Introduction
As the owner of an older commercial building, ensuring your electrical systems operate safely and efficiently is crucial. Overloaded circuits and deteriorating wiring can present serious fire hazards if left unchecked. Implementing some key strategies can help prevent your electrical wiring from overheating.
Inspect Electrical Panels and Load Calculations
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The electrical panel, also known as the breaker box, should be thoroughly inspected by a licensed electrician. They will check for signs of overheating like discolored breakers or burnt smell.
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Have an evaluation done to ensure the panel is adequately sized for the building's electrical needs. Insufficient amperage capacity can lead to overheated wires.
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Load calculations should be performed to determine the power demands on your electrical system. This helps identify any overloaded circuits.
Key Points
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Inspect panels for overheating indicators like burnt smells and discolored breakers.
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Panels may need upsizing if unable to handle building's power needs.
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Load calculations reveal overloaded circuits at risk of overheating.
Upgrade Outdated Wiring
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Older wiring often lacks sufficient gauge (thickness) to meet today's electrical demands. Upgrading to thicker wire sizes prevents overheating.
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Aluminum wiring requires special connections and frequent inspection. Consider rewiring old aluminum circuits with new copper wire.
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Apply wire ampacity charts to make sure all wiring can safely handle the amp loads for each circuit.
Key Points
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Replace undersized wiring with new thicker gauge wires.
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Rewire aluminum circuits with safer copper wiring.
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Use ampacity charts to determine if wiring gauge meets circuit amperage needs.
Add More Circuits to Reduce Loads
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If load calculations show overburdened circuits, adding more circuits distributes the load to prevent overheating.
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For frequently tripped breakers, have additional dedicated circuits added for those outlets.
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In older units with outdated multi-wire branch circuits, upgrade to independent circuits for each outlet.
Key Points
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Adding circuits shares the electrical load across more wires.
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Dedicated circuits relieve overloaded outlets.
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Multi-wire circuits should be separated into individual circuits.
Use Thermal Imaging to Identify Problem Wiring
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Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera to reveal hot spots in breaker boxes and wiring. This helps target potential overheating issues.
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Check connections at switches, outlets, and junction boxes for excessive heat. Loose connections are prone to overheating.
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Inspect behind walls and ceilings with an infrared camera to uncover hidden hot spots in wiring.
Key Points
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Thermal cameras detect overheating in wires, connections, and electrical components.
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Scan electrical boxes and junctions for loose connections.
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Inspect hidden wiring behind walls and ceilings for hot spots.
Provide Proper Ventilation Around Electrical Areas
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Good airflow from vents or louvers cools breaker boxes and prevents internal overheating.
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Allow space for air circulation around panels and junction boxes by clearing clutter or debris blocking vents.
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Verify wiring runs through ventilated areas instead of enclosed spaces which trap heat.
Key Points
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Vents and louvers facilitate needed airflow to electrical systems.
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Keep areas around panels and boxes clutter-free.
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Avoid routing wires through enclosed, non-ventilated spaces.
Conclusion
Preventing overheated electrical wiring in older buildings requires a proactive approach. By conducting inspections, adding circuits, upgrading wiring, using thermal imaging, and ensuring proper ventilation, facility managers can keep their electrical systems running safely and efficiently. Calling a licensed electrician promptly when overheating risk is identified is crucial as well. Following these best practices provides peace of mind and protects both occupants and the property itself.