There comes a time when an electrical upgrade is necessary, no matter how well your building’s electrical system was designed. Both the safety and utility of your building is improved with upgrading the electrical system. There are a few things to consider before contacting an electrician if you find your electrical system no longer meets your needs, and we at Misso Electric would like to share them today.
Signs You Need More Commercial Building Power or an Electrical Upgrade is Due
When demand for electricity was lower is when many older buildings be designed. For an entire commercial building, they were typically built with 60 or 120 amps and a few circuits. This isn’t enough to power the amount of electronics and machinery in use today, though it was adequate decades ago. Even small workshops require at least 200 amps these days.
1) Inadequate Power. One of the most obvious signs you need an electrical upgrade is when you can’t seem to power everything. When a large appliance or machine is turned on, your lights flicker or go out entirely. For no obvious reason, your equipment shuts itself off. In attempt to balance the load, you have extension cords run between different circuits.
2) Circuit Breakers Trip Often. When you try to run all the electrical equipment you need at once, you might also notice the breakers frequently trip. In attempt to avoid tripping your breakers, you may find yourself carefully planning which equipment to use at what time. Worse yet, your equipment is allowed to overheat because your breakers fail and don’t trip when they should.
3) Electrical Safety Concerns. Another indication your electrical system is in need of an upgrade are safety issues. For corrosion or other deterioration, check your electrical panel and wiring contacts. Look for melted wiring insulation or melted wires while inspecting your wiring. Your building is at risk of an electrical fire with damage such as this. Another sign your safety could be at risk is the need for surge protectors on nearly every outlet.
4) Planning to Renovate or Remodel. If you’re planning to renovate or bring in new equipment that will add to the load on your electrical system, consider an upgrade, even if you don’t have problems like these. If you want to add air conditioning or electric heating, this is especially true.
Process of Upgrading Electrical Panel & System
Take some time to evaluate the electrical needs of your business before you get in touch with an electrician before you get in touch with an electrician. Along with the lighting, make a list of the electrical appliances and equipment you currently use and any you’re planning to add. Consider upgrading to higher-voltage lighting or adding lights if you’re existing lighting doesn’t allow you to work efficiently. Especially where you’re currently relying on extension cords, note any areas where you’d like to have more electrical outlets. Also factor if you’ll be building any additions that will also need an electrical supply.
Commercial Electrical & Lighting Consultations, Upgrades, Installations, Repairs, Maintenance & More in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda, Lockport & Greater Strykersville, NY
When you need commercial electrical upgrades or other related services in the Western New York area, call in the experts of Misso Electric and let us assist you.
