Category Archives: Electricity

Modern commercial and industrial settings are strict on electrical systems. Whether with highly charged tools or growing technology needs, every business depends on electrical systems that must be safe and reliable. Regular electrical load testing is one of the most reliable methods for achieving this. 

We’re committed to helping companies safeguard their facilities, prevent downtime, and maintain compliance through our electrical load testing. We take a look at what load testing is and why it’s essential for your business. 

What Is Electrical Load Testing?

Load testing checks the amount of electrical load you can plug into your system – normal load (horizon) and peak loads (high usage). It entails reading current, voltage, and power usage for circuits, panels, and equipment to ensure they aren’t overloaded.

Load testing can prevent you from the burden of hindsight, which is often too slow to catch weaknesses that become either expensive or dangerous failures.

1. Prevents Electrical Overloads and Failures

Circuit overload is one of the most significant commercial building risks. On the other hand, when electrical systems are overloaded, this will result in: 

• Tripped breakers
• Equipment damage
• Power outages
• Electrical fires

Since it involves regularly testing loads, our electricians at Elcolem can catch overloaded circuits early and advise corrective measures, such as redistributing loads or upgrading panels.

2. Improves Safety for Employees and Property

Overheated systems are prone to fire and electrical shock hazards. Regular load testing:

• Reduces fire risks
• Protects employees and customers
• Safeguards valuable equipment

Take proactive safety measures, and your business can secure a safer work environment while you avoid emergencies.

3. Supports Code Compliance and Inspections

It Systems need to operate within the specified limits of is complicit for: electrical codes and safety regulations. Load testing ensures:

• Local and national electrical codes
• OSHA safety standards
• Insurance requirements

By partnering with Elcolem, your business can remain inspection-ready and avoid fines, violations, or insurance concerns.

4. Extends the Life of Electrical Equipment

When electrical systems are used beyond their capacity, they wear down more quickly. Load testing helps:

• Reduce strain on panels, transformers, and wiring.
• Improve equipment efficiency
• Getting the most from electrical assets that are crucial to operations

That translates to fewer surprise repairs and lower long-term maintenance costs.
 

5. Supports Business Growth and Expansion

The larger the business, the more power it needs. Load testing gives a clear picture of:

• Available electrical capacity
• If new equipment needs to be upgraded
• How to safely expand operations

Elcolem assists businesses in planning long-term updates and upgrades to avoid unnecessary surprises when expanding or renovating.

Book Elcolem for Electrical Load Test Today

Preventative Electrical Load Testing is the inoculation against safety, reliability, and long-term savings. Don’t wait for electricity disruptions to grow your business.

Call our team at Elcolem today to book an electric load test or learn more about our Commercial Electrical Services.

When it comes to electrical safety, the little things matter most. Dimming lights or a slight burning odour may seem small — just minor inconveniences — but they can serve as the first line of defence against much more serious electrical problems. Failing to address it could result in damaged wiring, a power outage or a fire. We at Elcolem believe that prevention is the number one thing — knowing when to act could save your home, your business, and your loved ones.

1. What Causes Flickering Lights?

There can be various reasons why the lights are flickering, from something simple to enormous electrical problems. Common reasons include:

• Bulbs that are loose or bad: A quick tightening or replacing might solve the problem.
• Overworked circuits: If an overloaded circuit causes the voltage to drop, lights may flicker.
• Loose wiring or connections: These are at far greater risk. A loose wire can arc, overheat and possibly burn.
• Bad switches or fixtures: Worn-out parts can cause an irregular current flow.

If the flickering occurs everywhere you have lights or gets worse when other electric appliances are running, it’s essential to call a licensed electrician right away.

2. What That Burning Smell Really Means

A burning odour, especially one that smells like melting plastic or rubber, is never something to ignore. It can indicate:

• Overheating wires or outlets
• Damaged insulation around wires
• Defective electrical panels or breakers
• Sparkless shorts in walls or appliances

There’s a maximum amount of current that you can draw from any electrical component. With overheating, the insulating sheath becomes molten — that’s the smell. If you continue to smoke in the system when it is like this, this can become quite a fire hazard.

3. The Hidden Dangers Behind Ignoring the Signs

It’s not uncommon for electrical problems to worsen over time. That twinkling can turn into a blackout, fried gear, or worse—an electrical fire. Amongst the most significant risks are:

• Fire Risks: Frayed or loose wires can smoulder out of sight behind the walls before they are detected.
• Damage to Equipment: Appliances, computers and electronics can be damaged by power surges.
• Higher Repair Bills: The earlier, the better when it comes to expensive rewiring or a new panel.

Taking prompt action not only defends your property but can also save lives.

4. What to Do If You Notice These Warning Signs

Here’s what you can do immediately if you have flickering lights or burning smells:

• Disconnect the device or turn off the circuit.
• Please do not use the outlets or lights affected until a professional inspects them.
• Have a licensed electrician check your system out.
• Don’t attempt DIY electrical fixes. As with all first aid, doing it wrong without the proper training can hurt or even shock you.

Our licensed electricians at Elcolem use sophisticated diagnostic technology to safely and efficiently identify electrical problems.

5. How Elcolem Can Help

At Elcolem, we also offer complete electrical inspection, repair and maintenance for residential and commercial properties. Whatever the issue — whether it’s an inexpensive flicker or serious wiring issues — we keep your electricity running smoothly and safely.
We specialize in:

• Electrical troubleshooting and repairs
• Panel and circuit inspections
• Rewiring and safety upgrades
• Emergency electrical services

Don’t rely on luck for safety, trust experience!

Conclusion

Flickering lights or the smell of something burning is your home’s way of saying, “Please help me!” Ignoring them could leave your home or business at serious risk. The safest move? Please have our experts, such as Elcolem, call you for a quick evaluation and peace of mind.

Stay safe. Stay powered. Contact Elcolem — Your Trusted Local Electrician.