Do you own a commercial building? Are you considering investing in commercial buildings? If so, we know there are many responsibilities to consider, but the number one thing you need to consider is the electrical status or lack thereof. Electrical malfunctions at commercial buildings are extremely dangerous, which is why hiring a top-rated electrical contractor is critical. At Piper Electric, electrical safety is our number one goal. Here are the top electrical considerations for commercial spaces.
The Correct Electrical Distribution System
The size of your commercial building depends on the type of distribution system. Either way, it is critical to design a robust electrical system that evenly distributes and delivers power to all the building areas. Factors that must be considered are voltage levels, load balancing, and circuit protection. The correct distribution system also allows for more accurate electrical load calculation. It will ensure that the panels, circuits, and wiring can all handle the demand.
Proper Electrical Safety Measures
Implementing proper safety measures applies to the electrical grounding and bonding. Correct grounding and bonding will help protect against fires, electrical shock, and other hazards. There are code regulations for commercial buildings to abide by when it comes to specific installations, such as GFCIs (Ground Fault Circuit Interpreters) and AFCIs (Arc Fault Circuit Interpreters). These will stop electrical currents when there is an overload, preventing potential hazards.
Emergency Ready
There are various uses for commercial buildings. There are commercial buildings that are only office buildings, and the electrical power runs at a minimum, or you have facilities with large machinery running on electrical loads. When you have millions of dollars worth of machines running, it is essential your electrical has an emergency backup such as generators or battery backup systems. If there is a power outage, the electrical outages can create issues with specific systems. Always have a backup; that way, the business can keep running if the power goes out.
Fire and HVAC Integration
Did you know you can integrate fire alarms with the electrical system? It is an extensive safety measure to ensure the two systems are interconnected to activate the alarms and vent systems in an emergency. Always have an HVAC system. HVAC systems prevent overloads during the peak usage of electricity by managing the electrical loads regularly.
Scalability and Routine Maintenance
Scalability means your electrical design is equipped to handle multiple electrical demand levels (size and variations of electrical parts) without compromising cost or performance. In commercial spaces, there needs to be room to adapt to more or less electrical panels at any point in time. It is essential to hire electrical professionals for large jobs as they are up to date on rules and regulations and experienced in creating scalable electrical designs. This leads to routine maintenance. Having an electrical professional operate routine maintenance is crucial because it avoids safety hazards and allows for changes to panels or circuits as needed.
Remember that these considerations may vary based on the size of the commercial building and the intended use of the building. There are specific requirements for commercial buildings along with local regulations. If you have further questions, contact us today, and one of our licensed technicians will assist you and get a quote for your electrical. All our techs are proficient in electrical training and will be able to answer questions you may have.