When you’re running a commercial property, it can be difficult to stay on top of all of your maintenance needs. The reality is that with almost any maintenance project, the earlier you get started, the less you’ll have to pay in the long run.
How can you make sure that you’re catching the signs of necessary maintenance quickly? After all, some signs aren’t as obvious as others, and it’s easy to overlook little issues that spell out big problems.
Today, we’re going to take a look at the signs that you need electrical maintenance for your commercial property. The more aware you are of the warning signs, the better equipped you’ll be to get in your maintenance requests on time.
Read on for seven signs that you need electrical repair and maintenance in your commercial building.
1. Your Plugs Are Sparking
Are you noticing sparks flying when you plug or unplug devices and appliances? If so, it’s time for a safety check.
Infrequent sparking may not be a huge cause for alarm. In some cases, it could indicate a rapid drawdown on your power supply.
However, bigger issues could be playing a role, here. For example, if your electrical outlets are overheating, you could end up with an electrical fire on your hands. If water is leaking into your electrical wiring, you could end up with a number of hazardous liabilities.
2. Circuit Breakers Trip Frequently
We’ve all experienced a tripped circuit breaker at one time or another. Sometimes, we plug in appliances that simply overload our power source, causing the circuit breaker to trip. No biggie, right?
That being said, you shouldn’t be experiencing frequent circuit breaker trips. Rather than resetting the circuit breaker and moving on with your day, it’s time to request some electrical maintenance. It’s important to assess and address the source of your overloaded circuit breaker.
One approach to mitigate future overloads is by optimising the layout of your electrical interface to prevent wires from crossing or touching when they shouldn’t be, this can be easily done by using an electrical enclosure to organise and clearly lay out various elements of an electrical system regardless of size. Companies like Temp-Pro offer such solutions, which could prove beneficial in ensuring the smooth operation of your electrical systems.
3. Office Lights Are Flickering
Flickering lights aren’t just spooky. They can lead to issues for workers like vision problems, migraines, and an overall reduction of office cheer.
A single flickering light may just need a new bulb. If lights all over your building are flickering, it’s time to call a professional. There are a number of possible culprits here, from an overloaded circuit board to dangerously frayed wires.
4. Warm or Hot Electrical Outlets
We mentioned earlier the possibility of an overheating plug or outlet. Rest assured, if your outlets feel warm or hot to the touch, this is not normal. It’s time for a safety check.
In some cases, you may be overloading a circuit by plugging in too many things into that single system. That being said, you can’t tell from the outside which outlets are connected to the same circuits. An electrician can give you more information about your electrical system and address any issues that may be causing an unnecessary overload.
5. Appliances Produce a Burning Smell When In Use
Let’s say you turn on the coffee maker and it produces a strange smell. Maybe someone heats up their lunch in the microwave and rather than smelling food, you smell a burning, chemical smell. Maybe you even notice a little bit of smoke.
It’s important that everyone who works in your commercial building knows that this is never a good sign. If anyone notices a burning smell when using an appliance, they should report it right away.
6. You’re Ready to Go Green
Commercial buildings are responsible for one of the largest percentages of energy consumption in this country. For that reason, there are a number of tax incentives for businesses to “go green.”
What does going green look like? In some cases, it could look like replacing old windows with new windows that trap in indoor air. In others, it could look like updating your electrical system to a more energy-efficient system.
At the end of the day, becoming more energy-efficient is a solid investment for any commercial property owner. In addition to tax incentives, you’ll also find that your energy bill is significantly lower when you go green.
7. Your Commercial Building Is on the Older Side
Let’s face it. Buildings age fast and structural elements become outdated.
From the get-go, we recommend that commercial property owners get an electrical inspection at least once a year. However, this is especially important when buildings are older, i.e. twenty years old or older.
After a few decades of constant energy consumption, it’s practically a guarantee that you’re going to need some updates to your electrical system!
What to Do When You Need Electrical Maintenance
Needless to say, electrical work is not something that anyone should try to address with DIY remedies. Doing so can not only result in more damage but can also result in some serious injuries.
Instead, you should head to the internet and start by searching, “commercial electrician near me.” Look up customer reviews, request a few estimates, and hire an electrician who best suits your needs. Don’t forget, the faster you address electrical issues, the less damage you’ll accrue–and the less you’ll have to pay for repairs.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs: Request Maintenance ASAP
It’s not always easy to spot the warning signs of an electrical issue. With this guide, you’ll be more equipped to stay tuned into your electrical system and notice quickly when you need electrical maintenance. Remember, some of these electrical issues can dangerous, so you should always hire a professional to address even minor issues.
Looking for more ways to protect the health of your employees and your own wallet? Take a look around for tips and information to boost your health, boost your finances, and more.
