One key part of running any business is keeping your facility in good condition, and that includes tending to the electrical wiring. No matter how well your building’s electrical system was designed, the time inevitably arrives when an electrical upgrade is necessary. Upgrading your commercial electrical system improves both the safety and utility of your building. Misso Electric will list some of the telltale signs your workplace is due for an electrical upgrade.
Old Electrical Wiring
Many older buildings were designed and constructed when demand for electricity was much lower. They were typically built with 60 or 120 amps and just a few circuits for an entire commercial building. This certainly isn’t enough to power the amount of electronics and machinery used in a typical workplace today. Nowadays, even small workshops require at least 200 amps.
Power Supply is Not Enough
One of the most obvious signs you need an electrical upgrade is when there simply is not enough power for all your appliances, lighting, tools and devices. If your lights flicker or go out entirely when a large appliance or machine is turned on, your equipment shuts itself off for no obvious reason, the breakers frequently trip when you try to run multiple devices at once and/or you have extension cords run between different circuits in attempt to balance the load; you need to upgrade your electrical system!
Electrical Hazards in the Workplace
Safety issues are another indication your electrical system is in need of an upgrade. If your electrical panel and wiring contacts have corrosion or show signs of other deterioration such as melted wires or melted wiring insulation; you should call an electrician right away. The presence of scorch marks or discolored spots around your outlets or switch plates is another electrical danger to address. These marks are caused by electricity arcing out of the wires and hitting the plastic. Even if your outlets look fine, you should check to see if they are warm to the touch which is another indication of a wiring problem. These are all indications that your building is at risk of an electrical fire.
Update Electrical System when Renovating
Even if the above problems do not apply to your business, you should still consider an electrical upgrade if you are planning to renovate or bring in new equipment that will add to the load on your electrical system. This is especially true if you are planning to add air conditioning or electric heating.
Electrical Evaluation, Inspection, Wiring & Panel Upgrades & More in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, Lockport & Greater Strykersville, NY
Before calling Misso Electric, take some time to evaluate the electrical needs of your business. You can make a list of the electrical appliances and equipment you currently use and any you are planning to add, including lighting. It also helps to note any areas where you would like to have more electrical outlets too to eliminate the need for permanent use of extension cords which is dangerous. Misso Electric will use these notes in addition to information gathered during our inspection of your premises to calculate your building’s total electrical load and recommend either adding a subpanel or upgrading the main electrical panel to provide 200 amps, 400 amps or even more if necessary. Call us to discuss your next commercial or residential electrical inspection today!
