Look out for these electrical hazards that may result from summer storms.
Summer storms can bring refreshing relief from the heat, but they also pose significant risks to commercial buildings. From power outages to lightning strikes, these weather events can result in electrical hazards that jeopardize the safety of occupants and the integrity of the property. As a leading provider of commercial electrical solutions, CMI Lighting is committed to helping commercial building owners mitigate these risks and safeguard their investments. Here, we will explore five potential electrical hazards caused by summer storms and offer a few possible solutions.
Power Outages
Power outages are common during summer storms, disrupting business operations and causing inconvenience for occupants. Without a reliable source of electricity, essential systems such as lighting, HVAC, and security may be compromised, impacting productivity and safety.
Solution: Invest in Backup Power Solutions
Commercial building owners can invest in backup power solutions such as generators or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to mitigate the impact of power outages. By having a reliable backup power source in place, businesses can minimize downtime and maintain productivity during summer storms.
Lightning Damage to Electrical Equipment
Summer storms often bring lightning strikes, which pose a significant threat to electrical equipment and infrastructure within commercial buildings. A direct lightning strike can cause electrical hazards and extensive damage to electrical systems, leading to costly repairs and downtime.
Solution: Install Lightning Protection Systems
Commercial building owners can install lightning protection systems to protect against lightning damage. These systems include lightning rods, grounding conductors, and surge protection devices designed to safely divert and dissipate electrical currents.
Short Circuits and Fires
Heavy rainfall and lightning strikes can increase the risk of short circuits and electrical fires in commercial buildings. Water intrusion into electrical systems, combined with electrical overloads or faults, can result in dangerous short circuits that pose a fire hazard to occupants and property.
Solution: Conduct Regular Electrical Inspections and Maintenance
Commercial building owners should schedule inspections by qualified electricians to identify and address potential issues such as damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, or inadequate grounding.
Pooling Water and Electrical Shorting
Pooling water around electrical equipment or outlets during summer storms can lead to electrical shorting and pose a severe safety hazard to occupants. Water intrusion into electrical systems can result in equipment damage, electrical shocks, and even electrocution.
Solution: Ensure Proper Drainage and Waterproofing
Commercial building owners should ensure proper drainage and waterproofing of outdoor areas and electrical enclosures to prevent pooling water and electrical shorting. This may involve installing gutters, downspouts, and waterproof seals around electrical outlets and equipment.
The Lack of Backup Power
Inadequate backup power solutions can leave commercial buildings vulnerable to extended power outages during summer storms, impacting business operations and occupant safety.
Solution: Upgrade Backup Power Infrastructure
To address the lack of backup power, commercial building owners should consider upgrading their backup power infrastructure to ensure sufficient capacity and reliability. This may involve investing in larger generators. By enhancing backup power capabilities, businesses can minimize the impact of power outages and maintain critical operations during summer storms.
At CMI Lighting, we’re committed to helping businesses navigate the challenges of summer storms and protect their property with reliable electrical solutions.
CHECK OUT COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES FROM CMI LIGHTING
With over 35 years in the industry, CMI has an array of equipment to handle the logistics of any in-house job. We also frequently provide solutions to property managers and upcoming developments. CMI Companies provides services in the Mid-Atlantic Region and proudly serves clients in Northern Virginia, Maryland, Richmond, Southern Virginia, Manassas, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Rockville, and Prince George’s County. Also, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.