Commercial buildings need electricity for various uses, including lighting and electrical machinery and equipment operation. While electricity is vital for the effective function of a commercial building, it can be dangerous. Electrical safety is paramount in commercial buildings. It increases productivity and ensures occupants’ safety.
Bad electrical practices may result in electrical fires, injuries, and even death. However, implementing safe electrical practices can help enhance safety. This article outlines five electrical safety tips for commercial buildings.
Table of Contents
1. Invest in quality electrical products
Commercial buildings have significant electricity needs to keep equipment and machinery constantly running and for optimal lighting. Their watt usage varies based on the type of establishment. While circuit breakers are an excellent way to ensure electrical hazard safety, using poor-quality electrical products in a commercial setup compromises safety. Commercial circuit breakers are designed to handle exceptionally high-voltage circuits in plants, factories, warehouses, and other industrial settings. In case of an electrical malfunction, a quality circuit breaker reduces the risk of electrical fire and expensive machinery getting damaged.
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) help detect faults when somebody in the building touches a hot wire and then trips the circuit to avoid electrocution. Quality electrical products have the assurance that when properly maintained and used, they can minimize injury risks in case something goes wrong. Trusted and reliable electrical solutions and product providers, like Bay Power, have quality electrical products you can invest in for guaranteed safety.
2. Ensure regular commercial electrical maintenance
Regular electrical maintenance is essential for a building’s safety and is vital in daily operations and equipment reliability. During commercial electrical maintenance, an electrician assesses power outlets, connections, air conditioners, electromechanical machines, circuit breakers, and electrical boards and monitors electrical damage. Regular electrical maintenance checks guarantee the safety of customers, workers, and other people occupying the commercial building. It also ensures equipment safety.
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3. Fix damaged outlets
Electrical outlets experience numerous issues after several years, including loose covers, grounded sockets, and sockets with wires sticking out, which can cause electrocution. Buzzing sounds, discolored sockets, plugs falling out easily, cracked wall outlets, and a burning smell are signs that you may have damaged outlets. An electrician can help find damaged outlets and fix them immediately to prevent the risk of an electrical fire.
4. Turn off or unplug unused appliances
Encourage your employees to unplug unused devices and appliances at the end of their shifts. Even when devices are off, the current is still flowing. This causes the electricity meter to run constantly, raising energy use. Unplugging machine electrical cords reduces electricity bills while keeping your equipment safe from overcurrent.
5. Replace damaged commercial appliance cords
Commercial appliance cords may wear out because of the constant unplugging and plugging in the socket. The cables may also become frayed from being stepped on, accidentally unplugged, or pinched by chairs or tables. This slowly exposes the wires, creating a potential hazard, resulting in people getting electrocuted upon grabbing a damaged, plugged-in cord.
The damaged wires may also become hot, causing the rubber insulation to melt. Should these cables be placed near flammable materials, they may burn and even cause a fire. Consider getting damaged electrical appliance cords replaced or repaired immediately after you notice them.
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Endnote
Electrical safety is crucial for any building. Use these tips to ensure commercial building electrical safety.