Whether residential or commercial spaces, electrical wiring can often be complex, and any minor or major issues can create a high risk for everybody’s safety. Flickering lights and high electricity bills can be an indication that there are electrical problems in the building. However, a skilled and well-versed electrician can help to identify and minimize, if not eliminate, the electrical issues you might have.
Here are the common electrical problems:
Burnt Out Light Bulbs
A loose connection between the lighting fixture and the circuit can lead light bulbs to burn out faster. Another potential issue is corroded contacts on the light bulb socket. In both cases, it can cause an intermittent power supply to the bulb, and it is essentially like turning your switch on and off repeatedly.
Flickering Lights
Poor electrical wires connection tends to cause dimming and flickering lights. It could lead to a considerable problem and require complete repair of your electrical system if not resolved immediately. You can notice any flicker or dim lighting fixture; you can directly contact a licensed electrician to identify the issues and solve the problem.
Tripping Breakers
If your circuit breaker is repeatedly tripping, there might be a short circuit somewhere in the line, overloading, or a fault in the circuit line underground that causes the breaker to trip. Ignoring these kinds of issues can lead to a fire. It is best to call a technician to solve the problem.
Electrical Shocks
Electrical shock usually happens when you are turning the appliances on and off. Even if the electrical shocks are mild, it indicates electrical problems inside the device, or there might be an issue with your wirings. You can plug in another appliance or device to check if you have the same problem. If you get a reproducible result, call an electrician to solve the problem before anyone gets hurt.
Dead Outlets
If your outlet has an overload or short circuit, the circuit breaker will shut off the power supply. You can check other outlets to see if it is working. If they also don’t have power, you can try to inspect your circuit breaker; if the breaker has tripped, call an electrician to analyze and solve the problem; it might be too risky if you try to switch on the breaker again.
Electrical Grounding Problem
Most of the time, they overlook this type of problem and do not often show any signs of issues, but it is a severe problem caused mainly by unbalanced and improper wired feeders and branch circuits. Therefore, it is advisable to have regular inspections of your electrical wiring system to avoid this problem from occurring.
Unprotected Wiring
Commercial offices should protect and secure those wiring to prevent issues with the power supply. You can keep your electrical cable by installing fire-rated access doors and panels. Building codes include electrical safety and state how and where to handle to protect them from human tampering and other elements.
Loose Connections
It usually happens after repairs or renovation in the building, this issue can lead to arcing and overheating electrical components, and worst can lead to fire or serious injuries. You can call a licensed and well-experienced electrician to check the building’s entire electrical cable connections.
Faulty Installation
Improper installation of some office devices such as water heaters, air conditioning, etc., can lead to injuries and fire hazards. Therefore, it is essential to hire a well-experienced and licensed technician or electrician when installing any electrical devices or appliances; aside from being well-versed in this field, these professionals are also familiar with the regulations and code of maintenance and installation on types of equipment.
Overcircuited Panel
Some commercial buildings have over-circuited electrical panels. Electrical panels accommodate a certain number of circuit breakers fitted into the slot but not for a tandem type of circuit breakers. But some people will install a tandem type circuit breaker in two spaces of the panel instead of installing two single pole breakers; they over-circuit the board. This type of connection can cause fire or serious injuries. So it is vital to have a licensed electrician on installation, inspection, and maintenance to avoid this problem.
Backstabbed Wires
Backstabbed electrical wires are wires with cuts and holes from their insulation; thus, if exposed, there is a high chance of electrocution or even fire if it touches or contacts the walls or ceilings. Although you can cover the cut portion with electrical insulation tapes temporarily, this temporary fix is also hazardous if electrical tape wears off. Therefore, it is always best to replace it with a new wire connection.
High Electricity Bills
You may have high electricity bills because some of the electrical devices you have are outdated and consume more power. Bills can also be higher if you have damaged wiring in the circuit and leakages in your electrical system. Thus, you might spontaneously discharge a charged capacitor to the system or the transformer. You can check How to Save Electricity for Commercial Buildings Today’s Age to get some tips on minimizing high electricity charges in your building.
The common cause of electrical damage, whether in commercial or residential buildings, is having poor maintenance. Routine inspections and preventive maintenance of electrical systems are essential to every structure. The safety of the occupants should be the number one priority when it comes to potential electrical hazards in the building; however, eliminating these issues can also help reduce the average electricity bills.
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