Maintaining the electrical systems in commercial buildings and spaces can be complex and nuanced. As the sole electrician responsible for these critical infrastructure systems, I need to have a broad and deep understanding of all aspects of commercial electrical maintenance. There are many niches and obscurities within this field that require specific expertise.
The Need for Preventative Maintenance and Testing
Preventative maintenance and testing are essential to avoid electrical failures in commercial spaces. I make sure to thoroughly inspect equipment like transformers, switchgear, generators, and transfer switches on a periodic basis. I check connections, lubricate moving parts, clean surfaces, and make minor repairs. I also perform important tests like insulation resistance testing, load testing, voltage measurements, and infrared scanning to identify issues before they cause a disruption. Being proactive saves the business money and avoids safety hazards.
Mastering the Intricacies of Lighting Systems
The lighting in commercial facilities can be enormously complex. There are often multiple lighting circuits, various lamp types like fluorescent, HID, and LED, as well as occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting controls, and dimming systems. I need to understand exactly how these systems are designed, installed, networked, and controlled in order to effectively maintain them. Knowing how to troubleshoot obscure lighting issues like flickering lamps, ballast failures, and intermittent dimming separates me from less knowledgeable electricians.
Being Fluent in Motor Maintenance
Electric motors are the workhorses of HVAC, refrigeration, and many other systems. Each type and size of motor requires specialized knowledge. For example, I need to know the unique starting requirements, operating parameters, and maintenance needs of shaded pole, permanent split capacitor, and three-phase motors. I also have an in-depth understanding of motor controls like variable frequency drives and soft starters as well as techniques for motor condition monitoring through vibration analysis and current signature analysis. My motor expertise keeps all the fans, pumps, compressors, and conveyors running smoothly.
Understanding Specialized Systems
Some commercial facilities have obscure electrical systems that require specific knowledge. A healthcare facility for instance may have backup power distribution units, laboratory panelboards, isolation transformers for MRI machines, and red outlet circuits for life safety equipment. An industrial facility may have explosion proof fixtures, DC power systems, motorized busway, and other unique systems. I make sure I learn all I can about any specialized system so I can maintain it properly. Having this niche expertise makes me more valuable as an electrician.
Continuing Education
To stay abreast of the niches and obscurities in commercial electrical work, I pursue continuing education. I regularly take courses on topics like hazardous locations, emergency power, machine tool wiring, and fire alarm systems. I also study any new technologies like microgrids, DC grids, or solid state lighting that I may eventually encounter. The electrical field changes constantly so I make ongoing learning a priority.
In summary, commercial electrical system maintenance requires broad expertise as well as deep knowledge of niches and obscurities. My focus on preventative maintenance, lighting systems, motor service, specialized equipment, and continuing education allows me to be proficient and deliver value as an electrician. There are always new things to learn in this field, which keeps the work interesting. Mastering these less common facets of electrical service allows me to handle any challenge encountered when maintaining a commercial facility.