As a business owner, you need to understand the signs that your building needs electrical work. The more you understand the signs of potential electrical problems, the easier it is to address those issues before they become serious problems. There are a few common warning signs that are easy to dismiss but actually indicate some serious issues. Here are some of the things that you need to watch for.
Flickering Lights
Fluorescent lights have a tendency to flicker anyway, so many business owners dismiss it when they notice flickering anywhere in the building. It's easy to dismiss it as a bulb that's getting ready to blow or just fluorescent light trouble in general. Unfortunately, it could be an indication of a serious problem with the electrical system. Fluorescent lights are particularly sensitive to disruptions in electrical supply, so make sure you are attentive to these issues and address them right away.
Warm Areas Around Outlets
Electrical outlets in commercial buildings often see a lot of activity and use. If you've noticed that the outlet covers and walls are warm around the outlets, that's a key indication that you have some electrical issues. The heat is generated from issues with the wiring and excessive electricity flowing through the space. You'll need to have an electrician test the wires and identify the source of the problem.
Circuit Breaker Issues
When your property starts experiencing issues with tripped breakers, especially when equipment turns on (such as when a copier or printer is used), that's a sign that the building is using more electricity than it can sustain. When the draw is too much on the circuit, safety mechanisms trigger an automatic shutdown. If this happens repeatedly, it's a sign that you need an electrician.
Burning Odors Or Unusual Smells
Burning odors or ammonia smells around your outlets or anywhere that electrical wiring is present should be cause for concern. If you notice unusual odors around your walls, it's important to call an electrician as soon as possible. Ignoring symptoms like this could put your building at risk of an electrical fire. The sooner you address it, the safer your building and your staff will be.
Electrical issues are easy to overlook if you don't know what you're looking for. With these tips, you can understand the most common signs of issues with your building's electrical wiring. Talk with an electrical contractor to deal with your building's electrical issues.