It’s estimated that electrical fires are the fifth leading cause of fires in commercial buildings. But that’s not the only consequence of commercial electrical installation mistakes. Errors can also lead to missed deadlines, failed inspections, increased costs, etc.
As a leading expert, Parkin Electric can help you avoid these pitfalls. This blog post explores some of the common issues that arise during electrical installation projects. We’ll also share how we solve these problems.
Let’s dive in!
Identifying a Commercial Electrical Installation Expert With Proven Experience
Commercial electrical projects are incredibly complex. This is why working with an experienced electrical technician is vital. But choosing the right contractor can be tricky.
Sure, a firm might proclaim “20 years industrial experience!” on their website and truck decals. But you’d be amazed how many companies stretch the truth in the experience department. Digging into the details matters.
Review the credentials, talk to past clients, and project details. A single pollution control upgrade from a decade ago does not make an expert! Keep in mind that industrial electrical contracting is always evolving. You need a partner with up-to-date know-how and road-tested on recent projects like yours.
The complexity of industrial work can’t be overstated either. Running conduit offers one example. The materials, tools, and installation protocol for, say, a factory differ enormously from a restaurant. It takes contractors with specialized industrial breadth and depth to navigate it all.
Inadequate Wiring Installation
Another common electrical issue in commercial buildings is inadequate wiring. This is especially true for buildings that have been renovated over time. This can lead to problems like flickering lights, tripped circuits, and even electrical fires.
One of the leading causes of inadequate wiring is the use of cheap or low-quality materials. Poor workmanship also plays a role.
Working with a licensed and experienced electrician is key to avoiding improper wiring. They can assess your building’s electrical system and identify any potential issues. They’ll then recommend and implement electrical upgrades or repairs. This will help ensure safe and functional wiring.
Lighting Design and Installation
Lighting is an essential part of any commercial space, but it can also be challenging. Choosing the right lighting for your business can be difficult, especially if you don’t know much about it. And if it’s not installed correctly, it can be a safety hazard and waste energy.
There are a few things that can make lighting design and installation tricky. First, you must choose the right lighting type for your business. Different types of lighting are better suited for different spaces, so it’s important to pick the right one. For example, a restaurant might need different lighting than a retail store or office space.
Another challenge is making sure the lighting is installed correctly. If it’s not, it can be a safety hazard. Flickering lights or exposed wiring can pose a threat to customers and employees. And if the lighting isn’t working properly, it can waste energy and increase your utility bills.
A qualified electrician can help with lighting installation in your commercial building. They can evaluate the space and recommend the best lighting solutions for your business. With the right lighting design and installation, your commercial space can be safe, efficient, and welcoming for everyone.
Meeting Increasing Electrical Demands
As businesses grow, they need more electricity for new equipment. This can overload electrical systems not designed for added power demands. The wiring must handle the higher electrical loads safely. If not upgraded, circuits can fail or cause fires.
Upgrading the main service panel may be necessary, but it can get very expensive. Instead, first, carefully plan where to place new equipment to spread the extra load. Also, combine equipment functions when possible to limit needs.
A professional electrician can help with lighting installation in your commercial building. They can evaluate the space and recommend the best lighting solutions for your business. The result is a space that’s safe, efficient, and welcoming for everyone.
Safety and Compliance
Meeting safety rules and codes is key for any electrical project to prevent issues. Work must follow all local building standards to pass inspection the first time.
Codes cover technical details like materials, wiring gauges, and junction boxes. This keeps electricity contained safely for years. Breaker box placements protect from shorts. Staying updated on evolving safety protocols through training is crucial.
Schedule periodic safety reviews even after final approvals. Faulty connections can still happen. Consider adding arc fault and ground fault interrupters to prevent fires and shocks, even if not mandatory. All these are measures that a professional can help with to ensure the safety of your building.
Project Delays and Cost Overruns
When electrical installation projects get delayed, they waste time and money. The good news is that careful planning and organization can reduce the chances of setbacks happening. For example, having all the equipment and tools on site prevents waiting on deliveries.
Last-minute client changes also hinder progress as they grow the work unexpectedly. This is where clear contracts come in. They clearly explain the exact job size, costs, and timeline to prevent scope creep. Tracking hours and expenses closely also helps catch any unfair padding.
Communication is key to setting reasonable expectations. The same is true when it comes to managing the project. The right partner can oversee costs and timelines. They’ll also work through any unexpected challenges.
Remember that it’s not always possible to avoid delays despite best efforts. But an experienced commercial electrician can prove quite the asset if anything goes wrong. Their skillset allows them to foresee potential problems and resolve them quickly.
Get Professional Support for Your Next Commercial Electrical Installation
Commercial electrical installation projects come with many potential pitfalls. From faulty wiring to budget overages, plenty can go wrong. The good news is that experts like Parkin Electric have the skills to foresee and handle these issues.
Our team brings decades of experience to assess your needs and recommend effective solutions. We’ll also ensure that your installation goes smoothly.
Feel free to reach out today and discuss your needs.