Hidden Electrical Issues Commercial property inspectors frequently discover during inspection

When it comes to property inspections, uncovering hidden electrical issues is one of the main factors that often get the “limelight.” And not to forget, it has significant implications for the building’s functionality and safety.

If you’re thinking, “Oh that, we can handle that!” At times, many electrical issues might go unnoticed by the untrained eyes. And that’s why experienced commercial property inspectors often point out different issues during the inspections. These can pose serious risks if left unaddressed.

From outdated wiring to overloaded circuits and faulty installations, this hidden electrical issue can compromise the integrity of the property. These might also lead to costly repairs or safety hazards.

This blog will discuss the most common hidden electrical issues that commercial property inspectors discover during inspections.  

Overloaded Circuits

These are the first and the most common hidden electrical issues that commercial property inspectors uncover during their inspections.

How does this issue occur, and what are the signs of such electrical issues in home?

This issue arises when too many electrical devices are connected to a single circuit, exceeding its intended capacity. The excessive load on the circuit leads to overheating, which can result in electrical fires and damage to the wiring.

Overloaded circuits are often caused by adding new electrical devices or equipment without properly assessing the circuit’s capacity to handle the increased load.

The signs of overloaded circuits are:

•  Flickering lights
• Tripped circuit breakers
• Warm electrical outlets

If you identify such signs, then it’s time for you to schedule a commercial home inspection. This won’t only prevent electrical hazards but also ensure the reliability and safety of the building’s electrical system.

Outdated Wiring

This is another most common issue found during the commercial inspection.

If your building is old, then it has a higher chance of experiencing these.

Why? These buildings might still have wiring systems that don’t meet the current safety standards.

Examples of outdated wiring include knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring, which can pose significant fire hazards and increase the risk of electrical failures.

Over time, these wiring systems may deteriorate, leading to insulation breakdown, wire corrosion, and increased susceptibility to faults and malfunctions.

Commercial property inspectors carefully examine the wiring throughout the building. They pay close attention to any signs of deterioration or non-compliance with modern electrical codes and standards.

Identifying and addressing outdated wiring is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of the building’s electrical system and preventing potential hazards and costly repairs.

Improper Grounding

This is one of the “hidden” issues you might not find if you plan to DIY-ing your inspection. You need a commercial inspector for that.

Improper grounding can increase the risk of equipment damage and electrical shocks in the event of a power surge or fault.

Proper grounding is important for safety, dissipating excess electrical current and providing a path for electricity to flow safely into the ground.

Commercial property inspectors meticulously examine the grounding system of the building, including ground rods, grounding conductors, and grounding electrodes. This is to ensure they are properly installed and in good condition.

Identifying and correcting improper grounding is crucial to maintaining a safe electrical environment within the commercial property. Not only this, but it also helps mitigate the risk of electrical hazards and ensure compliance with electrical codes and standards.

Faulty Wiring Connections

Another issue that commercial inspectors often find during commercial inspections is faulty wiring.

These issues arise from poorly maintained and executed wiring connections, like exposed or loose wiring, which can lead to different other issues like:

• Overheating
• Electrical arcing
• Potential fire hazards

Commercial property inspectors examine the wiring connections throughout the building. They pay close attention to signs of wear, damage, or improper installation.

Identifying and addressing faulty wiring connections is crucial for preventing electrical accidents and ensuring the safety and reliability of the building’s electrical system.

Correcting these issues can mitigate the risk of electrical hazards and protect your investment in the property.

Insufficient Electrical Capacity

This is another common one.

This issue occurs when the electrical system of a building can’t meet the demands of modern commercial operations – leading to frequent circuit tripping, power outages, and equipment malfunctions.

Insufficient electrical capacity is an issue that might result from outdated electrical systems, inadequate wiring, or an increase in electrical loads beyond the system’s capacity.

Commercial property inspectors carefully assess the electrical capacity of the building, including the size of electrical panels, the capacity of circuits, and the overall electrical infrastructure.

Identifying and addressing insufficient electrical capacity is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of the building. Eventually, preventing disruptions to business operations.

Following are the ways by which you can address this issue:

• Upgrading electrical systems.
• Adding additional circuits.
•  Redistributing electrical loads as needed to meet the demands of their commercial activities.

Inadequate GFCI Protection

Inadequate Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection is a critical hidden electrical issue often uncovered by commercial property inspectors during inspections.

But what are GFCIs?

These essential safety devices protect against electrical shocks in wet or damp environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.

However, inadequate GFCI protection increases the risk of electrical accidents and exposes occupants to potential hazards.

Commercial property inspectors meticulously examine the property’s electrical outlets and circuits – ensuring that GFCIs are installed in areas where electrical codes and standards require them.

Identifying and correcting inadequate GFCI protection is essential for enhancing the safety of the building and reducing the risk of electrical accidents.

You can address this issue by installing GFCI outlets or retrofitting existing outlets with GFCI protection. This helps in ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protects occupants from electrical hazards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hidden electrical issues are major concerns that commercial property inspectors frequently uncover during inspections. They also look for signs of electrical issues in home.

From overloaded circuits and outdated wiring to inadequate GFCI protection, these issues pose significant risks to the safety and functionality of commercial buildings.

Through meticulous examination and assessment, commercial property inspectors play an important role in identifying and addressing these hidden electrical issues. Eventually, ensuring the safety and reliability of the building’s electrical system.

By addressing these issues promptly, you can mitigate the risk of electrical hazards, prevent costly repairs, and maintain a safe and compliant environment for occupants and employees.

Overall, the expertise and diligence of commercial property inspectors are essential for safeguarding commercial properties. Not to mention, also ensuring your long-term viability and success.

Ready to ensure the safety and integrity of your commercial property? Schedule your inspection with Elite Commercial Inspection today and gain peace of mind knowing experts thoroughly examine your investment.