Commercial electrical fires are more common than most people think, even experienced business owners. 18% of warehouse fires are electrical fires, and business properties of all types face risks from overloading sockets to malfunctioning safety mechanisms. At Kish & Sons Electric, your property’s safety is our priority. We provide comprehensive commercial electrical services, including safety inspections, repairs, updates to meet modern building codes, and everything in between. The first step to preventing commercial electrical fires is identifying the risks and following best practices. Use this quick collection of our top tips and insights to get started.
Common Causes of Commercial Electrical Fires
Commercial buildings have wiring systems that are big, complex and are used to power a wide array of equipment. This makes them susceptible to a lot of different fire risks. Common causes to look out for include:
- Overloaded circuits, either due to daisy-chained extension cords or individual equipment units that trip insufficient circuits
- Faulty or degraded electrical outlets
- Bad wiring
- Old and worn electrical components
- Unattended space heaters and equipment
- Irregular inspections and negligence
While some causes, such as improper use, can be easy to catch, other causes, like old wiring, may be an invisible risk.
Signs That Your Business Might Be at Risk for an Electrical Fire
However, there are steps commercial property owners can take to minimize their risk of an electrical fire. One of the most important safety steps is education and keeping an eye out for signs that a fire risk is present. Common signs that your business may soon have an electrical fire are:
- Poor compliance with protocols for electrical equipment
- Flickering lights
- Cracked, damaged, or burnt outlets
- Outlets that spark
- Frequently flipped circuit breakers or blown fuses
- The property is old and has original wiring
If any of these signs of electrical problems are familiar, it’s time to schedule an electrical inspection. Licensed inspectors can ensure your property is up to code, replace damaged sockets, and add new wiring or safety components.
Commercial Electrical Fire Prevention Tips
Along with updating the electrical infrastructure of your building, there are many day-to-day best practices property owners can enforce. Consider these three tips:
Don’t Overload Outlets
Don’t use outlets to daisy-chain extension cords or plug multiple extenders into a socket. If your property needs more outlets, consider retrofitting your building. This is a common concern in older buildings, which may have had far less demand for electrical sockets throughout the building decades ago. It’s also a risk for public spaces, such as coffee shops or co-working spaces, where more people bring individual electronics.
Inspect Equipment Regularly
Poorly performing equipment, not just wiring and sockets, can start an electrical fire. Regularly inspect equipment for signs of damage, chewed wiring, and overheating. Also, ensure equipment isn’t left unattended, especially lamps and heat sources.
Unplug Cords When Not in Use
Another great practice is to unplug equipment that isn’t being used. Rather than simply turn it off, unplug the socket. Not only does this decrease the risk of a fire, but it also minimizes trip hazards from cords.
Partner With Kish & Sons Electric for Comprehensive Commercial Electrical Preventative Maintenance
Electrical fires are dangerous. They can damage your property and endanger your staff and guests, as well as interrupt your business operations. The experienced team of electricians at Kish & Sons is here to help. We’ve served businesses throughout the La Crosse community for over 65 years, and we’re a proud union organization that believes in treating everyone fairly. Reach out today to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment to receive an estimate for your next repair or project.
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