Hill Electric Company, Inc - Experts & Thought Leaders

In the electric world, there's a multitude of definitions discussed for the term substation. In this article, they are going to discuss an industrial facility's view of a substation. At Hill Electric, they are committed to educating not only the team, but the larger electrical community on safety and skills in the power industry. What are Substations? One typically sees substations in fences around main power lines or near manufacturing facilities A substation is a variety of devices integrated together to convert main distribution power into utilization power. Substations can have several complex components such as transformers, lightning arrestors, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, switches, and fuses. All of these components work together to ensure the quality of the power provided and to prevent major outages. One typically sees substations in fences around main power lines or near manufacturing facilities. What are Unit Substations? A unit substation takes the incoming utility service and converts it to meet the facility's operating requirements. This consists of a medium voltage section, a transformer to reduce voltage, and a low voltage section. These sections are integrated together mechanically and electrically into one physical unit. The medium voltage section will have one or more of the following: switches, fused switches, or breakers. These are used to pass medium voltage to another unit substation. They also power and protect the transformer of the unit substation. The typical voltages they see on the medium voltage section are from 4 kV to 20 kV. Distribution power breaker panels or large machines The transformer section reduces the voltage from the medium voltage to the low voltage The transformer section reduces the voltage from the medium voltage to the low voltage. The transformer will contain the primary and secondary connections, monitoring equipment, and sometimes fans. The low-voltage section includes a main breaker followed by the distribution breakers. This section distributes the power through the plant directly to distribution power breaker panels or large machines. The voltage on this side is 1,000V or less. The most common voltage is 480V, with older plants utilizing 600V. What is an alternative to a unit substation? It is common for medium and small facilities to have a transformer or multiple transformers mounted on the outside of the facility, commonly referred to as pad mount transformers. These are powered directly from the utility and are typically owned and operated by the power utility. These transformers provide power for the facility at the required voltage. The facility is responsible for the power cables that leave the transformer and enter the facility. Low-voltage distribution electrical gear These cables will enter a low-voltage distribution electrical gear, similar to the low-voltage section of a unit substation These cables will enter a low-voltage distribution electrical gear, similar to the low-voltage section of a unit substation. This electrical gear includes the main utility power protection. It also includes protection for the distribution of the power to machines and smaller distribution panels through breakers or fusible disconnects. The facility service coming from the pad mount transformer is 2500A or less. Sometimes, there are higher amperage deliveries from a pad mount transformer, but typically, utilities are focused on keeping the transformer size smaller. Is a pad-mount transformer or a unit substation system best? To know what system best fits their needs, it's important to know what the requirements, future plans, and available resources are. Once they've gathered that information, they can look into the benefits of each system and decide what works best. Unit Substation Pros Facility has control of the operation of the system and does not need to rely on the support of the utility provider. Size of available power is determined by the unit substation and not the utility transformer sizing.   High-voltage distribution can be utilized to deliver power to the location of the load. The same amount of total power can be transmitted on a smaller cable at a higher voltage vs. a lower voltage. They can eliminate long runs of expensive feeders at lower voltages. Pad Mount Transformer Pros Transformer cost and maintenance is a burden of the utility provider. Eliminates the need for medium voltage equipment, the maintenance, and owner training/knowledge that are involved. Typically, available fault current and equipment cost are lower at the reduced size service.   The elimination of the medium voltage equipment and transformer allows for the distribution system to have a small electrical footprint. Critical component of electrical power distribution Whether they're new to the world of substations, or well-trained in these systems, hopefully they learned something new or were encouraged to think a bit deeper on this critical component of electrical power distribution.  Through exploring unit substations and pad mount transformers, it's important to remember that each of these solutions plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and safe distribution of electrical power within diverse environments. If they're in need of electrical expertise and guidance, Hill Electric Company offers a variety of services throughout the service areas in the Upstate of South Carolina.

Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion in the workplace is not just a choice – it's a necessity for true success. Despite the progress that has been made, there is still a considerable gender gap in various industries. For instance, in the construction sector, a mere 11% of the workforce is female, with less than 2% working in the field. Inclusion and diversity in the workplace The core values include integrity, safety, professionalism, workforce growth, and quality At Hill Electric Company, the core values include integrity, safety, professionalism, workforce development, and quality. Promoting diversity and inclusion is an important piece of upholding those values. The organization is more integrous and the workforce is stronger when it prioritizes inclusion. They've compiled a list of five actionable steps that organizations can take to support inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Celebrate Differences Diversity starts with acceptance. When employees are valued for their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and engagement within the organization. Implementing intentional hiring practices, cultural awareness training, and linguistic diversity support can go a long way in creating an inclusive workplace. Language training programs, translation services, and flexible communication styles are just a few ways to ensure that employees from various backgrounds can contribute their best. Increase Learning Opportunities Investing in comprehensive diversity and inclusion training programs is a crucial step Investing in comprehensive diversity and inclusion training programs is a crucial step. These programs address unconscious biases and promote cultural awareness among employees. Skill development workshops, mentorship programs, and coaching sessions empower underrepresented individuals, ensuring they have equal access to advancement opportunities. Encouraging cross-functional projects and job rotations also fosters collaboration and understanding across diverse teams, contributing to overall diversity. Track Performance in the Workplace Transparent performance tracking is essential for promoting inclusion and fairness in evaluation processes. Companies should establish clear and measurable performance indicators aligned with organizational goals and values. Regular feedback and performance reviews help identify areas for improvement and recognize exceptional efforts. Monitoring performance data can reveal potential disparities or bias in evaluations, prompting organizations to address unconscious biases and ensure a more inclusive work environment. Power in Partnership Encouraging employees to engage in networking groups can also be beneficial for morale and support Collaborating with other organizations that focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives can provide valuable insights and best practices for fostering inclusion. Learn from industry pioneers about working with diverse suppliers, getting involved with community organizations, and more. Encouraging employees to engage in networking groups can also be beneficial for morale and support. For example, women in construction can explore events hosted by organizations like The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) or Women in Manufacturing (WiM). Communicate Open and transparent communication is the lifeblood of an inclusive workplace. It builds trust, fosters collaboration, and promotes a sense of belonging among employees. Encouraging active listening and empathetic dialogue, as well as regularly soliciting feedback, helps identify potential communication gaps and areas for improvement. Promoting diverse communication channels ensures that employees have multiple ways to engage and participate. While supporting diversity in the industry takes effort, it is a worthwhile endeavor that will yield long-term benefits. By implementing these steps to foster an inclusive workplace, they can contribute to positive change, creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.

“There’s something to be said about a company that you can trust on a local level. From the obvious wealth of knowledge throughout the group, to the unmistakable safety culture, it puts my mind at ease knowing that when I send equipment out for Hill Electric, I can trust that it will be operated properly, and return the exact way it left,” said Grant Davidson, Territory Manager at Sunbelt Rentals, Inc A pioneer in the equipment rental industry, Sunbelt Rentals is consistently advancing the idea of how a company can best serve its customers, communities, and the environment. They deliver solutions to support any job with a vast network of locations across North America and an expansive portfolio of products and services. Mobile and construction equipment needs The team at Hill Electric works closely with the Upstate locations, specifically for aerial lifts, mobile equipment, and generator rentals. Generators are typically rented to keep a process/building running during a shutdown and are one of the most critical parts to keep part of the facility active while the work is completed.  Sunbelt has branches across the country which enables it to meet the mobile and construction equipment needs Hill Electric have on all their projects.  When partnering with Sunbelt Rentals, it is known that one has a solution for every project. Between the team of Hill Electric’s industrial electricians and Sunbelt’s quality machines, one is guaranteed to find everything they need for their Industrial, Pharmaceutical, and Healthcare construction projects.