How to Troubleshoot Obscure Electrical Problems in Commercial Buildings

Introduction

As an electrician working in commercial buildings, I often encounter obscure electrical problems that are challenging to diagnose and repair. With complex electrical systems and outdated documentation, tracking down the root cause of electrical issues can be frustrating. However, through methodical troubleshooting, I can systematically isolate the problem and get the electrical system up and running again. In this article, I will share my tips for troubleshooting even the most obscure electrical problems in commercial buildings.

Start with Visual Inspection of Electrical Equipment

My first step is always a thorough visual inspection of the electrical equipment involved. I check for:

• Loose or damaged connections - These can lead to short circuits or power fluctuations. I tighten loose terminals and replace damaged wires or connectors.

• Signs of overheating - Discolored or burnt insulation often indicates an overloaded circuit or component failure. I address the root cause before replacing any damaged equipment.

• Broken or missing components - If a key component like a transformer or circuit breaker is damaged, it will need to be replaced.

• Moisture or water leaks - Any liquid in contact with electrical equipment can cause dangerous ground faults and short circuits. I identify and fix any plumbing issues.

• Damaged breaker panel or junction boxes - Cracked or broken enclosures can expose dangerous live parts. I replace any compromised electrical boxes.

Consult Electrical Drawings and Diagrams

Next, I dig up the electrical drawings for the building to better understand how the equipment is wired together. I look for:

• Any recent electrical changes not reflected on the drawings
• What equipment the affected circuit powers
• Locations of junction boxes or panelboards feeding the circuit
• The circuit wire gauge and breaker amp rating

This helps guide my troubleshooting process. I also verify the drawings match the actual installed equipment as discrepancies are common in older buildings.

Use Diagnostic Equipment

With the basics covered, I use diagnostic tools to test the circuit:

• Multimeter - I check voltage, current, and resistance readings to isolate faults or abnormalities.

• Tone generator and amplifier probe - These help trace wires through walls and locate buried junction boxes.

• Outlet tester - For power outlet issues, this quickly verifies wiring faults or incorrect connections.

• Megohmmeter - Insulation resistance readings detect deterioration in old wiring or moisture intrusion problems.

• Thermal imager - Identifies overheating in wires, connectors, and electrical components which can indicate imminent failure points.

Divide and Conquer Complex Circuits

For large multi-branch circuits, I systematically split the circuit into smaller sections to zone in on the malfunctioning portion.

• I turn off select breakers and fuses to isolate sections of the circuit.

• I then restore power sequentially to each part, testing if the problem returns.

• This incremental process eventually reveals which section contains the fault.

• I further subdivide that section and repeat the testing to pinpoint the exact location of the issue.

Check Interconnected Systems

Obscure electrical problems can stem from interactions between electrical, HVAC, fire suppression, security, and other systems in a building.

• I communicate with technicians working on interconnected systems to understand any issues they are experiencing.

• We collaborate to identify potential points of failure common to multiple systems.

• The malfunction could originate from one system but manifest symptoms in another one.

Don't Rule Out Intermittent Problems

The most frustrating electrical issues are intermittent ones that seem to randomly come and go. However, I don't dismiss the report of an obscure problem just because it is not present when I test it. Here are tips for catching elusive intermittent electrical faults:

• Monitor the circuit with a recording meter to log voltage/current fluctuations over an extended timeframe. Review this data to detect abnormalities.

• Thermally scan wires, connectors, and components to check for heat-induced intermittencies.

• Carefully wiggle-test wiring and connectors while monitoring test equipment. Loose parts often cause "mystery" electrical glitches.

• Consider environmental factors like moisture, vibration, temperature, electrical load cycing that may contribute to the intermittent problem.

Conclusion

Obscure electrical issues in complex commercial buildings can be daunting to troubleshoot. However, through systematic visual inspection, thorough equipment testing, strategic circuit isolation, collaboration with other trades, and watching out for tricky intermittent problems, I can get to the bottom of most electrical malfunctions. Patience and persistence is key - I treat every bizarre electrical problem like a puzzling mystery to investigate and solve.