Commercial Electrical

Electrical System Inspection For Aged Buildings

May 12, 2020
4 min
 read
Lightning Mobile Electric

While some things – wine, whiskey, cast iron skillets, and fine leather – get better with age, buildings do not. As a matter of fact, older properties have serious safety and structural issues, especially in critical systems such as the plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and electrical wiring. If you have an older building (25 years in existence or longer) or operate your business in one, it is important to have it checked by a licensed Denver electrician.

Houses and establishments are run by an invisible power that many people take for granted: electricity. Indeed, it’s easy to forget that it’s there. After all, you don’t see its different parts every day, namely the circuit breaker, panel, and wiring. So how do you know there are problems brewing behind the walls?

electrical inspection in older buildings

Why do you need an electrical inspection in older buildings? (Image Source: Pexels)

A good electrical system is critical for the usability of any building which is why regular inspections are extremely important. They ensure that all of the wiring and electrical components are in safe, working order. They are also a preventative safety measure, giving you a head’s up to replace defective and hazardous components before they become an issue, which minimizes the risk of property damage, among other safety concerns.

Here are the reasons why an electrical system inspection with the help of a Colorado electrician is important, especially for aged buildings:

Control damages

Fixing a problem immediately or in a timely manner can save a lot of extra work later. This is why there is a saying that goes “a stitch in time saves nine”. Unfortunately, most people don’t live by this saying, especially when it comes to commercial maintenance. However, an electrical system is one of the things that you can’t overlook, especially in aged buildings.

Frequent wiring inspections limit the risk of damages caused by frayed and worn wire which can cause short circuits and result in devastating fires. A Denver electrician can easily spot these problems and replace components as needed.

Keep optimal performance of appliances

For appliances to perform at their peak levels, they need a continuous and uninterrupted flow of electricity. This is important especially for commercial HVAC systems, water heaters, manufacturing equipment, lighting systems and anything else connected electrically through your business or building. Insufficient flow of power in old electrical systems can cause these appliances and equipment to malfunction. Too much power can lead to overloading. Regular wiring inspections can detect defects or interruptions in the flow of power to the appliances. Both of these wreak havoc on the components and put you and everyone in your building at risk.

Preserve a good resale value

Older buildings have this certain appeal and many people find them charming. However, modern buyers want updated plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems installed as a matter of both convenience and safety. Any major issues in these systems can negatively affect the value of a property. It’s more likely that a buyer will walk away from acquiring the building due to the potential problems.

That is yet another reason why detailed inspections and code-compliant electrical contractors are important to the life and success of your investment.

Ensure compliance

As authorities find better ways to protect the people and ensure the safety of buildings, electrical codes are constantly being updated. If you want to keep up with the changes and comply with the government codes to avoid being fined, then regular electrical system inspections are the best way to go.

Make sure you hire a qualified and licensed Colorado electrician to perform the inspection.

<img src"https://images.pexels.com/photos/378570/pexels-photo-378570.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940" alt="hire electricians to check electrical systems" />

Reasons to hire electricians to check electrical systems of old buildings. (Image Source: Pexels)

So when should you get your electrical system inspected?

You get your annual physical and health checkup whether you feel sick or not. The same goes with your electrical system – a once-a-year checkup is the minimum. It should be inspected and maintained regularly to prevent any unexpected problems.

A yearly inspection is important especially for buildings more than 50 years old. Aging technology can cause serious problems if not properly maintained. Many electrical problems can lead to fire, which is the last thing you want to happen.

If the property often experiences issues like tripped circuit breakers or power outages, then you should definitely get it checked by a licensed Denver electrician. You might be looking at previous defective work carried out by an inept electrician, overloaded appliances, or simply worn-out wires or damaged connections.

Panels are designed to shut the electricity off if there’s a problem. Unfortunately, aged buildings usually have outdated models, like FPE panels. These are notorious for not being able to handle voltage load, or not tripping the breaker when there’s a problem. These are serious fire or electrocution hazards.

Buildings built from 1970 to 1976 have different issues as well – aluminum wiring. Aluminum contracts and expands as it gets older. This can cause loose connections, which leads to heat, and more heat leads to fire.

If your commercial building was built during this period, no need to panic. Simply call local licensed electricians in your area to have your building thoroughly checked. Also, it is best to replace those aluminum wires with copper to prevent potential issues.

Get in Touch with a Qualified Denver Electrician!

When it comes to building maintenance, your safety and those of the other occupants is top priority. Do not delay hiring a qualified and trained electrician to inspect electrical wiring systems in an old building. The sooner you can spot problems, the quicker (and cheaper) you can fix them, too.

At Lightning Mobile Electric, you can expect no less than expert electrical services. We are qualified to troubleshoot, repair or replace a range of commercial electrical needs. Submit a service request hereand we will solve any electrical problem you have! We also offer 24/7 emergency service. When you need it, call us at 303-595-9559.