Signs of Faulty Electrical Wiring in a Commercial Building

If you own or manage a property, you’ll want to know the signs of faulty electrical wiring in a commercial building. That way, you can get repair the problems before they cause an electrical hazard.
Hot Switches and Outlets
Your light switches and outlets shouldn’t fluctuate in temperature even when in use. So, if they are hot to the touch, there is a problem. The important thing to do after identifying hot outlets is to unplug everything from the outlet and turn off the breaker. If you let this problem persist, it could lead to the wires overheating and catching fire.
Frayed and Chewed Wires
Many commercial spaces undergo multiple renovations as businesses turn over. If a building has been occupied by one company for a long time, there could be old wires that need to be replaced. That is because wires can start to erode and decay over time, which leads to frayed wires. It’s suggested that you update any wiring that was done before 1987.
One of the top causes of electrical damage is improper installation. However, if a building has a history of rodent problems, there is a good chance that the wires have been damaged and frayed from being chewed on. This can cause complete power outages and even fires if not dealt with.
Blown Fuse
When a building blows a fuse, it could be because of a few different problems within the electrical system. The most likely scenario is that you overloaded the circuits; however, you should always inspect the wiring to ensure that it wasn’t a short circuit. The last and most likely reason that would cause a blown fuse is grounding problems.
Burning or Smoky Smell
If you ever smell something burning or smoking and it seems like it's coming from within the walls near the electrical wiring, turn off the breaker immediately. This typically means that there is a short circuit that has caused sparking or a small electrical fire. Wires in this condition should stop working, but if they still have power, they shouldn’t be used because they could lead to the building catching fire.
A damaged electrical system could not only damage the building's integrity, but it could lead to temporary closures and the unknown loss of profits. That’s why you’ll need to learn the signs of faulty electrical wiring in a commercial building.