demand for power or space limitations. This type of equipment is also used in residential homes to automatically shut down the electrical system in the event of a short circuit or other malfunction. Switchgear is for individual components and is the largest of the three. It can be rated for up to 38 kV and run a current of up to 6,000 amps.

Switchboards

Switchboards are typically used where a large amount of equipment requires a lot of power to operate. These devices are designed to control the flow of electricity through multiple breakers without manually closing each one after every use. Like panelboards, switchboards are usually rated for up to 600 volts, but they can manage higher currents, up to 5,000 amps. Switchboards are floor mounted and covered with a panel to provide protection and easy access for maintenance and repair.

Overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) are devices that send power from the source to the end user. These are sometimes simple devices like light bulbs, or sometimes they’re massive systems that run entire buildings. The three main options for organizing, housing, and utilizing OCPDs are panelboards, switchboards, and switchgear. All three allow for easy access to your power needs in one way or another, but each has its pros and cons that you should consider.

At J&P Electric, we specialize in large industrial electrical equipment, from new surplus to hard to find/reconditioned to like new. Not sure we have what you need? Call us and find out!

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

AM Ventures Closes $100M Deal Toward 3D Printing

AM Ventures, based in Munich, secured a $100 million fund specifically for backing industrial and commercial 3D printing applications. 

Spanning three continents between 18 countries, the firm’s portfolio lists Headmade Materials, LightForce Orthodontics, Scrona, and Conflux Technology as a few investments. There are asset managers, family offices, enterprises, small businesses, and existing portfolio startup founders. The fund can use $9.5 million in the ultra-high resolution 3D printing company to aid in semiconductor and display manufacturing.  

Arno Held, co-founder and managing partner at AM Ventures said, “The additive manufacturing industry has shown steady and strong growth over the last decade and startups have played a crucial role during this time. We are convinced that startups will continue to be key in providing the innovation required to finally bring the digital world to the real world, and that they will help produce industrial goods in a sustainable manner and thus strengthen supply chains and tackle climate change.” 

Johann Oberhofer, co-founder and managing partner at AM Ventures said, “The fact that portfolio company founders are now investing in our fund is great validation of our exceptional effort. We are proud of the high-level commitment and trust from prime investors that support us on our mission to leading sustainable additive revolutions.” 

AM Ventures is looking to invest in four categories: hardware, software, materials, and applications. Printing parts and creating a manufacturing business is much more efficient than conventional aspects. 3D printed electric motors, for example, can run further on the same exact battery charge as a conventional electrical motor. Applications for 3D printing are also one of the biggest weapons to fight against climate change. 

Additive Drives is a German startup that developed a specific 3D printed stator for an electric motor. Since the stator is printed, it weighs much less than a conventional motor. With the same battery charge, the 3D printed motor can extend the vehicle range by a large amount. 

Spectroplast is a company that 3D prints silicone for healthcare applications, specifically for surgeries. While other corporations have failed to make industrial silicones, the Zurich Spectroplast business has somehow successfully done the unthinkable. 

3D printed products span the gamut and can be used in nearly any application. The horizon is endless!

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Reconditioning Industrial Circuit Breakers

Electrical systems should have an industrial circuit breaker to protect your crew and equipment from danger. These can range from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. If industrial circuit breakers become damaged, they must be serviced or replaced immediately.

One option for fixing industrial circuit breakers is recognized by the ANSI/IEEE, which is the process of reconditioning. It is defined as “The process of maintaining existing power switchgear equipment in operating condition as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions, using only the original manufacturer’s recommended replacement parts, without altering the design.” 

Below are the five steps taken to ensure a quality reconditioning process:

  1. Inspection: A visual analysis is performed to pinpoint mechanical damage, missing parts, discoloration, etc. The breaker’s trip settings are recorded, along with the breaker’s overall electrical condition. 
  2. Disassembly: Defective components can more easily be identified after the breaker is deconstructed into its component parts. Components labeled by serial number are not commingled with others. All parts are thoroughly inspected, cleaned, lubricated, repainted, and replated as necessary. 
  3. Reassembly: Components are put back together with precision, ensuring all bearings, pins, retainers, nuts, bolts, and hardware that show wear are replaced with OEM pieces. All contact pivot surfaces (stationary and moveable), operating mechanisms, linkages, and bearings are lubricated based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Afterward, they are adjusted and aligned for mechanical integrity and tension. 
  4. Testing: After the circuit breaker is reassembled, it must be tested to make sure it works properly. The trip mechanism and indicator is tested to ensure proper operation. A record of the amount of electricity required to trip the breaker is also documented. Once they are in working order, low-voltage breakers must be tested as well. Electrical operation including the spring change motor, closing operation, shunt trip, and more are all tested to ensure proper functionality.

Reconditioned breakers are thoroughly verified to be safe. The fundamental role circuit breakers play in the safety of electricians, and electrical equipment is paramount. 

Are you looking for genuine reconditioned electrical parts? You’ve come to the right place! Check out our expertly assembled refurbished products today.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Consumers Energy Announces Plan to Invest $100 Million in Power Grid

With power outages happening more frequently as a result of inclement weather, Consumers Energy has vowed to invest $100 million in upgrades to improve reliability for customers. 

The High Voltage Distribution (HVD) system, nicknamed the “Backbone of the Power Grid,” will receive significant upgrades thanks to the 2022 investment. The HVD enhancements will impact roughly 130,000 customers across the state of Michigan. 

Josh Paciorek, Consumers Energy Media Spokesperson, said, “Our job is to keep the lights on for folks and when those lights don’t come on, they’re frustrated.” Paciorek explained they are taking such proactive steps ahead of the storm season to ensure clients have a more reliable, resilient power grid. 

Over the past number of years, Michigan has seen an increased amount of severe weather, including a recent tornado in Gaylord. These once-in-100-year weather events are becoming increasingly common, with 70 to 80 MPH wind gusts that can wreak havoc on the power grid. 

In an effort to make electricity more reliable, Paciorek said Consumers Energy needs to upgrade and make investments to ensure the grid is more resilient. 

Over 40 miles of HVD lines will be rebuilt, as well as repairing more than 64 miles of HVD line pole-top equipment. Roughly 750 poles will be replaced, and novel technology will enable Consumers Energy to swiftly identify power outages.

The upgrades performed by Consumers Energy throughout 2022 represent a segment of their larger effort to build a better energy grid through its five-year, $5.4 billion Electric Reliability Plan. 

Efforts such as trimming trees, replacing poles and wires, improving substations, and replacing vital equipment are all high priorities, especially with the pressure from climate change affecting the weather and causing more frequent, severe weather storms. 

Since 2018, Consumers Energy has also raised its investment in forestry by over 60 percent. Trees are the number one cause of power outages, so the plan has a section dedicated to increasing spending to keep distribution lines clear. The plan currently outlines more than $500 million throughout five years. 

The reliability plan will also reduce the average length of time that customers are powerless by roughly 15 percent by 2025. 

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Power Transformers 101

Power transformers are conduits of electricity that increase or decrease voltage efficiently. These machines are used for transferring power from one circuit to another without changing the frequency.

When electricity comes into the transformer from the power source, it is called primary voltage. Any voltage leaving the transformer is called secondary voltage. Two examples of transformers include step-down, which lowers voltage, and step-up, which raises voltage.

Step-down transformers have higher primary voltage than secondary. These transformers are useful for situations requiring a lesser voltage than provided by the power source. 

Step-up transformers have lower primary voltage than secondary. When the power source is inadequate, these transformers can provide a boost.

Technically, all transformers can operate in both step-down and step-up modes, so the attribution is given based on how the transformer is being used. 

Other types of transformers include: 

  • Three Phase: used in three phase power systems; most cost-effective
  • Distribution: steps down the voltage for commercial or domestic distribution; operates 24/7 with 50 percent of a full load at maximum efficiency
  • Electrical Power: operates at high or peak load times with maximum efficiency at or near full load; used in a transmission network to step up or down voltage
  •  Instrument: C.T. and P.T. are used to lower high voltage and current to levels that can be measured by common instruments
  • Autotransformer: used in situations where the ratio between the high voltage and low voltage is less than two
  • Two Winding Transformer: used in situations where the ratio between the high voltage and low voltage is greater than two
  • Outdoor/Indoor: specifically designed for either application
  • Oil Cooled: refers to the cooling medium as transformer oil
  • Dry Type: refers to the cooling medium as air cooling
  • Core Type: contains two vertical legs with two horizontal sections called yokes; rectangular with a common magnetic circuit
  • Shell Type: has a central limb and two outer limbs with a double-magnetic circuit
  • Berry Type: core resembles wheel spokes with tightly fitted metal sheet tanks; oil used inside

Are you looking for a specific type of transformer, or have one to sell? You’ve come to the right place! Contact the experts at J&P Electrical to talk about transformers today.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

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

Bus Plugs 101

Bus plugs are electrical instruments used to allocate power throughout large electrical areas. Flat copper conductor plates are enclosed in a metal casing, which creates a compact design. Bus plugs are typically beneficial in areas where cables cannot be wired in large industrial factories. The plugs are connected to busways or bus bars to provide electrical power when needed.

Since bus plugs have a wide variety of uses and advantages, they are considered more effective than electrical cables. Given that they have no physical electrical wires within the building, the entire system can easily be disconnected and rearranged to fit almost any floor plan.

Bus plugs are used for a variety of reasons, most notably:

  • Streamlined Current Distribution: Cabling is usually chaotic throughout most industrial plants. With various manufacturing aspects requiring electricity, distributing power can be a challenge. However, with bus plugs, electricity can be installed almost anywhere…and they are easy to move.
  • Safety and Security: Bus plugs are guaranteed to be safer than cable systems due to their metallic casing, which reduces wire damage and electrocution.
  • Easy Installation: Typically low in complexity, bus plugs do not require holes, cable cutouts, or any other special equipment. Ceilings or walls do not require support for heavy cables, and the installation time is relatively quick.
  • Energy Savings: Bus plugs are compact, which means the copper conductors are placed next to each other. Energy is conserved due to the reduction in induction resistance.
  • Flexibility and Maneuverability: More flexible than a typical cable system, bus plugs are light, easy to carry, and do not need ceiling or wall support. They can also be transferred to a new location effortlessly.
  • Compact, Concealed Design: Bus plugs appear much more organized than a traditional cable system since everything is concealed inside the casing. There are no more twisted, dusty, entangled bundles of cables running throughout your building.

Electrical components should only be purchased from a reputable company. At J&P Electrical, bus plugs are our business. Contact us today to learn more about our products and pricing.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. 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

Freedom Convoy That Protests Against Pandemic Restrictions Affects Consumer Pricing in U.S. & Canada

The number of COVID-19 cases is regularly decreasing, but some government officials are still trying to use the pandemic as a means of control. Recently, the Freedom Convoy took a stand against new vaccine requirements for the truckers who transport goods into Canada.

These truckers created blockades as a way to show their disdain for the requirement that truckers either quarantine 14 days when they go into Canada from the United States or be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The requirement covers all truckers, regardless of if they’re from the U.S. or Canada.

There were more than 4,000 truckers who took place in the protest. The horns honking and blockades caused Ottawa businesses to close temporarily. The demonstrations also shut down the Ambassador Bridge and other border crossings crucial for trade.

Supply Chain Disruptions Impact Pricing

Commerce traffic flow through the Ambassador Bridge accounts for around $360 million worth of trade between these countries each day. Without this, transactions become critical for both Canada and the U.S. The disruption in the supply chain is impacting prices on a variety of goods in the U.S.

There’s some concern about similar protests happening in major U.S. cities, but those haven’t occurred yet. One reason for this is likely that states are starting to relax the mandates related to the pandemic.

In the electrical services industry, supply chain disruptions have caused an increase in pricing partly due to the cost of the wiring and other components. Therefore, taking steps to control the costs to consumers has to be a priority for service providers.

 At J&P Electrical, we can save your business 50-75% off the cost of buying new, as our specialty is salvaging and reconditioning heavy industrial electrical equipment. You can rest assured that our refurbished products are completely rebuilt, inspected, and tested, often mistaken for new surplus.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

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