This October, SIE has been hard at work, both inside and outside the office. We've been actively engaged in industry events, community initiatives, and internal celebrations.
Industry Events and Networking
Since August, we’ve been actively engaged in the industry. We sponsored the LA Build Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where we shared our expertise through a speaking session. Additionally, we attended RE+ 2024, the largest renewable energy event in North America, to connect with industry leaders and explore emerging trends.
We also participated in Construction Inclusion Week, a joint event hosted by 15 of the nation’s leading general contractors. This event focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the construction industry, highlighting and providing efforts to connect local subcontractors and suppliers to these GCs.
A Spooktacular Spirit Week
Closer to home, we had a blast celebrating our annual Spirit Week. From Monochrome Monday to Halloween Costume Extravaganza, our team embraced the festive spirit and showed off their creativity.
Monochrome Monday (October 28th): We kicked off the week with a splash (or lack thereof) of color! Everyone embraced the challenge, sporting a single color from head to toe.
Division Day (October 29th): We celebrated the diverse talent and expertise within SIE! Each division showcased their unique role in our company with themed costumes and decorations.
Decades of the Dead (October 30th): We took a trip down memory lane with costumes from iconic decades past! From disco divas to groovy ghouls, it was a flashback fest.
Halloween Costume Extravaganza (October 31st): The grand finale of Spirit Week featured a dazzling display of costumes! We saw everything from superheroes and spooky creatures to pop culture icons and historical figures.
A huge shout-out to all our amazing participants! Your creativity and enthusiasm made this year's Spirit Week unforgettable.
Beyond the Costumes: A Focus on Community
This month, we weren't just celebrating within the walls of SIE. We also continued our commitment to giving back to the community.
Proud Sponsors of Delphi Academy of Los Angeles
SIE is proud to announce our sponsorship of Delphi Academy of Los Angeles, a leading institution dedicated to fostering a love of learning in young minds. We believe in the importance of education and are committed to supporting the development of future generations within our community.
Delphi Academy provides a unique and innovative learning environment that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for lifelong learning. We are honored to be associated with such a remarkable institution and look forward to supporting their continued success.
Construction Inclusion Week
We were honored to attend a joint event hosted by 15 of the nation's leading general contractors. This event focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the construction industry. As a member of ABC SoCal, we're committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
Addressing Seasonal Electrical Challenges: Preparing for Fall
With the change of seasons, fall brings shifts in energy demand, equipment use, and maintenance needs. Our team is here to support all your seasonal electrical needs, including energy audits, preventive maintenance, and comprehensive safety checks to ensure your operations are optimized for the cooler months.
Project Snapshot
EV Charger Installation | Site: FedEx
Project Update: Comprehensive Scope of Work for EV Charger Installation at FedEx Fleet Site
In this project update, we are going over site progress, installing EV chargers and necessary infrastructure at a FedEx Fleet Site, covering extensive civil, electrical, and structural work to support sustainable fleet operations.
Site Work (Civil):
Conducted underground scans to locate and avoid obstructions before commencing trenching, saw-cutting, and backfilling.
Laid foundations for critical equipment, including:
(1) Power Management Cabinet (PMC)
(1) 1500KVA Utility Transformer
(1) 3000A Switchboard
(2) EV Charger Pads and (2) Precast Junction Boxes
Installed concrete-filled bollards for added protection—(9) exterior bollards and (50) interior bollards across the facility.
Service System:
Installed robust conduit and grounding systems, using PVC conduits to support connections from existing power infrastructure to the new EV charging setup.
Anchored a 3000A metered service panel, providing essential high-capacity power distribution for dual EV chargers.
Prepped additional conduits for future generator feeds and secondary expansion with a phased approach, ensuring system flexibility.
Distribution System:
Integrated junction boxes and conduit runs up to a 1000A safety switch and 750KVA transformer for added energy management.
Anchored and wired key components, including panelboards rated at 2000A and 800A for EV charger support.
Conducted thorough connection and torque checks to ensure reliable, long-term functionality.
Gantry & Charger Installation:
Assembled 36 gantry sections with Hilti Modular Support Systems to organize extensive conduit runs.
Built out a support strut rack system for conduit runs to various EV charger positions, allowing organized power distribution to all charging locations.
Installed (54) EV chargers, cable reels, and commissioned each to meet FedEx's operational standards.
Temporary Power and Utility Coordination:
Installed a new 800A circuit breaker for temporary power during shutdowns, minimizing disruptions.
Coordinated with Anaheim Utility for amendments to conduit sizing, adding flexibility and durability with revised PVC conduit requirements.
Enhanced security measures with additional permanent and removable bollards around key components.
This Date in Electrical History
October 1930 – The Birth of LED Lighting
On this date in history, a significant breakthrough in lighting technology occurred. The first practical light-emitting diode (LED) was invented, marking the beginning of a new era of energy-efficient and long-lasting illumination.
This revolutionary invention has transformed various industries, from consumer electronics to automotive lighting. LEDs offer numerous advantages over traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, including:
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume significantly less energy, reducing electricity bills and environmental impact.
- Longevity: LEDs have a much longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Durability: LEDs are more durable and resistant to shock and vibration.
- Versatility: LEDs can be used in a variety of applications, from small electronics to large-scale lighting installations.
As LED technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative and sustainable lighting solutions in the future.
Looking Ahead: November News
As fall deepens, we're gearing up for another exciting month. Keep an eye on your inbox for the November newsletter, featuring updates on:
Upcoming projects
Industry insights
Team member spotlights
Thank you for being part of the SIE family!
Meet the Team: Deanna Gonzalez
Deanna has been working with Southwest as the Director of Sales Services since Spring 2022. Day to day she works in the Sales Department and takes on various administrative tasks. If you have ever called to request a quote or follow up on a quote, chances are you’ve spoken with her!
What attracted Deanna to this position was her interest in working in a dynamic workplace that’s continuously growing and has many opportunities for expansion.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
“What I enjoy most about my job here at SIE is working with a great diverse team of self-motivated individuals. I was not at all familiar with this industry, but I noticed how much passion goes into the work we do here, and it made me curious to learn more about this industry and the future of electricity, solar energy, and EV Charging. The spirit here is not easy to come by and makes it truly a fun workplace with great people. Plus, we throw some fun parties and celebrations here at SIE which I always look forward to!”
Client Testimonials
"All my interactions during this project have been very positive. From the quote process to scheduling to completion of the work. From my perspective, everything went great. The questions we had during the project were responded to promptly. It was a pleasure to work with the Southwest Electric team.” – Seth
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you for trusting Southwest Industrial Electric. We look forward to serving you in the months to come, providing the highest quality service across industrial and commercial electrical projects.