Its hard to imagine what the world will be like without electricity. It is one of the most useful commodities we have today. However, electricity can also be dangerous to us if mishandled.
According to a report from the National Fire Protection Association, electrical failures and malfunctions were thesecond leading cause of home firesin the U.S. from 2012 to 2016. In the commercial space, a total of 739 workers havedied from exposure to electricityduring the five-year period. Of these, 417 deaths were caused by direct exposure to electricity, such as touching a live wire.
The significant number of electricity-related deaths and injuries in the workspace is one reason why it is important for businesses to conduct regular maintenance check-ups of their electrical systems. Another reason is to ensure theircompliance with national and state regulations. Violating these rules can incur heavy fines or legal action against the company.
To ensure compliance with regulations, Electrical Contractor Union Citycan hire experts who provide commercial electrical services to check on your electrical systems. Here are some of the most common electric issues and violations that electricians watch out for.
Faulty wiring
Dimming or flickering lights and fuses frequently breaking are signs of faulty wiring. A burning smell from turning lights on indicates serious wiring issues that need to be addressed immediately.
Installing new light fixtures with old wiring can also be a problem. New lighting operates at hotter temperatures that old wiring might not be able to handle. Experts advise rewiring electrical systems in buildings built before 1987 to prevent fire hazards.
Grounding issues
Ground loops are a common grounding problem in commercial buildings. The interconnection of electrical equipment results in multiple paths to the ground.
Professional electricians ensure that there is only one ground used as a grounding system in a building. This grounding helps excess energy escape into the ground and reduce the risk of damaging appliances, fire and electrocution.
Messy electrical panels
An organized electrical panel will help you identify which fuse is which. This is helpful when turning off the power supply in different areas of the building in case there is a fire. Have your electrician organize your electric panel for your convenience and to avoid violations.
Overcrowded wires
Wires overcrowding in the same opening rub each other and are prone to damage. These wires, when exposed, can get home and become a major fire hazard.
Experienced electricians know that three wires are the most you can fit through a 7/8-inch hole. This limit gives the wires enough room to shift and not rub against each other.
Employers are responsible for the safety of their employees. Knowing that there is less chance that your building will catch fire from electrical problems puts your employees at ease. Furthermore, a well-maintained electrical system helps save you money that might come from constant repairs and penalties.
