10 Common Electrical Problems in Commercial Buildings

Electrical problems are not to be trifled with. Sometimes, electrical problems can end up causing fires or other major problems down the line, so recognizing the signs is very important. Since it’s imperative to protect the tenants, employees, and customers, The Firm will show you how to recognize the five most common electrical problems in commercial buildings.

For safety reasons, please make sure to call a professional electrician to address the below problems; do not try to solve these problems yourself. 

1. Blinking Lights

Sometimes, a blinking light just means a bulb replacement is in order, but if the new light bulb continues to blink or dim, there may be an underlying problem. Flickering lights can cause a fire in a commercial property, so it’s important to address the underlying issue immediately.

One common reason for blinking lights is a loose connection, which can cause sparks to fly. Sparks, while a fire hazard, can also cause damage to the overall electrical system. 

2. Lightbulbs Burning Out

While it’s common for lightbulbs to burn out due to age, it’s less common for them to burn out on a regular and frequent basis. If you notice that the same bulbs are burning out at the same time, get the issue checked out. This could be due to a poor electrical connection which can cause sparks and potential fires. 

3. Dead Outlets

Finding outlets that do not work no matter what you plug in could be a sign of a problem. This can be seen in older buildings, but dead outlets can occur in newer buildings as well. They’re not typically dangerous but can prohibit productivity. Dead outlets can also cause breakers to trip. 

Dead outlets can be caused by circuit overload if too many high-voltage appliances or devices are plugged into a single socket. It can overheat, lead to a circuit overload, and trip the breaker. This can cause damage to your electrical system, so make sure you contact an electrician to inspect the issue. 

4. Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring is a dangerous and common electrical issue. Since your wiring is hidden behind walls, how do you find it? You use your nose. If you notice a burning smell when lights are on, this could be an indication of faulty wiring.

This problem can be caused by age, outdated wires, damaged electrical wires, or poorly installed wires. If your building is on the older side, then replacing your electrical wiring might be in order to prevent further problems. 

5. Tripping Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are designed to protect the electrical system from damage caused by short-circuiting. A circuit breaker can only handle so much electricity; too much flowing through will cause it to trip.

There are three common reasons why you might experience tripped breakers, including ground faults, overload, and short circuits. Make sure to contact a professional electrician to check out your circuit board for potential problems if you keep having tripped breakers. 

6. Power Surges

If your commercial building has frequent power surges, this could be an indication of a much larger problem. Not only are power surges dangerous, but they can affect computers, sensitive equipment, and other electronic devices. 

Surges can happen as a result of internal factors in the building, lightning strikes, or utility grid issues. 

7. Outdated Electrical

If you have an older building, you may have an outdated electrical system. Aging electrical parts cannot meet the demands of modern technology, and you’ll frequently run into problems trying to maintain all your electronics in your business. 

Outdated panels, wiring, and components can lead to electrical inefficiency, maintenance issues, and potential safety hazards. 

8. Grounding Problems

If your building is struck by lightning or you experience electrical shocks or equipment malfunctions, then your building might not be grounded properly. Grounding means that there is a safe and stable path for excess electricity to escape. It reduces the risk of electrical shock, the potential for electrocution, and fires. 

Proper grounding is essential for maintaining a safe electrical system. 

9. Electrical Panel Issues

If you have an outdated electrical panel or one that is not large enough to handle all your electronics, you could have additional electrical problems. Malfunctioning electrical panels can cause tripped breakers, overheating, and the inability to support the electrical load of the building. 

Overloaded electrical panels can be dangerous, so always check with an electrician that your panel can handle everything you need to be powered. 

10. HVAC Interference

If you have your HVAC inspected and there’s nothing wrong with it, but your building is too hot or too cold, then electrical problems could be the culprit. Electrical issues can affect the proper function of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. 

The Firm Can Help With Your Electrical Problems

If you notice any of the above problems in your facility, make sure to call The Firm for advice on hiring a qualified electrician. Since The Firm Facility Services is a nationwide company, we can send an electrician to your facility located anywhere in the United States. 

The Firm also offers on-demand services. As an on-demand customer, you’ll receive access to qualified professionals 24/7. A professional electrician can be dispatched within a short time frame to address your electrical needs if you are part of our on-demand program. 

For more information, call The Firm at 833-Firm-411 or send us a message on our website. We look forward to hearing from you!