How Surplus Equipment Can Help You Predict the Future

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by any excess electrical equipment? Upgrading your operation, decluttering a shop, or converting a workspace can leave you with equipment you don't want or need. This can leave you feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.

At Civic Recycling we can help you put this surplus equipment to work for your business. Instead of taking up space in a landfill or causing clutter in your operation it can be converted to positive cash flow that will have an immediate impact on your bottom line.

Civic Recycling Purchasing and Testing

We are known throughout Canada for meeting a wide variety of wholesale electrical needs and for finding unique solutions to our customers' problems. Purchasing used, unwanted, and surplus electrical equipment is just one of the many services we offer our customers. After we purchase the equipment is tested rigorously to ensure quaility.

There are several different ways to initiate the surplus purchasing process:

• Online - If you're interested in selling unused or unwanted equipment you can fill out our online form and upload a file with equipment details. One of our customer service representatives will contact you after receiving the form to discuss the equipment, its cash value, and the next steps to complete the transaction. We'll walk you through the entire process.

• Via Phone  - For immediate assistance, you can call us at 1-888-502-4842 to discuss the equipment you're interested in selling. We're on hand to discuss every part of the selling process and the equipment you have available.

• In person - If you're located in Calgary you can visit our shop in person. We can typically make you an immediate offer on your unwanted equipment. For equipment that is still in use or to evaluate a large volume of items, we are available to visit your business location.

Surplus Equipment at Civic Recycling

Purchasing used, unwanted, and surplus electrical equipment is an important part of our operation at Civic Recycling.  By acquiring this equipment we are able to give it new life and keep it from having a negative environmental impact and clogging up landfills. We uniquely understand the impact that surplus equipment can have on your cash flow and business model. If you'd like to learn more about this purchasing service we invite you to reach out to one of our customer service representatives. We can answer any questions you may have about how your unwanted equipment can be put to better use.

Thanks for reading!

Alberta's Renewable Electricity Program & Its Effect on Generation

What effect does renewable energies have on future generation?

In 2015 coal and natural gas accounted for 90% of all electricity generation in Alberta. These non-renewable energy sources significantly contribute to carbon emissions and aren't generally seen as the fuels of the future. Hydro-electric, wind, biomass, solar, fuel oil, and waste heat generate the final 10% of all electricity in Alberta. These renewable sources make up a small segment of current electricity generation but that may soon be changing.

Started in early 2017,  Alberta's Renewable Electricity Program (REP) was designed to encourage the development of renewable electricity generation and reduce overall emissions. The ultimate goal of REP is to add 5,000 megawatts of renewable electricity to the Alberta grid by 2030, increasing the amount of renewable energy to 30% of total consumption. This growth will be fueled by annual competitions for individuals and private companies in the electrical industry. Winners will be awarded the opportunity to provide up to 400 megawatts of power and will add up to 7,200 new jobs in Alberta. Quite a difference in the source of our energy, but will it happen? The answer is unclear.

At Civic Recycling we are committed to meeting a wide variety of your electrical needs. We uniquely understand the work of Alberta's electrical professionals and strive to provide excellent customer service. Contact us today to learn more about Civic Recycling and our dedication to the electrical industry.

Top 5 Electrical Safety Tips for Homeowners & Landlords

Electrical issues need to be addressed. Not only can homeowners receive quite a shock from overloaded circuits or worn-out insulation (no pun intended), but an electrical problem, such as an outdated breaker, can lead to a fire. Homeowners need to be aware of how to keep their home safe from electrical problems and keep an eye out for a range of electrical hazards. It is also important to realize when to call for professional help.

Homeowners and landlords can address a number of these issues and avoid dealing with a potential fire hazard in their home. Protect yourself and your family with the following electrical five safety tips.

1. A Stubborn Breaker Should Not Be Forced

You reset the breaker. It then immediately trips. Do not attempt to reset it again. This problem could be due to one of two reasons. On one hand, the electrical load on that breaker could be too large. On the other hand, tripping could be a result of a severe electrical problem. Force that breaker again and you may be dealing with a fire in your home. Tripping of breakers is meant to protect the homeowner. Call an electrician to investigate the problem.

2. A Warm Outlet Could Be A Sign Of An Overloaded Outlet

Do not ignore a warm outlet. This does not always apply to dimmer switches, which are often warm and generally not a hazard. But as a general rule, never ignore a warm outlet. There can be a few reasons for a warm outlet. As a homeowner, you may be dealing with a loose electrical splice, undersized wiring or a large electrical load on a single outlet. Cut the power before checking into the issue. Keep an eye out for melted connections, burned insulation or a loose splice. In addition, evaluate the wattage of connected devices. It may be necessary to switch the device to another outlet.

An electrician may be needed if the issue continues after a basic assessment is made – electrical issues can be tricky, so don't hesitate to call on a professional in cases where you may feel unsafe.

Better safe than sorry!

3. An Outdated Breaker May Cause a Fire

Outdated panels and breakers can overheat wires and lead to a house fire. Homeowners need to replace old, outdated panels and circuit breakers such as older FPE panels, Zinsco Panels, split-bus panels past their expected lifespan and modified fuse boxes. Modifications on fuse boxes can lead to blown fuses and compensatory changes like larger fuses can create a fire hazard.

A homeowner with an outdated panel and breaker should have it professionally inspected and in the most instances, replaced.

4. A Wobbly Outlet or Switch Receptacle May Have Come Loose

When outlets or switches are loose, this is generally an indication that the box is not properly affixed to the stud, or it could mean the device was improperly mounted. Cut the power, remove the faceplate and check mounting screws. You may need to tighten the mounting screw, shorten long screws to have them fully set, or tighten the box’s connection to the framing. This should address the issue.

Again, if you are unsure contact an electrician to inspect the outlet. Safety first!

5. Do Not Use Water to Put Out an Electrical Fire

All residents in the house should know how to put out an electrical fire. Water should not be used to address an electrical fire as the water will only help it get larger. A chemical fire extinguisher can be used on small electrical fires. If a fire has grown too large, exit the home and call the fire department once safely outside.

Keep Your Home Safe With the Right Equipment and Expertise

Not only is Civic Recycling the place for necessary electrical equipment, reconditioned breakers, tested components, and much more, the Civic Recycling team answers your questions, providing expert advice when it comes to identifying and addressing electrical malfunctions. Businesses and homeowners in and around Calgary have relied upon Civic Recycling, their supplier of new, used, and reconditioned electrical equipment since 1995.

Circuit Breaker History from Civic Recycling: Part 1 (of 3)

Circuit Breaker History from Civic Recycling: Part 1 (of 3)

Civic Recycling is a business based around products, delving into the history of circuit breakers is not something we do very often. But we thought it would be fun and informative to take a look at the history of circuit breakers, where they came from, who invented them, and where they’re going.

Parts of the story are incredibly interesting and there are some names that everyone will recognize from history who had a part in the creation of the modern circuit breaker.

History of Circuit Breakers

Being merely the introduction, today we’ll touch on a few of the notes that predated the modern circuit breaker and leave off with where things were headed at the onset of the 20th century. With that said, let’s jump into the earliest incarnations of the circuit breaker and why its invention was necessitated. 

According to the book Edison’s Electric Light: Biography of an Invention, Thomas Edison, the vaunted inventor of the late 19th and early 20th century, had developed an early form of the circuit breaker according to a patent application from 1879. The purpose of his invention at the time was to protect lighting circuit wiring from accidental short circuits and overloads. Now, Edison’s version never quite took off to the extent he had hoped, as his invention was largely in sketches and the idea patented, without a true working product ever coming to fruition. But with these ideas out there, someone eventually picked up on the circuit breaker and brought it into a more commercial light. 

With Edison having moved on to different ideas over the next couple of decades, the circuit breaker went through a few different hands before it arrived and was first commercially installed. 

The first ever installed Circuit Breaker (1898)

This is where we’ll pick up the story next. In 1898, the Boston Electric Light Company used the first installed circuit breaker at the local L Train Station. The breaker featured an oil tank and upward-breaking contacts that were manually activated. The oil was used to dampen the heat generated from the arc forming between the two open contacts (credit to Who Invented the Circuit Breaker, from the blog Sciencing). 

Having been finally put to commercial use by the Boston Electric Light Company, the circuit breaker had arrived but clearly had a ways to go before it came even close to the iterations we see today in our own shop and in use. In the subsequent two articles discussing circuit breaker history, we’ll delve deeper into the commercial uses, advancement in technology, and where we see the circuit breaker going in the future. There are a lot of interesting stories and tidbits of information as to how the circuit breaker got to where it is today, and we’re looking forward to telling those stories.

At Civic Recycling, Canada’s number one circuit breaker specialist, we provide open lines of communication at all times. If you have any questions that need to be answered we can always be reached via email at sales@civicrecycling.com, or by phone. Should the purchasing of a new or reconditioned product require our expertise, we’re always happy to answer any questions and to assist in the process.

Thanks for reading and we hope to be in touch soon.

7 Surprising Ways Breaker Inspections Are More Refreshing Than New Socks

Professionally Reconditioned Circuit Breakers

Peace of mind and quality service are refreshing in this day and age. With an increasing focus on speed, in communication and in service, quality can often be compromised for the sake of convenience. We feel that those two concepts don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Things can get done in a timely manner while being held to a certain standard of quality; a concept we firmly believe and actively subscribe to. With a little hard work and a commitment to our customers, we strive to do things properly AND efficiently. 

Again, doing things properly is a refreshing way to do business; some might say better than a new pair of socks. We thought it best to take you through all the ways our unique testing and inspection process is extremely refreshing and why it makes us Canada’s number one circuit breaker specialist. With all of that said, here are the seven surprising ways breaker inspections are more refreshing than new socks:

7 points about Civic Recycling Certified Breakers

1. WE PROVIDE IN-DEPTH BREAKER INSPECTIONS

Each circuit breaker we test goes through a thorough inspection that leaves no stone unturned. When it comes to electrical equipment, no corner should be cut and that’s something we pride ourselves on. Each breaker gets the in-depth treatment that it should, whether it’s one of our own that we’re selling or one a customer has brought in.

2. CERTIFIED BREAKER INSPECTIONS & TESTING

Each of our breakers, when tested, meet or exceed the standards set out by PEARL, NEMA, NETA, IEEE, and those laid out by the manufacturer. We don’t cut corners, as these specifics suggest. We want to keep our customers coming back, as well as attract new ones, and we believe the best way to do this is by offering quality service that we stand behind. 

3. WE SELL AND RECONDITIONED

Since we’re merely not taking in others breakers and reconditioning them, we sell our own reconditioned breakers as well, we have to adhere to certain standards of quality. This also means we know the products inside and out. You don’t get to number one in the country without having an in-depth and complete knowledge of the products you’re dealing with. 

4. WRITTEN TEST RESULTS

With every breaker we test and recondition, it comes a unique tracking number. This number corresponds to a written report that details the test results. This acts as a sort of insurance for the breaker you’re purchasing and offers peace of to you, your business, and your potential customers. It shows that we stand behind our work and have no issues letting you know what went into the breaker you purchased; complete transparency. 

5. TESTING AS A SERVICE

Not only do we recondition and sell our breakers, but we’re happy to take in and test any breaker that is brought in to us. It’s part of the service we provide and part of our greater goal, which is to ensure all breakers out there are safe for use. If you ever need some questions answered, don’t hesitate to bring in a breaker for our inspection. 

6. CIVIC 36-POINT VISUAL INSPECTION

Part of the testing service we provide is a complete 36-point visual inspection of the interior and exterior of every breaker we take in after a thorough cleaning of the product. This ensures we take care of any issues with the breaker before the actual testing begins. It may seem like a large undertaking, but it pays dividends in the long wrong and allows us to guarantee all of our products. 

7. 100% ONE YEAR GUARANTEE

We guarantee every breaker, new or reconditioned, 100% for a year after we sell it. The guarantee is not something we take lightly, but it’s obviously a testament to how much we believe in all of the products we sell. It’s a simple and straightforward statement and something we really believe in. We love breaker inspections!

Reconditioned Circuit Breakers from Civic Recycling

As always, we provide open lines of communication as well. If any questions need to be answered we can always be reached via email at sales@civicrecycling.com, or by phone. Should the purchasing of a new or reconditioned product require our expertise, we’re always happy to answer any questions and to assist in the process. Thanks for reading!

Shop Online For Circuit Breakers & Your Equipment Ships Free!

If there’s something we can all agree on, it’s that free things are good. Not the type of “free” things that come with caveats, but things that are truly free. That’s why we like to offer free shipping for any orders over $500 to anywhere in Canada. Shop Online with us to save time and money.

Free shipping for orders over $500!!

Sometimes it can be difficult to find what you need in store. This means that one must default to shopping online. Many people don’t like shopping online, due to the incessant advertising as well as the overwhelming number of options. We, however, like to think that we have found ways to combat these issues on our own site by offering unique ways to expedite the process and save money. 

Outstanding Stock In Store AND Online?

As with any shopping experience, be it online or at a brick and mortar, we believe that simplicity and ease of access to products are the keys to success. On our site, there are a lot of options for which product to purchase, but that doesn’t mean it’s overwhelming. When searching for a product there are a number of different parameters that can be set to narrow a search. This includes being able to narrow down a search by volts, amps, poles, and manufacturer. Having this ability takes out the needle in a haystack element to online shopping, and simplifies the process. 

Shop Online for Reconditioned Equipment

What our online shopping experience also features is a “my account” function, allowing products and previous purchases to be saved and revisited. When searching for products, they can be “favourited” and revisited upon the next visit to the account. Once a product has been “favourited,” it will be automatically saved on the site and can be seen again from any computer. It makes choosing products much easier and streamlines the process for the next times a purchase needs to be made. With a lot of product options on the site, it’s nice to have the peace of mind knowing that past purchases can be referenced. This will go a long way in saving time for subsequent purchases and guiding future decisions. 

Free Shipping from Civic Recycling

All these features are fantastic to have, but it’s also nice knowing that every purchase and “favourited” product is going to be stored securely. Our site is completely secure, so any information being stored and any purchase being made will be guaranteed for online safety. 

Finally, as we mentioned above, any online order of over $500 comes with free shipping across Canada. It’s a nice little perk when making a larger purchase. Again, there are no strings attached here, it’s simply getting something for free for being a great customer. 

As always, we provide open lines of communication as well. If any questions need to be answered we can always be reached via email at sales@civicrecycling.com, or by phone. Should the purchasing of a new or reconditioned product require our expertise, we’re always happy to answer any questions and to assist in the process. Contact us here.

How Reconditioned Breakers Can Help You Live A Better Life

We spend a lot of time talking about the time and effort we take into reconditioning our circuit breakers, why this is important, and what separates us from other companies doing the same thing. This has been discussed at length, and rightfully so; it’s important to know what goes into a product that has been previously used and how reliable it can be. With that said, something we don’t discuss as often is some of the other tangible and intangible benefits that come along with purchasing a reconditioned product from a company like ours. Some of these things seem obvious, some less so.

We thought today, we’d take the opportunity to discuss these benefits and why they should mean something to you. Again, some of these benefits will strike you as quite obvious, but we also thought this to be a fine opportunity to explain why some of these benefits are unique to our company. Circuit breakers may seem like a simple tool, but there is a lot that goes into them and there is a lot to think about when purchasing them. So, with that in mind let’s discuss 4 major benefits to buying reconditioned breakers, and why they will only serve to help you live a better life. Here they are!

1. Electrical Breakers (and peace of mind):

Something that we take pride in, as has been discussed here before, is the amount of work and rigorous testing we put into our reconditioned breakers. What this testing process produces, aside from a reliable product, is peace of mind for the person who is purchasing the breakers. There’s an inherent skepticism that comes along with used products, often times rightfully so, but with our process being as thorough and transparent as it is, there’s no reason to doubt anything ever purchased. Peace of mind, especially in regards to electrical equipment, goes a long way and allows you to purchase great products at a reduced rate without having to doubt their veracity.

2. Used Electrical Supplies (they’re green):

Another benefit to buying reconditioned products is their effect on the environment. Reconditioning products versus manufacturing new ones is always going to have a net benefit on the environment. Not only that, but when breakers are reconditioned and tested, older pieces are often replaced by newer, state of the art ones. What this does is allow the breaker to become much more efficient. It’s a pretty simple and beneficial concept, something that is certainly worth considering.

3. Electrical Wholesale Calgary (and saving money):

Something that’s not intangible, something we can all wrap our heads around is saving money. Buying products used or reconditioned is a great way to save a few bucks whether you’re buying in bulk or in smaller quantities. To go back to what we mentioned earlier, if you can glean peace of mind from a product that is reconditioned in addition to saving money then there’s no reason not to jump on the opportunity to do so. The rigorous testing we do provides you with the necessary documentation to have complete trust in the product you’re buying, all while saving a few bucks in doing so.

4. Canadian Electrical Supply (local company):

Something else we pride ourselves on is being a Canadian company. We enjoy being a part of the local community and providing service to our fellow community members. We’ve always felt there’s a special feeling in supporting other local Canadian retailers, wholesalers, and companies and we certainly appreciate the support we have received. 

We certainly respect the idea of finding the product that suits you for the best price you can find it, which are things we strive to do. As Canada’s number one circuit breaker, we take all of this very seriously and don’t include “Canada” without the understanding of the weight it carries. We hope you see this and look to support a Canadian company with people you know or should get to know.

Call Civic for Reconditioned Breakers, Electrical Equipment and more

Should you have any question regarding what the right product for you is, don’t hesitate to visit or 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. Thanks for reading and we hope to talk to you soon.

Circuit Breakers - When Amazon Is NOT The Best Place To Buy

As the world changes, so do the ways in which we shop. With technology constantly evolving many people have begun to do a lot of their shopping online. When there is the option to shop from sites like Amazon, who seemingly carry any and every product available, it streamlines life and makes shopping for hard to find items a lot easier. Having the ability to get some of your groceries and clothes and a baby seat all in one place makes life a whole lot easier. It would appear, on the surface at least, that buying everything from a site like this is a no-brainer. So what about Circuit Breakers? Maybe safety is another factor we should consider as well.

Benefits of a Specialty Service

While there’s truth to a lot of what was just mentioned, occasionally purchasing a product that requires more thought from a place like this is a little risky. While a site like Amazon caters to everyone, it lacks the specific advice and personal touch some of these products require. Buying certain things, like circuit breakers for instance, require knowledge to ensure the right product is being purchased for specific jobs. Some buying circuit breakers know what they’re looking for, many others, however, do not. Going into Amazon and arbitrarily purchasing a circuit breaker in the hopes that it will get the job done is not a smart way to operate. 

When purchasing circuit breakers, whether new or reconditioned, there needs to be a certain expectation that it’s the right product for the job and that it’s going to work to the levels expected. Where sites like Amazon fall short is ensuring that all of these prerequisites are met. Amazon does a lot of things extremely well, offering nuanced advice and guidance specific to circuit breakers doesn’t happen to be one of them.

Why Choose Breakers from Civic Recycling?

When purchasing a circuit breaker, doing so from a place that specializes in such products is the best plan of attack. There are a number of reasons why looking at sites like our own, Civic Recycling, specializes in circuit breakers and have an intimate knowledge the products, will bear fruit in the long run. There are a number of reasons why specialty sites will be beneficial when purchasing products such as these, and here are a few of them:

TESTING CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Each and every product that is reconditioned goes through a rigorous testing process and is accompanied by reports attesting to each breaker’s viability and condition. Companies that specialize in products like these go the extra mile to ensure that each and every product is properly reconditioned and ready for use;

ELECTRICAL GUIDANCE

Purchasing from a site whose specialty isn’t circuit breakers can lead to the purchase of the wrong product. Each breaker is different in myriad ways, from things like the brand to voltage, each one has a slightly different use. Purchasing the wrong one can lead to problems. Speaking to a certified professional and getting a detailed explanation as to why a specific product is the right one is a matter of safety and good sense;

PRODUCT PEACE OF MIND

Each product we sell comes with a one-year warranty, guaranteeing that it will operate. When forking over money for any product, knowing that it will operate for a reasonable length of time and have that guarantee means a lot. A one-year warranty paired with papers backing up the quality of each product sold also can allow one to breathe easier.

All of these reasons should lead to making the correct choice of where to buy a product like circuit breakers. When safety comes into play, no compromises should be made. Certain products require a deft touch, and circuit breakers fall into that category. To find professionals who can help guide decision-making and ensure that the correct product is being purchased for the job is paramount when it comes to circuit breakers. Civic Recycling is happy to provide advice over the phone and shipping across Canada through our online store. 

Make sure your electrical products are tested and safe for both you and your clients.

Thanks for checking out our blog and we hope to hear from you!