The Circuit - Summer & Fall 2012 by Shealy Electrical Wholesalers

SUMMER & FALL 2012

solar power

COMPANY HAPPENINGS 10

SOUTHWIRE SOLUTIONS 16

PRODUCTS WE LOVE 18

the owners of high voltage specialists are leading the solar market by example. SEE MORE ON page 6

fluorescent lamp disposal shealy makes it affordable and easy

SEE MORE page 9

professional distribution for the electrical industry

www.shealyelectrical.com | www.edi-nc.com

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

contents

9 16

featured

From the President

The Safety Zone

Company Happenings

Products We Love

Solar Solutions

Fluorescent Lamp Disposal

Conduit - Is It A Waste?

Q&A - Southwire Reel Solutions

in every issue

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & Fall 2012

CHARLESTON

from the president

10009 Highway 78 Ladson, SC 29456 (843) 879-0232

CHARLESTON DOWNTOWN 36 Romney Street Charleston, SC 29413 (843) 853-7044

he feeling around the electrical industry is that the first half of 2012 was good for business - several recent announcements in the Carolinas lead me to believe the economic outlook for the second half is positive as well. Even more encouraging, the good news is broad market-based. While the industrial segment has led the way with significant capital investments to factories throughout the region; the utility, commercial and residential construction markets are all showing signs of increased activity as well. Technology advancements to LED lighting, attractive utility rebates, and government tax incentives have created a flurry of activity in the lighting retrofit market. The fast approaching deadline to stop the production of T-12 fluorescent and other popular lamps has added to this activity, and kept our SEER division extremely busy. We are anticipating that sales of lighting retrofit projects may outpace new construction lighting sales through the end of at least 2013.

ast September we excitedly announced our intention to merge Shealy Electrical Wholesalers and EDI of Charlotte; on January 1st we made the merger official. Today our combined companies offer sixteen locations in the Carolinas all possessing a common objective - to be recognized as the number one electrical distributor in the region serving the construction, industrial, and utility segments. Our strategic plans call for additional expansion in order to provide complete geographic coverage of the two states - stay tuned.

CLINTON

211 Southeast Boulevard Clinton, NC 28328 (910) 592-5776

hen a business has a major event happen a couple of questions are likely to be raised by their customers: Will this have an immediate effect on our business relationship? What’s going to change? We remain committed to careful planning of our integration activities to avoid any disruption to your business. And while we could not promise there would be no change - we have worked to create a company culture that embraces change making us a stronger, more capable business partner. I am happy to report that not a single associate has left our company as a result of the merger and we are on schedule to have our business system fully integrated November 30th. Thank you for your patience while we complete that process. Meanwhile, we are in the process of two vendor rationalizations allowing us a single, company-wide focus for two of our major product lines - in South Carolina we signed a “sole source” agreement with Southwire and in North Carolina we became a single line Square D/Schneider Electric authorized distributor. While these decisions were difficult, because of a long history and close personal relationships with the exiting manufacturers, we have increased our relevance with two industry leading manufacturers giving us the ability to provide you with the solutions you need. Have a great summer - we look forward to a long lasting and mutually beneficial relationship with each and every one of you,

COLUMBIA & CoRPORATE 120 Saxe Gotha Road West Columbia, SC 29172 (803) 252-5668

DUNN

509 North Fayetteville Avenue Dunn, NC 28334 (910) 892-0132

FLORENCE

906 West Darlington Street Florence, SC 29501 (843) 656-0088

Greenville

422 Fairforest Way Greenville, SC 29607 (864) 242-6880

GREENWOOD

2602 Highway 72 / 221 East Greenwood, SC 29648 (864) 223-4210

NORTH AUGUSTA

120 Merovan Drive North Augusta, SC 29860 (803) 278-1504

SUMTER

1340 South Guignard Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 934-8350

CHARLOTTE

1515 South Clarkson Street Charlotte, NC 28235 (704) 372-3040

CONCORD

281 Executive Park Drive NE Concord, NC 28025 (704) 782-7006

DENVER

6277 Denver Inustrial Park Road Denver, NC 28037 (704) 809-1260

GASTONIA

1280 Industrial Avenue Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 864-8721

MONROE

2317 Stafford Street Monroe, NC 28110

David White President, Shealy Electrical Wholesalers, Inc.

(704) 225-8988

MOORESVILLE

192 Talbert Pointe Boulevard Mooresville, NC 28117 (704) 799-3444

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & Fall 2012

flammable safety cabinets Provide protection for your employees and property with proper storage of flammable liquids.

ne of the leading causes of industrial fires is the improper storage and handling of flammable liquids. A fire can race through your facility in minutes, so any prevention point is very important.

To avoid generating toxic gases and to prevent fires and explosions, it is important to segregate incompatible chemicals. You should identify and inventory all chemicals in your workplace. Review the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for each chemical to determine characteristics and recommended storage practices. If the chemical being stored is flammable or combustible, then you are required by law to store those items in a storage cabinet that is selfclosing - and here is why: •

The Fire Triangle - A fire requires fuel, air, and ignition. Once those three elements are present, there is a fire that will continue to burn as long as there is an ample amount of the three things just mentioned. When a door is closed after a cabinet’s contents are on fire, air is quickly eliminated from the fire, killing the fire triangle and thus extinguishing the fire - without the need for human intervention.

Flammable safety cabinets hold an important role in order to keep flammable liquids under the safest condition. This means that the selection of the most suitable flammable safety cabinet is very crucial.

‘‘The latch holds the door open when in use and will release to close door automatically when temperatures reach 1600F.’’

yon Workspace Products has a variety of solutions for your flammable safety cabinet needs. These cabinets are specifically designed to provide you with the most versatile storage interiors! Whether you hang, stack, mount, stand them alone or under a counter, the Lyon Safety Cabinets (with their 1/2” shelf adjustments) are versatile enough to tailor to your own unique work space - and meet all the safety requirements for hazardous materials. Lyon Flammable Safety Cabinets include heavy-duty, ribbed galvanized steel shelves that have a 350 lb. shelf capacity. All in all, this is the most versatile and practical line of safety storage cabinets on the market today. For more details on properly storing your flammable liquids, contact your Shealy Electrical or EDI salesperson today!

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & Fall 2012

takes the gamble out of lamp safety

o one makes protective lighting better than Shat-R-Shield. Shealy Electrical Wholesalers and EDI - A Shealy Company, are your main source for this original coated lamp. Shat-RShield lamps, with their exclusive patented processes, have brought protective lighting to a new level of safety and reliability. Millions of Shat-R-Shield lamps are performing for food and drug industries and other manufacturers seeing the ultimate in cost-efficient worksite protection.

‘‘When comparing Apples to Apples in protective lighting, look for the orange!’’

he bright orange band at the end of each fluorescent lamp tells you that you have just purchased a Shat-RShield bulb, the original plastic-coated lamp and a superior protective lighting product. Each and every Shat-R-Shield lamp is designed to provide maximum safety and efficiency at a cost-effective price, thereby minimizing the consequences of a bulb breaking over your work site. There is a wide variety of protective lighting on the market today like sleeve and end caps, fixed tube guards, shrink wrapped bulbs, coated or covered bulbs. We want you to know that not all protective lighting is created equal. Look at the comparison and discover which is the best choice for you.

LAMP AND SLEEVE

SHAT-R-SHIELD

INSTALLATION

Must be inserted into sleeve and an end

No sleeves and end caps. Each lamp is

cap fitted on each end. Pin contact is

coated with clear, touch Shat-R-Kote and

reduced to the thickness of end cap.

ready for immediate installation. Even an

Added length does not permit the lamp

8’ lamp can be installed by one person.

to be secured properly in fixture. Often takes two people to install.

WASHING TIME

Air space between sleeve and lamp is

Can be totally immersed in cleaning tank,

an ideal environment for dust and oil

rinsed, dried, and quickly put back into

build-up. Sleeves and end caps have

operation.

to be washed inside and out and then reassembled.

LAMP LIFE

Air space between lamp and sleeve also

Has skin-tight Shat-R-Kote coating from

allows for heat build-up, which often

end to end. No air space. No heat build-

results in premature burnout-as much as

up. No premature burnout.

30% loss of lamp life.

LIGHT OUTPUT

Yellow film can develop between lamp

Absence of air space means no build-up

and sleeve due to accumulation of dust

of dust and oils. Also, the UV stabilizers

and oils. This, coupled with the UV

in the Surlyn coating block the UV

emissions from the lamp, can degrade

emissions. After 20,000 hours, a Shat-

the sleeve and result in severe reduction

R-Shield lamp does not change color. It

of light output.

stays as clear and bright as the day you installed it.

SAFETY AND DISPOSAL

When a conventional lamp breaks, there

If a Shat-R-Shield lamp breaks, virtually

is a danger of broken glass escaping from

all glass, phosphors, and mercury remain

the sleeve, leaving people, products, and

inside the tight Shat-R-Kote coating.

work site at risk. Clean-up and disposal

Employees, products, and work sites are

problems are magnified; even unbroken

completely protected. Disposal is safe

tubes create disposal problems for

and easy.

workers and the environment.

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & Fall 2012

Q>A

When Clifford Thomas and Frank Knox (owners of High Voltage Specialists, Inc. in Augusta, GA) decided to go solar, they contacted Jim Woods for the project. Jim briefly explains some benefits of going solar and details of that project .

Electricity costs are rising between 4% to 7% annually. The sun, however, never invoices you. When you invest in solar panels, you are essentially purchasing 25 to 30 years of electricity at today’s prices. In addition to the federal investment tax credit, which covers up to 30% of the installed cost, state and local incentives can provide financial assistance as well. Also, most solar electric systems qualify for tax advantages like modified accelerated depreciation, so be sure to check with your accountant or tax attorney when considering whether to go solar. Putting solar on the roof or parking lot of your business can do a lot for your bottom line. A well designed high performance solar electric system can not only reduce and stabilize energy costs in the face of rising rates, but can also boost your company’s image in the eyes of customers and employees.

“High Voltage Specialists is leading the solar market by example.”

Briefly explain what type of solar panels were installed and how many panels were installed.

This particular project involved the installation of 245w Polycrystalline Modules. Each system that was installed was 10kW in size with 40 modules per system.

Q> A<

What type of installation processes were used?

Clifford used a roof mount system while Frank used a ballasted racking system for a ground mount (this allows him to relocate his system as needed). The type of racking or mounting equipment that is used is determined by your available area of installation. Roof mounted systems use a variety of racking systems based on roof material type. Flat roofs that can’t be penetrated need “ballasted”

Frank Knox (above) used a ground mount racking design, while Clifford (right) used a roof mount racking system.

racking. Ground mounted racking What made your systems are typically anchored in customers want to install some permanent fashion. Other solar panel systems? systems could include solar carports, canopies, awnings, etc. Federal, State and Utility Incentives. Also, they wanted to gain solar experience What type of energy towards their entry into the savings should Frank and business. They are exploring Clifford see from their solar panel long-term plans to also put a large installations? system on the roof of their business. High Voltage Specialists is definitely Both systems have been leading the solar market by example. brought online in the last 2 months. We are looking at 1200Jim Woods works at the Shealy Electrical 1500kWh per month. Columbia Branch and is the Director of Clean Energy Programs

Q> A<

contemporary THE CIRCUIT | magazine SUMMER &month FALL 2012 20XX

fluorescent lamp disposal SHEALY MAKES IT AFFORDABLE AND EASY Does your facility have fluorescent lights? Spent fluorescent lamps cannot be trashed in dumpsters as solid waste, because they contain mercury. This is a major challenge for facilities across the country since nearly every facility uses them and more than 640 million lamps are disposed each year. Mercury is linked to severe health issues such as blurred vision, numbness in limbs, speech impairment, severe convulsions, developmental problems, loss of consciousness, insanity, birth defects, possible autism, and more. A single four-foot fluorescent tube contains from five to 50 milligrams of mercury. When conventional disposal methods are used, mercury vapors can travel over 200 miles. Hence, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates fluorescent lamps and stipulates strict guidelines for their disposal. Facilities that do not comply with these regulations not only bring harm to the environment, they risk costly restitution. In fact, if fluorescent lamps are found in landfill sites and traced back to the offending parties, they can be penalized with the cost of the landfill cleanup, in addition to any other fines levied. Therefore, it greatly benefits companies and institutions to adhere to EPA guidelines and dispose of fluorescent lamps appropriately.

‘‘Shealy and EDI offer an environmentally responsible recycling program that follows EPA guidelines by offering a selection of convenient recycling kits and on-site lamp crushing.’’

SEER (Shealy Energy Efficiency Resources) is here to help you. We now offer lamp and ballast recycling to support our customer’s needs. Industrial, commercial, facilities, contractors, and government agencies everywhere are joining the recycling movement. There is both a moral and legal obligation to the environment to recycle these harmful contaminants. SEER has many different options to fit your recycling needs. There are boxes that can be dropped off and left at your facility until you are finished with your job. Then, we pick up your lamps and take care of the rest. For instance: You are working on an industrial facility relighting job. You take down 1,000

T12 lamps, but don’t know what to do with them? You simply pack those in a SEER container and leave the rest to us! After spent lamps are returned to one of our Shealy or EDI locations, the proper disposal and containment of the lamps is handled. The actual recycling is taken to a hazardous waste facility to be properly broken down and contained, saving the environment and saving you fines from the government, AND saving you the hassle and time of having to deal with the process all by yourself! For more information on our SEER Lamp and Ballast Recycling Program, contact your Shealy or EDI Sales Person today!

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

North Carolina Branches Become Authorized Schneider Electric Distributors SINGLE SOURCE STRATEGIC PARTNERS David Littlejohn | EDI - A Shealy Company | VP of Construction Sales

healy Electrical and EDI branches in North Carolina are pleased to announce that we are now a stocking distributor of

Square D electrical gear as a Single Source Strategic Partner. This new partnership with Square D will allow our North Carolina branches the increased ability to provide you with a broad range of products that are highly specified in our industry. We feel that partnering with Square D will enable us to better serve you across diverse markets including commercial,

residential, industrial, and utilities.

‘‘Our goal is to partner with manufacturers that create high quality products with high quality service to back it up.” Square D’s “Best In Class” reputation is known throughout the world, which makes it the perfect fit for our growing company.

e have come a long way since 1954, and it has been a great 58 years, but it is time to write a new chapter in our history. With the partnership of our customers, Square D, and the dedicated gear team at EDI, we look forward to taking our gear business to new levels of success!

contemporary magazine month 20XX

www.shealyelectrical.com | www.edi-nc.com

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

A CASE STUDY:

welcome

to the team!

Kevin Bowman

SWITCHGEAR SPECIALIST

EDI - CHARLOTTE

Travis Boyd

ASST WAREHOUSE MANAGER

SHEALY - COLUMBIA

DAVID GILLEY

OPERATIONS MANAGER

SHEALY - LADSON

hen Balfour Beatty Construction decided to relocate their Carolinas Headquarters after their acquisition of local contractor, RT Dooley Construction, they wanted to design a new space that would be comfortable to work in and sustainable to operate. As they lined up contractors to design this new space, Preferred Electric was chosen as the electrical contractor. Preferred then chose EDI - A Shealy Company, as the electrical distributor for the job. That is where the lighting design began. Through several meetings with the architect, engineer, electrical contractor, and the customer, EDI discovered the customer’s likes and dislikes about their current space. At that point, the architectural features of the new space and the renderings drawn by the architect were analyzed. A large concern was a very short timeline - only 12 weeks to choose, order, ship, and install the lighting package! With all the information collected, EDI went to work selecting fixtures that would be energy efficient while providing sufficient light in the space. For the open office areas, EDI recommended a T5 fluorescent linear fixture that provided 80% uplight and 20% downlight so the light would bounce off of the beautiful mill ceiling to light the full volume

of the space. With the addition of skylights and numerous exisiting windows, there is an open air feel to the office, and the work station task lighting provides extra light when needed. The individual offices were lit with one 2-lamp T5 volumetric fixture with under cabinet task lighting. These offices have glass front walls which also provide use of the light from the open office area. Conference rooms were outfitted with three layers of lighting that can be individually controlled based on the event in the space. The reception area made use of an aluminum fixture with compact fluorescent lamps that provides a smooth, welcoming light. All spaces are controlled either through occupancy sensors or a timer to ensure lights are not left on when not in use. Through the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, the project was completed on-time, on-budget, and above expectations for LEED points. The lighting system contributed 6 points toward the LEED Silver certification received on the project. EDI and Preferred achieved 32.7% reduction in lighting power, 75% of lighting load controlled by occupancy sensors and 100% of workstations with individual lighting and controls.

DANIEL SCHULLER

INSIDE ACCOUNT MANAGER

EDI - CHARLOTTE

R ECO G N IZ E S S H E ALY ’ S CO M M ITM E NT TO E N E RGY E F FI CI E N CY AN D TH E E NVI RO N M E NT Progress Energy has recognized Shealy Electrical Wholesalers for their commitment to energy efficiency and the environment by participating in the Energy Efficiency for Business Program.

BUTCH THOMAS

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

SHEALY - FLORENCE

As a result, in part of Shealy’s efforts, Progress Energy Customers have reduced energy use by 87,721,475 kwh through December 2011!

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

t the heart of Shealy Electrical’s charitable

READY, SET ...

giving is the idea that being a good

SHOP!!!

corporate citizen by giving back to our

communities is both a responsibility and privilege.

GEAR UP FOR YOUR SUMMER PARTIES!

For over 65 years, Shealy Electrical Wholesalers has developed deep-rooted relationships throughout North and South Carolina. Shealy has supported many non-profit and civic organizations through its charitable and community efforts, specifically

JULY

‘‘Shealy Electrical Wholesalers and EDI are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities where we live and work by supporting organizations that address vital community needs and issues.”

been wanting to add something special to your cookouts and parties? With every $50.00 of square d products you purchase, you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 target gift card!

GET READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL!

through funding, product donations, and volunteered time. We view this relationship as being central to our mission of serving the communities we call home, and we strive to leverage our position as one of the largest independent electrical wholesalers to affect positive change. Although Shealy Electrical is extremely active in the community, the Charitable Contribution Committee (CCC) decided it could be more effective in its philanthropic efforts and make an even greater impact in meeting the needs of our communities. As a result, Shealy Electrical Wholesalers’ CCC formed PluggedIn as its defined philanthropic arm.

y focusing its charitable contributions of both time and funds in this manner, PluggedIn will enable Shealy Electrical Wholesalers to support programs that align with its mission and allow

AUGUST SUMMER BREAK WILL BE OVER BEFORE YOU KNOW IT. tHAT’S WHEN THE BACK TO SCHOOL LISTS START! wITH EVERY $50.00 OF SQUARE d PRODUCTS YOU PURCHASE, YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR A $100 BELK GIFT CARD!

SUIT UP TO CHEER ON YOUR FAVORITE TEAM!

SEPTEMBER PICK UP SOME OF THE LATEST TAILGATING GEAR AND/OR YOUR FAVORITE TEAM’S MERCHANDISE! wITH EVERY $50.00 OF SQUARE d PRODUCTS YOU PURCHASE, YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO A DRAWING FOR A $100 DICK’S SPORTING GOODS GIFT CARD!

the organization to continue its already established community involvement.

For more information on PluggedIn and how you can get involved, email: pluggedin@shealyelectrical.com

1 GREAT CLASS - 2 LOCATIONS

Learn more about reducing operating costs, minimizing labor and material costs, and increasing property value by using scalable light control solutions for retrofit, renovation, and new construction! After taking this course you will know how to combine the control of daylight and electric light to increase energy savings, reduce maintenance costs, and increase employee productivity. For more information, or to RSVP to one of these events, email jcase@shealyelectrical.com!

CHARLESTON

MYRTLE BEACH

LUNCH

SHEALY ELECTRICAL 10009 Highway 78 ladson, SC

hAMPTON iNN 1801 S. OCEAN BLVD MYRTLE BEACH, sc

FOR THOSE

08.23.2012 09.13.2012

PROVIDED WHO ATTEND

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

conduit is a waste?

a new direction in cable management

ire mesh cable tray has been widely used to install power cables throughout Europe for more than 30 years. Contractors in the U.S. and Canada have only recently begun taking advantage of the significant cost savings these systems provide. Wire mesh cable tray does not rely on special pieces to make corners, Ts, up/down angles, or intersections. Instead, standard 10-foot lengths of wire mesh tray can be easily modified on site to make directional changes. A bolt cutter, screwdriver, and wrench are the only tools required to create even the most complex cable runs. By making simple cuts in the wire tray, installers can form 90-degree radius bends, 90-degree vertical bends, or specialized bend combinations, allowing the tray to wrap around HVAC units or avoid other obstacles such as those encountered as a result of design changes made during construction. Estimating, planning, and purchasing are also simplified. The number of parts needed for wire mesh tray is about half the number needed for other open wire management systems! Contractors have found that wire mesh tray,

especially when combined with MC Cable, is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective alternative

to conduit. The key advantage for contractors in selecting wire mesh cable tray is the reduction in material and labor costs, which are substantial especially when compared with closed

‘‘Wire mesh cable tray is economical and easy to work with’’ systems. In cost comparison studies conducted by Hargis Engineers, Inc., material costs for EMT conduit were approximately 30 percent higher than wire mesh cable tray while labor costs were more than 160 percent higher. The use of GRC (galvanized rigid conduit) increased these costs dramatically, with material costs more than 130 percent higher and labor more than four times the cost.

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

Cablofil is a global leader with the world’s largest production capacity of any wire cable tray manufacturer including their 78,000 square foot facility in Mascoutah, Illinois. Today, more than 80,000 miles of genuine Cablofil wire cable tray has been installed worldwide.

ontractors prefer to use wire mesh cable tray because the system is so easy to install. Unlike conduit, wire mesh cable tray requires no special bending equipment. Even extensive on-site adjustments can be made with simple hand tools. And because wire mesh tray is an open system, there’s no need to lube wires, or install pull boxes. In addition to reduced material and labor costs, wire mesh cable tray offers other cost-saving advantages. For example, since open systems operate at cooler temperatures than conduit, the cables in these systems are often more efficient, allowing smaller cables to be used. Cable inspection and maintenance costs are also lower because open systems allow for easy visibility and ready access. The cost for adding capacity or making other changes in the future is also reduced since wire mesh cable tray is

easy to alter, adapt, or re-configure. Unlike conduit systems, cable tray’s low installation costs mean contractors can easily provide plenty of spare capacity in all routes.

any types of power cables are compatible with open systems including Metal Clad Cable (Type MC), Medium Voltage Cable (Type MV), Armor Clad Cable (Type AC), Service Entrance Cable (Type SE), Underground Cable (Type UF) and Nonmetallic Cable (Type NM). Not only is wire mesh cable tray economical and easy to work with, it is also extensively tested. Per IEC 61537, wire mesh cable tray has been shown to withstand loads that exceed its full capacity. Additional studies include tests for grounding and shielding. Wire mesh cable tray is code compliant as well. It meets all the applicable standards and requirements including NEC, UL, NEMA, CSA, and ANCE. The increasing use of wire mesh cable tray in demanding applications around the world testifies to the value this innovative system can bring to today’s cable management needs.

Provided by Electrical Contracting Products and Cablolfil

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

Q>A

We recently interviewed Starr Electric Field Superintendent, Kevin Berkebile, about Starr’s experience with the new Southwire SIMpull barrels. Kevin is heading up a large project and gave us some great feedback about this revolutionary way to pull wire. Thanks to Kevin and Starr Electric for this valuable information!

Q> A<

Briefly explain what your project entailed.

This particular project called for the use of #12 and #10 wire - 4 wire and 7 wire set-ups. We used the Southwire SIMpull barrels for all branch circuit wire, lighting, and all of our motor loads. There were 19 barrels just for the motor load (125,000 linear feet - 500,000 feet of #12 barrel wire). We were fortunate to have the barrels. It really was a time saver. If you go back to your traditional methods of pulling the wire, you would have all the time to handle those reels and set it up - there’s no way you could even put a number on the labor savings involved in using the barrels.

Q> A<

Did you use the dolly or tripods on this project?

We used one dolly and three tripods. The tripods come in handy for your higher overhead pulls. When you are moving from room to room there’s just no better way than to take the one dolly, set up at a panel and start pulling. Two men can easily move the barrel on the dolly. Traditionally, with the amount of wire that we were pulling, you would have 3 or 4 guys on that set up. Using this method we only needed two men. You are saving at least 30-40% labor by using this product (no set up, no lube, no recoiling, only 2 guys versus 3 or 4).

Is it easier pulling with the SIMpull jacket on the

wire?

southwire reelsolutions Like other Southwire SIMpull Solutions products and service, the WireBARREL system provides a solution that can improve productivity, while offering yet another way for contractors to manage installation costs. The system essentially replaces the wire cart and multiple reels, thus removing the difficulties associated with maneuvering the cart and repeatedly handling heavy

Oh, yes. You just have to look at the product as a whole. Being able to get basically all of your wire now with the SIMpull jacket eliminates the need for lube and lube clean up time on the long runs. All of that translates into a huge labor savings.

Were you hesitant about using a new process like the SIMpull barrels?

You don’t know about the barrel wire until you pull it. We went into it blind. We looked at the sample and I said “We’re not going to order just a little bit, we are going to order it all. We’re either going to love it or we’re going to hate it, but we’re going to live through it.” We made a decision and went with it. We

reels. But don’t take our word for it ... read what one of our customers has to say about reel solutions from Southwire!

still have to pull wire traditionally for your one wire, two wire set ups. But if you put that barrel next to the three stands that we are using, there is no comparison.

Does using the barrels help eliminate theft on

the job?

The weight of the barrel (max weight 658 lbs.) even at 180 or 200 lbs. is too much for two men to deadlift off of the ground into the back of a truck - there’s no way. They can easily pick up a 60 lb. reel and throw it in the trunk of a car concealed and no one would ever notice. You’ll notice those barrels going down the road! Normally, we would have a lot of #10 and #12 scrap on a job which consumes a lot of space.

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

With pulling the barrel wire, we’ve had very little #10 and #12 scrap. You don’t have partial reels of wire sitting in the trailer taking up space - there’s a cost for that storage and handling. Everything has a price tag on it.

Why did you decide to use the Southwire SIMpull barrels on this project?

We went with the barrels for the labor savings and the ability to easily maneuver the wire through the jobsite. The overall footprint of the product is a lot smaller in comparison to using wire carts. If I’m pulling a 7 wire set up, that’s going to require me to use one REALLY big wire cart which eats up 3 times the footprint or use two smaller wire carts which would still eat up twice the footprint. We don’t have the option in a lot of these areas that we’re working in. It’s just a nobrainer. If you’re looking at 5,000 ft per color, that is two normal 2,500 ft reels that I would have to have someone get out from the trailer, get into the building, get it loaded on the wire cart (which is cumbersome to get the reels onto)

and stack them. So we looked at the labor savings of not having to handle as much wire. You handle this barrel only one time. There is no lost production.

Did using the barrels help prevent injuries on the

job?

You’re limiting the potential for injuries that can occur every time someone has to bend over and pick up a reel they don’t lift with their knees or lift correctly. Every time they bend and pick up that 2500 ft reel of wire, hold it and load it, there’s a chance of injury. The barrel wire is a two man operation. You put the dolly up underneath it and go. Your exposure to injury is cut 90%. Even with the additional cost of the

barrels, all it takes is one prevented back injury or one pinched finger to make up for it.

Did you run into any issues using the barrels? Is there anything you would change about them?

We had no issues with the barrels - no issues at all. The first time you use a product you anticipate problems or a learning curve. You expect issues with any product - it doesn’t matter whether you buy a coffee maker or a lawn mower. You always expect a little hiccup. We had no hiccups with this product at all. The only thing that I would change is the addition of some sort of viewing window or marking. Some way of knowing where the wire level is in the barrel (Southwire is currently working on the release of a plastic barrel with an addition of possibly three viewing windows. They are also hoping to put sequential foot markings on one of the conductors in the barrel that would be barrel specific). Southwire will also do barrel pickups on any of the barrels.

Do you plan on using SIMpull Barrels on future projects?

Absolutely. There’s a breaking point where it’s not cost effective so you have to be aware of that. But any project of any kind of larger size, you do pull a lot of wire. At the Ardrey Kell High School project a few years back, the amount of branch circuit wire we pulled was insane. If we had a product like the barrels back then, the savings would have been huge. This is an easy product to add on the job that contributes greatly to the labor savings.

THE contemporary CIRCUIT | SUMMER magazine&month FALL 2012 20XX

products we love

2 4

THE CIRCUIT | SUMMER & FALL 2012

1 Arlington Vapor Boxes for Fans, Fixtures, Devices

make application a snap , and offers the following:

Fast, easy, secure installation in new construction, Arlington vapor boxes mount to wood or steel joists with nails or screws that ship captive.

3 Milbank PowerGen Generators

Arlington’s non-metallic ONE-BOX fan, fixture, and device boxes feature built-in flanges and gaskets that form a protective barrier against air infiltration, enabling installers to meet local codes where required.

ONE-BOX Vapor Boxes for Fixtures and Devices ... • Non-metallic, non-conductive • Available in round for fixtures, and for devices in single-gang, twogang, three-gang, and four-gang styles • Includes mounting screws or captive nails • Includes gasket material for sealing knockouts • For new construction with single or double drywall (two-hour fire rating) • UL Listed in US and Canada

2 Midsun E/ Fusing Tape

Midsun Group E/Fusing Tape is a selffusing silicone rubber that functions as a Class “H” insulation material. The tape, when wrapped on itself, creates a uniform, inseparable cohesive thickness. Flexible cable, bus, and connector insulation is easily applied with a 2/3’s overlap on the tape. T&D equipment can be taped to form a void-free system of electrical protection which is durable under extreme conditions offered only by silicone. E/Fusing Tape’s self-bonding properties

• 15kV phase-to-ground insulation when applied in a 2/3 overlap within 10% stretch • 30kV or more phase-to-ground insulation can be achieved by a subsequent application • Resistence to heat, moisture, chemicals, corrosives, fire, and abrasion

From campsite to job site, from tent to trailer, and all points in between, Milbank portable generators put the power in your hands to get the job done! The Milbank Inverter Tech Portable Generator line of 1,650 Watt to 4,300 Watt provide the right power to supply equipment sensitive to voltage surges. The inverter technology allows the engine to work accordingly to the load! These generators are designed to perform so that you have no down time. • Super Quiet - Features high quality soundproof panels, vibration control, soft-tone muffler, and an engine that operates according to load • Smooth Power - Produces power comparable to public utilities. Ideal for computers, medical devices, and other equipment sensitive to voltage surges • More Power - Allows brief operations in overload conditions up to 120% of rated output, allowing the starting of demanding loads, such as air conditioners and air compressors • Low Fuel Consumption - Adjusts engine speed according to the load, reducing fuel consumption

4 Schneider Electric Wireless, Batteryless Push Button This is the first industrial switch with no wires and no batteries that offers flexibility and mobility to equipment operators and cuts installation costs up to 20 percent! With its powerful functionality to pass wireless signals through doors, walls, and floors, the Harmony wireless, batteryless push button allows equipment operators to remotely control machines at a distance of up to 25 meters in an industrial environment, enabling better control of industrial operations any time, anywhere.

5 FLIR MSX Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging

The FLIR T-440 and FLIR T-640 are equipped with a whole host of new features! One of the biggest additions being talked about as a “game changer” is the MSX Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging. A regular thermal image only displays heat signatures, so key details apparent to the eye can be lost in the haze if they are a similar temperature. FLIR cameras with MSX use two internal 5MP cameras to enhance the thermal image. The high-contrast skeleton visual image allows for key aspects of the visible spectrum to be overlaid on top of the thermal image output while still keeping the important thermal information prominent!