Electricity is an integral part of our lives. We use it to power our homes, businesses, devices, etc. While it’s a valuable resource, it can also be dangerous if not used safely. As a business owner, it’s essential to know the basics of commercial electrical safety for your and your employees’ protection. Hence, here are six tips to help you stay safe around electricity:
- Understand your business’s power needs
Regarding business power needs, it’s crucial to understand your business needs and what you might want. You might want a system with more capacity than you currently need. But it’s important to size your system correctly to meet your current and future needs. Oversizing your system can lead to wasted energy and increased costs.
On the other hand, under-sizing your system can lead to power outages and equipment failures. So how do you know what your business needs? Talk to an electrician who understands both commercial and electrical safety. They can help you size your system correctly and ensure that it’s installed safely and up to code.
- Inspect your building’s switchgear
You may not think about your building’s switchgear very often. It’s hidden behind walls and locked doors, and it may not seem to affect you at work. But it’s there, quietly protecting you from harm. And when it fails, it can cause a lot of damage and even death.
The purpose of the switchgear is to protect people from electrical shock and fire hazards in a building or structure. Switchgear protects people from shocks by providing barriers between electrical circuits and the wires that connect them to power sources such as generators and substations. It protects buildings from fires by separating power sources from vulnerable areas like lighting fixtures, appliances, and equipment during the operation of those devices.
Switchgear also provides isolation between different parts of a building’s electrical system (e.g., between various buildings on one campus). It helps prevent dangerous voltage differences between wirings within a building. For example, if one section of wiring is damaged by fire or water, isolating that section can stop the rest of the system from being overloaded by too much current flow.
There are several types of switchgear, including circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and fuses. If you’d like to replace your entire switchgear or some of its components, you can discover here many options for your building.
Remember to get your switchgear inspected periodically to ensure it is operating efficiently and not presenting any danger to your employees or visitors. You also need to maintain this equipment so that it may continue to protect you for years to come.
- Have a professional assess and install your commercial wiring
Having a professional come in and install your commercial electrical system is probably one of the best safety tips we can give. It can help you prevent problems before they even emerge.
It will ensure that your wiring is up to code and safe for use, and it can also help you avoid any costly electrical repairs down the road. Having a professional commercial electrician wire in your business could save you up to 70% on electrical costs. So, if you’re thinking about wiring your business yourself, think again! It’s always best to leave the job to the professionals.
- Implement a maintenance schedule
One of the most important ways to ensure safety is by implementing a regular maintenance schedule. It includes checking electrical cords, fixtures, wiring, and other equipment to ensure everything is in good condition and up to code. Keeping your workplace safe from potential electrical hazards is essential for the health and well-being of your employees.
- Educate your employees
It’s essential to educate your employees on electrical safety. They need to be aware of the potential dangers and know how to use electrical equipment properly. Just as you might already be doing on the quality management side, you also need to provide safety training for your employees. It would be great to have regular refresher courses to keep everyone up-to-date. You can also post warning signs and safe working practices around your workplace. Electrical accidents can happen instantly, so it’s vital to take every precaution to prevent them.
- Inspect cords and outlets regularly
Inspect cords and outlets regularly. Don’t wait for something to go wrong. If you see frayed or damaged wiring, immediately unplug the device and replace the lines. Check plugs to make sure they’re tightly fitted and not overloaded. Avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet. If you have to use extension cords, make sure they’re in good condition (no frayed wiring) and rated for the amount of power you’re using.
Conclusion
Commercial electrical safety is critical for the well-being of your employees and customers. By following these six tips, you can help ensure that your business stays safe and running smoothly.
