Are you in the process of renovating your commercial property? Or perhaps you are upgrading an old one? Whatever it may be, upgrading your property’s electrical system is always a good idea. Aside from increasing its functionality and usability, electrical upgrades also ensure that your property meets the recommended safety guidelines and standards.
Enhancing your property’s electrical systems offers benefits beyond just better functionality; it can also significantly increase your property’s resale value. For example, in the Jackson, MS area, properties with energy-efficient improvements experienced a value increase of 2 to 5% in 2015. These enhancements can be as straightforward as installing LED lights or as substantial as updating energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. This indicates that investing in modern electrical systems is among the most financially savvy improvement moves you can make.
Not all property owners know this, but the National Electrical Code (NEC) releases updated guidelines every three years to discuss various electrical requirements on properties. Complying with these guidelines is not legally required, but the recommendations stated are considered the standard for safe and properly functioning electrical systems, including circuit breakers, light switches, electrical panels, smoke alarms, USB outlets, and many others.
Properties with old electrical systems or faulty electrical wiring are at a higher risk of electrical fires, and people are more prone to electric shock. Although less dangerous, power surges, brownouts, blackouts, and non-stop circuit breaker tripping can also cause inconvenience and stress.
With all of these in mind, it’s crucial to look into the top electrical upgrades. Besides increasing your property’s value, these upgrades can also improve the operations of your business and increase the productivity levels of individuals working inside!
11 Top Electrical Upgrades
The electrical system of your commercial or industrial building is not built to last forever. And the longer you continue to use outdated appliances and wirings, the higher your risks are to a fire hazard. Additionally, sticking with outdated electrical systems can result in costly repairs down the line.
If you’re considering updating the electrical setup of your commercial or industrial building but are unsure where to begin, don’t worry – we’re here to guide you. Following are eleven electrical improvements you should make to your property:
Energy Audits
There are plenty of ways to save energy, like switching LED lights and upgrading to automatic timers. However, these changes won’t have much impact if your old and worn-out wiring causes issues.
Get an energy audit to pinpoint where exactly in your property’s electrical system you are having issues. Do you need an overall electrical upgrade? Or do you only need to replace some aluminum wiring to save energy? By conducting energy audits early, you can answer these questions, avoid any future safety hazards in the future, and maximize your building’s energy savings.
Fire Alarms
The smarter the equipment, the safer your property is — and smart smoke alarms are great examples.
As far as electrical upgrades for commercial and industrial properties are concerned, fire alarms are on top of the list. Unlike traditional smoke alarms, fire alarms provide faster and more subtle detection of increased temperatures indoors — sometimes even before smoke or fire is present in the area.
Opting for this advanced technology over conventional options has another major advantage: it enables smartphone connectivity. With this feature, if the alarm senses carbon monoxide or smoke at your property, it sends an alert directly to your phone, no matter your distance from the site. This means you can be immediately informed and take necessary actions, even if you’re far away.
Power Strips
Unplugging and plugging devices in your property can feel like a chore. Fortunately, you can install power strips to save you time and energy. These power strips work by monitoring electricity in your property and automatically disabling devices that are not in use.
Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
Installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) is essential for any commercial or industrial property. These devices are crucial for outlets that are or might be near water. GFCIs are quick-response circuit breakers that cut off electricity in just a fraction of a second (1/40th, to be precise) if a ground fault is detected.
You’ll want these safety devices in places like bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and locker rooms – essentially anywhere water is present. This simple installation can significantly enhance the safety of your property. This upgrade is non-negotiable for old buildings.
New Electrical Panels
An old electrical panel usually contains damaged wiring, which puts your commercial building at risk of a fire hazard and, in some cases, can cause an electric shock to everyone who’s inside it.
Rather than leaving your property at risk and your employees bearing the hazards of worn-out control panels, upgrade your electrical panels ASAP. This is the best way to ensure that the electricity in your property is being used by your employees in the most efficient and safe way possible.
New Wiring
Did you know that outdated wiring puts you and your employees at risk of electrical fires? The 2021 national data reveals a concerning trend: nonresidential buildings experienced 7,200 fires due to electrical issues, leading to an estimated loss of around $501.8 million. Looking at a decade-long span from 2012 to 2021, there’s been a noticeable uptick – a 4% rise in the number of these fires and a significant 26% jump in the financial damage they’ve caused.
Outdated or old wiring is prone to overheating once overloaded. Additionally, when the wiring located between your walls and insulation becomes too exposed or damaged, a fire can start once the wiring comes in contact with your building’s insulation.
Outlets
Older properties usually don’t have enough outlets built inside them. If your employees try to connect to the same two or three outlets, your breakers will eventually trip. This can cause electrical fires and even electrocution.
Although seen by many as a cheap and convenient alternative, using outlet adapters and extension cords can also cause a number of problems. For one, extension cords can overheat and cause fires.
Instead of using extension cords as a permanent solution, opt to add more outlets to your property. This will make your property safer without compromising your employees’ use of devices.
Dedicated Circuits
Does your business rely on computers? If so, keep in mind that your data and power needs will only increase over time. And without the right electrical upgrades, your property might become a potential safety hazard.
Dedicated circuits protect your electronic equipment from power surges and prevent overload-related electrocution and fires. To maximize these upgrades, separate the areas of your business in terms of data usage to ensure stable power quality at all times.
HVAC
Heating and air conditioning are part of your power usage and are likely to remain so in the future. Upgrading to more modern appliances, like newer thermostats with smart technology and timers, might require an upfront cost but will pay for themselves in a short amount of time.
Tweaking the settings of your HVAC system to align with your daily work schedule can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. It’s worth exploring options for an HVAC system upgrade. A modern system won’t just enhance the comfort levels of your employees; it also steps up your game in energy efficiency.
Energy Consumption Monitors
After making all the electrical upgrades mentioned above, it’s essential to determine where the energy flows through individual circuits in your commercial properties. This can provide information about which devices are consuming the most energy.
Investing in an electricity monitor is a great way to find hidden energy vampires around your commercial property. After identifying the biggest energy culprit, you can easily create, implement, and assess your very own energy consumption strategies.
Code Compliance
Business regulations change fast — new discoveries and technologies are made every day in the electrical field, causing both national and local electric codes to change.
As you upgrade your commercial building, don’t forget to check and ensure that it meets the requirements of an up-to-code structure. Building code violations can result in legal repercussions. Plus, authorities may issue fines and citations or even halt the operations of your property until the violations are rectified.
DIY Upgrades vs. Services of a Professional Electrician
When upgrading the electrical systems of your commercial property, it’s crucial to consider the benefits of professional services over DIY attempts. While DIY might seem cost-effective, it lacks the safety, compliance, and expertise necessary for such critical work. This is where our services at Apex Electric, LLC become invaluable.
Our team of skilled professionals ensures that your electrical upgrades are executed with the highest standards of safety and compliance with the National Electrical Code and local regulations. Unlike DIY projects, our work guarantees long-term reliability and peace of mind. We understand the complexities of electrical systems and are equipped to manage all aspects of your upgrade, from permits to the final installation.
Choosing Apex Electric, LLC means investing in the safety and efficiency of your property. Our expertise not only provides immediate solutions but also prepares your electrical systems for future needs. Contact us today and let us deliver electrical upgrades that are safe, compliant, and tailored to the unique requirements of your commercial property.
Conclusion
Upgrading the electrical systems of your commercial or industrial property is a critical investment in safety, efficiency, and value. By incorporating these essential electrical upgrades, you not only enhance the operational capabilities of your business but also protect against potential hazards like electrical fires and power surges.
Remember, while DIY may be tempting, the expertise and compliance guaranteed by professional services like Apex Electric, LLC are invaluable, providing long-term reliability and peace of mind. Making these upgrades is not just a wise business decision; it’s a proactive step towards a safer, more efficient, and future-proof commercial space.
