As the owner or manager of a commercial property, you know that maintaining the effectiveness and safety of your building’s electrical system is more than just a maintenance job—it’s a business imperative. At Elcolem, we are experts at commercial electrical services in Mississauga and can help businesses find and fix electrical problems before they become costly problems.
So, when is it time to upgrade your commercial building’s electricity system? Here are the most important signs to look out for.
Frequent Breaker Trips or Power Outages
If your building frequently sees breaker trips or if you’ve had power cuts and have no idea why, it’s a red flag. This often indicates that the electrical system in your home is either outdated or overloaded and unable to meet your modern power needs. Businesses today use many more devices and machines for which older systems weren’t designed to provide support.
Insufficient Outlets and Overuse of Extension Cords
Are people using power strips and extension cords often? This signals that your electrical design is behind the times and does not offer enough access to power. Improving the performance of your system can help guard against overload, for example, protecting against fires, and further enhance performance and ease of use.
Flickering or Dimming Lights
If your lights dim when the A/C turns on or flicker when you turn on a piece of equipment, those are signs that your power supply may be unstable. Bad wiring, failing circuits, or voltage that drops and shoots back up could be the cause—all issues that could result in long-term damage to electrical components or, worse, unsafe conditions.
Old Electrical Panels or Outdated Wiring
If your building was built over 25 years ago and hasn’t been recently renovated to include new electrical work, it probably still has outdated panels and wiring. These parts may no longer be up to code and could be dangerous. Knob-and-tube (Older Style Wire) aluminum and fuse panels should be replaced, as with modern-day society comes an increased demand for electricity, which these systems may not handle.
Overheating Outlets, Switches, or Equipment
Do your outlets or switches radiate warmth? That’s a major red flag. Overheating may be associated with bad wiring, overloaded circuits, or worn-out parts. To ignore this problem will be to run the risk of electrical fires and/or damage to equipment.
Increased Energy Bills
If your electric bills are higher than you’d expect for no particular reason, it may be the fault of your electrical system. Older systems are less energy efficient and can waste power. Upgrading to contemporary wiring and energy-efficient lighting or systems (think motion sensors, LED lighting, or automated controls) might mean long-term savings.
Partner with Elcolem for Reliable Commercial Electrical Upgrades in Mississauga
At Elcolem, we know firsthand the specific electrical needs that commercial facilities require. If you’re experiencing frequent electrical problems or are considering an expansion, our certified electricians can come to your home, evaluate your setup, and offer you upgrade options that will help ensure safety at an affordable price.
Don’t wait for a serious problem to develop. If you have experienced any of the signs listed above, contact Elcolem for a quality electrical inspection and upgrade consultation in Mississauga today!