6 Services to Look For in a Commercial Electrician

When you’re having a small electrical problem, you might feel tempted to grab your toolbox and get to work. With the abundance of “do-it-yourself” electrical repair videos on the internet, fixing electrical issues may seem like child’s play. However, remember that electrical hazards are responsible for over 300 deaths and 4,000 injuries every year.

As a business owner, it would be highly irresponsible to put your worker’s life at risk because of the electrical problems in your commercial facilities. The most reasonable approach would be to hire a commercial electrician to handle the task. That way, you can ensure quality work, maintain professionalism, and protect the health and safety of your workers.

Commercial electricians offer a variety of services beyond electrical repairs. Knowing these services can help you determine if hiring one is worth it. Keep reading to learn more about some of the services provided by commercial electricians.

1. Emergency Lighting

Health and safety legislation responsible for workplace employee safety requires all commercial establishments to have an emergency lighting system. This emergency system must comply with specific building codes. A licensed electrical engineer must inspect the electrical system before it can be deemed suitable for a commercial establishment.

Additionally, you should test these emergency lighting systems monthly to ensure they are up to the task. You will likely need a commercial electrician to test, inspect, and maintain these emergency lighting systems. Every year, you should also arrange for a full-period inspection of these lighting systems by an electrician.

2. Video Surveillance

When you can’t hire someone to monitor your facilities, let CCTV cameras, like the ones seen here, handle the job. CCTVs are an excellent way to protect your investment. While CCTVs alone are enough to deter thieves from breaking into your premises, you should invest in video surveillance to increase security.

Video surveillance systems require proper maintenance and installation to serve their intended purpose. You can only achieve this by hiring competent commercial electricians who are up to the task. This is especially important if you set up shop in a high-risk neighborhood.

3. Testing and Inspection

Here’s’ the thing, even if you have the best people for your electrical installation, all electrical fittings deteriorate with time. As such, you need to schedule regular tests and inspections to ensure your electrical systems are in tip-top shape. This not only minimizes the chances of electrical failure but also ensures the safety of your employees.

What’s more, your business premises must comply with regulations stipulated by the state or risk closure. You’ll have to hire a commercial electrician to test and inspect your electrical systems, including specialized equipment such as commercial ev chargers, to ensure they are functioning correctly and meeting regulatory standards. They will also check for any imminent problems and address them before they spiral out of control.

4. Lighting

The main reason for having an electrical system in your commercial facilities is lighting. Lighting allows you to see what you’re working on and also sets the mood and ambiance of the premises. With this in mind, commercial electricians do more than just install bulbs and switches.

They can also replace your bulbs with more energy-efficient LED variants. Additionally, they assist with lighting design so your commercial facilities leave an unforgettable impression on any visitor. You can even switch things up to match the seasons or holidays.

5. Electrical Panel Upgrades

If you still have an outdated electrical panel, it’s unlikely to keep up with the energy demands of modern technology. Older electrical panels might work for homes or small shops, but for an entire commercial establishment, you’ll likely experience frequent power surges and sporadic outages.

The only solution is to upgrade your electrical panel to meet current energy demands. So, who do you call when you need this done? You guessed it: a commercial electrician from Rockwall Electric Heating and Air, for example.

Electrical panel upgrades not only prevent unnecessary surges and trips but also help avoid electrocution and even fires. If you still have an old panel, arrange for an upgrade as soon as possible.

6. Alarm System Installation and Maintenance

Once you have your CCTVs and video surveillance in order, the next thing you’ll want to work on is an alarm system. An alarm system helps prevent break-ins, theft, and unauthorized access. Plus, it can save you a significant amount on property insurance.

If you find an excellent commercial contractor, they can provide solid advice on the best alarm system for your facilities. That way, you can rest easy knowing your investments and assets are safe and secure. They can even integrate these alarm systems with your video surveillance for maximum protection.

Residential vs. Commercial Electricians

One mistake most small business owners make is hiring a residential electrician instead of a commercial one. While both are knowledgeable about electrical systems, residential electricians may not be well-versed in three-phase power supplies commonly found in stores, offices, and other commercial spaces.

At the very least, find an apprentice commercial electrician to handle minor tasks. However, for serious issues, like electrical panel upgrades, it’s best to leave it to a competent commercial electrical firm like the Clements Electric.

For establishments with high energy demands, you may need to call an industrial electrician. These electricians mainly work in factories, chemical plants, and similar environments. Unless you own a large-scale company, it’s unlikely you’ll need an industrial electrician.

You Deserve Only the Best

Now that you know the services you can expect from a commercial electrician, it’s up to you to find a good one and schedule an appointment. Remember, you deserve nothing but the best for your business. Hiring an inexperienced and incompetent electrician will do more harm than good to your electrical systems.