Simply put, industrial electricians support an industrial plant’s electrical needs, whether these are monitoring the electrical controls via PLC panels, monitoring energy usage, wiring and maintaining the plant’s electrical infrastructure, or working with the installed industrial equipment.
Industrial companies must have equipment and facilities that operate smoothly. Any downtime can cost the company thousands, even millions of dollars. In addition, failing to follow the proper electrical codes and standards may result in expensive penalties and fines and perhaps endanger the company’s equipment, facilities, or the lives of its employees. For these reasons, an excellent electrical electrician is essential for any industrial operation.
Completion of an electrician apprenticeship program
Specialized training for electrical equipment (installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, etc.
A journeyman electrician license
Several years of experience working closely with a senior industrial electrician
Because industrial electricians have to lift, move, and sometimes work in tight, cramped spaces, they should be reasonably physically fit and strong. They also need to be comfortable working in hectic, noisy, dirty work environments under stressful conditions. For these reasons, the ability to handle stress is a must. This makes good industrial electricians a valued resource for all companies.
Tri-State Electrical Provides Best-in-Class Industrial Electrical Services in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands what modern industrial companies need in the ever-changing, complex, world. We provide superior industrial electrical services, including equipment installation, troubleshooting, PLC installation and programming, installing electrical equipment in new industrial plants, and much more. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-02-performing-industrial-electrical-services-atlanta.jpg6651000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2022-04-10 00:00:002023-07-03 16:20:06What is an Industrial Electrician?
As industrial control systems handle bigger and more complex tasks, there is a growing need for IT data management and support to help coordinate the industrial control system, and secure it as well. As a result, industrial control systems depend more and more on Big Data to help plan, optimize and improve operations at your industrial company.
This can take many forms, such as enhanced automation of your industrial processes to improve accuracy and efficiency, detailed reporting that measures every aspect of the production process looking for ways to improve the overall process, or helping managers and engineers identify and resolve problems before they result in a production slowdown, or worse yet, a complete work stoppage.
What Kind of Data Does Industrial Control Systems Handle?
Industrial control systems collect and use many different types of data. This can be the primary data that runs and controls the equipment or enhanced functions such as coordinating the operation of multiple systems, managing production speed, and also delivering data gathered by sophisticated sensors installed within the system. Because of these enhancements, the industrial control systems require software with customizable configuration and reporting to manage the production process. The industrial control system communicates via a wired or wireless signal that updates the data constantly. This interconnectivity between the industrial control system and the equipment that it runs makes it vulnerable to threats both outside and within the business.
Why is Data Security Important?
Cyberattacks on industrial companies are becoming more and more commonplace in today’s world. The tight-knit interconnectivity between the industrial control system, the equipment that performs tasks, and the networks and data architecture that support them make it vulnerable to outside attacks from hackers. But internal issues such as equipment failure, employees bypassing the system’s operation, or external factors that prevent peak efficiencies such as temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions.
Luckily, the tight integration between today’s industrial control systems and Big Data makes it easier than ever to spot problems, whether caused by internal conditions or an outside cyberattack, can be configured to detect these issues before they can cause production problems.
Let Tri-State Electrical Contractors Help with Your Industrial Control System Installation and Maintenance
At Tri-State Electrical, we can handle every aspect of your industrial control systems. From providing the industrial electrical work to supply your equipment with power, to providing the PLC programming needed to run your system. in the Southeastern US? For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-03-plc-programmed-by-plc-programming-company-knoxville.jpg6671000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2022-04-01 00:00:002023-07-03 17:06:25How Do Industrial Control Systems Use Data?
There are a lot of commercial electrical contractors out there. So how do you choose the best one for your electrical project? Here are a few suggestions:
Ask Around
Who do you know who might have had some commercial electrical work done for them lately? Talk to friends, family members, or local business owners or managers about who they used for the electrical work. Ask them a few questions such as:
What was the quality of the work done for the project?
Was it done on time and budget?
Did they show up at the scheduled time, or were they late?
Did they clean up after the project was completed?
Would they use the company again for future commercial electrical work?
Do they recommend them for your project?
Word-of-mouth is still the best way to find the best commercial electrical contractors. So, use this resource.
Read Online Reviews
If your network can’t help you come up with any good recommendations, then use the next best thing: online reviews. There are several different review sites you can use to get your information about the best commercial electrical contractors:
Google Reviews – Google Reviews are quickly becoming the best known and most respected source of online business reviews.
Angi – Formerly known as Angie’s List, Angi provides some of the best-curated business reviews available online, including commercial electrical contractors.
Yelp – Better known for restaurant and motel reviews, Yelp has been branching out into other business areas.
Buildzoom is a newcomer to the online review game but focuses specifically on construction businesses. The site has you enter details about your project, work with a dedicated project consultant, and they do the legwork to present you with vetted and qualified contractors.
Best Practices for Using Online Reviews
When using online reviews within your decision-making process, try to use a couple of different sources for the reviews. Read all of them. Pay special attention to the one- and two-star reviews. How many are there? If there are only one or two, and it is a small percentage of the total number of reviews you might be able to write them off as disgruntled customers or former employees. But if there are several low reviews and a pattern emerges, then steer clear of that commercial electrical contractor. Some of these sites also allow the contractor to respond to positive and negative reviews, so take a look at those as well. Does the contractor handle the complaint professionally or seem combative and assign blame?
Get a Free Project Estimate
Once you’ve selected a commercial electrical contractor, many of them provide free estimates, so have them take a look at your project and give you a quote. Pay close attention to them throughout the process. Are they prompt and courteous? Do they answer your questions to your satisfaction? Do they seem easy to work with? At this point, you should know which commercial electrical contractor you want to hire.
Tri-State Electrical Contractors Provide Best-in-Class Commercial Electrical Services in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands what modern commercial companies need in the ever-changing, complex, world. We provide superior commercial electrical services including generator installations, high-voltage wiring for equipment, and much more. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-02-performing-commercial-electrical-services-knoxville.jpg6671000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2022-03-08 00:00:002023-07-03 17:16:34How Do You Find the Best Commercial Electrical Contractor?
Solar storage (AKA solar battery storage) is a technology that allows you to use solar power in your home or business even after the sun has set. Because solar panels only generate energy during the day, there needs to be a way to use power at night. This is where solar storage comes in. Solar storage is a set of solar backup batteries that store solar energy until it needs to be used either at night or during outages.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Storage?
Energy independence is the biggest benefit of using a solar storage system. Previously solar energy could only be used during the day, and solar storage changes everything. Solar battery systems allow solar energy to be used at night, during outages, or whenever power is needed.
Lower energy bills is another massive benefit to using solar storage. Being able to supply all of your energy from the sun can significantly reduce your energy bills. In fact, you might be able to sell excess power back to your electricity supplier in some cases.
Secure Source of Power
As residents of North Carolina discovered last year, a big storm has the potential to damage electrical infrastructure severely, and people might end up without power for many hours or even days. A solar storage system is independent of the electrical grid and can be self-sustaining during an emergency. Even if the rest of the electrical grid is down in your area or neighborhood, a solar storage system allows you to live normally and help others during trying times.
Environmentally Friendly
The source of solar energy is free and reduces the amount of energy needing to be produced by fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas for the world as a whole. You can significantly reduce or even eliminate your need for energy from energy companies with solar battery systems.
Increase the Value of Your Home or Business
Adding solar panels and a solar battery storage system is highly sought after in many areas within the country. Energy-independent buildings can raise the value anywhere from 4 to 6%, a significant amount. When adding this to the energy savings you get, the value of a solar energy system is clear.
If you now see the value of a solar storage system, why not the best solar storage system electrical contractors in the Southeastern US? Tri-State Electrical Contractors’ industrial and commercial electricians are licensed in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and (soon) Florida. We can handle solar storage systems or any commercial or industrial electrical project you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-02-solar-storage-system-chattanooga.jpg6671000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2022-03-01 00:00:002023-07-03 13:30:33What is Solar Storage?
When you look up “electricians” online, there are many to choose from, and there are many electrical services companies that provide commercial electrical services, but what are the benefits of hiring a commercial electrical contractor over a more general electrician? Here are a few of them:
Access to Better Tools and Equipment
Because commercial electricians handle larger scale projects with more complexity than the average residential electrical job, they need better equipment and knowledge in order to get the job done, and chances are, a good commercial electrical company would have that equipment on-hand and not require someone to get and find it in order to complete a job. Not to mention that the electricians on staff will be familiar with the equipment and know how to use it properly to get the job done fast.
Superior Knowledge and Training
Commercial electricians are familiar with the “typical” needs of commercial electrical projects and see them every day. Where a general electrician might not be as familiar with the needs of a large commercial project such as a PLC panel installation, high-voltage wiring, or motor control installation work. They can probably still get the job done, but it will take longer and there is a greater risk of mistakes. The result of hiring a commercial electrical contractor with superior knowledge and training is that it will save you time and money in the long run.
Better Quality Work
The combination of both elements above, the access to better tools and equipment and superior knowledge and training result in a higher quality of work which means energy efficient installations, fewer equipment breakdowns which saves you both time and money.
Tri-State Electrical Contractors Provide Best-in-Class Commercial Electrical Services in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands what modern commercial companies need in the ever-changing, complex, world. We provide superior commercial electrical services including generator installations, high-voltage wiring for equipment, and much more. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.png00Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2022-02-08 13:00:002023-07-03 17:17:36What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Commercial Electrical Services Contractor?
Power distribution systems are a critical part of any electrical power system. To transfer electrical power from its source to where it is used, requires a power distribution center.
A power distribution center (PDC) regulates the distribution of electrical power to equipment at an industrial plant, homes in your neighborhood, or systems on your car. Typically, a switchgear supplies power to the PDC.
How Do Commercial and Industrial Electricians Use PDCs
For commercial or industrial electrical work, power distribution centers tend to be large enclosures of electrical equipment housed in an electrical room, on the roof of a building, or even a separate dedicated building somewhere on the company’s property. Commercial and industrial electricians use power distribution centers to manage the raw current coming from the electrical source and feeding it to all of the systems that require it within the building or property.
Components of a Power Distribution Center
No PDCs will be exactly alike. The components within the PDC depends on the amount of energy needed, location, how the energy is being used, etc. But most PDCs have the following components:
Housing – Most electrical equipment is delicate and requires protection from extreme weather (high-winds, torrential rain, severe heat and cold, and much more). Housings protect the equipment within the PDC, as well as keep the weather, temperature extremes, vermin, and other annoyances out.
Transformer – Transformers convert incoming high-voltage electricity to a lower voltage to be distributed throughout the building or property. loads such as motor control centers (MCC’s). Feeder breakers for these loads will be located on the PDC. PDC’s will often contain additional protective relays, monitoring equipment, fuses, terminal points, etc.
Motor Control Center – This component controls some or all electric motors from a central location. These can be mini-PDCs themselves using a shared power bus for each section. These may include a motor starter, fuses or circuit breaker, and power disconnect. Each section may also include push buttons, indicator lights, variable-frequency drives, programmable logic controllers, and metering equipment.
Safety Equipment – Such as fuses and circuit breakers.
Power distribution centers are a common feature for commercial and industrial electrical projects, so it is critical to have PDC experts handling your installation. So why not hire the best commercial and industrial electrical contractors in the Southeastern US? Tri-State Electrical Contractors’ industrial and commercial electricians are licensed in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and (soon) Florida. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical project you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2022-01-power-distribution-center-electrical-contractor-atlanta.jpg7431000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2022-02-01 11:00:002022-02-04 11:53:19What is a Power Distribution Center?
A commercial energy analysis, AKA an electrical load analysis, is like a pre-flight checklist where trained, professional airline mechanic checks every part of the plane to ensure flight-worthy. In addition, these checklists determine where possible problem areas are developing that may need to be addressed soon.
A commercial energy analysis studies your building’s energy requirements and how that energy is used to see what improvements can be made to improve your energy efficiency, resulting in energy savings. For the same reasons that you want a trained and qualified airliner mechanic to be reviewing your plane’s operations, you want to make sure that your commercial energy analysis is performed by an accredited professional from organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), or the Building Performance Institute (BPI).
You can find DIY commercial energy audit instructions online, but why would you do it? It may save you some money in the short term, but why? A certified pro has all the knowledge, training, and specialized tools necessary to conduct comprehensive and accurate testing of your building’s energy equipment.
Level 1 Commercial Energy Analysis
ASHRAE has identified and categorized three levels of commercial energy audits that can be performed for your company. The Level I audit is a high-level energy survey that consists of a review of the company’s utility bills and a brief visual inspection of energy-consuming equipment within the company buildings. The objective of a Level I Energy Audit is to deliver a simple overview of the energy-saving changes for the building using low-cost or no-cost measures. The suggested actions may include educating employees on energy conservation, making minor upgrades to lighting or thermostat controls, or recommending a more comprehensive commercial energy analysis (a Level II or Level III energy analysis).
Level II Commercial Energy Analysis
The Level II Commercial Energy Analysis digs in deeper within the company’s facilities and equipment, looking at its use, when it is used, how it is used, and more. Typically this also includes comprehensive interviews of owners and managers as well as the equipment operators, maintenance staff, and other front-line workers to learn how the building operates, identify problem areas, and solidify the goals of the analysis.
The energy analysis auditor studies the business’s electricity and natural gas consumption to see where opportunities for savings exist. Additionally, the auditor will review utility rates for electricity and natural gas to see if switching to another energy plan or provider would be cheaper.
In addition, the commercial energy analysis auditor closely examines all equipment within the business that uses energy. This includes heating, cooling, lighting, air circulation, and other specialty systems. The auditor looks at the equipment’s age, size, condition, technology, and how it operates.
Level II Commercial Energy Analyses often include an in-depth infrared scan to see where heat escapes from the building(s) to determine if better insulation or other infrastructure upgrades are needed. Once the audit has been completed, the auditor typically delivers a comprehensive report to the company’s management and staff about the findings. This includes recommendations for new energy efficiency measures, system control changes, operation, procedural changes, and potential capital upgrades. These recommendations also include implementation costs and how long it will take the company to recoup its new equipment/processes investment before it’s paid back.
Level III Commercial Energy Analysis
A Level III Commercial Energy Analysis is sometimes known as an investment-grade energy analysis because it provides more details about the performance, costs, and benefits of implementing the recommendations described in the Level II analysis. Level III analyses typically use a computer model to simulate how a building reacts to changes in its energy systems or modifications to its structure. This is possible due to more detailed data collection over weeks or even months to track equipment operation such as pumps and motors, temperature, humidity, lighting, and more. The goal is to construct the computer model to react just like the actual buildings act so that simulated changes within the model will work with the real building and deliver accurate data.
Another significant component of a Level III analysis is the use of benchmarking to compare the energy use of your building with other buildings that have similar characteristics. This often involves using Portfolio Manager, a benchmarking tool used by the federal government’s Energy Star program. This program rates your company’s buildings on a scale of 1 to 100. A building scores a rating of 50; for example, it’s typical of similar facilities in terms of energy efficiency. A rating of 25 means your building requires significant improvements and measures to bring it up to the standards of other similar structures out there.
A commercial energy analysis will lead to savings in your monthly energy bills, no matter which level of analysis you choose.
Tri-State Electrical Contractors Provide Best-in-Class Commercial Energy Analysis in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands how to deliver cost-effective, productive electrical solutions for modern commercial companies to keep them competitive in the ever-changing, complex, online world. We provide comprehensive commercial energy analyses in addition to all other commercial electrical services you need. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2021-12-electrical-load-analysis-charlotte.jpg6671000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2022-01-08 00:00:002023-07-03 17:22:53What is a Commercial Energy Analysis?
Cyberattacks appear in headline news daily, and industrial control systems are high-value targets because they are vulnerable and can cause great turmoil if disrupted. Because of this, many hackers have shifted their attention to industrial control systems over traditional IT systems.
Why Industrial Control Systems Are Vulnerable
There are many reasons why industrial control systems are particularly vulnerable to hacker attacks:
Industrial control systems now rely more on connectivity than ever before for basic operations and keep things running smoothly.
Because these systems often are comprised of equipment from many different vendors, each part within the system has different security measures in place, meaning that one software vulnerability can allow hackers into the entire industrial control system.
Industrial control systems do not have the same security oversight as traditional IT systems.
Equipment within these systems often includes software that cannot be updated or patched.
Industrial control systems equipment is typically used by manufacturing personnel, who don’t often have IT experience, especially with cybersecurity
Industrial control systems consist of operational technology such as sensors, programmable logic controllers, actuators, and even robots that manage, monitor, and maintain the systems—the more interconnected the systems, the greater the damage that can be done overall.
Damage that Hackers Can Do Through Industrial Control Systems
So you might think hackers can’t do any damage if they can access the conveyor belt system used in shipping and receiving, but you would be completely wrong. Here are some of the ways hackers can do damage to your company by hacking industrial control systems:
Access primary IT systems or more critical systems by moving into these systems laterally.
Steal trade secrets and intellectual property.
Obtain confidential information such as customer lists, marketing plans, policies and procedures, etc.
Secretly monitor internal traffic and other data such as email.
Take control of manufacturing, operations, or infrastructure equipment and cause damage, sabotage operations, or even hold it hostage.
Tips for Keeping Your Industrial Control System Safe
So what can you do to protect yourself from this damage? Take these actions:
Create security policies for the industrial control system equipment specifically and ensure that everyone follows them.
When purchasing new equipment for your industrial control system, be sure that it has a means to update the software and/or hardware for the system so that newly discovered vulnerabilities can be addressed.
Assign an individual or team that works with IT to maintain the control system equipment and make sure that hackers cannot get into the system through industrial control system equipment.
Hire an industrial control system specialist who understands the importance of security and designs these systems to maximize operational security.
The moral of the story is that don’t allow the security of industrial control system equipment to be forgotten or fall through the cracks. Create awareness of security vulnerabilities and ensure the key individuals know how to address them. Don’t put your whole organization at risk by allowing a security breach to occur via your industrial control systems.
Hire the Best Industrial Control System Specialists in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors do not only install electrical equipment for commercial and industrial customers all over the Southeastern United States but also can help you install and configure industrial control systems for your operations securely. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2021-12-industrial-electrical-services-birmingham.jpg6671000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2022-01-01 00:00:002023-07-03 17:25:06How to Secure Your Industrial Control Systems
Industrial control systems (ICS) describe how hardware and software are integrated with network connectivity to support work processes in today’s industrial settings. In the past, most industrial equipment and components used in industrial processes such as the operation of transportation systems, power stations, water and wastewater plants, transport industries, and many other critical functions were dumb, meaning that they worked as isolated systems, protected from the outside. Now, a lot of industrial equipment and components of today’s ICSs connect directly or indirectly to the internet.
The Benefits of Modern Industrial Control Systems
This improved connectivity, often via wireless networking, and enhanced sensor technology, automates many complex work processes, resulting in increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved reliability.
The Drawbacks of Modern Industrial Control Systems
The trade-off for these new benefits for ICS is that it makes these systems vulnerable to attack by foreign powers, competitors, and hackers. Because many important industrial functions are automated, all industrial companies must take steps to protect their equipment operations from being changed or sabotaged. Here are some of those steps:
Install the latest hardware and software updates immediately when available.
Limit system access so that only individuals that need it to perform their job duties.
Use multi-factor authentication to make it more difficult for outside intruders to gain access.
Monitor network traffic looking for abnormal spikes or ebbs and review where the traffic comes from.
Review access logs routinely, looking for anomalies.
Most industrial businesses and functions generate a lot of attention from intruders and face constant attacks, so anyone who works with them—from the industrial electrical company that installs them to the operators who use them every day—need to be aware of this and cautious.
The Components of Industrial Control Systems
Industrial Control Systems use many different components and control systems. Some of the components of an ICS (outside of control systems) include:
Sensors – Used to measure conditions of an ICS. These can measure speed, temperature, scanning letters or numbers, movement, or any number of other stimuli as programmed.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) – These are used as control components in ICS and programmed to manage work processes
Operational Technology devices – Any ICS device that monitors and controls physical devices out on the system. These include both hardware and software.
Master Terminal Unit (MTU) – This is the brain of the ICS, sending commands to the system, telling it exactly how to operate.
Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) – Controls the MTU receiving commands, executing them, and reporting back to MTU.
An excellent industrial electrical services provider must have an in-depth understanding of ICS’s and how they interact with the world around them to keep your business running smoothly and protect it from hostile attacks.
Tri-State Electrical Contractors Provide Best-in-Class Industrial Control System Services in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands what modern industrial companies need in the ever-changing, complex, online world. We provide PLC programming services in addition to all of the industrial electrical services you need. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-11-performing-industrial-electrical-services-atlanta.jpg8711000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2021-12-08 00:00:002023-07-03 17:28:23More Information About Industrial Control Systems
Because most modern industrial electrical systems are well constructed and durable, facilities managers and owners of an industrial business may be lulled into a false sense of security about their electrical systems. As a result, they might overlook issues until it is too late. Unfortunately, this usually results in a costly repair or replacement of electrical components or, worse yet, brings production down.
For these reasons, industrial electrical maintenance is essential for uninterrupted and efficient operations for all industrial businesses.
What is Industrial Electrical Maintenance?
Because of the complexity of modern industrial equipment, industrial electricians need to be familiar with many different types of equipment and the theory and technology behind it. In addition, industrial electrical maintenance involves a general understanding of monitoring, testing, diagnosing, repairing, and replacing elements of an industrial electrical system. This includes being knowledgeable about the National Electric Code and local zoning and regulations surrounding electrical work.
Areas Industrial Electrical Maintenance Cover
In addition to the general knowledge of electrical systems, today’s industrial electricians need to be familiar with the standard technology used within industrial electrical systems such as:
Generators
Transformers
Hydraulics
Pneumatics
Lighting Systems
Surge Protection
Battery Backup Systems
Industrial electricians need to be familiar with computerized control systems integrated with the electrical equipment and high-tech diagnostic equipment to help identify and resolve problems before resulting in an expensive repair or downtime.
This means that industrial electricians need to use and thoroughly understand the software that drives these integrated solutions and how to use it to ensure stability and detect problems before they become serious issues. They do this by implementing preventive maintenance for these systems.
Preventative Industrial Electrical Maintenance
Downtime and data loss keep industrial business owners awake at night. Problems that are minor issues early on can become huge issues at critical moments. For example, the company’s backup generators need to be ready to fire up as soon as there is a power outage. If those generators have not been inspected or tested, they might not start at a crucial moment. Preventative industrial maintenance can help avoid these issues. Some of these issues include:
Overloaded or old wiring
Inadequate lubrication for industrial equipment
Excess vibration
Worn out parts
Industrial electricians need to be experts at many different types of equipment and have a clear understanding of the system’s vulnerable areas and how to prevent problems before they occur.
Hire the Best Industrial Electrical Contractors in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors’ industrial electricians are licensed in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and (soon) Florida. We can handle any industrial electrical project you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
https://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-11-industrial-electrical-services-atlanta.jpg6671000Scott McCoyhttps://tristateec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tri-state-electrical-solar-installers-chattanooga-logo.pngScott McCoy2021-12-01 00:00:002023-07-03 17:31:15What is Industrial Electrical Maintenance?
What is an Industrial Electrician?
/0 Comments/in Commercial Electrical Services /by Scott McCoySimply put, industrial electricians support an industrial plant’s electrical needs, whether these are monitoring the electrical controls via PLC panels, monitoring energy usage, wiring and maintaining the plant’s electrical infrastructure, or working with the installed industrial equipment.
Because of the nature of this type of work, industrial electricians require a broad range of skills and experience to perform their jobs effectively. This means that they need to have a lot of experience working with different types of highly specialized industrial equipment, advanced troubleshooting skills, the ability to read and interpret drawings and blueprints, awareness of electrical codes, industrial control system operation, and much more. They also need skills and experience outside of working with electrical equipment. For example, industrial electricians need to coordinate with other contractors working on the equipment or building, work with vendors to order parts and troubleshoot issues, collaborate with inspectors and regulatory agencies, so having good communication and “people” skills are a must.
Why Industrial Electricians Are Important
Industrial companies must have equipment and facilities that operate smoothly. Any downtime can cost the company thousands, even millions of dollars. In addition, failing to follow the proper electrical codes and standards may result in expensive penalties and fines and perhaps endanger the company’s equipment, facilities, or the lives of its employees. For these reasons, an excellent electrical electrician is essential for any industrial operation.
Job Requirements for Industrial Electricians
As you can see, industrial electricians are a unique breed of electricians who need a broad range of experience and skills. They need more training and experience than other electricians and need to be constantly learning to perform their jobs well. Some of the training an industrial electrician may need include:
Because industrial electricians have to lift, move, and sometimes work in tight, cramped spaces, they should be reasonably physically fit and strong. They also need to be comfortable working in hectic, noisy, dirty work environments under stressful conditions. For these reasons, the ability to handle stress is a must. This makes good industrial electricians a valued resource for all companies.
Tri-State Electrical Provides Best-in-Class Industrial Electrical Services in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands what modern industrial companies need in the ever-changing, complex, world. We provide superior industrial electrical services, including equipment installation, troubleshooting, PLC installation and programming, installing electrical equipment in new industrial plants, and much more. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
How Do Industrial Control Systems Use Data?
/0 Comments/in Industrial Electrical /by Scott McCoyAs industrial control systems handle bigger and more complex tasks, there is a growing need for IT data management and support to help coordinate the industrial control system, and secure it as well. As a result, industrial control systems depend more and more on Big Data to help plan, optimize and improve operations at your industrial company.
This can take many forms, such as enhanced automation of your industrial processes to improve accuracy and efficiency, detailed reporting that measures every aspect of the production process looking for ways to improve the overall process, or helping managers and engineers identify and resolve problems before they result in a production slowdown, or worse yet, a complete work stoppage.
What Kind of Data Does Industrial Control Systems Handle?
Industrial control systems collect and use many different types of data. This can be the primary data that runs and controls the equipment or enhanced functions such as coordinating the operation of multiple systems, managing production speed, and also delivering data gathered by sophisticated sensors installed within the system. Because of these enhancements, the industrial control systems require software with customizable configuration and reporting to manage the production process. The industrial control system communicates via a wired or wireless signal that updates the data constantly. This interconnectivity between the industrial control system and the equipment that it runs makes it vulnerable to threats both outside and within the business.
Why is Data Security Important?
Cyberattacks on industrial companies are becoming more and more commonplace in today’s world. The tight-knit interconnectivity between the industrial control system, the equipment that performs tasks, and the networks and data architecture that support them make it vulnerable to outside attacks from hackers. But internal issues such as equipment failure, employees bypassing the system’s operation, or external factors that prevent peak efficiencies such as temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions.
Luckily, the tight integration between today’s industrial control systems and Big Data makes it easier than ever to spot problems, whether caused by internal conditions or an outside cyberattack, can be configured to detect these issues before they can cause production problems.
Let Tri-State Electrical Contractors Help with Your Industrial Control System Installation and Maintenance
At Tri-State Electrical, we can handle every aspect of your industrial control systems. From providing the industrial electrical work to supply your equipment with power, to providing the PLC programming needed to run your system. in the Southeastern US? For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
How Do You Find the Best Commercial Electrical Contractor?
/0 Comments/in Commercial Electrical Services /by Scott McCoyThere are a lot of commercial electrical contractors out there. So how do you choose the best one for your electrical project? Here are a few suggestions:
Ask Around
Who do you know who might have had some commercial electrical work done for them lately? Talk to friends, family members, or local business owners or managers about who they used for the electrical work. Ask them a few questions such as:
Word-of-mouth is still the best way to find the best commercial electrical contractors. So, use this resource.
Read Online Reviews
If your network can’t help you come up with any good recommendations, then use the next best thing: online reviews. There are several different review sites you can use to get your information about the best commercial electrical contractors:
Best Practices for Using Online Reviews
When using online reviews within your decision-making process, try to use a couple of different sources for the reviews. Read all of them. Pay special attention to the one- and two-star reviews. How many are there? If there are only one or two, and it is a small percentage of the total number of reviews you might be able to write them off as disgruntled customers or former employees. But if there are several low reviews and a pattern emerges, then steer clear of that commercial electrical contractor. Some of these sites also allow the contractor to respond to positive and negative reviews, so take a look at those as well. Does the contractor handle the complaint professionally or seem combative and assign blame?
Get a Free Project Estimate
Once you’ve selected a commercial electrical contractor, many of them provide free estimates, so have them take a look at your project and give you a quote. Pay close attention to them throughout the process. Are they prompt and courteous? Do they answer your questions to your satisfaction? Do they seem easy to work with? At this point, you should know which commercial electrical contractor you want to hire.
Tri-State Electrical Contractors Provide Best-in-Class Commercial Electrical Services in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands what modern commercial companies need in the ever-changing, complex, world. We provide superior commercial electrical services including generator installations, high-voltage wiring for equipment, and much more. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
What is Solar Storage?
/0 Comments/in Commercial Electrical, Industrial Electrical /by Scott McCoySolar storage (AKA solar battery storage) is a technology that allows you to use solar power in your home or business even after the sun has set. Because solar panels only generate energy during the day, there needs to be a way to use power at night. This is where solar storage comes in. Solar storage is a set of solar backup batteries that store solar energy until it needs to be used either at night or during outages.
What Are the Benefits of Solar Storage?
Energy independence is the biggest benefit of using a solar storage system. Previously solar energy could only be used during the day, and solar storage changes everything. Solar battery systems allow solar energy to be used at night, during outages, or whenever power is needed.
Lower energy bills is another massive benefit to using solar storage. Being able to supply all of your energy from the sun can significantly reduce your energy bills. In fact, you might be able to sell excess power back to your electricity supplier in some cases.
Secure Source of Power
As residents of North Carolina discovered last year, a big storm has the potential to damage electrical infrastructure severely, and people might end up without power for many hours or even days. A solar storage system is independent of the electrical grid and can be self-sustaining during an emergency. Even if the rest of the electrical grid is down in your area or neighborhood, a solar storage system allows you to live normally and help others during trying times.
Environmentally Friendly
The source of solar energy is free and reduces the amount of energy needing to be produced by fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas for the world as a whole. You can significantly reduce or even eliminate your need for energy from energy companies with solar battery systems.
Increase the Value of Your Home or Business
Adding solar panels and a solar battery storage system is highly sought after in many areas within the country. Energy-independent buildings can raise the value anywhere from 4 to 6%, a significant amount. When adding this to the energy savings you get, the value of a solar energy system is clear.
If you now see the value of a solar storage system, why not the best solar storage system electrical contractors in the Southeastern US? Tri-State Electrical Contractors’ industrial and commercial electricians are licensed in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and (soon) Florida. We can handle solar storage systems or any commercial or industrial electrical project you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Commercial Electrical Services Contractor?
/0 Comments/in Commercial Electrical Services /by Scott McCoyWhen you look up “electricians” online, there are many to choose from, and there are many electrical services companies that provide commercial electrical services, but what are the benefits of hiring a commercial electrical contractor over a more general electrician? Here are a few of them:
Access to Better Tools and Equipment
Because commercial electricians handle larger scale projects with more complexity than the average residential electrical job, they need better equipment and knowledge in order to get the job done, and chances are, a good commercial electrical company would have that equipment on-hand and not require someone to get and find it in order to complete a job. Not to mention that the electricians on staff will be familiar with the equipment and know how to use it properly to get the job done fast.
Superior Knowledge and Training
Commercial electricians are familiar with the “typical” needs of commercial electrical projects and see them every day. Where a general electrician might not be as familiar with the needs of a large commercial project such as a PLC panel installation, high-voltage wiring, or motor control installation work. They can probably still get the job done, but it will take longer and there is a greater risk of mistakes. The result of hiring a commercial electrical contractor with superior knowledge and training is that it will save you time and money in the long run.
Better Quality Work
The combination of both elements above, the access to better tools and equipment and superior knowledge and training result in a higher quality of work which means energy efficient installations, fewer equipment breakdowns which saves you both time and money.
Tri-State Electrical Contractors Provide Best-in-Class Commercial Electrical Services in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands what modern commercial companies need in the ever-changing, complex, world. We provide superior commercial electrical services including generator installations, high-voltage wiring for equipment, and much more. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
What is a Power Distribution Center?
/0 Comments/in Commercial Electrical, Industrial Electrical /by Scott McCoyPower distribution systems are a critical part of any electrical power system. To transfer electrical power from its source to where it is used, requires a power distribution center.
A power distribution center (PDC) regulates the distribution of electrical power to equipment at an industrial plant, homes in your neighborhood, or systems on your car. Typically, a switchgear supplies power to the PDC.
How Do Commercial and Industrial Electricians Use PDCs
For commercial or industrial electrical work, power distribution centers tend to be large enclosures of electrical equipment housed in an electrical room, on the roof of a building, or even a separate dedicated building somewhere on the company’s property. Commercial and industrial electricians use power distribution centers to manage the raw current coming from the electrical source and feeding it to all of the systems that require it within the building or property.
Components of a Power Distribution Center
No PDCs will be exactly alike. The components within the PDC depends on the amount of energy needed, location, how the energy is being used, etc. But most PDCs have the following components:
Power distribution centers are a common feature for commercial and industrial electrical projects, so it is critical to have PDC experts handling your installation. So why not hire the best commercial and industrial electrical contractors in the Southeastern US? Tri-State Electrical Contractors’ industrial and commercial electricians are licensed in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and (soon) Florida. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical project you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
What is a Commercial Energy Analysis?
/0 Comments/in Energy Analysis /by Scott McCoyA commercial energy analysis, AKA an electrical load analysis, is like a pre-flight checklist where trained, professional airline mechanic checks every part of the plane to ensure flight-worthy. In addition, these checklists determine where possible problem areas are developing that may need to be addressed soon.
A commercial energy analysis studies your building’s energy requirements and how that energy is used to see what improvements can be made to improve your energy efficiency, resulting in energy savings. For the same reasons that you want a trained and qualified airliner mechanic to be reviewing your plane’s operations, you want to make sure that your commercial energy analysis is performed by an accredited professional from organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), or the Building Performance Institute (BPI).
You can find DIY commercial energy audit instructions online, but why would you do it? It may save you some money in the short term, but why? A certified pro has all the knowledge, training, and specialized tools necessary to conduct comprehensive and accurate testing of your building’s energy equipment.
Level 1 Commercial Energy Analysis
ASHRAE has identified and categorized three levels of commercial energy audits that can be performed for your company. The Level I audit is a high-level energy survey that consists of a review of the company’s utility bills and a brief visual inspection of energy-consuming equipment within the company buildings. The objective of a Level I Energy Audit is to deliver a simple overview of the energy-saving changes for the building using low-cost or no-cost measures. The suggested actions may include educating employees on energy conservation, making minor upgrades to lighting or thermostat controls, or recommending a more comprehensive commercial energy analysis (a Level II or Level III energy analysis).
Level II Commercial Energy Analysis
The Level II Commercial Energy Analysis digs in deeper within the company’s facilities and equipment, looking at its use, when it is used, how it is used, and more. Typically this also includes comprehensive interviews of owners and managers as well as the equipment operators, maintenance staff, and other front-line workers to learn how the building operates, identify problem areas, and solidify the goals of the analysis.
The energy analysis auditor studies the business’s electricity and natural gas consumption to see where opportunities for savings exist. Additionally, the auditor will review utility rates for electricity and natural gas to see if switching to another energy plan or provider would be cheaper.
In addition, the commercial energy analysis auditor closely examines all equipment within the business that uses energy. This includes heating, cooling, lighting, air circulation, and other specialty systems. The auditor looks at the equipment’s age, size, condition, technology, and how it operates.
Level II Commercial Energy Analyses often include an in-depth infrared scan to see where heat escapes from the building(s) to determine if better insulation or other infrastructure upgrades are needed. Once the audit has been completed, the auditor typically delivers a comprehensive report to the company’s management and staff about the findings. This includes recommendations for new energy efficiency measures, system control changes, operation, procedural changes, and potential capital upgrades. These recommendations also include implementation costs and how long it will take the company to recoup its new equipment/processes investment before it’s paid back.
Level III Commercial Energy Analysis
A Level III Commercial Energy Analysis is sometimes known as an investment-grade energy analysis because it provides more details about the performance, costs, and benefits of implementing the recommendations described in the Level II analysis. Level III analyses typically use a computer model to simulate how a building reacts to changes in its energy systems or modifications to its structure. This is possible due to more detailed data collection over weeks or even months to track equipment operation such as pumps and motors, temperature, humidity, lighting, and more. The goal is to construct the computer model to react just like the actual buildings act so that simulated changes within the model will work with the real building and deliver accurate data.
Another significant component of a Level III analysis is the use of benchmarking to compare the energy use of your building with other buildings that have similar characteristics. This often involves using Portfolio Manager, a benchmarking tool used by the federal government’s Energy Star program. This program rates your company’s buildings on a scale of 1 to 100. A building scores a rating of 50; for example, it’s typical of similar facilities in terms of energy efficiency. A rating of 25 means your building requires significant improvements and measures to bring it up to the standards of other similar structures out there.
A commercial energy analysis will lead to savings in your monthly energy bills, no matter which level of analysis you choose.
Tri-State Electrical Contractors Provide Best-in-Class Commercial Energy Analysis in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands how to deliver cost-effective, productive electrical solutions for modern commercial companies to keep them competitive in the ever-changing, complex, online world. We provide comprehensive commercial energy analyses in addition to all other commercial electrical services you need. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
How to Secure Your Industrial Control Systems
/0 Comments/in Industrial Electrical /by Scott McCoyCyberattacks appear in headline news daily, and industrial control systems are high-value targets because they are vulnerable and can cause great turmoil if disrupted. Because of this, many hackers have shifted their attention to industrial control systems over traditional IT systems.
Why Industrial Control Systems Are Vulnerable
There are many reasons why industrial control systems are particularly vulnerable to hacker attacks:
Industrial control systems consist of operational technology such as sensors, programmable logic controllers, actuators, and even robots that manage, monitor, and maintain the systems—the more interconnected the systems, the greater the damage that can be done overall.
Damage that Hackers Can Do Through Industrial Control Systems
So you might think hackers can’t do any damage if they can access the conveyor belt system used in shipping and receiving, but you would be completely wrong. Here are some of the ways hackers can do damage to your company by hacking industrial control systems:
Tips for Keeping Your Industrial Control System Safe
So what can you do to protect yourself from this damage? Take these actions:
The moral of the story is that don’t allow the security of industrial control system equipment to be forgotten or fall through the cracks. Create awareness of security vulnerabilities and ensure the key individuals know how to address them. Don’t put your whole organization at risk by allowing a security breach to occur via your industrial control systems.
Hire the Best Industrial Control System Specialists in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors do not only install electrical equipment for commercial and industrial customers all over the Southeastern United States but also can help you install and configure industrial control systems for your operations securely. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
More Information About Industrial Control Systems
/0 Comments/in PLC Programming /by Scott McCoyIndustrial control systems (ICS) describe how hardware and software are integrated with network connectivity to support work processes in today’s industrial settings. In the past, most industrial equipment and components used in industrial processes such as the operation of transportation systems, power stations, water and wastewater plants, transport industries, and many other critical functions were dumb, meaning that they worked as isolated systems, protected from the outside. Now, a lot of industrial equipment and components of today’s ICSs connect directly or indirectly to the internet.
The Benefits of Modern Industrial Control Systems
This improved connectivity, often via wireless networking, and enhanced sensor technology, automates many complex work processes, resulting in increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved reliability.
The Drawbacks of Modern Industrial Control Systems
The trade-off for these new benefits for ICS is that it makes these systems vulnerable to attack by foreign powers, competitors, and hackers. Because many important industrial functions are automated, all industrial companies must take steps to protect their equipment operations from being changed or sabotaged. Here are some of those steps:
Most industrial businesses and functions generate a lot of attention from intruders and face constant attacks, so anyone who works with them—from the industrial electrical company that installs them to the operators who use them every day—need to be aware of this and cautious.
The Components of Industrial Control Systems
Industrial Control Systems use many different components and control systems. Some of the components of an ICS (outside of control systems) include:
An excellent industrial electrical services provider must have an in-depth understanding of ICS’s and how they interact with the world around them to keep your business running smoothly and protect it from hostile attacks.
Tri-State Electrical Contractors Provide Best-in-Class Industrial Control System Services in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors understands what modern industrial companies need in the ever-changing, complex, online world. We provide PLC programming services in addition to all of the industrial electrical services you need. We can handle any commercial or industrial electrical work you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.
What is Industrial Electrical Maintenance?
/0 Comments/in Industrial Electrical /by Scott McCoyBecause most modern industrial electrical systems are well constructed and durable, facilities managers and owners of an industrial business may be lulled into a false sense of security about their electrical systems. As a result, they might overlook issues until it is too late. Unfortunately, this usually results in a costly repair or replacement of electrical components or, worse yet, brings production down.
For these reasons, industrial electrical maintenance is essential for uninterrupted and efficient operations for all industrial businesses.
What is Industrial Electrical Maintenance?
Because of the complexity of modern industrial equipment, industrial electricians need to be familiar with many different types of equipment and the theory and technology behind it. In addition, industrial electrical maintenance involves a general understanding of monitoring, testing, diagnosing, repairing, and replacing elements of an industrial electrical system. This includes being knowledgeable about the National Electric Code and local zoning and regulations surrounding electrical work.
Areas Industrial Electrical Maintenance Cover
In addition to the general knowledge of electrical systems, today’s industrial electricians need to be familiar with the standard technology used within industrial electrical systems such as:
Industrial electricians need to be familiar with computerized control systems integrated with the electrical equipment and high-tech diagnostic equipment to help identify and resolve problems before resulting in an expensive repair or downtime.
This means that industrial electricians need to use and thoroughly understand the software that drives these integrated solutions and how to use it to ensure stability and detect problems before they become serious issues. They do this by implementing preventive maintenance for these systems.
Preventative Industrial Electrical Maintenance
Downtime and data loss keep industrial business owners awake at night. Problems that are minor issues early on can become huge issues at critical moments. For example, the company’s backup generators need to be ready to fire up as soon as there is a power outage. If those generators have not been inspected or tested, they might not start at a crucial moment. Preventative industrial maintenance can help avoid these issues. Some of these issues include:
Industrial electricians need to be experts at many different types of equipment and have a clear understanding of the system’s vulnerable areas and how to prevent problems before they occur.
Hire the Best Industrial Electrical Contractors in the Southeastern US
Tri-State Electrical Contractors’ industrial electricians are licensed in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and (soon) Florida. We can handle any industrial electrical project you need to be completed quickly and competently. For more information, give us a call at (423) 800-2134, fill out our simple online form, or email us at info@tristateec.com today.