How to Troubleshoot Unusual Electrical Problems in Commercial Buildings

As an electrician working in commercial buildings, you may occasionally come across unusual electrical problems that require some creative troubleshooting. Here is an in-depth guide on how to tackle these tricky issues.

Identifying the Problem

The first step is always to gather as much information as possible about the unusual electrical problem:

Speak with building occupants to understand what is happening, when it occurs, and any other relevant details. Oftentimes occupants can provide very helpful clues.
Check the electrical panels and breakers. Note any tripped breakers, unusual voltages, or other anomalies.
Conduct voltage and current measurements throughout the circuit to isolate the issue. Use a multimeter or clamp meter to check voltages, currents, and continuity.
Inspect wiring connections and terminations. Loose or corroded connections can cause intermittent problems.
Review equipment operation and settings. Check for any Code violations or manufacturer misapplications.
Consider environmental factors. Things like past renovations, weather/water damage, or vermin infestations can lead to electrical issues over time.
Research the building's electrical history. Look for any past problems, upgrades/retrofits, or changes in equipment that could be contributing factors.

Taking detailed notes and photos can be very helpful when dealing with unusual electrical gremlins. The more information you gather upfront, the better.

Isolating the Location

Once you have a clear picture of the problem's characteristics, the next step is to isolate the location of the issue:

Narrow down the affected circuit or equipment. Turn off breakers or disconnect equipment one-by-one to pinpoint the problem source.
Check all associated wiring and connections. Visually inspect the cabling path, junction boxes, and terminations for that circuit.
Consider intermittent problems or exceptions. Issues that come and go or only affect certain equipment can indicate a specific weak point in the system.
Use circuit troubleshooting equipment like toner/probe kits to trace hidden or difficult-to-access cables. Being able to follow the exact wiring path is very useful for troubleshooting unusual problems.
Consult electrical drawings and schematics to gain insights into the affected circuit and its layout.
Evaluate potential failure points like damaged conduit, old equipment, or unfavorable conditions. Look closely in those areas.

Taking a systematic approach here is key. Isolate just the problem circuit/equipment and then examine it thoroughly from all angles.

Applying Deductive Reasoning

For tricky electrical problems with unclear causes, deductive reasoning can help get to the root issue:

Make logical assumptions about what could potentially cause the unusual symptom based on your overall findings.
Test those assumptions methodically to determine if they are valid or invalid.
Consider multiple hypotheses together to cover all possibilities. Use deductive elimination to narrow them down.
Break apart complex problems into discrete, testable elements. Solve each piece individually.
Avoid confirmation bias overlooking evidence that contradicts your main assumption. Sometimes the problem is an outlier.
Don't overlook simple explanations in pursuit of complicated theories. Go with the simplest valid theory.
Document theories and tests so you can retrace your steps if needed. The key is eliminating invalid assumptions.

Deductive troubleshooting is essentially breaking down an unusual electrical problem in a logical, structured way using good reasoning skills. It is a powerful technique.

Getting Creative with Testing

For the most stubborn electrical issues, creative testing techniques can force the problem to manifest:

Introduce vibrations or impact using special shake tables or tapping. Intermittent connections may reveal themselves.
Apply heat or cold locally using a heat gun or cold spray. Temperature fluctuations can expose temperature-sensitive faults.
Simulate wet conditions by spraying clean water. Moisture ingress problems may appear.
Elevate operating temperatures by extended full-load testing. Thermal sensitivities can arise.
Adjust supply voltage either below or above normal levels. Abnormal operating conditions may generate issues.
Isolate the circuit completely from all loads and connections. Parallel paths can mask problems.
Observe over an extended period using monitoring equipment. Intermittent issues may emerge over time.

The goal is to stimulate conditions that force the unusual problem to show itself in a detectable way. Thinking creatively here and not relying solely on standard testing is the key.

Persistence Pays Off

When dealing with truly confounding electrical issues, persistence and rigor are essential:

Take detailed notes and photos to document everything you have checked. This saves repeating steps.
Follow a structured troubleshooting approach and avoid taking shortcuts. Otherwise things get missed.
Don't let frustration lead to carelessness. Walk away rather than make mistakes. Fresh eyes help.
Consult colleagues for different perspectives on the problem. A second set of eyes can be invaluable.
Research manufacturer resources like service bulletins for assistance. Previously identified problems can provide clues.
Carefully double check all fundamentals like voltage, continuity, and connections/terminations. Simple things get overlooked.
Consider contracting specialized services like thermography or motor circuit analysis to uncover hidden issues you can't detect yourself.
Keep an open and curious mindset. Avoid assumptions. There are always new things to learn with electrical troubleshooting.

Persistence and rigor combined with an open-minded willingness to learn will ultimately help uncover the most evasive electrical problems in commercial buildings.

In summary, effectively troubleshooting unusual electrical issues requires systematically gathering information, isolating the problem source, applying deductive reasoning, trying creative testing techniques, and staying focused and curious. Don't get discouraged. With the right mindset and skills, you can get to the bottom of any unusual electrical problem.