Ensuring that your commercial property adheres to all electrical codes is crucial for the safety of your employees and the smooth operation of your business. Violating commercial electrical codes not only poses serious safety hazards but can also lead to costly repairs and legal penalties. Below, we outline some of the most common commercial electrical code violations and their implications.

Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring is one of the most common and dangerous commercial electrical code violations. This can include unprotected or uninsulated wires, improper wiring lengths, and overly tight wires. Faulty wiring significantly increases the risk of fires. Addressing these issues typically requires a comprehensive rewiring of the building by a qualified electrician.

– Warning Signs: Burning smell, frequent flickering lights, blown fuses, or charred switches.

– Hazard Level: High

– Repair Cost: High

– Electrician Needed: Yes

Grounding Problems

Grounding electrical wires is essential for safely transferring excess energy into the ground, preventing potential appliance damage, fires, and electrocution. Ground loops, which occur when there are multiple grounding points, are common issues in commercial buildings. Ensuring that there is a single, properly functioning grounding system is critical, particularly in older buildings. An electrician can inspect and correct grounding issues to maintain safety.

– Warning Signs: Flickering and dimming lights when tuning on large appliances, experiencing slight electrical shocks when touching metal objects, humming or buzzing in audio systems.

– Hazard Level: High

– Cost: Medium

– Electrician Needed: Yes

New Light Fixtures Paired with Old Wiring

Installing new, energy-efficient light fixtures is a great way to enhance sustainability, but pairing these with old wiring can lead to serious electrical hazards. Older wiring may not be able to handle the higher temperatures of modern fixtures, increasing the risk of fires. Buildings over 25-30 years old are especially susceptible to this issue. It is advisable to have an electrician update the wiring to accommodate new lighting systems.

– Warning Signs: Burning smell, flickering lighting  

– Hazard Level: High

– Cost: High

– Electrician Needed: Yes

Overcrowding

Overcrowding wires in the same opening can lead to insulation damage due to friction and heat buildup, posing fire and electrocution hazards. It’s crucial to provide adequate space for wires within conduits to prevent damage. An experienced electrician can determine the correct number of wires for each conduit to ensure safe operation. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent these hazards, safeguarding your employees and property.

– Warning Signs: Burning smell, bad outlets, overheating outlets and switches, frequent blown fuses

– Hazard Level: High

– Cost: Medium

– Electrician Needed: Yes

Improper Splicing

Splicing, or connecting two or more wires, should only occur within junction boxes, except for temporary lighting and troubleshooting scenarios. Exposed or improperly executed splices can lead to fire or electrical hazards. Fortunately, this is one of the easier violations to fix. Ensuring all splices are properly enclosed and secured can significantly enhance safety.

– Warning Signs: Flickering and dimming lights, burning smell, frayed wires, buzzing sounds, discoloration or scorching around outlets

– Hazard Level: Medium

– Cost: Low

– Electrician Needed: No

Incorrect Circuit Breakers

Circuit breakers are vital for preventing electrical overloads by tripping and stopping the flow of electricity when it exceeds safe levels. Using incorrect circuit breakers can fail to protect the system, leading to potential fires. Ensuring that the correct type and rating of circuit breakers are installed is essential for the safety of your commercial property. This often requires professional assessment and installation.

– Warning Signs: Burning smell, frequently tripping breaker, breaker won’t reset, visible damage, flickering lights, buzzing and humming.

–  Hazard Level: High

– Cost: Medium

– Electrician Needed: Yes

Cluttered Electrical Panels

Disorganized electrical panels with cluttered and unlabeled fuses can create significant risks during emergencies. A clear, organized panel helps in quickly identifying and isolating circuits, which is crucial during a fire or electrical malfunction. Proper labeling and organization of fuses and wires can prevent confusion and ensure a swift response in emergencies.

– Warning Signs: Tripped breakers, burning smell, flickering lights, breaker won’t reset, corrosion

– Hazard Level: Medium

– Cost: Low

– Electrician Needed: No

Electrical Safety with Action Services Group

Adhering to commercial electrical codes is critical for maintaining a safe and efficient working environment. Common violations such as faulty wiring, and improper grounding pose serious hazards but can be addressed with the help of qualified electricians. Routine electrical inspections and maintenance can help avoid these problems, guaranteeing the safety and dependability of your commercial property’s electrical systems. By understanding and rectifying these common violations, you protect not only your business but also the well-being of your employees and customers.

Action Services Group has a network of certified electrical experts across the country! Contact us today to speak with one of our experts to discuss how we can help with your electrical services and code inspection. Contact us by calling 610-558-9773, emailing [email protected] or scheduling a call by clicking the button below.