How Breaker Testing Can Give You Instant Peace Of Mind
When you’re purchasing reconditioned circuit breakers, whether it be for personal or business purposes, it’s important to know that they’re going to work exactly as advertised. At Civic Recycling, it’s not something we merely take for granted; it’s something that we take pride in and have the utmost confidence in. What’s more, every reconditioned circuit breaker comes with a written test report, to offer peace of mind. We’ll discuss this in greater depth in the subsequent text. Now, we understand that simply saying these things won’t convince you that our products are any better than anyone else’s, which works just fine as we have ample evidence to show you.
Trust Quality Breaker Testing from Civic
When you’re purchasing reconditioned circuit breakers, whether it be for personal or business purposes, it’s important to know that they’re going to work exactly as advertised. At Civic Recycling, it’s not something we merely take for granted; it’s something that we take pride in and have the utmost confidence in. What’s more, every reconditioned circuit breaker comes with a written test report, to offer peace of mind. We’ll discuss this in greater depth in the subsequent text. Now, we understand that simply saying these things won’t convince you that our products are any better than anyone else’s, which works just fine as we have ample evidence to show you.
Reconditioned and Tested Circuit Breakers
At Civic, we put each and every reconditioned circuit breaker through a rigorous testing process that includes multiple stages. The first stages are a complete cleaning of the inside and outside, followed by a 36-point visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the breaker. Once things have been properly visually inspected and cleaned comes the actual breaker testing. Molded circuit breakers consist are three main parts: the insulation, the contacts, and the trip unit. Three different tests are required to test the three different components, which are outlined as follows:
#1 - Insulation Resistance:
This test is done to verify the condition of the breaker’s insulating materials. Testing is performed using an insulation resistance test set at 1KV. The results of this test are included in the test report we spoke about.
#2 - Contact Resistance:
The second test performed is done to verify the current path in the breaker. Loose or bad connections, dirty hinge points or contacts, and burnt contacts will all show up as a high resistance reading. Testing is performed on each phase individually using a digital low resistance ohmmeter at 10amps, results are measured in milliohms and recorded, again, in the test report.
#3 - Over Current Trip Test:
The third test is to verify the time-current characteristics of the breaker. Testing is performed with direct injection to simulate an overload current. We have assembled over 2000 manufacturer’s trip curves, and test each phase on every molded case circuit breaker to ensure that it trips according to the manufacturer’s very own factory specifications. These results too will end up in the test report.
Civic Recycling Test Reports
If you’re not well-versed in this type of language, what we’re saying is that each and every circuit breaker we recondition and sell goes through a battery of tests to ensure it will perform at the highest levels possible. Each reconditioned breaker also has a test report attached to it. What this report includes the detailed results of each breaker. It’s something of an insurance policy when purchasing breakers, as you know that the breaker has been put through the necessary paces to perform the way it should. The test report has a unique tracking number attached to it so that it’s always there to reference for you.
As a further insurance policy on each breaker, testing is performed only by Certified Low Voltage Circuit Breaker Technicians. Not only that, but each reconditioned breaker will meet or exceed the standards set out by NEMA, NETA, IEEE, as well as the manufacturer’s own testing standards. How's that for awesome safety!
Our Breakers Just Work!
What all of this amounts to is that the breakers we sign off on are simply going to perform to the highest of specifications set out in the industry. Our breakers will work and not break. We stand behind the work we put into them and the products that we, in turn, sell to our customers.
Should you have any further questions regarding our testing processes or what the right product for you is, don’t hesitate to contact our sales staff with any and all of your queries. We’ll get you properly outfitted with the product and services that are right for you.
Civic Recycling – How Green Is The New Expert
Recyclable material is a leading renewable energy resource. Initiatives taken to dismantle equipment and separate into appropriate parts not only aids in the production of low energy resources such as varying metals but also provides countless job opportunities. In Canada, research has shown that green/recycling industry accounts for 10 times more employment and revenue than the waste industry.
Being Green In the Electrical Industry
Recyclable material is a leading renewable energy resource. Initiatives taken to dismantle equipment and separate into appropriate parts not only aids in the production of low energy resources such as varying metals but also provides countless job opportunities. In Canada, research has shown that green/recycling industry accounts for 10 times more employment and revenue than the waste industry.
Recycling Programs in Alberta
Alberta has the honorable distinction of initiating Canada’s first electronics recycling program back in 2004 and Civic Recycling is proving themselves as being one of the leading companies to help the movement. Alberta alone has recycled well over 8 million pieces of electrical equipment which mean that our landfills have been saved from incredibly hazardous materials such as lead, mercury or cadmium found in circuit boards or cathode ray tubes.
Civic Recycling’s ongoing commitment to the environment, recycling and being a company to offer a full range of services within the electrical industry is clear in their 3 main strategies to properly dispose of hazardous equipment:
1. Fluorescent Ballast Recycling
Civic Recycling now accepts NON-PCB fluorescent ballasts. Your business will be provided with a Certificate of Recycling which can support various LEED programs within your industry.
2. Fluorescent Lamp Recycling
Did you know that a standard fluorescent lamp contains approximately 23mg of toxic mercury? That is enough mercury to contaminate 20,000 L of water! Civic Recycling’s on-site “55 VRSU Premium Bulb Eater” effectively removes over 98% of the mercury and phosphor dust contained in standard lamps.
3. Fluorescent Fixture Recycling
These fixtures pose many unique recycling problems which many landfills and metal recyclers do not accept because of their mix of metals and low-grade tin that makes the fixtures themselves and the ballast. Our unique approach of stripping down each component into separated smaller groups makes it easier for recyclers to process.
Civic Recycling Loves Being Green
For the past 20 years, Civic Recycling has been creatively seeking unique solutions for our valued customers.
Our passion and dedication in providing expert knowledge with our wide array of products from Circuit Breakers to Fuses fully translates our proficiency and environmental prowess with our recycling efforts.
Do not hesitate to contact us at anytime, talk soon and we hope you enjoyed reading!
5 Ways To Build Better Electrical Safety Management Systems
Just about every business uses electricity. In fact, the use of electrical power is so commonplace that it's easy to take for granted in some respects. Any electrical system has the potential to cause harm to both life and property and accidents do occur. These mishaps happen every day, whether here in Canada or elsewhere, and often it is because proper procedures in the treatment and use of electricity aren't followed.
Electrical Safety Management Explained
Just about every business uses electricity. In fact, the use of electrical power is so commonplace that it's easy to take for granted in some respects. Any electrical system has the potential to cause harm to both life and property and accidents do occur. These mishaps happen every day, whether here in Canada or elsewhere, and often it is because proper procedures in the treatment and use of electricity aren't followed.
Personal injuries may be suffered in a variety of ways, including:
Direct contact with either an energized electrical conductor or a live circuit. The human body is an efficient electrical conductor and when an electrical charge enters the body the energy will travel through it seeking a ground. This can be fatal, as the electricity can cause a malfunction of the heart, the lungs, and other muscles.
Electrical energy can arc or jump from an exposed circuit or conductor through the air to a person who is grounded, causing similar death or damage as that of direct contact.
Thermal burns may be suffered from the heat generated by electrical arcs as well as burns received from materials catching on fire as a result of contact with arcs or the heat created by electrical currents. Contact burns caused by being shocked may show little damage to your skin yet create significant damage to internal tissue.
Receiving a shock while on a ladder or otherwise working above ground can cause a fall that may result in serious injury.
Your Electrical Safety System
Every business should have an electrical safety management system in place that provides basic training regarding ways to avoid being injured or killed by electricity and ways to prevent property damage or destruction.
Here are some tips on building a better electrical safety management system for all:
CONDUCT SEMI-ANNUAL SAFETY MEETINGS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES STRESSING THE DANGERS OF ELECTRICITY AND HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST PROPERTY DAMAGE/PERSONAL INJURY.
ENSURE PERSONNEL KNOW WHAT TO DO IN AN ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY.
ENSURE ALL EXTENSION CORDS ARE OF THE PROPER SIZE FOR THE APPLIANCE THEY'RE USED TO POWER, THAT THEY'RE ONLY USED FOR TEMPORARY USE, NOT COILED IN USE AND INSPECTED BEFORE USE.
ENSURE ALL CIRCUIT BREAKER PANELS ARE PROPERLY LABELED AND ANY BREAKERS THAT ARE REPLACED ARE CERTIFIED SAFELY OPERATIONAL.
CONDUCT REGULAR WORKPLACE ASSESSMENTS TO ENSURE SAFE PRACTICES ARE BEING UTILIZED THROUGHOUT.
WHEN IT'S TIME TO REPLACE A PIECE OF ELECTRICAL GEAR, UTILIZE THE SERVICES OF A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS.
Learn more about how we test our electrical products, safety is our top priority. Civic Recycling is committed to delivering fantastics products to our customers across Canada. Think of us for Electrical Equipment and breakers including:
Thanks for reading!
Civic Recycling Is For Builders, Electricians, & Home Renovation Experts
As a builder, electrician or expert renovator, it’s important to understand your needs. Whether you’re going to be buying in bulk for a business, performing smaller residential projects, or simply tackling something on your own.
As a builder, electrician or expert renovator, it’s important to understand your needs. Whether you’re going to be buying in bulk for a business, performing smaller residential projects, or simply tackling something on your own.
Knowing what you need and what you don’t, no matter the job, can’t be overstated. All this leads us to talk about the services we offer at Civic Recycling. Some places specialize in supporting larger-scale businesses, and some places specialize in supporting the little guy and the handyman.
At Civic we have the products and the infrastructure to support anyone who’s looking for a quality product.
Civic Recycling: Outstanding Electrical Stock
What makes our stock so great is not only the variety - we have circuit breakers, transformers, fuses, and motor control - but the fact that we offer all these products at varying prices. This, paired with our knowledgeable staff, will assist you in finding the product that perfectly suits your needs. Whether you’re a wholesaler working in oil and gas or the agricultural industry, we have the products and services that will suit the needs of any person or business. A brief conversation with any of our well-versed sales team will position you to purchase the best product for your needs.
Professionally Reconditioned Equipment
In addition to our wide selection of electrical products and services, we offer professionally reconditioned and refurbished circuit breakers. While some may be put off by the idea of a second-hand piece of electrical equipment, our breakers go through rigorous testing. Not only that, but each breaker is reconditioned by a Certified Breaker Technician, come with a written test, and are backed by a one year 100% guarantee. Not only will the product perform to the highest of standards, as you would expect, but the product guarantee offers peace of mind as well.
Breaker Testing and Inspections
To further provide peace of mind and quality, each breaker once cleaned goes through a 36-point visual inspection. Once the visual inspection has taken place, each breaker goes through a three different tests to further inspect its reliability and quality. The three tests are an insulation resistance test- to verify the condition of the breakers insulating materials, a contact resistance test- to verify the current path of the breaker, and an overcurrent trip test- which verifies the time-current characteristics of the breaker.
What we’re trying to say here is that even though these breakers are reconditioned, the vigorous testing and thoroughness of each test guarantees that the product will operate exactly how a new product would. The refurbished product also realizes a cost saving which is passed along to the customer.
At the end of the day, no matter who you are and what size your business is, we have the products and the knowledge to take care of your needs. As we said, our fantastic selection and the option to purchase reconditioned products means that there is going to be something here for everyone at every price point.
Should you have any question regarding what the right product for you is, don’t hesitate to contact our sales staff with any and all of your queries. We’ll get you properly outfitted with the product and services that are right for you.
Electrical Infrastructure in Canada: What’s Next?
As the world changes, Canada changes with it. The slow move away from fossil fuels is in progress, and this provides us the opportunity to take a look at where Canada is moving as well. As the economy works around energy generation it’s important to have a firm grasp on where things are going and also where they are coming from.
New Blog Post: What's Next for Electrical Infrastructure in Canada?
As the world changes, Canada changes with it. The slow move away from fossil fuels is in progress, and this provides us the opportunity to take a look at where Canada is moving as well. As the economy works around energy generation it’s important to have a firm grasp on where things are going and also where they are coming from.
We thought it would be an enlightening topic of discussion to take a look our own electrical infrastructure and see where things are headed.
Electrical Energy Generation in Canada
Canada is quite diverse in its energy generation, being the second largest producer of hydroelectricity in the world. With the demand for electricity, especially in the industrial sector, only expected to grow, Canada has some interesting ways with how it’s going to keep up with demand. Change in electrical infrastructure, generation and production are always subject to government changes, and what parts of the country are most and least in demand.
In terms of generation, according to the government of Canada, the country is expected to continue producing hydroelectricity at high levels but will see its share decrease from 55% to 51% of total production by the year 2040. Where the slack will be picked up is in wind generation, which is expected to rise from 7% of total electricity produced to 11% by 2040. We will also see a rise in production from biomass, solar, and geothermal, which will account for about 5% also by 2040. We will also see natural gas rise from 15% to 22% over that same time span. In terms of decreasing production, nuclear energy is expected to shrink down to about 6% from 10% by 2040.
On top of that, the country is linked to a number of exciting projects moving forward, including smart grids, small-scale renewable and clean energy products, and ecoEnergy. Diversification and a smaller reliance, if ever so slightly, on the types of energy Canada has always produced seem to be what’s going to be the norm in the coming decades.
Electrical Infrastructure and Civic Recycling
I guess this all begs the question of what does it all mean? Well, it’s important to know where Canada stands on energy as there are a great many jobs and investments that rely on what the future may hold. With climate change also becoming a greater concern, finding ways to combat its effects is an important discussion and process to begin. We also must ask; how does this impact us? As an electrical supplies company, we always need to know what comes next, whether that means changes in commercial or personal sales. The rules of the game are always changing and if you can’t keep up then you’ll get left behind.
At Civic Recycling we strive to be a part of Canada’s future energy goals while maintaining the things we do that we feel make us great. The world’s, and Canada’s, consumption of electricity and electrical infrastructure will change over the coming years and we plan on being right there with it.
Thanks for reading and we hope to chat with you soon.
Contact us here or learn more about how we test our electrical products, safety is our top priority. Civic Recycling is committed to delivering fantastics products to our customers across Canada.
Think of us for Electrical Equipment and breakers including:
From the Obsolete to the Obvious: A Story From Civic Recycling
For many of us, the idea of buying something “used” or supposedly "obsolete" doesn’t carry a positive connotation. Buying something that isn’t fresh out of the package can often mean that it’s not in working condition or is not as aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes this is the case, BUT making that declaration before seeing or using the product is a mistake, and no one knows that better than we do. So read on!
Civic Recycling Obsolete & Obvious Reconditioned Products
For many of us, the idea of buying something “used” or supposedly "obsolete" doesn’t carry a positive connotation. Buying something that isn’t fresh out of the package can often mean that it’s not in working condition or is not as aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes this is the case, BUT making that declaration before seeing or using the product is a mistake, and no one knows that better than we do. So read on!
Outstanding Stock Tested and Inspected Rigorously
At Civic Recycling we take pride in our reconditioned products. We can certainly understand the reticence of people out there to take the plunge into “used” parts, but we would like to explain why we believe so deeply in our reconditioned products. While some places may take shortcuts when it comes to refurbishing a product, we most certainly do not. Each of our reconditioned circuit breakers is professionally done and accompanied with a 36-point interior and exterior visual inspection. Once that’s been completed, we begin our actual testing of the circuit breaker. Molded case circuit breakers consist of three parts- the insulation, the contacts, and the trip unit.
Each one of these components is tested using three different pieces of equipment, which we’ll quickly summarize:
Insulation Resistance: this test is done to verify the condition of the breaker’s insulating materials;
Contact Resistance: this test verifies the current path in the breaker;
Over Current Trip Test: this test is done to verify the time-current characteristics of the breaker, and is done to ensure it trips to the manufacturer’s exact factory specifications.
After our rigorous testing has been completed we issue a test report for each breaker that has completed testing. This not only offers peace of mind, but acts as a sort of insurance policy for those purchasing the breakers.
Great! But keep reading to know more.
Reconditioned Circuit Breakers and Electric Parts
So what does this all amount to? Well, it allows us to call ourselves Canada’s #1 circuit breaker specialist and provide an absolutely fantastic array of products. Not only do we carry a wide variety of reconditioned circuit breakers (which, again, have gone through our rigorous testing), but a wide selection of new products as well. Our outstanding stock is what we consider our advantage, and we are now able to offer these products for purchase online. Obsolete is now the obvious and our customers love it!
What we want everyone to know is that reconditioned products, when dealt with properly and tested rigorously and thoroughly, can perform to the exact same levels as a new product, all the while saving money. With the testing our products go through, as well as the test reports that accompany all of our reconditioned products, we know that they will perform exactly how they should. Along with the cost savings, the peace of mind that comes along with that is invaluable. That’s why we don’t believe that “used” products are obsolete, and in many cases, have become the obvious choice for our customers.
Buy Circuit Breakers and Outstanding Stock
Should you need assistance, we’re always here to offer a helping hand whether that be through visiting our store, sending in an email, or calling one of our professionals for the opinion you need. We’ll assist with any inquiries that come our way and look forward to assisting anyone who has questions.
We have the answers. Contact us for more information or check out our electrical products here or our online shop.
National Electricity Month in Canada is This Month!
June is National Electricity Month, and here at Civic Recycling, we are proud to supply equipment across Canada that powers you! As you may well know we supply a wide range of circuit breakers, panels, transformers, fuses and general electrical supplies. With brands like Cutler-Hammer, Federal Pioneer Electric and Siemens you can be sure both our new and tested reconditioned equipment will last.
National Electricity Month #NEM
June is National Electricity Month, and here at Civic Recycling, we are proud to supply equipment across Canada that powers you! As you may well know we supply a wide range of circuit breakers, panels, transformers, fuses and general electrical supplies. With brands like Cutler-Hammer, Federal Pioneer Electric and Siemens you can be sure both our new and tested reconditioned equipment will last.
The Canadian Electricity Association posted an article in this about this special month, we really enjoyed the following:
"Electricity is the backbone of the Canadian economy – it powers everything from household appliances to medical technology, smart phones, computers, to bank machines, businesses, and stores...the CEA hopes to foster a national conversation on the value of electricity, stimulating and informing the discussion about the choices that need to be made today if Canada is to maintain a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity grid."
So let's all celebrate this month by sharing a little love for electricity and the equipment that delivers it to us. Creating a sustainable and innovative future for the grid is also important. We talked about this topic in a previous article titled Electric Innovation and Action in Canada.
Top Five Facts on Reconditioned Electrical Equipment
As Canada’s #1 circuit breaker specialist, it’s pretty clear that we have a good idea of what separates a quality product from one that won’t cut it. A lot of folks think that a product needs to be new to be able to perform at the levels they expect, and while that is true, reconditioned products need not be overlooked.
As Canada’s #1 circuit breaker specialist, it’s pretty clear that we have a good idea of what separates a quality product from one that won’t cut it. A lot of folks think that a product needs to be new to be able to perform at the levels they expect, and while that is true, reconditioned products need not be overlooked.
At Civic, we specialize in recycled and reconditioned circuit breakers. We do this for a number of reasons and chief among them is that we believe we can provide a product that performs just as well as something new, but for a relative bargain. Not only do we believe in providing our clients with value for the products they choose to buy, but we back this value up with a one year, 100% guarantee of performance. We don’t expect our customers to buy products of a lower quality, nor would we provide one to them, which is what makes our guarantee so important.
Facts on Reconditioned Products
Instead of merely paying lip service to our guarantee and our reconditioned products, we want to share what makes these products perform at the highest levels. This starts and ends with the rigorous testing we put all of our products through before we put them to market. With that in mind, we would like to share a little bit about how extensive our testing actually is, as we’re happy to pull back the curtain and share with our customers all the work we put into getting the products right:
Our testing standards meet and/or exceed testing standards set out by PEARL, NEMA, NETA, IEEE and even the manufacturers testing standards.
The reconditioned breakers we sell come with a unique tracking number that corresponds to the test report that goes with your breaker.
Breakers are first cleaned inside and out then undergo a step by step 36-point visual inspection of the exterior and interior
Three different pieces of equipment are required in order to fully test a breaker and determine that it is safe, reliable and trips according to the manufacturer’s own trip curve: insulation resistance, contact resistance, and overcurrent trip test
We also perform Low Voltage Molded Case Circuit Breaker with Thermal Magnetic Trip Inspection. This includes nine important steps to guarantee performance: case, lugs, operating mechanism, interphase separators, arc extinguishers/chutes, arcing contacts, main contacts, current carrying components, and thermal/magnetic trips.
Not only this, we back up all of our testing with written test results which is a sort of insurance policy for our customers. They know exactly how extensive the testing was, so not only do they have a guarantee that the product was put through the proper testing, but they know it will perform to the highest of standards. When there’s a lot at stake these guarantees mean a lot to everyone who is relying on these breakers to do their job
Priority on Safety and Testing Standards
At Civic Recycling, safety and product performance are our two main goals, and as you can tell, we take these things very seriously. With our guarantee and the extensive and rigorous testing we put all of our breakers through, we’re extremely confident that our existing customers, and you, will be wholly satisfied with how our products perform.
Should you want to find out more, don’t hesitate to call in to our sales centre or send an email (sales@civicrecycling.com). We stand by all of our products whether they’re new, recycled, or reconditioned, and we’re always happy to tell you why.