The answer is yes! While January officially marks the start of a new year, many businesses look to September as a fresh start. This makes summer an ideal time for commercial property owners to schedule long-term electrical maintenance projects.
During the summer months, buildings are less crowded, which reduces the inconvenience to tenants. This allows for a smoother implementation of planned equipment changes, upgrades or additions to electrical systems.
Here are the basic maintenance tasks we recommend for all commercial property owners:
Prioritize life safety systems: Regular testing of fire alarm and emergency lighting systems is crucial. These systems are critical during emergencies, ensuring the safety of everyone in the building.
Quarterly Checkups: Schedule quarterly checks of your generator and automatic transfer switch (ATS) to verify proper operation.
Annual Inspection: Once a year, have your transformer, distribution connections, and main circuit breakers in your distribution panel tested by a qualified electrician.
Distribution Panel Care: As the heart of your electrical system, the main distribution panel needs special care. Maintenance services should include thermal imaging of all breakers to identify potential connections or problems within the panel. Additionally, it is essential to keep the panel free of debris or dust to ensure optimal performance.
Beyond the Panel: A comprehensive maintenance program should also include lighting controls, fire alarm control panels, and key network components.
Maintaining your electrical room
Electrical rooms, often located in basements or remote areas, can be neglected between maintenance visits. Summer provides the perfect opportunity for a thorough cleaning and inspection. Remember, electrical rooms deserve the same level of cleanliness as other parts of the building. Easy access to components is crucial in the event of an emergency. Additionally, make sure to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering these vital spaces.
Planning for smooth operations
An ongoing electrical maintenance program is vital to preventing system breakdowns. Reputable electrical contractors tend to be busy during peak seasons. Start planning early and budget for future improvements, including electric vehicle charging stations or other energy efficiency upgrades! By securing a maintenance appointment in advance, you’ll ensure the project is completed smoothly and efficiently.
Brian LeBorgne is the Regional Service Manager for Interstate Electrical Services, North Billerica, Massachusetts.
