Prevent electrical fires by checking your wiring and taking these precautions.
Electrical fires pose a serious risk to any commercial building, but the good news is that they can often be prevented by following a few simple precautions. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your business, employees, and customers from the dangers of electrical fires. Consult with your electrician at CMI Lighting and remember these tips to keep your facility safe this year.
Only Use One High-Energy Device Per Outlet
High-energy devices, such as HVAC systems, refrigerators, and computers, draw significant power from your electrical system. Plugging more than one high-energy device into the same outlet can overload the circuit, increasing the risk of overheating and electrical fires. To prevent this, make sure each high-energy device has its own dedicated outlet. If your building’s electrical system doesn’t have enough outlets to support your equipment, consider adding more circuits to handle the load.
Don’t Plug Power Strips Into Power Strips
It might be tempting to chain power strips together to increase the number of available outlets, but this is a dangerous practice that can easily lead to an overloaded circuit. Overloading a power strip can cause the wires inside to overheat, which can trigger an electrical fire. Instead, use one power strip per outlet and avoid exceeding the strip’s recommended capacity. If your business requires more outlets, an electrician can install additional ones safely.
Have Your Wiring Checked
Old or damaged wiring is a leading cause of electrical fires. If your building is more than 20 years old, or if you’ve noticed flickering lights, warm outlets, or burning smells, it’s time to have your wiring inspected by a professional electrician. Faulty wiring can cause sparks or short circuits, which can ignite a fire. Scheduling regular inspections will ensure your wiring is up to code and can handle your electrical demands safely.
Avoid Using Damaged or Worn-Out Cords
Electrical cords and cables can become worn out over time, exposing the wires inside. Using damaged cords can result in sparks or overheating, both of which are fire hazards. Always inspect power cords for fraying, cracking, or other signs of damage, and replace them immediately if necessary. It’s also important to avoid running cords under carpets or furniture, as this can cause them to overheat.
Install Surge Protectors
Power surges can occur due to lightning strikes, grid malfunctions, or heavy equipment use, and they can damage your electrical system or start a fire. Surge protectors help absorb excess voltage and prevent electrical overloads. Installing whole-building surge protection or using individual surge protector devices for sensitive equipment is an excellent way to protect your business from electrical fires caused by power surges.
Don’t Overload Extension Cords
Extension cords are meant for temporary use and should never be used as a permanent solution to a lack of outlets. Overloading an extension cord with too many devices can cause it to overheat, leading to an electrical fire. If your business regularly uses extension cords, consider having additional outlets installed to meet your power needs safely.
If you have concerns about your wiring or need help implementing these tips, contact a licensed electrician to assist with your building’s electrical safety.
CHECK OUT COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES FROM CMI LIGHTING
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