Keeping Current With Electricians

Posted on: 22 March 2023

As a small business owner, you juggle many tasks daily to ensure the smooth operation of your business. One of the essential aspects of your job is to identify, assess, and manage the risks that your business could face. 

Electricity can pose a significant threat to your business, including property damage, injuries, or even loss of lives, especially when not handled or used correctly. Here are some common electrical issues that constitute emergencies for your small business and will need to be fixed right away.

1. Constantly Tripping Breakers

Circuit breakers are an essential electrical safety feature in your commercial building. They interrupt electrical current flow in a circuit to protect plugged-in appliances and devices from damage and prevent electrical safety hazards like fires. 

Circuit breakers usually trip when a circuit gets overloaded or experiences a short circuit.

While a tripping breaker could be an indication that you have put too many appliances on a single circuit, a constantly tripping breaker after unplugging your appliances means something's wrong with that particular circuit or the electrical system. 

2. Overheating Electrical Outlets

The electrical plugs and sockets in your commercial building provide a safe place to use electricity. If they feel warm or hot to the touch or when you place the back of your hand against them, immediately turn off the power supply and unplug any devices using the outlets.

An overheating electrical outlet can be caused by plugging too many appliances, faulty wiring, loose connections, or a damaged outlet.

3. Flickering Lights

Lights that randomly flicker are more than a nuisance. They can be an indication that something is wrong with your electrical system. The issue can be something as minor as a loose light plug or a faulty fixture switch, but it can also be a more serious issue, like outdated wiring or voltage fluctuations.

If it is not a bad light fixture or light switch, let a professional take a look.

4. Burning Smell

If you notice the smell of burning plastic coming from an electrical outlet or plugged-in appliance, your wiring could be damaged. Cut off the power supply to the offending outlet, unplug the appliances, and get expert assistance. 

Knowing how to address the electrical emergencies that your business may face is essential for protecting your business from damage, ensuring occupational health and safety compliance, and minimizing business disruption.

Contact an emergency electrical contractor if you encounter any of the above-highlighted electrical safety issues in your business.