Most of us take our office electrics for granted; We might notice that the lights flicker once in a while, or the air-conditioning gets caught in a loop, but we never stop to look at the bigger picture. Just like that flicker, you notice now, and then, your office electrics are working away under the hood, keeping your business operations running smoothly. But do you ever stop to wonder, are these office electrics signs that things are about to go wrong? Check out our latest blog and see if you have any key signs that your office electrics are in serious need of a commercial electrician.
Constantly tripping circuit breaker leaving you with no power
We all have to head to our fuse box every so often to trip the switch and bring the power back on. However, if your circuit breakers are frequently tripping in different parts of your building or if they trip when there’s no apparent reason why this would happen, then you need to have them checked by an expert. This can often indicate problems with wiring or insulation, which may require replacing damaged components. If you notice any unusual sounds coming from outlets or switches, these too might signal a problem requiring repair.
There are a number of reasons why your circuit breaker could frequently be tripping, including wiring issues, overloaded sockets or a specific appliance that is plugged in. More severe reasons could involve an overloaded circuit, which a qualified electrician can only identify due to the equipment and tools available to check out your electrics. It’s always best to call in your trusted electrician if you have consistent issues with your circuit breaker. Rest assured, they will find the problem for you.
Flickering lights leaving all your staff with headaches?
If your office has flickering light bulbs, there are several possible causes. The first thing to check is whether any fluorescent tubes need replacing. If they do, then make sure you get new ones with good ballasts and correct wattage ratings. Another possibility is that some lamps may not be appropriately connected, and this will need to be rectified by a qualified electrician. If you are dealing with constant flickering lights, this can not only be a danger to your electrical system but the health of your staff. Those with medical conditions like epilepsy or migraines will be quite seriously affected by flickering lights, and it’s essential to get the issue resolved as soon as possible.
If you have flickering lights in multiple rooms, this could be a sign of something a little more severe as it could be to do with electrical connections or your source of power. If you are experiencing this, it’s essential to contact an electrician straight away to get the issue sorted safely. Your electrician will be able to advise you of the issue and how to resolve it quickly and effectively.
Warm electrical outlets that you could fry an egg on
Warm electrical outlets are another sign that your office requires maintenance. If they’re consistently warm to touch, then there may be a fault somewhere within your outlet box. Occasionally, these problems aren’t dangerous – just annoying; however, if you notice any unusual smells coming from your outlets, or they are warm to touch when there is nothing plugged in, it’s worth contacting a qualified electrician as soon as possible.
Outlets can warm up with they are processing power, and although not unusual, they can be worrying. If this occurs, unplug your appliance from the socket and turn the socket off before leaving for an hour and plugging back in. Outlets can also heat up if you have plugged too many appliances in, so ensure you are not overloading the socket by using multiple extension leads. Lastly, a warmed socket could be a sign of faulty wiring within the outlet. Speak to your trusted electrician and ask them to take a look – they will be able to advise you of the situation and whether any further work needs to be completed to make your sockets safe.
Sparking plug sockets that leave you terrified
Sparking plug sockets are one of the most common problems which can occur in an office. This is for several reasons. First of all, the electrical equipment in an office is often more complex than that in a home, and we often use it in a more demanding way. Also, most offices are affected by external factors such as the changing seasons and the weather. An office is also a place where we can find a wide variety of different electrical devices and equipment, and this means that the problem of sparking plug sockets can occur in different ways.
One of the main reasons you could have sparking plugs is an overload of sockets that can cause heat and energy build up. It could also be combined with hot sockets and, if left unresolved, could lead to melting wire insulation which could, in turn, cause an electrical fire. Another reason for sparking plugs could be exposed to water so ensure you don’t have any liquids in close vicinity to your power outlets. Lastly, your sockets could be older and more worn out, leading to naturally sparking sockets. Get these checked by a qualified electrician who will advise whether you need to change the outlets to newer ones.
Strange noises that are not your resident ghost?
Do you hear strange noises coming from your office’s electrical system? These sounds include buzzing, hissing, humming, crackling, popping, rattling, and grinding. They may indicate loose cables, worn insulation, corroded contacts, damaged sockets, faulty switches, or overheating components.
The first step towards fixing any electrical issue is identifying what exactly is causing the sound. We must stress that it would be hazardous to try and complete any tasks or interfere with the fuse box or electrical appliances if you are not qualified to do so. Please call our registered electricians who will be able to support you safely.
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BES Electrical – your local commercial electrician supporting businesses throughout the home counties
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BES Electrical can deal with your office electrical nightmares
BES Electrical has been working with domestic and commercial clients in the Home Counties and London for over 20 years and has successfully supported a range of businesses to identify their electrical issues, fix the problem, and advise on how to work with them their electrics safely. If you have constant nightmares about your office electrics and don’t know where to turn, give BES Electrical a call today and book a visit or request a free quote. Whether you need a plug socket changing, PAT testing completed or a complete overhaul of your current electrical system, BES are your trusted and qualified electricians.
