Outdated Electrical Wiring in Older Commercial Buildings: A Hidden Fire Hazard

I want to highlight a serious but often overlooked fire safety issue in older commercial buildings - outdated and deteriorating electrical wiring. As the owner of an older office building or retail space, this is a hazard you need to be aware of. Let me walk you through why outdated wiring is dangerous, how to identify problems, and your options for remediating the risks.

Why Outdated Wiring is a Fire Hazard

Many older commercial buildings still have the original electrical wiring installed decades ago. While it may have been up to code at the time, wiring and electrical systems age and can become fire hazards if not updated and maintained properly. There are a few key reasons why outdated wiring is so problematic:

• Older wiring insulation deteriorates - Insulation around older wiring breaks down over time, exposing bare wire that can arc, spark, and ignite fires.

• Outdated wiring can't handle modern electrical loads - Lighting, appliances, and office equipment have much higher electrical demands today. Outdated wiring often can't safely accommodate modern energy loads.

• Age leads to cracks, damage, and exposure - Environmental factors and physical damage over decades of use causes wiring to crack and break down, creating opportunities for dangerous shorts and sparks.

• Lack of grounding and arc fault protection - These modern safety features help prevent electrical fires and were not present on older wiring.

Signs of an Outdated Electrical System

As a commercial building owner, you need to be proactive in identifying if outdated, hazardous wiring exists on your property. Here are some red flags to look out for:

• Frequent tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses - This often indicates wires are overloaded and aged insulation is failing.

• Flickering or dimming lights - Could signal loose or damaged wiring connections.

• GFCIs/AFCIs frequently tripping - Tripping of ground or arc fault protectors usually means faulty wiring.

• Scorch marks or burning smells - Signs of dangerous arcing or overheating wires.

• Older wiring materials - Watch for wiring insulated with brittle rubber or fabric rather than modern PVC. Also look for knob and tube wiring.

• Equipment frequently overheating - Excessive heat from appliances or devices can be caused by faulty internal wiring or connection issues.

Solutions for Addressing Outdated Wiring

If you determine your older commercial property has potentially hazardous electrical wiring, you have a few options to mitigate the risks:

• Inspect and repair - Hire a qualified electrician to thoroughly inspect all wiring and repair any identified hazards, damage, or deterioration. They can address specific issues only.

• Full rewiring - For older buildings with wiring past its useful lifespan, a full rewiring may be warranted to bring the whole electrical system fully up to the latest code. This is a major undertaking but eliminates all risks associated with outdated wiring in one sweep.

• Circuit breaker panel upgrade - In some cases, the circuit breaker panel itself may be outdated and need replacement, even if wiring is mostly sound. Upgrading the breaker panel improves safety and capacity.

• Implement ongoing maintenance - Schedule periodic inspections, testing, and preventative maintenance of wiring and electrical systems to catch any emerging issues proactively.

While not a glamorous topic, protecting your commercial property and occupants from outdated electrical system hazards should be a top priority. Let me know if you need any help assessing your wiring safety or planning critical electrical upgrades. I'm here to advise!