Several ways a commercial electrician can help your business succeed

Your business’s electrical system is essential to your smooth daily operations. Without safe and sound access to electricity, you would have to constantly interrupt your operations and potentially violate health and safety regulations. Therefore, a commercial electrician can be a valuable partner and advisor to your business, but how can they help you specifically? 

Below, we take a look at several ways commercial electricians can support your business and its priorities.

1. EQUIPMENT TESTING AND LABELING

Equipment testing and labelling are all about inspecting your company’s portable electrical equipment and making sure it’s safe to operate. A commercial electrician performs a visual inspection for damage before testing each piece of equipment with specialised equipment. He then attaches a tag to the equipment to mark it as inspected and safe. The tag should indicate a recommended date for the next inspection.

Testing and tagging are governed by the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760. This procedure gives your team a good idea of what equipment is safe to use and can minimise the risk of electrocution and accidents. Testing and tagging are especially important – and even mandatory – for industries like construction, demolition and mining that rely on specialised equipment daily.

2. CIRCUIT BREAKER TESTING 

A commercial electrician can perform circuit breaker testing to test your switching system and your trip structure programming as a whole. It is a crucial test to ensure your circuit breakers’ safe and reliable performance. The circuit breakers in your company are responsible for conducting electrical currents and isolating contacts from each other. They also quickly shut down fault currents to protect your equipment in an emergency.

Circuit breakers can have major flaws, such as coil short circuits, and they can become damaged or worn over time, particularly in their mechanical connections or insulating material. 

Regular testing by an electrician can detect and prevent these problems before they lead to equipment damage, business interruption or injury to employees in your organisation.

3. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A reputable industrial electrician can identify ways to increase your company’s energy efficiency. Increasing energy efficiency and sustainability could, in turn, improve your business performance and return on investment, minimise revenue volatility and increase overall profitability. Consumers often value businesses with sustainable practices, so increasing energy efficiency can also improve your brand’s reputation.

Your electrician can help you with everything from installing solar water heating systems to solar panels to LED or another energy-efficient lighting. Changing your current fluros over to LED lighting is something that many commercial electricians do to cut power costs.
First, he can perform a detailed energy audit to gain insight into your infrastructure and equipment. Then, your electrician can recommend the best upgrades to reduce power consumption, lower your utility bills and minimise your energy costs.

4. LIGHTNING PROTECTION

Lightning protection systems are widely used in buildings and commercial areas around the world. These systems divert lightning current away from your premises to reduce the risk of injury and damage. Although the likelihood of lightning striking your building may seem low, the damage to equipment can be significant. Lightning protection can also prevent lightning-related fire and structural damage.

A lightning protection system typically consists of a rod or lightning rod, a lightning cable (which carries lightning current from the rod to the ground), and ground rods (which are buried in the ground to provide a safe lightning path around the building). 

It is important to note that these systems do not attract lightning and usually do not provide surge protection. Therefore, be sure to use surge protectors for your equipment, even if your electrician has set up a lightning protection system.

5. MAINTENANCE OF SWITCHBOARDS

It is not uncommon for industrial and commercial sites to rely on low and medium voltage switchboards to distribute their electrical power. Unfortunately, electrical distribution equipment can age and deteriorate over time, affecting both distribution efficiency and safety.

A qualified maintenance electrician can help with switchboard maintenance to minimise switchgear failures. This, in turn, enables you to avoid unnecessary repair and replacement costs while increasing electrical safety at your site. 

Adequate care can extend the life of your switchgear and save you the cost of upgrading it. Maintenance should include inspections and tests using specialised equipment, including insulation resistance tests, continuity tests, and high voltage capability tests.

6. LIGHTING CONTROL

Your company’s lighting system can account for more than 60% of your electric bill. By working with a licensed, experienced electrician for better lighting control, you can realise significant savings on your lighting costs. For example, you could upgrade your wall switches, implement networked, sensor-controlled dimming systems, or install timed lighting controls for automatic shut-off after hours. The electrician can also make sure the system has the proper lighting load capacity, grounding and short circuit protection for safety.

Lighting control requirements can be updated to suit the needs of different areas. For example, cubicles and offices, hallways and presentation or training rooms may have different lighting control requirements. 

With optimised lighting control, you can not only save electricity but also improve the utility, comfort, and productivity of your employees. See our article about LED lighting

7. ELECTRICAL CODES

Electrical codes and regulations are complex electronics. 

An ordinary person cannot understand such complex mechanics. Even a residential electrician may be unfamiliar with commercial codes and requirements. Therefore, hire an experienced commercial electrician to ensure the safety of your employees and comply with Australian legislation.

8. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION

It is preferable to hire a commercial electrician when renovating or moving into a new commercial building. The commercial electrician will take care of the installation of electrical systems and equipment throughout the premises. This is beneficial in the long run.

The longer the building lasts, the stronger the foundation is. Likewise, proper installation of electrical systems during construction ensures longer equipment life.

COMMERCIAL ELECTRICIANS: GREATER SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY

When you work with the right electrician, you can increase the safety and utility of your workplace. 
Your electrician can inspect equipment and ensure circuit breakers meet required safety standards. As a result, he can reduce the risk of business interruptions and costly equipment damage from lightning strikes while ensuring your lighting systems are designed to meet your needs. 
From energy efficiency and savings on electricity costs to workplace safety, working with a commercial electrician can result in a compliant and safe workplace that is sustainable, productive and profitable.
See our article about avoiding fatal electrical hazards
Multivolt Services are your Brisbane Commercial electrician who can handle all electrical installation, fault finding and maintenance work for your commercial property.
Contact us today or call us on 0439 856 912