Many classic commercial buildings were designed when the electricity demand was significantly lower. They were built with 60- or 120-amp service and a few circuits. Although that might have been enough a few decades ago, that is nowhere near enough power for today’s workplace with the number of computers, lights, and other machines that require electrical power. So how do you know if your building needs a visit from a commercial electrician for an upgrade?
If you notice the breakers frequently tripping or lights flickering when all your computers and machines are plugged in and operational, it might be time for an upgrade. When electrical upgrades are not implemented, the breakers could eventually reach the point where they don’t trip, and your machines can overheat, causing an expensive replacement or repair.
With that in mind, here are 7 electrical upgrades your commercial building might need.
Upgraded Electrical Panel
Upgrade your electrical panel to optimize your energy efficiency and reduce electrical costs. Doing so will help to avoid potential electrical fires while ensuring a steady flow of electricity to all parts of your building. Most commercial buildings need at least a 400-amp panel.
Electrical Wiring
Your electrical wiring must be updated to handle increased electrical loads, especially if your building is over 40 years old. A rewiring of your commercial building can be costly since it can require walls to be opened up, so work with your commercial electrician to determine an action plan to complete your wiring within your budget.
Today’s machines and computers require more power but must also be protected from potential surges. Your commercial electrician can go through your electrical outlets and determine which ones need to be changed with GFIs or other options.
Solar Panel Installation
Depending upon your building, your commercial electrician can help you to determine if solar panel installation might be worth considering. Doing so can help to reduce the demand for your building on the electrical grid for your community. Plus, it is an environmentally friendly and sustainable option for the future of your commercial building.
Balancing the Electrical Load
Your electrical panel needs to include circuits for your computers and other machines. More importantly, your commercial electrician ensures the power load is balanced throughout your system to avoid overheating and damaging your electrical wiring and panel.
To Eliminate the Fuse Box
Today’s energy demands require specific electrical panels with modern safety standards. Fuse boxes do not comply with these standards, particularly with increasing power usage. With that in mind, your commercial electrician will likely recommend a circuit panel, allowing for a more even and safer power distribution.
Circuit Breakers
When your commercial electrician plans your electrical upgrade, they will focus on how many circuit breakers you need. Specialty breakers, such as AFCI or GFCI, can be utilized to protect against damaged wiring and water damage, but they are more expensive.
Minimize Heating Loads
For all heating equipment within your commercial building, your commercial electrician can make system modifications to minimize the weight, added electrical load, and overall heating unit costs. Additionally, your electrician can assist in identifying replacement equipment options for any appliances, such as water heaters, HVAC, or other machinery.
Clearly, there are plenty of aspects to be considered as a commercial building owner. Contact our team today to learn more about a commercial electrical upgrade and to determine what your building requires.
Signal Alarms and Electric is an electrical contractor in Southern California providing full-capacity electrical contracting services for new construction, renovations, tenant improvements, service upgrades, exterior, interior, and landscape lighting, retrofits, and service installations in the Southern California/Los Angeles County area.