A power failure can occur long after a commercial electrical system has had trouble. Flickering lights, often causing circuit breakers to trip, warm outlets, foul odors, and equipment failures can all be signs of a problem and may require professional intervention. In many ways, electrical systems are vital to the day-to-day activities, security, machinery, computers, air conditioning, refrigeration, and lighting of Brisbane businesses. Therefore, warning signs should not be ignored until it is too late. If electrical problems do occur, then relying on commercial electrician Brisbane services can assist companies identify possible faults and ensure electrical safety and a reliable business operation.
So, how can you tell when a commercial electrical system needs professional attention? The following are indicators to watch for.
1. If the lights are flickering or dimming...
One of the most common electrical issues that is easy to detect is the flickering bulbs, especially in commercial buildings like offices, retail stores and others.
If a light is flickering intermittently due to a dim bulb, it is probably a simple issue, but if you are seeing it on a lot of lights or a lot of the time, you should check it out.
This could be due to any one of the following:
• lose electrical connections
• Faulty lighting components
• Circuit problems
• Voltage fluctuations
• Excessive electrical demand
Other issues that are found in other parts of the installation.
Pay attention to when the flickering happens. When lights dim when a specific machine, air-conditioning unit or other large electrical load turns on, that pattern can give an electrical professional some valuable information.
Just changing the light fitting does not necessarily address the issue.
A professional electrician will be able to check the circuit and find out if it's a light issue or a larger electrical problem.
2. Circuit Breakers are tripping again.
The purpose of circuit breakers is to protect against some unusual electrical conditions. If he keeps falling over, it may be worthwhile to learn about the cause.
Frequent tripping can be associated with:
• Overloaded circuits
• Short circuits
• Faulty equipment
• Wiring problems
• Other electrical faults
This is especially true if a company has just acquired new equipment.
For instance, an office may have been incrementally installing monitors, computers, printers, kitchen appliances, etc., and not take the time to consider the change in electrical demand. Likewise, when a workshop grows, it can get newer machinery.
Breaker resets may only temporarily restore power, but cannot find or fix the cause.
If the same circuit keeps tripping, then professional fault finding is the safer and more useful way to go.
3. You See an Electrical Smell or Notice a Burnt smell
If an electrical outlet, switchboard, appliance or equipment gives off a burning odor, it should never be taken lightly.
Overheating components, damaged insulation, faulty connections or equipment issues can all be related to an unusual smell. The exact source of the odor can't be known just by the odor.
This is especially true if the odor is accompanied by:
• Smoke
• Discoloration
• Heat
• Melting
• Sparks
• Repeated breaker trips
In Queensland, electrical work has to be carried out by those who hold an appropriate license. The Electrical Safety Office is able to offer a license-search service for businesses to help them verify electrical contractor licensing information.
Never enter electrical apparatus, or attempt internal repairs. Use proper emergency and work place procedures in the event of fire, smoke or an immediate danger.
4. Power Outlets/Switches feel unusually warm.
If a power outlet feels warm or hot, it's a sign of a problem.
Possible reasons could be overloaded electrical load, shoddy connections, broken components or issues with connected components.
See if there are other warning signs like:
• Discoloration
• Melting
• Burning smells
• Crackling
• Sparks
• Visible damage
A Commercial Property may have a number of outlets throughout the day and problems may not be noticed initially. Prolonged heat around electrical fittings is one of those things that employees shouldn't ignore, but should be reported.
Unless the appliance is still functioning, do not use visibly damaged or overheating electrical fittings, just because the appliance is working.
By using a professional he or she can identify if the problem lies with the fitting only or if the circuit and surrounding electrical installation needs some work as well.
5. Do you hear Buzzing, Crackling or Unusual Electrical Sounds
If an electrical device makes unexplained crackling or buzzing noises, it is not normal and could signify a problem.
Loose connections, equipment failure or electrical arcing may be related to unusual sounds.
The position of the sound may be important. May seem to be from a:
• Power outlet
• Switch
• Light fitting
• Switchboard
• Electrical appliance
• Piece of commercial equipment
Faults and arcing can be a serious safety hazard. WorkSafe Queensland has specific information about working on or close to energized equipment and the hazards of electric shock and arc flash.
All electrical components should not be uncovered or approached to investigate by employees. The presence of unusual sounds is one indication of the need for professional assessment.
6. Electrical outlets/switches are discolored
Signs of heat damage or other electrical issues may include brown, black or scorched marks around an outlet or switch.
Other physical warning signs are:
• Melted plastic
• Cracked fittings
• Burn marks
• Warped components
• Damaged switch plates
A frequent error is just replacing the obvious damage fitting without determining the cause.
The visible part may not be the real issue, but the symptom.
A competent person will be able to test the installation in question and decide if the issue is the fitting, attached equipment, wiring or circuit loading or due to a fault.
7. There are frequent power outages at your business.
Electrical installation on a commercial property is not the cause of all power outages. Outages and supply issues in the outside network do not necessarily mean the building is affected.
Repeated interruptions to the same area, circuit or equipment should not be deemed normal, however.
For instance, if one part of an office building is frequently losing power and the other parts are working, then there could be a problem and it's worth exploring.
Frequent disruptions can especially be disruptive for businesses that rely on:
• Computers
• Servers
• Refrigeration
• Security systems
• Communications equipment
• Manufacturing machinery
• Point-of-sale systems
The ability to make a simple note of when interruptions occur, what equipment was in use and what areas were impacted can be helpful when a professional looks into the issue.
Why preventive electrical maintenance is important for businesses in Brisbane.
Preventive maintenance is not the replacement of all the components just due to their age.
It's better to know the condition of the installation and recognize changes in electrical demand and look for warning signs before they disrupt.
This can be particularly useful when:
• A business is expanding
• Installing of new machines is underway.
• A commercial property is being renovated
• An increase in electrical demand has been recorded.
• An older installation is being used in a new way
• Faults are seen to recur
• There is often a power loss with equipment.
The electrical safety laws in Queensland set out duties for electrical safety in the workplace and businesses should take reasonable steps to ensure electrical risks are managed.
This is a Commercial Electrical Maintenance Checklist.
Use this checklist as a guide for any business owner or property manager:
• Check for visibly damaged electrical equipment.
• Check for outlet and switch discoloration.
• Document reoccurring circuit breaker operation.
• Investigate on-going light flickering.
• Notify if unusual electrical odors or noises are detected.
• Determine if new equipment has placed an additional electrical load.
• Maintain ease of access to electrical areas.
• Promptly repair damaged cables and cords.
• Keep track of pertinent electrical work.
• Only employ licensed electricians for electrical duties.
This checklist does not replace professional electrical testing and/or a formal risk assessment.
Selecting the best electrical contractor involves a few important factors.
When selecting an electrical contractor for a commercial property, it should not be just about the cheapest quote.
Businesses should consider:
Appropriate Licensing
The Electrical Safety Office has an online Electrical Contractor License Search service to verify Electrical Contractor information.
Relevant Commercial Experience
There may be differences between commercial and residential installations. Depending on the project, experience with offices, retail premises, warehouses, hospitality venues or industrial environment may apply.
Clear Scope of Work
Request a clear description of the items to be inspected, repaired, replaced or upgraded.
Documentation
Having the correct documentation of electrical work and maintenance can ease troubleshooting and property management for commercial properties in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
• What are some signs that my business electrical system may be overloaded?
If there are frequent breaker tripping, excessive use of extension cords or power boards and heavy demands on electrical equipment, the installation needs assessment may be a problem. Appropriate professional evaluation should be performed to determine the actual cause.
• Why is a commercial circuit breaker continually tripping?
This could be due to a circuit overload, short circuit, faulty equipment or another electrical issue. If you switch the breaker back and forth, without figuring out the problem, you are not fixing the problem.
• What does it take to decide to upgrade a switchboard?
Upgrade might be warranted if a switchboard is damaged, if there is insufficient capacity or protection, or if the switchboard cannot satisfy the electrical requirements of the building. Before it is decided that a replacement is needed, an assessment should be completed.
• If I smell burning near an electrical outlet, what should I do?
If safe to do so, turn off outlet or equipment and keep people away from hazard and seek professional assistance. In the event of smoke or fire or immediate danger follow emergency procedures.
• Does old wiring pose a problem to business equipment?
Equipment issues can be caused by electrical issues or by the use of inappropriate infrastructure, however this should be professionally diagnosed and not taken for granted. Failure of the equipment doesn't necessarily imply that the wiring in the building is to blame.
• What are some ways businesses can minimize electrical issues?
By keeping equipment properly maintained, correcting damaged cables and fittings, controlling electrical loads and investigating periodic electrical issues quickly, businesses can avoid unnecessary electrical risks.
Conclusion
Be aware of the early warning signs and don't ignore them!
Commercial electrical issues don't necessarily start with a spectacular issue. It may begin with a dimming light, a breaker that keeps popping out more than normal, a strange odor or even an outlet that is warmer than usual.
The presence of these signs is not necessarily indicative of a major upgrade for the electrical system. They do mean that there's something worthy of attention.
Electrical maintenance in Brisbane can be proactive and help to identify any potential issues and prevent them from causing disruptions to business operations and creating a dangerous working environment.
If your business property is having regular electrical issues, strange smells, overheating outlets, flickering lights or circuit breaker issues, a professional electrician will be capable of determining the problem and possible solutions.
All electrical work must be conducted by a suitably licensed person to meet Queensland requirements.
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