The Importance of Electrical Code Compliance in Commercial Buildings
Regarding electrical safety in your commercial building, it’s important to know all applicable requirements. This article will discuss why staying current with your local and national codes is important and what you should know about preparing your building for inspections.
Updated codes promote innovation that creates better products and stimulates economic development. They also save money for consumers and businesses in the long run.
Faulty Wiring
A correctly installed and well-maintained electrical system by a commercial electrician is crucial for all commercial buildings. It ensures safe, efficient, and uninterrupted business operations.
Faulty wiring is one of the most common electrical issues commercial buildings face. It can be outdated, damaged, or poorly maintained and should be addressed immediately.
Overloaded circuits caused by old wiring are one of the most dangerous electrical hazards in a commercial building. These circuits are only rated to handle lower amps than today’s modern-day appliances and business equipment.
Faulty wiring is a fire hazard and can lead to extensive property damage. In addition, it can also lead to serious injuries and fatalities if not corrected.
Exposed or Improper Splices
A splice is the joining of two conductors together. A perfect splice should have the lowest practical electrical resistance, conductivity, and integrity across the connection.
A perfect splice must provide the greatest resistance to fatigue breakage due to repeated bending or twisting of the conductors. This is especially important for cable terminations involving multiple cables with twisted wire pigtails.
In addition, a splice must provide the highest degree of mechanical strength and integrity. This is often achieved by using a butt connector.
Butt splices are often made with specialized pliers, but a specialized anvil or compression tool may be used for large connections. Splices may also be soldered.
Hazardous Electrical Materials
Many hazardous materials can cause fires and electrical hazards in commercial buildings. This is especially true of electrical wiring and fixtures exposed to the elements.
The explosive nature of these substances means they can cause an explosion or, worse, a fire. Fortunately, these hazards can be easily prevented through careful inspection and corrective action.
Electrical code compliance in commercial buildings is an investment in the safety of employees and visitors and the property they use to work. In addition, it ensures the integrity and reliability of your building’s electrical system.
One of the most common types of hazard is bonding which occurs when conductive metal such as switch plates, ceiling lights, or conduits are not properly grounded. This can cause an unwanted voltage to flow through the conductive metal, which will shock anyone who touches it.
Electrical Safety Training
If your business or you own a commercial building, you know the importance of electrical repair and electrical code compliance. Protecting your employees, customers, and property from some hazards is essential.
The most serious is electric shock. This is when a current flows through your skin, hair, or muscles and can cause electrocution or death.
Another major hazard is fires and explosions caused by electricity. These are caused by faulty wiring, defective equipment, and improper installation procedures.
The best way to prevent these hazards is through electrical safety training. These courses educate workers about the dangers of working with electricity and regulatory requirements for safe work practices.