12 Oct A Simple Guide to Commercial Electrical Work

Whether you’re new to the commercial electric market or have previously worked with a commercial electrician, navigating the industry can be confusing at times. Finding an experienced commercial electrician is a priority, so you and your facility can reap the benefits. From conducting an energy audit and minimizing electrical costs to learning how to identify causes and prevent electrical fires, having guidance from a commercial electrician is worthwhile.

Choosing an Area Commercial Electrician

So, you need a commercial electrician for your facility? There are many things to consider as the industry is vast and Electricians range in levels of experience.  An excellent way to start your search is by completing a simple Google search to familiarize yourself with commercial electricians in your area. From there, it can seem like a lengthy process, but finding a quality commercial electrician that you trust is a top priority.

Reviews, References, and Recommendations

If you’re ready to choose a commercial electrician for your establishment, you will be surprised how many recommendations you can get from family, friends, and coworkers. While it may seem easy to start your search from scratch, you can save a lot of time by utilizing the resources surrounding you. Whether you own a boutique, office space, or apartment complex, every property owner looks for a quality electrician at some point in their ownership. Your local hardware and electrical supply stores will also have an ongoing database of area professionals that may be perfect for your electrical needs.

Along with gathering recommendations from those surrounding you, it’s also essential to look into your potential candidates’ reviews and references. Visit the commercial electrical company’s website so you can get an idea of past project experience and any focus areas. Read past client reviews and testimonials as this will give you an idea of how well the company performs, their work ethic, and if past clients have enjoyed working with them. Asking the commercial electrician candidates for references is another great way to speak to past clients and get an idea of project experience.

Are They Experienced?

It’s recommended that you interview every candidate, so you can gather an overview of their credentials, experience, and any other noteworthy career movements. You must choose an electrician with correct licensing, insurance, and bonding as this protects not only you, but also them. Aside from their accreditation and experience, you must spend time deciding and evaluate whether you think your candidates are equipped to meet the many demands of the commercial industry, such as:

• Around-the-clock availability
• Design creation
• Completing installations
• Conducting repairs
• Executing and addressing routine maintenance needs

Communication and Beyond

At times, commercial electricians need to bring in outside contractors to assist them with a project, especially in a construction project. Whether you’re building your space or already have one established, it’s essential to assess how well your candidates communicate and work as a team. There are many moving parts to any project. You need to ensure that the commercial electrician you choose communicates clearly with all parties and is willing to work as a team, both with their employees and potential outside contractors. Additionally, your commercial electrician should be prepared to be versatile and resourceful in any situation that presents itself. The commercial electric industry is an art, and your candidate should have the tools to master it.

What About a Commercial Energy Audit?

Upon choosing and contacting a commercial electrician, they will likely visit your location and conduct an energy audit. An energy audit is utilized to identify how energy is used in your facility and pinpoint any pain points or potential improvement areas. Scheduling a commercial energy audit is very beneficial as it can decrease electrical costs and make your establishment more energy efficient.

The Types of Commercial Energy Audits

Currently, three levels of energy audits exist in the commercial electric market. Your commercial electrician will determine how much information they need to gather to give you the results you’re hoping for. Each level of energy audit builds on the other and helps your commercial electrician formulate a final report of your property’s electrical performance.

• Level 1: Site Assessment or Preliminary Audit.
• Level 2: Energy Survey or Engineering Analysis Audit.
• Level 3: Detailed Analysis of Capital-Intensive Modification Audit.

How Does the Process Work?

Every energy audit differs as each commercial establishment has different needs and requirements to function optimally. Another factor that will affect your energy audit process is which level your commercial electrician chooses to perform. Utility data, equipment lists, building and system diagrams, and other facility information will be reviewed to gather a preliminary review of your facility’s energy use. Upon compiling and examining this information, your commercial electrician will conduct a site assessment, which will include a visual inspection of various components and interviews with maintenance and operation staff, so facility operations can be discovered. The final stage of your energy audit will include an assessment of energy use and cost. This is where your commercial electrician will identify pain points and improvement areas, such as whole-building hourly energy use. Your commercial electrician will analyze all of the information and create a final report that not only shows you the findings, but includes recommendations as to how you can improve your energy consumption and use in your commercial facility.

You Can Save on Your Commercial Electric Bill

Commercial electricity can be costly if not properly maintained. Scheduling an energy audit will help you save on your electric bill as your commercial electrician will identify any problem areas and show you areas of improvement. Along with energy audits, you can take many more steps to help decrease your commercial electric bill.

Transition to Energy Efficiency

Taking the step to transition your commercial location to energy-efficient office equipment will make a more considerable difference than you may think. With energy efficiency and green lifestyles on the rise, many everyday office equipment items are Energy Star-labeled. Utilizing these items in your commercial space will ensure items power down during periods of inactivity. From reducing paper volumes and using rechargeable batteries to incorporating power strips and transitioning to LED bulbs, there are many changes you can make to increase energy efficiency in your facility.

Sensors, Dimmers, and Thermostats

Another simple way to enhance your location’s energy efficiency is equipping the space with motion sensors, automatic dimmers, and programmable thermostats. Motion sensors will ensure areas that aren’t utilized for extended periods, such as bathrooms, meeting spaces, or break rooms, use lower amounts of electricity. Installing automatic dimmers also provides your employees with the opportunity to easily adjust spaces to desired levels of lighting, which can increase performance while minimizing electricity use. Programmable thermostats also give employees the chance to adjust the temperature of a workspace automatically. This is beneficial for energy efficiency as your location won’t be heated or cooled 24/7; instead, this will only take place when your facility is in use.

Don’t Forget About Natural Light

Commercial property owners commonly forget about utilizing natural light to their advantage. If your facility has a lot of windows, this is an excellent way to minimize electrical costs. Depending on the time of year, natural light can provide enough heat, so you won’t have to run the furnace. Additionally, it has been proven that overly lit spaces can cause eyestrain, glare, and headaches for your employees. It’s essential to be conscious of this as there are times where natural light can be more effective than traditional lighting solutions.

The Ins and Outs of Commercial Electrical Services

Commercial electricians can be tasked with addressing and maintaining the electrical components of commercial locations such as office spaces, medical facilities, colleges, and more. These individuals are incredibly skilled and have experience working with various problems and systems within the commercial electrical services industry, from fire alarm and detection systems to interior and exterior lighting designs.

Do You Have an Existing Electrical Problem?

You must familiarize yourself with the signs of electrical problems, especially when owning a commercial facility. If electrical issues are addressed right away, the likelihood of an electrical fire occurring is drastically decreased. Electrical fires can cause extreme damage, and utilizing your resources to become knowledgeable and aware is highly suggested. Many signs could mean you’re experiencing an electrical problem, such as:

• Sparking outlets
• Frequent breaker resetting
• Old or faulty wiring
• Flickering or dim lighting
• Discoloration in outlets or light switches
• Unfamiliar burning smells

Choosing a commercial electrician can be a lengthy process, but you must find an experienced one. If you’re ready to hire a commercial electrician, the simple tips above will help you navigate the selection process easier. Upon choosing a commercial electrician, the company will visit your property to conduct an energy assessment and provide you an estimate for the changes they wish to make.

Electrical Fire Prevention

An electrical fire can happen when we least expect it and most are often caused by a mistake that is simple to avoid. If an electrical fire occurs at your commercial facility, the damage and claims can be costly. There are many preventative steps commercial property owners can take to lower the risk of an electrical fire occurring:

• Regularly clean your office space
• Clear demarcation of emergency contact info and exit signs
• Unplug appliances nightly
• Pay attention to instruction manuals
• Properly dispose of waste
• Effectively manage storage areas
• Create designated smoking areas
• Maintain fire extinguishers
• Create and practice an evacuation plan
• Stress chemical safety
• Test fire alarm systems and smoke detectors
• Address potential fire or electrical hazards
• Regularly maintain machinery and electrical equipment
• Lock your facility every night

Master Your Commercial Electrical Work Today

Now that we’ve broken down the commercial electrical market, you’re prepared to begin your search for a commercial electrician. If you’re noticing higher electricity bills and are curious about how you can lower them, a commercial electrician is a perfect resource. Commercial electricians have experience in various areas, meaning they have the tools to navigate your unique needs effectively. Master the electrical work and requirements of your commercial facility with an expert local to your area today.