Whenever the office socket stops working or the lights start flickering, many people are tempted to get DIY tools, a handyperson, or a friend to fix the problem. This is often the case when trying to keep the costs down. Although no one likes spending their money on unplanned repairs, there are instances when professional help is critical.
Shortcuts could lead to severe consequences when dealing with electrical systems at home or in commercial premises. Even a minor problem could lead to major consequences, such as an electrical fire, electrocution, or a power outage that could disrupt operations. So, how can one know it is time to let an electrician handle an electrical issue in the business premises? This article will highlight five signs it is time to hire a commercial electrician.
Buzzing Circuit Breaker
The circuit breaker is designed to protect the electric circuit from damage caused by an overcurrent, such as short circuits and overloads. If a business owner notices an annoying buzzing or humming sound, they should get a professional commercial electrician immediately for repairs.
The buzzing sound is a sign of a wiring issue, such as a loose connection, that requires immediate attention. If nothing is done, the entire commercial building will be at risk of electrical faults. The electrician will inspect the panel capacity, balance the loads, and replace faulty or loose components.
Blown Fuses
A commercial building’s electrical system should undergo regular inspection and maintenance to ensure it functions optimally. This maintenance is usually scheduled, and it helps keep the commercial space safe. Electricians check the condition of the fuse and other electrical components to ensure they are in good shape.
A fuse can blow if the circuit is overloaded, the wiring is damaged, or there is an arcing problem. A faulty power socket or moisture buildup in the electrical system could cause the fuse to blow. Fitting the wrong type of fuse can also create problems. If a fuse is blown, a commercial electrician should be called to identify the cause and fix it before replacing the fuse.
Unusual Smells, Noise, or Burning Signs
Burning scents, warm outlets, and buzzing sounds are the key signs of a developing electrical problem in a commercial property. These symptoms could indicate arcing, overheated wiring, or loose connections, so they should be investigated right away by a commercial electrician.
Commercial electricians have relevant knowledge and the equipment to detect hot spots and prevent breakdowns and fires. If the signs are ignored, issues like outages, equipment loss, fire accidents, and customer service disruption may occur.
Outdated or Substandard Wiring
An older commercial building might have wiring that no longer meets current safety standards. Common issues like ungrounded circuits and damaged insulation pose a high risk to everyone. Since not everyone can handle large-scale electrical systems with three-phase power, a commercial electrician is needed as soon as there are signs of faulty wiring. The electrician will conduct a full audit and rewire the building if necessary.
Electrical System Upgrades
A company might eventually want to add new computers, machinery, automated control, or display systems, but the current electrical setup may not be able to handle the extra electrical demand. In that case, it is important to consider upgrading the entire system. This may also be necessary when renovating or upgrading equipment.
A commercial electrician can design a suitable layout to handle the new load and ensure the current system can support growth without leading to an overload risk. This will improve the system’s capacity, safety, and reliability.
DIY enthusiasts should not try to fix an electrical problem in commercial buildings. This could be dangerous and cause property damage. Therefore, it is best to contact a seasoned commercial electrician to inspect and repair the electrical system.
