Electrical inspections are crucial for commercial buildings and the safety of people inside.
You have many duties and tasks to complete as a business owner. These obligations are necessary for growth, success, and profitability. However, your #1 priority should be ensuring your building’s safety. Electrical inspections for commercial buildings not only benefit you and your employees but they keep your vendors, suppliers, and customers that frequent your establishment safe. Regularly assessing your electrical system and maintenance will keep your facility in excellent shape. Here is why electrical inspections for commercial buildings matter so much.
What are Electrical Inspections for Commercial Buildings?
Electrical inspections are evaluations performed within a structure that houses a commercial business. Most commercial electricians will use the information outlined in the national electric code (NEC) to gauge the safety of any commercial establishment. This examination will review all electric-based components, wires, and systems to ensure they comply with the legal safety standards outlined in a given area.
What Does the National Electric Code Cover?
The NEC is part of a private trade organization known as the National Fire Protection Agency. It’s a regularly updated set of standards ensuring electricians install electrical wiring safely. The NEC aims to prevent fires and other accidents caused by electrical components, wires, and systems.
How Often Should My Business Have Electrical Inspections?
Having a commercial electrician inspect your building annually is best. However, most commercial electricians would advise never to go more than five years without an inspection. You won’t fall behind on this if you genuinely want to stay on top of things and ensure optimal safety.
Whose Responsibility Is It?
The landlord or property owner of the commercial business is responsible for electrical inspections. It’s the owner’s responsibility to arrange electrical inspections periodically, which should include a visual evaluation and electrical testing. Not only should electrical inspections happen at least every five years, if not annually, but they should happen if occupancy changes.
Do Commercial Buildings Need An Electrical Safety Certificate?
Absolutely! A commercial property owner must provide electrical safety certificates to the tenants of the structure if they make a request.
What Electrical Tests do Commercial Electricians Perform?
There are three types of electrical tests that commercial electricians perform, which include the following assessments.
Circuit Breaker Testing
A commercial electrician will test the functionality of all isolators, residual current devices, and circuit breakers. They will verify that these components have been appropriately maintained and ensure they have the correct labels. Then, a commercial electrician will confirm that these elements will disconnect from the main electrical supply if needed.
Protective Conductor Test
This test guarantees that all productive conductors of the circuit work correctly and adhere to legal electrical standards. In addition, a commercial electrician will evaluate conductors to ensure proper connectivity.
Polarity Test
A polarity test measures the polarity of the main supply box, the socket outlets, the distribution board, and any power supply within the building. A commercial electrician will use a multimeter or continuity tester designed for commercial buildings.
If you require electrical maintenance, contact CMI lighting today to ensure your building stays as safe as possible.
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