Electrical fires are a major hazard in older commercial buildings. As wiring and electrical systems age, they become prone to failure that can result in dangerous and costly fires. Thankfully, there are steps I can take to significantly reduce the risk of electrical fires in my older commercial property.
Inspect the Electrical System Regularly
The first line of defense is regular electrical inspections and maintenance. I should have a licensed electrician inspect the building's wiring, circuit breakers, and electrical equipment at least once a year. They can spot potential electrical hazards like:
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Damaged or frayed wiring and cords - Exposed wire conductors can arc and spark, igniting nearby combustibles.
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Overloaded circuits and wires - Drawing more current than rated for causes excessive heat buildup and fire risk.
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Faulty circuit breakers - Defective breakers may fail to trip and cutoff power during an overload.
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Poor connections - Loose wiring connections heat up and become fire starters.
The electrician can make any needed repairs to keep the electrical system operating safely. I should also have them inspect after any major electrical event like a storm, flood, or power surge that could damage system components.
Replace Obsolete and Damaged Electrical Equipment
Older electrical switches, receptacles, lighting, appliances and equipment are more prone to break down and malfunction. I should have the electrician identify and replace any:
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Old wiring - Brittle, cracked wire insulation is a fire starter. Wiring over 30 years old should be examined for replacement.
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Cloth-wrapped wiring - This obsolete type is extremely hazardous and should be removed.
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Obsolete electrical panels - Outdated fuse boxes and panels should be upgraded to modern circuit breakers.
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Malfunctioning electrical devices - Any device that overheats, sparks, or trips breakers needs replacement.
Updating obsolete electrical equipment removes potential ignition sources and prevents overloads.
Keep Electrical Areas Clean and Unobstructed
Accumulated dust and dirt buildup on electrical equipment causes overheating. Storing combustible materials near electrical devices is extremely hazardous. I should:
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Clean electrical boxes, conduit, and equipment regularly - Use a vacuum and soft brush to remove dust.
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Keep all electrical rooms and closets clean and closed - Never use rooms meant for electrical equipment for storage.
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Maintain clearance zones - Ensure at least 3 feet of clearance around electrical service equipment.
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Avoid electrical closet and panel clutter - Keep tight access areas clear of obstructions.
Good housekeeping practices prevent electrical equipment from overheating and reduce fuels for possible ignition.
Install Arc-Fault Circuit Breakers
Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are an important new safety device. Unlike standard breakers that just sense overloads, AFCIs also detect dangerous electrical arcing. Arcing can ignite nearby combustibles before overcurrent protection kicks in. I should have a qualified electrician install AFCI breakers:
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Inside electrical panels - Provides whole building protection from arc faults.
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At outlets - Localizes protection from arcs for specific circuits.
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For older wiring - Helps mitigate hazards of aged electrical systems.
These advanced breakers help halt arc-related fires before they can spread.
Use Safe Electrical Practices
I should establish and follow safe electrical practices in my building, including:
- Avoiding overloading outlets and circuits.
- Promptly replacing blown fuses or tripped breakers.
- Unplugging equipment during electrical storms.
- Plug major appliances like refrigerators and freezers directly into wall outlets instead of extension cords or power strips.
- Ensuring extension cords are correctly rated, not overloaded, and not daisy chained.
- Keeping flammable materials away from electrical equipment.
- Periodic infrared scans to identify hot spots and problems in electrical systems.
Safe electrical practices by all staff help avoid electrical dangers.
Install Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting that comes on automatically during a power outage helps avoid risky behavior like lighting candles or struggling in the dark. I should:
- Have emergency egress lighting in hallways, stairwells and exit paths.
- Install emergency lighting in bathrooms and other areas prone to occupancy during an outage.
- Ensure exit signs are electrically backed up and will remain lit.
- Test emergency lighting monthly and replace worn or defective backups promptly.
Adequate emergency lighting prevents accidents and fires during outages.
Have a Qualified Electrician Do All Electrical Work
Attempting electrical work without proper training and experience can create serious hazards. For any new electrical installation or modifications I should always hire a licensed electrician following all codes and standards. Likewise, only a qualified electrician should perform the system inspections, maintenance and repairs discussed above. Paying for professional electrical expertise helps keep my building's electrical system running safely for years to come.
Conclusion
Electrical fires are a real risk in aging commercial buildings, but with proper safety practices the threat can be significantly reduced. Regular inspections, maintenance, and upgrades by licensed electricians keeps vulnerable electrical systems operating safely. Installing arc-fault breakers provides maximum protection. Good housekeeping and safety policies prevent many electrical fire hazards. With the proper vigilance and care, I can help prevent catastrophic electrical fires in my older commercial property.