29 Apr Is Your Old Electrical Wiring a Commercial Fire Hazard?
Electrical wiring is usually out of sight, out of mind. As a business owner, you may not think much more about it than if the lights work when you turn them on or the copier doesn’t blow a fuse. However, if your electrical system is from an older building, there could be severe fire hazards hidden inside those walls you aren’t even aware of. It’s especially important to stay on top of electrical issues when the safety of your employees and customers depend on it.
We’ve previously identified electrical malfunction as one of the top five causes of commercial building fires. Today we’ll let you know the specific wiring problems that can provoke fires and what you can do about it. When you understand how to prevent electrical commercial fires, you safeguard the building against damage, and the occupants are more secure.
What Are Wiring Risks in Your Building?
1. Knob and Tube Wiring
It might sound like a switchboard operating system, but knob and tube wiring (abbreviated K&T) is actually an outdated electrical system from the 1880s to the 1930s. It becomes dangerous when the wire insulation wears away. If you are in a building with it, you need to have it checked out to ensure that it was installed correctly.
2. Low Amp Wiring
Electrical office equipment has undergone many changes in the last few decades, and one of them is the need for an updated wiring system. If the wiring in your building has not recently received a makeover, there is a good chance that you could be plugging your modern technology into a low amp commercial wiring system.
The system was created to conduct a lower electrical current than what today’s business electronics require. If you continue to use your office equipment on a low amp wiring system, it puts strain on the system, producing sparks and even fire.
3. Aluminum Wiring
The 1960s to the 1970s were a period of high copper prices, and electricians shifted to aluminum wiring in residential and commercial buildings. However, aluminum soon proved to be a poor choice for conducting electricity.
Aluminum oxidizes faster than copper wiring and creates a fire hazard. In fact, many insurance policies do not cover aluminum wiring because it is considered a fire risk.
4. Outdated Wiring Modifications
If your business is in a building from the 1970s or earlier, you could be using a dated electrical system. Wiring methods from over 40 years ago are now outdated, and they present a significant safety hazard.
Instead of installing an updated system, some building owners tried to modify their electrical system to modernize it on their own. As a result, the incorrect modification of obsolete wiring is one more cause of fires.
5. Poorly Maintained Wiring
The life cycle of a wiring system is about 30 years. During that time, the material that insulates the wiring can deteriorate, damaged by construction, an animal, or fray.
If the insulation is allowed to weaken and deteriorate, the live wire can stick through. An obsolete system is at risk of overheating, shorting, causing power surges, and igniting other materials behind the wall that could spark a fire. An exposed wire is highly hazardous and should be repaired or replaced immediately.
6. Poor Electrical Design
Electrical codes and standards have changed a lot in recent years to make it safer. Your old commercial wiring was likely designed for businesses of bygone days. It’s best to have it inspected to look for fire dangers and have it upgraded if needed.
7. Faulty Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers can be expected to survive about 30 to 40 years, which means that they will eventually die. If you are constantly tripping the circuits when you turn on the equipment, it’s time to have them checked.
How Can You Make Wiring Safe in Your Commercial Space?
There are times when a homeowner may try to fix their own residential lighting. However, in a more extensive system like commercial wiring, and when there is a risk of electrocution or fire, it’s always best to call in an electrician. Our guide to commercial electrical work will give you the facts to get started.
Remove the Fire Hazards
If your commercial office building is from the 1970s, the electrical system is likely outdated, and risks are lurking in the walls. If you don’t know when the building was constructed or are unsure of the electrical hazards, it’s best to call a professional commercial electrician to inspect it.
Lighting Maintenance Inc. is a family-owned and operated lighting and electrical company, specializing in commercial lighting since 1991. We use only the most advanced equipment, and our staff is highly trained for any situation.