From keeping workspaces well-lit to powering computers and other devices, electricity is an essential resource in every office. However, if your electrical wiring is damaged or poorly installed, there’s a good chance that this resource can get in the way of your work—and may even put you and your employees in danger. To avoid the risk of power failure and electrical fires, here are a few signs that your system needs professional attention.

5 Clues Your Workplace Needs Electrical Wiring Repairs

1. Hot or Melting Outlets

When outlets are pumping out more power than they were designed for, they can become overheated, melt, and spark a fire. To avoid this problem, it’s critical that you never overload sockets and make sure all appliances fit the electrical output requirements of your system.

2. Flickering Lights

Office lights will flicker when they’re about to burn out. However, if replacing the bulb doesn’t correct the problem, loose electrical wiring may be to blame. In these situations, call an electrician to inspect your lighting and make sure all connections are secure. Once the underlying wiring issue is addressed, only use bulbs that fit the system’s wattage requirements, as inappropriate bulbs may cause overheating.  

3. Frequent Outages

Frequently tripped circuit breakers often occur when the system is overloaded with too many appliances. If you can’t reduce your company’s appliance usage, you’ll need an electrician to upgrade your system’s capacity to a safer limit. In other cases, repeat outages may be a sign that you need a new circuit breaker installed.

4. Strange, Hidden Odors

If you or your coworkers notice an unusual odor that smells like burning plastic, don’t ignore it. This smell could be a sign that wiring is burning behind the walls. In these cases, turn off the power and call an electrician to provide immediate inspection and repairs.

5. Old Building  

Buildings built before 1985 may be equipped with older electrical wiring that is at risk of deteriorating and catching fire. While you may not experience any signs of problems, it is prudent to have a professional electrical inspection performed once a year or as recommended by your contractor. These assessments will make sure that all wiring is intact and that all connections are able to operate safely.

If you have concerns about the electrical wiring in your workplace, Hylton's Electric Connection can provide you with peace of mind. As a leading electrical contractor of Bluefield, WV, this certified team offers commercial installation and inspection services throughout the Mercer County region. In addition to ensuring your wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, and other fixtures are operable, these electricians can also help with other common business-related needs—including generator repairs, wireless networking, and lighting installations. For more details on these capabilities, visit this contractor online. To request assistance, call (304) 325-3101.