It’s normal to experience occasional flickering around the office. But, are you experiencing business electrical problems to the point of disruption? When electricity is down, so are operations. As a business owner, it’s imperative your electrical wiring is secure. Not only does this allow you to flow seamlessly through projects and devices — but keeps your employees safe from electrical hazards (while avoiding liability charges).

You may spot signs of a malfunctioning wiring system. But other times, an electrical strain may be present behind walls, ceilings and cover plates. Here are the six most common business electrical problems — and how to solve them.

Problem #1: Flickering Lights

This is perhaps one of the most common business electrical problems for businesses and organizations. One would assume it’d be a difficult fix, but there are various ways you can go about solving it. It could be as simple as a light bulb needing tightening — or using the wrong wattage.

Flicking lights could also allude to poor connection. If you’ve identified the issue as this, be sure to contact an electrician soon. If the problem goes ignored, it could lead to substantial damage — resulting in costly repairs for your business.

Problem #2: Overloaded Circuit Breaker

When you experience a sudden outage, it could be that the circuit break is overloaded, short or ground circuit. When you have an overloaded circuit breaker, it shuts off to prevent overheating — minimizing the risk of an electrical fire. 

For a quick fix, unplug some appliances and reduce your electrical usage. There’s a good chance a particular device is drawing excessive power from the main. Once you’ve identified the trigger (and it’s an office necessity), have an electrician install a separate circuit to prevent future outages.

Problem #3: Faulty Outlets

We all hate those moments when we go to plug something in and low and behold — the outlet isn’t working. If you’ve experienced this business electrical problem, there’s a possibility that power is out or there’s a problem with the circuit breaker. To narrow it down, refer to the electrical panel and check if any switches are in the off position. If you notice one (or even a few), turn them back on. If your outlets still aren’t producing power after this point, give us a call at (405) 651-0680.

Problem #4: Appliance Sparking

This occurrence should be reserved for Independence Day. Electrical sparking is caused when a device starts drawing power from a source in which other devices are already using. Most often, sparking quickly subsides once electrons settle. But in the case when they don’t and you notice something melting or burning, turn off the main power and call an electrician immediately.

Problem #5: Power Surges

Electricity can be a risky business. Because of this, there are safety features you can refer to if a situation goes awry. Another business electrical problem we encounter with businesses often is power surges. Whenever the power goes out in a single area, it’s mostly likely a tripped circuit breaker. If you’ve lost power in the entire building, check the breaker box first. Then, if you’re not able to regain power, go ahead and contact an electrician.

Problem #6: Frequent Bulb Burnout

Bulbs burning out faster than you can say, “coffee break?” If you’re frequently replacing light bulbs, you may be using ones with higher wattages than your light fixtures can handle. Other culprits for bulb burnout could be overuse, a loose connection or even heat from nearby insulation — this happens with recessed lighting often.

When in Doubt, Call an Electrician You Can Trust.

Whether it’s a small trip in the wiring or you’ve lost power completely, never hesitate to give our team a call. We specialize in commercial electricity and are here to get your business back up and running. When you call (405) 651-0680, enjoy a free quote on us! There’s no reason for you to get left in the dark.