Electrical Safety in Commercial Spaces: Maintenance Tips to Prevent Downtime

Safety is a high priority in commercial spaces. Property owners and managers are dedicated to safeguarding their tenants, employees, and guests while on their property. 

This is especially important when it comes to electrical issues, which can lead to electric shocks, fires, and costly business disruptions. 

Proper maintenance and management procedures can reduce the risk of electrical accidents and the risk of downtime caused by electrical outages. 

Here are some commercial electrical maintenance tips to promote safety and prevent downtime. To schedule electrical maintenance or learn more about commercial electrical safety, contact Arkel Constructors. 

Always Hire Qualified Electrical Contractors 

Hire qualified electricians to ensure your building's electrical systems function effectively. Whether you need installation, repair, or maintenance, always hire a qualified professional for your electrical projects. 

Improper installation or substandard maintenance can lead to: 

• Violations of building codes
• Faulty wiring
• Improper groundings 
• Overloaded circuits

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Avoid these risks by only working with experienced electricians. This is one of the best ways to ensure that all electrical systems are up to code, safe, and functioning correctly. 

If you haven’t worked with a qualified electrician in the past, schedule an inspection as soon as possible to make sure any improperly installed wiring or circuitry is replaced. 

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Schedule Regular Maintenance Inspections

Commercial electrical maintenance should be part of your property management routine. Regular inspections can help identify hazards like: 

• Outdated wiring
• Malfunctioning equipment
• Overloaded circuits

Proactively identifying and addressing potential electrical hazards before they escalate into major issues is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient commercial space. Regular inspections and timely repairs not only prevent serious accidents, such as electrical fires or shocks, but also minimize the risk of costly system malfunctions that can lead to significant downtime. By staying ahead of these potential problems, property managers can ensure smoother operations, avoid disruptions to daily business activities, and create a safer environment for tenants, employees, and visitors alike.

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Create & Follow Electrical Safety Procedures

All commercial spaces should have a thorough electrical safety program. The safety procedures should include: 

• Instructions for working safely
• Procedures for handling electrical equipment
• Systems for reporting electrical issues
• Systems for resolving electrical issues 
• Training for all employees on electrical safety
• Proper labeling of electrical equipment  
• Training on safe habits - for example, only working with insulated tools and appropriate personal protective equipment 

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Building owners or managers should periodically review electrical safety procedures to ensure that all protocols are being followed and that all tenants and employees have been properly trained on electrical safety procedures. 

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Use Quality Equipment and Materials 

One of the biggest risks for buildings is substandard equipment and materials. This can lead to business interruptions and increase the risk of electrical accidents. 

Set your business up for success by using quality equipment and materials. If you’re concerned that you have substandard electrical equipment, schedule an inspection with a commercial contractor. 

Replacing poor-quality materials or equipment is a smart investment. It leads to fewer maintenance expenses and safety risks. 

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Install Safety Devices

Installing safety devices promotes electrical safety in commercial spaces. Safety devices shut off power in dangerous situations to avoid electrocution, fires, and other risks. 
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Common safety devices for commercial spaces are: 

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• Circuit breakers
• Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs)
• Arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs)

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Create Procedures for Electrical Emergencies 

All property managers and owners should have a plan for what to do if there’s an electrical emergency in their building. This should include clear instructions for: 

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• Power outages
• Electrical fires
• Shock accidents 
• Emergency shut-off procedures 
• Evacuation procedures 
• Who to call for electrical repairs 

All employees onsite should be trained in these emergency procedures. 

Schedule Commercial Electrical Maintenance 

If you need to schedule commercial electrical maintenance, contact Arkel Constructors. Our team can handle all commercial electrical issues. Whether you need immediate help with outages or want to schedule regular electrical inspections, we can help. 

We’re a comprehensive solution for commercial property owners and offer a budget-friendly way to ensure your building’s systems run smoothly. 

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a maintenance call. 

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