When it comes to health and safety at the office, there are a number of things that can go wrong that you’d notice immediately. For instance, a hole in the floor or a leaking ceiling. There are also other issues, such as electrical problems, that may not be as obvious but are equally, if not more important. Catching these issues early is best in getting them fixed and goes a long way in securing the safety of everyone and ensuring productivity at the office, as major electrical problems can lead to downtime, damages to office equipment or, in a worst-case scenario, fire.
To help you better detect signs that your office may need some electrical work done, we’re giving you some of the typical signs you can look out for.
Signs that Your Office Needs Electrical Work
The good thing is, you don’t have to be an electrician to notice signs of a potential problem. Most of us spend at least eight hours at the office every day during the week, and simply being aware of your surroundings can help to identify any issues.
If you notice any of the following signs, be sure to contact a reputable, full-scale electrical company that is more likely to have experienced industrial electricians to attend to your needs.
Here are the top five signs that there may be electrical problems at your office:
1. The lights are flickering
We can all agree that flickering lights can be annoying but even more so, working in an office with flickering lights can lead to headaches and vision problems. On the electrical side, it’s definitely a sign of a bigger problem which in most instances is a connection issue that can lead to higher electrical bills. Be especially mindful if the flickering occurs in more than one room or with multiple light fixtures. Take note of the areas to inform the electrician, so they know exactly where to check if the lights appear to be working properly when they visit—we’ve all been there.
2. Circuit breakers often trip without a valid reason
If circuit breakers trip without notice of any wider electrical problems in your area, then it’s definitely something that requires immediate attention. This can be a sign of an overloaded breaker or wiring problems—both of which an experienced electrician can fix.
3. Electrical outlets are unusually warm
Some level of heat will be generated once an outlet is in use. However, if you notice that the outlets are hot, especially for an unused outlet, then you may have a wiring problem. Refrain from using those outlets until you can have them checked by a commercial electrician.
4. There’s a burning smell in the air
Once you notice a burning smell that can be traced to any appliance or other item, turn off the breaker if possible so you can safely unplug the item. At times, you may notice a burning smell and can’t determine the source. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. In that instance, alert your manager to ensure the necessary safety protocols are observed.
5. Noticing any sparks
Whether or not a spark is small or large, it should never be ignored. Once the appliance or electrical item still works, many tend to overlook the issue. However, if it occurs multiple times, treat the matter with urgency and don’t use the outlet until it has been checked and assessed by a professional. Sparks can be caused by a number of reasons and are one of the major causes of electrical fires.
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, don’t attempt to fix them yourself, as this can be potentially dangerous and costly. Instead, feel free to reach out to us at Lakeview Electric, and we’d be sure to get one of our qualified commercial electricians in Reno to assist. In addition to Reno, we also provide service to the Northern Nevada area, including Sparks, Carson City, Incline, Fallon, Fernley, Minden, and Gardnerville.
However, you don’t have to wait until you notice signs to take action. If you have any concerns or would like to identify and prevent problems or plan for future improvement, we can conduct an electrical system audit at your office.
Call us at (775) 291-2511 or send an email to erickeller@lakeviewelectricllc.com.