If you work in an office, it can be easy to overlook minor electrical issues in the hopes that they resolve themselves. This is dangerous as small electrical issues can grow into much larger problems, costing your business time and money and may even lead to life-threatening situations for you and your employees. There are a number of tell tale signs you may notice that will confirm that it is time to seek the assistance of a competent electrician to resolve the issues. Here are the top six signs that your office may need electrical work.
1. You Can See Sparks When You Plug in or Unplug Appliances
Visible sparks when utilising electrical outlets is a sign that you should have your electrics checked. Although this can be normal, it can also be indicative of a serious and potentially dangerous problem.
Sparks coming from outlets regularly can be a sign that your electrics are suffering from excessive heat build-up, which can result in the insulation of the wires melting and this can lead to an electrical fire.
In older electrical systems, sparks are a sign of loose connections which can increase the risk of short-circuiting and electrical fires.
It is also possible that there is a water leakage within the system; this carries the risk of life threatening electric shock, as well as electrical fires.
2. Flickering Lights
Flickering office lights can easily be overlooked as a minor issue; however, it can be a nuisance for office staff and lead to headaches, drop in morale and higher electricity costs. It is also a possible symptom of something more serious with your overall electrical system.
Flickering lights can be an issue with the light itself which is an easy fix, or it can be to do with an overloaded circuit or frayed wiring. If replacing the light bulbs of fixtures doesn’t solve the problem, then it is imperative to get in contact with an electrical contractor to diagnose and resolve the issue.
3. Circuit Breaker Tripping
Circuit breaker tripping can be a completely normal occurrence if it happens as a one off; however, if it happens more frequently it will require investigation from an expert. If the circuit breaker tripping isn’t caused by a general overload of the circuit (which can be quite common due to the high electrical demand of modern offices) then it could be more serious like faulty wiring or issues with specific components.
4. Warm Electrical Outlets
If your electrical outlets are warm to the touch, then this is a sure sign that your office is overdue and electrical inspection. Though a little heat is normally generated when electrical input (AC) is converted to a storable and usable output (DC), if the outlet stays hot an hour after appliances are unplugged then this is a sign that your electrical systems require maintenance.
5. A Smell of Burning When Appliances Are Used
If you notice the smell of burning when using any of your electrical appliances, you should get in contact with an electrician immediately. You should also stop using the appliance as this can result in electrical fires with prolonged use.
6. Your Office Space Is in an Older Building
Older buildings require more regular and frequent maintenance, especially in terms of the electrical systems. If you’ve just relocated or set up your office in an older building it is a good idea to get a full inspection of the system as it could have been decades since it last received any maintenance. It is also good to have regularly scheduled inspections from an experienced electrician who can make sure the wiring and rest of the electrical system remains efficient and safe; extra measures can also be taken to ensure extra security.
It is important to stay on top of regular maintenance for your electrical systems to protect your employees and ensure efficient energy usage. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced electrician around the South Wales area, then make sure to get in touch with our team at Highland Services.
We have over 50 years of experience in electrical maintenance and a number of highly respected accreditations, so you know you’re in safe hands when you’re working with Highland Services. We operate in Cardiff, Swansea, Bridgend, Newport and many other locations across South Wales.
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