Regular maintenance and minor repairs conducted by qualified technicians are key to avoiding costly electrical emergencies in commercial buildings. However, some repairs and upgrades can still carry hefty price tags. Here are tips for controlling electrical costs without compromising safety or code compliance.
Inspect and Maintain Electrical Systems
Regular inspections and preventative maintenance allow you to identify and correct minor issues before they escalate into major problems.
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Schedule professional inspections at least once a year. Licensed electricians can spot code violations and hazards that untrained eyes would miss.
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Check for hot spots on wires, joints, and connections using an infrared thermometer or thermal imaging camera. Have an electrician investigate any abnormally hot components.
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Clean lighting fixtures, panels, and switches to remove accumulated dust and grime, which can cause overheating.
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Test GFCIs monthly by pressing the test and reset buttons. Replace any that don't function properly.
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Lubricate moving parts like breakers and switches. Deoxit and other contact cleaners can help maintain connectivity.
Proactive maintenance keeps electrical systems running safely and efficiently for the long haul.
Prioritize Must-Fix Issues
Some electrical deficiencies require immediate repair for safety, while others may be deferred.
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Code violations, faulty wiring, overloads, and compromised electrical boxes should rise to the top of the priority list. These could start fires or cause electrocution.
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Outdated fuse panels should be upgraded to modern circuit breakers when possible. Though still functional, fuse panels are obsolete.
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Broken switches and outlets, flickering lights, and nuisance tripping of breakers or GFCIs indicate wiring problems. Though frustrating, these may be safe to postpone temporarily.
Addressing the most urgent hazards and code issues first allows smaller repairs to wait when budgets are tight. But deferred maintenance should not be neglected indefinitely.
Take Advantage of Electrical Safety Rebates and Incentives
Many electric utilities and state agencies offer rebates and incentives to improve electrical safety and efficiency in commercial buildings.
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LED lighting retrofits can slash energy costs dramatically. Rebates of $100-$500 per fixture help offset the upfront purchase price.
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Pump and motor upgrades cut energy waste. Rebates range from $100 for fractional horsepower motors to thousands for large industrial equipment.
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Cooling system tune-ups ensure HVAC equipment runs at peak efficiency. Rebates average around $300 per ton of AC capacity.
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Whole building audits identify electrical issues you may have overlooked. The audit itself is often free or discounted.
Check with your electric provider and state energy office to find available utility incentives. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency lists programs by state and utility.
Consider Electrical System Upgrades
Though not mandatory, upgrading outdated electrical components can improve safety and preparedness.
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Expand circuit capacity with additional circuits or a new electrical panel. This prevents hazardous overloads as you add equipment.
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Upgrade wiring to modern code standards. While grandfathered in, old wiring is more prone to deterioration and malfunction.
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Add surge protective devices to shield equipment from voltage spikes that can damage or destroy electronics.
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Install emergency lighting and backup power systems to maintain critical operations during outages.
Though pricey, preventative upgrades can pay dividends by reducing blown fuses, spoiled food, fried electronics, and disruptions to business operations.
Choose Certified Electrical Contractors
Hiring uncertified contractors to work on commercial electrical systems can void insurance policies and put lives at risk.
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Verify technicians are licensed in your state and municipality. Licensing proves contractors have undergone training and testing.
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Select contractors who are bonded and insured. Bonding provides consumer protection. Insurance covers damages if something goes wrong.
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Check for voluntary certifications like Master Electrician certification from the National Electrical Contractors Association. This indicates extensive training and experience.
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Ask for local references and look for online reviews. Steer clear of contractors with a trail of unresolved complaints.
Though tempting for the cost savings, cutting corners on contractor qualifications can lead to faulty, dangerous work. Do your due diligence.
With foresight and diligence, business owners can control electrical costs without compromising safety. But when in doubt, budgeting for repairs by certified technicians is smarter than deferring maintenance or attempting dangerous DIY repairs.