In the case of electrical wiring, this can be particularly dangerous. Don’t wait until there’s a fire or accident – recognise the signs of when you need a commercial rewire and act fast!
You should consider a commercial rewire for three main reasons:
You may not know how old your building is, or when the last commercial rewire was even completed. But it’s a good idea to find out.
If the wiring in your commercial building is older than 25 years, it will be outdated. This means that it’s unlikely to keep up with today’s modern technology and appliances, or simply won’t comply with modern electrical safety standards.
Not only is this a safety issue, but it is also strongly advised to have modern sockets and switches fitted for your business’s reputation.
Perhaps you’ve just moved into a new office space but realise that you need to make changes in order to maximise your efficiency and productivity.
If you’re considering making alterations to certain areas of the building, you might find that it is far more cost-effective and simpler to just complete a full rewire instead.
This is probably really obvious. But if you’ve been the victim of a weather event such as flooding, you must commit to a full commercial rewire before you reopen your doors.
If you recognise any of the signs below in your building, a commercial rewire should be a top priority:
If lights keep dimming or flickering, it could be just a faulty lightbulb. But, if it’s happening on a regular basis, you’ve likely got a more serious problem. Loose electrical wiring is a common symptom of flickering lights and is a common cause of fires.
If you notice sparking when you plug something into an outlet, this is a serious problem that you should look into as soon as possible. Not only is it very dangerous, but it can also cause expensive damage to appliances.
This is normal if it only happens once in a while, as it’s a safety measure that ensures a system isn’t overloaded. However, if this is happening on a daily or weekly basis, it’s a sure sign that your wiring needs to be looked at by an expert.
Any time you identify a burning smell and can’t locate where it’s coming from, you should always call an electrician. Your wiring is likely shorting behind walls or under flooring, which is incredibly hazardous.
A qualified electrician or electrical engineer will begin with an initial consultation and inspection, evaluating your space and discussing your requirements.
You’ll then get a detailed plan outlining the scope of the work, materials, timeline and budget. A plan will also contain recommendations for necessary upgrades to meet safety standards and future needs.
Your chosen contractor will then obtain permits needed for compliance and safety regulations. After this, work will begin on removing old wiring and installing new wiring, outlets and components. How long this takes will depend on the size of your site and your chosen contractor – however, you can expect an estimate before work begins.
After testing and final inspection and approval, you’ll receive documentation, including warranties and maintenance guidelines. This information is useful to keep to hand if any issues arise in future.
If you recognise any of the signs outlined in this post and are ready to arrange your commercial rewire, Volta Compliance can help. We’ve been rewiring commercial properties across Yorkshire for over 20 years. Contact us today on 0113 436 0402 or email [email protected] to arrange an inspection.
