Overlooked Safety Risks of Electrical Panel Maintenance in Commercial Buildings
Maintaining electrical panels in commercial buildings is crucial for safety, yet some risks are often overlooked. As the owner of an electrical contracting company specializing in commercial buildings, I want to outline the key safety risks to be aware of when maintaining electrical panels.
Understanding Electrical Panel Hazards
Electrical panels, also known as breaker boxes or distribution boards, distribute electricity throughout a commercial building. However, they also pose some safety hazards that must be handled with care by qualified electricians.
The main risks include:
- Electrical shock - Contact with live parts can result in shock, burns, or death. Panels have high voltage electricity.
- Arc flashes - Faults can create arc flashes, releasing intense heat and pressure waves that can cause severe injuries.
- Fire - Faulty wiring and connections can overheat and ignite fires. Electrical panels contain many potential ignition sources.
Neglecting electrical panel maintenance exacerbates these risks. Problems will not be identified and addressed.
Overlooked Maintenance Issues
Several crucial maintenance issues are often overlooked or neglected in commercial buildings. Being aware of these can help facility managers plan and budget for appropriate electrical panel maintenance.
Outdated Equipment
Old electrical panels can lack modern safety features and trip hazards may develop over time. Upgrading aging panels should be a priority. Newer panels have:
- Breakers with enhanced trip response to faults
- More robust arc flash containment
- Safety features like remote racking for removing breakers
Replacing outdated equipment reduces risks to maintenance personnel and occupants.
Dust and Debris Accumulation
Electrical panels can accumulate dust, dirt, and other contaminants over time, especially in old buildings. This contaminates the panel interior and components.
Thorough cleaning and vacuum maintenance should be scheduled periodically. Dust buildup can impede insulation and cooling, leading to overheating, arcing faults, and other issues.
Deteriorated Wiring and Connections
Binding screws, bolts, wires, and other connections can degrade over years of heat cycling and vibration. Loose connections are extremely dangerous as they cause resistive heating and electrical arcing.
Infrared inspections and torqueing of all bolted connections should be part of routine maintenance to spot problems. Damaged wires must be replaced.
Lack of Clear Working Space
According to electrical codes, sufficient clear working space is required in front of panels for maintenance and operations. However, this area is often cluttered over time.
Keeping the area in front of panels fully clear is a must for doing work safely. Clutter impedes access and visibility, increasing risks of panel damage, electrical contact, and arc flash hazards for electricians.
Implementing Strong Electrical Safety Programs
Comprehensive electrical safety programs focused on regular inspection and maintenance are essential in commercial facilities. As an electrical contractor, I recommend facility managers prioritize these key elements:
- Upgrade outdated electrical equipment
- Schedule routine panel cleaning and inspections
- Perform infrared scans to identify hot spots annually
- Torque and check connections to manufacturer specs every 5 years
- Mandate proper PPE, training, and procedures for electrical work
- Keep adequate clearance zones in front of panels
Following robust safety protocols and addressing overlooked issues like aging equipment reduces electrical hazards and protects workers and occupants. Let me know if you have any other questions!